"The next Singularity. Required are swift legs, stealth to evade pursuit, and above all—a stronghold."
"...It will take time and labor, but I know of a Hero without equal when it comes to base construction. If a connection can be forged with the Chaldea of another dimension, summoning should be possible here. —Let us take a peek."
Parallel World
『Chocolate! We must make chocolate to build our nation!』
『Great Scott! At this rate... Chaldea will suffer a physical collapse!!』
" ... (Speechless) "
—Mnya... (Sleeping)
"...That administrative skill—the sheer audacity to endanger Chaldea—I shall make use of it. Very well! If the bond exists, summoning is a trifle! Fuhahahaha!!"
Flowers, Spiders, and—
With the debts of America settled and new companions added to the ranks, Chaldea breathed a sigh of relief.
(A lot of people showed up. Though I feel like the flavor of 'muscle' is a bit too strong...)
Fou let out a yawn. All that remained was to wait for the next day and begin the renovations alongside the King...
"Umu. However, there remain two Servants I must call upon. These are Servants necessary for 'Chaldea.' Well, while one implies they cannot be counted on in battle... they shall serve as the rear guard."
Saying this, the King produced a rainbow-colored ticket.
—Is it Saber?
I asked reflexively. The King of Knights—the treasure the King still seeks as his Queen—has not yet been summoned.
(You never learn, do you...? Can't you tell she has zero interest?)
"Hmph. Whether there is a pulse or not matters little to me. I desire, therefore I seek. That is reason enough for a man to pursue a woman."
—S-So cool...!
(Yeah, yeah, sure it's cool. Except for the fact that she completely ignores him.)
"Hahaha, this little mongrel. Hahaha. You are sharp today, Beast. Is something upsetting your stomach?"
(I'm saying don't cling so pathetically while preaching that 'unobtainable beauty' nonsense. Just rest already. If you collapse, what happens to Chaldea? What happens to Ea?)
Whap, whap. Fou slapped the King's face with his paws.
"Is this that 'Temptation' technique? How brazen! Have you no shame!"
—Ah, the thing Master was watching! I can do that too! —Because I love Fou and the King so much!
(That's not tsundere, that's just dere-dere, Ea—)
Suddenly, Fou's entire body turned into chocolate. With a crack, the shell broke open and a revived Fou leaped out from within. He then proceeded to turn his broken chocolate shell into hot cocoa.
(It restores fatigue. You can drink it. Or rather, switch with Ea quickly.)
"Hmph. You have learned to combine practical benefits with your antics. Not bad. —Now then."
As the King poured the cocoa into a Grail to drink, a young woman appeared in the Summoning Room.
"Good work today, Gil."
She bowed earnestly. Paying her respects was the Director of Chaldea, Olga Marie Animusphere.
"Are we performing a summoning? In that case, I should gather everyone..."
Gil interrupted Olga Marie as she moved to make a broadcast.
"No, for this, your presence alone suffices. The ones I call forth now are 'Servants who will aid you,' after all."
Olga Marie blinked, taken aback by the King's words.
"My... aid?"
"Precisely. Marie, what is your battle?"
She answered the King's question instantly.
"To shoulder the burden of Chaldea, to offer sanctuary, and to protect everyone. Not through combat, but through the perspective of a leader—a battle to protect life."
"Umu. You toil diligently, day and night. I see you participate daily in Amakusa's 'Seminars on Dissolving Human Caution,' Caesar's 'Incitement and Oratory Class,' and that fool David's 'Business Ventures That Never Fail.'"
—Yes. She has acquired skills different from Ritsuka or Mash.
These are the techniques of a 'Leader,' an 'Administrator.' She is learning the art of standing above others and protecting her subordinates.
Why? The reason is clear. Because beyond the battle to restore Human Order, a different war awaits Olga Marie.
"You handle the heavy responsibilities of Director well. I hear the reputation is that 'no matter how much we teach, she is never satisfied.'"
"That is... well, yes. There is no end to learning technique..."
The current Olga Marie has acquired skills that allow her to move hearts with a single gesture, alter impressions with her expression, and conduct precise negotiations. She could be called an expert without hesitation.
She has mastered a unilateral negotiation technique—similar to, yet distinct from Ritsuka's communication—where 'only she holds the absolute advantage.'
"Then, let me ask you again. Is this Chaldea 'Good' or 'Evil'?"
—That's obviously... Mmph.
(Stay, stay. He's asking this on purpose.)
Fou pressed a paw firmly over Ea's mouth.
(I washed my hands, just as well as Gareth does!)
—Mmph—
"'Good.' Regardless of our history... the people here are, without a doubt..."
The King of Heroes nodded in satisfaction at her answer.
"Umu, I acknowledge that as well. —However, as you understand, the battle that lies beyond Human Order is a war against the 'Evil' of humans."
—The Evil of humans.
That is the sorrow and tragedy shown by Goetia.
Goetia showed me every phenomenon in the world.
...I believed those things were parts of the world, essential elements, yet I thrust a denial at their demands...
—Come to think of it, Goetia gave me a name, too...
He called me 'Lemegeton.'
(Maybe you should introduce yourself by that name someday as revenge? If they hear it, they'll instantly realize just how much expectations those guys placed on you.)
—I had my thoughts on their values, but that doesn't lead to a total denial of their existence.
—Someday, believing that the day will come when I can return this name to them... I will keep the name 'Lemegeton' safe.
My name is 'Ea'... I am not a Demon God.
—So, when I speak that name...
It will be at the time of 'Farewell,' when their pity is finally crushed—
"—Hold onto it like a treasure, Ea. That 'thing' they entrusted to you shall become the key to shattering their omnipotence."
—Yes, my King.
"I am prepared. The seizure of Chaldea, struggles for rights, confiscation, usurpation of authority, use of force. —My battle is to protect Chaldea from all of that."
Simultaneously with Ea, Olga Marie spoke.
"So that their 'Good'... so that the 'Miracle' they will one day achieve, is not defiled."
"—If you understand that much, then there is no issue. That is precisely why there is meaning in this summoning."
Laughing, he tossed the rainbow-colored ticket into the circle.
"Now, let us invite a Servant who will strongly support your battle. Olga Marie, speak to the Grail and narrow the parameters. The keywords are 'Professor' and 'Freischütz'."
Olga Marie nodded and commenced the summoning.
"O Holy Grail, omnipotent vessel that gathers desires. Invite the bond here, and answer my voice!"
Using the Grail, she called forth the targeted bond with certainty.
Appearing was—
"—No, no, you have a keen eye to invite me! A secret summoning such as this... truly, it is a stage befitting me! Hahahaha!"
A cheerful gentleman appeared, clad in a suit and carrying a coffin, laughing brightly.
"Y-You are..."
"Indeed! I don't mind telling you my True Name... but for a hard worker like you, I'd prefer you call me this! 'Mr. Dandy'!"
—M-Mr. Dandy...! So cool!
(He calls himself 'Around Fifty' (Arafif), but he certainly ages with style.)
Overwhelmed, Olga Marie nodded.
"I-I understand. Mr. Dandy. Um, I look forward to working with you."
"So young! You're sparkling! I understand why I was summoned, Gilgamesh-kun. I just have to give her a 'lecture,' yes?"
While cheerful, 'Arafif' fixed the King of Heroes with a smile that carried a chill in its depths.
"Precisely. Olga Marie, that man is one who knows every 'Evil' of society. It is no exaggeration to say he grasps the entirety of the human heart and every malice that can occur in human society."
"A Professor... who knows Evil... —Don't tell me, Moriart—"
Arafif instantly interrupted Olga Marie's words.
"Whoa, stop, stop! My True Name is a secret! My schedule is undecided, but if I were to play an active role in the future, that would be a spoiler! I am still just Mr. Dandy!"
"Y-Yes..."
"Very good. —Now, Olga Marie-kun, was it? Do you understand why Gilgamesh-kun said I would be of help to you?"
He looked amusedly at Olga Marie, who blinked, unable to answer immediately.
"It is because I can help you control 'Evil.' Evil is generally something to be shunned, but there is profit in knowing it."
"Is... is that so?"
"Of course. When a renowned hacker is released from prison, major corporations rush to hire them. Their skills can be used for defense and for offensives against other companies. Those who make a living from burglary and robbery have deep knowledge of architecture and security. Since they know, it's only natural, yes? ...Do you understand, Olga Marie-kun? 'Evil' holds great, truly great meaning in protecting the workings of 'Good'!"
The King backed up Arafif's words.
"'Good' alone is powerless against malice. Just as an unarmed soldier is destined to be shot dead. —Therefore, if you truly wish to protect Chaldea, dominating 'Evil' is mandatory."
"Dominating... Evil..."
Arafif gave a thumbs-up to Olga Marie as she ruminated on the words.
"Think nothing of it. If the malice is not born from a wish to 'degrade someone' or 'ruin someone,' but rather 'to protect a good endeavor,' I believe you will never lose sight of yourself. Or rather, I will lecture you precisely so that you don't! Or rather, narration! Mr.! Dandy!!"
Gil chuckled, kukuku.
"Well? Will you accept the lecture? If you refuse, it cannot be helped; I shall dismiss him..."
"Seriously!? No, no, surely not that? No, right?"
"Who can say—"
"—I will do it. Please teach me. Teach me the 'Evil' of society."
Olga Marie raised her face and answered.
"To protect the 'Good' of Chaldea... teach me all the 'Evil' you know."
Hearing that determination, Mr. Dandy... Arafif warped his face with wicked wisdom.
"—But of course. I am a bit wicked, but I am not so rotten as to betray the plea of one as sincere as you, you know?"
"I do not mind if you betray her, you know? I will simply cast you down the waterfall again—not with Baritsu, but with Uruk Arts."
"Uruk Arts!? Is there a technique different from Baritsu!?"
"Umu. Do not think you will get off as a mere meat-sheet. I shall grind you against the waterfall, ride you like a surfboard down the cascade, and use you as a stepping stone to leap out of the basin at will. If your resolve is set... —you may spit on me at any time."
At the Hero King's brilliant smile...
"All riiight, Mr. Dandy is going to raise a beloved pupil! Yes, yes, betrayal is definitely best left to someone other than oneself!"
Mr. Dandy nodded while sweating buckets of terror...
—Bad things... Oh, I'm going to throw a surprise party for Fou next time, so look forward to it!
(Ea, if you tell me, there's no meaning in the surprise—)
Handcuffs were slapped onto every part of Fou's body; he vanished, then resurrected wearing a red suit and a yellow tie.
(Lupin da-saaai~)
—Ah, r-right...! You can even handle costume changes, Fou!
"Good grief, what a multi-talented beast. Just how much power is he storing up...? I look forward to the reveal."
"Ah, I have one request."
Olga Marie raised her hand.
"What is it? Olga Marie-kun."
"...Someday, please lend your strength to Ritsuka. ...Your True Name, as well, someday."
"—But of course. Until then, I suppose I shall do my best as your one-on-one tutor."
"I will keep your existence secret from the staff. I will inform Roman and Da Vinci... but do not show your face before the Master."
Mr. Dandy nodded at the demand.
"Hmm, ignorance is the greatest defense, yes? I shall ask to be left out of the Servant records as well. Now then, straight away, Olga Marie-kun! Let us proceed to grasping and memorizing the personal information of every member of your hypothetical enemy organizations!"
"E-Everyone?"
"Of course, everyone. Knowing their tastes and weaknesses can be used as 'material' to build better relationships, and one can issue 'warnings' so their loved ones don't meet with 'unfortunate accidents.' One can also 'instruct' how they move. It's nothing but benefits, right? Naturally, we will be thorough and precise with the information on the higher-ups... No, truly, I have no ulterior motives. I just want to know what kind of people they are."
"—Gulp."
"At the same time, let us know about the Chaldea staff too. It would be terrible if a 'family member' were kidnapped by the enemy. Scary, scary, we must prevent crime. ...For example, and this is just a hypothetical, yes? When they move to a new place of employment, they will need a bond—a 'memory'—that remains here. Knowing about their personal lives so they 'don't forget' the time spent here... that is the reason. It's nothing major, truly—"
"—I am no longer afraid of anything! I will consider it information provision to ensure smooth protection once the Incineration of Human Order is resolved!"
"Exactly! Protecting 'Good' with 'Evil' is what is important! Magnificent! You are filled with potential and aptitude! Ahahahaha!!"
—Both Evil and Good have equal value. Right, my King?
"Umu. Marie shall become ever more formidable, shedding her old skin—"
The King watched with amusement as Mr. Dandy laughed delightedly and Olga Marie steeled her resolve to receive his teachings...
"Now—come forth. The Oldest Poisoner. The grotesque Empress."
『Bashmu's Poison Jar』
"—To think you would summon me. Does the poison to rot your paradise lie within—"
"Ea!"
—Yes!
『The Ultra-Relaxing Fou-Color Throne That Ruins Kings』
"Here, sit. It is a throne."
"Wh-What—!? A throne of this design? Are you mocking m— ..."
"How is it?"
"—It is... comfortable..."
"Good, you have joined us. I shall provide all the materials to build your 'Garden.' Show me the full extent of your civil engineering and architecture."
"You require... the Garden? ...With the proper materials, and three days... I shall make you witness it immediately... Aaaah~..."
"Excellent, the matter is settled. The Singularity conquest begins at the dawn of the Garden's completion! Know that carelessness and arrogance have no place in being Gorgeous—!"
—She looks so comfortable! You did it, Fou! It really is about the color, the color!
(This is also an application of Precious Power. Don't think an Empress or whatever can beat me—)
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