"Sorry for the wait, here's the second post!"
"Since Chaldea's still offline, Anne and I will chat here."
"We'll stand as enemies, but… Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Hope you remember us."
"Ugh, I really wanted to go to Chaldea…"
"Given the Assassins we're paired with, we're not dying pretty…"
"Once Blackbeard's dead, can't we just call it done? Everyone cool with that?"
"No way, Mary. That guy as the final boss? We'd rather pass."
"Hero King, sink his ship right off the bat… No?"
"No. Villains should die with flair, baring their hearts."
"Tch. What a lousy summoning…"
"You're not pursuers? How misleading! I thought you were their minions, idiots!"
A tiny goddess, spitting image of Stheno, fumed.
"S-Sorry! We didn't expect to be trapped either…"
"Hmph! Reflect on it!"
"Big attitude for a kid. Know your place?"
"Huh? Grown women aren't wanted here."
"Alright, Rikka. Let's take her as a goddess statue substitute."
"Wait, Boss! Ahem."
Clearing their throat, they faced the goddess, Euryale.
"Goddess, were you hiding here from someone?"
"Yes. I used Asterios's power to build this labyrinth, blocking pursuers."
"Who were you fleeing?"
"The same as her."
"Me?"
"Same in being a 'pirate.'"
"Goddess, what's this pirate like?"
"What's he like… Hmm…"
Euryale pondered, hand on chin.
(Senpai, we're talking to a goddess!)
(Gil taught us how to show respect, right?)
"…A creepy guy."
"?"
"Huh?"
"Super creepy. No one in Greece is that creepy. Even Scylla would rethink herself around him."
"Creepy? Not strong or scary, but creepy…?"
"…Loli fetish… I've got a hunch, but no way a hero's like that. Anyway, Goddess, do you want to stay here?"
"Stay here?"
"Living quietly, locked away?"
"No way…"
"Like tight spaces?"
"Hate them! But I'm a powerless goddess! Slightly stronger now, but still weak! I can't leave Asterios alone either!"
(Got it. She's here for Asterios.)
"Then—drop the barrier and come with us."
"…Huh?"
"Pfft, that's the plan!"
Drake burst out laughing; Euryale blinked.
"We're on a sea journey. We can protect you both. Want to sail with Asterios?"
"…Asterios too?"
"Yes. Boss, that okay?"
"Of course! Cute goddess, big guy—perfect labyrinth loot! Welcome aboard!"
"You won't mistreat us?"
"Never!"
"Asterios too?"
"Obviously!"
"…Fine. Better than staying here. I'll go with you. You're a million times better than that creepy pirate."
"Treasure secured, Boss!"
"Nice work, Rikka! Drinks on the ship!"
"Wait! Show some respect! I'm a goddess! G-o-d-d-e-s-s!"
"S-Sorry, Master's just excited…"
"What's with you people! Asterios! What're you doing? Asterios!"
"Speaking of, Gil's quiet too. What's—"
"Euryale!"
"Eek!"
Asterios leaned forward, startling Euryale onto her rear.
"Go! Go! Outside, I go! With King!"
He waved his arms excitedly.
"Hey! That's dangerous! Calm down!"
"Sorry…"
"What's with him?"
"Hah, nothing. Just told the kid about the outside world's wonders. In a king's words."
Gil had been deep in conversation with Asterios, who'd never seen beyond the labyrinth. A shame. Gil shared his experiences, urging Asterios to join them, his vivid words sparking the boy's imagination until his eyes shone.
"Yeah! I go!"
"Settled, Thunderbolt!"
They shook hands, bonding.
"Plan's set! Back to the ship! Party on the deck!"
"Wait, you didn't fill Asterios's head with nonsense, did you?"
"…Asterios."
"Yeah!"
Asterios lifted Euryale onto his shoulder.
"Eek!"
"Let's go! Together!"
"Fine, fine! Handle me gently! I'm a goddess!"
Euryale smacked Asterios, who crouched slightly.
"Ugh."
"Gotta prep rooms, huh, Governor?"
"Asterios aside… fine. Neglecting them would shame a judge."
That long silence held deep conflict—kings are complicated.
"Obviously. Bow lower, Goldie."
"W-Wait, calm down, Hero King!"
"Fine, I'll let it slide for Asterios. Thank him with all you've got."
"King! Thanks!"
"Good! Thunderbolt's… acquired! Fine victory! Master, your persuasion was flawless!"
"Seriously! Diplomat material, Rikka! I'm thrilled to have a sharp sister!"
"Nah, just learned from hanging with the King."
New allies joined. Time for a triumphant return!
"Huge! Scary! We're bringing him!?"
"Obviously! Treat him well! He's our bodyguard!"
"Y-Yeah… Nice to meet!"
"Exactly, Asterios! Greetings are key! You've got potential!"
"Yeah…!"
"Wait! Asterios is mine!"
"Hmm. Alright, pioneers, raise the sails!"
He brushed it off minimally, restraining curses for Asterios's sake.
"Aye! Rikka, give the order!"
"Me!?"
"You nabbed the goddess—your job! More useful than them!"
"That's harsh, Boss!"
"You said to chill!"
"No excuses! Move or I'll kick your butt! Go, Rikka!"
"Senpai, please!"
"Okay! Full speed… ah, I bit my tongue!"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Don't laugh! Pfft… haha!"
"Even you, Boss! Mean!"
"Alright! Full speed ahead! To the next island!"
"Aye aye, ma'am! Full speed, ready up!"
"Stop it!"
Amid the lively chaos, the ship left the island.
"Can you hear me, Medusa?"
The King telepathically contacted Chaldea's Medusa.
(…Hero King?)
"Talking to you. Listen. I picked up your sister."
(…What?)
"Not telling her, but you should know. Be ready to summon to her side."
(…Bad feeling?)
"Gods don't just appear, even weak ones. She's likely the key."
Euryale, the key?
"To glory or ruin, I don't know. Got it?"
(Understood. Leave it to me.)
Another far-off vision of the King?
"Well then. Reluctantly, I'll prep rooms for Asterios and the goddess…"
We'll handle it. Rest, King.
Two new rooms were ready in an hour.
"Sorry for the wait, folks! Everyone's favorite Blackbeard, Holy Grail's top Servant, is coming soon! Stay hyped! Dufufu! Oof! Dufufu!"
"…His behavior's worse than plague-ridden rats, but his power matches his rarity."
"Some weirdo out there loves him, right? We'll unlock him, so don't sell him off!"
"As fellow pirates, we'd love your use. Toodle-oo!"
"What? Cutting my lines 'cause they're a hassle? That's harsh—! Alright, folks!"
"Tonight, we'll visit your dreams for fun♪"
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