"Well then, I shall take my leave here. —It was a magnificent surgery, Doctor Ricca."
"Eh? The party is just starting! Do you really have to go?!"
"There are injured people. And those suffering from illness. —I will fulfill my duty to the very end."
"T-Then, I'll come too!"
"No. A different battlefield, a sickbed, awaits you. You must rest for the sake of the operations to come."
"Nightingale..."
"I will remain here. —Please give my regards to the 'me' that you know."
"—Handshake."
"?"
"Let's shake hands. —Nightingale."
"—Yes, Master."
—Congratulations on your discharge—
Epilogue 1/2: Everyone is Different, Everyone is Good!
Everything had ended, and peace was restored to America. E Pluribus Unum.
The East, once the territory of the Mad King, had been destroyed beyond recognition. It lay desolate and chaotic, bearing the raw, vivid scars of destruction and tyranny.
...Perhaps no one would simply swallow the story that this tragedy was caused by only two individuals.
Even if there is no one left to tell the tale in this singularity driven to madness, this scenery speaks eloquently enough.
—The Hound of the Clan was here.
It testifies that for the embodiment of Ulster, America was nothing more than a hunting ground far too small for him.
And the Observatory shall bear witness.
To secure a single man, to dominate, and to rule together—
—There was a girl who chose the path of twisting the entire world.
The American earth, devoid of the living, speaks in silence:
"Please, spare us from Ireland and India."
In contrast, the West of America erupted in cheers.
The joy of reclaiming their land.
The liberation from tyrannical rule.
The relief that no more lives would be stolen.
Gratitude for the time of peace.
—All of these emotions became a roar of jubilation that enveloped America.
...And the heroes who brought about this conclusion were also swept up in the excitement, celebrating the irreplaceable fruit of their labors.
The President's House, having finished its role as a projection maintenance device for the Reality Marble.
"How about we next commence work on the Tesla President Coil House, manifesting the radiance of true Alternating Current?"
"That sounds wonderful! It will be a great invention embodying the incompetence of AC, completed only after everything is over!"
"Ah?"
"Oh?"
"Stop fighting! Preparations aren't finished yet!"
""Yes!""
The boorish combat mechanisms were removed—
"Settings are complete on this end, Helena."
"Thank you, Karna! India really is the best!"
The symbol of the Great King of Presidents, now prepared and decorated, is—
"""Complete—!!"""
"—Ah, magnificent."
Transforming into a grand social hall, a party venue—!
"Eh! Is it all-you-can-eat?! This is my first time! A Viking (Buffet)!"
"Seriously?! The King of Universal Peace is amazing!"
Japanese, Western, Chinese—dishes and sweets of every kind were prepared by Chaldea's finest, serving a feast that rivaled a banquet of the heavens.
"This isn't really a place for rats to be, is it..."
"Ahaha, outlaws really do feel out of place here."
The exterior and renovation equipment were all provided by our Gorgeous Gilgamesh, transforming it into a venue to welcome the VIPs of VIPs.
"Is this alright? Seriously, thank god for Runes!"
"Art brings bread. It is just as I said, Cú Chulainn."
The clothing was suits and dresses, regardless of social standing. Everything was arranged flawlessly by the Runes of Scáthach and Cú Chulainn.
A closing banquet to color the thorough restoration of the Singularity.
"—Heed my voice! All personnel, assemble!!"
Clad in a jet-black rider suit, standing upon the stage... holding high the World Holy Grail filled to the brim with Air's favorite 'Nectar of the Sky God,' the King raised his voice.
"Partake in the banquet, I allow it! Burn my Gorgeous majesty into your memories along with these supreme treasures!"
Heeding his words, the heroes who saved America raised their glasses one after another.
"My hospitality colors your journey!!"
And now—
"『Gorgeous Toast — Melam Dingir』!!"
At the King's command signaling the start of the banquet:
"""Melam Dingir—!!!!"""
Resonating loudly, the heroes who shoulder the Human Order—!!
They ate, drank, sang, and rejoiced.
Spaces were set up for everyone to spend their time as they wished until their departure.
To make the farewells something irreplaceable, they engaged in final interactions.
"Interactions!?"
"That's the narrative text!"
...They were engaging in interactions—
"Man... the world is huge. There's no way I can keep up..."
"Ahaha, being old just means you're strong. I never expected there to be a Servant who handles money laundering, sponsors, producing, and even setting things up."
"Tell me about it. —Sigh, guess I have no choice but to master the path of traps."
"It may be a single trick, but if you pierce through with it, it becomes a Noble Phantasm. Just as that brat mastered the quick draw and became a hero. There is no need to be servile. Advance with pride."
"—Pride, huh? Yeah, yeah, I'll do my best."
"Right, right. Just like..."
He tossed a can into the air.
"This."
Instantly drawing his revolver, he carved six bullet holes into it before catching the can.
"See? If you try, things usually work out!"
"You're a Gunner though..."
"...Still, that King of Heroes... to think he would stand before the heroes of India himself and choose to protect America..."
Billy, Geronimo, and Robin—the Resistance group—laughed together.
"Was it just a massive whim? ...It would be a lie to say I'm not curious what drove him that far, but... no, asking would be unrefined."
"What else could it be but a whim?"
"It's not like there's a girl he fell for, right?"
"—Who knows? Only the spirits know, as they say."
And in a corner, Nero, Elizabeth, Mash, and Connla were exchanging lyrics for their original songs.
" 'Ship of the Star Ocean, dashing through Human Order'... Hmmm, not bad. Vivid and Gorgeous! Has a precious feel to it?"
"Umu! Did you write this yourself?"
"Accurately speaking, these are lyrics written by everyone at Chaldea. It would be considered a cover song."
"Even as a cover song, if Mash and I sing it, it will be the greatest song ever!"
"Talking big, aren't you? Then try to sublimate my and Elizabeth's song as well!"
" 'Love is Dracul,' 'Nero Nero Fantasy'... I have received them. I will treasure them."
"I just had a sudden idea... wouldn't a collaboration between us... be good?"
""!!""
"N-No... um. I welcome a collaboration, but... how do I put it... we are like oil and water..."
To a man standing apart from the party, a single warrior called out lightly.
"Do you dislike banquets, Lord God Spear?"
Miyamoto Musashi asked while stuffing her cheeks with dango and udon. In contrast to her expression, which could only be called beaming with delight:
"...It is not my nature to make merry at banquets. Though I do not kill without reason, I cannot carelessly extend my hand either."
"The adverse effect of 'No Second Strike' even in a place like this? But Lord God Spear, I suspect you are not merely a beast starving for blood, are you~?"
"...Kaka! That applies to both of us! Though the Miyamoto Musashi I knew was not quite such a busybody!"
In fact, the gender is different! Li Shuwen laughed.
"Indeed! More than pride or anything else, one must enjoy and savor the now!"
"—You do not need to meet the Master?"
"That comes later! I will take my time deepening our bond slowly at Chaldea!"
"—Chaldea, hm? It would be good if I were invited..."
The two martial artists enjoyed a moment over dumplings...
And in the center, clamoring loudly, were the Celtic warriors.
"Hahahahaha! I have fought for a long time, but to think there would be a war where not a single ally was lost! Truly a complete victory! Ah, thrilling, thrilling!"
"...Yeah. Not bad."
Fergus drank beer like water, while Laeg was engrossed in reading a light novel.
"I have no regrets! ...I would like to say that, but it is a shame I could not witness little Meave's final moments. I wanted to see the catfight with Master-dono with my own eyes!"
"...Between Master's girlfriend and Meave? I doubt it ended on the scale of cats playing around."
"Hahahahaha! True! If we are invited to Chaldea... Hmm? Come to think of it, what happens to us?"
"Setan... Since we were invited by Cú Chulainn's Runes, we will be summoned again by Cú Chulainn's Runes. —As long as Cú Chulainn exists, our battle will continue."
Invited by Cú Chulainn's Runes, Connla, Fergus, and Laeg wait to be summoned again by the Runes.
With Runes, generally, anything can be managed. —As long as the Spirit Origin is not destroyed, their memories and state remain as they are.
They remain themselves—and exist together.
"I see, I see! So that means—our bond continues! Is that it!"
"That seems to be the case. —I'd like a stable, but we shall see."
"Alright, Laeg! Let's sing! A song dedicated to Cú Chulainn and little Meave who scattered!"
"...Very well."
Fergus sang cheerfully, and Laeg played the harmonica.
...Even if she was an enemy, they did not forget their fond feelings.
To the two of them, she was not someone to be hated. She was simply a beloved Queen who was born under a bad star—and a best friend.
That is the perspective of the Celtic warriors.
"Hah, feels weird to hear a requiem dedicated to me."
Cú Chulainn, dressed in a suit, laughed amusedly.
"It is a rare experience. Enjoy it."
Together with Scáthach in a dress, they shared wine.
"I was prepared that living fast and dying young was my fate... but to think no one would be missing. It's too perfect, makes you want to laugh."
He smiled with deep emotion. Beyond his gaze, Connla was frolicking happily.
"...Yeah. A good master, a good fight, a good woman. As a warrior, I got everything I wanted."
"—Cú Chulainn, regarding Connla..."
"Don't apologize."
He cut off Scáthach's words sternly.
"No matter what you do, no matter what you regret, facts and history don't change. Connla died, and I killed him. —That's all there is. It's not something for you to worry about."
"—You are cruel, Cú Chulainn. It would clear my conscience if you were to condemn me in a fit of passion."
"Wake up. The only thing I'm handing you is a prayer for the dead. Duty and compassion are wasted on you now."
"—...Is that, so."
"Get invited to Chaldea, Scáthach. When this is all over, I'll kill you clean. —Together with the Missy, until you're satisfied. I'll prepare a welcome for you, so don't let it go to waste."
"...You seem to have taken quite a liking to her."
At Scáthach's words, he laughed brightly.
"Oh! After all, she's the Missy who wished for me to be a warrior!"
—Seeing that face, Scáthach murmured further.
"—Ah, to you, who are like that, I..."
"Bro—!"
At the same time, Ricca and Jeanne Alter came running up.
"Jeanne wants to know what a Celtic dog feels like!"
"...Is it big?"
"Oh! It's huge alright! Like this, like this."
"Huge!"
"...If you don't mind, I'd like you to supervise... I'll have Ricca or Mash make it."
"Sure thing. ...See ya, Scáthach."
"—Ah. Enjoy your second life."
With a brief farewell, Cú Chulainn walked away laughing, pulled by the hand by his Master and Jeanne Alter.
Scáthach simply gazed at his retreating figure...
"Uwahahaha! Behold! The brilliance of Direct Current coloring this party! Everyone's smiles are a splendor not losing to the King of Heroes' radiance!"
"Hmph, mediocrity in the end. It doesn't get across unless you say it explicitly. Look! The Alternating Current Chandelier makes its majesty known without a word!"
"Ah?"
"Ha?"
Flowing seamlessly from boasting to hostility, Edison and Tesla's move set. Helena watched with exasperation as it developed into a fistfight.
"Geez... both of them are heroes who stood up with the wish to 'make some nameless person happy'... why can't they get along?"
"Because they are two of a kind."
Karna nodded deeply.
"They say 'the opposite of love is indifference' and 'the more you fight, the closer you are.' —It is because they are similar that they bicker."
"...Fufu, I see!"
"In fact, without either of them, humanity today would not exist. —Their achievements are that great."
"Karna-kun!! Do not lump the great Direct Current Invention King Edison together with this psycho-terrorist scum AC!"
"It is I who finds it humiliating to be spoken of in the same breath as you, mediocrity!!"
"Silence, Teslaaaaaa!!"
Watched over by two mothers, the Lion and the Gentleman fought harmoniously—
—Lobster? Prosciutto melon? ...Looks delicious!
[Hmph, shall I feed you?]
—Please! Ah, melon! Sweet! Ham! Salty!
Clinking glasses, Gilgamesh and Air were enjoying themselves to the fullest.
"It is noisy beyond measure... but well, once in a while is fine. For I am the King of Good Moods who laughs and forgives all phenomena! Fuhahahahahaha!!"
(Is your soul alright, Air?)
Eating a truffle, Fou whispered worriedly.
—I'm okay! I slept soundly!
-------------------------------
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