The Hollow Heart's Peace
"May I ask one thing... Mother?"
『...?』
"Old Humanity... no, what exactly are humans? They are incomplete, full of flaws... and yet, in the end, they could even manifest my 'Brother,' the Great God Marduk. What are those detestable creatures, truly?"
『—They are strong because they gather... because they lean on one another. Though they can achieve nothing alone, they huddle together, elevate one another, and stand tall... and thus, they become 'Complete.' There is no lifeform that can do everything alone, Kingu.』
"...Complete because they gather and resist? Then I suppose... I was never complete after all. Or rather... I was simply 'unable to become' complete..."
『...』
"It's alright, Mother. ...Whether I was a new model or a New Humanity... the truth was that I simply 'wanted you to acknowledge me.' —And you have. You've accepted me as your child. Any other title... it doesn't matter anymore."
『Kingu, you are...』
"...Hey, Mother."
『...?』
"...Do you think that, even now... I can be of use to you?"
『...You must do as your heart dictates. I promise... I shall never turn my eyes away from you again.』
"I see. ...Then, I shall..."
A Secret Message
"Ugh... I fainted again. This is terrible; showing such unseemly behavior in front of Gil..."
—A message has arrived.
"...?"
『It's incredible! To be praised so highly by both Gilgameshes! I bet no human has ever been commended so shamelessly before! It's truly wonderful!』
"...Fufu, thank you."
『Keep it up, but don't overdo it! —Also, a piece of advice for you.』
"Advice?"
『Ereshkigal is invincible within the Underworld. That holds true even against the power of my Great Brother. ...Listen well: "Make the flowers of hope bloom within the Underworld." That is your only path to victory.』
"Flowers of hope... in the Underworld..."
『That is all. Keep fighting, but stay safe! Fight on!』
"...Fufu. I'd like to see your face eventually—"
The Princess at Work (And the Commoner Dragon)
"It suits you well, Princess."
The day after the formation of the Chaldea Embassy, Air was in the Hero King's private chambers, being fitted for her disguise by the King of Knights.
Wearing a sleek black leotard as an inner layer, she donned a suit of "Platinum" armor—a color-swapped version of the Lion King's raiment—along with the cloak and the Lion's Mask. Blessed by the Lion King, this gear was a divine protection that adapted to any environment, repelling heat, sweat, and hair damage. Her hair, like golden silk, flowed from the helm, billowing in the wind like a lion's mane.
"The proverb says a fine dress makes the lady, but a Lion's mask makes the Princess. No one would take you for a woman in this. That radiant hair of yours will be mistaken for a lion's mane."
The Hero King laughed, giving his seal of approval to the birth of the "Lion Princess," the Masque de Lamassu. He was certain that in this form, she could endure any labor without a single scratch. Air herself felt no discomfort; the armor fit her like a second skin, so perfectly that she almost forgot she was wearing it.
（Thank you, Lion King. I shall borrow your strength!）
Air—now the Masque de Lamassu—struck a sharp pose.
"From this moment on, I am the Lion who scours Uruk! As the Masque de Lamassu, I shall contribute to the city and the King! Hero King, Artoria! I'm in your hands!"
"Understood. If you have need of a blade, call for me immediately. I shall come at once."
"The preparations are complete, then? Let us depart! ...Wait, where did the Beast go? He's usually the first to arrive when the Princess has a new outfit, even if he isn't invited."
As if answering the King's question, there was a knock at the door.
"Ah, a visitor? Come in!" Masque de Lamassu answered, her voice deepened by a built-in voice changer.
"Ah, Princess, wait—"
The door opened to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful woman...
"E-Eh... Fou?! That form...!"
"Ya. I believed you'd recognize me, Ai... I mean, Masque de Lamassu. We're both in temporary forms today. But I'm truly happy that we can finally see eye-to-eye like this, Air."
Fou, now in the guise of a female version of Merlin, smiled mischievously. Beneath her mask, Air was beaming with joy. She took Fou's hands, showering her with praise.
"Fou! You're so beautiful! So cute! I'm so happy to have you with me! You're wonderful!"
"It's only because I received 'Precious Power' from you. —Now, let's go. It's time for me to offer a blessing of flowers to your journey."
With a mix of pride and joy, Fou took Air's hand and led her out.
"Artoria! I'm heading out!" Masque de Lamassu waved energetically.
"Yes. Be careful. —Honestly, another of Merlin's pranks. I shall have to reprimand him."
On her way back to Chaldea, the King of Knights made sure to thoroughly "discipline" the slacking Merlin. It is said that Merlin actually worked a bit harder for a short while after that.
（Now I can finally help the people of Uruk with their daily lives! Alright, time to do my best!）
"Hmph—"
The Hero King watched over the high-spirited Princess with a gentle gaze...
Work Log: Quest 1 – The Great Sheep Shearing!
"So you're the handyman service direct from the King?"
"Masque de Lamassu! At your service!"
"Easy now. You must be Mr. Rimato. You want the sheep shorn, yes? Leave it to us. The Chaldea Embassy will perform this task with the utmost sincerity."
"Masque de Lamassu does not pick and choose her work!"
"Hahaha! What a lively fellow! I'm counting on you, then! Wool is an important trade good. I have 180 head of sheep; doing it alone would take a month. If you can shorten that, the profits will be huge. The wool is extra fluffy this season, so it should be rewarding!"
"Fluffy... Masque de Lamassu looks forward to it!"
（I must hunt my rivals—wait, no. Understood. Leave it to us.）
They took up their tools and got to work.
"I'm counting on you! Still, to have such a beauty as the Masque de Lamassu... the legends of the Buin Tribe sure are varied..."
The citizens of Uruk, as usual, didn't sweat the details.
"It's okay, I won't hurt you. For the sake of our lives and the daily cycle, please share your blessings with us."
"Meeeeee~❤️"
Air performed the shearing with gentle, efficient care. The sheep let out happy sounds, sensing her kindness and skill.
"I see. You have a talent for shepherding as well. 'Charisma (Sheep)'... no, is that a thing? Umu, it's a thing. David and Romulus were shepherds, after all. Perhaps it is a fitting duty for a sovereign."
—"Really?!"
"Indeed. Just like any high school student you'd find today. —There, place the blade like that. Do not nick the hide."
"Yes! Just a little longer, it's okay, be a good girl~. Fluffy, fluffy~, yes, so fluffy~."
"Meeeeeeee~❤️"
With the King's guidance and her own optimal precision—aided by a touch of Clairvoyance—Air finished a sheep that would normally take four hours in just twenty minutes.
"I truly am overflowing with talent. Hmph, it seems I would have been perfect as a Shepherd King as well..."
Air nodded at the Hero King's self-praise while comforting the sheep.
"Thank you. We will make sure your wool is put to good use."
"Mee, mee❤️"
The sheep licked her mask playfully as Air laughed.
"How is the Beast's progress?"
"Ah, finished over there? I'm just about done here too."
"Mee..."
Fou approached, carrying wool from a sheep that had been put into a deep sleep by illusions.
（I must hunt all rivals. The only fluffy mascot around here should be me.）
"...Thank you for your hard work born of personal petty grudges."
（The quota was four, right? Let's wrap this up—hm?）
As Masque de Lamassu played with the sheep, Mr. Rimato ran over.
"I-It's incredible! Seeing how skillful you are, I have to ask you to shear even more!"
"Is something wrong?"
"Well, the thing is..."
"Mee❤️" "Mee❤️" "Mee❤️" """"Meeeeeee❤️❤️❤️""""
A massive flock of sheep swarmed Masque de Lamassu, actually tossing her into the air in a woolly celebration.
"Uwaaaaaah—?!"
"It seems they've taken a real liking to Masque de Lamassu. They're insisting on being shorn by her! I'll pay extra, so please, won't you help?"
"BUHAHAHAHA!! There you have it, Air. Shall we do it?"
"Of course!! Masque de Lamassu is the ally of the people! Uwaaaaaah! Fou! Help meee!"
（I acknowledge Air's preciousness, but are these sheep okay swarming a Lion...?）
Thanks to Air's care, orderly lines, and Fou's efficient (and jealous) labor, they completed the entire flock's shearing in a single day.
[Quest: Sheep Shearing – CLEAR!]
[Reward: One King's Silver Coin]
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