Awakening my consciousness, I stir the vessel.
There's something I want to do, so I drive the vessel with my soul.
"Alright… Olga Marie. Are you there?"
I summon Olga Marie to the planetarium room.
"Yes, Gil. What's the matter?"
She arrives promptly—perfect timing.
"Hm. I have a command for you."
"A… command?"
Yes. There's something I want her to do with me.
"Hm. It's simple."
And that is—
"We're taking a break. Together."
"A… break?"
Exactly. What I want is rest.
It's obvious at a glance: the vessel and Olga Marie are overworking. One's the supreme golden king, the other a miraculous crystal fused with the Grail. They might be fine.
But I don't want a future where they collapse from pushing too far. A little rest won't hurt.
"You're diligent but don't know moderation. I've heard of your efforts. It's time to catch your breath."
"Is… that okay?"
"It's fine. I permit it. Rest by my side. …For some reason, I'm inexplicably sleepy…"
It might be presumptuous. Meddlesome, even. It might defy the king's judgment.
But right now, I'm closer to him than anyone. I want to do what I can.
No one wants a future where this king is lost. Myself included.
Prepared for rejection, I take control and urge the king to rest.
To rest, I rouse myself. Quite the odd endeavor, I think with a secret chuckle.
"Indulging in sloth now and then isn't bad. Sleeping under the stars' glow is quite pleasant, you know."
"…Understood. If that's your decree."
"Haha, don't take it so seriously. It's just a nap. A simple rest."
"Y-Yes."
You both work so hard. You deserve this.
I'll guard your leisure. For now, enjoy this peaceful moment.
"Then, I'll sleep… Wake me if something comes up."
"…Yes…"
Soon, their gentle breathing filled the planetarium room…
Hours later.
(Hello. Napping? You're considerate, aren't you?)
A familiar voice draws my soul's attention.
(Hey. I came to see you. It's Fou.)
The beautiful beast, Fou.
Hello. Here to nap too?
(Not a bad idea, but not now. Just the usual check-in.)
The usual…
(Congrats on clearing Rome. First, my compliments. You kicked another anomaly to the curb. Looks like his treasure shone true—good, good.)
His treasure… the Sword of Rupture, Ea?
(I never thought he'd let you wield it, let alone unleash its full potential. I was shocked.)
I don't think it was that grand.
I felt it was time to draw it, and the vessel allowed it. That's all.
(Hmph, humility's a good trait. Keep it up. …So.)
The beast speaks, weaving its words.
(Was it tough? You can stop, you know.)
The usual question. A sweet temptation.
(Bored yet? Sorry, it's just protocol.)
If it's tough, I could quit—a simple, alluring offer.
What would happen if I nodded?
(I can't say. Not unless you give up.)
One thing's clear: it wouldn't be good. That's all I know.
I'm not stopping. I haven't accomplished anything yet.
Humanity's burned away, the future's gone, and every step is a struggle. Still, I haven't bowed to despair.
Until I see that scenery one day, I'll keep doing what I can, bit by bit.
There's a little unease, a touch of fear.
But as long as hope and trust outweigh them, shielding me, I won't choose to flee.
I'm okay, Fou. I can keep going.
(…)
Because I have you, everyone…
And above all, the greatest king in the world. So I'm fine.
Even if it's hard, I'll move forward. My soul might not match the king's usual grandeur, but…
(I see.)
Fou hops onto my shoulder.
(Then your story continues. Your footsteps are yours alone.)
Yeah. Please, let me…
Let me be worthy of the great king's protection.
(Alright. Enough serious talk.)
?
(Let's go with some Beast Talk. First up: Chaldea Adventure Log, Rome Edition.)
A thick booklet with Nero on the cover appears by the pillow.
(The second volume, chronicling Rome's exploits and journey. A gem from my perspective. A masterpiece.)
Judging by the cover, it's all about Nero?
(Frankly, it's practically a Nero exclusive. Two volumes: one for Nero, one for the Muscle Carnival with the guys' feats. You get the limited first edition. Check it out when he wakes. Focus on bust, waist, hips—my column breaks down Nero's everything. Even the Divine Ancestor and past emperors would stamp it a masterpiece.)
The passionate emperor's magazine, huh? I'll enjoy reading it.
(Mm, such a calm reaction. You could've shouted 'Nero!' with joy.)
I'm thrilled. Seeing that adventure preserved like this fills me with pride.
(…By the way, any favorite girls?)
Favorite girls?
(More like, your type? Anyone caught your eye?)
Favorite girls…
(How about Master or Mash?)
Yeah, I like them. Lively Master, diligent Mash—both are dear to me.
(The Director?)
No reason to dislike the devoted, caring Director.
(Jeanne? Nero?)
I like them both. Jeanne's life devoted to her mission, Nero's passionate love for the world—both are deeply admirable.
(Marie? Jack? Nursery?)
Marie's like a star that radiates light. No wonder she's loved across eras. Jack and Nursery are innocent and lovable—no reason to dislike them.
(…D'Eon?)
A beautiful, elegant lily knight. I find her stunning. I'm not so jaded as to scorn beauty.
(…Spartacus? The Divine Ancestor?)
A life staked on rebellion, a tolerance that embraces all. I wonder if I'll ever match such greatness.
(…)
?
(I forgot… you're still nameless. No hobbies, no fetishes, huh?)
??? What's this about? I answered honestly…
(Damn it! I feel defeated! Not a hint of lust—and so pure it's blinding! I'm retreating! But mark my words, my column will make you burn with passion someday! Don't underestimate this beautiful beast—!)
With a mournful cry, the lascivious beast fled the planetarium room.
…Did I do something wrong? I just wanted to say I don't dislike anyone…
I'll treat him to sweets later.
Thus, the nameless soul returned to guarding the rest of the vessel and Olga Marie.
"Come, great hero! Against you, my treasures will shine—!"
"No—!! Why am I the target—!!"
"A witch! There's a witch! Damn, both are brutal! What a day!"
"Unlike you, I'll protect him this time. My Iason, happy and whole."
"Hey, Heroic King, how about letting me handle the mastermind of this so-called Farthest Sea?"
"Oh? Something struck a chord, Conqueror?"
"Aye. Okeanos is the end we dreamed of—no way we'll let someone else's toy be our finale."
"Retreat! We're retreating! Leave that giant to Goldie!!"
"Wait! Don't go! Come back!! Gil! Gil!!!"
"O King…!"
It's fine. I'll catch up. Sing a song while you wait.
"What are you doing, Heracles!! Is that all the pinnacle of heroes has?!"
Underestimating us, Captain? If he's the pinnacle, the Heroic King is your archetype—!!
"That's eleven. You're running out of lives, Heracles."
As long as I'm here, this king won't touch disgraceful dirt—!!
"Now we stand with the unparalleled great hero! Let's etch our valor against this vile demon!!"
"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛—!!!"
"I'll supply the weapons! Adorn yourselves, lesser heroes!"
"Now to the stars' end! March forth!! Crush this false Farthest Sea—!!!"
Third Training: Heroic Voyage Log - Okeanos
"You're no monster while you're with me."
"Heracles… you're truly the greatest."
"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛—"
A great hero, protecting the future king.
"You can't lose… because you're my—"
"—⬛⬛⬛⬛ (Sleep, friend)."
To be posted soon.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
If you want to see it, then why not?