Conclusion and Separation (I)

The Fourth Holy Grail War had come to an end.

Although there was only one true battle, between Artorius and Alexander, after their battle, everyone had made up their minds not to continue fighting.

Defeated, Alexander joined the Empire of the Dragon Emperor.

His next step would be to enter the 'Throne of Empire', modify his Saint Graph, and infuse him with knowledge and technology relevant to the empire. He would be adjusted to fit the ways of modern society and the modern world.

After a series of tests and experiments, Alexander would be ready to join the Imperial Mystery Bureau, preparing for the future grand adventure.

"Well then, farewell, Artorius. Also, thanks for taking care of me during this time, guhahaha!"

As Artorius saw Alexander off, he smiled with joy, while feeling a tinge of sadness.

'After this time, if we want to meet again, it'll have to be 1500 years later, assuming no butterfly effect messes with the course of history.'

Thinking like that in his heart, Artorius looked at Gilgamesh. His expression was as arrogant as ever.

Artorius believed that if it weren't for Gilgamesh's powerful strength, carrying that arrogant attitude of not accepting anyone, he'd end up in the ICU after a walk down the street.

However, looking beyond the surface, Artorius could still see through to Gilgamesh's inner turmoil. His heart was shaken because of what had transpired in this Holy Grail War.

"So, do you still want to reclaim the Holy Grail?" Artorius asked him.

"Are you trying to mock me, Dragon Emperor?"

"Of course not."

"Hmph. Then just take the Grail. Accept it as a gift from this king and be grateful for it."

This was Gilgamesh's unique way of admitting defeat.

As proud as he was, he acknowledged that he wasn't a match for the Dragon Emperor and thus had no desire to reclaim the Holy Grail.

"I'm not like that guy. I won't bow to you."

Of course, he wouldn't join the Empire.

It wasn't as simple as beating him up to make him submit to becoming a subordinate like Alexander.

"Let's fight side by side next time we have the chance." Artorius only said with a smile.

"I don't really want there to be a next time. But..." After saying those words, Gilgamesh gradually disappeared and added, "Pray that we don't meet again."

This was Gilgamesh's characteristic farewell, a tsundere farewell.

Ignoring all the tsundere and annoying traits, Artorius unexpectedly found this guy quite decent.

Yet, the feeling of bidding farewell to Gilgamesh was still not as strong as saying goodbye to Mash.

After all, they were of different genders.

"Thank you all for taking care of me during this time. Especially, Artorius-senpai."

A polite and well-behaved girl kept bowing to the Dragon Emperor and his group.

Although there was some resentment initially, after this journey, Mash's strength, perspective, combat experience, and knowledge had all significantly improved.

She knew that Artorius truly cared for her, and she understood the Dragon Emperor's gentleness, thoughtfulness, and understanding. Mash had long forgiven him for his casual fiddling of her body.

"I will work hard and not let you down, Senpai. I won't tarnish the name of Galahad."

Seeing the determined expression of the girl, Rudolf, as her Master was moved to tears.

"This, this is the bond between the Knights of the Round Table."

Before witnessing the Knights of the Round Table at nightclubs, their image in Rudolf's mind was extremely majestic, grand, and heroic.

Therefore, witnessing the bond of pure camaraderie among the knights felt to Rudolf like an enhanced version of the impact a literature enthusiast gets from the best poems.

"Be happy, Mash."

"Yes, I will, Mr. Rudolf."

After the smile, Mash turned into spirit particles and disappeared.

At the same time, Chaldea was in chaos.

Romani, who was forced, managed to contact the group that had been mistakenly teleported.

"Don't worry, Doctor, I'm fine."

"Oh... eh...?"

Mash's voice was steady and resolute, nothing like the impression Romani had of her.

"Well then, confirm this for me, Doctor. Where are we now?"

"Ah? Uhh, yes, you're currently in Fuyuki."

===

At the same time, right after bidding farewell to Mash, it was Scathach and Merlin's turn.

"Well then, Teacher, are you also joining the Throne of Empire?" Artorius looked at her with anticipation and received a confident response.

"Yes, of course. After that, my true soul in the Throne of Heroes will also be drawn and transferred to the Throne of Empire. This way, I will return to the empire."

"Umu."

Artorius found this answer somewhat uplifting. Simultaneously, he felt a bit worried.

"Is it really okay for me to poach you from the Throne of Heroes like this?"

"What? Are you scared now? Isn't it a bit too late for that?"

Hearing Artorius, Scathach couldn't help but laugh. Afterward, she reached out and hugged the Dragon Emperor's neck.

"Rest assured, there won't be any problems."

"After all, what's called the Throne of Heroes is merely a 'natural phenomenon'."

Scathach transformed into spirit particles and disappeared. Next up, bidding farewell to Artorius was the Caster, Merlin.

This guy and his Master Zepia had been on secret missions from the very beginning, infiltrating the vampires to gather information and prepare the bounded field that would encompass Tokyo. They only reunited with Artorius's group when the war began.

"I must say..."

Even if Artorius wasn't too keen on admitting it, he had to say this to Merlin.

"You... you did well this time."

"It's quite rare for Your Majesty to praise me." Merlin responded with a playful smile.

"But more than that, I want to ask you some questions."

"Of course, but whether I answer or not depends on me, okay~ after all, there are things that can be said and things that can't."

After saying that, Merlin sat down with Artorius and poured some juice.

"Did I come to this timeline by coincidence, or was it someone's doing?" Artorius asked the question he always wanted to know.

"It's neither coincidence nor someone's plot; it's the inevitability of fate." Merlin maintained a smile. "This is fated, Your Majesty, you are here to end the war between vampires and humanity. At the same time, your participation in this Holy Grail War led to its current state is also fated."

"I really dislike the word 'Fate'."

"What you can choose and what you cannot are both fate." Listening to Artorius, Merlin continued with his cheerful tone. "When good things happen, people don't thank fate, but when bad things occur, they blame it. That's bad, you know~"

"..."

Artorius gave Merlin an annoyed look, skipping over the topic.

"What comes next?"

"What comes next... of course, Your Majesty is going back home." Merlin's tone was relaxed. "It's been quite a while since you left your own timeline. Don't you miss home?"

Without waiting for Artorius to reply, he continued:

"Seeing the empire's prosperity and humanity's flourishing after fifteen hundred years, Your Majesty must be content. Even more importantly, seeing the world fifteen hundred years from now, you should know which path to take next, right?"

"The Empire's future, Humanity's future, Earth's future—of course, Your Majesty doesn't know everything in detail, just a general idea."

"But fate only needs a 'general idea'. If you know too much, it's not a good thing~"

"..."

Artorius slowly nodded.

Though Merlin was a scoundrel, the things he said just now were unexpectedly sensible.

"Since that's the case, then I don't have any regrets."

"Regrets? Of course, there are~"

Under Artorius's perplexed gaze, Merlin grinned.

"That little Oni was 'refined' again and again by you, only to be slapped to bits by Crimson Moon. Your Majesty surely wants to see her again, right? After all, she's that top-notch, bittersweet, and legal loli. Then there are the two sisters of the Tohsaka family, Mash, and the maids of the Einzbern family—there are hundreds in total. If Your Majesty returns to your timeline and doesn't keep them all, you must feel a bit unwilling~"

"..."

Taking a glance at the smirking dick wizard, Artorius couldn't help but feel the urge to punch him.

'I was discussing serious matters concerning the world, and you—you're blabbering about 'harem', you scoundrel.' Artorius said inwardly as the corner of his eye twitched.

"There're also Miss Illyasviel, and Miss Irisviel. My~ my~ isn't the mother-daughter combo just perfect? Hmm, what it's called... right! Oyakodon!" Merlin continued with his nonsense, "Ahh, almost forgot, the two sisters from the Aozaki family too. Now, let me think, who else is there?"

Beside them, X, who had been listening attentively throughout, raised her hand enthusiastically while her ahoge stood stiffly, seemingly wanting to catch the attention of the Mage of Flowers.

But, unfortunately, it didn't work.

"I think that's about it, but these are already quite a lot. Your Majesty, shouldn't you handle this properly~?"

The Secret-Calibur unsheathed, ready for action. X was mad for real.

"Then, what's your opinion?"

Artorius found himself slightly exasperated.

"Also, between Iri and me, everything is pure and untainted, like a father and daughter relationship. Nothing has happened between us, so don't go making things up."

"Well~ what I meant was..."

At this point, the mischievous incubus suddenly transformed into spirit particles and vanished without finishing his sentence.

"..."

This firmed Artorius's determination once more. The next time he saw this bastard, he was determined to just beat him up without any reservations.

This dick wizard was falsely accusing him out of nowhere and vanished irresponsibly.

"Big brother~"

As Artorius grumbled, a soft voice came from the side.