Celebration Banquet

The fall of the King of the Moon, Brunestud of the Crimson Moon, marked the end of the prolonged war between Humanity and Vampires.

Up to this point, among the Twenty-seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, they either perished or surrendered. All the high-ranking members, all the regular soldiers, all the elites, and the majority of their forces, all dissipated into nothingness.

This war, a war that had exacted a great toll on humanity, ultimately concluded with the final victory of mankind.

"You bastard—hmph..."

As Gilgamesh landed before Artorius, he seemed to want to say something, perhaps to criticize, perhaps to taunt. Yet, in the end, he said nothing, merely letting out a faint snort.

On the other hand, Iskandar who just arrived burst into hearty laughter.

"Guhahaha, in any case, we've won this war, haven't we?!"

"Then, what about the Holy Grail...?" Mash muttered. "What should we do with it?"

"Whatever happens to that thing doesn't matter now! We'll consider troublesome matters later."

Responding to Mash's concerns loudly and cheerfully was the King of Conquerors.

"What matters most now is celebration! Celebrate and banquet, bring out the finest wine, guhahaha!"

The term 'celebratory banquet' was certainly fitting for the aftermath of victory. However, not everyone was following his lead.

"..."

After the battle ended, both Knights of Punishment and Knights of Redemption silently vanished before them, near the sudden appearance of a sapphire-hued portal.

This was the 'Dimensional Gate' mentioned earlier, a teleportation network that could traverse any location in the world. One of the empire's proudest achievements in magecraft technology.

"..."

Similarly, a certain familiar figure from the Knights of Punishment was there too.

Mordred seemed like she wanted to say something to Artorius. She opened her mouth as if on the verge of saying something, but in the end, she remained silent and entered the dimensional gate.

"Not attending the banquet? How unsociable." Iskandar grumbled with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Well, whatever. Are the rest of you alright then?"

"Hmph, I'll let you all appreciate the fine wines from my collection today."

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh expressed his agreement in his characteristic tsundere way.

"Be grateful, mongrels!"

"I think I will go..." Mash muttered.

At the same time, X appeared to be in a rather gloomy mood.

"Although Servants will revive in the Servant Universe, but..."

"We'll meet again right...?"

While she muttered that, Artorius reached out and ruffled her hair.

"Artorius~"

Being treated so gently by her son, X was both happy and bashful. She thought about pushing Artorius away, but after a brief hesitation, she didn't break free.

In any case, the sensation of being headpat by Artorius felt truly wonderful.

"Next time, let's go out and play together."

"Umu." X earnestly agreed with Artorius, then felt something was a bit off.

Was this 'go out and play together' meant just for her and Artorius, or did it include Ex as well?

===

On that evening, within the hotel that had been completely fortified, a banquet was underway.

The bounded field effectively blocked out the noise of construction and bustling outside.

The Imperial Engineering Corps was working on restoring Tokyo's buildings. They were using magical methods, akin to time manipulation, to reconstruct the devastated districts of Tokyo into their former glory.

At this point, astute readers might have already formed an idea.

Indeed, this was the Fifth Magic—Magic Blue. It had nothing to do with the concept of 'destruction' pursued by some mages.

The modern Magician—Aozaki Aoko, despite being dubbed the 'Human Missile Launcher', that moniker simply reflected her unique magecraft talents.

Just as the Second Magic was related to space, capable of observing parallel worlds and harnessing their magical energy, the Fifth Magic involved manipulating time to harness formidable power.

Space and Time—frequently dubbed as the strongest element across various novels, manga, or anime works.

Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, for example, was in a league of his own. Possessing immense power and cunning, he served the empire, but always seemed somewhat detached from it.

Unless truly necessary, like during the Battle of Century against Crimson Moon in the past, Zelretch judged it best not to intervene—even if the Dragon Emperor would be in a dire situation if he didn't lend a hand.

Even during the second confrontation with Crimson Moon recently, Zelretch refrained from action. It simply wasn't necessary anymore.

The empire's might was more than enough to obliterate Crimson Moon, even if it took another round after her resurrection.

So, compared to straining against old rivals, wouldn't it be more enjoyable to sip leisurely while watching the latest anime of magical girls or engaging in other trivial hobbies like pranking someone for example?

On the flip side, Aoko was quite different.

Although she was a Magician just like Zelretch, there were significant disparities among Imperial Magicians.

Zelretch could detached from worldly matters, whereas she, like the most resilient construction worker, had to toil diligently for the empire, earning a salary and treatment that seemed generous to the general public but meager for a Magician.

Furthermore, a merit and reward system existed.

Points could be accumulated to exchange for various rewards, even a handshake voucher with the Dragon Emperor—though it was exorbitantly priced.

In short, it appeared that the headstrong girl, Aoko, had fallen into the trap of microtransactions, working diligently and grinding for the rewards.

"Ahh, so exhausting... I really want to go on vacation... Maybe raise a cute boy while I'm at it."

After using True Magic once more to restore an entire block to its original state, Aoko finally sighed in this manner.

Her long hair, unaffected by the breeze due to True Magic, floated in mid-air, now a shade of crimson due to its effect.

Combined with her casual attire—jeans, a short-sleeved shirt, and sneakers—she exuded youthful vitality and a slight childishness.

Meanwhile, her sister Aozaki Touko, dressed in a qipao with stockings, cheerfully chimed in from nearby, "Stop complaining. We must work against the clock and restore Tokyo to normal as quickly as possible."

"Easy for you to say..."

Aoko muttered and shot a reproachful look at her sister. Touko chuckled without saying a word, deriving a slightly dirty pleasure from her vexed younger sister.

Long ago, her resentment had stemmed from not inheriting the Fifth Magic, but now she no longer cared. If having the Fifth Magic meant acquiring advantages, fame, wealth, or anything else, it could have benefited her just as much in her position in the empire right now.

Her Puppet Magecraft was top-notch. In the empire's eyes, her status as a Puppet Master was on par with that of a regular Magician.

Furthermore, looking at her sister's current state, if she had obtained the Fifth Magic back then, she would be the one toiling on the construction site right now and wouldn't enjoy her current leisure while watching her sister suffer.

This was another miscalculation caused by the inadequacy of the information from Mage's Association.

The sisterly relationship within the Aozaki family had actually mellowed out several years ago. Though they couldn't revert to the depth of sisterly affection they once had, a new branch sprouted on the stump of the friendship tree that had been cut down.

This new branch was called 'bosom buddies.' They were the kind who could tease each other, have a casual drink together when free, and chat about whether there were any cute boys worth poking fun at.

"You're laughing at my suffering again..."

Aoko glared at her elder sister. Touko merely smiled in response, watching her foolish sister repair another block.

"You've become quite proficient in wielding the Fifth Magic, Aoko."

"It's getting there. But I'm more curious about what rewards you're getting by working for the emperor."

Aoko asked with curiosity, a hint of envy in her tone.

She was also a warrior at heart, but she hadn't completed all her training, and the empire wouldn't recklessly deploy a Magician. Until the empire deemed her fit, Aoko wouldn't participate in high-level conflicts.

"Guess..."

Seeing her elder sister so cheerful, Aoko suspected it must be something good.

"Could it be something about cute boys?"

"..."

"?"

Seeing Aoko's questioning expression, Touko felt somewhat shaky.

===

At the same time.

"Ugh... I can't drink anymore..."

After just two or three cups of alcohol, Mash was already drunk.

Falling into Artorius's embrace, she displayed an adorable expression, much like a pet cat.

"Fou! Fou!"

Seemingly displeased with Artorius holding Mash and headpatting her head, Fou protested in a disgruntled tone. From the beginning till now, Fou, who had always played the role of a regular pet, voiced its protest, but he easily brushed it aside.

Such a nice feeling.

Finally, it became clear why this child was given the nickname 'Mashmallow' by the fandom.

Having shed the cold, rigid armor, the present Mash was so soft.

At the same time.

While Artorius was drinking and holding Mash in his arms, neither Iskandar nor Gilgamesh had any objections. After all, in their era, they were quite open-minded about certain matters.

Especially, regarding various things related to Greece's debauchery, everyone surely knew quite a bit, as much as needed.

As for Gilgamesh's legends, his insatiable lusts made everyone in Uruk, men and women alike, unable to bear such topics.

Hence, none of them were normal individuals.

Because they were bizarre enough, they got along well.

"This is truly good wine." After downing another glass, Iskandar exclaimed.

"Of course, I only collect the finest things. Whether it's wine or treasures." Gilgamesh said matter-of-factly.

They chatted like that, in a state much better than the initial banquet.

"Speaking of which, you daringly wanted this king to play along with your act?" Gilgamesh aimed his gaze at Artorius, "Such a boring little scheme... so, who were the traitorous mongrels controlling the information of your country? Who passed information to that White Wing Lord?"

"Aozaki Touko and that director of Atlas Academy, right?" Iskandar's tone was relaxed, "Were there others besides them?"

"A few~ but different from those two who were just pretending, the rest were eliminated before the battle started. In order to live longer and gain immortality, they abandon their human identity and become a monster. Huhu~ what a pity~"

One didn't need to guess who answered with that frivolous tone. Who else but the Mage of Flowers, Merlin?

"Artorius~"

At the same time, not far away, X, who was also drunk, muttered about various things.

"Once Dun Stallion II is repaired, come home with me, guhehe~"

"..."

What an embarrasment.

Especially after Artorius started to accept the setting that she was his mother's alternate self from another world.

Artorius cleared his throat and took a sip of wine to cover it up.

At the same time, Merlin on the other side wore a delighted smile as he watched the spectacle.

The Mage of Flower was somewhat ignored. Even though he thought he did a good job, protecting everyone's smiles, his position in the empire was still uncertain.

'Never mind, His Majesty of that era still has a small misunderstanding about me.' Merlin consoled himself like this, 'When he grows a bit older...'

Well, even if Artorius grows a bit older, the situation won't change.

Although Artorius knew this incubus was on his side, he still felt annoyed. He couldn't stand the dick wizard's attitude.

"Now, what's next..."

Artorius wanted to talk about what would come next, the continuation of daily life, and such topics. Everyone could continue their enjoyable vacation time and return to the Throne of Heroes after the seven-day period, everything was smooth.

Unfortunately, others didn't see it the same way he did.

"After this matter is resolved, can the Holy Grail War continue?" Iskandar suddenly said.

"Is that necessary?" Artorius was slightly curious.

"Of course, you've got everything, but I haven't found my place yet." The King of Conquerors had a nonchalant expression, "I absolutely must obtain the Holy Grail!"

"You foolish mongrel lusting after my treasure." Gilgamesh tilted his head, his one eye fixed on him, "Do you want to do something stupid with this king's treasure?"

"Guhahaha..."

After being told this, Iskandar truly looked a bit embarrassed.

"Well, yeah... wanting to use the Holy Grail to grant wishes... I want the Grail to give me a body."

"You don't need the Holy Grail for that, I can do that." Artorius said, gazing at Iskandar calmly, "Do you need my help?"

"No, I can't owe you a favor."

Iskandar's gaze became clear as if the overflowing amount of alcohol he drank had vanished and had no effect on him.

"Because after obtaining a body, my next goal is to conquer your empire, King Artorius."

"..."

"Fuhahahaha..."

As Artorius looked at Iskandar strangely, Gilgamesh slapped his thigh and burst into hearty laughter.