Interlude - Diligence

"When it comes to this, let it be the second Uruk!"

When I heard the King of Heroes' declaration, I felt like I was about to faint. At the very least, I hoped it would still be named Animusphere.

...But now, I'm not sure if it still Animusphere.

Chaldea has undergone a major renovation and has transformed into the ultimate leisure observatory that even nobles and prestigious families envy.

In an incredibly short amount of time and with such boldness...

That King of Heroes made the impossible possible. I heard that he used some incredible tricks to move Chaldea and obtained funds through means that no one can speak of.

That King of Heroes effortlessly surpassed common sense.

...And speaking of surpassing common sense, I am also like that.

A fusion of the Holy Grail and myself, Animusphere.

The King of Heroes saved my life when I was dead.

...It was the first time he praised me, the king who seemed arrogant, yet his words were filled with kindness and consideration.

He saved my life.

I want to repay that debt of gratitude.

So, I must not run away from my responsibilities.

Even if I can't perform Rayshifts, there are still many things I can do.

I am the director of Chaldea, Olga Marie Animusphere.

"Today's lecture is over. Ritsuka, Mash. Good job."

"Thank you. Senpai, are you okay?"

"Ugh, somehow..."

In a study room larger than even the Clock Tower's lecture hall, the three of them received lectures from me.

It was a study session. The teacher was me, and the students were Mash and Ritsuka.

"If you're lazy at the beginning, you'll struggle later. Make sure to review during your free time. I'll test you on it."

"A test!? Seriously, we've come this far, and now there's a test!?"

"Of course. Your head can't memorize without repetition, can it?"

"That's terrible! I mean, my grades might not be that great, but... ugh, I want to play at the game center..."

"Let's do our best, Senpai. I'll support you, so let's take a break in the hot spring after we finish."

"If Mash says so... Alright, Director, please go easy on us."

"I'll prohibit your entry to the game center if you get a failing grade."

"That's harsh!"

"...Alright. Someone called for you. I'll leave it to you, Mash, Ritsuka."

"Understood, take care."

"See you later... I don't want to do homework..."

Answering the call from the control room, i finished the lecture and headed to the control room.

My guidance in her knowledge is crucial. It might be a time when the future is determined if something happens to her.

Knowledge is a useful weapon. I hope she understands that it connects to protecting herself even a little.

Is she motivated, or is she not... It's hard to tell, but at least she has the intention to engage.

"I will take care of the observation of Chaldeas and maintenance of Sheba. Romani, I'll leave the simulation adjustment to you."

"No, no, I can't burden you, Director. I can handle this alone!"

"Magi☆Mari, there's an update."

"Ugh!"

Chaldeas and Sheba, the most critical systems that can be considered the heart of Chaldea. I want to personally handle their maintenance.

"Romani, take a one-hour break. I'll handle the rest."

"But... Director..."

"Just rest! If something happens, I'll call you. Take care of yourself! Look, it says you want to eat sweets on your face!"

"Why does she know that!? Damn it, why does she know!?"

Romani grumbled, fearing the workplace. I urge him to rest and work on the control panel with one hand, more than three times faster than an average person.

"Rayshift and observation are normal... existence verification is clear."

With my free right hand, i adjusts the simulation. Difficulty settings, Shadow Servants, and enemy data are input.

"Sparta mode, Uruk mode...? What's the difference?"

"It seems like it's about the strength of soldiers who do not succumb to the displeasure of gods. That's what King Gilgamesh said."

"Maybe it means Ultra Hard. That king sure is meticulous... even meddling with simulations."

"King Gilgamesh is the best! He turned Chaldea into paradise in a day!"

"Oh yeah, when I ate that meal, I cried. It was so delicious."

"The beds were so soft that my body sank into them. It was the first time I had such a sound sleep!"

"I'm going to spend my life in Chaldea! Can't I invite my family too?"

The staff members were all giving joyful voices.

...I didn't notice when I was just thinking about myself, but they were also fighting for their lives. It was wrong of me not to consider that. Indeed, it was wrong.

"You guys, your hands are not moving. The king is tough on those who don't do their job, you know?"

"We're in trouble!"

"Although I'm not as strict as Romani, I won't tolerate laziness either. It's my motto."

"I'm not afraid of dying, but I don't want to be abandoned by King Gilgamesh!"

"That's the spirit... Mm."

"Marie, you got a call from Da Vinci-chan. Please go see her. We'll handle the rest."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. We won't be a burden."

"Don't just give the director all the cool lines!"

"Go and see her. Take care, Director Olga Marie."

"...Thank you. I'm counting on you."

With gratitude, i leaves the control room.

"I'm back! The magical dress you asked for, as well as the combat uniform and Atlas Institute's dress, have been rolled out."

I'm visits the workshop and receives the outfits, and entrusted the management of the magical dress to Da Vinci-chan. They were precious items procured through Animusphere's connections.

"Thank you, sensei."

"Don't worry about it, it's for my cute disciple! I've adjusted the sizes to fit her, so don't worry."

"I wonder if she can handle it...."

"She seems like someone who wouldn't be defeated by divine whims. Well, as she gains experience, she'll be fine! Anyway... Let's get started! It's a one-on-one lesson with the almighty me!"

"Okay, okay. Is it that time already?"

I'm surprised. Ever since i became this body, my sense of time has been strange. When was the last time i slept? Maybe it's because i no longer needs meals or sleep, the feeling is similar to jet lag.

"That won't do, my disciple. You can't neglect your vital functions just because you don't need them anymore. Neglecting your mental well-being will eventually wear you out. Your mind is an important thread connecting your body and soul; if it's severed, you won't be able to define yourself as a human."

"I see... I guess you're right."

"Even meticulous tasks are the same. It's like reading the subtle emotions of the mind. It's connected to protecting yourself. Ciao☆"

Thanking her, i leaves the workshop.

"Mm, it's not as good as Uruk, but it's still a beautiful display. Indeed, I couldn't completely reproduce the radiance of the age of gods. The stars seen from Ishtar's ziggurat were a sight to behold..."

Someone was already in the planetarium.

The king who changed my fate, the strongest force in Chaldea.

The King of Heroes Gilgamesh... the one who gave me the Holy Grail, the king who saved my life.

"Oh? If it isn't Marie. Are you stargazing too? A nice hobby, though not quite fitting for a young lady."

"N-no, it's not that!... Uh, excuse me if I'm intruding."

"It's fine, go ahead. You're also looking at the stars of Uruk, huh? The rest is just about the atmosphere. Would you like to try VR?"

"Yes, please."

A starry sea, recreated by Noble Phantasms. The brilliance of a full starry sky that seemed within reach.

"...It's beautiful..."

"It certainly is. You should know that Uruk is superior in every way. It's an invincible fortress city that I deemed to be my treasure in every aspect! The people, the sky, the land, the stars... they are my acknowledged pure treasures!"

Haha, he laughed loudly.

...I envy him a little.

...How nice would it be to live like that? To be able to live with such confidence...

I shake off my weak feelings.

That's not right. I decide how I want to live.

I wished not to die. I wished to live.

This king saved my life.

So, I must stand firm. On my own feet.

Even if I can't reach the stars. I'll do my best to walk forward.

――So that someone may praise me, even just a little.

"...What? Are you staring at me intently? Have you come to learn from my Golden Rule?"

"N-no! It's just that you're so shiny and dazzling!"

"Hahaha! Of course! I shine so brightly that the stars themselves are envious! Do you wish for the stars too? Hahaha, it's an joke, so you better laugh! Don't they say good fortune comes to those who smile in your country? Fuhahaha!"

"A-ahahaha..."

...It seems even gods can't give him a sense of humor.

***

"Okay."

I took a deep breath. The refreshment was complete. The busy work will begin again, but there's no need to panic.

Because i'm not alone. I'll do my best with all my might.

...From now on, i'll try to act as naturally as possible.

Surely, they will forgive i for that.

Luckily, everyone... are good people.

"Fou! (You finally look better now.)"

"Oh? It's you... You're not Mash's pet. You didn't come in front of me before."

"Fou! (I can come in front of you now because it seems to be okay. Hello.)"

"What's this? Are you lost? Well, there's no helping it. Come here."

"Fou! Fou! (It wouldn't hurt to appeal my cuteness to the director. Let's make a name for myself as the mascot of Resort Chaldea!)"

"Hehe, you're fluffy, aren't you? What's your name?"

――If only

The creature of the stars would always be in a good place where it never wakes up.

***

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