The Tale of the King

"We have confirmed Rias Gremory's 'surrender.' It is a victory for Riser Phenex."

Even upon hearing the announcement and witnessing the outcome, there was no surprise among the dignitaries in the VIP seats. It was as expected, following the predicted course of events.

"How boring. Things would have been different if the Red Dragon Emperor were here," someone muttered.

Echoing that sentiment, mockery filled the surroundings.

To summarize the flow of the game, Riser won by utilizing the number of his servants as "sacrifices." Rias, while superior in quality, couldn't fully leverage that advantage. Rias' "Tank" and "Cleric" were defeated after underestimating their opponents. The "Queen" cornered Riser's "Queen," but fell victim to Phenex Tears and suffered a reversal. The Forbidden Move led to the defeat of the "Knight," but it resulted in a mutual elimination due to the heavy exhaustion.

If Hyoudou Issei were present with his precise healing abilities, if there had been another high firepower ally, the outcome would have easily been overturned. Furthermore, if the "Queen" and "Tank" had utilized their true power, the "Knight" would have had some strength remaining.

What this game brought about was that the spoiled princess, the sister of Satan, was to marry the immortal phenex's third son. That was the only relevant fact. The victory or defeat in this game held little profound meaning. At the very least, it was just a petty battle from the perspective of the world.

Despite knowing that no one should be wasting their time with such matters, there are gods who remain silent, offering no words. It is a hopeless situation, indeed.

***

The Atmosphere is Heavy

In a word, that's how one would describe the situation at hand.

The Knights of the Round Table, different from this world, were summoned once again by the Goddess Rhongomyniad and found themselves seated at the round table. However, there were vacant seats at the table.

Firstly, the essential figure, the King, was absent. Also, the King's brother, Kay, and the Knight of the Sun, Gawain, were missing. And naturally, there was no sign of Galahad either.

Tristan was also absent, as he had gone to fetch Bedivere.

Bedivere, who had been traveling the various countries in search of the Holy Swords, was not summoned by the Lion King. Upon hearing the news that the Holy Swords were gathering in a far eastern island country under the control of a high-ranking Fallen Angel, he went to Japan. However, by the time he arrived, it was all over.

While searching for information about the whereabouts of the missing Holy Swords and traveling around the world, he reunited with Tristan and arrived at the present.

"So, it was the doing of that court mage that he came to this world?"

"Yes, according to Tristan's message, that was indeed the case."

Upon hearing that, everyone present let out an uncomfortable... rather, a deep sigh.

"Why would the court mage do something like that..."

"But it's Merlin we're talking about."

"Because it's that old man..."

"Your Majesty might know, though."

"To trouble the King with something like this..."

Unanimously, they put aside the Flower Mage's true intentions for later. It would be futile to try to predict his thoughts, as he had a different set of values from humans to begin with. While it was necessary to remain cautious, given their familiar relationship, there was a certain level of trust.

"Now, let's organize the situation before Sir Bedivere returns. We need a shared understanding for his explanation."

In fact, not everyone present remembered the events of the Sixth Singularity.

For example, Tristan didn't remember killing his fellow knights, challenging the entity that impersonated Lionheart King, or massacring the populace. He didn't remember, but because he didn't remember, he inadvertently read the emotions of those who did. That was the cause of this uncomfortable atmosphere. It wasn't something that was inherent to him in his previous life.

Agravain remembered everything, which led him to believe that Lancelot should be disposed of here. However, he was well aware of the fact that Lancelot was a necessary force in the current situation. One would hope that there wouldn't be a third time. By the way, it seems that Lancelot vaguely remembers. It's fortunate that he doesn't remember his final soliloquy, but he only remembers feeling like he was being heavily berated by Galahad. Other than his abilities, there's nothing else to appreciate about this man.

Furthermore, as an additional note, Agravain was fortunate that Gareth didn't remember anything—

"I'm here! I have returned, Sir Bedivere!"

I thought Bedivere had arrived early, but the one who entered was Irina Shidou. She was a warrior who had once served the Church. By fate, she had become one of Agravain's direct vassal knights. She had just recently fulfilled an important mission. As soon as they saw her, Mordred clicked her tongue unhappily.

"Shut up, self-proclaimed knight."

"Lord Mordred! That's awful!"

"Well then, self-proclaimed Japanese."

"I'm not self-proclaimed! I am a true Japanese!"

"Liar. Lancelot knew more about Japan than you."

Why does Lancelot know so much about Japan? Several people had question marks floating above their heads, but they assumed that he had been somehow called to the Holy Grail War and that was the residual knowledge. As for Gareth and Gawain, they were shining with excitement, saying, "As expected of Sir Lancelot! You know even about a distant island country!"

"...Lord Mordred, I understand your sentiment, but she is a member of our knight order. Don't be so dismissive..."

"Shut up! She's not a descendant of King Arthur, she's not a Knight of the Round Table, she's just a woman who received her lineage as a warrior of the Church and dared to use my... King Arthur's Excalibur! Can you believe such a ridiculous story!"

No one could say anything in response to those words. Naturally.

"Excalibur is the sword that accompanies King Arthur."

That was an obvious truth that didn't need to be put into words. Hence, Bedivere's return and the subsequent request to return it. Hence, Mordred's rebellion. Hence, the downfall of the esteemed Knights of the Round Table.

"Lord Mordred, please calm down. It is not allowed to display such disgraceful behavior while sitting at the Round Table."

Upon hearing those words, Mordred reluctantly fell silent. It was at that moment that he noticed two knights standing behind Irina.

"I am saddened. It seems you didn't notice that I had returned amidst your commotion."

"...While I'm not sure if these words are appropriate, allow me to say them. Bedivere, embarrassed as I am, I have come to pay my respects to King Arthur."

Bedivere was the first to utter the question that was so naturally on everyone's mind.

"Sir Agravain, where is the King?"

While asking the question, the answer was already known. The absence of Gawain and Kay was also related to that.

"It should be obvious. It's about 'diplomacy'."

***

"Proposal from Andromalius. We should utilize the information obtained from Hyoudou Issei through the Caster to devise countermeasures against 'him'."

"Agreement from Decarabia. It's a waste of time to discuss Zepar's poor negotiation skills, Phenex's unilateral actions, or Flauros' incompetence any further."

"Resentment from Flauros. You guys better remember this later."

"Consent from Zepar. I understand that emotion."

"Compliance from Phenex. It's wrong that only we are the ones being berated."

"Request from Amon. Reflect on yourselves, you disgraceful bunch."

"Suggestion from Foras. We should start by eliminating the abnormalities within us. Otherwise, the discussion won't progress."

"Proposal from Gamigin. How about dying once again with a reversal of thinking?"

"Rejection from Andras. Absolutely not! I repeat, absolutely not!"

"Agreement from Phenex. If it were to be executed, I recommend Gamigin as the test subject!"

"Opinion from Focalor. It's not a very practical approach. Moreover, considering our natures, it's highly likely to end up being meaningless."

"Observation from Gusion. We need to discuss how our abnormalities exist in what form. However, it would be futile for us to discuss this aspect ourselves."

"Request from Ronove. Cooperation is a prerequisite. At the moment, even this discussion we are having may be influenced by 'his' will. We need an ally who is different from us, a slayer of gods."

"Suggestion from Botis. As the first condition, they must be an entity unaffected by gods. Denoting the highest level of divinity."

"Supplement from Vepar. From the beginning, it is unclear when 'his' plan started. Was it during the three-way conflict, or was it initiated during the Genesis? Did the will sealed in the 'spear' make it so?"

"Proposal from Sitri. As the next condition, they must be able to establish a cooperative relationship with us. In many mythologies, we are recognized as part of the calamity. It is difficult to build a positive relationship from scratch."

"Explanation from Naberius. I have successfully negotiated with numerous devils from hell. However, that doesn't mean they trust me, nor do I trust them. I haven't disclosed all the details of the plan to them."

"Correction from Buer. Explaining 'his' return to forces other than the Bible would only make them doubt our sanity."

"Declaration from Forneus. However, negotiations with the Three Great Powers are categorically refused. They could potentially exploit it. Therefore, it is assumed that the ally is not mentioned in the Bible."

"Worry from Gremory. The Heroic Spirits have been given our factors. It is dangerous to use them."

"Summary from Murmur. Once we search for an existence that meets these conditions, our rebellion will begin."

"Rebuttal from Valefar. Are there really such convenient existences—"

"..."

"..."

"..........."

"They exist."

"Yes, they do."

"Indeed, they do, but—"

"Do they have the ability to solve such a complex phenomenon?"

"Their essence is that of a pure and innocent dragon, isn't it?"

"However, it might not be a bad idea to consider them as one of the candidates for the operation."

"Greetings to all the Demon Pillars from Goetia. We will awaken Ophis from their deep slumber within the Reality Marble."

"Goetia, did you call for me?"

"When did you return? Nevertheless, this saves us some trouble. Ophis, excuse the suddenness, but I want to borrow your power."

"—I have a condition."

"Very well. Originally, I would have wanted your Reality Marble as compensation, but this matter exceeds that by far. So, what do you desire? Assistance in defeating Great Red? Or perhaps the Holy Grail? Or maybe knowledge of our world?"

"I want to play with you."

"Oh, such a trivial request. It won't hinder the plan. For us, it's a trivial matter—eh?"

"Goetia, you won't pay attention to me. I feel lonely. This... it's not the tranquility I desired. I want to be with you, Goetia. So, Goetia, let's play together."

"U-um, is there no other option?"

"I won't cooperate unless it's something other than that."

"Well, once it's been mentioned, I can't take it back. Alright, I understand. I'll accompany you in your play. After all, we are capable of incinerating humanity. It's a trivial matter. It should be trivial. It should be trivial."

"I want to go to an amusement park."

"A-alright. Understood... But before the explanation, Ophis, I have a question for you. What is that strange creature you brought with you?"

"Eheheh."

"...Ddraig...!"

***

Once upon a time, there was a king.

The king was a wise king. He was a powerful sorcerer. He was a kind person. However, the king was always angry and never smiled.

The king hated the gods! Because when it came to the gods, they always acted superior in the sky and did nothing! They were always arrogant, everywhere they went, and unbelievably greedy!

The angels were also hated! Because when it came to the angels, they only cared about pleasing the gods. They mocked the king, considering him as a human. They even mocked the people of the king's country, calling them sheep. But at the same time, the king and his subjects were not allowed to insult the gods. Humans had to praise the gods.

The devils were also hated! Because when it came to the demons, they constantly caused trouble in the king's country if the king wasn't watching over them. They even stole important rings. They deceived humans and took them to faraway places. On top of that, they littered with their unnecessary trash.

Even the fallen angels were hated! Because when it came to the fallen angels, they were always fighting with the angels and demons. The gods were no exception and caused even more mischief. The fallen angels wanted to return to heaven, but the gods no longer needed them. So the fallen angels bullied humans.

No matter how hard the king tried, the gods, angels, demons, and fallen angels never listened to him. The king heard voices he didn't want to hear. The king saw things he didn't want to see. The king's country was already in chaos.

Therefore, the king came up with a retaliation plan.

When the king imagined the troubled faces of the gods and devils, the king laughed for the first time since he was born! He laughed with a grin, a smile, and a snicker!

And then, the king—cast a curse on all humanity.