Merry: The Show Begins!

[T/N: From now on, Merlin Proto will be referred to as Merry]

'Jack the Ripper activated her Noble Phantasm again'—that was Atalanta's immediate thought as the fog engulfed her. Simultaneously, she considered urging Naoki to summon another fierce wind to dispel it.

But in reality, the moment after the fog swallowed her, it vanished like an illusion, replaced by a breathtaking, boundless sea of flowers.

"This…?"

Atalanta was stunned by the sight before her. Could this be another of Jack's Noble Phantasms?

Unlikely.

The impression didn't match at all. The radiant sea of flowers before her and Jack the Ripper were polar opposites.

So, where was this place?

"This is Avalon."

A voice as enchanting as a fairy's echoed through the floral sea. Petals gathered before Atalanta, coalescing into a beautiful woman clad in a white robe.

With hands behind her back, Merry smiled gently at Atalanta. "Welcome to The Everdistant Utopia, Huntress of Greece, Atalanta."

"The Everdistant Utopia…"

"It's easier to understand if I say this is Avalon, the Isle of Apples from Arthurian legend, though this isn't the real one—just a dream world tied to it. Now, for introductions: I'm the master of this place, Merlin."

Merlin.

In Arthurian legend, she raised King Arthur, served as his court Magus, the world's foremost kingmaker, and the ultimate Magus.

"You're… a woman?"

"This version of Merlin should be male, but I'm Merlin from another parallel world, slightly different from the one here. Gender is one difference, so to distinguish myself, I call myself Merry."

Merry explained with a laugh.

"But it's quite unexpected. This is the first time this place has been invaded voluntarily."

"Invaded voluntarily?"

"That thick fog that engulfed you was actually a manifestation of memories—or rather, nightmares—from the vengeful spirit known as Jack the Ripper. It directly links your soul to the nightmares of tens of thousands of abandoned children, corrupting your spirit and dragging you down."

Tens of thousands of abandoned children?!

Atalanta's soul trembled violently. For someone abandoned as a child and thus deeply protective of children, this was a devastating shock, akin to the collapse of her beliefs.

"Even without seeing it directly, just hearing my description shakes you this much? It's hard to imagine what would've happened if you'd been plunged into that nightmare." Merry approached Atalanta, supporting her trembling body.

Standing shakily upright, Atalanta stared at Merry. "Then… those children… why are there so many abandoned children…?"

"Because that's how Britannia was back then… In short, it was purely a product of the era. Human desires at the time birthed such tragedies. Even today, it's too late to save them."

Jack has existed for centuries. Her being was shaped by the vengeful spirits of infants from hundreds of years ago, compounded by centuries of human embellishments and additions to the legend of Jack the Ripper. In nature, Jack is akin to a mythical entity, impossible to fully eradicate.

"H-How could… Those children were innocent—"

"Um, I know, but in this world, the innocent suffering is commonplace." Merry raised her hand, parting the sea of flowers to create a path. "If you truly can't accept it, then handle it yourself. I originally planned to absorb this nightmare, but since you…"

As a succubus, Merry didn't particularly enjoy such nightmares. She intervened because the nightmare tried to corrupt Naoki's soul. Yet Naoki's soul was protected by her, alongside Sajyou Manaka, Arcueid, and his iron will forged by Manaka.

Truthfully, Merry's intervention wasn't necessary.

But the enemy's actions were a provocation, and she had no reason to ignore the challenge.

Seeing the path before her, Atalanta didn't hesitate. She rose and sprinted down it, her figure vanishing into the sea of flowers.

"She's gone."

After watching her shadow disappear, Merry turned to the person who had silently approached behind her—Naoki.

"Letting her go like that, is it really okay? Her soul might shatter or be possessed by that mass of resentment."

"If that happens, we'll just pull her out early." Naoki stepped closer to Merry. "But you coming out so suddenly surprised me. I thought you'd watch the show from the sidelines."

Merry grinned slyly. "I was worried about you."

"You think I believe that?"

"Oh, when have I ever been untrustworthy?" Merry feigned wiping nonexistent tears. "Fine, fine, I'll be honest just this once. Actually, I came to address your proposal from last night."

"!"

Naoki flinched, his body tensing with excitement, but he quickly calmed himself. "That… Merry, about the marriage thing, last night I got carried away. It… wasn't well thought out. Can we postpone it until I've helped Gray become independent? Then we can discuss it again…"

"Eh? Postpone it?" Merry pouted instantly. "And here I was, discussing details with Morgan—just kidding."

Naoki, initially elated by her first sentence, sank at the last.

He glared at Merry in frustration.

"As expected, you enjoy stringing me along?"

"Immensely. You seemed so clever before, dodging my little traps, so why fall for this one so easily?"

It's all because of you—

Biting his lip, Naoki looked away. "Whatever. In short, the marriage talk was impulsive. If possible, can we delay it? At least until Gray's independent. Then I'll prepare everything to propose properly."

"No need. Proposing in a white suit, holding ninety-nine roses on Christmas Eve, kneeling—that scene doesn't suit you. My king, you're so unpredictable sometimes…"

"You!"

Don't say it!

Merry laughed, clutching her stomach for a while before stopping and speaking seriously. "So, about your proposal, my answer is—for now, no."

"For now?"

"Yes, temporarily," Merry nodded. "If I agreed to marry you just because of one sentence, wouldn't I seem like a cheap woman? Since ancient times, don't men usually prepare gifts or something when proposing? In some barbaric places, they even offer battle spoils to prove their courage."

That's true; Greek mythology is full of such examples.

"So… what do you want me to do? Slay a dragon, chop off its head, decorate it, and present it to you?"

"Too savage! My request is simple—" Merry waved her hand, gathering petals to form a glowing chalice. "Five years from now, after you return, Morgan says the Holy Grail War will restart in Fuyuki City. If you win the Great Holy Grail in that war, I'll marry you. Until then, let's be lovers~."

'The Fifth Holy Grail War in Fuyuki, huh?'

"You said it," Naoki laughed. "Don't regret it later."

"No way. I'm true to my word. Besides, even if I change my mind, you could just use the Holy Grail to wish for me to marry you."

"After being purified by little Manaka, the Great Holy Grail now has the true power to grant wishes."

So, it all hinges on five years from now?

"Of course, if you fall for someone else in the meantime, that's fine. I'd welcome a harem."

"What harem? Who'd want someone like me?"

'Well… that's hard to say.'

◆━☆☆━◆

Parallel World.

As Naoki and Merry sealed their five-year pact, the women connected to Naoki simultaneously fell into the same dream.

Merry: {Sorry for calling you all so late, but due to some urgent matters, I need your approval.}

Merry: {Five years from now, a Holy Grail War will take place in Fuyuki City, and its outcome will greatly affect Naoki's future. For his sake, are you willing to participate in the Holy Grail War?}

Ryougi Shiki: {…?}

Aozaki Aoko: {…?}

Aozaki Touko: {…?}

Riddel: {…?}

Arcueid: {I'm in!}