Chapter Twelve: The Eve of Destiny

When Lance returned to Merlin’s tower, the two spent the entire night in a room discussing matters. Afterwards, Merlin told Toria she needn’t worry about it any longer and instructed her to prepare for the coming-of-age ceremony the next day.

“Are you sure it’s alright not to tell her?” Merlin stood at the highest level of the magic tower, questioning the man behind him.

“It’s fine. I made this decision of my own free will.” Lance had already removed his bandages and taken off his helmet.

“I never expected such a curse could exist in this world,” Merlin sighed in wonder.

“It doesn’t belong to this world,” Lance thought privately, though he only said, “This curse was born from the pursuit of strength. It was my own choice, so you needn’t mind it. Besides, don’t you think my current form is better suited to helping her?”

Merlin looked at Lance, puzzled.

“When the curse activates, I’m practically another person. There are many things she cannot do that I can.” Lance seemed unconcerned; after completing the mission, he could easily restore himself with some experience. He knew Lotus’s abilities well—after all, she’d once claimed she could revive him even if he died. Changing something as trivial as skin color would be simple.

“Indeed, with her temperament, she isn’t suited for those dark matters, and I’m too old for such work. But are you certain? If you make this choice, you’ll never appear in history.” To Merlin, honor was more precious than life itself. Lance’s decision meant he’d always remain in the shadows, never recognized, which Merlin saw as a difficult sacrifice. But Lance found the idea of appearing in history more troublesome; to him, this so-called problem was no problem at all.

“There’s nothing to consider. My view of honor is different from yours. As long as she can see my efforts, that’s enough.” Though he spoke the last words softly, Merlin’s keen hearing caught them.

“Lance, you must understand—”

“I know. She will exist as a king, while I’ll have no outcome.” Lance accepted that he might not be with her for these ten years, but thousands of years later, he’d have a chance. What he hadn’t considered was how he’d ultimately take her away, even if they were finally together. But those were worries for another time.

“I have nothing more to say, then. Tomorrow is up to you. From tonight’s events, I sense a group of restless fools approaching.” Merlin patted Lance’s shoulder.

Lance didn’t reveal anything further, since the mission required secrecy. He’d been uncertain about completing it, but after obtaining this power, his confidence was unshakable.

“To protect her, I’ll become a demon or god if necessary!”

——— Divider: Memories ——–

At only sixteen, Lance was not just a student but also a recruit for “Venom Sting.” After finishing his homework and attending team training, he now lay sprawled like a heap of sludge at his computer desk. Even so, he didn’t rest; his friends at school had mentioned a fascinating anime update tonight. Originally disinterested in anime, Lance had become a fan thanks to this series—Fate Stay Night. Tonight was the final episode.

Bedivere: King Arthur, I’ll go call the soldiers now. Please lie down here.

King Arthur (Saber): Bedivere.

Bedivere: Are you awake?

King Arthur: Yes, I had a dream.

Bedivere: A dream?

King Arthur: Yes, I rarely dream, so it was a precious experience.

Bedivere: Then relax and rest. If you close your eyes again, you’ll surely see the dream’s continuation.

King Arthur: Can the continuation of a dream repeat the same dream?

Bedivere: Yes, I’ve experienced it myself. As long as you yearn for it deeply.

King Arthur: Is that so? You’re very knowledgeable.

King Arthur: Bedivere, take my sword and listen closely. Pass through this forest, cross those bloody hills, and continue until you reach the lake. Cast my sword into it, Bedivere.

Bedivere: My king, the sword has been delivered into the hands of the Lady of the Lake, it is done.

King Arthur: Is that so? Stand tall. You have fulfilled your king’s command.

King Arthur: Bedivere.

Bedivere: Yes.

King Arthur: This sleep will last a little longer.

Bedivere: Are you watching, King Arthur? The dream’s continuation.

Lance, watching this final scene, was inexplicably in tears. As the girl closed her eyes, only her gentle smile remained in his gaze.

“What gave you the strength to persevere until the end?” Lance couldn’t imagine how he would respond in such circumstances.

——— Divider: Page 2 ——–

Over the following days, Lance was absent-minded in class, researching whenever he found time. Until one day, when he was officially accepted into “Venom Sting” and donned the uniform reserved for its members, he understood—what drove her to endure was responsibility.

——— Divider: Morning ——–

“Whew~ Is it because today’s the first day of fate that I had this dream? Either way, it’s made me even more resolute.” Lance, who had been sitting on the rooftop since last night, stood and stretched. As he did, he saw, as always, the girl practicing below.

“From now on, should I call you Toria as before, or address you as my king?” He mused aloud, then smiled. “No matter who she is, she’s still herself.” He went down.

“Hey, Toria, today is your coming-of-age ceremony. Before your teacher gives you a gift, let’s go have some fun. Later there’ll be a sword-drawing ritual—let’s go together!” Lance called out as he came downstairs.

“Yes! Okay!” Perhaps because she would become an adult today, Toria was especially lively.

“Mm! So cute!” Maybe because Lance knew she would soon rule as king, he decided to indulge in one last bit of mischief. He took off his helmet and rubbed his face against Toria’s.

“Lance! Your face—” Toria was first startled, then cupped his face, examining it closely. “Did you get that tattoo? It looks awesome!” Without the support of the dark aura, Lance looked as he always had, save for the new markings.

“Alright, enough about my tattoos. As long as you don’t dislike them, it’s fine. Come on, let’s go to the ceremony!” With that, he took her hand and ran toward the royal city.

“Alright, Ector, Lance has taken Toria out. What do you think about last night’s attack on them?” Merlin asked the man sitting across from him.

“This time, the attack was aimed at Lance; Toria was just caught up in it. We should stay put for now. Tonight, there will surely be a fierce battle.”

“Yes.”

Everyone, I’ll have to catch the early train to school tomorrow. Skipping class doesn’t matter to me, but tomorrow’s about the exams, so I need to study. There’ll be a pause in updates, but don’t worry—it won’t be long. I’ll continue updating on the evening of the 14th. Good night, everyone~

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