Halloween Comeback! Mega☆Huge Pumpkin Village ~And Adventure...~

credits to taiboo

Table of contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Friendship Power

Chapter 2: The Hero Eli-chan, Currently Recruiting Companions

Chapter 3: May King

Chapter 4: Pha~ra~oh~

Chapter 5: Frozen Is the True Self

Chapter 6: The Love of a Mother and the Love of a Lover Is as Barren as Lava

Chapter 7: One More Chance

Chapter 8: New Game Plus

Chapter 9: Halloween Proclamation!

Chapter 10-13: Pumpkin Harvest!

Chapter 14: Let’s Sing a Song

Chapter 15: Trick or Treat!

Prologue

The two Lizzes, Lancer and Caster, are preparing to take their castle back from the witch.

Though... Lancer Liz is wondering why there are two of them. Caster tells her not to mind it. It's just a minor issue. Rather than that, they should think of it as their idol coefficient being increased by thousands of times.

Besides, didn't their rival and idol friend shrewdly get herself summoned in a bridal outfit?

Caster Liz: That's right, if there's two of them there, there's also two of us here!

Lancer Liz: Yeah, exactly! As expected of me! And now, the most important thing is to--- form a unit!

Lancer Liz: "Zaki-zaki★Csejte Castle Heavenly Prison Dual Live ~ Sweet Blood Halloween Special: Eh... Isn't this hella sweet! ~" is now open!

Tickets are sold out and an invitation has already been sent to Chaldea, so the Lizzes will not suffer any disruptions to the schedule. For the sake of their live performance, they will take back this castle. Psyching themselves up, they burst into the throne room.

Cleopatra is in there, and she is annoyed at this disturbance in the middle of the night. Seeing that it is the Lizzes, she bemoans their lack of a modelesque stature, and is amazed that they would still cling to past glories.

Cleopatra: But if you have been blinded by my majesty then it cannot be helped! I'm sorry!

Lancer Liz is confused by this but says thanks.

Cleopatra: Hmph, don't get the wrong idea! It's not like I care for you or anything! Now, be good and slink off back to your holes, you lizard and gecko girls! After all, yes, it should not even need to be mentioned --- staying up late is the great enemy of beauty!

The Lizzes are nearly overwhelmed by Cleopatra's diva level, but manage to rally themselves. Refusing to give up, they continue to confront the witch.

Lancer Liz: Resolve yourself, witch!

Cleopatra: What a joke, I have no need to resolve myself of anything! After all --- after all, my heart is as free as a feather! Therefore it is never weighted down with troubles!

She is full of boundless confidence and bravado. Continuing, she says that rather than being a witch, she is the personification of beauty. If it is a witch she seeks does the one standing next to her not look more the part?

Caster Liz vehemently argues that she's just wearing a stage outfit fashioned after a witch's concept. It's because she's the lord of this castle.

This causes Cleopatra to break out into haughty laughter. Their fashion style aside, she thinks the Lizzes have a great sense of humour: it's corny and vulgar. Entirely amusing. And now that she's had her laugh, she's sleepy and shall go to bed. She dismisses the Lizzes, telling them to go live a commoner's life. This castle and the lands around it now belong to her.

Of course, the two of them cry out in protest.

Cleopatra: Don't shout with that same face. It'll become surround sound.

Lancer Liz: Are you kidding me? You can't just take this castle for yourself! In the first place, your performance and your culture, it's all wrong! It's not a good fit for Csejte Castle at all!

Cleopatra just laughs and invites them to go look at the state of the castle. The two of them hurriedly dash out, only to see a huge golden pyramid stuck on top of the castle.

Lancer Liz: What the hell's that!? Why is there a pyramid on top of my castle!? No, in the first place, why is the pyramid even upside down!?

Caster Liz: It's crushed! Just haphazardly piercing through from above, what kinda shoddy construction is that!?

Cleopatra laughs at them.

Cleopatra: THIS IS! REFORM! Goodbye, this prison castle that is the epitome of bad taste. Now, the times call for simplicity as the foremost trend.

The golden ratio is the true foundation for this world's beauty. As like Cleopatra. Though the Lizzes do not really understand, Cleopatra insists that this is avant-garde and totally art.

At any rate, this castle is now under her control. Cleopatra is willing to provide a place for their concert, as a sign of honor towards the former lord of the castle. The stables would suffice. After all, was a venerable saint not born in such a place? She thinks it'd be a pretty rocking idea.

As expected, the Lizzes do not take kindly to that suggestion.

Now that negotiations have broken down, Cleopatra has no choice but to resort to force. Fighting on the front-lines would be inelegant and bad for her complexion, so she'll just have her knights do it.

Tristan: Tristan of Grief has arrived as ordered.

Lancelot: Lancelot of Sorrow is here.

Cleopatra orders them to expel the Lizzes if they can, saying that she's going to do some reading and that she would like everything to be cleaned up by the time she's done.

Tristan is sad that their abilities are being underestimated. Lancelot agrees, saying that they should finish their job before the lady has even finished reading a single line. With that said, he turns to the Lizzes and asks if they could leave without any further trouble.

Out of the kindness of her heart, Cleopatra decides to allow the Lizzes to burn the sight of her visage into their minds before she leaves. After all, when one looks at beautiful things, one grows more beautiful. This only enrages them more.

The two Lizzes are unceremoniously kicked out of the castle. Tristan encourages them to leave while they still have their lives. Lancelot adds that they have no hopes of winning.

Lancelot: At least, you should put on ten more years, my lovely ladies.

Caster Liz: Uwaa~ we've lost to the wife-stealing fetishists.

Lancer Liz: I'll remember this! You MILF lovers!

The Lizzes retreat, vowing to return shortly for vengeance.

Lancelot: Hahaha, that will be fun. Come, Sir Tristan, let us return.

Tristan: ....wife-stealing fetishist...

Lancelot: (He's quietly shocked...!?)

As the Lizzes flee into the forest, they wonder who they can call for support. Uncle Vlad is off on a business trip, while Tamamo Cat has retired to go in search for the mysterious unknown paw, or so she claimed.

Lancer Liz: Ah, if only the little puppy was here.

Caster Liz: It can't be helped if they're not here. It's pathetic that someone like me would want to rely on other people.

Lancer Liz: What did you say?

Caster Liz says it's nothing and takes it back, because she's stupid.

Lancer Liz: If you're stupid doesn't that make me stupid too!?

Caster Liz: Well, because I'm a caster, my intelligence is one rank higher.

But there is no such thing as an intelligence rank in the Servant stats, argues Lancer Liz. In fact, Caster Liz has a lower mana rank than Lancer Liz. The two begin fighting each other. Suddenly, a bright light shines between the both of them.

Lizzes: (Hey! What just happened!?)

Lizzes: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ---- !!?

Chapter 1: Friendship Power

In Chaldea, Roman begins the briefing session. Mashu points out that he seems to be a bit excited and asks if anything good happened. He repeats himself: the briefing session begins now! He is acting suspicious.

Dr. Roman: My my, what's with that sharp gaze of yours, Gudao-kun?

Dr. Roman: Hahaha, perhaps you're feeling tired? But it's for the sake of saving the world, so I hope you'll do your best!

Even Fou begins to think Roman is being sketchy. Mashu asks the good doctor what he is hiding.

Mashu: For that matter, why are the staff surrounding us!?

Roman confesses that they've just confirmed the occurrence of another singularity. You are to go and correct the singularity. Isn't it just the usual thing? Mashu says that both of you are in good condition, and that there shouldn't be any problems for this particular mission---

Dr. Roman: The briefing is over, let's quickly get to work!

Mashu: Wait a minute, doctor! Before we rayshift anywhere, we need to know where we're going!

Roman pretends to bumble about, looking for the information on your destination.

Dr. Roman: Eh, the rayshift destination. How do I read this? Eh, it should be...

Dr. Roman:Csejte Castle.

Mashu: Doctor!? Did I just hear you speak the name of the castle that should not be named!?

Gudao: ...it has revived... the nightmare!

Mashu is still traumatized by the memories of last year's Halloween Death Live. It is dangerous. That music is dangerous. Listening to it continuously would surely destroy a being's personality.

Dr. Roman: Yet you must go! Esteemed members of the staff! Scrum!

Dr. Roman: When dawn breaks upon this saved world, your salary structure shall also be reviewed!

Dr. Roman: Now more than ever, this is the time to demonstrate the results of your muscle training with Leonidas!

With a roar, the Chaldean staff sweep you away and carry you to the coffins for rayshifting.

Gudao: Don't tell me that the doctor's the last boss!

Roman tells you not to spread such unfounded rumours and executes a forced rayshift. You end up in the castle town's graveyard, but something is different. Instead of the ghosts from last year, there are now bugs. They have nothing to do with Halloween and are just being a nuisance in the cemetery, so you get rid of them quickly.

Afterwards, you are quite discouraged at the thought of getting to work. After all, the reward would be a special mezzanine seat at Liz's concert.

Mashu: Master, don't be disheartened!

Mashu: It's okay, I will be with you! A Master and Servant share the same fate in life and in death!

Somewhat more motivated to continue on than before, the two of you leave the graveyard. Shortly after, a familiar silhouette appears in the graveyard, sneezing and cackling to itself, happy at having snuck in undetected. Still, it finds the Western mountains to be rather colder than expected...

Chapter 2: The Hero Eli-chan, Currently Recruiting Companions

The town is gloomy and devoid of any sign of Halloween festivities. Even though the houses are lit, there are no people walking the streets. And of course, there is the castle itself, with a large golden pyramid parked right on top of it.

Mashu: T-that Csejte Castle... is in such a state...

Mashu: What's more, there seems to be a pyramid riding on top of it... and it's upside-down!!

Mashu: It must have appeared with a boom, senpai! A boom! Boom!

Roman confirms that the castle and the pyramid are from different eras. You are temporarily excited at the thought of the concert being cancelled, but Roman quickly brings you back down to earth saying that the pyramid is probably the cause of the singularity. You will have to investigate it to resolve the situation. Gathering information should be the first thing you do, but unfortunately no one is on the streets at the moment. Your next best option would naturally be... a tavern.

Upon entering, Mata Hari welcomes you brightly to her establishment.

Mata Hari: This tavern is a place where you may find encounters and partings both sweet and sour.

Mata Hari: Do you desire comrades of your own?

Mashu tells her that you aren't looking for any comrades.

Mata Hari: Is that so... then, is the cutey over there looking for a wonderful encounter? Ehehe, I could be your partner if you're alright with me---

Mashu: No, that's not alright! Right, senpai! Right!?

Faced with Mashu's forcefulness you have no choice but to agree with her. Mata Hari seems disappointed, but takes it in stride. You get back on topic, asking about the pyramid. Mata Hari explains that it appeared suddenly one day. The queen of the pyramid has banned Halloween, saying:

"Those who are dissatisfied with my rule, and those who are witless louts seeking quick riches, challenge this pyramid to fulfill your wish."

The town was then filled with brave heroes seeking to undertake the challenge of the Csejte Pyramid.

Warrior: Let's do this! We'll get rich from the pyramid's treasure!

Knight: Leave the defense to me, you guys!

Priest: Looking for a mage! Priest here, I can heal physical damage-!

Rogue: Heheh, I'll handle the doors and the treasure chests!

The tavern is definitely packed with various sorts of people from various sorts of places, exuding a lively atmosphere. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a sad, pathetic figure.

Mashu: ...Master?

Gudao: Let's leave this place quietly.

???: (Haaaaaaaaa...)

But it's too late. You've been spotted by a strangely familiar girl in bikini armor, who is wearing a sign around a neck saying "Please take me home". Her eyes are sparkling. She calls out to you and Mashu immediately tells you to run.

You bolt out of the tavern with the girl chasing after you, shouting at you to wait. As you flee, Mashu wonders if you should not stop and find out what is going on. Behind you, the scantily clad girl trips and falls.

???: I fell, it hurts! Don't leave me behiiiiiiind!

You decide to turn back and see to her. The girl is quite understandably upset.

Mashu: You're... Elizabeth-san, right?

???: Have you forgotten?

???: It is I, the jewel of divas, the crystallization of exceptional talent that is said to only appear once every thousand years ---

Liz: HERO ELIZABETH BATHORY!

Gudao: Why are you wearing a swimsuit out of season?

Mashu: That's right. The swimsuit event is already over, Elizabeth-san.

Liz does not take well to being left out of the swimsuit event. Mashu drops the matter and has Liz summarize what has happened to her so far. In short, her objectives are to invade the castle, reclaim her concert stage, and defeat the evil queen.

You are interrupted by a knight of said queen. He has been tasked with cleaning up the streets during this time of Halloween.

Queen's Knight: As for this girl... let's see... we've received reports of her dressed up in a manner that violates public decency and engaging in indecent exposure.

Fou: Fou.

Liz: That's not right!? No matter how you look at it I'm dressed up as a Hero, okay! A Hero!?

Queen's Knight: Ahem. Now, exile or labour camp. Make your choice!!

You get dragged into the fight to defend Liz. Having successfully fended off the knight, Liz is so grateful to you that she is about to break out into song and dance. Mashu quickly says that there's no time for that and you have to get going. Well, that is fine with Liz too.

Liz: The legend of the Hero Elizabeth begins right now! Just you wait, evil witch!

Narration: Thus the adventure of the Hero Elizabeth has started!

Before you embark on your journey, Mashu asks Liz about the sign that was hanging around her neck back at the tavern. Liz answers that she was searching for companions there.

Liz: For my comrades, they have to be strong and sparkling and complement me and worship me! Solo vocalist, no band experience. Looking for guitar, bass and drum players of a professional level!

Liz: When I told the tavern's mistress that, she just smiled and handed me the sign! Wasn't that mean of her!?

Mashu: So you brought it on yourself...

Back in Csejte Castle, Lancelot reports that they've identified the arrival of guests from Chaldea. Cleopatra says all is as she has foreseen. With the strongest gatekeeper under her control she would not need to lift a finger. This territory is fully under her dominion. Properly, tolerantly, and mercilessly. A Queen's Knight hesitantly asks if the ban on Halloween still remains. He gets called a fool and told to go to a beauty salon to freshen up. It is still too early for the foolish citizens to celebrate Halloween.

Cleopatra: While the world is in such disarray, to throw a frivolous festival would be the height of folly! We must conduct ourselves with modesty and mercy!

The knight replies sadly that everyone was looking forward to Halloween. Even his kids.

Cleopatra: You ruffian! Talking back to me is something deserving of execution! But in deference to the children, I shall grant you a day of leave! Now drop your sword and scurry back to your meager home, if you cherish your miserable life!

Queen's Knight: Huh, eh? What should I do...

Lancelot: It means you should go home for today, and that you have the day off tomorrow.

Queen's Knight: ...ah. Then, I shall respectfully remove myself...

When the knight has left, Lancelot asks what they should do next. Should they sally forth to remove the source of their sorrow? Cleopatra laughs, saying that this makes it sound like she's afraid of us. She agrees for the knights to patrol the town, all in order to bolster the citizens' sense of security. But not Lancelot and Tristan. The moment they hit the streets they are going to start looking for girls to flirt with anyway.

Lancelot: ...no, I wouldn't...

Tristan: ...how do I put this... she has completely grasped our way of life...

Lancelot: No, Sir Tristan. I was purely thinking of the town's safety.

Tristan: I heard that in the town's tavern, just the other day a heartbroken, beautiful woman was spotted, having been abandoned by a man beleaguered by gambling debts...

Lancelot: Which tavern could it be? Perhaps it's about the beauty from 3rd Street's Tonelico Bar?

Cleopatra: Hohoho, rather than standing by in your room, perhaps it'd be better for you to stand by in prison?

Lancelot apologizes to the queen, and says that she should take her rest. Cleopatra decides to dismiss them.

Tristan: ...............

Lancelot: Ah, ...Tristan?

Tristan: ...............

Cleopatra: ...?

Tristan: ...............snore

Cleopatra: ............

There is a loud crash, and the two knights are kicked out of the audience chamber. Tristan strums his harp once in sadness.

Tristan: ...(My body's pain is physically) sad.

Lancelot: You really are amazing, in a certain sense.

Chapter 3: May King

Walking through the forest, Liz tells you that there are still more companions you must recruit. Although she is grateful for your help, really, your opponents are famous knights. The three of you won't be enough. Besides, she's a Hero, and a Hero's party must be filled with members. Even when she was an idol, she was supported by members that played the drum, taiko, and woodwind instruments. It's a rather percussion-heavy group.

Mashu asks what other classes Liz is looking for. A mage is of course one of the necessities, and our Hero also wants a cleric for healing and recovery. If it's recovery, then...

Nurse: ---well then, let the treatment begin. It's all for your survival. You may lose one or two of your bones, or two or three of your arms, but please bear with it. Now, here we go!

Monk: Hm, healing? It should still be fine, since adrenaline or endorphins will be enough to promote your self-recovery! There there, don't cry. Get yourself together, you're a Hero, right! thwack

Serial Killer: Hm... don't really get it, so I'll just start dismantling, okay? I'll do my best! stab

...considering the potential candidates for the healer position, Liz begins to have second thoughts and suggests that it might be better to just handle the healing yourselves, somehow.

Gudao: Is there no one else?

Mashu says that there is Sanson, but...

Sanson: Healing? I can do that. For one such as me who was an executioner of people, to heal people with these very same hands... hmph, how ironic...

Sanson: Yes, I am a sinner... ah, Marie... Marie... when will I ever be able to forgive myself...!

It does not look like he would be suitable either. Mashu asks if you should return to the tavern to recruit more party members. Liz does not seem all too keen on going back there. And so after catching Roman slacking off on his job of monitoring your progress, you ask him for help in searching for any nearby Servant candidates for recruitment.

He gets a response immediately. It's weak, but there is a Servant in your immediate vicinity.

Mashu immediately tells you to be on alert as it might be an ambush. Who could it be? Liz tells whoever it is to get out here but is answered by nothing more than an owl's hoots. Just as Roman is asking you to proceed carefully, Liz steps into a trap. You find her dangling by her foot. And at that inopportune moment, monsters decide to attack.

After defeating the enemy, you cut Liz down from the trap. She is not happy.

Liz: Wasn't it mean!? Really, wasn't it mean of you to just leave me there!?

Mashu apologizes, saying that there were more pressing priorities, but Liz is upset all the same - all she knows is that her comrades left her in the lurch.

Meanwhile, Roman finds it strange that the weak Servant presence still hasn't revealed itself even with such funny business going on.

Dr. Roman: It's almost like they're thinking, "As if I'd get involved with such a useless heroine! I'm just going to stay cooped up in my home!".

Mashu wonders if there is no other way to lure the Servant out. You sigh.

Mashu: Master, why do you look like the world is about to end!?

Dr. Roman: You are entering a state of intense mental agitation! Are you alright, Gudao-kun!

Liz: W-what's wrong, little puppy? Are you okay? Would you like to listen to a song? If it's my song perhaps it would make you feel better?

Mashu: Elizabeth-san, that's---

Gudao: You know, why not.

Mashu & Dr. Roman: W-WHAT~!?

Dr. Roman starts apologizing profusely, saying that it is his fault for not taking better care of your mental health. He urges you to return to Chaldea immediately before challenging this singularity again. Mashu tries to cheer you on to get yourself together while Fou lets out a series of loud Fous.

Liz: Little puppy... you've finally become a captive of my song...! Fine, it'll also serve as part of my daily voice training regimen, so I'll sing at full power!

Liz: You should feel so lucky. You are the first to listen to my song after I have ascended as a Hero.

Dr. Roman: Damn, if only a flock of wyverns would suddenly attack at this time! Or maybe a random group of Roman soldiers from somewhere... no such luck, huh...!

Mashu: ...oh no, we're not going to make it...!

???: Hold iiiiiiiiit!

Mashu: Ah.

Fou: Fou.

Gudao: Thank god...!

It's Robin Hood.

Robin: Damn... damn it, I involuntarily released the camouflage of the Faceless King! Gudao... you're pushing that foolhardiness a bit too far.

Mashu realizes that you were about to bet your own body in a gambit to flush out the hidden Servant. Even though Liz is still confused and doesn't really understand what's going on, with a bright, innocent smile she says that she's happy if her song helped you get back on your feet.

Then, with a shout, she suddenly realizes that the trap that caught her was probably set by Robin, and turns an accusing eye on him. Robin wearily admits it, complaining about Liz's troublesome yet sharp intuition about the strangest things. He continues to explain why he's here. As Halloween draws near the monsters are getting more active. He's preventing the beast-men from approaching the town. Feeling bad for living in the forest without paying, he figured that he would substitute his effort for money by setting up the traps.

Though beast-men rarely approach human territory, there's something strange about their behaviour this time. Mashu wonders if it's because of the pyramid, and Liz is quick to assert that must be the case. Smash it and everything should return to normal, or so she says.

A roar interrupts your conversation. It looks like a monster has gotten caught in one of Robin's traps. He agrees to lend a helping hand to you if you are going to challenge the pyramid.

Mashu: Thank you! Elizabeth-san, a scout has just joined our party!

Liz: A scout? By that, you mean one who searches for undiscovered idols? ...but I'm still not ready to be affiliated with an agency... Oh, what should I do?

Robin thinks it would be better if she could fix her daydreaming problem. Annoyed, Liz gathers herself and decides to get rid of the beast-men first. She won't let them defile her town. With the plan of attack determined, all you have to do now is to follow along.

After the fight, Robin officially joins Elizabeth's Death Tour, though of course she does not like that name one bit. He asks if you're going straight to the pyramid, but that can't be done yet. A four-man party is the basics.

Mashu: I-is that so? I thought a six-man party was the basics...

You still need one more member - a mage. Robin knows of one, but thinks it would be a problem. Mashu tries to figure out what problem it could be, thinking of various Caster quirks such as creating miniature gardens, fighting over AC & DC, and summoning flying saucers.

Robin: Well, those sound like problems too, but... look, she's similar.

Dr. Roman: Similar to who?

Robin looks at Liz.

Liz: Me?

In a cave somewhere, a silhouetted figure receives a premonition of impending crisis. However, to flee would be unworthy of a Pharaoh's stature, and thus it will welcome any such crisis head-on...

Chapter 4: Pha~ra~oh~

As you continue your journey through the forest, Mashu asks Robin about the mage that he mentioned. Robin reiterates that she is very similar to Liz.

Robin: Though she has a good head on her shoulders, her worldview is too narrow. She's arrogant, bossy and a bit too serious, but also quick to anger.

Robin: She's also prone to jumping to conclusions and running wild with her misunderstandings, ending up looking pathetic and stirring up tragedy.

Liz: What. That doesn't sound similar to me at all.

Robin & Mashu: It's just like you.

Liz is unable to retort. Robin goes on to say that she is a self-proclaimed god of the sky and god of the underworld, a pharaoh and queen.

Liz: Isn't that a bit too much? Having too many traits is a sign of an incompetent idol.

Mashu: Nobility, vampire, serial killer, devil's wings, dragon horns, idol, dragon's daughter... that's also a bit too much.

Liz: Wait, why are my traits mostly negative!?

Dr. Roman starts picking up an intense reading. Suddenly, a giant head appears in the sky and scolds you loudly. Liz whimpers in terror. Robin explains that it's just an illusion and that you should all calm down. Addressing Robin as the May King, the giant head asks why he has brought you here, as the covenant between them was to each protect their own territories.

Robin: First of all, could you stop calling me by that embarrassing title? So, this sudden illusion is supposed to be a warning, I take it.

???: Of course. Though I know not of that maiden with the large shield, in any case the other girl stinks of unscrupulousness.

Liz: Oh, me?

???: Indeed. Tell me your name, impudent low-life. You... this inexplicable feeling of empathy welling up from the depths of my heart is frustrating! This may be sudden, but I have recognized you as my sworn enemy!

Liz is ready to rise up to the challenge. They shout at each other to give their respective names, and Mashu tells you that she fears there will be no end to it. You chime in with your name instead, prompting them to do their self-introductions, starting with the giant head.

Nitocris: I am Nitocris, one who serves as Pharaoh in a faraway land. I am the god of the underworld and incarnation of the sky god Horus. And at this time, I am one who amuses myself by toying with the spirits of the dead in the depths of a cave, while cultivating my magecraft--

Liz: My name is Elizabeth Bathory. Obviously, I am an idol. My best genre is perhaps idol pop. Due to my dragon's blood, dragon breath is also a forte of mine. Besides that, well, I am true-blooded, genuine nobility? These wings and tail? Cute, aren't they. Is there anything else?

Now that the two of them understand each other better, their conclusion is that they will not get along at all.

Nitocris wonders where the classical, spoiled Western noble girl has gone, and says that this is the type of girl that she abhors the most. Liz retaliates by shouting Nitocris doesn't look queenly at all, and in fact she finds a queenly style disgusting. Especially on mature women. Mashu wonders if Liz is referring to Carmilla, and Robin comments that the older Bathory has probably led a confusing life.

Meanwhile, Liz has reached her boiling point.

Liz: I've had enough! Let's duel! I'll slap that sour face of yours with my holy sword!

Nitocris: Fine by me! Know your place, Ms. '80s-style! It is too old-fashioned, though it would be troubling for me to point out exactly where, but that armor is just too old-fashioned!

Liz: What, you don't even know of retro-futurism!? You ignoramus!

Nitocris: If we're talking about retro then Egypt alone is more than enough! You unfashionable flat bug!

Enraged, Liz charges off to her showdown with Nitocris, dragging you by the hand. Mashu and Robin are left behind and hurriedly try to catch up. Even with just Liz you deal with Nitocris's dead spirits swiftly.

Liz: Breakthrough! Come on, let's hurry! My throat is on a roll!

Nitocris: Ugh, could these be the legendary Evil Sound Waves...!! It sounds akin to the moans of the dead in hell, and to be honest, it's just the sort of genre that I like! Idol Pop... as if, don't be a fool now!

Liz: What do you mean, moans of the dead!? Idol Pop is a genre with Cute, Cuter, Cutest as its useful motto, alright!?

For her next trick, Nitocris summons a Sphinx. It is the true guardian of her cave. Although the rental fee is high. As the Pharaoh Ozymandias, shrewd businessman, said:

"Oh, you want to borrow my Divine Beast Legion? The rental fee is 3 scarabs per week. If you want Marika it's an additional 10 chains. Ah, and please make sure their stomachs are full when you return them."

Nitocris sics the beast that has been rented under very reasonable conditions on you.

Although Liz recognizes that this enemy is strong, she tells you not to worry. She will surely win.

Liz: Yes... I am a Hero. That means, justice will always prevail! Do you get it, little puppy?

Nitocris: ....that's funny. Through my Pharaoh Vision I can see that your alignment is originally Chaotic Evil.

Liz: S-s-s-s-s-shut up! Let's do this, you bastard----!

She somehow manages to take down the Sphinx, surprising even herself. Nitocris is aghast that the guardian beast turned out to be so weak.

Gudao: Perhaps the environment doesn't suit it...

Nitocris: That's it! Ah, how careless of me... I should have prepared some heaters too!

After all these trials, you finally manage to reach the end of the cave, where Nitocris is waiting. She praises you for being able to come this far, but this is as far as you will go. Liz expresses some concern for Nitocris.

Liz: I wonder, are you alright? I really don't do well with dark and cramped places like this myself.

Nitocris: Me too! But now, this place is the kingdom of the netherworld! There is no other place that can enhance the dark forces of the Pharaoh!

She proceeds to go off on a tangent about how she thinks Western values are a tad masochistic, as the Egyptian underworld is wide and colourful, and doesn't capture only the negative aspects of death. To go so far as to destroy the fleshly body and torture the soul... she wonders if their god is actually a misanthropic sort.

Liz: ...isn't that quite a speech. That's pretty cynical of you. You might look like the athletic type, but maybe you're actually a literary type?

Nitocris: Hm...? No, if I were to pick a type, I'd be the cursing type.

Apparently the personal letters she writes as Pharaoh are all fundamentally curses. This is enough for Liz to peg her as the bassist. The bassist has a ponderous and thankless, yet important task in completing the sound of the band. It's often smothered by the melody of the guitar, though it bears the role of engraving the rhythm of the beat. Liz declares that the loneliness of the bass makes it the most rocking position, and says that Nitocris is surprisingly a worldly person.

Nitocris is flattered at the praise, and praises Liz in return for her wise eye in recognizing those who have struggled and experienced hardships. The two respect each other even more now, though it does not change the battle that is to come.

Liz: Yes, I'm sure that we might have become good friends...! But such a future will not come to pass.

Nitocris: Though it is sad, that is indeed so. Now, let us end this...!!

Gudao: Maybe you two do get along after all...?

Liz and Nitocris: NO WE DON'T!

After the fight, Liz and Nitocris are praising each other's moves. Liz finds the Medjeds cute as they spin round and round, Nitocris finds Liz's songs wonderful and says that even the ghosts were applauding.

Gudao: Eh?

Nitocris admits that she is also concerned about the pyramid, and as a Pharaoh she should visit it at least once in greeting. And with that, she volunteers to join the party to help Liz out. They grip hands.

Mashu and Robin run in, panting.

Robin: Is that a handshake? Or a contest of strength?

It looks like the two are getting along well. All's well that ends well, it seems.

Robin: ...but, once they've befriended each other... the problem children's problematic behaviour is just going to get worse....

Liz and Nitocris: WHAT'S THAT!

At any rate, you are done with the cave and your next destination is the glacier. Though everyone is wondering why there is a glacier on the path to the castle. Then, Dr. Roman suddenly picks up the presence of an extra Servant.

Ibaraki: ...mu. It can't be... there isn't any candy. No, that wasn't a pun.

Ibaraki: What is the meaning of this, Gudao? Did you lie to me? Is there no such dream-like festival of all-you-can-eat confectioneries called Halloween?

She proceeds to smugly tell you that she snuck along on the rayshift.

Liz: Eh, who is this!? Are they here to party or are they here to join the party!?

Ibaraki gets offended that she'd be compared to a party-goer, as if she were one of the drunken citizens of Kyoto. Once more, confusion takes hold of the party...

Meanwhile, back in the castle, Cleopatra is reading books again. But there's something that discomforts her.

Cleopatra: Hey, the dozing pig over there.

Tristan: Yes, Dozing Pig Tristan. At your service.

She orders Tristan to play another tune, as this one is not to her fancy. He does so and begins strumming up a rousing presidential march on his harp that would be fitting for a regal lion king.

Cleopatra: Please stop that, it'll drive me crazy! I wouldn't be able to read a book calmly with that blaring away!

Tristan: I thought it would be nice to play a more jolly song.

An exasperated Cleopatra tells Tristan to understand that there is a limit to all things. Besides, it is entirely inelegant to make such a racket at night-time. For that matter, how did Tristan even manage to make all those sounds from his harp?

Lancelot arrives, bringing Cleopatra a report that Nitocris has joined the Chaldean party. This comes as quite a shock to her, as she never expected that those dimwits would be able to recruit an eminent Pharaoh.

Tristan: How sad. My queen's face is twisted in grief... but even that face shines with beauty---

Cleopatra speculates that with Nitocris along, your party will be able to cross the glacier and reach the lava zone. As she ponders her next move, Tristan strums his harp again.

Tristan: The queen's face in sorrow and suffering is, too, beautiful---

Cleopatra: You're interrupting my thoughts. Please go and jump from the window.

Tristan: Ah... I can fly...

Tristan dashes out of the window, with Lancelot futilely chasing after him.

Lancelot: Are you really going to jump---!?

The strumming of Tristan's harp echoes in the air as Lancelot watches the sight of him soaring through the sky, borne by the shockwaves from the sound.

Cleopatra: Of course he can fly, he's a bird. That aside, Adulteralot.

Lancelot: Yes! .....yes!?

Cleopatra asks Lancelot to dispatch those girls to the lava zone. Lancelot is taken aback by this order, protesting that it is too dangerous. The chances of those girls going on a rampage is too high... or rather, Lancelot is certain that they will do so. Absolutely certain. Cleopatra is unconcerned however, and orders are orders.

Lancelot: (I have a bad feeling about this)...

Chapter 5: Frozen Is the True Self

Trudging through the icy zone, Ibaraki is bragging at length about being a great thief.

Ibaraki: You should fear me more! Revere me more! Praise me more! Give me more candy!

Ibaraki: I am the Beast of Calamity, one who has become an oni-choo!

Ibaraki sneezes and sniffles.

Ibaraki: Uh... it's cold... the cold is too harsh... Mother always told me to wear a bellyband...

She asks you if you aren't feeling the cold. Indeed, the weather is freezing, but according to Mashu your Chaldean uniform is equipped with temperature regulation capabilities, allowing you to withstand overly hot or overly cold climates. On the other hand, she wonders if Elizabeth is all right, since the Hero's clothes leaves her rather more exposed than everyone else.

Liz: .... sho cold...

Gudao: It's because of your outfit...

Liz: I-I'm a Hero so it's okay! Heroes don't catch colds you know!

Despite her words, she is shivering quite heavily. You should probably quicken your pace and leave this area as soon as you can. Nitocris offers her expert Pharaoh opinion and agrees that leaving quickly is the best thing you can do. That, and she's wearing thin, simple clothing so the cold is also getting to her.

You pick up speed, with Elizabeth complaining of the cold and Nitocris finding the cooling touch of the dead spirits around her getting a bit annoying. Robin is feeling the cold too, even though he's dressed comparatively thicker than the other two. Mashu asks why Ibaraki is here. With her mouth full of something, the oni responds that she didn't come here for anything in particular.

Mashu: So... you didn't come out of extreme personal greed, or anything like that?

Gudao: Treat?

Ibaraki: No idea. I don't know about that secret word at all. But the tarts were absolutely delicious. The candies were also exceptional, but they were too sweet and worryingly fang-melting.

Ibaraki: ...really. To think that I was once easily swayed by a single piece of konpeitō. I'd like to let Mother have a taste of these. After that, I'm also interested in the pound cake...

It looks like she has entirely become a captive of the sweets. Mashu blames it on Shuten always treating Ibaraki like a child, causing Ibaraki to put up more bluster and claim those are not her true intentions. It was just the humans offering up candy to her in hopes of just their lives being saved. If she is hungry she would much prefer meat to sweets, but as a Servant her appetite has been quite reduced. In that case, it seems that she wants to try out all the confectioneries that she might have overlooked.

Ibaraki: But why is it that I am in such a plight when I move further away from the town?

Ibaraki: Treat! Treat! Treeeeeeeat! Even if I shout the secret word no one appears! Ah, it's useless, the symptoms of Confectionery Withdrawal Syndrome are appearing...!

Ibaraki: I want something sweet and hard to nibble on! If it comes down to it I'll take even the Unlucky Bones you have stockpiled in your inventory!

You plead with her to spare the Unlucky Bones. Anything but that. Ibaraki demands candy then. Even marshmallows are fine. If it’s marshmallows, then…

Gudao: Won't Mashu do?

Mashu: S-senpai?

Ibaraki: She is soft but unlikely to be sweet enough! Rejected!

In other words, that means you don't have any candy to give her. Coming to that realization Ibaraki laments that she hasn't even had the chance to eat actual chocolate.

Ibaraki: Ku, kuha, kuhahahahahaha! ....I'm going home... I'm gonna go back to the mountain!

Mashu tries to convince the petulant oni to stay by promising candy once you are all back in Chaldea, but Ibaraki is having none of it. After all, it is not right that humans would seek an oni's aid. Besides, since all of you think she is only here to play, why should she lend you her strength? As she sulks, Robin stands quietly to the side, takes aim, and launches a piece of chocolate into her mouth. He cites the Setsubun tradition as an inspiration for this. The hellish sweetness of the chocolate is more than enough to give Ibaraki pause. But it's not that effective against her, she claims as she weeps from the sweet delicacy.

Ibaraki: Fine, that green person over there! Attack me more! Come on, do it! Just like during Rashomon! Just like during Rashomon!

Some monsters choose just this time to attack, and Robin says there's no time to be throwing chocolates into her mouth. Ibaraki is extremely motivated to rip these fodder into pieces so that she can continue getting fed.

After she is done, she trots back to Robin to continue her Setsubun, praising him as a wise man and hermit and a sage. Robin throws some chocolate into her mouth again. As she chews, Ibaraki figures that it's not all that good after it melts, and that chocolate is no longer a sufficient reward to keep her interested. Bidding you farewell, she begins to leave.

Robin: Is that so? But if we defeat the queen of the pyramid there would be an entire mountain of candy to eat. Ah, too bad.

Ibaraki returns to you immediately, asking when to depart for the pyramid.

Gudao: Ibaragin…

Roman is quite surprised by Ibaraki's unexpected interest in humans and their culture. Even though her innate aggressiveness towards humans remains, perhaps having a common favourite could serve as a platform for further mutual understanding.

Next, you are headed for the lava zone...

Everyone: IT'S HOT!

Chapter 6: The Love of a Mother and the Love of a Lover Is as Barren as Lava

Liz squeals at the magma boiling up near her feet. She runs to Mashu and cowers behind her shield. Mashu calls to you to hide behind it too, since the lava is dangerous. Nitocris also gets there as fast as she can.

Nitocris: I’m sorry, can you count me in, please? My exposed thighs are feeling the heat…!

You call for Robin and Ibaraki to join you. Robin thanks you for the offer but says he’ll figure something out. He’s prepared for countermeasures to heat, as one should on any adventure. Though lava was not what he expected. Ibaraki doesn’t need a shield either, claiming that such heat is nothing to an oni’s skin. Liz and Nitocris begin jockeying for a better position in the shade, with Nitocris panicking that her thighs are going to protrude from cover.

A monster’s shriek can be heard. It looks like they are about to attack.

Liz: What is that queen thinking!? Putting! Enemies! In! This lava zone!

Liz: In the first place, this is the only road to the pyramid! Why is there a lava zone here!? Wouldn’t she need to cross this area to reach the town too!? Is she stupid? Is she stupid!?

Roman remarks that the excessive stress seems to have temporarily increased Liz’s intelligence. The monsters close in to attack and an angry Liz prepares to fight them off.

After the fight, you press on, but Mashu notices that your complexion isn’t so good.

Nitocris: To say that it’s not good, rather, it’s closer to an earthen colour. To be honest, it’s exactly the type of colour that I like.

Robin says that it wouldn’t be surprising – you had just come from a place of extreme cold to a place of extreme heat, after all. It wouldn’t be strange for your body to be in poor condition.

Gudao: It’s not that… I just felt a sudden chill down my spine.

Roman indicates that your mental status has been tremendously shaken, and asks if there are any strange objects nearby which might be the cause; things like statues or books that may inflict a mental status upon seeing them. Of course, there is nothing like that in this barren lava field. Liz tells you not to worry as the five of them can handle any opponent, come what may. Mashu will be the guard (drum), Nitocris the support (bass), Robin as covering fire (manager), and finally her with Ibaraki as the vanguards.

It seems to be a pretty balanced team, all things considered, a team that you can put your confidence in to carry on no matter what obstacles may stand in your way.

Then, Raikou, Serenity and Kiyohime appear.

Gudao: I’m going home!!!!

Dr.Roman: It’s the threesome that won’t stop triggering Gudao-kun’s sense of “A crisis to something besides my life”…!

Mashu: A.k.a., the “Sneaking into the Bed in My Room Without Permission” Trio…!

Robin: No, wait. That makes it sound like they’re wraiths or something.

Raikou begins going “Ara ara”, wondering if she heard your voice from somewhere around here. Serenity thinks that it sounded something like “I love you!”, and Kiyohime says that it must have been directed towards her then.

Luckily, Robin managed to use Faceless King just in time. Mashu asks you to take a deep breath and tells you that it’ll all be okay. They can’t see you now. Liz wonders why you are hiding, since you can’t progress if you don’t defeat them.

Nitocris: (Hush. Just be silent, please, Elizabeth. I can tell. Spiritually.)

Nitocris: (You may be the negative energy of humanity’s root, but those three are the negative energy of the universal root… in other words, a black hole-like existence…!)

Ibaraki praises her for her wise eyes – Raikou in particular is a dangerous woman, and Nitocris’s judgement is on point.

Kiyohime picks up your scent and begins sniffing around for you.

Kiyohime: Sniff sniff, sniff sniff. A-r-e y-o-u c-l-o-s-e b-y?

You begin trembling in fear. Ibaraki asks if you are alright, comparing you to a wobbling kuzumochi. Perhaps you should engage in an endurance battle and wait them out. Liz is not entirely happy with the idea of waiting in an arduously hot place like this, but when confronted by Mashu with the alternative of fighting those three, she backs down.

Meanwhile, Kiyohime is still sniffing around, knowing you are around but unable to track you down with certainty.

Raikou: It’s hide and seek, then. You two, do you know the best way to win at hide and seek?

She begins gathering electricity around her and uses her Noble Phantasm, showering the lava field with lightning bolts.

Raikou: You just need to burn down every last hiding spot, without exception.

Kiyohime & Serenity: I see.

Robin: (…man, why did you go and make a contract with that kind of Servant?)

There is no choice. You will have to fight them. Robin releases the Faceless King and you reveal yourselves, to the trio’s delight.

Serenity: …found you…

Liz bravely steps up to confront them, like the Hero and leader that she is.

Liz: I’m sorry, but we’re passing through here. And I’m not handing over the little puppy to you!

Raikou: Oh, but I was thinking of letting you through if you would only hand that child over to me…

Liz: …uh, I’m not handing him over!

Robin: Hey, did you just hesitate for a moment there…

Gudao: Eli-chan!

Liz tells you that it’s alright and not to worry. Meanwhile, Ibaraki asks Nitocris to help her with a little something…

Raikou: Then it looks like I have no choice. I shall simply crush the poisonous moth and reclaim my beloved child.

Of course, Liz is not happy to be referred to as such.

Liz: Huhuh… I’m a poisonous moth, you say?

Raikou: Yes, you are. Look, you even have the antennae. And those uselessly vivid colours, don’t they just hurt the eyes?

Liz lets out a flat laugh.

Liz: Alright, I’m going to kill you. In the first place, I’m not afraid of thunder at all. Don’t underestimate the thunder of János-hegy!

Kiyohime: Fufufufu. Although I am usually lenient in all things…. Towards this Eli-chan-san person, somehow… I feel something akin to a destined showdown.

Serenity: ….um, I’ll be happy to just be able to get in bed together---

Mashu: That’s rejected, rejected!

Serenity: sob

As tensions boil to a peak, Liz tells you not to worry.

Liz: With this Hero Elizabeth around, you’ll surely be protected from that creepy bastard trio!

Raikou, Kiyohime & Serenity: ….

Ibaraki and Nitocris wonder if Liz is a genius at getting on people’s nerves.

After the fight… well, the fight is not over just yet, because the trio are exhibiting extreme persistence. Even after beating them down time and time again they just get back up and come towards you like zombies.

Kiyohime: How rude, to compare me to a zombie. “Love” is the sole force that animates this body.

Raikou: There is nothing in this world that can triumph over parental love.

Serenity: …as I was saying, I just want to be touched a little.

Serenity blushes.

Serenity: That is, to be stroked gently on the head, or the cheek…

You can’t keep this up. Luckily, Ibaraki makes her move at this time. She uses her Noble Phantasm on the three, although Kiyohime calls the flames nothing more than a cooling breeze. When it clears up, you are nowhere to be seen. The three of them look around worriedly until Raikou spots you in the middle of the lava. She dives into the lava to save you, as does Kiyohime, and Serenity.

Ibaraki smugly reveals that she had Nitocris use her magic to create a puppet of you, to use as a decoy. Nitocris's mummies then got the decoy into position while the battle was raging on.

Ibaraki: An obsessive love narrows one’s thoughts. Haha, to think that the famed Raikou would have fallen for such a ploy! Kakakaka, how unsightly! Once you fall into the lava you will be burnt to cinders---

Dr. Roman: …no, the three of them are alive and kicking, swimming perfectly fine in the lava. You better get out of there right now!

As you flee, Ibaraki wonders fearfully how they could still be alive even after plunging into that pool of lava. Mashu answers that it could be the power of love.

Ibaraki: Love, it’s scary!

Chapter 7: One More Chance

Finally, you now stand before the gates of Csejte Castle.

It has been a long journey but Liz is eager to defeat the witch, and orders a full charge ahead.

It has also been a long day, and Ibaraki is tired. She asks Robin for more calories in the form of chocolates. A weary Robin indulges her, continuing to toss chocolates into her mouth like one would toss beans to expel demons.

Ibaraki: Fuhaha, it’s ineffective, it’s just ineffective! I am invincible! munch, munch

Meanwhile, Nitocris is feeling grimy and dirty all over. She asks if you can bring out a bath or two for her, since you are a Master. You don’t have that, but there’s a towel she can borrow if she wants.

Nitocris: Then, I’ll have that. …it’s a bit rough. Please change this to an Egyptian silk towel for me. Eh, you don’t have any? That’s too bad. Then, as soon as this battle is over, please have them ready in the castle. Of course, I’d like a bath too.

Liz: You guys are ruining the mood! What’s this, are you not swelling with emotion? You should have matched my voice, the Hero’s voice, and cheered me on or something!

Robin: Right, right. We’ll do that after the battle is won.

Frustrated, Liz turns away angrily and shouts for the next opponent to appear.

Liz: So, who are we facing next!? Whether it’s the Knights of the Round Table or something, just bring it!

The one that appears is not any of the Round Table knights, but Vlad III, in a rather different form than you are used to seeing.

Vlad: But of course. A Servant is summoned as only a single facet of a single Heroic Spirit. I am not here as the Vlad the Third that was king. The one standing here is the warrior that is an inquisitor of all evils.

Liz: U-uh… my lord uncle? Why are you staring at me like that?

Vlad: Elizabeth Bathory! I have come here to judge you for your sins!

Liz jumps in fright, but Vlad does not relent. He proclaims her a sinful existence whose immoral and unjust behaviour must be punished. It looks like battle is unavoidable here.

But even after defeating Vlad once, he gets back up. Mashu prepares for a continued fight. Vlad says that it is over, and that you still do not understand.

Vlad: Do it over again, just once. If not, you will not be able to stand in front of that queen as an enemy. If you should claim to be a Hero in this battle-wear! Then understand what it means!

Liz does not understand yet.

???: …ry.

???: …orry.

???: …sorry.

A giant phantom figure that looks suspiciously similar to a certain apologetic dragon-slayer then appears gradually in the sky.

???: I’m sorry… for appearing suddenly like this, sorry…

???: I am truly sorry about this. For you who have engaged in deadly battles to come all this way, I am sorry, but… you must start over from the graveyard once more…

???: ---ahem. This is not due to a mindless system of any sort, but it is something that is surely meaningful… Gudao, I wish you the best of luck in overcoming the trials ahead. Hm ----I am sorry. You will now be warped.

Everyone: What--!?

And you are promptly warped off back to the graveyard to start all over again.

Chapter 8: New Game Plus

You have returned to the graveyard. Everyone seems down, especially Liz. Setting aside the question of the gigantic Siegfried floating in the night sky, Mashu wonders what Vlad meant when he said Liz did not understand it yet. Ibaraki asks Robin if he knows anything, since he was the only one that seems to have realized the reason for your previous failure. Liz presses him for an answer, and he asks her if she had noticed the condition of the streets.

Liz: The town…? Um…. Ah, there’s that. There is no preparation for Halloween and everyone is cooped up in their houses. Isn’t that because the Queen banned Halloween?

Robin tells her that is wrong. The lack of preparations for Halloween had been evident long before the queen’s arrival.

Robin: I mean, it’s that. Because you were having so much fun over Halloween, you have been neglecting your duties of governance!

Liz: …ah.

Robin: Don’t you “ah” me!

Robin explains that because Liz was not giving orders, the people of the town didn’t know how to get ready for the festival. The soldiers were confused as to whether or not to proceed or stop with Halloween preparations. Ultimately, Liz was the only one who got into the Halloween mood all by herself.

Liz begins wailing as she realizes her mistake.

Ibaraki: You--- were you so preoccupied with having fun on your own before even preparing for the festival?

Ibaraki: I am amazed. What type of boss does not take care of their minions? A boss must first ensure that their minions are well fed. Only then can they fill their own belly. munch munch

Liz: B-but I was busy preparing for the concert…

There really is no excuse for her actions this time.

Liz: Uu…. W-what should I do, puppy!? Uncle is really, really angry!

You ask her to liven up Halloween, but Liz is not sure how. Robin tells her that she just needs to proclaim that Halloween is now underway to the people of the town. And as for how to proceed after that…

Robin: Hand out pumpkins, sprinkle candy everywhere, and prepare costumes for the brats.

After that, Liz can run about and drive away the wandering spirits that would be lured to the town by the Halloween festivities. That sounds good to her, and now you have a plan.

Ibaraki: Hm. Then, proclaim it.

Liz: Eh?

Ibaraki: That this is the Festival of Promised Bountiful Candies ---- proclaim it right here. For a leader, shouting out loud at least once is a given thing. I mean, with your screaming voice, it should be easy.

Liz: …Okay. I got it. My pride won’t allow such things like a microphone or lip-synching.

Liz:…here I go.

Liz: I am the lord of Csejte Castle, Elizabeth Bathory!! Sorry for being late---!! Right now, right here!! I proclaim ---- the start of Halloween!!

The atmosphere changes, spooky mist rises into the air, and the wailing spirits of the dead erupt forth upon hearing Liz’s words. Gleefully, Ibaraki calls this the true beginning of Halloween. More and more pumpkinheads are crawling out and Nitocris says you need to crush them quickly.

After you have done that, you are left with a lot of pumpkins in your hands. You decide to go to town and give them out to the public. With renewed resolve, Liz declares that:

Liz: This time, I’ll do Halloween properly!

Chapter 9: Halloween Proclamation!

Back in town, the Halloween mood doesn’t seem to have taken the people yet. The streets are still gloomy and quiet. You decide to do your best to spread the word and liven up the mood.

Liz: …yeah, got it! Then, I will deliver instructions to the piggies of this town!

Robin: No one’s going to be happy to be called a pig. Explain things to them properly, as the lord of this town.

Liz: What! Most of my fans enjoy being called that! Even a certain anonymous robin was giving me tweets of delight, so as its owner you too should feel happy!

Robin: That fat bird has nothing to do with me! It just started following me on its own!

Nitocris advises Liz not to treat all people the same way, and that if she wants to liven up Halloween, she should ask the townsfolk properly. Chastised, Liz says that she understands. With that out of the way, you decide to split up and hand out pumpkins, and to meet back here in about two hours.

Ibaraki: Then I’ll stay back and watch this place. I’ll be waiting here! munch munch

Two hours later…

It was a total failure. No one seems to be in the mood for Halloween at all. Between Liz’s failings as an administrator and the pyramid queen’s edict to ban Halloween, that comes as no surprise. Nitocris wonders just which queen is using that pyramid in such a fashion.

Liz: Hey, just what is the problem with me!?

Everyone: Your outfit (it seems).

Liz: IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE HEROIC!

Her shout attracts the attention of a Queen’s Knight, who comes over to see what is going on.

Queen’s Knight: Halloween is banned, and--- it’s you guys again!

Liz: Oh, I know! Hey, you there! What do you think when you look at me?

Queen’s Knight: What do I think… with that degree of exposure, if you get slashed it would be extremely painful?

Liz: You have zero fashion sense!

Just then, you hear a single twang of a harp…

Meanwhile, Ibaraki is minding her own business. She has no interest in the commotion that you lot are making as finally she has managed to get her hands on a fine specimen of a chocolate cake. As she is admiring it and salivating over how to best eat the cake, it is cut in half and falls to the ground.

Ibaraki: WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY---!!!!

The harp player introduces himself. He is Tristan, formerly of the Knights of the Round Table and now a member of the Queen’s Knights.

Tristan: Tristan of Grief… or you may call me Tristan That Seeks to Run Towards the Fading Sunset.

Robin: That’s way too long!

Another man arrives, an ally of Tristan’s, but as soon as Mashu detects the newcomer he runs away before you can get a good look at him.

Tristan: Sir…? Just what are you---

A mysterious black knight appears on the battlefield.

Mysterious Black Knight: …AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

Mashu: Yet another newcomer!

Tristan: What’s the matter, La---

Mysterious Black Knight: SHUUUUUUTTTT UPPPPPPPPPPPPP---!!

Tristan: Hey, Sir! Why are you suddenly putting me in a rear naked choke---!?

Tristan: I yield! I yield, I yield! I’m tapping out! I’m tapping out so please!

While the mysterious black knight is choking out Tristan, Mashu notes that the enemy is in disarray, fighting amongst themselves. Though she does not fully understand it, she is also getting a strange feeling.

Mashu: That black knight alone must not be forgiven. Anyway, let’s mash him up like Gawain cuisine. That is what my body is telling me I must do…!!

Gudao: Get them, Masherker!

Tristan is still struggling in the black knight’s choke-hold.

Tristan: Sir, oh Sir. E-enemy, the enemy is coming…

Mysterious Black Knight: ENEMYYYYYYYYY!!

He lets Tristan go, and you engage in battle with the two knights.

Mysterious Black Knight: LOSERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

You win. Tristan accepts their loss with sadness. The Queen’s Knights are shocked that Sir Tristan and Sir La… no, Sir Mysterious Black Knight have been defeated. Liz shoves pumpkinheads on top of the Queen’s Knights and makes them go around town to spread the word of Halloween.

Now that the knights have been subdued, Liz tells the townsfolk that they are free to throw a big Halloween festival as they wish. They cheer happily.

Mysterious Black Knight: GOOOOOOOOOD…

Tristan says that the mysterious black knight seems awfully happy about his defeat. Tristan himself is happy too. He thinks that Liz’s growth is swift, and looks forward to the woman she will become in ten years’ time.

Mysterious Black Knight: QUEEEEEEEEN!

Tristan: Agreed. The girl has earned the right to face the queen. Though whether she can manage to overcome the queen--- that is not something we will witness with our own eyes.

Mysterious Black Knight: ESCAAAAAAAAAAAAPE!

Tristan: That is right. It is about time we made our exit.

Of course, your Servants are not about to let the two go so easily. Robin fires a warning shot, stopping them in their tracks.

Nitocris: Losers should bow their head quietly and wait for punishment! With that said, please wrap them up, Medjed-sama!

Tristan: I am sad… But for a knight, it is a given that they will not give up until the very end! The game’s not over until the whistle blows!

Mysterious Black Knight: WINNERRRRRRRRRRR!!

The two of them attempt to make a break for it.

Ibaraki: ---hey, you.

But the oni stands in their way.

Tristan: The strange child of an obviously different race over there, please don’t stand in our way. As you can see, I am a knight who embodies the ideals and hopes and realities of all the world’s gentlemen that would not raise a hand against a lady. Not even if that lady is an evildoer. In fact, I would love to set up a little date with you ten years from now.

Tristan: …still, you are full of hostility. As a precaution, let me use a dodge skill…

Ibaraki: …that wind-cutting harp. It’s you, you fiend! Rashomon Daiengi!

Ibaraki unleashes her Noble Phantasm on Tristan immediately.

Tristan: Oh no! A Noble Phantasm that removes buffs… isn’t this a bit too nasty…!

Seeing that he managed to survive the first blast, Ibaraki charges up for another, vowing to avenge her regrets of the fallen chocolate cake with this attack. The blast blows both Tristan and the mysterious black knight away.

Mysterious Black Knight: BAAAAAKAAAAAAAAA!!

They are blown towards the pyramid, pretty much making their escape a success. Ibaraki refuses to admit that she is wrong, so you mimic Shuten’s voice in chastising her. Ibaraki jumps, looks around for Shuten, figures out it is you, and then throws a tantrum in your face for tricking her while Mashu tries to calm her down.

Peace is restored and the streets are now filled with Halloween decorations. Liz is so happy that she wants to sing a song or two.

Robin: Please don’t. We might be sent back to the starting point again, you know?

Kids begin to surround Mashu, shouting “Trick or Treat!” You join in and Mashu is saved by Fou, who managed to smuggle in some of Dr. Roman’s emergency snacks. Meanwhile, Ibaraki is starting to get jaded of the sweets she has been munching on, and now desires a new taste. Mashu offers her a macaron.

Ibaraki: What is this!? It looks good! The colours are brilliant! And this texture… it’s soft, yet crunchy when you bite down on it. And within… eh. This can’t be. What is this, this panoply of flavours!? Green tea! Chestnut! Strawberries! Pistachio! Is this not truly fitting to be called the kaleidoscope of sweets----

It looks like Ibaraki really likes the macaron.

Robin is expressing a bit of cynicism towards the festivities, but Ibaraki needles him saying that he was just handing out candy to the children earlier when he thought no one was watching. She knows because she transformed into one to get candy from him.

Robin: You really have no pride, do you…

Ibaraki just smugly claims that her way of pride is different from yours.

Finally, it’s time to leave. To fully enjoy this Halloween you must still defeat the queen in her pyramid. Fou says a couple of Fous, and Mashu says that she understands what he wants to convey.

Mashu: Even though Heroic Spirits live in stopped time, you should still try to understand new things, and to nurture your own growth.

Nitocris agrees.

Nitocris: Even if this is a single night’s dream, the fact that this dream was witnessed is something that shall never go to waste.

Nitocris calls out Mashu’s name, as if to tell her something. However, she apologizes shortly after, saying that there is probably no need for that. The final battle is ahead of you, but first you must face the guardian of the gate, Liz’s relative.

Liz: By the way… wouldn’t you like to listen to just one song before we leave…?

Everyone: DEFINITELY NOT!

Chapter 10: Pumpkin Harvest! Part 1

You are harvesting pumpkins in the forest. Mashu is not sure if beheading pumpkinheads should be called a harvest.

Chapter 11: Pumpkin Harvest! Part 2

You are harvesting pumpkins in the cave. Nitocris doesn’t want any Halloween decorations in her cave, because Jack o’Lanterns and the Medjeds would overlap in roles.

Chapter 12: Pumpkin Harvest! Part 3

You are harvesting pumpkins in the glacier. Ibaraki seems to enjoy the sensation of cold chocolate melting in her mouth.

Chapter 13: Pumpkin Harvest! Part 4

You are harvesting pumpkins in the lava field. The trio are not here. Ibaraki urges you to get out of the place quickly, as she does not want to find out what will happen when those three realized they were tricked.

Chapter 14: Let’s Sing a Song

Finally, you stand before the gates of Csejte Castle once more.

And as before, Vlad III awaits you.

Liz: ...um, uh… Trick or Treat, my lord uncle!

Vlad can hear the merriment of the Halloween festivities. This means that Liz has passed the test, and gained the right to proceed. Liz beams at him happily, hoping to have gained his favour.

Vlad: But. In this form I am especially strict with you. The sins that you have committed are many. And amongst those sins there is one that I, as a Heroic Spirit, will never overlook.

Vlad: ---pay for it with your death, as it is said. I will give you a place for atonement.

Liz is stunned by Vlad’s statement.

Vlad: Though as king I would be a man untroubled by petty details, as a warrior there is no evil that will find forgiveness with me.

Vlad: You unjust and immoral murderer, who toys with the people and wallows in ignorance as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Your sins are a nightmare from which there is no awakening even after a hundred years. Your evils are a crime that has been carved deeply in the world’s history.

Vlad: It is time to return to that darkness of solitude. Now then---- thoroughly, from head to tail, be massacred.

Vlad attacks, and you defend Liz successfully, defeating him.

Liz: U-um… my lord uncle?

After all this, Liz still calls him as uncle. Vlad says there is no reason to address him as such. It is his other self that she should be calling uncle, not him. A Servant summoned as a different aspect is equivalent to being a different person altogether.

Liz: But… but still… my lord uncle is still my lord uncle. Even if I am being hated… even there is something that I cannot be forgiven for, that does not change.

Vlad says that she has surely sinned plenty, but that particular sin which he cannot forgive is something that is not engraved in her spirit. After all, it happened in a world that was not supposed to be. Even so Vlad cannot forget it.

Vlad: My wife. My love. My last light of reason, which you denied. For the sake of that beautiful woman, I can never forgive you. Even if she should say that she forgives you---

Vlad vanishes in golden light, leaving behind a depressed-looking Liz.

Robin says that he’s somehow remembered, vaguely, what happened. He tells you that in the end it is not a matter of who is good and evil, between Liz and Vlad. Human morality will stand you no good in a world where ensuring survival is your greatest need.

Robin: Anyway, even if she is thoroughly sinful and shameless, the lil’ missie that raises her face and makes amends, and that Vlad, whose faith recognizes no atonement and seeks only punishment, both bear the same sin in the world’s eyes.

Dr. Roman: If there is no wish for the human order to continue, even should they be righteous, they would be rejected as unwanted Heroic Spirits… huh.

Roman wonders if Vlad may bear such hope for humanity too. After all, he has been summoned as a Servant here. Ibaraki says that might be so. As an oni she does not get along with humans, but that does not mean she wishes for their destruction. Humans have their uses. She exists because humans exist.

Ibaraki: So, that’s why, Red Horn. No matter how many sins you have piled up… there is no one who will deny that you are here, in this place. So long as you do not wish for nothingness, you are still a Heroic Spirit.

Of course, Liz and Ibaraki are more of anti-Heroic Spirits, sacrifices for the purpose of crushing the more proper Heroic Spirits.

Liz thanks Ibaraki for her words and finally puts on her usual smile.

Liz: Now--- I’ve kept you waiting, puppy. It’s time to have our decisive showdown with the queen!

Gudao: I’ll follow Eli-chan anywhere!

Liz blushes furiously.

Liz: Ooh… Getting called that pet-name by a fan just made my heart flutter a little…! Fine, for my concert I’ll specially grant you a seat on the front-most row!

Dr. Roman: Gudao-kun’s mental state just became extremely agitated!

Liz: What!?

In the castle, Cleopatra is becoming agitated that things aren’t going to plan. But she is yet to give up. Failure isn’t the end of the world. Everyone slips up.

Cleopatra: Rather, it is because I am a beautiful queen that these mistakes are pardonable. Conversely, honest mistakes can be said to be the proof of a queen!

She convinces herself of her own logic, that she didn’t do anything wrong, and recovers her composure. The queen will not give up here. She still has a wish to fulfill. So long as it is not granted, she must continue to be queen. These are the terms of the agreement she made with that person…

Chapter 15: Trick or Treat!

As you make your way inside the pyramid, you are welcomed by Tristan.

Liz: Ah, the knights who ran away.

Tristan: That is just a matter of opinion. We should always strive to consider everything in terms of the bigger picture… I am saying this from a bird’s eye view. I am the Sad Tristan That Will Throw the Match When Losing. In other words, a man who will give up victory to avoid defeat, savvy in his sadness…

Mashu: That is certainly sad… in many ways…

Mysterious Black Knight: HYUUUUUUUUUUUU….

Mashu is getting a strange feeling from that black knight who seems to have whistled but did not actually fully whistle, as if he should be the top priority for extermination. You ask Mashu to calm down.

Mashu: It’s okay, I am calm! Now, let’s battle!

Tristan whispers to Lancelot.

Tristan: (Oh, how terrible… for that gentle girl to display such a threatening attitude, as if she were an enforcer of the law. How much of a grudge does she have against you, Sir?)

Mysterious Black Knight: (I’m ashamed… But as far as I can remember, no… It must be just a misunderstanding. It should blow over soon.)

Tristan: (I see… so there is no danger, then? In particular, no danger that will be catching me in the cross-fire?)

Mysterious Black Knight: (Y-yeah. There’s none. Probably.)

Tristan is relieved. Turning to you, he announces that the queen has been waiting for a while and he will now escort you in. Liz warns you to be prepared.

Liz: Don’t be misled by that woman’s mystifying atmosphere and looks. On the inside she’s full of mud that’s like a thick, bubbling, simmering poisonous stew!

Nitocris then asks Liz if she is absolutely certain of her adversary’s identity.

Nitocris: Should it be, say, a man with a loud and beautiful laugh, and regal, sun-like eyes, my hands would be tied and I would surrender.

Liz: Fear not. It is quite certainly a woman. Though her essence is different. Though I am a dragon, she is a snake. And one with a strong poison, at that.

You finally open the door and enter the throne room. There, the queen of the pyramid awaits you. She mocks Liz for having to go through things twice before understanding things. But, well, Liz is a spoilt Halloween princess who cannot compare to her, raised in the tough environment of the dunes…

Cleopatra: …do my eyes deceive me? Did you slim down? And don’t you look stronger than before?

Liz: That is right. This is the new me, reborn from Palingenesis thanks to the humiliation and self-restraint you imposed when taking everything away from me… The sporty idol that has become a Saber Class, Elizabeth Part Bravery!

Gudao: Is that so…! (Just realized it)

Nitocris: Really? I thought you were surely a Salamander-type Heroic Spirit…

Liz: I’m not a fire lizard! I’m a female hero! A noble female hero who is able to manipulate the pitch of sound thanks to the blessings bestowed by the Thunder Dragon!

Cleopatra figures out the approach Liz is taking, and addresses your party again.

Cleopatra: Ahem. Once more, welcome, brave heroes! Let us trade swords for words!

Gudao: …!

Cleopatra is pleased that you are too stunned for words at her beauty. She tells you to bow your head to the ground, but as a special permission she will allow you to take photographs of her. Tristan interrupts and lectures you for not prostrating to the ground in the queen’s presence.

Cleopatra: Before noting the mistakes of others, take stock of your own blunders first, Sir Bird-Brain! That they have come this far is entirely due to your powerlessness! As punishment, go and stand upside down over there! But, do not stop playing your harp!

Tristan: Oh, how sad and difficult… but as it is the order of the queen, I shall obey.

And he proceeds to play his harp while upside down.

Liz: He can actually do it…!?

And then, Cleopatra turns her attention to the mysterious black knight.

Mysterious Black Knight: ………………………..

Cleopatra: As for Sir Anonymous over here, I see that your current predicament seems to have become a fitting punishment. Very well, I will let it be.

Mashu: No, I think that he should receive a fair punishment here. More specifically, something like removing his helm and showing us his face.

Mysterious Black Knight: ….!!!!

Liz says Mashu is being a little scary. Mashu apologizes, but says that the indecisive-looking black knight irritates her. Cleopatra declares for Mashu to take the quarrel with the mysterious black knight elsewhere, as she has her responsibilities to fulfill as a statesman. She turns to Liz.

Cleopatra: Elizabeth Bathory. If you are standing here right now, it means that you have finally understood.

Liz nods.

Liz: I got too engrossed preparing for my Halloween concert and completely forgot about my duties as a governor … as a member of the ruling class, that was immature of me.

Cleopatra begins lecturing Liz about the duties of ruling. As members of the ruling class, to set their sights on anything but the top is the height of folly. Rather than wither away in excuses, they should find an impetus to motivate their actions, such as a heavenly beauty or power in all its ugliness.

Liz feels ashamed, as she embarked on her journey to become an idol because of her own heavenly beauty.

Cleopatra: No, I’m the one with the heavenly beauty. You belong to the power-type. Power. After all, didn’t you introduce yourself just now as the muscular idol, Lowland Gorilla Bathory?

Liz gets mad at that, but Cleopatra tells her not to sweat the small details, as they’re having a serious talk right now. Liz demands to know just who Cleopatra is, as the queen’s real name has not come up in conversation before this.

Cleopatra: It can be nothing else. Ruling a country with beauty, leaving behind a name with beauty! If you were to ask anyone just who is that queen with such deeds, a hundred out of a hundred people would praise my name!

Yes, she is after all Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Liz is in shock.

Cleopatra: Hohohoho. Even though you are a bumpkin noble, it seems that you at least know my name.

She asks Liz if the dragon girl would still engage her in a contest of beauty knowing this. Liz admits that it would be hard, as when it comes to beauty Cleopatra is a Heroic Spirit that better exemplifies it in the public mind.

Liz: Even though I am far more trendy no matter how you look at it, I guess I still lose out in terms of brand power…

Gudao: Trendy?

Liz: What, there’s nothing out-dated about this bikini armor, okay!? It’s! Super! Trendy!

Nitocris: Yeah, I think so too. That outfit looks very nice when considered by the trends of my era.

Liz: See, see? Even though she is Egyptian too, Nitocris understands!

Robin thinks Liz’s confidence is unwarranted, and that Cleopatra is undeniably stylish. As an oni, Ibaraki’s judgment of beauty is different from that of humans so she has no opinion on the matter… though she does cackle that the snake wrapped around Cleopatra has a pretty impressive poison and ferocity, enough to call it beautiful by an oni’s standards.

Cleopatra dismisses Ibaraki’s thoughts, saying it is natural for a non-human to fail at understanding her. Her gaze then falls upon Nitocris. Nitocris tells Cleopatra not to say anything more; right now she is just the mage of Liz’s party, not the Pharaoh Nitocris. She advises Cleopatra to keep her own resolve steady.

Cleopatra acknowledges Nitocris’s words respectfully before finally going back to Liz. She mocks Liz, asking if she is still up to compete. Of course Liz is.

Liz: It’s true that if we are competing purely on form that I am just slightly disadvantaged due to my body’s physical age, but… this is an age of diversity, with many different types of evaluation for beauty. Es-pe-cial-ly---- yes, cuteness, why not? Giving the fans a smile, a dance and a song! This is something that can only be done by me as an idol! A withered old queen like you wouldn’t be able to pull it off at all!

Liz is not going to compete with Cleopatra as a governor and an elite, but as an idol. But of course she’ll still administrate things properly. It’s common for an idol to rule over things, right? This enrages Cleopatra.

Cleopatra: Real governance is born from the union of intellect and beauty…! For someone who has nothing more going for them than being merely “cute” to be part of the ruling elite, that sort of frivolity is something that I, as a queen, cannot forgive!

Liz: I am an idol! And at the same time I am also the lord of Csejte Castle! As a Servant, I have also been summoned as both a Lancer and a Caster, no? Just as Uncle Vlad acknowledged, just as he refused to forgive--- because I am greedy, because I am arrogant, and because I am selfish, that is why everything I am is important to me! To simply give up one or the other, that is something that will absolutely not happen!

Cleopatra has had enough of Liz’s blabber. Calling it the nonsense of one drowning in their own dreams, she vows to shatter it with her absolute beauty.

After the fight, Tristan praises you for your fine victory, saying that it was a refreshing defeat for him.

Mysterious Black Knight: (Is that so… I felt like I was getting beaten to a pulp…!)

Cleopatra admits her defeat, and Liz has now successfully regained Csejte Castle. But she still has to move the pyramid somehow, and demands that Cleopatra remove it immediately.

Cleopatra: …that would be difficult. I wasn’t the one who brought this pyramid with me.

Liz: Well, if it wasn’t you, then who dropped this big nuisance on top of my castle!?

Cleopatra: That would be…

???: IT WAS ME!

Nitocris: T-that voice!? Could it be!? Could it be, it couldn’t be, could it be!?

Ozymandias: Since my name was asked, I shall answer. I am the King who holds dominion over the Sun, Ozymandias! Fuhahahahaha! Cleopatra! Ah, you have been thoroughly beaten like leather!

Cleopatra begs forgiveness for bringing shame to the great name of the Pharaohs and asks that her beautiful head be cut off before she further embarrasses them.

Liz: Uh, can we not do anything bloody like this in my place!? We’re going to set up Halloween decorations here!

Ozymandias agrees with Liz. Spilling blood here would dirty the festival, and so Cleopatra’s punishment will be postponed. She can wait in anticipation of it. Upon hearing that, Cleopatra squeaks in fear. Roman, on the other hand, is surprised to find such a big-shot in this singularity.

Dr. Roman: It’s like an adult getting involved in a children’s squabble!

Ozymandias: Even adults play when it is time to play. Is that not what it means to be a man-child?

Still, you need not worry about fighting him. This pyramid was under the rule of Cleopatra, and you have defeated her. Nitocris says that if Ozymandias had let her know he was here, she would have joined their side, but the Sun King replies that he told Cleopatra not to tell.

Liz: …so, I’m not really following this, but in the end what are you Egyptians going to do?

Cleopatra & Nitocris: YOU IMPUDENT FOOL!

Liz does not even know what she said that was so rude. Robin asks the Egyptians to explain themselves. Ozymandias allows it. Then he asks if anyone here knows the last moments of Cleopatra, when she was alive.

Mashu begins explaining how Mark Antony lost to Augustus at the Battle of Actium. Antony died soon after that defeat, and Cleopatra was driven to suicide. That was the downfall of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, and the end of the Pharaohs.

Ozymandias: Thus, till now this woman has avoided the wish that she held, refusing to be summoned as a Servant.

Mashu: …what do you mean?

Ozymandias: She holds a personal wish. A Servant’s wish cannot be granted unless they participate in a Holy Grail War. But it is not a wish befitting that of a Pharaoh, merely a silly, common want that can be found even in the streets. Trapped by a sense of responsibility for the kingdom’s downfall, she set her own desires aside. A Pharaoh that destroyed the kingdom like she did should not be allowed to have a wish of their own!

But, to bring an end to her suffering that has persisted for a thousand, two thousand years, Ozymandias offered Cleopatra a chance. That is, to rule wisely as Queen Cleopatra in this inverted pyramid until Halloween ends. If she can succeed at that she will be given the Holy Grail, and her wish will be granted.

Ozymandias: And then you were defeated. Have you any objections, Cleopatra?

Cleopatra: None. As I expected, it was a mistake for someone like me to hold out hope. I know that now.

Ozymandias: Hm. That means you will kill your desire, and continue to turn away from it for all eternity, then!

Cleopatra: It is the least I can do to atone for the destruction of the kingdom.

Everyone falls silent, not knowing what to say.

Ozymandias: …ha.

Ozymandias: Fuhahaha! Fuhahahahaha! Is that your answer!? What a ridiculous joke! Even Anubis would clutch his belly in laughter! Did you hear that, the slender little girl over there!

Liz objects to that way of address, saying to properly call her Elizabeth, or Eli-chan if done affectionately. Ozymandias does not mind and corrects himself, referring to Liz as Elichan and saying that if she has anything good to say, she should say it now. It seems that he holds her quirkiness and arrogance in high regard.

Then, Liz is saying it. She goes up to Cleopatra and calls her an idiot. As she just declared earlier, she wanted to be both idol and administrator.

Liz: You’re a Fa, Fuaa, Farao? Well, be it that position or your personal desire, wouldn’t it be nice to just take hold of both of them?

Being summoned in the Holy Grail War and working hard to fulfill their own wishes is a good thing. If Liz can do it, surely Cleopatra can too. Liz does not want to admit it, but compared to her, who neglected her governance of the town in favour of having fun on Halloween, Cleopatra might just be a bit more capable at administration and won’t get carried away so easily. It will be fine for Cleopatra to want something for herself too.

Cleopatra still seems hesitant, so Liz asks you what you think. Ozymandias too is in favour of you saying something.

Gudao: It’s fine for you to be selfish.

Cleopatra repeats that word to herself.

Cleopatra: …yes, that is so. I have always wanted that.

She turns to Ozymandias and Nitocris and addresses them by their titles. Asking them to forgive her, she says that from today she will no longer be just a Pharaoh and nothing else. She will accept herself as Cleopatra.

The two Pharaohs smile at her.

Nitocris: It is allowed. Please, take up your name carved in history, and become strength for those behind you.

Ozymandias: I permit it. No matter where you are, let the name of Cleopatra shine, proudly and arrogantly!

Cleopatra turns to you, calling out your name. She introduces herself as Cleopatra VII, once a Pharaoh. Now she is summoned as a Heroic Spirit and will lend a hand to ensure the continuation of human history.

Cleopatra: From now on, as an Assassin-class Servant, this body, this voice, and this beauty is yours to use as you wish. In other words--- though dignifying you with my glory is a waste, just give up and accept it!

You welcome her whole-heartedly, causing her to blush.

Cleopatra: T-that was a good reply, Gudao! Well, it was superb thus far, but first I must tend to my tired body with some rest!

And so all’s well that ends well.

Ibaraki: Huh. So it’s over. munch munch

Mashu asks Ibaraki to please eat more calmly, as once Halloween has started there will be as much candy as she wants. Meanwhile, Liz asks about Cleopatra’s dream. After some prodding, she confesses. She just wants to meet the person that she loved once more, though it does not necessarily mean that she wants to get back together with him.

Cleopatra: I remember even now. The days of being embraced in his strong arms, his loving whispers in my ears. His elegant brows, bewitchingly slim cheekbones and trustworthy integrity… that man… yes, Caesar-sama---!

Mashu: ……

Fou: ……

Robin: ……

Nitocris: ……

Ozymandias: ……

Liz: ……

Mysterious Black Knight: ……

Tristan: ……

Ibaraki: ? What’s going on? Is the real enemy going to appear?

Gudao: Gather around, everyone huddle around.

You begin an emergency meeting.

Mashu: Master…

Liz: Hey, isn’t this bad? Caesar, she says, does she mean that Caesar?

Mashu: Yes, rated as one of the three most untrustworthy Servants in Chaldea, and highly regarded as a mastermind, Caesar-san.

Dr. Roman: …by the way, the Caesar in Chaldea looks like this.

He shows an image of our jolly, happy Caesar on the screen.

Ozymandias and Nitocris go down upon seeing his image.

Mashu: …these two have fainted. Ah, no, King Ozymandias seems to be clutching his stomach and rolling around trying very hard not to laugh.

Robin: Well, that’s because he leaves a pretty big impact when you see him for the first time…

You wonder if you should tell Cleopatra the truth. Mashu thinks it is better not to, since it would utterly crush her dreams. Tristan begins to sing a song of lament.

Tristan: How sad… people are ever-changing… though age is not an ugly thing…

Tristan: …no, this is not aging… please forget the song just now. No matter how I look at it, this man has been overeating due to stress. Oh, how sad… to have undergone such a change in looks he must have experienced stress on the same level as Agravain---

Cleopatra’s attention is drawn by the commotion and she comes over, saying to let her in on whatever interesting things you are discussing.

Cleopatra: In the first place, why is one of the great Pharaohs clutching his stomach in agony and the other lying in a dead faint!?

Meanwhile, Roman is dealing with another problem at Chaldea.

Dr. Roman: Eh, what do you need? You are hearing a voice calling you? You must answer the call? W-wait, don’t rayshift without permission---!?

It looks like a Servant just jacked the rayshift and is now coming from Chaldea.

???: I CAME!

Cleopatra recognizes the voice immediately.

Mashu: Ah, it looks like he’s really here…

???: I saw!

Cleopatra cannot believe that she will get to reunite with Caesar so soon. She starts asking for a mirror.

Cleopatra: My makeup didn’t start running after the battle, did it!? It’s okay, it’s okay, right!?

???: Then there is nothing left to do but to show my self!

Cleopatra: Caesa---

Caesar: IT’S ME!

Caesar: Hahaha, long time no see, Cleopatra. Speaking of which, is this the first time you have met me in this form?

Cleopatra faints away.

Ibaraki: Being unable to accept reality, you escaped into unconsciousness, huh…

She thinks it would be good if Cleopatra could think positively.

The Grail appears and you retrieve it, though the victorious mood from before seems to be gone.

Cleopatra: Uuh…. Round… something round is rolling and rolling… uuh...

It looks like she is in no condition to leave the pyramid at the moment. Liz says that she should stay here until her mental trauma heals. In order to boost Cleopatra’s mood, Mashu suggests that you liven up Halloween as much as possible.

Caesar: That’s great! So, I wonder who should I chea--- I mean, persuade?

He is in good condition because he has not appeared for a while, and so wants to exercise his slippery tongue to its utmost.

Mashu: Before Cleopatra-san’s wounds have recovered, please hide yourself…

Fou: Fou…