Fate: Livestream in Chaldeas

Chapter 35: What About Riding B Riding a Dragon?

Orléans, inside the dark castle.

A man dressed in bizarre attire held a book brimming with ominous magical energy in his arms.

He hunched over, draped in a thick magical cloak, with something seemingly writhing underneath it. His bulging eyes protruded unnaturally, stirring an inexplicable fear in those who merely looked at him.

"Oh, Jeanne, it seems Rider has failed."

"A Servant of that level—however many we need, we can summon them with the Holy Grail."

Seated on the former Archbishop's chair, Jeanne Alter showed not the slightest hint of regret.

"They were merely witnesses to a new era."

"Even before they arrived, that white countryside hag had already been destroyed."

"That troublesome dragonslayer is dead, and the pitiable queen along with her lovestruck fool are gone as well."

A mocking smile crept onto Jeanne Alter's lips.

"Even in their final moments, they exhausted their mana trying to save that dreamy-eyed princess."

"What a pity. Fools like them—who don't even grasp the brutality of reality, even in their dreams."

Then, she turned her gaze toward the man before her.

"Gilles, what's the current situation in France?"

"Jeanne, the remaining Knights have begun their all-out assault."

"The people of France are still resisting, but soon, fear will consume them, and they will perish in despair."

The humble man lowered his head and replied.

"Too slow."

"Deploy the wyverns as well."

"Even if it's just a petty farce, if it drags on too long, I'll grow bored."

Jeanne Alter indifferently stepped on the crown of the late Archbishop.

"Let the blood and flesh of this country's people be nourishment for the dragons."

"Turn France into a den of beasts."

"Let this place be a land of endless destruction and suffering."

"Only then can this nation atone for its sins."

"Jeanne!!!"

The man lifted his face, eyes filled with such fervent devotion that tears of joy streamed down.

"Everything will proceed as you desire."

"This land has condemned you, and so, it shall sink into eternal agony!!!"

"Gilles, let the other Knights pursue them."

Jeanne Alter rose to her feet, kicking the crown into a shadowy corner with the back of her foot.

"Rider is lost—I need to summon a stronger Servant."

"How about summoning King Arthur?" the man called "Gilles" suggested.

"King Arthur? I doubt a Knight of Britannia would respond to my call…"

Suddenly, a cryptic smile played across Jeanne Alter's lips.

"But I'll try."

"After all, the king so glorified by the world… may not be without a darker side."

With that, she turned away, stepping deeper into the castle.

Gilles bowed respectfully, and only when Jeanne Alter's footsteps faded into the vast hall did he lift his head. Facing the dark corridors of the castle, he murmured as if in prayer.

"Jeanne… even if you've become a being of sin for the sake of vengeance…"

"…You still make me long for you so desperately."

"Oh, Jeanne!!!"

"As long as it is your wish, I—Gilles de Rais—shall make it a reality!!!"

…

"YAHOO!!!"

Mordred excitedly raised both arms and shouted.

"Master, this thing is way better than the carriages from my time!"

"…Um… Mordred-san, please don't yell so loudly, or we might attract ambushes around us."

Mash advised cautiously, but Mordred looked as if she were on a leisurely outing.

"Don't worry so much, Mash."

Mordred confidently pounded her chest and spoke excitedly.

"No matter how many enemies come at us, I can wipe them all out in an instant."

"Just sit back with Master and relax."

"..."

Mash anxiously glanced at the massive beast beneath them, which was dashing forward at full speed.

"Huff… huff…"

Right now, Tarasque was exerting all its strength, frantically moving its limbs as it charged in the direction Mordred pointed.

On its back, Martha lay flat, continuously cheering it on.

"Tarasque, keep going!!!"

Meanwhile, Johanna could only sigh.

"Even after being tamed, this dragon is still too pitiful…"

Up above, White Owl had shot straight into the sky, seemingly afraid of being turned into a reconnaissance aircraft as well.

Emiya Kiritsugu, on the other hand, was quietly driving the horse-drawn carriage as if nothing unusual was happening.

"…Senpai, can you try persuading Mordred-san a little?"

"Tell her to be a bit gentler…"

"Besides, being this loud will attract enemies."

"Mash, you should conserve your energy."

Ethan gestured for her not to waste her breath.

"Mordred is the only one here with the Riding skill, so just let her do as she pleases."

It wasn't favoritism toward Mordred—there really was no other choice.

When the group left the city, they decided to use Tarasque as their means of transportation.

However, since Martha had been summoned in the Ruler Class, she didn't have the Riding skill, meaning that giving direct commands to Tarasque would only confuse the dragon, leaving it unsure of what to do.

While everyone was racking their brains over the issue, Mordred had eagerly stepped forward.

"Riding? I'm great at this!"

"A Knight of Britannia is a natural-born master of horseback riding!"

"This thing is even easier than a carriage—is it really a dragon species?"

"Whoa—it's running now! Okay, it's harder to control than a wild horse! Hey, Saint, figure something out! Otherwise, I'm using my sword as a brake!!!"

"Once you get used to it, it's actually pretty decent, Master."

"Next time, let's catch another one."

After going through a series of incidents like that, Ethan no longer had the energy to complain.

No matter what happened, as long as they reached Orléans smoothly, he didn't care about the process anymore.

On the other hand, the audience watching the live broadcast found the scene highly entertaining.

[The excited Mo-chan looks so cute, just like a child, UWU!]

[Why does this feel like a family trip?]

[Family? You mean Host and his harem?]

[And butler Emiya.]

[It Should Have Been Me Not Him!]

[Is this a sightseeing tour of France? The scenery is nice, but it looks a bit bumpy.]

[This is obviously a special effect. In reality, the host and the actors are still in one place.]

[Mordred's acting is amazing—so realistic! Anyone who doesn't know better might actually think she's taming this 'iron dragon.']

[The iron dragon, full of bitterness: I recognize that gaze—it's the look of someone about to cut me down.]

…

[System: 'Iron Pot Stewed Soft-Shelled Turtle' has sent 10 Saint Quartz!]

[Message: Host, have you switched to outdoor travel streaming now?]

[System: 'I Want to Be Martha's Pet' has sent 10 Saint Quartz!]

[Message: Keep going, Tarasque! Don't be afraid of hardships! Think positively—right now, you have Martha-chan, Mashu-chan, Johanna-chan, and Mo-chan sitting on you. That's the dream of so many comrades, including me, yet I'll never have the chance! Gambatte!]

…

Ethan closed his eyes, trying to get some rest.

Because the battle ahead… was sure to be even more brutal than before.