The long journey to reclaim the foundations of humanity had reached a temporary reprieve.
"Now, Rikka, watch closely. This part goes like this..."
"I see, I see..."
"Senpai, do your best!"
Free from the weight of the world, the residents of Chaldea were enjoying a moment of hard-earned peace.
『In other news, the string of mysterious deaths with unknown motives continues. The only link found so far is that all victims attended the same junior high school. However, the investigation has stalled as the school itself was recently leveled by a gas explosion and fire. Both the Principal and Vice-Principal perished in the flames. Authorities suspect a grudge-based crime...』
["How scary~. Well, even if you die, there's a 'next' for you. Just make sure you pay back every cent of the debt you've racked up, okay? Hehehe..."]
"Olga Marie... calling me 'Old-Man-Fifty-ish' is a bit much, don't you think? Just 'Fifty-ish' was fine..."
"Mr. Dandy, if you're looking for a puppet to control, I highly recommend this man, Goredolf. (A lovely smile)"
"Oh? And what's the reasoning behind that? (An evil smirk)"
"He has the exact same 'scent' as the old me. (A lovely smile)"
Peaceful times. Simple times.
"Roman! Let's get a camel! A camel! Every girl needs a 'My Camel'—it's the ultimate accessory!"
"Yeah, unless someone invests a few hundred billion, that's not happening! Think about our geography!"
"It's not like we don't have connections, though? I wonder if Gil-kun would...?"
Suddenly, the King cut through the chatter.
(One tail, one soul—here we go!)
『A rainbow-colored scroll with the word "PRECIOUS" written on it.』
(I must say, my calligraphy is impeccable!)
It was all for the sake of the battles to come—and for the sake of leveling up Rikka's "Girl Power"!
"Attention, everyone of Chaldea. I am the Heroic Princess Gilgameshia, relaying a message from the King. The Summoning Ritual is about to commence. Will all core members please gather in the Command Room. We look forward to your presence."
"Morning, Gil!"
Within one minute of Air's broadcast, the entire core team had materialized in the Command Room.
"Man... your masculine commands are great and all, Gil, but the Princess's melting voice is something else. It's... it's just so good!"
Roman's voice was practically floating. The King of Heroes let out a proud huff.
"Naturally. She is my greatest treasure, and I have found her true calling. I considered making her a full-time announcer... but I think I shall limit her appearances to once every few days."
"What?! Why?! I want to hear her every day!"
Gilgamesh silently gestured toward the staff with his chin.
There, in front of the monitors, the staff were in various states of collapse. Some were praying with tears of joy; others were sprawled on the floor, their souls seemingly purified. Work had ground to a total halt.
"That... that was the voice of the Princess who watched over us... the King's treasure..."
"So precious... so holy... Just hearing it, I feel my sins being washed away..."
"I'm so glad I'm alive. I'm so glad I came to Chaldea..."
"I can live on this voice alone. Thank you, Princess..."
"PRECIOUS..."
"Guys?!" Roman yelled.
(Between her Charisma and her Enchanting Voice skill, she's outputting maximum tenderness. As a 'Precious Healing Voice,' she's essentially nuking everyone's common sense with pure 'holiness.' Chaldea is being purified into a state of non-productivity.)
"As expected of my treasure. It seems words alone are enough for the masses. Terrifyingly beautiful, is it not?"
"Everyone, get a hold of yourselves! Wait, why are they all acting like Fou?!"
"Meuniere! Wake up, Meuniere!"
"The Princess has descended. I haven't even seen her face yet, but... so precious..."
In the end, because no work could be done, the entire staff was granted immediate administrative leave.
—Um, excuse me... perhaps I should practice a more 'professional' announcer voice?
Air felt a wave of guilt for accidentally incapacitating the workforce.
—Everyone, I am so sorry... I will strive to do better!
(At this rate, people are going to start dying of bliss. Like I did.)
—Wait, really?!
"Make sure I get to see the Princess again later, Gil! Oh, right, the summoning?"
At Rikka's satisfied grin, the King nodded.
"The battle has reached a lull, but it is too early to be complacent. We cannot see what lies ahead. Taking every hand available and preparing for every contingency—that is the 'Gorgeous' way."
"And the reasoning behind that?"
"This war began with the search for a Saber. I cannot stop until a Saber appears. Truly, that woman... she hasn't even had a cameo yet, and yet she fits the center position so perfectly. Look at the beauty of that key visual, gripping her sword and scabbard. A radiance that outshines the 'losers' surrounding her. A true star. Honestly, she puts gravure idols to shame."
(You could also just call her a 'cash cow' for the franchise.)
"Cease your cynicism! If the usually stoic Saber is looking into the camera with excitement, it's bound to pull at one's heartstrings!"
The King and the Supreme Beast shared a laugh. Meanwhile, Air's thoughts drifted to the temple.
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