[FMMIKA] Chapter 336: Wedding

"Ah, so tired, so damn tired..."

A few minutes later on the training ground, a disheveled Ritsuka lay sprawled on the ground, playing dead like a dog.

"I'm gonna die from exhaustion. No, I'm already dead. Did you guys see the potato-like soul floating out of my mouth? I've kicked the bucket."

"Senpai, don't be a sore loser."

On the other side, an even sweatier and seemingly more 'appetizing' Mash remarked.

"Didn't you say before, become strong and then help Artorius? I've been working hard. Working so hard that I'm on the verge of kicking the bucket." Ritsuka retorted.

"Really? But Senpai, your training is not even one-tenth of mine."

"It's different... I'm a Master, just a regular human, not a Pseudo-Servant like you, okay!" Ritsuka tapped her temple. "Unlike you, who fight with your body, I'm more into a mental worker, a mage."

"Even if you said that... Your performance in learning magecraft from Teacher Scathach was pretty average, right?"

"That was an accident! Just an accident!" Ritsuka sounded a bit irritated. "Even in magecraft, there are different subjects. Rune just doesn't suit my taste. Once I find the right subject, I'll skyrocket, definitely"

"Usually, only lazy students who don't work hard say such things."

"Mash, you're so annoying! Let me cool off by myself!"

After saying those words, Ritsuka curled up and covered her ears, adopting a shut-off-from-the-world attitude, leaving Mash feeling helpless.

Of course, aside from feeling helpless, she also felt a bit sympathetic towards her senior. Because she knew that in the past few days, her senior had been really working hard.

Studying diligently and training intensely. Swordsmanship, spearmanship, physical fitness, magecraft—she trained rigorously in everything. However, her strength didn't improve much.

Well, it's not accurate to say 'didn't improve at all,' there was some improvement.

But the amount of improvement wasn't significant. According to Scathach's evaluation, it was slightly below average. With more effort, she could undoubtedly become an outstanding warrior and mage. However, the final outcome would likely remain mediocre.

This kind of future wasn't what Ritsuka wanted.

She had already witnessed such brilliance and greatness, and accepting an ordinary, mundane life was unbearable for her.

But the problem was, besides feeling uneasy, she didn't have any other options.

This dilemma made Ritsuka gradually give up hope and the desire to continue working hard, ultimately turning her into the current withdrawn child.

Mash witnessed all of this, making her feel distressed.

If possible, she wanted to help her senior too. But the question was, what should she do to truly help her?

'Indeed, it's probably better to have His Majesty step in.'

Mash pondered for the solution.

'If His Majesty encourages Senpai, she'll definitely get fired up like little puppies... Yeah, let's go with that plan. After training, we'll go find His Majesty.'

Thereafter, Mash ignored Ritsuka, who was still in a state of self-isolation, and immersed herself in her training.

Having been thoroughly tempered by Artorius, she was no less than any Knights of the Round Table and had already found her own path as a formidable warrior. So, she wouldn't be lost like Ritsuka.

As she thought about this, Mash's gratitude towards Artorius continuously welled up.

'It was His Majesty, His Majesty's guidance that saved me from becoming a useless person like Senpai. Truly worthy of the Emperor who rescued my soul. Everything I have, I will dedicate to His Majesty.'

With these thoughts, Mash's body became restless. She could only repay Artorius's great favor with even more rigorous training, with stronger thighs, a vestige of abs, and a well-shaped backside!

It was precisely at this moment, an announcement resounded.

"Alert, alert to all citizens of Rome. Please be advised that there will be an important announcement for all citizens of Rome shortly."

A voice covered the entire Rome—this 'Rome' not only referred to the city but to the entire Roman Empire, encompassing the entire nation's territories around the Mediterranean.

"What's this?"

Upon hearing this voice, Mash halted her training, and Ritsuka also stopped her self-isolation. Both of them looked up at the sky because they both recognized that the owner of that voice was Artorius.

'Your Majesty? Important announcement?' Mash thought, puzzled.

At the same time, the temporarily leisurely Scathach, as well as Stheno quietly praying in the Roman temple, also lifted their heads. Like almost everyone in Rome, they paused their activities and looked towards the sky, a mix of expectation, nervousness, and some fearful anticipation. Waiting for Artorius's announcement of the important matter to come.

—Is it a campaign against some nation or region?

—Is it the release of a significant decree for Rome, even for the entire world?

—Or, does he want to collect an additional tax or tribute?

As they thought like that, many people from areas unfamiliar with Dragon Emperor Artorius's character and not yet 'Romanized' became anxious.

They couldn't resist the Emperor, who seemed like a god. They couldn't even escape. So they could only endure, tolerate, and pray that Dragon Emperor Artorius is truly as wise as the legends say.

As they thought anxiously like that, everyone breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the next announcement.

"I and Nero are getting married."

"Today."

"I hope to receive blessings from the entire world. Romans, cheer, and celebrate! I bestow blessings upon anyone who blesses us."

As Artorius spoke, everyone felt a distinct change, a miracle happening around them.

Following their instincts, they rushed to their kitchens, joyfully discovering that their pots, stoves, or any place capable of holding food now had a feast fit for their entire family.

"Long live Emperor Artorius Pendragon!"

Witnessing this scene, everyone—Romans and non-Romans, nobles and commoners, even slaves—all cheered loudly, sincerely blessing the upcoming wedding.

In an instant, this wedding became the world's most celebrated event, with the highest number of well-wishers.

"Artorius~"

Nero, clad in a wedding gown, leaped into Artorius's arms.

"I am content, I am happy, I am the happiest woman in the world~"

After uttering those words, she leaned in close to Artorius's mouth.

"Artorius~"

What followed was a naturally expected deep kiss.

===

At the same time.

"Well, these are foods that can supplement heat. Big fish and meat..."

On the training ground, Mash, sitting cross-legged, looked at the single portion that appeared in front of her, an Asian feast.

"Seems like there's a bit too much oil. The dishes are indeed exquisite, but won't this make me fat?"

"You're a Pseudo-Servant, why worry about that."

Beside Mash, Ritsuka mumbled while chewing on a rice ball.

It was an eel rice ball, with top-quality eel and rice. There was also a whole set of Japanese dishes on the side. Crab and fish roe were included, many of which Ritsuka had never tried before.

"Um, you're right." Mash nodded, then turned to Ritsuka. "Senpai, are you fine now?"

"Of course, a little scene can't scare me!"

Ritsuka suddenly became very spirited, leaving Mash a bit bewildered.

"Senpai, why are you suddenly so energetic?"

Mash couldn't figure it out, so she directly asked.

"Oh, nothing, just some self-adjustment."

Ritsuka said with a cheeky smile.

"???"

"I don't believe it."

Mash wasn't a fool; she wouldn't fall for her senior's tricks.

Even if she pressed for answers, Ritsuka wouldn't tell her. Because the reason she recovered was simple, very Gudako-like, but also somewhat embarrassing.

If it was embarrassing for some other reason, Ritsuka wouldn't care. But this particular embarrassment was a special one, even if it was Mash, she didn't want to tell.

That reason was simple actually, it was—If I work hard enough, one day, I can make that guy organize a wedding for me like that Nero.

As she had that thought, Ritsuka felt full of energy and vitality.

Too bad Mash didn't know, otherwise, she would definitely continue to remind her senior.