[FMMIKA] Chapter 335: Steeled Resolve

Meanwhile, in the peculiar palace of Nero.

Before embarking on the expedition to Spain, Artorius explained to her the future reforms of the Roman Empire. He clarified his intentions and ultimately rejected her.

"We're back, with glory and victory."

Artorius remained by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of Rome. The sound of pouring wine and Nero's soft words followed behind him.

"You really have me completely enchanted, Artorius."

Afterward, she approached him from behind, pressed against him, and her soft breasts nestled against his back, providing that soft, elastic sensation.

Truly fitting for a Roman Emperor.

Artorius could hardly resist, so he decided to abandon the facade of seriousness, turned around, and simply embraced her, dismissing any pretense.

"You're the best man in the world."

"Be prouder."

"Because the heart of the Roman Emperor has been stolen by you, you naughty guy."

As Nero spoke those words, she blushed and held him even tighter.

If this continued, what would happen next would likely align with the expectations of Ritsuka and the others.

However, before that, he stopped her.

"I have something to tell you." Artorius said with a solemn tone.

"Uh-huh, it's something very important, right?" Nero smiled. "But before getting down to serious matters, let's have a drink, shall we?"

Nero released him, while Artorius observed her silently. After this, she smiled, walked to the nearby wine table, and brought two cups of wine.

"..."

Artorius looked calmly at the girl walking towards him, holding two glasses of wine and smiling. Without a word, he took a glass of wine from her.

"It's the wine from my collection..." Nero smiled and said gently while shaking the cup in her hand. "Give it a try. Maybe it's not as good as your collection, but it's still top-notch."

"Yeah..."

Artorius nodded and took a sip calmly. After sipping the wine, he turned his head to the window and gazed at the city.

"Soon, I will return to my own timeline..." Artorius said softly.

"Must you go...?" Nero's smile disappeared upon hearing his words.

"In this world, I've done what I needed to do."

"I maintained the unity of Rome, defeated the Demon God, and left the seeds of revolution." Artorius turned and looked gently at her. "After I leave, the eastern part of the empire under my control will swear allegiance to you. You can rely on this force to reform Rome."

He gently caressed her cheek.

"I've written down the steps for reform and what needs to be done. The army will follow your orders. So, don't worry about the Roman nobles betraying you. But be careful of their conspiracies."

At this point, Artorius made a helpless smile.

"I may be overly concerned, huh...? You're a smart girl; you probably thought about these issues already. No need for my reminders."

"..."

Upon hearing Artorius's words, Nero's smile completely disappeared. She couldn't help but move forward, pressing directly against his chest.

"Artorius~" Nero looked at him with teary eyes and said in a pitiful tone. "Can't you really stay? Please, can't you stay? I can't achieve the reform alone. I'm begging you~"

"..."

"Sorry."

Although Nero looked pitiful and cute, and her pleading voice was melodious and sincere, as if Artorius refusing her was an unforgivable sin, he remained silent for a few seconds and then gently, but unquestionably, rejected her.

"Artorius~"

"I love you too, Nero..." Artorius spoke gently to her and hugged the soft and beautiful Artoria Species in red before him. "But I have a mission to save all of humanity."

"..."

Upon hearing his statement, Nero looked at him with tearful eyes.

"Really... Not at all?"

She continued to gaze at Artorius with pleading eyes.

"Even if it's just for me, it's not possible?"

"I'm truly sorry..." Artorius said. "But rest assured, Nero. There will come a day when we'll meet again."

"When I've completed the New Human History and led humanity beyond time and space."

"That's going to take a long time..." Nero's emotions were still quite crestfallen.

In fact, there was another way to make Nero see Artorius sooner. That was to wait for her to pass away and then use the Throne of Empire.

No, in truth, the current Artorius could just return to Chaldea. Through Chaldea's summoning system, he could summon Nero in a matter of minutes.

So, this wasn't a burden at all for him.

After returning, he could see Nero the next second. Then he could enjoy her longing and thirst after not seeing each other for a long time.

The one who truly faced hardship was Nero who looked at Artorius with a pitiful expression.

She had to wait here for decades until her lifespan was exhausted. Only then could she see him again.

"Nero... In my heart, there's no room for anyone but you."

Hearing those sweet words, she continued to gaze at him with pleading eyes.

"I'll keep waiting, Artorius... I've already understood my fate." Nero leaned in Artorius's embrace and spoke gently. "But before that... Can you promise me something?"

"I'll promise you anything."

"Then, let's get married, Artorius. Before you leave, marry me, be my lover, be my beloved, be my emperor—even if it's just for one day."

"..."

"What's wrong? Can't we?"

"Of course, no problem." Artorius was slightly surprised. He thought she would bring up something more significant or difficult to resolve.

Indeed, deep down, Nero was still a girl.

A wedding was the ultimate dream for a girl.

"Great!" Nero beamed with joy when Artorius agreed. "So, let's set a date now—"

"—No, no need for that." Artorius interrupted. "Today. It can happen today."

"But we haven't prepared anything..."

"No need for preparations. I can handle everything."

"..."

While Nero was still a bit surprised and puzzled, in the shimmering frosty light, her favorite red dress transformed into a pristine wedding gown.

"...?"

"Umu, I really like this dress."

Nero smiled gently at the sight, followed by a hint of disappointment and reluctance.

"Umu, Artorius is a god after all. Stronger even than Divine Ancestor Romulus. This kind of thing is nothing for you."

"Nero..."

"It's nothing. Since we're prepared, let's get started quickly!" Nero displayed a happy, radiant smile like sunshine. "I want the whole world to bless us, bless our wedding."

Looking at the adorable girl in the white wedding gown holding a bouquet, Artorius's heart softened.

He even started to contemplate, 'What if I just stay? What if I stay here, accompanying Nero until the end of our lives? After all, it's not a very long time, just a few decades. For me, with an infinite lifespan, it's not a big problem... No, I can't.'

Of course, the next moment, images of his mothers flashed in Artorius's mind.

The original mother, the big sister-like mother, the always cheerful yet idiot mother, the stoic eyeglass mother, the seemingly powerful but actually foolish mother, and many more mothers—everyone was waiting for him to return.

'More importantly, if I disturb this timeline too much, my plan will face significant obstacles.'

Artorius finally steeled his resolve.

"Let the wedding begin."

"This is the last thing I do for you."

"After this, when we meet again, I'll still be me, but you won't be you anymore."

"My queen and my beloved."

Artorius looked at Nero without blinking and spoke firmly with a face full of resolve.