[FMMIKA] Chapter 291: Conclusion

A few days later.

When Ritsuka and Mash returned to Paris, they witnessed a shocking scene inside the Palace of Versailles.

It was during a grand celebration party, where loyal servants of the empire, heroic spirits safeguarding human history, imperial ladies-in-waiting, homunculus officers and mages, as well as the talented individuals discovered and repurposed in this singularity, all gathered together.

In this joyful and festive atmosphere, Ritsuka and Mash were immediately struck by the sight of the Dragon Emperor, surrounded by women who gazed at him with affectionate eyes.

Ritsuka and Mash were left dumbfounded.

"What the fuck?! When did you give birth?! Isn't this too fast?!" Gudako blurted out.

Beside Artorius was Jeanne in a white dress, and there was a cute little girl with a familiar face who was happily frolicking around Artorius and Jeanne.

Witnessing this, the other women around, including Elizabeth, Kiyohime, Mordred, and Marie, although somewhat displeased, didn't seem inclined to start a jealousy-fueled dispute. It appeared they had simply accepted the situation.

Ritsuka's eyes were wide with surprise, making her feel like she had been caught off guard. However, whether she was caught off guard in body or spirit, the result was pretty much the same.

So, the fact that Artorius and Jeanne had a child felt like she had been 'NTR-ed' in a way. After all, NTR is such a problematic thing.

"Calm down a bit, Senpai, calm down."

Mash, although her legs were slightly trembling, said this nonsensical statement to Ritsuka.

"It could be a homunculus. No, it must be a homunculus. After all, His Majesty loves all kinds of fetish. Suddenly wanting a young girl and creating one himself is not impossible."

"O-Oh, I see, little eggplant, you have a point."

Hearing those reassuring from from Mash, Ritsuka's mood improved slightly, even though it tarnished Artorius's reputation. But did he even have a reputation to speak of? Not really.

But in the next moment...

"Daddy!"

The little girl wearing Jeanne-style iron headgear leaped into Artorius's arms.

"I love Daddy the most~"

As she said this, the little girl nuzzled Artorius's chest, her little eyes sparkling.

"When I grow up, I'm going to marry Daddy~"

Ritsuka: "..."

Mash: "..."

"Call the cops, Mash."

"Yes, Senpai, give me your phone first."

"Here you go."

"This is Fou, Senpai."

The two of them exchanged banter to distract from the strong shock they felt from seeing something they shouldn't have. At the same time, the Dragon Emperor finally noticed Mash and Ritsuka.

"You're back?"

Holding the little girl, he cheerfully approached them and greeted them.

Under normal circumstances, seeing the gentle and smiling Dragon Emperor, both Mash and Ritsuka would have been captivated and vying for his attention. However, observing him cradling the little girl with one hand free, Mash and Ritsuka exchanged a glance, and neither of them made a move.

It wasn't just because there were two people and only one spot available on Artorius, but because both were waiting for an explanation from him.

As a lady-in-waiting, Mash had every right to ask Artorius for an explanation, and Ritsuka originally had no such right. But then again, she was the Master of Chaldea, so why not?

Artorius understood what they were thinking. He smiled and pushed the pouting Jalter forward.

"This is Jalter."

Both of them remained silent as they heard his statement. After some time, Ritsuka finally spoke:

"The one who's always in a bad mood and acts like she's eaten something awful when she looks at anyone?"

"Yep..."

Hearing Ritsuka say that, Jalter immediately squinted her eyes and gave her an evil glare.

"Oh, that expression of disdain is definitely her!" Ritsuka said while pointing her finger toward Jalter. As expected, her finger got bitten.

"Gahh! It hurt!"

While Ritsuka screamed and yelled in pain, Mash, on the other hand, walked up to Artorius, took his arm, and then bumped into him with her shoulder.

At the same time, Artorius used magecraft to gently knock Jalter's little head, making her release her bite on Ritsuka's finger, and he put her down.

"Go play by yourself."

Artorius told Jalter gently as he gave her a headpat. But she didn't run off; instead, she continued to cling to his leg, acting stubborn.

Artorius found himself in a bit of a dilemma.

"Hahh... so, here's the situation."

Artorius began explaining to Mash and Ritsuka about Jalter's circumtance.

A few days ago, after he had transformed Jalter's body into a child, she had truly started anew, leaving behind all the complicated matters and living happily, just like any other child.

Artorius had arranged for her to go to the Imperial Academy, just like any other child, and become the future backbone of the empire.

Everything should have gone as planned. However, when Jalter, now a child, opened her eyes, the first thing she did was rush over to Artorius and cutely shout "Daddy!".

With ill-fitting clothes slipping down, she pressed herself against Artorius's chest and happily called him that, softening his domineering dragon heart instantly.

"Um, Jalter?"

Just half an hour ago, Artorius did what a couple do with her adult self, and now Jalter was hugging him and calling him 'daddy'. If it were just a playful act, he could have tolerated it as a joke, but he could feel that she was truly attached to him and regarded him as her 'daddy'.

'Is it because her physical age has regressed, so her mental age regressed too?'

Artorius couldn't help but wonder.

'But even so, there's no need to call me 'daddy'... is it because I remodeled her body?'

With these thoughts in mind, Artorius looked at the Loli Jalter.

The cute, soft, and petite Jalter looked up at him with big, shiny eyes.

'Well, if she's like a daughter, raising her wouldn't be too bad, right?'

Artorius was quickly charmed by the cute Jalter.

"Well, from today, you are my daughter!"

As Artorius said that, he lifted Jalter high.

"Hahaha~"

Jalter who was lifted high while naked, laughed with joy.

In the next moment, this scene was witnessed by Jeanne, who had just opened the door.

Jeanne opened the door.

Jeanne closed the door again.

Jeanne opened it once more, and this time, Jalter was dressed and had put on Jeanne's iconic headgear.

Jeanne finally wore a satisfied smile until the Loli Jalter, whom Artorius held in his arms, loudly shouted, "Mommy!"

"Child, what were you saying just now? Big Sister didn't quite hear it. Were you calling me Big Sister?"

"Mom—"

"—You were calling me Big Sister, right?!"

"Hiii—! Y-Yes."

And with that, the Loli Jalter relented.

===

"Here's how things stand."

Artorius explained briefly to Mash and Ritsuka.

"Since then, this kid has been quite close to me."

"Is that so?"

Mash didn't mind at all. Artorius had a multitude of women vying for his attention, and given his conqueror's path, it was only natural that there would be hundreds if not thousands, more to come. Therefore, she had no interest nor care in the appearance of a mere little girl.

On the other side, Ritsuka and Jalter had been making funny faces at each other the whole time, and the two of them were clearly not getting along.

For this childish play between children, both Artorius and Mash pretended not to notice.

"Your Majesty~"

"You've worked hard, Mash..." Artorius said gently. "I'm counting on you from now on"

"I will work hard for Your Majesty, of course. But... what is my next task?"

"Of course, it's Chaldea." Artorius spoke with a happy smile. "The issue with this singularity has been completely resolved. Chaldea's expedition teams have achieved great success. So, next is heading to Chaldea headquarters for some rest and prepare for the next singularity, right?"

"Going to Chaldea..."

Hearing Artorius say that, Mash's tone sounded a bit downcast.

"I thought, next, I would be returning to the empire with Your Majesty..."

"Haha~" Artorius chuckled happily. "You guessed wrong, Mash."

What he said next made the little eggplant delighted.

"I will also accompany you to Chaldea."

"Really?!"

"Really." Artorius affirmed. "After all, continuing to compile the new human history requires Chaldea's assistance."

As he said that, Artorius turned to look at Ritsuka, who returned his gaze with a playful smile.

"Is that so? Doesn't that make me quite important then? In that case, I demand VIP treatment!"

"No worries."

Artorius understood that this was Ritsuka's way of surrender. So, he agreed without hesitation.

"What's the monthly salary? Do I get insurance, or retirement benefits if I shed blood for the empire?"

"Yes." Artorius answered without hesitation.

"I want the best car."

"Yes."

"The mansion should be top-notch."

"No problem."

"Double rations!"

"If you demand that much, should I work you to death?"

"Then I'll just have to rebel!"

"Hahaha."

Artorius laughed joyfully and leaned in a bit closer, whispering in Ritsuka's ear, "Well, in that case, I'll have to show you a side of me that'll ensure you won't be able to rebel against me in the future."

"..."

Hearing Artorius say that, the sole Master of Chaldea couldn't help but gulp. While feeling a bit scared, she also felt a strong anticipation for the future that he had described.