[FMMIKA] Chapter 257: Shock and Freedom

""Wow...""

The group of Chaldea exclaimed simultaneously as they watched their surrounding.

After several days of hardship, they finally arrived in Orleans.

Well, that's not entirely accurate—because the latter part of the journey was on a public horse-drawn carriage, traveling on smooth roads with no bumps and the speed was quite fast, which was rather comfortable.

In fact, if the Chaldea group wasn't in such a rush, they could have waited another ten days or so, and then they could have taken a train to Paris.

Not a high-speed train, not a bullet train, or even a commuter train, but a traditional steam train.

Although it was much less comfortable than the other trains mentioned above, it had its own charm, a certain 'romantic' quality.

"Holy shit, this is quite something."

"Senpai, language!"

Walking the streets of Orleans, the group of Chaldea felt like they were like a bunch of country bumpkins, looking left and right.

The latest textiles, various jewelry, ready-made clothing, perfumes, and handbags. Of course, there were also red wines and large crystal craftsmanship.

In terms of luxury goods, France has always been at the forefront of the world.

These bright shops, wide streets, the trees on the sides of the road, gardens, squares, and the grand theater—everything seemed to perfectly match the gilded age of capitalism, people's fantasies about European cities.

Silk and porcelain imported from the East.

Gold, diamonds, and coffee beans from Africa.

Spices and gemstones from Central Asia and India, as well as a large number of classical-style oil paintings from all over the world.

Gentlemen in tailcoats, wearing top hats, white gloves, leather shoes, and carrying canes.

Gold chain pocket watches and monocles were also in abundance.

Everyone happily discussed matters related to the stock market, war, business, prices, and the great king.

Of course, some youngsters were also riding bicycles with two different-sized wheels. Most of them were wearing jodhpurs and leather vests, with berets on their heads.

Ladies wore one-piece dresses and high heels, held parasols, and elegantly walked the streets. Meanwhile, there were steam trams chugging by on tracks, puffing and making noise.

"..."

"T-This... is ridiculous..."

"Isn't this a bit over the top?"

"If a city like this can exist a few hundred years from now, it's still understandable—but, even if it is, it's probably limited to the upper districts. If it's the kind of industrial districts and slums down below, it definitely can't be this luxurious..."

"The people who built this city must have been very amazing..."

"They voluntarily tore down the city walls."

"That's because the ancient city walls couldn't meet the defense needs—but mostly, it's for the convenience of the people and commercial activities."

"Indeed, it's amazing... but how did the king do it?"

The group of Chaldea appeared to be completely shocked by the situation. Especially, a certain queen seemed to feel a subtle sense of defeat, perhaps recalling how her own rule had made France unbearable under her husband's management, ultimately leading to the tragedy.

Although a little reflection would reveal it wasn't entirely their fault.

Indeed, their panicked decision-making, delayed reactions, poor responses, and the kidney-selling escapade had all led to the worst possible outcome and an explosive conclusion. They had to take the blame for their own foolishness.

But even before that, the extravagance and wars of two generations of kings, Louis XIV and Louis XV, had already burdened the royal treasury. This was an undeniable fact.

"So, what should we do next, Senpai?" Mash turned to Ritsuka. "In this situation, what's the best course of action? Should we leave it be, head north directly, and then meet this 'Charles VII'? Or maybe stay here for a while and gather some more information?"

Jeanne, Marie, and Robin Hood turned their gaze towards Ritsuka. Everyone silently watched her, seemingly awaiting her decision.

Both options, heading north immediately or staying to gather more information, weren't necessarily wrong. But neither of these choices matched what Fujimaru Ritsuka, the humanity savior, was hoping for.

"Rather than that..." Ritsuka asked Romani, "Can we confirm that this is really a 'Singularity', Doctor Roman?"

"Uh, well..."

"While it looks prosperous, vibrant, and thriving, it's brought things into existence ahead of their time, things that shouldn't exist here. It certainly is a Singularity."

In Romani's hesitancy, Da Vinci interjected.

"In that case, we don't need to be too polite. Thank you, King Charles, for making this city so excellent. Hehehe..."

Ritsuka emitted a spine-tingling, cheerful laugh, making everyone shudder and aware that she was hatching some mischievous idea.

Meanwhile, in the Palace of Versailles, the fountains and beautiful marble sculptures required magical devices to operate. Cleaning, maintenance, and transportation were all semi-automated. The scale of this palace complex exceeded that of the Castle of Camelot by twentyfold, and in terms of resource consumption, it was more than two hundred times, if not more. Rather than calling it a palace, it was more like a city.

Yet, this miraculous palace complex existed solely because of the will and whims of the ruler, a single decree that could achieve what was centuries beyond the norm in this world.

"It's so easy..."

Caressing the Holy Grail in his hand, Artorius marveled.

"If only my world were this simple and straightforward."

"What kind of world is your world, Your Majesty?" Carmilla who stood by his side, asked.

"It's a wonderful world." Artorius answered calmly, "After everything is over, I'll take you there to see it with your own eyes."

"Is that so? I shall eagerly await the day."

Carmilla beamed with a happy smile, her words filled with submission.

If it were an ordinary person, it would be easy to associate Artorius's words with "I'll take you back home and marry you once this is all over" and assume that he had just raised a death flag, destined to be defeated by the Master of Chaldea.

But it was not like that at all.

The Dragon Emperor merely made a promise to Carmilla, that he would take her back when the time came, and give her the title of a concubine. At the very least, he wouldn't just cast her aside after he was done with her.

This was what Carmilla feared the most, that no matter how hard she tried to please the Dragon Emperor, he would eventually heartlessly discard her.

That was the reason why she was so insanely jealous of Jalter.

When Artorius said that women were all different, it was just nonsense in her eyes. Those who were favored could act cute and spoiled naturally, but those who weren't had to be obedient.

Fortunately, her status had now been raised, from a mere plaything to the level of a concubine. It was a small step for the Dragon Emperor, but a big one for Carmilla!

First, a concubine, and after some competition in the harem, she could be promoted to the rank of a noble consort, then an empress, gathering all the favors in one body, thinking about it made her excited.

Watching Carmilla start giggling for no apparent reason, Artorius shook his head and left her alone.

The maids were all hard at work. While he could disturb them, it wouldn't serve much purpose.

On the other side, Jalter was still throwing a tantrum. As an emperor, he should give the newborn more time to adjust.

"Hmm..."

After some thought, Artorius decided to pay attention to the frontline battles. He used the magical mirror to observe the conquests of the fanatical armies he had 'created'.

===

The situation in France left all the neighboring countries bewildered and somewhat relieved. No matter how you looked at it, France's size and natural advantages meant that it was a first-rate power in Europe during this era.

Any small country neighboring France would worry, think, and hope that this country would continue to decline in a pleasant manner. Especially England, which was embroiled in internal conflict after losing the Hundred Years' War.

Following the defeat in the Hundred Years' War, England quickly descended into turmoil.

According to European inheritance laws, England should have had a king who could inherit the French throne; this was the 'legal' and aristocratic order. But unfortunately, they lost.

This failure stirred great discontent within England.

This discontent eventually escalated into a war that tore the country apart known as the Wars of the Roses and ultimately sank the Lancaster dynasty.

Of course, that's a story for later.

If the Dragon Emperor's armies hadn't set foot in England after all this, history would have proceeded as it should have.

But when large contingents of soldiers arrived on steamships and stormed into London directly along the River Thames, everything changed.

Heavy breech-loading cannons, incendiary bombs, and other advanced weaponry caused London to meet its fiery fate two hundred years ahead of schedule.

Afterward, soldiers clad in steam-powered armor, wielding rifles weighing twenty kilograms and with a massive caliber that could be better described as hand cannons, rushed into London, crushing all resistance in the shortest time possible, and proclaimed the domain of the British Isles.

For the current state of Europe, this was certainly an extraordinary, shocking, and unreasonable turn of events.

In this world of 'stable classes', nobles remain nobles, and kings always stay kings. The era where you could conquer any nation or region with ease is long gone.

In this diverse land, much like the Warring States period in ancient China or Japan, any nation seeking to conquer others would face hostility and vigilance from neighboring countries. They might even find themselves facing a coalition of opposing forces.

In such a scenario, expansion requires skill and cunning.

Participants in the Crusades could attack infidels and seize their lands. Alternatively, they could employ the strategy of inheritance through marriage to expand their territories. Compared to these methods, waging war for land appears inefficient.

No one ever contemplated the idea of launching military campaigns with no justifications, excuses, or rightful claims, purely because they 'wanted the land'.

Such actions were deemed reckless and a violation of norms.

England's nobility, as well as the rest of the world beyond England and France, and even the Holy See, would not endorse such behavior.

That was the behavior of a tyrant, a madman, a lunatic, or a ruler swayed by the devil, much like Nero.

Particularly concerning Artorius's establishment of numerous public colleges on his own lands, where he forced students to study blasphemous knowledge, such as theories on the infinite universe and the like, which was more astonishing.

It was expected that the Hole See would soon revoke the credentials of Artorius—or rather, King Charles VII. Though he had never cared much for such things.

===

'Things seem to be progressing smoothly.'

After landing on the British Isles, the French armies surged forward.

The armies heading south to Spain did the same, followed by those in Italy who attacked the Duchy of Savoy.

Afterward, they conquered Milan, Florence, and Tuscany. Thereafter, they could cordially invite the Holy See to Avignon. It was indeed a joyous occasion.

Of course, the armies that advanced on the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the Duchy of Lorraine had equal success.

Or rather, with an army of two hundred thousand that transcended their time, and limitless logistical support, France could effortlessly conquer all of Europe.

'In my own world, I must be cautious. But in this world, there's no need for such restraint.'

Artorius thought to himself with his eyes closed.

'After all, this world is Singularity, no different than a pipe dream.'

'So, let the Tower of Babel rise even higher.'

'Hahahaha!'

With that in mind, Dragon Emperor Artorius Pendragon finally revealed a contented smile and laughed freely in his heart.

He tasted freedom.

These long-suppressed, negative aspects belonging to the dragon, such as lust, tyranny, conquest, greed, and carnage, in this dream-like world, could be indulged and released.

Releasing them a little more broadly, causing a bit more commotion, didn't seem like such a significant matter.

Thinking like that, Artorius became even happier.

'Let's make an even bigger commotion.'

'However, if it's all too straightforward, it might become boring at times.'

'It's best to have some variables and obstacles...'

'So, who will be the one to provide me with the obstacles I've been waiting for? The Holy See, the English, the Spanish, the Germans, or perhaps...'

As Artorius was contemplating, he suddenly sensed something.

"Oh?"

"Hahahahaha!"

In the next moment, Artorius burst into genuine laughter.

Because the variables and obstacles he'd been anticipating had finally arrived.