[FMMIKA] Chapter 250: Gudako

"What?!"

"What, what, what?!"

"What the heck is this?!"

A few days later, during their cheerful journey to Orleans, the entire group of Chaldea was shocked by the exclamation of Ritsuka.

"The king hasn't actually died?"

"Everything is the fault of Marshal of France, Gilles de Rais?"

"And Jeanne d'Arc is the hero who fought against the heretical Gilles, once again saving France, and everything is back to normal?"

"What's going on?"

"Why is this happening?"

Ritsuka voiced her disbelief.

"Senpai, tea."

"Oh, thanks."

*Gulp~Gulp*

"Hahh... the taste is great as always. Mash, you're truly my little eggplant. You'll make a great wife, mwehehe."

Despite being a beautiful woman herself, Ritsuka spoke like a lecherous old man. But after Mash's scolding, she finally calmed down.

"In a way, it's not that bad. There's no more chaos, and everyone can breathe easy." Mash said her opinion. "At first, when we heard the news, everyone was perplexed and in disbelief, but they've accepted this reality now. The supply units that left Orleans were moving all over the country, and the king also issued orders to reduce taxes and improve the livelihoods of the people during this time. Isn't that a good thing?"

"What's good about it? We can't take advantage of the situation anymore. The French army, which could have been used as cannon fodder, has all dispersed!" Ritsuka said with a wicked expression, living up to the name of Gudako, the epitome of chaos and greed of humanity.

"Well done, Senpai, making villainous remarks just like that." Mash retorted, seemingly aware of Ritsuka's true personality. Despite the teasing, her tone remained calm.

"More importantly, Doctor Roman."

"Oh, I'm here, I'm here! I definitely wasn't slacking off or secretly watching Mari-chan's videos absolutely!"

"Whatever you're doing is fine." Ritsuka impatiently interrupted him. "I don't care if you're into 2D or 3D. What I want to know is, what do we do now? Do we continue to Orleans and confront this Dark Jeanne?"

"Well..." Romani began to hesitate as always. But Da Vinci took over the conversation:

"We must press on."

"While the official explanation from the French government seems sound, the Singularity is still there. From Chaldea's perspective, the issue hasn't been resolved."

"As for the identity of the enemy, we need to think it through... anyway, let's stick to our original goal and head to Orleans for information gathering."

Hearing Da Vinci's words, Ritsuka perked up

"The most suspicious one is probably King Charles VII. Let's start by giving him a good beating! Or maybe this is an illusion created by the fake saint, so let's just beat up Dark Jeanne too to be safe, okay?"

"Please calm down, Senpai."

As always, Mash restrained Ritsuka's enthusiasm once more. As expected of someone who became the Counter Force of Gudako.

"While the king and the saint are the prime suspects, there's still no conclusive evidence. Considering their positions, we'll be in a tough spot if we make a mistake."

"Do you know why justice can never defeat evil, Mash?"

"Eh? Why is that?"

"Because people like you who don't know when to be flexible exist!" Ritsuka teased Mash, pinching her blushing cheeks.

"Ouch, Senpai, please let go... Senpai...!"

Because Ritsuka treated her this way, Mash couldn't maintain her cool and ice-cold demeanor anymore, turning into an enticing, tearful junior.

"Kukuku~"

And with that, Ritsuka's true mischievous nature as Gudako came to the forefront. What started as teasing Mash's cheeks turned into a playful banter with Mash's chest.

"So, Mash, are you wearing that sexy armor to lure someone?"

As she kneaded Mash's pomegranate-like chest, Ritsuka revealed a mischievous grin, one that could rival even a dirty old man's.

"Of course not, I have no intention of seducing anyone!"

Though she said that, in an instant, Mash couldn't help but imagine the stunning and heroic face of the Dragon Emperor. Her face turned even redder than before.

"Oho? That response is quite suspicious. Spill it! Are you secretly meeting someone behind my back?"

"No way, Senpai, please don't make baseless accusations!"

Ritsuka's massaging—No, teasing, was getting even more out of hand, making Mash even more embarrassed.

"Gah! You sly eggplant! You sly eggplant! Plotting behind my back to catch a man. Come on, tell me, who's the handsome guy? Out with it!"

"Senpai... stop! Kyaaa!"

"Is teasing Mash something we can save for later, Ritsuka-chan?" Da Vinci's voice suddenly resounded.

"Uhh... fine, for Da Vinci's sake, I'll let you off the hook, Mash."

"..."

The slightly bitter taste of the crisp and clear air made 'Marie Antoinette' and the other version of 'Jeanne d'Arc' next to Ritsuka and Mash turn their heads away, unable to bear the indecent act.

Marie and Jeanne, the two Servants that suddenly appeared in Domremy and joined the group of Chaldea, were exceptionally skilled and powerful—though, Marie might be a little lacking.

"When it comes to same-sex love, it's not unheard of in our era. It's just that the majority of it is between men, while love between women is indeed quite rare." Marie muttered to 'Jeanne' beside her.

Unlike the conservative Jeanne, who was just a village girl, Marie was a well-known figure. Despite being criticized as a flirt and having her share of favor in the court, any king's harem was not an easy place to be. Moreover, Marie's historical performance as the Queen of France was far from being a mere decorative figure.

She was even more resilient, daring, and borderline self-destructive than Louis XVI.

"Anyway, we'll continue on to Orleans! We'll beat up that Charles VII!"

Finally, Ritsuka decided on the next course of action.

"But..."

"Don't worry! If we find out it's the wrong person, we'll apologize. And as punishment, it'll be you who apologizes!" Ritsuka pointed at Mash with an evil grin.

"Eh? Me?" Mash bewilderedly pointing to herself.

Even when faced with inexplicable situations, Rituka maintained her optimism, positivity, and cheerfulness, moving forward as if nothing bothered her. She held Mash's hand happily as if no one else was around.

"Is it really okay to entrust the safety of humanity to someone like her?"

"No, perhaps it's precisely because she's like this that she can save the world, right?"

With those conversations, Romani and Da Vinci in the base of Chaldea exchanged glances, silently bestowing their blessings upon Ritsuka and Mash.

Chaldea's only Master and her unique Demi-Servant—a heartfelt wish for their safety and happiness.