"Phew..."
After leaving the prison cell, Mash exhaled deeply, as if emerging from underwater.
"I finally delivered those words..."
Mash looked relieved, as if she had just completed her final duty as Galahad.
Although she didn't know what choice Lancelot would ultimately make, she had already done everything she could. From here on, it was no longer something she could control.
She had done her best.
"If it were Senpai, he would definitely have done better, right?"
Mash couldn't help but think that.
At that moment…
"No, I definitely wouldn't have done better than you, because in the end, I'm just an observer. Unlike you, I lack the power to persuade."
As these words reached Mash's ears, she immediately lifted her head and looked forward.
There, leaning against the wall of a nearby building, Rozen had appeared at some point. He stood there, smiling as he gazed at Mash.
"Senpai!"
Mash's eyes lit up, and she almost instinctively ran toward him.
"How did it go? Did you get everything done?"
Rozen asked with a faint smile, causing Mash to pause in her steps.
"You already knew?"
Mash looked a bit surprised.
"Well, I had a pretty good guess."
Rozen shrugged.
It wasn't a difficult deduction to make. Even without using Thought Acceleration or Thought Partitioning, he could easily figure it out.
So, after finishing things on Bedivere's side and chatting with Hassan of Serenity for a while in the streets, Rozen had arrived here at just the right moment—timing it perfectly to meet Mash as she exited the prison.
Mash immediately looked at Rozen with admiration.
"As expected, nothing can be hidden from Senpai."
It seemed that in Mash's eyes, Rozen's image had already been elevated to something almost godlike.
But in truth, Rozen had always been incredible in her heart. Even in the past, he had been exceptional—though sometimes impulsive and childish. Now, however, he seemed almost omnipotent, his personality more mature than ever, making Mash's heart race countless times and drawing her in deeper.
Of course, Mash herself had yet to realize these feelings.
This girl was still pure—untainted by the world.
And for that reason, she was special in Rozen's eyes.
Rozen walked up to Mash and, naturally, took her hand.
"Senpai..."
Mash's cheeks turned red, and her heartbeat accelerated against her will.
Ever since Rozen returned to Chaldea this time, their interactions had become far more natural—and intimate.
Such unreserved closeness often left Mash overwhelmed.
In the past, they had been close, but it was more like being inseparable companions rather than something this ambiguous.
However, ever since Rozen returned, the way he looked at Mash and the way he interacted with her had completely changed. This made Mash feel both unaccustomed and shy.
Yet, Rozen seemed completely unaware of all this. Holding Mash's hand in one, he gently reached out with the other to smooth her bangs.
"With this, we've done everything we needed to. Now, all that's left is to wait for tomorrow."
Hearing that, Mash shook off her shyness, took a deep breath, and nodded.
However, she still asked a question.
"Can we win, Senpai?"
Mash seemed a little uneasy.
No, perhaps this unease had always existed within her heart.
As long as the battle wasn't over, she would never be able to feel at ease.
To this, Rozen answered firmly.
"Of course. We will definitely win."
He replied without a shred of doubt.
"Even if our opponent is a god?"
Mash looked at Rozen.
"Even if our opponent is a god."
Rozen smiled slightly, his tone unwavering.
He met Mash's gaze.
"Trust me, Mash," Rozen said in a calm voice. "I am no longer who I used to be. I now have the power to stand by your side and claim victory."
Rozen had never considered losing in the battle against the Lion King.
After all, in their last encounter, he hadn't even gone all out.
Of course, the Lion King hadn't either. But when it came to hidden power, Rozen was confident he could surpass her.
Now, even when facing Grand Servants, he wouldn't falter. Even the so-called Strategic-Class forces, once considered the pinnacle of power, were now something he could summon as many as he wanted.
Thus...
"We will stop the Lion King's ambitions and completely restore the Sixth Singularity."
Rozen continued stroking Mash's bangs.
"Once that's done, out of all seven Singularities, only the final one will remain."
"After we restore the Seventh Singularity, human history will be reestablished, and humanity itself will be saved."
"We will be just one step away from complete victory."
Rozen's voice resonated deep in Mash's heart.
"And after that, I'll find a way to restore your body to full health, so you can leave Chaldea and see the outside world."
"Then, we'll go see the sky together."
"Then, we'll go see the ocean together."
"We'll ride horses across the grasslands."
"We'll row boats on tranquil lakes."
"No matter where you want to go, I'll take you there."
"So, believe in me."
Listening to his words, Mash felt warmth fill her heart, making her whole body feel light and warm.
She couldn't help but envision the scenes Rozen described, slowly becoming entranced.
If all of this could really come true, how wonderful would it be?
Even though reality told Mash that such things would be difficult—perhaps even impossible—she couldn't help but dream. Even if human history was saved, even if the world was restored, she knew her short lifespan meant she might never be able to experience any of these things.
And yet, she still couldn't help but long for them.
Never having seen the sky, never having stepped beyond Chaldea, only witnessing skies filled with strange light streams in Singularities—Mash just wanted to see a real, blue sky.
If she could fulfill this one wish—if she could make all of Rozen's promises come true—then she would be the happiest person in the world.
With this thought in mind, Mash blurted out—
"I believe in you, Senpai."
Her voice carried not a hint of hesitation.
That sincerity made Rozen feel even more tenderness toward her.
"Mash..."
His hand, which had been caressing her bangs, slowly moved down—brushing against her lips.
His gaze turned intense.
"S-Senpai...?"
Mash's voice trembled slightly.
The next second...
"Mm...!"
Mash's eyes widened in shock, letting out an uncomprehending sound.
Because her lips had been sealed by Rozen.
Her teeth were gently pried open, and in an instant, her small tongue was captured.
"Mmm..."
Mash's confused voice echoed under the moonlit night as her mind went blank.
Rozen, however, ignored everything else. It was as if his emotions had completely broken free, embracing Mash tightly and savoring the taste of her lips.
The night was still long.
And the boy and girl continued their kiss, as if it would last forever.