Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
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Artoria was about to buy the pastry the young woman had recommended and perhaps browse for other items when she suddenly remembered—she didn't have any money.
This was a problem. After all, even heroes can be stumped by a lack of funds.
Using magecraft to hypnotize the young woman into thinking she'd already been paid? Absolutely out of the question—it would be no better than committing a crime.
This brought back memories of her time as "Baobhan Sith," when she took on various tasks to save up for a house for herself and Jasmine.
"Sorry, could you wait a moment?" Artoria asked, a bit embarrassed. "I think I left my money behind. Can I go back to retrieve it?"
"Oh, that's fine! Just tell me what you want and how much, and I'll pack it up for you. You can pay me when you return," the young woman replied cheerfully.
"Thank you, and I'm terribly sorry."
"It's no big deal! You must not be used to carrying money, right? Were you used to having bodyguards or servants handle it for you?"
The woman's imagination impressed Artoria. To have come up with such a plausible excuse so quickly—she must read a lot of novels in her spare time.
Her guileless nature also surprised Artoria. She didn't even seem to consider the possibility of being deceived.
Leaving the pastry shop, Artoria walked down a small path, mulling over ways to procure money.
How had she handled finances in the past?
Baobhan Sith relied on stealing; Okita Souji lived off funds from her "sister"; Kiichi... well, she didn't seem to use money at all.
Not very helpful examples... What was I even doing before?
Artoria sighed inwardly at her lack of inspiration.
"Hmm? What's this..."
Before she knew it, she found herself standing in front of a casino.
She blinked, glancing at the building and then her surroundings before turning back to the entrance.
"A casino? There's a casino in this city?"
She stared at the entrance for a moment before an idea struck her.
"Could this... could this be a choice from Steins;Gate? Is fate guiding me here to make money at the casino?"
"If this is my destiny, then so be it... just like when I was chosen by fate to draw the Sword of Selection and become king. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense."
Not only did she need to buy the pastry, but she also owed for the room Mordred's Master had paid for. Leaving debts unpaid would tarnish her dignity as a ruler.
"Yes, this makes perfect sense."
She nodded to herself, stroking her chin thoughtfully.
"I feel it. Today, my card game skills will be unstoppable! I'll earn plenty. Besides, gambling hones battle instincts. After all, the card table is a battlefield, and 'the card game is war.' As in any war, I must approach it with utmost seriousness!"
With this conviction, Artoria strode into the casino, exuding an air of unyielding determination.
---
Less than half an hour later, Artoria emerged, pushing the casino doors open with a small pouch of winnings in hand.
"Hmm... this should be enough. Too much money would just go unused anyway."
As Ruler, her time in this world was limited. Once the Holy Grail War ended, she would return to her original existence, leaving behind anything acquired here.
If there were any funds left when her time here was over...
"I'll leave it to someone else—perhaps Mordred's Master or Fiore."
She looked back at the casino with mild dissatisfaction.
"This casino is... rather lacking."
Was it truly as bad as she claimed? Not necessarily. The casino occasionally hosted nobles and their families, far from the den of vice she implied.
But everything pales in comparison.
Next to the splendor of Camelot's legendary casino, this place was utterly ordinary.
Before entering, Artoria had truly been penniless. Fortunately, the casino allowed her to borrow some starting funds. After all, her elegant attire—clearly crafted from rare materials—suggested she wasn't someone lacking resources.
No one who wore clothing of such exquisite quality could possibly be in need.
"Now, I'll head back to pick up the pastries from that shop."
It had been nearly half an hour since she'd left—perhaps a little too long.
"But first..." Artoria paused, glancing over her shoulder. "I should deal with these little shadows trailing me."
Perhaps she had won too much money, or perhaps her striking appearance had drawn attention. With no visible bodyguards, she had attracted some unsavory followers.
Ordinary humans posed no challenge to her. She'd defeated demigod heroes in combat; these petty criminals barely registered as a threat.
"Still, I must avoid exposing the supernatural. I'll need to deal with this cleanly..."
As Ruler, flagrantly breaking the rules would be unthinkable.
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Back at the inn, modest but well-kept, Artoria stepped through the door just as Mordred came down the stairs.
Mordred was dressed casually in a white crop top that exposed her midriff, layered under a red jacket, and paired with denim shorts.
Her original outfit had been damaged during their earlier battle, so she'd bought an identical set upon arriving in the city. For some reason, she seemed particularly fond of this ensemble.
Now, how should Artoria address her?
"Good morning, Mordred. Did you sleep well last night?"
Perfect! Artoria beamed inwardly. Such a textbook morning greeting—worthy of being written into instruction manuals!
Mordred, however, froze as if turned to stone, staring at Artoria without replying.
Artoria grew uneasy. Had she said something wrong?
"F-Father?" Mordred finally stammered.
"Why the question mark? Didn't I explain everything clearly yesterday? Did you lose your memory?"
"I didn't lose my memory! It's just... that... that outfit..."
Mordred's face flushed bright red, though whether from embarrassment or frustration was unclear.
"Why are you wearing that?!"
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Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.
But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.
However… even the most brilliant performances must reach their curtain call. Fear not, for though I may bid you farewell today, my radiance shall linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to strive for ever greater heights.
And so, my esteemed audience, let us part ways for now. Continue to champion this endeavor, and perhaps, in another time, another place, you shall once again be graced by my presence. Until then—farewell, and may your days be brightened by the thought of me!
With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,
Furina ✨