"Gil really goes all out for festivals, doesn't he...?" Marie smiled wryly while Rikka's excitement spiked.
—It suits you so well! It's gorgeous! It's the absolute best! I've always wanted to see you wear it, King of Heroes' Masked Ramassu!
Hovering nearby, Ea clapped with all her might. In truth, this was a custom-made creation. She had gathered the King of Knights, Fou, and their inner circle to craft the measurements and props overnight—a Masked Ramassu set made exclusively for Gilgamesh.
(To think he'd actually wear it. Allow me to ask—any thoughts?) Fou chuckled, receiving a scoff in response.
"Not half bad. A suitable disguise for concealing my identity. Playing the part of Ramassu Gorgeous is an amusing diversion. For a single night's dream, it will suffice."
—I'm so glad you like it! Ah... photos! May I take photos?!
"Granted. Capture my glory from every angle!"
—Yay! Fou, hop onto his shoulder! Say cheese!
Fou watched warmly as Ea lost herself in snapping photos.
(You really do love Masked Ramassu, don't you...)
—I love it! It was the very first outfit we ran through Uruk in!
"If it brings you such joy, then putting on this ill-fitting disguise was not entirely in vain. I could hardly cast aside a tribute from you and Maria, after all."
With the entire group assembled, the Costume Squad Chaldeans was ready to deploy. Their true objective lay in a single document.
"An invitation was left by my bedside. I realized what it was and didn't bother opening it... but Master, your name was written on it."
Pinching it between two fingers, Masked Ramassu tossed it over. Rikka, the Dark Princess Knight, caught it and checked the contents.
"Let me see too, Senpai!" Mash scampered over, leaning in to read.
Halloween Invitation Czejte Castle has been renovated! Enjoy pumpkin delicacies blessed by Venus! Won't you join us for a delightful, wonderful, and thrilling time? The climax features an extraordinary serenade by our star diva—an unforgettable performance that will move all who witness it to applause and excitement! Relax and go deluxe for this special festival! A time of Trick or Torture awaits you! —Please come, okay?
The invitation was written in an endearing, old-fashioned, and delicate script.
"Czejte Castle... A serenade... Just how many Elisabeth Báthorikind are there...?"
"I'm going home."
"Ah! Gil's running! Mash, secure him!!"
"I understand how you feel! I really do! But retreating goes against a King's pride, doesn't it?! Right?!"
"Blast it, let go! Release me! I don't need to read to the end to know how this finishes! Nothing that demi-dragon does contains a shred of logic—it's been settled since our time on the Moon! Consuming the Regalia was peak idiocy, you utter fool!"
"I mean, sure, but sometimes that turns into a clutch play... Though, that's a truth I kind of wish I hadn't realized..."
"The invitation carries Spiritron data, so if we intend to go, we can Rayshift immediately... Mash, Rikka, what do you think? Personally... I'd like you to go."
"Director?!"
"I get it, I get it. Throwing a party and having no one show up makes you want to die while cleaning up afterward..."
"Once again, Rikka-sama is staring off into the far distance... Old emotional wounds really do throb from time to time, don't they?"
—My King! Let's go! I want to enjoy this event with you and Fou with everything I've got!
"Tch—! Forget the outer moat, you've breached the main keep...! Tch. I'd better prepare at least two pairs of earplugs..."
At Ea's death sentence disguised as a request—I want to enjoy the event with Gil, Fou, and everyone—the King steeled his resolve to face his fate.
(I feel the same way. ...Though I would've preferred a summer beach...)
—Fou, let's dress up later too! Woo-Fou sounds super cute!
(R-Really? Aw, shucks! I did design something worthy of standing beside you, Ea!)
"Fine, fine... I authorize the Rayshift. Let us go pay a visit to this Czejte Castle."
With a grim expression, the King of Heroes gestured for the transfer. Marie, Romani, Da Vinci, and Sheba-nyan took their positions.
"It's Halloween, Senpai! Let's eat tons of sweets!"
"Right, Mash. Just make sure you don't gain too much fat. If anything gets bigger, make sure it's your chest, okay?"
"S-Senpai! I don't need you telling me that! Besides, no matter what you do, you're all intense muscle! Girls aren't supposed to pack on that much muscle!"
"Who said I'm not a girl?! Watch your mouth, Eggplant! Take this! This is what bad-mouthed juniors get!"
"Ow-ow-ow, Shenpai! That'sh excessive ufe of forsh!"
"Saying that while your body's enjoying it, huh? Oh my, what a naughty eggplant..."
"Just go already."
Olga Marie kicked them from behind, shoving both Mash and Rikka straight into the Coffin pods.
""Waaaaah~?!""
"I shall precede you via Independent Manifestation. Follow behind me."
"My condolences, Gil."
"...I have never hated the ability to Rayshift more than I do today..."
—Now, off to Czejte on our Halloween journey! Go, Masked Ramassu!
And so, the crew set forth toward Czejte Castle, where chaos was guaranteed to await.
What could possibly be in store for them there—?
Czejte Territory — The Forest
"Hmm. Gloomy on the surface... or perhaps not quite."
Pumpkin spirits drifted gently through the air, floating aimlessly.
—Wow! They're floating! Just like me!
Ea, well-known for her floating antics, raised her voice. She considered herself an expert on floating things, holding a deep affection for clouds and balloons.
"Since I arrived first, I should survey the terrain—"
"Ah, there you are! Good evening~!"
...Standing right there was an incongruous yet oddly fitting presence.
"—Hmm?"
"You're Gilgamesh, right? The Servant! I'm so thrilled to meet you! Are you heading to that castle? I want to go too! Mind if I join you?"
A woman around twenty years old greeted him cheerfully, sucking on a piece of candy. She wore a white coat, a tight purple skirt, had cream-colored hair, and possessed crimson eyes.
—Who are you...?
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself~! Silly me!"
Laughing brightly, the woman declared her name.
"I'm Arcueid. The sweet scent of the moonlit night lured me out! Let's get along for the night~!"
"—A sensor of the Planet... A True Ancestor, is it?"
Airhead Big Sister has joined the party!
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