An ugly word for an ugly thought. It does no one any good to shy away from those truths.
[ He's not being harsh, just realistic. It's hard to say what capabilities these people may have when it comes to dealing with Servants like themselves, but he isn't going to assume they're invincible. Maybe just... comparatively overpowered. ]
Although that would be ideal for them, there's too many variables to say whether that's possible or just a flight of fancy. That's where proper relations will decide quite a lot.
You're absolutely right. There is no telling or foreseeing their actions, but I still trust them and their capabilities.
[ By no means she will believe that the Prismals as a community are completely ill intentioned or evil, just as they're not purely good, either. It's the same with Servants like them, and every living being in existence. With some exceptions, she'd say, but it's not something she'd like to delve into while she's having a good time with a new friend. ]
[ Speaking of, he does finally move his hand somewhat to better hold hers, acting like this is more of a natural motion than any intentional move on his part. It's a crowded day and the line to order isn't exactly moving fast, so they might as well be more comfortable. ]
Then I should hope that trust won't be misplaced. For now, they certainly are acting the part, and I'll be more than happy to take them up on it! It's mutually beneficial, after all.
[ It's such an personal contact to have while they're discussing important matters, but Marie has a feeling it's something that will happen quite often. Getting used to it won't be so hard to her. ]
Mhm! We're working together to make something better out of this situation. Sure we've been taken here against our will, but this settlement makes up for it!
[ Frankly, she biased because there's so much aesthetic in this place she loves. Crystals! Glitter! So much brightness! Getting money out of cuddling people!
[ To be fair, Archer's getting a kick out of the aesthetic, too. He's far too flashy not to appreciate some good flash in return, and Shinjuku prepared him for much of the sentiment even if the styles seem to have gone awry of each other. ]
Then I suppose you were not in the middle of a summoning when drawn here?
[ He seems surprised, then smiles. It's coming together now. Marie confirming Ritsuka's presence brings a levity to his heart, something unwinding just a touch from the vice it had been clamped into once he realizes the feelings had become genuine. ]
No... or, I suppose I should say, I haven't yet. The invitation had been extended, but my time in the singularity where I met Master was at its end. She's here, you say?
[ Marie quietly hums in acknowledgement. She thought the old man was an elusive one since they never met, but that reply makes much more sense. ]
Yes! When we met again, she happily shouted "Vive La France IN SPACE!" at me, and that was when I realized she's the same Master I've always known and loved.
[ A true love story. And since she kind of shouted that line, too, she gets a few looks from the people waiting in the queue with them, but she happily remains unperturbed. ]
[ He lets out a laugh of similar volume, willfully ignoring any further looks. It does sound like her, even if she seemed more tired by the end of their ordeal. Hopefully returning to Chaldea had been able to raise her spirits. It certainly sounds that way. ]
Then I'll have to seek her out sometime soon. Depending on how many other Servants are here, we may have our hands full looking out for her.
Oh, tales rarely ever bore me! But if you're not comfortable with saying anything, I'll respect it. [ She's plenty reasonable, although a bit disappointed. ]
Master truly is special! I wouldn't have enjoyed my life at Chaldea as much without her around.
Hm...! On the outside, it looks like... a white donut! [ It really does!!! ] On the inside, instead, it's a facility research with very advanced technology! It's situated high above in the mountains. Things had shaken up before I joined Master, but even with few staff member and loads of Servants we're doing fine! Or were, before we ended up here, tee hee.
There was an incident in the facility that caused many deaths. My Master was the only one among the other Masters who survived the ordeal in one piece. [ That's what she was told after the summon, so she wasn't directly involved. ]
Since then a lot of us Servants showed up! I was one of the firsts who were summoned!
[ Orleans was the very first singularity that had been visited, and she was in it, so! ]
[ None of that particularly surprises him, considering how all-encompassing the instability regarding humanity's history had become. Of course something disastrous happened even in Chaldea. ]
De rien, Archer! It wasn't only me who protected Master and fought by her side; you should extend your thanks to her other Servants, too.
[ Finally, the queue is done and they're due to get their coffee at long last. Marie orders an espresso for herself, and during so she gracefully slips her hand off Archer's, pretty much sure he's got enough to buy his share now. ]
[ He smiles when she slips her hand away, simply ordering his own black coffee and blowing at the surface out of habit. Such temperatures wouldn't even bother him as a Servant, but it feels more natural to do this. ]
Oh, I intend to, if ever I am to meet them. You're here right now, so of course you get the first thanks!
[ Force of habit is also what drives her to mimic the gesture, some steam blown off her own cup of coffee. Bringing it to her lips, she takes a sip and blinks rapidly as if coming to a sudden realization. ]
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[ He's not being harsh, just realistic. It's hard to say what capabilities these people may have when it comes to dealing with Servants like themselves, but he isn't going to assume they're invincible. Maybe just... comparatively overpowered. ]
Although that would be ideal for them, there's too many variables to say whether that's possible or just a flight of fancy. That's where proper relations will decide quite a lot.
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[ By no means she will believe that the Prismals as a community are completely ill intentioned or evil, just as they're not purely good, either. It's the same with Servants like them, and every living being in existence. With some exceptions, she'd say, but it's not something she'd like to delve into while she's having a good time with a new friend. ]
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Then I should hope that trust won't be misplaced. For now, they certainly are acting the part, and I'll be more than happy to take them up on it! It's mutually beneficial, after all.
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Mhm! We're working together to make something better out of this situation. Sure we've been taken here against our will, but this settlement makes up for it!
[ Frankly, she biased because there's so much aesthetic in this place she loves. Crystals! Glitter! So much brightness! Getting money out of cuddling people!
This is just the best to her. ]
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Then I suppose you were not in the middle of a summoning when drawn here?
[ Or, you know, the opposite of one. ]
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[ Oh, right. She quickly corrects herself. ]
I still do have my Master here! I've met her a short while back.
What about yourself? You never frequented Chaldea, did you?
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No... or, I suppose I should say, I haven't yet. The invitation had been extended, but my time in the singularity where I met Master was at its end. She's here, you say?
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Yes! When we met again, she happily shouted "Vive La France IN SPACE!" at me, and that was when I realized she's the same Master I've always known and loved.
[ A true love story. And since she kind of shouted that line, too, she gets a few looks from the people waiting in the queue with them, but she happily remains unperturbed. ]
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Then I'll have to seek her out sometime soon. Depending on how many other Servants are here, we may have our hands full looking out for her.
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[ Obligation, servitude, or plain affection. Whichever way you put it, Ritsuka really is lucky to have so many powerful spirits around her. ]
I assume you know her too, don't you? If it's the case, I'd love to hear the circumstances that had you meet each other!
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[ It's bullshit and he knows it, but Archer is also a gigantic liar lying face who lies, so it's hard to tell. ]
But yes, you're correct. I do certainly know her! She's one of a kind.
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Master truly is special! I wouldn't have enjoyed my life at Chaldea as much without her around.
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[ Then again, if Ritsuka is here, it may not even be his story to tell. ]
Could you tell me what Chaldea itself is like? I have vague knowledge as it pertains to the restoration but nothing too concrete.
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Hm...! On the outside, it looks like... a white donut! [ It really does!!! ] On the inside, instead, it's a facility research with very advanced technology! It's situated high above in the mountains. Things had shaken up before I joined Master, but even with few staff member and loads of Servants we're doing fine! Or were, before we ended up here, tee hee.
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By shake things up, you mean...?
[ Did something else occur after the restoration of the human order? Perhaps they came across Bael's former comrades already. ]
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Since then a lot of us Servants showed up! I was one of the firsts who were summoned!
[ Orleans was the very first singularity that had been visited, and she was in it, so! ]
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How lucky! You must be very reliable, Marie!
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[ Though she has no longer a place to rule, she's still royalty in spirit! It bears even more meaning since she's a literal spirit now. ]
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[ Finally, the queue is done and they're due to get their coffee at long last. Marie orders an espresso for herself, and during so she gracefully slips her hand off Archer's, pretty much sure he's got enough to buy his share now. ]
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Oh, I intend to, if ever I am to meet them. You're here right now, so of course you get the first thanks!
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[ Force of habit is also what drives her to mimic the gesture, some steam blown off her own cup of coffee. Bringing it to her lips, she takes a sip and blinks rapidly as if coming to a sudden realization. ]
Oh... they weren't lying. It's really good.