Fate Grand Order: Broadcasting Master Love — Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Merlin Plays Matchmaker

[The introductory sequence on the light screen gradually faded to black. A moment later, a line of striking text materialized across the dark surface: The ML Radar confirms that Merlin is NOT Masterlove.]

[Following the Magus of Flowers’ introduction, the images on the broadcast continued to flow. Billowing clouds surged across the screen, brewing the atmosphere for a brand-new tale.]

[The scene shifted to a dreamlike landscape. Merlin leaned forward slightly, closing the distance. A hint of cunning flashed in his amber pupils, and his tone took on a seductive, almost musical cadence. “However, even though I am just a humble bystander who enjoys watching a good spectacle, I still hope you will welcome my presence this time. The reason being—yes, the reason! It is because you are currently drowning in worry over Artoria’s situation, are you not?”]

[Fujimaru Ritsuka’s expression instantly stiffened. Seeing the young man’s reaction, Merlin let out a triumphant laugh. He patted his chest, exuding the absolute confidence of a man who held all the cards. “Then it is my turn to step onto the stage. Leave this sort of matchmaking business to your reliable big brother Merlin!”]

[“Oh dear… Artoria was originally a very stubborn girl. Once she picks up the Holy Lance, she becomes… completely unwilling to listen to advice.” The playful smile faded from Merlin’s lips. A complex emotion flitted through his amber eyes, his tone tinged with genuine helplessness.]

[He let out a long, drawn-out sigh, as if picturing a certain immovable figure in his mind. “Her mind is left with nothing but the heavy duties of a King and an absolute obsession with protecting Britain. She locks her emotions away behind an impenetrable fortress. She really is a troublesome child.”]

[Then, as if suddenly recalling a minor detail, he muttered a complaint. “Honestly, who on earth shoved such a troublesome burden onto her hands… Although it is none of my business, I still deeply sympathize.”]

[At some unknown point, Fou had appeared right beside Fujimaru Ritsuka’s boots. Hearing Merlin’s blatant deflection of blame, the little creature immediately puffed out its cheeks in sheer dissatisfaction. It waved its small white paws furiously at the Incubus, letting out a crisp, angry cry. “Fou, Fou—Kure! (It was you! You stupid Incubus! You were clearly the one who gave her the Holy Lance!)”]

[Hearing the beast speak in perfectly understandable sentences, Fujimaru Ritsuka froze. He widened his eyes in disbelief, looking down at the fluffy creature by his feet and then back up at the Magus of Flowers, his voice laced with shock. “I can actually understand… Fou’s words? What is going on?”]

[“Of course you can understand; we are in a dream, after all.” Merlin waved his hand dismissively, though a flicker of imperceptible panic betrayed his calm facade. He coughed lightly into his fist, smoothly attempting to change the subject. “But for Cath Pa… ah, no, for Fou to be so close to you is quite an unexpected development.”]

[He cast a wary glance at the little beast currently clinging to Fujimaru Ritsuka’s calf, sighing in defeat. “As long as Fou is present, I cannot fill your head with nonsense. It seems those interesting little tricks will have to wait for another time…”]

[Shifting the topic away from his fluffy nemesis, a confident smile returned to Merlin’s face. “No choice then, let us get straight to the point. You want to know what kind of girl the Artoria of the Holy Lance truly is, right? You want to know why she is always so cold to you, why she constantly hides her true feelings? Then allow me to assist. Fortunately, the channel is wide open right now.”]

[Merlin smiled mysteriously, a dangerous glint flashing in his amber eyes. “To be perfectly honest, I can invade anywhere through the medium of sleep. No matter whose dream it is, I can easily step inside as if walking through an open door.”]

[“However, just like you in your current state of REM sleep, this sort of intrusion is easily discovered by the dream’s owner. Once that happens, one is kicked out without a shred of mercy.” He rubbed his chin, his tone carrying a heavy dose of distaste. “So I do not particularly want to engage in this kind of thankless task.”]

[Fou immediately jumped up, barking loudly at the Magus. “Fou-Kure, Fou—Kure. Fou-Fou-Kure. (Exactly! Because once this guy is discovered by the target, he becomes as weak as a spineless bug. Right now, if you just reach out, you can crush him effortlessly!)”]

[Merlin’s expression soured instantly. He lunged forward, hurriedly clamping a hand over Fou’s mouth. He shot Fujimaru Ritsuka a dry, awkward laugh, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes as he protested. “Hey, hey, hey! Do not just blurt out an Incubus’s fatal weakness! And that is only in the case of REM sleep! I am incredibly strong at any other time!”]

[Releasing the struggling beast, Merlin flashed Fujimaru Ritsuka a highly questionable, sincere smile. He spoke rapidly, eager to move on. “To sum it up, hurry up and enter non-REM sleep for me! Come, inhale this Chloroform Magic infused with my special properties!”]

[Before the young Master could even protest, Merlin began to chant a series of obscure, difficult incantations. A faint, sweet fragrance rapidly filled the air. Fujimaru Ritsuka felt a sudden wave of dizziness wash over his brain. His consciousness began to blur, the edges of his vision darkening as his eyelids grew heavier and heavier.]

[“A blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty, the Shining Spear, the Aloof King—thus, the hidden part of such a Heroic Spirit.” Merlin’s voice took on a touch of deep mystery, his amber eyes sparkling with the sheer anticipation of a good show. “Go there and have a proper talk with her. Untie the tangled knots in her heart. Oh, I will take my leave now. Do not mind me, I am merely a passing bystander.”]

[Then, as if remembering a crucial detail, he added one final sentence in a highly playful tone. “After you wake up from this dream, you should be able to reach about Level 3 in the basic Artoria proficiency exam! Good luck, cute Master!”]

[Watching Merlin’s retreating back as he prepared to slip away, Fou jumped up in pure anger. The little beast shouted at the fading figure. “Fou—Kure!? (This bastard, planning to run away after doing whatever he wants again!? How cunning!)”]

Outside the broadcast, in the world of Prisma Illya.

Illya leaned against her bedroom windowsill, watching the bizarre exchange unfold on the light screen. Her ruby eyes sparkled with sheer amazement. “Wow, he can enter other people’s dreams at will. That is amazing! But… it really looks like Fou hates Merlin’s guts…”

Meanwhile, in the world of the Fourth Holy Grail War.

Deep inside the Tohsaka family’s underground magecraft workshop, Gilgamesh lounged in a plush chair. He picked up a crystal glass of red wine, gently swirling the crimson liquid. Watching Merlin’s graceful, retreating figure on the light screen, a mocking curve formed on the King of Heroes’ lips. He let out a sharp, disdainful snort.

“Hmph. That foolish Magus of Flowers. Claiming he is taking his leave, but he is actually just hiding in some dark corner, preparing to watch the rest of the show. What a thoroughly boring man.”