Life Is a Play, and It All Depends on Your Acting (Continued)

At this very moment, Merry, who had just slipped away from the world of Rovey to Avalon and met with Merlin in this world, was squatting on the steps of the Garden of Avalon with Merlin. They were almost ecstatic to see this scene, and their laughter was even more joyful than that of Gilgamesh and Rameses II.

Especially for Merry, she had spent so much time with Merlin and had personally experienced all Rovey joys and sorrows. Rovey's presence alone was enough to bring her uncontrollable joy. But then she came over to check on the situation and try to get them out of Goetia's clutches, only to witness an epic drama even more spectacular than the Six Kingdoms' Grand Conferment of Titles. She and Merlin were so overjoyed they were practically going crazy.

Merry immediately started rolling on the ground, clutching his stomach, completely losing his composure. Merlin even hit himself on the head with his cane to try and sober himself up.

This is a life-or-death crisis, I can't laugh, but I really can't help it...

"—Hahahahahahahahaha!!!"

As for Romani?

Who is that? It's a child I don't recognize... Don't disturb the two of them watching the show here.

And what about Rovey at this moment?

Despite his compassionate expression, he had actually bitten his tongue until it bled. If it didn't hurt a little, he'd easily break character. He was inwardly laughing as if he were Locomotor Stop of Dan Kuroto and Accelerator; if he hadn't been trained in professional facial expression management, he would have genuinely burst out laughing.

At this moment, Goetia's eyes widened in even greater despair than when Marshal C saw Jeanne being burned, and he kept backing away.

For every step Rovey took forward, he couldn't help but take a step back, until Rovey was cornered against the wall and had nowhere left to retreat.

"How could this be? Our enemy is the king?!"

Lev and the other demons stood by, completely too afraid to step forward and help. They were all stunned and became the perfect atmosphere-maker.

"No, this can't be... It shouldn't be like this! How could this be my... lost tenth ring! You... No! No, no, things can't possibly turn out like this!! How could Solomon stop my plan?! He should just be observing silently, how could he be as calm as you? No! Something's wrong, something definitely went wrong!! You're definitely not Solomon, who are you?!"

At this moment, Goetia resembled one of those investigators in a Cthulhu-style world who stared directly at the Great Old Ones or suddenly obtained the truth of the world and went mad. Because the answer was too explosive, his tone and voice became completely hoarse, and he let out a scream that could be described as heart-wrenching.

"..."

This unsightly scene distorted Dr. Roman's expression. Although it was a body he didn't want, it was still a body from the past. The way it looked now was really too awkward.

Roman couldn't fathom what Rovey was trying to do. Was he perhaps planning to use his final Noble Phantasm— [The Time of Parting Has Come]—to trade one-for-one with Goetia here? But why did he suddenly have a bad feeling?

Not only Goetia, but the Demon God Pillars who should have gone up to help, especially Lev, were now in even deeper confusion Goetia.

Lev: "Good news, the King has really been found, but... why did things turn out like this!?"

"We're going to raise our swords against the king, which means...were we hurting the king before? This kind of thing..." Barbatos was caught in a dilemma and self-reproach. "Isn't this just like those Knights of the Round Table we mocked before, and the Lion King? What does our loyalty...even mean?"

Knights of the Round Table and Black Lancer Artoria: "..."

Why drag us into this? And to think that the Demon God Pillars have looked down on my loyalty is a rather complicated feeling.

"What should we do? Should we continue?"

"Hit you my foot! You dare to go up and hit me?!"

"I wouldn't dare."

"Then what should we do? Why would the king make such a wish? How could such a ridiculous wish be made by the king in his dream!"

"To become human... How ridiculous! Only a mediocre person could come up with something like that!!"

The Demon God Pillars began to chatter amongst themselves.

The dream team, which had originally been united and prepared to wipe out Chaldea and the other Servant in one fell swoop, suddenly started arguing violently, as if something had gone wrong. They talked all at once, but the deafening roars made the entire palace shake precariously.

The Heroic Spirit below and the staff opposite Chaldea were completely at a loss for what to do, and could only stand there quietly and watch the grand spectacle unfold.

Goetia: "Impossible! You are not him! That evil! Cold-blooded! Selfish! Heartless! How could the man who was my prototype become like you? How could he have such a ridiculous wish! How could he have gotten involved? Answer me now— Solomon!!!"

Roman said weakly, "Could we... first..."

"Shut up!!"

Goetia, Lev, and the Demon God Pillars: "Shut up, you laughable Romani Archaman! You have no right to speak here! Answer us now, Solomon, why did you make such a ridiculous and ignorant wish? And why have you reappeared before us?! Aren't you just someone who coldly observes everything?!"

'Is this how you all see me?!'

Dr. Roman immediately took a few nitroglycerin pills and found it difficult to breathe. He had originally wanted to take this opportunity to suggest letting them leave first so he could deal with Goetia, but he was stopped by that shout and learned about his image in their eyes.

I'm really heartbroken.

Even when he was King Solomon, he was at most indifferent and let things develop naturally, never intervening unless absolutely necessary.

How can it be associated with words like cold-blooded, evil, and cruel?

"I'm sorry, Goetia. Your description makes me inexplicably sad. It was indeed my fault for not explaining things clearly and not telling you beforehand."

When Goetia grabbed his shoulder, Rovey didn't break free, but instead gave a troubled smile.

"However... I didn't expect you to hate me so much. You accompanied Solomon throughout his life, yet as his companions, his children, and those who were always by his side, you didn't even understand Solomon's heart? I'm a little disappointed..."

"—!!"

Upon hearing these words, coupled with that poignant smile, Goetia's eyes widened, and even the two hands gripping Rovey's shoulders began to tremble.

"What... what exactly are you trying to say?"

"In truth, Solomon was not without desires, nor was he the heartless person you portray him to be. Rather, it was because he also yearned for freedom. Goetia, from birth, Solomon was chosen by God, endowed with wisdom and power, his destiny as king was sealed, and he was deprived of emotions and the right to happiness. Even Goetia, with his Clairvoyance, could not understand this, could he? Perhaps it is precisely because of these eyes that you cannot see the deeper reason, just like... I in the past."

As he spoke, under Goetia's horrified gaze, Rovey raised his head and met Goetia's Clairvoyance eyes with his calm gaze.

In that very instant, Goetia saw in Rovey's calm, still eyes his own hideous, ferocious face contorted with madness.

Yes, Solomon is not who I am now... But then what is he really like?

I don't know, it's been so long, so very long, that he can't even remember that memory now.

Solomon was nothing more than his memory, and a reflection within that memory.

"Goetia, life is something that will eventually wither, life is a pilgrimage of repeated suffering, but it is by no means a story that ends with death." Just as Goetia was contemplating the past, that compassionate voice slowly rang in his ears once again.

"God gave me all-knowing eyes, allowing me to see through time, travel through the past and future, and as an 'observer,' witness what He said: the most successful and the most failed creation—human beings, this is Solomon."

"As a bystander? Is that why you've always been indifferent to everything?"

Goetia seemed to understand something and began to mutter to himself.

[Great! Great! This guy's going to believe it, he's going to believe it... he's almost completely convinced.]

Although he couldn't hold it in any longer, Rovey really couldn't laugh right now; if he did, everything would be ruined.

He hadn't expected that Goetia would be even more immersed in the role than he was. Although Rovey had done role-playing and acting contests with others many times before, this was the first time he had done it like this.

Especially as he felt the special effects on his body becoming heavier and he becoming more and more sacred, the real observer above him was clearly more satisfied than anyone else, so he generously offered his help. If the act continued, he himself would almost believe it.

As Rovey spoke, under Goetia's shocked gaze, disregarding the Servant behind him who were ready to attack at any moment, he grabbed Goetia's trembling hands and said gently, "I'm sorry I'm late, Goetia, but it's not too late to stop now."

"Is it too late...? Haha..."

"Don't make me laugh, Solomon!"

Goetia suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, then abruptly pulled her hands away from Rovey's grasp. Her previous terror vanished, replaced by anger, coldness, and agitation as she pointed at Rovey and shouted, "Now you dare talk to me about backing down? Solomon, you're so arrogant! You've always thought this way, both in the past and now! You always think you understand us, understand my heart! You always hide your thoughts and refuse to confide in us. Everything has turned out this way because of you!!"

"Now that we've found you, this pointless game should end. You're no longer Solomon. I'll make you understand just how utterly incompetent you are! And I'll let you witness firsthand the powerlessness to change anything! Demon God Pillars, move! Seize Solomon and eliminate everyone present!!"

Unwilling to face the situation, Goetia pointed at Rovey and shouted angrily, then ordered the Demon God Pillars behind him to seize Solomon. However—

"..."

Even after issuing the order to attack, the Demon God Pillars he had commanded remained motionless. Noticing this, Goetia angrily turned around, casting a look of anger and confusion at them. His pitiful expression was like Mordred's after being rejected by Artoria, making the Servant present wonder if he was about to cry.

(Your persona has crumbled, Goetia!)

"Why aren't you doing anything? You bunch of good-for-nothings! Hurry up and do it!!"

Goetia, loudly questioning the Demon God Pillars, had an extremely terrifying expression and tone. Although he looked aggrieved, the magical power and aura he unleashed were no joke. However, Goetia seemed to be worried about hurting Rovey in front of him, so he didn't unleash a truly terrifying attack, but simply shouted at the Demon God Pillars as if he had been betrayed.

"..."

However, the seventy-two Demon God Pillars behind them remained silent. Although they had been indignant and passionate during their discussion, pointing out Demon God Pillars 'Solomon faults, when it came to actually attacking Solomon, they all took a step back in unison and shook their heads in unison, like rattles.

This is incredibly disrespectful; even if they had ten times the courage, no Demon God Pillars would do such a thing today.

"Goetia, this won't work..."

At this moment, Lev, with his rich experience as a double agent and excellent double agent skills, stepped forward, shaking his head. He said with a troubled expression, "That's our king! How can we..."

"That is not our king! He betrayed us, he abandoned us all! He left us without saying goodbye for that absurd wish!!"

"But even so, he is still our master—ahhh!!"

Before Lev could finish speaking, Goetia, still furious, punched him so hard he flew onto the roof of the palace. Then, looking at the equally hesitant Demon God Pillars behind him, he roared in fury, "Have you forgotten our grand plan and ideals?! Have you forgotten the original intention of Humanity Incineration?! How can you be swayed by the appearance of this man?!"

"But..."

Faced with Goetia's questioning, even though the Demon God Pillars present had a thousand words in their hearts, not one of them answered him.

Although they were quite saddened by Solomon's sudden departure, the joy of seeing the king reappear and being reunited with him made their sadness seem insignificant. They could simply pass the time by having the king away from home, as long as the outcome was good, right?

"Fine, fine, a bunch of traitors! Since none of you are willing to do it, I'll kill him myself!"

Seeing the Demon God Pillars collectively betray him and waver in their allegiance, Goetia turned away in anger, raising his palm towards Rovey. Soon, a surge of magical energy gathered in his hand, preparing to personally deal with the man who had once abandoned him.

"Stop it!"

"Mash, go protect Mr. Rovey!"

"Amitabha Buddha, calm down, benefactor Goetia, you cannot commit patricide..."

Seeing this, the other Servant drew their weapons and prepared to rush up to stop Goetia. However, Rovey moved faster than them. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Goetia, less than a meter away from the light cannon that Goetia had conjured.

At this distance, if Goetia were to unleash its beam cannon, even Rovey wouldn't be able to dodge it. However—

Goetia's hands trembled as he gazed at the familiar figure bathed in golden light, at that calm yet compassionate smile. It was a smile he had seen countless times before, a smile from someone he had long ago decided to betray. But now, why? Why couldn't he bring himself to do it? Why did this damned man have to appear at this crucial moment and shake his resolve?!

"I'm sorry, Goetia, I've worried you."

The calm words that came from Rovey's mouth, though containing no magic or Magecraft, were more useful than any Noble Phantasm at this moment.

At this moment, Goetia felt his heart pounding faster and faster, and the magic he was circulating in his palms was also very difficult. The ball of light he had been building slowly dissipated before Rovey's body got close. His arm fell down, so heavy that it was difficult to lift it again, until his aura completely collapsed.

"It's pointless. You're just an ordinary person now. Killing you would be meaningless, Solomon ..." Goetia sighed, then glanced at the many Servant behind him and said, "These guys can't stop us. The Humanity Incineration will be completed. You can't change that outcome."

"Um."

Rovey smiled without saying a word.

"Call..."

Dr. Roman, far away in Chaldea, watched as Goetia's magic power index on the monitor steadily declined, and couldn't help but breathe a long sigh of relief.

Although the development was somewhat strange... no, it could even be described as somewhat bizarre.

But the ending was quite good.

Judging from the current situation, Goetia probably won't go on a killing spree anymore.

However, seeing his creations acting as if they were blind, randomly recognizing people, still made him feel extremely nauseous. He had instilled a great deal of knowledge in them when creating Goetia and summoning the demons, yet they seemed completely unsuspecting, leading Roman to wonder if their visual systems had become malfunctioning due to years of neglect.

Although there were many flaws and Roman felt awkward being targeted, he was fortunate to have lived as a human for eleven years. His mind was currently only on True Magic Merry and his figurine wife, and he had absolutely no intention of rushing out to claim them. Seeing Goetia not only mistake him for someone else, but in such a poignant way, Roman couldn't help but chuckle.

"Pfft..."

"What's wrong, Romani?"

Da Vinci also looked over with a smile.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. I'm just glad to see that things turned out alright."

"Oh, really?"

Da Vinci's smile seemed thoughtful.

"Just accept your fate, Solomon."

After dissipating the magic, Goetia regained his arrogance. He glanced at Rovey before him, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "You are no longer qualified to command us. We have lofty ideals and boundless ambitions, things you never possessed in the past. Of course, if you now admit your mistake and are willing to join our salvation plan, returning this body to you is not out of the question."

"Yes, I really appreciate that you're still concerned about me at a time like this, but that's impossible."

However, in response to Goetia's suggestion, Rovey simply shook his head and said softly, "I did make mistakes in the past, but that doesn't mean you're necessarily right now, Goetia."

What do you mean by that?

"Literally, Goetia, what happened in the past was my fault, leading you to this point. Although I understand that your ideal is to make the world a better place, Humanity Incineration by no means right. You and I are both at fault."

"So how do you plan to resolve this?" Goetia's eyes narrowed.

"Since neither of us can convince the other, let's make a bet, Goetia."

Rovey said calmly, "Six of the Singularity of the Humanity Incineration have been resolved, and we will soon reach the final Temple of Time. If all the Singularity are repaired, then we can sit down and have a good talk. At that time, I will tell you everything. How about it?"

Without a doubt, these words were all Rovey's empty promises to Goetia. He could see that Goetia was currently in a state of mental collapse and was hesitating whether to continue fighting.

At times like these, all he needs to do is give Goetia a way out and have him admit his mistake, and the problem will be solved.