WARNING: Massive spoilers for the end of Fate/Grand Order Part I. This warning will be removed after NA reaches Solomon Singularity.

"I must thank you once more, Doctor Roman."

He chuckled and scratched his head. "Oh come on now… seriously! You don't owe me anything."

The pair walked down a hallway towards the Medical Bay. It was still early morning, and the doctor had stayed up a little later than usual, both for work and personal entertainment. The lack of sleep was subtly present in his eyes, but he did a great job of always hiding it with his expressions. He scratched the center of his lab coat to relieve an itch, while Altera kept her hands folded in front of her loose white shirt and gym shorts. She was meeting Nero in a bit for some early morning Beautifying Yoga for Servants. There was no way exercise would work for them, but it's not like the blonde empress would listen to that.

She just happened upon Doctor Roman on her way there, and was glad he was as friendly as ever. He hummed lightly. "Has it really been three months since then? I'm glad you've been happy all this time."

"I am, and it's all thanks to you." Altera gave a small smile in return. "You were the first real person besides the masters to welcome me in… and you assisted me with my social problems. I've been able to feel like a regular person with your help."

"…I just really wanted to see that wish succeed, that's all."

The Hun looked to him in slight confusion. Realizing she was waiting for a response, he chuckled more. "You just wanted a normal life right? It's not a bad wish… I'm pretty happy with my life, and I'm nothing too special myself."

Altera's mind flashed back to look around the small and partially cramped office. She mentally eyed the stacks of paperwork that he had collected, and stared at the many notepads filled with written words. Sadly, it was likely that hasn't changed since he was still as active as ever. Slowly she turned back to Roman, who had watched her mind travel to a possibly distant place. It was a look he was all too familiar with, and likely one he wore himself in past times for different reasons.

"Yours is a busy life, not a normal one…"

He smiled. "Sometimes busy lives are just as fulfilling, even though they don't appear to be so."

"…do you regret coming here sometimes?"

Thoughts flashed through his mind as images. In the seconds of thought before he answered, the man simply let the smile grow fondly on his face. There had been many obstacles, and different paths he could have chosen; But there was only one choice for him. In the end, what he wound up doing was far more than he could have ever imagined. Even with the piled work and the threat of human extinction, just living within these walls and seeing everything he had was beyond comparable worth. He had become wealthy by definition.

"No… I'll never regret this decision."

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Fragment 24: My Modern Romance

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The cool air brushed against his skin as he stood atop the barren rocks. He flipped his hands slowly and stared at them, feeling the breeze tickle his hairs as the light of the prana faded in the background. The darkness surrounded him, but his smile could turn the night into day. Savoring the moment, the former servant began chuckling happily as he felt truly alive for the first time. As his long, orange hair waved in the gentle breeze behind his back, he laughed heartily knowing the wish had been granted.

Beside him, the former master studied the back of his mature hand. The command seals were gone, leaving the forty-year-old man but a simple magus once more. But that was fine with him. His pristine white hair, tied in a ponytail, drifted in the wind; The large, black cloak he wore to conceal himself from the other masters blew with it. With quick motions of his arms, the orange eyed master quickly detached his cape, revealing the simple three piece black suit beneath. As the former servant remained exuberant, the magus threw the cloak around his body.

"Marisbilly?" The previously naked man questioned, eyes widened in slight surprise.

"It's not proper etiquette to walk around naked, caster."

The man chuckled. "Y-yes… it's not. I was just too caught up in the moment… I'm… I'm alive!"

"And your abilities?"

"I don't feel any magical circuits! I can't see into the future! It really happened! It…"

The former caster trailed off, his smile wavering as the last images of his clairvoyance bombarded him once more. In the overwhelming excitement of the moment, of realizing he could finally live as a normal person in that minute… He had forgotten the flames. The dying embers as humanity was torn asunder. The fading of souls as an ominous shadow loomed over the earth itself. It terrified him, because his visions were never wrong. Had his wish caused it? Had-

"Now, now. Your wish has been granted. There's no time to feel any doubt or regret about losing your abilities."

The troubled man looked to his former master, his friend, and stared. He didn't know. The friendly smile proved it. But he couldn't bring himself to tell him. "…You're… Yes. That's right. I should be happy."

Marisbilly approached the cloaked man and placed a firm grip on his shoulder. With the friendly smile still in place, he nodded to his only friend who forced his own. "I don't know what has you so troubled, but you should worry of it later, caster. You have a whole life to live for yourself now, and I hope it's everything you could ever imagine."

Releasing his grip, the Animusphere nodded with a chuckle. "Now, since I am no longer your master, I can only request things of you. You are another human being now, but will always be my dear friend who gave me my dream… So I will ask. May I be the first to know your new name, caster?"

While the images still bothered him, he pushed them aside for a brief moment. He had been granted his wish, so he should at least enjoy these precious seconds before he pursued that vision. It was strange, not having anyone truly relying on him anymore. Yet his mind instinctively latched onto the thought… that humanity may have to rely on him, on his last vision, to prevent its extinction. Even if no one, not even God, was telling him to do so anymore… he would do it. Because like the man in front of him, he had come to love humanity.

He was one of them now, after all. But he still needed the most basic of human desires: an identity. He was no longer the King of Magecraft, and did not wish to be called Solomon either. No. From here on, the life he lived would be different, and according to his own views and desires. Even if the pursuit of the last vision would take up his entire existence, he would live the way he wanted to this time. The wish had been granted, a rare and ever precious chance to walk the earth by his own choosing.

Indeed. He had obtained the individualism he desired. With every breath, he now lived in an era where every person could blossom into something extraordinary, and many dare to attempt to be who they want. With this romance of a new life, and a dramatically beautiful way of thinking… he smiled brightly once more. He was finally free.

"Yes, my friend… I think- No. I wish to be called…"

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"Roman!"

The doctor abruptly sat up straight, desperately wiping any sleep form his eyes.

Apparently, he passed out sometime after his talk with Altera. With squinted eyes, he looked towards Da Vinci, who had both her arms folded over her usual renaissance attire. Her eyes were narrowed and judging, staring between him and the open laptop on his desk. Her finger tapped onto her upper arm in a steady tempo while his smile slowly grew sheepish as he realized what he was doing before. Slowly, he reached for the top of his laptop with his outstretched han-

Da Vinci snatched the gray device with a huff. Quickly turning it about in her bare hands, she glanced at the screen only for her eye to twitch. With a raised eyebrow she showed the screen toward Roman, taking care to support the bottom with her other hand; She didn't like the idea of breaking complex inventions. Roman stared with his sheepish grin at the screen, slightly happy at the update to the website that was displayed. It was just a mockup of an internet idol's blog, but a generation AI seemed to be updating it to the doctor's absolute pleasure.

"You're on Magi*Mari again!? What happened to figuring out the potential lack of servant rooms in the future, director?"

"Please don't say it like that…" He scratched the back of his head. "…and why are you so much meaner to me these days?"

She groaned and placed the laptop back on the desk. "You have a new message from your idol… Answer it and be done with it for the day. It's distracting you too much as is, and it's still morning… I'll be across the hall in my workshop if you need me, which you usually do."

'Isn't it the other way around?'

The inventor huffed loudly and left his small office, making sure the door closed a little harder than usual. He winced, but soon chuckled to himself. He carefully slid the laptop across his desk and smiled at the displayed website. Magi*Mari had indeed sent him a new message, and with his former dream gone in his newfound excitement, he opened the tab to see what the net idol had to share with him this time. The residence situation can wait a bit as the message loaded; There were at least ten rooms left on his count, though the Engineering Division would not like to hear of expansion plans into the mountain.

**You're in for an eventful day, dear Roman**
So interesting, the gods will even look upon you!
Lots of smiling faces are coming your way!
Keep your lips upturned, and face any challenge with resolve!

~Live and Love, Magi*Mari (^_^) Heart!Emote

Da Vinci could hear his gleeful laughing from the hall. She groaned.

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"You're really fine with coming around to help? I feel like you should be on the digital payroll at this rate."

"It's fine, Roman," David chuckled as he helped Samantha sort a schedule at the front desk. The doctor smiled and nodded, while he finished up a stack of delivered after action reports from the masters. He usually did the final organization at the front desk to change things up; It was kinda like an exciting relay race to get it completed before Da Vinci possibly needed him for some obscure thing… again.

Medical robots usually helped with the more mundane tasks, but organizing the schedule and certain lab equipment was still a job best left to human hands. Usually it was Irisviel or Nightingale who would volunteer to help in his Chaldean clinic, but the newfound, seemingly permanent helper was more than he could have hoped for, in more ways than one. The green haired archer in question stood up, and attached the calendar back onto the whiteboard behind the front desk. He walked over to one of the many lounge seats where he left his book.

With a sigh, he stared at the clock that indicated lunch would soon arrive. David plucked the small novel he had picked up from the library, and opened it as the doors parted. He looked towards the newly arrived servant and waved. Serenity waved back shyly with a small smile, the sleeve on her loose turtleneck overlapping her arm slightly as she did. The beige top was coupled with tight denims, causing no noise as they rubbed together due to the assassin's trained movements. She approached the front desk quietly, waiting patiently but not ringing the bell.

Samantha looked up. "Oh, Serenity! You need to speak up, dear! Roman might be going deaf from Da Vinci's yelling."

David chuckled as Roman gawked at the employee. "...Really? You too?"

"I'm sorry if I'm a little early..." she whispered quietly as the assistant and Roman quickly shook their heads. The archer stared as she stood silently, fiddling with the ends of her sleeves with her small fingers.

"Serenity, it's alright. If I were you, I'd be eager to find an answer too," Roman offered with a reassuring smile. There was uncertainty and worry in her eyes, and he couldn't blame her. Word of her condition and circumstances was pretty common around Chaldea, and this was the reason she had been coming by the Medical Bay on a daily basis. Being locked up in her room all the time as her personal decision did not sit well with him at all. "I'll be finished in just a moment or two, then we'll go to my office."

"Okay," she replied spoke softly with a nod. She remained standing by the front desk a little awkwardly, making sure to give ample space from anything.

Roman gave one last smile before doubling his efforts on the paperwork. Serenity hasn't been the only one to come to him for help, but was the most recent. Along with Altera, there were a decent number of servants that had come to him, and they've admittedly become somehow fond of the overworking, unofficial director. Gabrielle said it was his friendly demeanor that made him treat all servants like welcome guests. He appreciated how respected he was in Chaldea because of it, even from some who originally judged him upfront as strange or even pathetic.

It was just too bad he was still seen as a little wimpy as well, all thanks to- The medical bay doors opened, and Roman felt his stomach drop.

"Oh, Roman~!" Da Vinci chirped as she walked briskly into the Medical Bay lounge. Samantha was already laughing, while Serenity was giving her extra room. "Oh! Serenity, how are you? I guess I'll have to ask him to help test my invention after your appointment~!"

Roman looked at Serenity like she was an angel, making Samantha and David laugh.

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The double doors closed behind Roman as he whistled to himself, take out lunch grasped firmly in one hand. The bag swung at his side as he walked towards his office, waving pleasantly to the other staff and even high fiving a medical robot as it was being recalibrated by an engineer; It was a one sided gesture, and the employee eyed Roman strangely for smacking the robot's outstretched utility arm. He paid the man no further attention as he entered his office and tossed the bag next to his laptop.

He had been busy working since reading the message, much to Da Vinci's surprise. Issues with the residence hall had been answered, with the rather complex solution to double the size of the residence area. There was still plenty of room to expand tables in the cafeteria and the salon since they were rather spacious, though he partially worried if the organization would grow that much in the future. Servants seemed to be coming in almost as often as random mystic codes these days. Thankfully the Engineering Division didn't have much else to do anymore, and there were plenty of servants who would likely volunteer for construction help.

As he opened the bagged food, he stared over his recent notes and calculations regarding power outputs and efficiency levels.

Even if servants did use more prana from the generation system to hasten construction, it should handle it fine even with a minor singularity in progress. Though it was strange how Chaldea was providing far more prana output than it should be capable of, Da Vinci always assured him that she knows the real reason and is keeping it monitored. Not wanting to step on the toes of the inventor, he always just let her handle that end; Whatever was keeping all these servants fueled and ready was okay by his books, and he didn't believe it was of the malicious sort.

Blinking as he looked into his swiftly grabbed lunch, he groaned and rubbed his face with one hand. He had forgotten a fork.

Before leaving, he paused to look around his plain office and sighed. The offer had been given multiple times to allow him to take up station within the director's former office, but he declined every time. Sometimes he thought about it, but he preferred being in this small office that his dear friend had given him so many years ago. No matter how he looked at it, it was part of Marisbilly's ever friendly gestures to him, and he didn't feel right sitting in the large chair that belonged to his former friend. Thus, the Director's Office and residence remained closed and unused, but always open for him to claim.

Maybe after they save humanity, he would consider it. Until then, the only thing he considered was more napkins with that fork. He walked out of his office- "Get him!"

Doctor Roman's eyes widened before he began chuckling as two, tiny servants jumped his legs. Nursery Rhyme hugged from his left, while Jack secured his right. He looked down at the pair of giggling girls, noting their rather casual wear. Small jeans for both with loose, jet black shirts with their own cartoon designs. He smiled, noting the caster's had what appeared to be a fairy while the assassin depicted a ninja in white. His hands found the tops of the girls' heads, quickly rubbing them to produce more giggles.

"An apple a day won't work if you keep coming to find me," Roman joked as the girls released him. He kneeled down to their level so they could properly hug him. With a slow breath, he embraced them back and enjoyed the warm gesture. "You girls sneak away from your mother again? I can only hide you in my office so many times."

They released the hug, and Jack shook her head with a smile. Nursery Rhyme pointed down the hall. "She's talking with Jekyll about helping decorate. She let us come play with you instead."

"Right… The Medical Bay is getting decorated tomorrow as we planned," He chuckled. Had he really forgotten that fast? Da Vinci even chewed him out for saying it was ok to decorate here and her workshop without asking. He had his own little ways to get back at the inventor.

"Can we play a game?" Jack asked with a small smile.

From his crouched position, Roman scratched the back of his head and laughed. He had been meaning to get a bit more work done, but he could never say no to the girls, or the Einzbern twins for that matter. Could anyone with a heart say no to Chaldea's children? His stomach rumbled quietly, reminding him that he could use a bite to eat too, but he pushed that aside with the eager child servants in front of him. With every passing week, he found himself with a little more free time to enjoy within Chaldea, and he savored every second of it.

He smirked deviously. Speaking of payback… "Sure. Let's go drag Da Vinci into this!"

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"Hmmm… So this is where I go to heal this human body faster. How interesting."

Roman looked towards David with exasperation, noticing the small twinkle in his eyes upon gazing at the beauty that just entered the medical facility. Chaldea's latest arrival, before taking a small break to alleviate the future residence issues, was… a surprise. Of all the possible heroic spirits to summon, this one seemed rather unusual just by the fact she levitated. Just staring at her and basking in her presence was to look at beauty incarnate. Her long, black hair waved in a nonexistent breeze as her red eyes looked around the Medical Facility's monitoring station. Her fair skin was barely covered by the gold and ivory cloth, enticing one servant in the room.

She giggled, noting David's look in amusement. "And who might you be, servant?"

"King David of Israel," he smiled back. Gabrielle and Roman groaned silently. Apparently, he was already trying to impress.

To their chagrin, she teased a wink at him before turning elsewhere. "...And you, human?"

Roman found the smile of the goddess locked on him. He smiled back courteously, "You may call me Doctor Roman, Head of the Medical Division and unofficial Director of Chaldea."

"Oh my… Yet another assertive human. It seems you and Gudao aren't the only ones in this place."

Gabrielle giggled into the sleeve of her master's uniform. "Don't get him wrong. He's usually a pushover!"

Roman gawked at the outright betrayal as David chuckled. The goddess turned back to them, and smiled once more. "What a fascinating place… I'm content I've come to see it for myself. I am the Goddess Ishtar, and you will address me as such. Be grateful I require nothing further."

Roman blinked. So she wasn't just a goddess in terms of looks, but an actual one like the Gorgon sisters. But this was peculiar, since he was well aware of the history of Mesopotamia; They were trying to set the leyshift parameters to reach Babylonia after all.

Ishtar was a cruel goddess, and her actions against Gilgamesh's denial of her proposal were well known in the epic. What she was capable of in what might be a possessed body was still unknown, but he would rather not have a Bull of Heaven running amok in this facility. No, they still had humanity to save and that would be a major setback. So with inquiries locked, he refrained from testing the goddess' patience by asking questions.

With a dip in her smile, Ishtar turned back to the female master. "So Gabby… When will I get to meet your… best friend was it? Gudao and Mashu both. The ones I had observed since the very beginning."

"He's taking a break today, but if you want I can take you to him right now, and save the tour for later. Mashu is likely with him."

She nodded with a smirk. "Agreed then. You will take me to them this moment. I will see him and Mashu."

Smiling at her eminent behavior, Gabrielle turned around and motioned with her hand. Once more to the surprise of both, she simply levitated and floated after the female master. It was apparent she did not like the idea of walking too much. As she left, David released a small sigh which made the doctor groan. David was chuckling at his exasperated expression.

"You're just as bad as you were before it seems…" Doctor Roman murmured under his breath. His eyes widened slightly, realizing he may have said too much.

David's chuckling eased his worries. "My narrative isn't that bad is it?"

Relieved, Roman shook his head and stared at him. "No details… but I see why there is none if a religious king was this bad."

David put a hand over his chest in mock injury. "You wound me, doctor. And here I thought your profession is healing."

Doctor Roman smiled. It had been a week since David arrived and they were already acting like old friends. To others, it would likely appear as an example case of two personalities linking well, which it genuinely was. He hoped David didn't suspect it, but to Roman it meant a whole lot more than just that. He had never been this close with his father before, with all the children and wives he used to have. The small glimpses of his dad were exactly like this, but he was too young and David far too busy for anything concrete to form. He wouldn't even be surprised if he was willing to end his son's life without a care since he endangered human order.

The double doors slid open once more, allowing Jekyll to walk in to see their chuckling. "What joke did I miss?"

"Just this joke ogling over another woman," Roman dared to tease with a small smirk.

David sent a mock glare his way. "Do not take advantage of my friendly demeanor, Mister Roman."

"Roman? Taking advantage of anything?" Jekyll quipped, eyes widening upon realization of what he said.

Da Vinci could be heard laughing from Roman's office while the doctor winced. "Where did Way-Too-Nice Jekyll go? I believe either Hyde or Mordred's having a lot more influence on you than you think..."

Jekyll scratched the back of his head and chuckled nervously. "S-So it seems… I'll be in my office if a human patient needs me."

The assassin swiftly retreated as Roman sighed. Was this the eventful day Magi*Mari predicted for him?

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Roman stared at the ceiling from the monitoring station. Dinner was two hours away, and with the facility seeing no recent business, Roman had let the rest of the staff off early. He and the two helping servants could manage whatever came their way… he hoped. With a silent prayer, he wished Blackbeard wouldn't jinx him by trying to raid booty of the actual flesh kind. He had been getting a little more daring recently.

His work had been placed aside once more, and his laptop wasn't even in front of him. Da Vinci was within his office, where the laptop was, reorganizing some books and doing some administrative paperwork or logs while he took a break. Since the device was in his room and off, there was no possibly way she could have accused him of getting distracted. He had gotten everything he needed done for the day, since Tesla and Babbage were still working on the theoretical leyshift adjustment. With newfound time to spare, he sat and contemplated, letting his mind wander.

It soon concentrated on the destruction of humanity, as it always did. He was doing all he could to assist, but it was for a different facet that his mind churned. Releasing a slow breath, the doctor listened to both his troubled thoughts, and the turn of a page from the silently reading servant on the other side of the counter.

"Hey… David."

"Yes, Roman?" He did not look up from his novel.

"…Do you really believe your son is the culprit? You did hint at it back in the third singularity..."

David blinked. He blinked again. Slowly he placed the bookmark into the pages and closed the novel. With a deep breath, he leaned further back in his chair, staring ever forward at a single spot on the monitoring counter's top. The silence was palpable as he thought, even as the medical machines gently hummed nearby. Roman watched as the green haired archer fiddled with his collar, still staring towards the counter top. His face was blank, while his eyes held rough seas. His fingers unconsciously fiddled with the edged of the book.

But his tone was without doubt. "No."

Roman's eyes shot wide. The archer breathed out slowly. "I know what I said, but it was an exaggeration on my part… I don't believe Solomon would ever do such a thing."

"…you don't?"

David turned to look at him with a blank expression. Roman quickly raised his hands. "I didn't mean that in offense or anything!"

The archer chuckled. "I know… Da Vinci did say you idolized him... though that was then. I'm sure your idolization of him was shaken after witnessing him in… London, correct? Others have approached me with the same question."

"And you still believe he wouldn't."

David shook his head firmly. "I've had many troublesome sons. Some even tried to aggressively take the throne, but Solomon was different. Vulgar, sure, but he was a kid then, and I was never the best at raising them... but I held my promise, and made him the heir at Nathan's urgings. It turned out well in the end."

"He did go down in history as a great king."

"Better than I could ever hope. Even bringing my desire true… He erected the temple of our Lord, which I dreamed of building, but couldn't. Even after all my failings as a father, he managed to succeed and become something special."

Roman leaned back in the chair to stare at the ceiling with a small smile. It thankfully went unnoticed, even as the chair edged towards a tipping point. "… then what of this one? Could it possibly-"

"I do not believe that is my son. I will deny it to the end," David stated with surprising force. Roman's eyes widened and smile vanished, but he did not look toward the archer. David turned and gazed towards him. "There has to be a greater force at work. Something beyond evil that would taint a devout follower of god's word. I refuse to believe that disgrace, that... thing, could be the real Solomon."

"...You're certain? You really believe that?" David nodded before silently looking away.

He let another deep breath out, and Roman could see the frustration in his eyes. "I understand you're just another angered victim caught up in this calamity against your will, but I firmly believe the blame lies elsewhere. He has to be an impostor even if he proclaimed his name and title to you in London. If it were Adonijah or one of my other, more aggressive children, I would have no doubt... but not Solomon. I will never believe it was him."

Roman felt himself shrink into his tilted chair at the sudden intensity of his gaze, but it wasn't directed at him. Though he visibly flinched, causing David's frustration to fade, the doctor only felt warmer at that revelation. It made him happy to hear those words filled with utmost conviction. It almost distracted him enough to forget he had not answered yet. Sheepishly, he scratched the back of his head.

"S-Sorry... I guess I was desperate to blame someone too... I can see you really are proud of your son," Roman practically whispered as he got a hold of himself. He chuckled lightly, and a little nervously, but David thankfully smiled. "With such strong conviction, even I'm starting to feel it… That disgrace that mimics him in your eyes could be something different."

"I had only one real disgrace in my reign... though I do not regret it. Not because it was right to chase after Bathsheba, it was not. She was a married woman… and it cost me dearly to obtain her. Seems I will always be bad with women…" David chuckled as Roman continued to face the ceiling in silent though.

As it creaked, the chair threatened to give way underneath him as he leaned even further back, but he listened. "...But I would make that one mistake a thousand times over if it was the only way to get my son Solomon. I believe that much in him as my rightful son."

The chair gave out.

"Doctor Roman!"

In complete concern, David rounded the monitoring counter to help the fallen man. The chair was pinned beneath the fallen man, while the doctor propped himself up with one arm. As David reached to help, he stopped in visible bewilderment. Roman wasn't bleeding anywhere, but he was covering his eyes with the other arm. It was the lips he noticed first, which twitched as the man sniffled into his sleeve. A sharp intake of breath confirmed his emotional state, and David gently helped the doctor to his feet while he covered his eyes.

"Is everything okay?" Jekyll yelled as he ran down the patient room hallway. He peered around the corner to witness the scene.

"Doctor Roman? I am not one to judge a man for shedding tears. Did you get injured?"

"N-No. I'm fine," He managed to whimper out. He dropped his arm to show his tear stained eyes and upper cheeks. There was a soft, fond smile on his face as he looked forward, and shook his head. "It's just… T-That was so t-touching… and beautiful! The p-pure love from a f-father to his son! I'm s-sure he'd be happy!"

The archer was taken back. "I… Thank you. I meant every word I said."

Jekyll smiled from the corner before walking back towards his office. "Just Roman getting emotional..."

David smiled and did one final check to make sure Roman was alright. He then helped the man back into his newly righted chair as he calmed himself down. There were still a few sniffles as David walked back to his own seat and picked up the quickly discarded book. He found himself smiling a little bit, something Roman noticed through slightly blurry eyes as the archer sat down once more. As he opened the novel, the smile grew ever slightly.

"You're an unusual man, Doctor Archaman... I never expected a reaction like that... but I found it comforting and relieving you believe me," David chuckled as the man rubbed his eyes again. "I'm glad I got to tell you that. I've only given others summaries, but maybe I should be more honest."

Roman sniffled. "...Did they give you a hard time about believing?"

David shook his head and smiled. "Most were pleasant and civil, but I could tell they weren't convinced. None were as passionate or emotional as you. Maybe I should have expected that from the wild and eccentric Doctor Roman Archaman."

"Hey! I'm not that eccentric!"

The archer snickered. "You're usually overexcited when you get a little message from that journal idol of yours, and defintiely wild when Da Vinci asks you for hel-"

"Roman! Archaman!"

The doctor winced. David chuckled. That had almost been too on cue... Roman peeked up at the same time David did, though the doctor was no longer sniffling.

The orange haired man rubbed his eyes once more, rather rapidly, as Da Vinci came at him with a vicious glare and a laptop in hand. His expression was confusion, before it quickly turned sheepish as he held both hands up in surrender and smiled awkwardly. The inventor kept the screen turned towards her, but placed her free hand on her hip as she glared daggers into the doctor who was shrinking under her gaze.

"I told you. For the rest of the day. No. Magi. Mari."

"B-but it's not eve- oof!" Da Vinci's quick grasp of his uniform elicited more chuckles from his archer friend.

Da Vinci's glare could light a forest fire, and David sent a silent apology to the doctor as she gripped his shirt by the front. Hauling him to his feet easily, she released her grip only to pinch his ear and extract a hiss, just like she usually did when she was furious with him. Roman gave a pleading look to David as the inventor dragged him off, which was replied with only by a small wave of the hand. With a defeated and betrayed look, Roman disappeared as the doors closed behind them. There was a sigh and sympathetic chuckle from around the corner, causing David to turn and stare at Jekyll.

"He's in for it… she's dragging him to the workshop to use her bounded field. Even used his full name too…"

David blinked. "Why does she need the bounded field?"

"It dampens sound whenever she's working."

The archer blinked again and quivered. "...She's going to be that loud?"

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The door locked behind them.

Da Vinci's workshop was only really visited by the masters who had specific invention or development requests. Most of the time, her little factory was simply filled with random inventions of different makes, covering the various maple tables and chairs. Even the basic corkboards were loaded with paper designs she would think up. However, it was a warm and inviting room, with only its double doors resembling anything of regular Chaldea. Its spackled dry wall, stained glass vertical lighting, and tiled floor felt more like the outside world than the reclusive organization.

It was in this room filled with assorted manuscripts, books, and creations that Roman received a very hard slap.

The doctor winced as the second slap connected with his opposing cheek. He hissed, then groaned as he slid to the ground within her workshop. While he whimpered, Da Vinci picked him up off the ground by his uniform to deliver the final slap. Roman let out a pained groan as he rubbed both of his cheeks, trying to numb the nerves to make the pain less noticeable. Sadly it was wasted effort, so he opened his eyes to stare incredulously at the inventor who had been so suddenly vicious as to-

His eyes widened. Both of her arms were crossed across her bosom, and the laptop was lightly discarded next to a small model of her Renaissance machine gun. The laptop was half opened as it was before. It was also turned off, which was the state he left it in after reading Magi*Mari's latest message to him this morning. He knew she had lied in that moment, but she was genuinely furious with him.

To his real shock, there were small tears threatening the sides of her eyes. Da Vinci was always enthusiastic and pleasant, even in her constant teases and bullying of the doctor. Calm and collected, but sometimes unpredictably strange, was the best way to describe the caster. To see her in this state for the first time…

"Idiot… You're such an idiot!"

He dropped one hand to his side, though continued to rub the twice-hit cheek with the other. "Da Vinci…"

"No! You're not talking your way out of this one!" She practically roared as she dropped her arms, clenching her fists at her sides. "Why, Roman!? Why are you doing this to yourself!?"

He sighed as his expression fell further. "I just don't-"

"He's your father for heaven's sake! He's your father Solomon! If anyone deserves to know, he does! He deserves to know!"

Weakly, he leaned against the closed doors, thankful there were no windows and the bounded field prevented sound from leaking. With a sigh, his other hand dropped limply to his side as a group of Irish servants passed without a care. The dampened chuckles reverberated through the walls, but did little to uplift the sullen mood; He was thankful no sound would escape. Da Vinci sniffled, getting her own emotions under the constant control she usually held. Roman looked to her softly, his own mind made up without any hesitation.

She glared at him. "Don't be ridiculous… tell him…"

The inventor would not like it, but it was his decision in the end. "Look, Da Vinci… I'm just glad I get to see him again… and to hear those words from his mouth with my ow-"

"You're such a coward! He's your father, Roman! You're always so afraid of sad things that you're not even going to tell him who you really are!?"

"I don't want him to cry if-"

"No, you idiot! If you do go through with that, he's going to find out with everyone else, and it's going to be even more painful for him! That doctor he got to know so well was his son the whole time! Are you so blind without your clairvoyance that you can't even see it's unavoidable now!?"

His heart stung, and his breath froze in his throat. She was right. As much as he wanted to deny it, she was right. Clutching his head in his hands, his mind raced for a possible way out. It was far too late to shatter the friendship for his sake, and that was something he wouldn't do in the first place. His mistake was getting close to him so fast, but he got caught up in the moment. To hear that his father had arrived in Chaldea excited him, and he acted on impulse to make sure his stay was pleasant. He had become David's first actual friend within these walls.

But… he didn't know if he had to do it yet. That last possibility wasn't even certain, and it could be avoided in the end. He just had to figure out every little detail for what's to come. It was likely it wasn't the real Solomon since it was his true identity, but he couldn't cross it out. With a mental curse, he groaned at the possibilities that still existed. In the best case scenario, everyone would make it through to the end, they'd find a proper way, and he wouldn't have to commit to such a move. Calming his heart down, he resolved his mind temporarily, choosing his course without doubt.

"He will be hurt if I did… yes… So will many in Chaldea. That's why I will resolve not to use that unless absolutely necessary. So my point still stands… I will not tell him."

She glared with clenched fists. "Roman!"

"No, Leona!" He roared back with surprising force. The inventor flinched under his suddenly ferocious stance as he glared back. "I will not yield on this! Let me just be who I want to be! Is that really so wrong? That I wanted to live like a normal person?"

She fell silent, her glare having faltered and replaced with uncertainty. The man noted it did not suit her, but he pressed his point. "I don't want special treatment! I don't want to be treated as Solomon! I want to be treated as Roman! Can you not see I'm happy as is!? I don't need him to know to be happy!"

"But you'll make him happy! You'll still be a normal person! I'm not telling you to give up your wish!" Da Vinci retorted. She sighed, though her fists remained clenched; He was not going to listen. "I know you're happy, idiot… You're so content with everything, even if you're not truly living. You're still trapped under the expectation humanity wants you to guide them..."

He chuckled dryly with a small smile. "Some habits are hard to break..."

She huffed, and folded her arms once more. "You're such a coward… You're so afraid of what could happen that you still don't see your newfound help as enough…"

"That's not true, Leona. I've been taking more breaks," He reassured quietly. There was no denying that was right with all the extra help. "Tesla… Babbage… You… So many are helping me find the answers for humanity's sake. I mean… at least I'm not taking those energy drugs anymore, right?"

Da Vinci narrowed her eyes. "This is not the time for your bad jokes."

"I wasn't joking, Da Vinci… I took them because I had to. I couldn't keep up without them… But thanks to all of you, I don't need them anymore. Things have gotten easier. I'm able to enjoy my time not buried in a stack of papers and research."

"But you're still buried."

He smiled ruefully. "I can't just dig myself out… I feel this is my fault, so I will do all I can to reach that happy ending."

She smiled sadly at him. "You're too pure…"

This was going nowhere, and he knew she understood that. He would remain the way he is, and keep doing what he wants regardless of what she says. The mean thought of telling David behind his back was a possibility, but he knew she wouldn't do that; They trusted each other. She was often teasing to Roman, but she did care. He understood completely that she deeply cared for the former servant in front of her, and there was no way she would do him actual harm. In the end, even if she thought it would be better for everyone involved, it was his life and his decision on how to experience it.

He imagined it was hard enough keeping his secret from the masters. She told him about how Gabrielle and Mashu had approached her during the Camelot singularity, inquiring about sudden doubt they had in the doctor's allegiance; To their credit, the two girls sounded like they didn't want to believe Holmes' warning. Using skillful maneuvering, she had reassured them Roman was definitely on their side, avoiding any possible mention of his true identity.

Roman became a little worried about Holmes that day, but he wouldn't blame him; It was his nature to find the truth in all things. The man was a legendary detective for a reason, and if he had any inkling Roman was Solomon, he at least kept it to himself. It likely didn't Da Vinci's act of convincing those two any easier, but she had gladly protected the secret. She did so much for him and he was almost uncertain how he could ever repay her.

The inventor sighed as Roman studied her in silence. She only wanted him to be happy. They'd discussed it in private several times, starting when she first found out he had been using the equivalent of combat drugs in the early singularities to watch over Gudao. He was being unfair in his request, and it was not the nicest secret to keep from David considering everything he just said. There were the masters to tell too, and many servants who befriended him, and... Silently, he wondered how he managed to get so lucky with so many special, wonderful people enriching his life.

"...I hope thing turn out alright then..." With rare, unfiltered optimism, he heard her whisper that. Da Vinci let out a deep breath. "I hope it's a sunny day when you finally tell him... Just promise me you'll do it when the time is right."

He smiled, walking forward to gently take his laptop. "I promise… I can at least do that, Leona."

Roman turned around and approached the door. He picked at his ID card to serve its dual purpose as a master key. Before he could wave it in front of the door's scanner to unlock it, he felt two arms softly wrap around him and the warmth of a body against his back. With a small sigh, he smiled fondly and placed one hand over Da Vinci's overlapped own. He was unsure how long they kept that moment, but she released the embrace as the door clicked in recognition of the newly raised key card. The door opened, revealing a rather empty hallway and the closed doors of the Medical Bay in front of him.

As he walked away, the doors sliding shut behind him, Da Vinci chuckled dryly. She shook her head. "Idiot Roman… as long as you're smiling."

¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨

Doctor Roman sighed in content as he entered Salon de Marie, only to be approached swiftly by the honored servant. The French Queen's hair hung loose down the back of a sequin blue cocktail dress that she acquired thanks to a recent singularity; It was made by Naomi, but certain materials for outfits had to be gathered and returned to her if it was to be completed. Needless to say, she did a fantastic job on the rather daring strapless with a side cut that reached almost completely to her waist. It seems Marie's, maybe unconscious, penchant for controversial things had a lot more truth than she inferred.

"Roman! It's so good to see you alive!"

He rolled his eyes but laughed. "I came here because a dear friend invited me."

"C'est pas vrai!" she cried out with a surprised expression, coupled with an overdramatic hand over her mouth. She giggled as he chuckled. "No~! Da Vinci didn't drag you? I still don't believe you, but enjoy your dinner, mon amie~!"

"Thanks, Marie!" He laughed back as she waltzed back towards Jeanne and Mozart at the piano.

As he walked to his destination, waving back greetings to numerous servants and employees, he recalled the last time he ate here. In the early days, he had always eaten in his stuffy office. Slowly, with more and more servants pouring in, that had changed. After finally obtaining specific helping hands, he had been more available to enjoy a relaxing dinner the lounge's pleasant atmosphere, but it was still a bi-weekly event.

However, the truth was he was usually available to come eat dinner with everyone. Where some might believe it's because he liked eating dinner in relative silence, Da Vinci thankfully kept the real reason under wraps; Most thought it was because he still worked too hard, but it simply became his favorite time to reread Magi*Mari's various entries and talk with the idol while eating dinner. He liked to pretend it was a private date when she playfully flirted with him. Usually it was at the inventor's encouraging that he'd come for dinner instead.

Roman smiled and waved to Hans as he passed, earning a small nod and a faint smile in return.

This time was very different, and he was not going to eat with Leonardo and Tesla as usual. It seemed like he didn't have it as an option anyway, considering the two masters and Mashu seemed to be joining them this evening. The masters would often sit with various tables, with their permission, in order to further their connection with their servants. Mashu, with an accompanying Fou, was almost always found with the male master, much to the chagrin and irritation of the love rivals; Chaldea has long since acknowledged she was practically his secretary. He simply passed by their table, earning surprised glances as he waved.

"Enjoy your dinner!" he chirped happily, quickly walking away with a chuckle before Da Vinci could attempt to pull an explanation out of him.

Roman had somewhere else to be tonight.

With a small smile, he approached the rounded booth tucked away in the corner of the room. Booming laughter resonated from the table, as Nero and Caligula laughed heartily at a joke Caesar just told. As he approached, he can see their traditional Roman togas they loved to wear so much, while Altera sat with a small smile in a red maxi dress. She noticed his approach, and her smile increased ever so slightly; It was nice to see the powerful hero in such good spirits, and to think it was all thanks to him.

"Umu~! Doctor Roman is here!" Nero exclaimed happily as she shot out of her seat. She waved at him as he approached. Caesar turned to look as Caligula stared with clouded eyes. The blue haired man always did make him a little uncomfortable, but so long as the toga wearing berserker was near Nero he was usually placid and even cordial… with minor speech issues, of course.

"Hello Ner-OH!" He stuttered loudly as a hand clamped down hard on his shoulder, followed by a deep, booming laugh.

"It is good that another Roman joins Rome tonight!" Romulus laughed, causing a few nearby patrons to groan at the joke.

The doctor simply chuckled as he turned to look at the mighty hero. The tall man rippling with muscles grinned down at the doctor before assertively pushing him towards the table. Caesar and Nero simply chuckled as Romulus clasped the doctor's arms with two hands, lifting him off the ground to seat him at the end of the booth. Silently pondering if it was traditional for him to do that to table guests, he scooted a bit closer to Altera as the tall man took his seat next to Caesar. Nero was happily smiling next to Caligula in the booth's center before she cleared her throat.

"I, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, welcome you to Rome, dear citizen! It is great to have you with us, Umu~! We got special Italian wine for the occasion!"

"Welcome… Roman…" Caligula managed to grunt out with a firm nod.

"There is no better way to spend a fine evening than with the greatest of Rome, yes? Yes." Caesar nodded with a small smile. Doctor Roman chuckled back, but noted the slightly troubled look in the man's eyes. It was not aimed at him, as evident by the tiny glance shot across the room. He decided not to make mention of it, since it was probably personal matters he had no part in. Only if asked would he-

"Thank you for coming, doctor," Altera smiled happily at him.

"It's good to be out of the cramped room."

"Rome can understand," Romulus chuckled before turning to Nero. "Speaking of rooms, Nero…"

Romulus began a side conversation with Nero regarding possible negotiations with the masters for the Roman equivalent of a themed room. The doctor began listening in curiously, likely to be asked at some point since he was the unoffi- "Doctor."

He turned to Altera with a small smile. She still had her own present. "Thank you for accepting my invite."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you fit in well with them." Roman smiled and nodded. "Beautiful dress by the way. Naomi really has the eye."

She smiled wider as she looked down at the clothing in question. "This was the dress Nero picked out for me when she invited me to the table… I can't thank you eno-"

"Oh no, no more thanks please!" Roman quickly interjected, causing them both to chuckle. "We'll consider this invite as the balance then, how about that?"

The Hun nodded. "If you insist, doctor. I just thought it'd be a nice gesture to help show how much myself and many of us appreciate your often unseen efforts. I don't know how long I would've been alone without your help."

"Ah shucks, you're embarrassing me."

Altera chuckled as Nero and Romulus got even more passionate about their ideas for the room. Unsurprisingly, it was now at Colosseum size. Caesar was pouring the wine into each of their glasses before a robot came about to fill it with the evening's normal selection. Soon the large, bronze skinned man turned to him, and he braced for the impending questions from the excited servant. His red eyes were practically gleaming. "Doctor! How does Rome acquire these building permits for the mountain interior?"

"We can't let France, Egypt, and Britain get ahead of us! The pride of the Roman Empire depends on it!" Nero cried out happily with a determined grin.

He chuckled nervously. "Well… we're going to have to talk with Engineering about this one."

"We shall discuss this later, you two," Gudao stated with an amused smirk as he walked up to the booth. He stood cheerfully, hands akimbo on the belt that divided his tucked in blue polo and khakis. The rest of his table was having appetizers served by the waiting robot as he nodded to all of them.

"Master! Will you be joining us too?" Nero asked happily as Romulus began pouring fine wine for everyone.

"Not today. Tomorrow evening, Nero. You can mark the occasion." Gudao nodded as Nero accepted the compromise. He turned to the orange haired man with a smile. "Director. Good to see you out here living like a human being."

"Title and a jab! Was that punch not enough for you?" Roman teased. Upon seeing the hint of guilt fly across Gudao's face, the man raised both hands in surrender. "Hey, it's okay! We've been over this."

"I can still feel bad about it," Gudao smiled apologetically. "But it is good to see you out here without Da Vinci's intervention. I honestly don't know how you can call working even more than me as living a full life."

All eyes simply turned to Roman as he chuckled happily. With a small smile, he looked around the table then back at Gudao.

"It's been more fulfilling than you can imagine, my friend."