Anastasia Romanov (Fate/Marvel)

[Keep boosting the stones!]

*****

Anastasia Romanov POV

"Are you still playing with that strange doll, Anastasia?" my father asked, casting a glance at Viy, who was securely nestled in my embrace.

"Viy isn't a weird doll; she's my friend," I declared with conviction, hugging her even tighter as if to shield her from my father's grasp, preventing him from taking her away.

"Uh... Okay then..." my father replied, scratching his head in an awkward manner before shifting the conversation to something else entirely.

"I called you here to introduce you to some tutors. What do you think, Anastasia? Would you like me to introduce them to you now?" He gestured toward the group of distinguished gentlemen and elegant ladies gathered in the room, all of whom had been summoned at my father's behest. They bowed politely and reverently in my direction.

I shifted my gaze to one particular man, whose face bore a striking resemblance to that of Kotomine Kirei.

"Father, could I speak with this so-called 'priest' alone?" I requested, my eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Anyone familiar with FGO would immediately recognize this man as Rasputin, though his face was eerily similar to Kotomine's. Even though the resemblance was uncanny, I didn't believe my instincts were wrong. My father, without objection, personally escorted all the other tutors I hadn't chosen out of the room.

Although I hadn't bothered to engage with any of them or allow formal introductions, selecting only based on appearances, my father remained silent and respected my choice.

And so, the room was left with just me, Viy, and this man—Rasputin—with the face of Kotomine Kirei.

"Why are you here, lackey of the Alien God?" Viy's voice rang out fiercely before I had the chance to speak.

She took the initiative, asserting her dominance over Rasputin, who remained unnervingly calm despite being faced with the full force of Viy's presence. As an eldritch beast with the power to obliterate him instantly, her gaze alone would have brought lesser beings to their knees.

"We mean no harm, Your Highness," Rasputin said, bowing his head respectfully toward me. He continued to ignore the ever-growing hostility emanating from Viy, who was practically seething with killing intent.

Despite the beads of sweat forming on his forehead and the palpable fear that forced him to bow to her power, his expression remained composed, unwilling to lose face in front of me.

"I'm well aware of that; that's the only reason your head is still attached to your body, Lord Rasputin," I replied with a smirk, speaking with a maturity far beyond my years. The cold grin on my face was a sharp contrast to the innocence of my childlike appearance, as if the concept of violence and murder were something as casual as a game.

My words carried a weight and complexity that would be incomprehensible for someone my age, yet here I was, unfazed by the deadly tension in the room.

"Anyway, let's put aside the hostility for now. What do you intend to teach me, Lord Rasputin?" I asked, curious to know his answer.

"Everything," he responded with a firm tone, his voice filled with unwavering certainty.

"And what is the price for that knowledge?" I inquired, my curiosity deepening.

"You have already paid the price, Princess. Now, all that remains is for you to claim what is due," Rasputin said respectfully, his gaze briefly shifting towards Viy. I couldn't help but wonder if Viy had been his target from the very beginning.

"Very well, I will graciously accept your presence, but remember, Lord Rasputin—keep your debauchery and past womanizing tendencies far from here. I cannot guarantee what might happen to you when you're not looking," I smirked, lightly patting his shoulder in encouragement. Fortunately for me, he bowed low, making it easier for my shorter stature to reach.

"You know, it would be a great loss for both me and the Empire to lose a promising man like you," I whispered softly, a sweet tone lacing my words. I could hear Rasputin's heartbeat quicken, though his expression remained carefully composed. But I knew better—the man was far from calm.

"I swear, Princess, that I will never take any action that tarnishes the image of royalty," Rasputin vowed, bowing even deeper. His eyes gleamed with a flash of cunning ambition, though he tried to hide it. Yet I, ever perceptive, had already noticed.

"No need to be so serious, Lord Rasputin," I replied with a slight chuckle. "I won't deprive a man of his joys, but don't indulge in them here. Do it elsewhere. Now, take some time to rest, adapt yourself to the royal family, and then we will speak again."

With that, I turned and left without a second glance, leaving Rasputin to decide how to spend his newfound free time.

Every decision I made seemed to make Viy more curious about my next move.

"Why, Princess? Why did you allow him to exist?" she asked.

"On every board, each chess piece holds significance, Viy. Losing even a single one can be fatal, especially when we're up against a formidable foe," I replied, my words more philosophical than explanatory.

As a schemer myself, I knew it was better to let the plan unfold naturally rather than explain it outright, allowing everyone to witness the intricacies and see how it would eventually unravel the world.

"You're playing with fire, Anastasia. He's not just anyone; he's an Apostle of the Alien God, something far beyond any foe you've ever encountered. You shouldn't treat the Alien God as just another chess piece," Viy cautioned.

"I'm not. He isn't the Alien God, he's merely a piece on his board. And since he can serve the Alien God, why shouldn't he serve me?" I shrugged nonchalantly, utterly dismissing any concern over how the Alien God might feel about the matter.

Not that I believed the Alien God was even capable of feelings.

Viy said nothing further as she nestled against my shoulder in silent contemplation.

I gently stroked her hair, continuing to hum a tune that echoed softly through the hall.

It was a song unrecognizable in this era, but beautiful nonetheless, as I noticed several maids in the hall perking up and quietly listening to what I was humming.

I used to rule the world

Seas would rise when I gave the word

Now in the morning, I sleep alone

Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listened as the crowd would sing

Now the old king is dead, long live the king

One minute, I held the key

Next, the walls were closed on me

And I discovered that my castles stand

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason, I can't explain

Once you'd gone, there was never

Never an honest word

And that was when I ruled the world

It was a wicked and wild wind

Blew down the doors to let me in

Shattered windows and the sound of drums

People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait

For my head on a silver plate

Just a puppet on a lonely string

Oh, who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing

Roman Calvary choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason, I can't explain

I know Saint Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing (oh-oh, oh)

Roman Calvary choirs are singing (oh-oh, oh)

Be my mirror, my sword and shield (oh-oh, oh)

My missionaries in a foreign field (oh-oh, oh)

For some reason, I can't explain

I know Saint Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

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