"Sakatsuki?"
Kairi Sisigou murmured the name thoughtfully, exchanging glances with Mordred, who shook her head slightly to indicate she didn't recognize such a hero.
But—regarding Vlad III, the Black Lancer, who had been severely wounded, Bellfeban, the head of the Summoning Department who acted as the Mage's Association's liaison, had once smugly remarked:
"Though the summoning of a Servant by the Yggdmillennia was unexpected, that Servant has already been driven back by the envoy we dispatched. So, to think they could overturn the Clock Tower with mere Servants—the Yggdmillennia truly underestimates the heritage of us nobles."
At the time, Kairi hadn't known that the Servant summoned by the Yggdmillennia was Vlad III, the Voivode of Wallachia. Nor had he known that the one who wounded him was the black-robed young man before him now.
But thinking about it, it made sense. In this Holy Grail War taking place in Romania, there was no reason for the Yggdmillennia not to summon a hero of such high renown within the country.
The Heroic Spirit Vlad Tepes—though he was famously known as the inspiration for Count Dracula, in Romania, his heroic deeds were emphasized instead, granting him nearly the highest level of fame-based reinforcement.
Conversely, to have defeated a warrior of that caliber head-on—this Sakatsuki must possess an overwhelming martial prowess...
Ah, come to think of it, is he a Servant?
If he is, then who is his Master?
"No need for flattery." Sakatsuki, of course, had no idea what Kairi was thinking. He casually tossed an emblem bearing the Mage's Association's insignia onto the notice board as proof of his identity before speaking.
"The Mage's Association has also summoned quite formidable Heroic Spirits, hasn't it? Those old men have spared no expense for the Holy Grail. The catalysts they used must correspond to heroes of considerable fame—or those whose strength surpasses their renown."
"Precisely." Father Shirou nodded with a smile. "I can confidently say that the Lancer and Rider possess strength comparable to Vlad III. Ah, of course, your Saber is exceptional as well, Mr. Sisigou."
In response to the priest's praise, the Red Saber remained unmoved. Beneath her helmet, her delicate face tensed slightly with unease and concern.
Powerful Heroic Spirits, considerable fame, overwhelming strength, a Lancer or Rider who could rival Vlad III...
Could it be... Father?
The thought instinctively surfaced in Mordred's mind, but she shook her head and dismissed it just as quickly.
Relax, there's no way... probably.
If something like that happened, there'd undoubtedly be infighting before the battle even began.
Meanwhile, the conversation between Sakatsuki and the priest continued.
"So, Lord Sakatsuki, what brings you here today? Is there something you need my assistance with?"
"Don't play coy, Father. As the Mage's Association's vanguard, how could I possibly withdraw from this war?"
"I see... Then, might I ask for your True Name?" Father Shirou posed a question that would normally be taboo in a Holy Grail War, not forgetting to address Kairi as well.
"Ah, of course. As the last Saber to arrive, Mr. Sisigou, you must also disclose her True Name, correct?"
In an instant, an aura of hostility radiated from Saber's surroundings. She glanced coldly at Father Shirou and the Empress beside him, then at the expressionless Sakatsuki concealed beneath his black robes, letting out a disdainful snort.
Kairi caught her meaning and voiced Mordred's question in her stead:
"Ah... Must we really disclose everything?"
"Hmm, I'd like to hear your reasons for keeping secrets. This time, we're allies. Since we're entrusting our lives to each other, wouldn't it be better to reveal our True Names beforehand?"
The priest's reasoning was flawless. Yet Kairi couldn't shake the overwhelming dread of forming an alliance with this Shirou—and the two Assassins.
An inexplicable chill ran down his spine. This was the scent of conspiracy—something utterly alien to the heat of battle.
'Master, what's your call? For the record, I'm against it.'
Mordred's telepathic message traveled along their causal link.
'I agree. But what's your reason?'
'...Instinct.'
'Your instincts are sharp as ever. Alright, decision made.'
Kairi picked up the intelligence dossier from the table and walked toward the nave, turning his back on the pair.
"Oh? Where might you be going?"
"Ah, we'll go where we please. Fortunately, my Servant's a Saber—acting independently won't be an issue."
Among the seven Servant classes, Saber was renowned as the most outstanding. In terms of Status and offensive capability, defeat against any other Servant was highly unlikely.
"Hmm, so you're rejecting our alliance?"
"Aren't six Servants already assembled? Moreover, didn't you claim Lancer and Rider were exceptionally capable? Then there should be no issues."
As Kairi finished speaking, the atmosphere abruptly grew oppressive. Mordred stiffened—the crisp clang of her crimson sword leaving its scabbard echoed through the chapel as she positioned herself protectively behind Kairi, her stance as fierce as a lion's.
What's gotten into Saber...?
The thought had barely formed when Kairi's nose twitched.
Inside the well-ventilated chapel, he suddenly detected a cloyingly sweet fragrance.
An odd scent...
His distracted musings were interrupted as the robed youth spoke.
"If Red Saber and her Master wish to leave, we shouldn't force them to stay. Wouldn't you agree, ▉▉?"
What words had the young man uttered? Kairi's thoughts grew foggy until Father Shirou's grave voice responded:
"...Very well. We shall heed Lord Sakatsuki's suggestion. ▉▉, Mr. Kairi. I'll periodically provide you with ▉▉. Originally, I'd hoped we might ▉▉ shoulder-to-shoulder, truly ▉▉..."
"Move, Master!"
Mordred shuddered violently as if breaking free from invisible chains. Seizing Kairi, she strode swiftly from the chapel.
Outside, still unsatisfied, Mordred hoisted Kairi and broke into a sprint—her speed rivaling a speeding car. The rush of crisp air against Kairi's face finally cleared the drunken haze from his mind.
"What... just happened to me?"
"Who knows!" The speeding Servant replied roughly, "You were just standing there like a dumb goose, not responding when called—but then again, ordinary people really shouldn't stay between those two Assassins. Even I couldn't help but shiver!"
"Hey, hey, don't go saying things like that! My resolve is no less than yours!" The hangover had faded, but now the excessive jostling assaulted him. Kairi struggled, barely managing to avoid an embarrassing outcome before reaching the main street.
"Saber, any pursuers behind us?"
"None, but the Assassin might be tailing us in spirit form. Stay sharp. If she dares attack, I'll cut her down in an instant!"
"...She? What about Lord Sakatsuki?"
"That guy wouldn't stoop to something like that. In the end, he'd never let me off easy—he'd fight me head-on!" Needless to say, this was yet another of Mordred's gut feelings.
"As for that woman, she's probably the Red Assassin. I sensed the same aura from her as I do from Mother. If she betrays us, that'd be one thing. But I have a feeling I might not even realize I've been betrayed until it's too late, left to rot in some ditch!"
Mordred's mother—needless to say, that was Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's elder sister. A magus on par with Merlin, it was she who incited Mordred to usurp the throne and overthrow Arthur.
If Saber said she was "the same as Mother," then this woman must be an unfathomable schemer.
"Anyway, it's best to stay away from them."
Kairi leaned against the wall for a long while before finally letting out a deep sigh.
"Master, more importantly..."
"What? Oh, we'll get you clothes later."
"That's not it! Though that is important... Ugh, how do I put this? I'm relieved my Master doesn't grovel to scum. Just a little, okay? Just a little relieved."
Mordred stumbled slightly over the words of praise. It seemed refusing their offer had its benefits after all, Kairi mused.
Of course, that was assuming the Master trusted their Servant.
"Well, I appreciate that. Next, we head to Trifas. Worst-case scenario, we might have to fight every other Servant. You good with that?"
Hearing Kairi's words, Saber declared loudly:
"Leave it to me, Master. I, Mordred, am the only knight who surpassed the King!"
So that's how it is, Kairi silently understood. Servant summoning truly seemed to call forth heroic spirits who resonated with their Master's spirit. She really was just like him.
Especially in the overconfidence department.
***
Inside the church.
The Red Saber and her Master had departed, leaving only three behind.
In the center stood Father Shirou, standing respectfully. Beside him, the black-gowned Empress, and leaning casually against a chair with an arm draped over its back, a confident young man in black robes.
"Put away the poison, Empress of Assyria. Your toxins are useless against me."
Facing the Red Assassin, Sakatsuki waved his hand in front of his nose with an expression of distaste. "And it's overly sweet. Unfortunately, this flavor doesn't appeal to me."
"Oh? It seems I'll have to personally blend a suitable taste for you," the languid beauty known as the 'Empress of Assyria' chuckled behind her hand, serpentine pupils glinting with a cold light.
Beside her, the seemingly innocent yet worldly priest had lost his smile.
Even when confronted by the Red Saber's threats or staring down the barrel of a lethal spear, Shirou's face had maintained an unshakable smile. Yet after Sakatsuki spoke that name, all expression vanished from his features as if he'd donned an icy mask—or perhaps...
"Has the hypocritical mask finally been removed?" It was now the black-robed young man's turn to smile. Sitting with arrogant ease despite being deep in enemy territory, he methodically stripped away Shirou's pretenses. "The loser of the Third Holy Grail War, the rule-breaker, and now a priest of the Holy Church sixty years later. How amusing—I've done similar things myself."
Sakatsuki rose to his feet and bowed elegantly to the priest who called himself 'Shirou,' as if inviting a dance partner.
White hair faced white hair, golden eyes met golden eyes, even the fanaticism in their gazes was strikingly similar.
"Greetings, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada."
He said with a smile:
"I am Sakatsuki. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
***
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