The domain of the Sun King.
Under Nitocris's guidance, the Chaldea group—now without Tenkei Shiomi—traveled to the territory of the Sun King, Ozymandias, where they uncovered a critical truth.
The Holy Grail of this Singularity was already in the Sun King's possession. However, he had no intention of using it. He had seized it from the Crusaders who once fought for control over the Holy City of Jerusalem in this land.
As such, he was not the mastermind behind this Singularity.
Still, he had no plans to ally with Chaldea.
His opposition to the Lion King merely made him view Chaldea more amicably. Until they fully understood the situation of this Singularity and recovered their captured comrades, the Sun King would not form an alliance.
Later, before their departure, Nitocris invited the group to her grand bathhouse.
They were friends who had just crossed the desert.
As desert dwellers themselves, both she and the Sun King deeply understood the hardships of long journeys—especially right after escaping a brutal battle not even half a day ago.
Even if they were to depart soon, it was essential to eat, hydrate, and cleanse themselves to better face the continued journey through the Singularity.
"…As expected of the royal baths from the 19th Dynasty. Feels wonderful," Scáthach said contentedly, soaking in the hot water.
"Palace baths are the same wherever you go," Morgan replied, gently wringing out her long hair and coiling it atop her head. "Honestly, I find the private bathrooms in Chaldea more relaxing."
Then, with a pointed tone, she added, "Although lately, it's been harder to feel at ease there."
Sensing Morgan's gaze, Scáthach remained calm. "It was my failure to watch over him. I let my beloved disciple leave the Land of Shadows. Originally, I meant to keep him there forever."
"…Scáthach…" Morgan's expression darkened.
At that moment, Nitocris stepped in, cutting off their conversation with a stern rebuke. "Really now, don't start a fight in the bath. The tension is so thick, it's disrespectful to Pharaoh Ozymandias's hospitality."
"That's nothing to worry about. Since we're being treated so generously, it's only right to be grateful," Morgan said as she looked over to the far side of the spacious bath, where the girls were playing.
Since it was just girls, there was a sense of open camaraderie as they bathed together. At first, they were simply chatting and laughing, but thanks to Caren stirring things up, Ritsuka and the Director started a water fight that soon pulled everyone in.
"Thank you for allowing us to use magic here," said Scáthach.
"No, that was our oversight," Nitocris replied, shaking her head. "When I invited you, I forgot about the difference between the Age of Gods and the modern era."
When Ozymandias was summoned to this land, he brought along the entirety of his prosperous Egyptian territory.
In other words, the closer one got to the Sun King's domain, the more it resembled the air of the Age of Gods.
Within his territory, it was completely the Age of Gods.
For those like Morgan, Scáthach, and Mash, who in a sense possessed Servant-like traits, they could naturally adapt to the divine atmosphere.
But the others, including Gray, were entirely different. They couldn't withstand the intense concentration of True Ether native to the Age of Gods.
That's why, the moment they entered the Sun King's domain, Morgan and Scáthach recognized the issue and used Runes to apply magical protection to everyone.
"I didn't expect you to be using Runes…" Scáthach said, eyeing Morgan with amusement.
"My husband and I are both top-class Magus. Of course, we'd be curious about other magical systems," Morgan replied with a hint of pride. "Come to think of it, you've seen my husband's clone magic, haven't you?"
"Of course. I had hoped to make use of it on a few occasions, but my disciple is far too stingy. He won't even share his clones," Scáthach replied coolly.
"To come up with something like that, the Queen of the Land of Shadows is pretty shameless herself," Morgan raised a brow.
Nitocris quickly realized she shouldn't have joined them. She'd only come over to avoid getting caught in the water fight.
Compared to the tension over here, the carefree joy among the girls felt far more refreshing.
Besides… wasn't the Morgan in human history even more shameless?
"So, what's the plan now?"
With the bickering over, Scáthach got straight to the point. Her voice echoed clearly through the bathhouse, making sure everyone heard her.
"What else? Naturally, after we finish resting here, we'll head to the Holy City to welcome my husband—" Morgan began confidently, but quickly shook her head. "Well, that was half a joke. After all, he was captured and had his contract forcibly taken. My husband is now completely in the Lion King's grasp."
"But scouting out the Holy City is still necessary. Even if we can't approach it directly, observing it from a distance or a vantage point might yield useful information."
The girls gathered closer. Sakura was the first to speak.
"In that case, I suggest you finish resting today and depart early tomorrow morning," Nitocris offered. "The Lion King's city periodically holds a ceremony called 'Holy Selection.' It draws in qualified refugees, and those who pass are directly invited to become residents of the city."
"'Holy Selection'?"
Morgan's interest was instantly piqued.
If that were true, the 'Holy Selection' could be the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at Camelot.
Based on the name, Morgan surmised that the Knights of the Round Table and the Enforcement Knights were merely enacting the outcome. The only one capable of conducting the actual ceremony—of bestowing the "Gift" upon the Round Table knights—was the Lion King herself.
"But won't sending so many of us toward the Holy City be too conspicuous?" Ritsuka voiced her concern. "We clearly don't look like subjects of the Sun King, or natives of this Singularity."
At that, Caren gave Mash a little push on the shoulder and stepped forward.
"In that case, I have an idea. Ritsuka, Mash, and Gray can travel with Sakura. Head north from here to the Atlas Institute."
"The Atlas Institute?" Olga Marie suddenly recalled.
One of the three major branches of the Mage's Association, the Atlas Institute was located in Egypt—definitely within the bounds of this Singularity.
If they could make contact, it might lead to additional support.
"Can you explain your reasoning?" Olga Marie asked right away. "There must be a particular reason you're sending Gray and Mash with Sakura instead of Lady Morgan or Master Scáthach, right?"
"One reason is the Add that Gray carries," Caren replied.