Continuing where we left off...
Narrator's Perspective
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In an empty school corridor, due to a strong illusion spell covering part of the school, Koneko is paralyzed by a paralysis talisman that Tamamo no Mae placed on the Nekomata.
Because of this, Koneko is having difficulty speaking properly, and Tamamo no Mae had already noticed this. However, she was hoping that Koneko would be able to overcome the spell, but unfortunately, her little experiment didn't work.
"My goodness, I'm sorry. It seems you're still too weak to resist my talisman. Perhaps if you didn't resist your nature, you might have a better chance."
Unable to resist a sadistic comment when the opportunity arises, Tamamo limits herself to not going too far on Ritsuka's orders.
When Tamamo no Mae removes the talisman spell from Koneko, she feels her body lighter, but she doesn't try to escape due to the immense divine pressure Tamamo is emanating.
(A/N: To give you a reference point for the pressure I'm talking about, it's similar to what Hercules did to Ritsuka in the Third Singularity in the FGO manga. Obviously, it's not on the same level, but in this situation, Tamamo has the power to do this due to certain factors that will be revealed.)
"I suppose you'll be able to speak and answer my questions without any problem now? Great. First question. During these past few days, has there been any Yokai activity in the area?"
Tamamo's question caught Koneko off guard, and she remained silent for a few seconds processing the question, but she manages to answer honestly, not even wanting to imagine what will happen if she lies.
"In these last few days, we haven't received any Yokai activity or signs at the school or in the city."
Tamamo remains silent for a few moments, staring at Koneko, who lets out a sigh of disappointment.
"I expected that answer, but it wouldn't hurt to at least try... Next question. How strong is that scent of mine that you smelled?"
Koneko is confused by Tamamo no Mae's second question because of how bizarre it is, but she answers anyway.
"I only managed to smell you when I was a certain distance away from you. I didn't smell anything strange before you arrived or when you arrived at school with that man."
Tamamo remains silent, analyzing Koneko's words, and she sees that she isn't lying, and her expression becomes slightly thoughtful.
"So that old, wicked fox hasn't done anything yet... That means two possibilities, and I hope it's not the worst of them."
Koneko hears the words Tamamo no Mae was murmuring, but she chooses not to mention them or show that she is paying attention or that she heard.
Tamamo no Mae let out a tired sigh as if she had set aside her worries for the moment, and she looked at Koneko with that gentle and cheerful expression, as if her mere presence wasn't intimidating the young Nekomata.
"Well, that was all I had to ask you. Although I technically wasted my time dealing with you, as the faithful and loyal wife of my dear Master-Husband, I had to ensure that nothing unexpected came his way."
"So you interrogated me just to ask those two silly questions?!"
Koneko couldn't hold her tongue; after all, she expected Tamamo's questions to be complicated or personal, but not something that the woman herself admitted was unnecessary.
"Of course! Obviously, there's a slight hint of my own curiosity about you, but overall, that was all the information I was seeking from you."
Tamamo no Mae admits it without any shame, and she even has a beautiful smile as if she were completely innocent and not at all to blame for making Koneko's day worse.
Before Koneko could say anything else, Tamamo places a talisman on Koneko's forehead, which immediately disappears in dark purple flames. At that same instant, Koneko feels a strong sense of danger and a chill inside her.
"What have you done to me?!"
"I placed a curse on you. If you reveal to your dear little devil Master what you know about me or what we discussed today, the curse I placed on you will be invoked. Now, about the consequences that will occur if you make this mistake... well, I'll let you imagine what will happen."
Tamamo no Mae has a slight sadistic smile, letting her words stir Koneko's imagination about the danger she is now in and that this divine fox is ensuring she doesn't reveal anything to Rias Gremory.
After informing Koneko about the consequences of the curse, the illusion covering the hallway disappears, allowing Koneko to hear the sounds of the students' voices and them walking around the school, as well as the fox ears and tails that were previously visible to the Nekomata, but which vanished the moment the illusion was canceled.
"You can go now. I'm sure if you take too long, your Master will start to suspect something."
Koneko doesn't respond to Tamamo's comment and starts running out of the hallway, not caring about the surprised looks of the students watching her run.
Tamamo no Mae lets out a light laugh seeing Koneko's action, but she is immediately surprised to sense a demonic presence she recognizes.
"I didn't know you liked to eavesdrop on other people's affairs, Lilith-san."
Tamamo no Mae said this looking behind her, seeing Lilith's classic mischievous smile, which to an average student would reveal Lilith as a gyaru student judging by her rebellious school uniform style.
"Well, what do you expect me to be doing? Our master is with Morgan going to chat with that Rias, Mash is now with her 'sister,' Olga Marie, and I'm not suicidal enough to provoke Mash with her around. So when I realized what you were doing, I finally saw something that could kill my boredom."
Lilith openly admits her frustrations without a shred of shame, in Tamamo no Mae's opinion. For Tamamo, Lilith is the kind of chaotic woman only Ritsuka has the patience to deal with, and she's not at all happy that Lilith also falls into the categories of women who possess characteristics that are Ritsuka's type.
However, if there's one thing Lilith possesses that Tamamo respects, it's the extreme loyalty she has for her master. For someone like Tamamo, who doesn't like harems as a concept, Lilith is more tolerable than the Emperor Nero.
"And what was it about my brief conversation with that little Yokai cat that interested you, Lilith-san?"
Tamamo asks this question with a slightly neutral expression, unable to see what she and Koneko discussed that caught the attention of this Devil.
"Well, it wasn't exactly the conversation itself, but the reason you went after her. You're worried about whether your 'other self,' the Goddess Amaterasu, is plotting something, aren't you? If my memory serves me right, she's a Beast of Humanity, isn't she?"
Tamamo no Mae takes on a serious expression, arms crossed, creating a slight bulge in her chest. Tamamo addressed Lilith, taking the conversation seriously.
"And how did you come to that conclusion? It's fine that we both know about each other's past, but how do you know that miserable old woman is a Beast?"
"Huh? Oh! That detail? I found out after the rather interesting conversation I had with the Master of the Moon, Hakunon. If I'm not mistaken, she doesn't consider herself your wife? For a woman who doesn't like harems, you really do have a personal one, what hypocrisy on your part, Tamamo."
Lilith's mischievous smile widens, revealing some of her sharp teeth. Even though Lilith prefers to provoke Mash most of the time when the opportunity arises to stir up gossip about other people, Lilith wouldn't let this opportunity pass, especially if those people are intimately close to Ritsuka, whom she loves extremely.
For Lilith, she doesn't care how many women Ritsuka shares attention with, as long as she knows he holds her a special place in his heart. She's satisfied with that, which is why she finds it very ironic that Tamano no Mae is involved in a relationship with the Master of the Moon, Hakunon. This also includes Emperor Nero, but since she's not present, Lilith hasn't had the opportunity to needle this shared relationship.
Tamamo looked at Lilith with an offended expression, unable to believe how shameless Lilith was to make such an accusation about her relationship with the Mooncell Master.
"How dare you assume such a thing?! What happened and the bond that Hakunon-san shared with my other 'self' is exclusive to the Tamamo, whom she summoned in the Mooncell. Never doubt my loyalty, the love I feel for Ritsuka. Besides, Hakunon-san herself knows how to summon her Mooncell servants, so your argument about me having a secret affair with her makes no sense. Or have you forgotten that we Heroic Spirits are just a copy of our original versions?"
Lilith's smile didn't change even after hearing Tamamo's response; she simply shrugged, surrendering to Tamamo's argument.
"It's not my fault if the gossip I heard in Chaldea, besides Hakunon's very public declaration, made me raise an eyebrow, especially the fact that that AI, BB, wasn't subtle at all about having the affections of two masters. But changing the subject to something truly important, you must be feeling the same thing I'm feeling."
"What are you insinuating? Don't be vague on purpose."
"Well, lately, after I was summoned, I've been feeling and hearing someone calling me. It's not loud or dangerous, but it's irritating, like a fly buzzing near your ear sometimes. However, the worst part is that the source doesn't seem to be unknown, but very familiar, as if someone who knows me better than anyone else is trying to call me."
Tamamo becomes apprehensive after seeing the change in attitude and even tone of voice when she starts mentioning this thing that's bothering her.
"Hmm.... I would say that my situation is different from yours, since I know very well the reason why this is happening. Normally it's impossible for Amaterasu and I to be present in the same world; that would be my answer if we were in a Holy Grail War, but we are not, and our Master has a habit of performing or witnessing things that were initially impossible."
Lilith remains strangely silent after hearing what Tamano said until, after a few seconds, she replies.
"You're right. It's not every day that you can feel the presence of your past self. Since you and that fox goddess are the same person, can't you predict what she's going to do?"
"It's not that simple. Yes, she and I are technically connected, but besides me actively suppressing as much of my presence as possible so she doesn't go after our Master, even so, I don't have much confidence that this will last."
"So, Ritsuka will probably meet with the most famous goddess in Japan, knowing him, he'll probably consider it a busy Wednesday. I suggest you inform him about it so he's prepared for anything.
"Hmph, I'd say the same to you, Lilith-san, since I have a slight feeling that this little situation of yours has to do with your counterpart from this world."
Tamamo's words make Lilith's mischievous smile return in full force, and she even lets out a laugh after hearing the Kitsune's words.
"Hehehe... I highly doubt it. But if for some reason this other half of mine that I hardly pay much attention to is indeed her, I should probably kill her. There should only be one Lilith in the world, and I will not accept my dear Ritsuka having a second 'me'."
Lilith's response reminded Tamamo of the brief conflict that Chaldea's head kitchen leader, Archer Emiya (or Mama Emiya), had with Muramasa when he was summoned.
"It's just another servant copying Emiya's gimmick."
"Hmm? Did you say something, Tamamo?"
"I didn't say anything."
While Lilith and Tamamo are discussing possible incidents that might happen in the future, Ritsuka and Morgan are beginning a conversation with Sirzechs' younger sister, Rias Gremory.
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(Ritsuka's perspective)
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"Well, since we're going to start this way, I'll get straight to the point. You called us because you're curious about us, aren't you, Rias Gremory?"
I say this already having a good idea of everything that's happening, since it's something that I and the rest of the others were expecting to happen.
"It would be strange if I wasn't. Imagine my reaction when my older brother suddenly informs me that he's sending a group of new people into my territory who are close to the angels who, technically speaking, are still our enemies."
"Well, when you put it that way, I can imagine this situation being somewhat unexpected. Although I have a connection with the angels, as your brother Sirzechs said, I have no intention of being the trigger that ends up causing a war between the two factions. The reason we're here is basically to ease the tension between the two sides."
"You must be a very important and powerful person to the angels to have a powerful mage wife by your side, in addition to several other women who are certainly very talented by your side."
I let out a slight, shy laugh, feeling a little flattered, and Morgan, who previously had her classic neutral and cold expression, now has a slight smile of pride upon hearing Rias's words.
"That's nothing more than obvious. The achievements my husband has accomplished are more than worthy of walking alongside me as an equal."
The way Morgan is talking makes it seem like she likes to show me off to others, as if she's saying, 'I love my husband and I want everyone to know how amazing he is!' Which doesn't surprise me, given that Morgan loves to show off our relationship to others, especially if one of the Artorias is present.
(A/N: A fun little fact about Summer Morgan: Ritsuka had bought a toy ring for Morgan. I don't remember exactly why he did that, but I know Morgan loved the gesture so much that she accepted it as a wedding ring, and she proudly displays it sometimes when you select her abilities.)
"Ara, ara... How adorable. Morgan-san, you really love Ritsuka-kun, don't you?"
"Of course I love him."
Morgan replies without a hint of hesitation, which surprises Akeno a little because of how quickly Morgan responded.
"Getting back to the matter that brought you here. I wanted to know who you are? Aside from the detail of your connection to the Angel faction, we don't know anything about the rest of your group."
I hear Rias's question, which makes me think about what to answer without revealing too much, until I hear Morgan's voice using our mental connection.
Morgan: (She seems to be afraid of you.)
Ritsuka: (What? How?)
Morgan: (She's not looking you in the eyes, which is a somewhat curious reaction.)
Ritsuka: (Can you guess what it is?)
Morgan: (Maybe, but it's just a theory of mine yet.)
Returning to the conversation, I answer Rias's question with a calm expression.
"Well, as you know, I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka, and I'm the weakest mage you could possibly meet, to the point that I can barely cast a spell properly."
I say this letting out a light, relaxed laugh while Rias and Akeno look at me with confused expressions.
"The weakest mage... Are you kidding?"
"I wish I were, but no. I'm truly pathetic as a mage; I've even been called a mediocre mage by my fellow mages."
My answer only confused Rias and Akeno even more, unable to make sense of the fact that I was a pathetic mage.
"He's really not lying... But wait a minute! If you're a really weak mage, how did you manage to make my brother so cautious?"
"Well, you already know the answer to that: it's because I have a partner who is the current leader of the angels. Although the reasons for this happening were beyond my control."
"What do you mean?"
To give them more context, I told Rias and Akeno about the incident that caused all this. Obviously, I left out certain personal details, as well as information that Sirzechs' little sister shouldn't know, like the fact that God is dead.
"So let me see if I understand. The reason you're here is because Archangel Metatron, who is your ally, destroyed the golden gates of the Angel Realm? Correct?"
"Yes... I apologize for any trouble Metatron caused. I'm sure everyone sensitive to the supernatural must have felt the explosion."
I see Rias putting her hands to her face and hear her let out a loud sigh of exhaustion.
"I can't believe it was an Archangel who kept me up for three days!"
"Hehehe... The reason for that is that Rias got a little paranoid and scared because of the explosion, and she couldn't sleep peacefully."
I listen to Akeno's explanation and give Rias an apologetic look because of the chaos my Archangel caused.
"Leaving that aside. You were part of a mage organization that no longer exists?"
"Yes. It was an organization with the mission of helping humanity, but due to various circumstances and other incidents, the group is no longer active. I was just a leftover candidate who only served to fill a spot."
I'm obviously being vague, but I have no reason to tell Rias the truth, so I only said what was necessary for her to have an idea of what happened.
"I understand. Well, Fujimaru-kun, as one of those responsible for this territory, I welcome you to Kuoh Academy. I hope you do well at school and that we have a good relationship in the coming days."
"I say the same, Rias Gremory."
With that, I thought this conversation between Rias would end and Morgan and I would leave, but Rias asked another question I wasn't expecting.
"Ah. Before you go, I have just one more question if you don't mind?"
Morgan and I looked at each other for a short moment and I turned to Rias.
"What do you want to ask?"
"Your wife, Morgan. It's quite obvious she's a formidable mage, but I wanted to know what family she comes from, given how much potential she has stored up. That is, if it's okay to answer."
I raised my eyebrow, a little intrigued as to why she was curious about Morgan's power, but I remembered that she was currently hiding her mana to a certain extent to avoid unnecessary confusion.
I looked at Morgan again without using our mental connection, making it very clear to her what I was saying with my gaze.
Morgan simply responded with a slight, gentle smile, like a wife who knows me well and is reassuring me that there's no problem.
This silent communication between us lasted only a few seconds until Morgan reverted to her cold expression, as if her gentle expression was something only I could see.
"It's natural that someone of your nature would be very curious to see something you don't recognize in front of you. Alright. I'll allow you the privilege of knowing my True Name, perhaps so I can prevent and cut off any ideas you have about my Husband. My name is Morgan Le Fay, Queen of the Fairies and of Britain."
To give more weight to the revelation and to dispel any doubt, Morgan releases her mana and summons her scepter, releasing a slight magical pressure the moment the scepter touches the ground.
"Now that you know who I really am, I'll tell you one of my wishes in return. I want to see your Evil Pieces."
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To be continued.....
A/N: I really have to stop taking so long to send these chapters because if I continue like this I won't be able to finish any story. Damn this damn laziness of mine!
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