Early morning, Fuyuki Church.
As the supervisor of the Holy Grail War, Risei Kotomine sat in the confessional, sweat pouring down his face as he incessantly wiped his monocle.
The commotion at the Mio River last night was simply too massive.
Although it was publicly declared a “gas explosion” and “landslides caused by torrential rain,” the Mages Association had already sent several sternly worded letters of inquiry.
What gave him an even bigger headache was that the two culprits had arrived.
“Bang!” The chapel doors were roughly pushed open.
Sunlight spilled in from the doorway, casting two long shadows.
The blonde young man walking in front was full of energy, wearing casual clothes yet exuding an aura of a sovereign ruling the world; The silver-armored young female knight following behind him had a solemn expression; though she looked somewhat tired, her holy pressure remained too intense to look at directly.
“Good morning, Father.” Arthur strode into the church and casually found a seat in the front row, acting as natural as if he were in his own home.
“Regarding the reward for subjugating Caster, you should have it ready, right?” Risei Kotomine swallowed hard, glancing at Arthur, then at Artoria, who stood beside him and didn’t even sit down.
According to the original script, he should have found a way to attribute this merit to Tokiomi.
But that world-piercing “Double Excalibur” from last night had been witnessed by all the Masters; there was no way to deny it.
“Cough…
Of course.” Risei Kotomine feigned composure and rolled up his sleeve, revealing the dense array of spare command spells on his arm.
“According to the rules of the Holy Grail War, the pair that eliminates a serious violator like Caster will receive additional command spells as a reward.
Since it was a joint effort between you two…” “One stroke for me, and one for Saber?” Arthur raised an eyebrow.
“P-precisely.” “No need for all that trouble.” Arthur waved his hand and said something shocking: “Give both command spells to Saber.” “What?” Not only Risei Kotomine, but even Artoria, who had been silent, looked at Arthur in surprise.
“Arthur, this is against the rules.
In last night’s strike, your output was no less than mine.
Moreover, command spells are a master’s most important resource…” “To me, command spells are nothing more than chains used to bind disobedient tools.” Arthur stood up and walked over to Artoria.
He lowered his head slightly, his emerald eyes reflecting the young knight’s somewhat bewildered face: “But those by my side, whether it’s the Queen at home or you, the King of Knights, are not existences that need chains to control.” “I believe in our bond more than these red patterns on the back of a hand.” These words were spoken with righteous dignity (in reality, Morgan’s personality would make her blow up if command spells were used on her).
But to Artoria’s ears, this was absolute trust and respect.
In this Holy Grail War filled with deception where masters treated Servants as tools, Arthur’s magnanimity seemed incredibly dazzling.
“…I understand.” Artoria took a deep breath and solemnly performed a knight’s salute: “I, Artoria Pendragon, shall never fail this trust.” [Ding!
Favorability of target ‘Artoria’ has increased.] [Current Evaluation: You are a confidant who understands me / An ally worthy of loyalty.] Watching this scene, Risei Kotomine’s lips twitched.
Are these two here to show off their affection?
This is a church, not a wedding venue!
But he didn’t dare waste words and quickly used his authority as a supervisor to transfer the two command spells to Artoria’s master…
After leaving the church.
“So, next…” Arthur stopped and looked at the two women behind him.
“The Einzbern castle is remote, but after last night’s battle, its location has been exposed.
Since Kiritsugu Emiya chose to retreat, it means he might have abandoned that stronghold or is using it as bait.” At the mention of Kiritsugu, Irisviel’s eyes dimmed for a moment.
Although she understood her husband’s ideals, the feeling of being “strategically abandoned” still made her heart ache.
“If you don’t mind…” Arthur extended an invitation, “Move in with me.” “Eh?
This…” Irisviel hesitated, “But Miss Morgan…” “Don’t worry about Morgan.” Arthur smiled confidently.
“In that house, although she is the Queen, I am the head of the household after all.
Besides, the Fairy Palace has the strongest defensive spells in Fuyuki City; it is the safest place for you while you are still recovering.” Artoria looked at Irisviel: “Irisviel, I believe Arthur’s suggestion is reasonable.
Given your current physical condition, if we encounter an attack from Assassin or Archer, I fear…” “Alright.” Irisviel nodded, looking at Arthur gratefully: “Then I shall trouble you.” …Half an hour later, Miyama Town, Fairy Palace.
When Artoria and Irisviel stepped into this mansion, which had been remodeled into an “Ice Palace” style, they were still shocked by its level of luxury.
Compared to the stiff, old-fashioned nature of the Einzbern castle, although this place also used cool tones, it revealed a refined sense of daily life everywhere.
“Welcome back, Brother!” Hearing the door open, little Sakura, wearing a purple dress and holding a doll, ran out.
But upon seeing Irisviel following behind Arthur, she immediately stopped and hid behind Arthur somewhat timidly.
“Don’t be afraid, Sakura.” Arthur stroked her head, “This is Auntie Irisviel…
uh, Sister Irisviel.” “What a cute child.” Irisviel’s maternal instincts overflowed; seeing Sakura’s pitiful appearance, she couldn’t help but squat down.
“Hello, I’m Irisviel.
Your hair is truly beautiful.” Perhaps because Irisviel carried a gentle aura similar to a mother, Sakura did not resist; instead, she blushed and nodded: “Hello…” Artoria also squatted down, her eyes level with Sakura’s, her expression serious: “Hello, Sakura.
Thank you for the pudding last time.
If you encounter danger, I will protect you.” For the King of Knights, protecting the weak was an instinct.
Sakura blinked, looking at the heroic-looking big sister who had come to the house for a meal last time, and whispered: “Is big sister…
also a knight?
A knight like Brother?” “Eh?” Artoria was startled, then revealed a soft smile, “Yes.
Although we come from different times and spaces, our beliefs are the same.” Just as this warm atmosphere was about to spread— “Click, click, click.” The sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from the stairs.
Morgan, wearing a black house gown and holding a folding fan, looked down at everyone in the hall from above.
When her gaze swept over Irisviel and Artoria, it clearly carried a hint of displeasure, as if “mice had entered the house.” “I knew it.” Morgan snorted coldly and slowly walked down the stairs, her powerful aura causing the surrounding air to drop several degrees.
“As soon as I let you out, you pick up strange things and bring them home.
Arthur, do you think this place is a shelter for stray cats and dogs?” “Morgan!” Arthur called out helplessly, “They are allies.” “Allies?” Morgan walked up to Artoria; though their height difference was significant, the confrontational tension between them even generated static sparks.
“By allies, do you mean the kind of stupid little sister who only knows how to empty my fridge and needs my husband to bail her out?” The ahoge on Artoria’s head instantly stood upright as she shot back, refusing to back down: “Lady Morgan, please mind your words.
I came here to protect Irisviel and to discuss strategies against the King of Heroes.
As for the fridge…
I will pay for my meals!” “Meal fees?” Morgan acted as if she had heard a joke, covering her mouth with her fan and chuckling.
“With the treasury of your fallen kingdom?
Or with your current status as a master whose mana supply has been cut off?” “You—!” Artoria was choked with rage.
Seeing a “family war” about to break out, Arthur skillfully stepped between the two, one arm around Morgan’s waist and the other patting Artoria’s shoulder.
“Alright, both of you say less.” Arthur looked at Morgan and leaned in to whisper in her ear: “Tonight I’ll cook personally and make your favorite red wine braised beef.
And…
I’ll let you be on top tonight.” Morgan’s face instantly flushed, most of the killing intent in her eyes dissipating as she gave an arrogant snort: “Since you’ve begged me…
then I shall show mercy and allow them to stay temporarily.” She turned around and pointed her fan at the guest room in the far corner of the second floor: “That is your room.
Remember, the master bedroom is a forbidden area.
If you aren’t afraid of death tonight, feel free to come and eavesdrop.” With that, Morgan turned and went upstairs haughtily, like a victorious peacock.
Arthur breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at the awkward Artoria and Irisviel.
“Sorry, that’s just her temperament—sharp tongue but soft heart.
Actually, she already had her familiars clean the room.” Watching Arthur so skillfully comfort Morgan, Artoria felt a hint of sourness in her heart for some unknown reason.
“What does…
being on top…
mean?” The pure King of Knights didn’t understand that suggestive promise, but her intuition told her it was something very intimate.
“In any case, welcome.” Arthur opened his arms, sunlight spilling behind his back.
For this home, which had been converted from a worm pit, today was perhaps the liveliest day.
And for the upcoming “Banquet of the Three Kings,” this would also be the best place to prepare.