"Atram is dead."
"Who?"
"The one who bought a rank and noble title with money."
"Does the life or death of a low-ranking Magus need to be discussed separately?"
"He was killed by Roy."
At the Mage's Association's branch.
The ancient bloodline magi gathered there all fell silent as if they had eaten feces.
"Roy! That Roy again! Just a homunculus—what right does he have to cause trouble under our noses again and again! He's not worthy!"
"He's indeed not worthy, but he is favoured by that person. For their sake, we can't touch him."
"Damn it, how can a homunculus like him be favored by that person!"
"No matter what, Atram was still a magus under our command. He paid a large amount of tax to the association every year, ranking among the top. I believe everyone here has benefited from that. We can't just pretend nothing happened, or it'll affect future tax collection."
"That's true, but what can you do? Don't you know that person's temperament?"
"There was nothing we could do before, but now that he's participating in this Holy Grail War—that's his fatal mistake. Since he voluntarily joined the battle, even if he dies in it, it can't be helped. That person probably won't say much either."
"That makes sense."
"Indeed."
"Where is Bazett?"
"She just finished hunting down a corrupted Servant. She's still resting."
"Send word to her—tell her to take action against Roy! Wasn't it confirmed that he's the one who trespassed into the Great Hollow and stole her family's Crest? She still has five Command Seals left—let her take revenge. It couldn't be more legitimate!"
"Very reasonable. Let's go with that!"
***
Knowing the corrupted Servant had vanished, Roy rested for another night.
On the morning of the third day.
A letter was delivered to the Aozaki residence.
Roy sat in the living room and opened the letter.
"What does it say?"
"A challenge."
Roy tossed the letter over for Touko to see clearly.
"Tonight, a duel in the southwestern outskirts. Signed Bazett Fraga McRemitz... Forthright style. I've heard of her. From this letter, she seems like a very straightforward person."
Touko spoke with interest.
"Are you going? There might be a trap from the Mage's Association!"
"Of course I'm going. Why wouldn't I?"
Roy laughed nonchalantly.
"If the Mage's Association dares interfere, I'll turn their branch upside down!"
"Haha, interesting! Since you've decided, go for it."
That evening.
Roy conserved his energy all day, keeping himself in top condition.
"Saber."
"Yes, Master!"
Okita materialized before Roy.
After two days of rest, Okita looked radiant, as if the near-death state from before was just an illusion.
"So that's Okita Souji..."
In the yard, Miku, who was tending the garden, looked toward Okita with shining eyes, clearly very interested.
Even though she'd known beforehand, seeing the beautiful girl Okita in person still filled Miku with intense surprise—and a worldview-shattering shock.
Okita Souji was actually a girl!
"Miku."
Ichika nudged her arm, signalling her to avert her gaze.
Miku came back to her senses, her slender body trembling, and quickly shrank back like an ostrich.
She really just wanted to glance, but once she looked, she couldn't stop.
Her urge to comment was too strong.
Of course, Roy didn't care if she looked or not.
"Lord Roy, I'll prepare a late-night meal for your return."
Utaha came to the front yard, steadied herself, and sincerely offered her blessing.
"Mm, make something warm."
Roy waved to her and left the Aozaki residence with Okita.
In the southwestern corner of Fuyuki City, there was a raised hill.
Unlike the crowded city center, this was a well-known high-end residential area in Fuyuki, home to mansions and even small European-style castles.
All the residents were noble magi.
This empty southwestern area was devoid of ordinary people, making it the perfect battlefield for Servants.
Bazett had chosen this site carefully.
Even if Servants fought here, ordinary people wouldn't be affected.
By the time Roy arrived, Bazett had been waiting for some time.
"At City Hall, my instincts were right after all."
In the desolate clearing, Bazett donned her leather rune gloves, her sharp eyes stabbing toward Roy like knives.
"You're the one who trespassed into the Great Hollow and used the Greater Grail to prematurely summon Saber! You came into contact with the Grail and were cursed by it, yet you've managed to maintain your sense of self. Honestly, I respect that."
Though she already knew Roy was the culprit, Bazett still straightforwardly praised Roy's willpower.
Under the curse of the Greater Grail, even top-tier magi struggle to endure a few outbreaks. A curse that's been accumulating for ten years is on a whole different level than what one finds in the wild.
"To be honest, meeting you back then was an accident."
This time, Roy didn't hide anything, and spoke with some regret.
"I have no grudge against you. In fact, I admire your character. Among the filthy and corrupt magi, you've managed to stay true to yourself—you're like a breath of fresh air."
"Thanks for the compliment. I've also heard of you. Because you're a homunculus, many magi look down on you. But your reputation in the security force is stellar—many owe you their lives and your protection. If possible, I wouldn't want to be your enemy either."
Bazett sincerely praised Roy's character. Her expression was serious as she spoke.
Most magi are selfish and flee at the first sign of danger, completely indifferent to the lives of ordinary people. A magus like Roy was a rare gem.
In front of the two, a blonde girl and a blue-haired young man looked at each other speechlessly.
Why don't you two just become sworn siblings!
The blue-haired youth wore a Druid's robe, held a wooden staff, and exuded charm and ease—undoubtedly Caster-class Cú Chulainn.
His body likely contained no trace of Odin.
Perhaps Odin, like the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign, was simply observing this world, but not directly intervening. This wasn't a world like FGO with a massive pit—uh, actually, maybe it is!
"Before we begin, I have one question for you."
Bazett stretched her body, her expression growing cold.
"Part of my family's inherited magical crest was taken by you during our last encounter. I hope you'll return it."
Roy smiled slightly and shrugged in silence.
A clear refusal.
Bazett sighed.
"I figured as much. Then we'll just have to speak with strength!"
***
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