Chapter 71: Encounter with a Princess and her Knight
As everyone knows, the Holy Grail War is always conducted in secrecy. Whether it's the massive destruction of Warehouse Street, the timed explosion at the Hyatt Hotel, the giant sea monster on the Mion River, or the great fire in Shinto, the Church takes responsibility for the aftermath, offering plausible explanations to the residents of Fuyuki City.
"Don't ask. If you must, it was a gas explosion!"—The Church.
Ahem, let's not get sidetracked.
To maintain the maximum level of secrecy, the Holy Grail War does not take place in broad daylight. Only at twilight hour, when night and day shift, and the boundaries between the mundane world and the mystical blur, do magi and Servants walk in the darkness, engaging in deadly battles.
So, what do Masters and their Servants do during the day? Do they tirelessly gather intelligence on their opponents? Or perhaps prepare for the battles ahead, scheming in secret?
For this, Sakatsuki and his little Caster provided their own answer.
The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly—perfect for...
Time to go out and have fun!
Since Kariya's identity had not yet been exposed and Sakura was not participating in the war, they naturally couldn't accompany Sakatsuki and Miyu. So, under Sakura's reluctant gaze, Sakatsuki and Miyu hopped onto his Kawasaki. With the roar of the engine, they disappeared from view.
Passing through bustling streets and crossing a busy bridge, Sakatsuki smoothly turned the handlebars, and the view ahead suddenly opened up—
The ocean sparkled under the sun, its golden light shimmering on the waves.
White seagulls soared through the blue sky, occasionally diving into the sea, freely gliding.
Laughter from children and the distant calls of street vendors filled the air, while small shops with white-painted walls reflected the dazzling sunlight.
They were now cruising along the coastal highway.
"Wow..."
Miyu clutched Sakatsuki's coat, her amber eyes filled with wonder, momentarily speechless.
Even Sakatsuki couldn't help but smile at the breathtaking scenery.
"Still mad at me, my little princess?"
"Hmph!"
Miyu turned her head away, refusing to look at him, clearly not ready to forgive him so easily.
It was all because of what had happened that morning.
After last night's battle with Kayneth, Sakatsuki's Fate Compendium had significantly updated with information about him.
[015: Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald]
[Character Info: A participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War. First-class lecturer in the Department of Spiritual Evocation at the Clock Tower. Skilled in spirit summoning, alchemy, and wind and water-based magecraft. Heir of the prestigious Archibald family, known as a genius and prodigy since childhood. Engaged with Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri, daughter of the head of the Department of Spiritual Evocation at the Clock Tower.]
[Hidden Info: "He's definitely a bald magus!"—Ritsuka Fujimaru.
It is said that in Quantum Time-Lock, he always dies in the Holy Grail War. In other words, no matter how the timeline shifts, his death in the war is inevitable.]
[Record Conditions (2/2)]:
[•Engage in combat with Kayneth. (Completed)]
[•Experience Kayneth's magecraft workshop. (Completed)]
[Condition 1 Reward: Minor increase in Mana parameter.]
[Condition 2 Reward: Acquired "Mystic Code: Volumen Hydrargyrum."]
Volumen Hydrargyrum, Kayneth's prized Mystic Code, which he made in his twenties.
Unfortunately, despite being a rare artefact, it ultimately functioned as an automated system. Once its patterns were deciphered, it became easy to counter, especially against Servants.
If it were the improved version later modified by Waver, it would have been both visually appealing and useful for household chores—perhaps even making a great maid. However, the Fate Compendium only rewarded the basic 1.0 version.
After some thought, Sakatsuki simply gifted it to Sakura, as she was the one who needed protection the most.
As a result, Miyu was not happy.
At first, when she was summoned, she maintained her composed and logical demeanour. But under Sakatsuki's care, she gradually let down her guard, becoming more like a child who enjoyed being spoiled. Recently, she even insisted that Sakatsuki help her change clothes and brush her hair.
It was as if she had shifted from "Servant mode" to "Imouto mode."
"Which makes her even harder to appease now..."
Sakatsuki chuckled bitterly.
Just then, they reached their destination. Sakatsuki stopped the bike, and amidst Miyu's startled cry, he lifted her onto his back.
"Alright then, I'll spend the entire day with you. Is that an acceptable apology?"
"That's what Onii-chan is supposed to do!"
Miyu pouted, lightly tapping his back.
"Put me down! This is embarrassing!"
"Too bad. I distinctly remember you loving this. Or am I mistaken?"
Instead of letting go, Sakatsuki strode forward.
"Let's go, my little princess. We might even run into some familiar faces."
"Mm..."
This time, Miyu didn't argue. Instead, she blushed slightly and rested her head against Sakatsuki's shoulder, quietly enjoying the comforting presence.
Just like an ordinary pair of siblings.
And then...
They ran straight into a princess-and-knight duo.
"Sakatsuki?"
"Saber?"
***
In the bustling streets, the four of them naturally attracted attention.
Leading the group was a young man with striking white hair and golden eyes, carrying his kimono-clad sister on his back. Her elegant, traditional appearance exuded a refined beauty.
Beside them, a gallant blonde woman in a sharp suit stood protectively, her green eyes vigilant. The one she was guarding had long, silky silver hair and mesmerizing crimson eyes.
"Yesterday's battle was impressive, Sakatsuki. I didn't expect you to drive away Kirei Kotomine."
Saber remarked, both praising and probing.
Sakatsuki didn't respond immediately. Instead, he bought two dorayaki from a nearby stall, handed one to Miyu, and took a bite before answering.
"Mm, so Kiritsugu investigated after all? Don't misunderstand—I didn't do it to help him. It's just that Kirei Kotomine is too dangerous. He needed to be eliminated as soon as possible."
After a pause, Sakatsuki casually asked.
"By the way, what brings you two out of Einzbern Castle? Didn't Kiritsugu try to stop you?"
Irisviel remained silent, while Saber, distracted by Miyu's dorayaki, instinctively answered.
"Just taking a stroll."
In reality, Irisviel had been feeling down, so Saber took her out to lift her spirits—only to run into Sakatsuki and Miyu.
"Oh!"
Sakatsuki took another bite, watching Artoria's ahoge sway with amusement.
"...Wait!"
Saber suddenly realized.
"How did you know where we were staying?"
"Hmm~~"
Sakuya dragged out the sound, then swiftly changed the subject.
"The weather is great today. Would you two lovely ladies like to go shopping?"
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹
Thanks for being awesome! ❤️