A Female Ghost Before the King's Tomb / Shirou and Mori, the Best Partners

Sawako patted her friend on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Shizuka-chan ~! Haven't you heard this saying? Any relationship that isn't aimed at marriage is just playing around!!"

"There's such a thing! Which great person is it!?" Shizuka Hiratsuka exclaimed in surprise.

"So I'm counting on you for all the shifts this week, my best friend, you have to help me!" Sawako rushed over and hugged Shizuka Hiratsuka, pleading.

"Why do I have to cover your shifts?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked, looking annoyed.

"We want to go out and have fun! You're the only one free here, so we'll leave the work of accompanying the students during the day to you. Thank you! We'll remember your kindness forever!" Sawako snuggled against Shizuka Hiratsuka, clasped her hands together, and pleaded as if worshipping a Bodhisattva.

"Let go! Let go of me! I don't have a friend like you! Didn't we agree to attend this year's Singles Teachers' Party together?!" Shizuka Hiratsuka struggled fiercely, trying to shake the other person off, but the other person's arms were as tight as if they had octopus suckers.

Sawako hugged Shizuka Hiratsuka tightly and said, "At this time, as my best friend, shouldn't you be wishing me well? Shizuka-chan, have you forgotten the vow we made last year that if anyone gets married, we'll receive everyone's support, otherwise we'll be cursed to never get married?"

"Damn it... Don't you want to reconsider someone like that, Mr. Takiryu?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked the bespectacled male teacher who looked honest.

"No, there aren't many straightforward women like Sawako these days. I think as long as the relationship is good, we can tolerate each other's shortcomings and overcome difficulties together," Takiryu said sincerely, then smiled shyly.

Shizuka Hiratsuka stared wide-eyed, seemingly stunned, and dragged Sawako to a corner, asking, "How did you manage to get such a great man?!"

"Needless to say, although it was inconspicuous at first, once I noticed it, of course I took advantage of this outing together to take it down in one fell swoop, even if it meant forcing it, and then make the other party take responsibility!" Sawako clenched her fist and said with murderous intent.

Shizuka Hiratsuka hooked her arm around her girlfriend's shoulder and asked in a deep voice, "Sawa-chan... do you still remember the vow we made that whoever got married would do everything in their power to introduce the other to a good match?"

"Don't worry, I won't abandon you," Sawako replied.

"Then you'll have to throw the bouquet to me when you get married," Shizuka Hiratsuka said, a fierce glint in her eyes.

"I know, even if they ask me for it, I'll refuse," Sawako promised confidently.

The two seemed to have reached an agreement: Shizuka Hiratsuka would take over the duty of watching over the students, while the two teacher-couple would take time out for dates after finishing their necessary work.

The students seemed unfazed, as if nothing was amiss. Shirou used his chopsticks to pick up a dish and savored its flavor.

Although it's a Chinese-owned restaurant, they've clearly put a lot of thought into it. The charcoal-grilled saury and wild grass tempura are both very well made, and the broth is also carefully prepared, making it very flavorful with the seafood. While the seasoning is different from traditional Japanese cuisine and has been adjusted to suit Britain tastes, it's still quite delicious.

"By the way, Shirou, did you guys have a lot of fun in China?" A second-year boy walked up and asked curiously.

"Yes, the scenery in Jiangnan, China is beautiful. We all went to Mount Lu for two days," Shirou said.

"Shirou, I heard you went to play against China. How did it go?" a classmate asked curiously.

"Yes, the competition is in table tennis, badminton, and the like..." Shirou said.

"Huh? How are we supposed to fight then?" the students asked, puzzled.

"Isn't this how exchange matches are? Haven't you guys had any matches here?" Shirou asked curiously.

"No, although I've performed at parties before. I play the violin." The girl shook her head.

"I only know a little piano, so you're probably the only one who'll be competing Shirou. I heard the school here has an archery range too," the boy said.

"It seems the arrangements are different in each place. Speaking of which, where's Eriri?" Shirou asked, looking at his female classmates.

"Ah, Sawamura-san, it seems she did something wrong and got caught by the head maid. She has to clean every day... and she won't be allowed to eat until she finishes cleaning," the girl explained, trembling like a hamster.

"The head maid? She's really strict. But it's a bit pitiful that she was left out of this gathering. Couldn't the teacher say a few words in her defense?" Shirou asked, puzzled.

"No! No one in the girls' dormitory can defy the head maid's will!" Upon hearing Shirou's words, the girl's expression changed instantly, and she said, her body trembling slightly.

"Yes, I've seen it with my own eyes. Don't let her head maid and cute appearance fool you. She looks like she's the same age as us, but she actually has the Monstrous Strength to lift a large motorcycle and is a ruthless head maid who shows no mercy to anyone who offends her."

"Yes! I've heard about it too. She not only punished the pervert who tried to break into the girls' dormitory, but also chased away suspicious people taking photos near the school. Even the principal Housemistress Teacher follow her decisions."

"That's right! The head maid is the greatest person here. Even the Queen of Britain couldn't compare. She's like the King of the women's dormitory."

"Muramasa offended someone like that..." The girls all looked sympathetic, yet helpless.

"So... Teacher Sawako only brought us along."

"Let's pack some good food to take back to Sawamura-san later."

"Hahaha..." For some reason, Shirou seemed to be hallucinating the girl's lonely and desolate sobs.

Through conversations with his classmates, Shirou learned some things about the situation here.

As European cities focused on enjoying life and Asian countries in general, their priorities are indeed different. The Bristol Branch School places more emphasis on cultivating artistic and cultural refinement, and doesn't seem to care much about the competition.

As a port city, this city has been an important commercial center since its construction. As a result, famous buildings from various eras have been preserved, making it a city like a museum of Britain architecture, which is perfect for experiencing the charm of ancient Britain.

The Bristol Branch School of the International High School here is a private high school renowned throughout Britain for its art programs. Most of its students come from aristocratic and wealthy families, or artistic backgrounds. Therefore, most of the students who come here for exchanges are art students.

So they would play music together, or paint and sketch.

The students here will invite their classmates from the Chiba Branch School to have an elegant afternoon tea together in a historic street, chat, and that's how their day of interaction ends.

The next day, we visited a well-preserved 12th-century Gothic cathedral in England and took a stroll there.

On the third day, visit a museum; on the fourth day, check out an art gallery; on the fifth day, stroll along the graffiti street founded by the father of street graffiti; and on the sixth day, go to the world-famous Bristol Suspension Bridge, the birthplace of bungee jumping.

The days passed by leisurely and carefree, but poor Eriri, in addition to participating in these activities, was also forced to do various chores for the girls' dormitory when she returned.

Chapter 139 A Female Ghost Appears Before the King's Tomb

At the entrance of the Japanese restaurant, where red square wooden lanterns hung high, diners came and went. Inside the private rooms, teachers and students chatted while eating, talking about interesting things that had happened on their respective sides. Time passed quickly, and after everyone finished eating, they prepared to leave.

At this moment, Mr. Takikawa said to Shirou, "Tomorrow is Sunday, another day off. Teacher Hiratsuka will say hello to the school we're visiting. Shirou-kun, you should stay at the hotel and get some rest. The archery demonstration should be held the day after tomorrow. Some students might challenge you then, so do your best!"

"I'm looking forward to your performance, Shirou-kun," Sawako said with a smile.

"I understand, I'll do my best." Shirou nodded in agreement, but he knew in his heart that there were more important things to do: deal with the black mud Heroic Spirit.

Since he had a day to spare, Shirou made up his mind to go back and contact Da Vinci, and set off that very night.

After that, everyone took a walk along the riverbank and walked back to the school on this side. Because there was no wall, you could see the scenery inside from a distance. It was all Western-style buildings, surrounded by big trees.

There is also a slender blue and white tower on the campus, and on the other side is a gymnasium. It is said that there is also an archery range here. The day after tomorrow, Shirou will give a performance of archery that contains spiritual culture to these art students, and there may be an archery competition.

"See you the day after tomorrow, Shirou." After entering, the male students headed straight for the dormitory building on the left.

"Shirou, bye-bye." The female students waved. The girls' dormitory was to the right and behind, and they had to keep walking further in.

"Oh, goodbye." Shirou raised his hand in farewell.

He was then taken back to his hotel, while the three teachers prepared to go to another place for a few more drinks.

After returning to his room, Shirou took out his phone and contacted Chaldea directly.

Mash appeared in the 3D image.

"Shirou-senpai, you've been working hard. How have you been lately?"

Shirou smiled at the pink-haired junior and said, "Yes, Mash, thank you for helping us clean up the Demonic Beast in this world these past few days."

"Yes! Yes! Shirou-senpai, what about me! What about me?" Gudako ran out and asked.

"Haven't you been staying in Chaldea all this time?" Shirou asked.

Gudako, holding up her phone, said, "But I'm trying my best to draw cards for Shirou-senpai every day, like Jeanne d'Arc Alter! Ishtar! Ereshkigal Rin! The Sakura Squad! As long as I get them, we can immediately start a big family!"

"Go practice your Magecraft properly!" Shirou said.

"Hey, Shirou, how's it going in Britain?" Da Vinci asked with a smile as he stepped out of the holographic projection.

"In good condition, ready to fight at any time."

"Da Vinci, let's get straight to the point and explain the current situation," Shirou said.

Da Vinci sensed the boy's determination and nodded, saying, "Since you're ready, Shirou, the location is Glastonbury Tor. I've already arranged for help to go there and meet her."

"I know, I'll head over now." Shirou agreed, took a black coat out of his suitcase, put it on, and then walked out of the hotel.

Under the cover of night, the boy Projection an invisibility cloak, avoided the crowd, and quietly ran towards the southwestern suburbs. The city, which was not sparsely populated to begin with, saw few houses after leaving the city center. He then Projection flying Winged Sandals, directly leaped over the small hill, and became a Chloe in the sky, heading towards a place twenty kilometers away.

On the grassy hillside, there are dilapidated buildings with mottled, broken gray-white walls and remaining stone pillars. Inside, there are rooms with only two or three walls remaining, which shows the former glory of this cathedral. However, the area has now become a place for farmers to graze their goats.

Continuing forward, Shirou arrived at King Arthur's tomb. With a strange mix of emotions, he found himself back here, and important memories of his past life flooded back. In his previous life, he and Tohsaka had passed through Bristol specifically to reach this place; he never imagined he would find himself here again in another world.

Just then, a somewhat tomboyish girl's angry voice rang out from the other side. "Who the hell are you?! Why are you looking at the king's tomb with such a nostalgic expression?! I'll kill you!"

The speaker was a scantily clad, blonde, wild girl with a high ponytail, wearing only a red jacket over a white crop top and denim shorts with a belt.

"A girl? What are you doing here all alone so late at night?" Shirou asked, puzzled.

"You bastard, try calling me a girl again and I'll kill you!" the wild girl roared, unleashing a torrent of magical power that made her body somewhat transparent.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing, stop arguing, don't waste your magic! Your current state is unstable, or you'll disappear!" Da Vinci appeared from the holographic image and reminded him repeatedly.

"Shirou, this is the partner I chose for you in this operation. The last battle was too dangerous. The level of magical reaction this time surpasses all the previous enemies, and is several times that of Li Shuwen back then."

"So I'm trying to get Chaldea to Servant and assist you. With the help of the native Servant and the power of Chaldea's Holy Grail, the Servant can also participate in limited activities. Although the power supply will be cut off once they leave the other dimension, Shirou, you should form a contract with her." Da Vinci explained.

Summoning Servant in this world would normally be nearly impossible, but inspired by the battle at Mount Lu, Li Shuwen used the Holy Grail to construct a small world and summoned native Servant related to that place.

Da Vinci also used his methods in the alternate dimension where magical fluctuations were generated in Britain to teleport Chaldea's Servant here. Although there were many restrictions, they could only be local Servant who had a connection with this land and had considerable fame.

Their activity range was also limited to a radius of 100 kilometers centered on the alternate dimension; they would disappear if they left it. However, thanks to Da Vinci Mordred's genius, the Servant successfully arrived there.

"Servant ..." Shirou looked the tomboyish, wild girl up and down. Her chest was slightly bulging. This inappropriately revealing outfit made her look like a girl no matter how you looked at it.

Indeed, gender dysphoria exists in this world, and there are Servant have altered their Spirit Origin and descended as different genders. There are indeed cases of male Heroic Servant possessing female bodies.

Since that's what they're asking, Shirou looked at the girl and asked in confusion.

So you're actually... a boy?

Chapter 140 Shimo's Best Partner

"Dare to say I'm a boy again and see what happens!" The other party summoned a silver Greatsword, looking fierce as if she would slash at the boy if he dared to say another wrong word. At the same time, her body became even more transparent due to the excessive use of magic.

Da Vinci quickly urged, "Calm down, calm down, let me introduce you! This is Shirou-kun, an experienced participant in the Holy Grail War. He also helped Gudako defeat the Pseudo-Singularity 'Shinjuku' and is our ally."

"Over here is Lord Mordred, a former Knights of the Round Table, whose class is Saber. She is a very famous knight in Britain, possessing powerful offensive capabilities and sturdy defense, making her a very strong Servant."

"Mordred ..." Shirou frowned upon hearing the name. Looking at the hot-tempered, unruly girl before him, he found it hard to believe that this was the Rebellious Knight ended the King Arthur legend, the culprit who left Artoria alone on the Battle of Camlann, amidst corpses, and plunged her into despair.

No, even without Mordred, King Arthur's fate was sealed... At that time, the world changed, Britain became barren, and food supplies could not meet the demand, so they had to buy it from abroad.

King Arthur was forced to wage constant wars at the cost of a few lives in exchange for Britain; that outcome was inevitable.

But the king, who was absolutely right and like a saint, was incomprehensible to the knights and filled them with fear.

Those knights who were already tired, unable to keep up with King Arthur's correctness, and weary of war, and those lords and warlords who only saw immediate gains and cared only about their own power, would eventually rebel. Mordred was merely the catalyst that triggered it all.

But seeing this girl who brought the King Arthur legend to a close, yet also possesses Artoria's bloodline, and who rebelled because she couldn't gain the king's approval, I still feel a bit conflicted.

"What's bothering you?" Mordred noticed the complexity in the boy's eyes and glared at him before asking.

"No, this Saber is really something. Hey, Da Vinci, couldn't you find me a more compatible Servant?" Shirou turned to look at Da Vinci in the holographic image and asked.

"Hmph! Even without you, I can clear out all the monsters from Britain by myself!" Mordred said defiantly, turning her head away.

Shirou frowned, looking at the girl bluntly, and said, "With your body that's about to disappear? Don't talk nonsense. Listen carefully, no matter how powerful you were as a knight in life, now as Servant who needs magical energy, you can't fight well without cooperating properly with your Master. And this time, your opponent is an even stronger foe."

"Huh? Enough talk! You think you can lecture me? I'll chop you up!" Mordred shouted angrily.

"Is this what they call 'like repels like'? Although the entire Knights of the Round Table are probably compatible with you, I think your compatibility is the best among them all..." Da Vinci said curiously.

"Yes, yes, a childish place..." Gudako nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, a place of recklessness and folly..." Mash nodded in agreement.

"It's like a place that evokes memories of my father..." Gudako said.

"Shut up!" The boy and girl both blushed and shouted back.

"Shirou-senpai! Now is not the time to be picky! As long as they are useful combatants, we should accept them!" Mash advised.

"Hmm, I didn't expect to get taught a lesson by Mash... Indeed, even Mordred is a Saber among the Upper Three Riders." Shirou nodded.

"The top combat power of the Knights of the Round Table, and I, as Saber, am here to help you, what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with?!" Mordred asked, clearly annoyed.

"Well, it's still better than that spearman and that Golden Flash king coming here. But it can't compare to my Saber. I thought it would be her," Shirou muttered to himself.

"Hmph! You talk as if you're the only one who's ever participated in the Holy Grail War. Even Sabers come in many ranks. What kind of Servant could Master like you, who only holds me back, possibly summon? Although I'm not really interested, let me ask you what kind of Saber you had before?"

Mordred crossed her arms, turned her head away, and snorted, but her eyes were secretly fixed on the boy. In fact, because of her stubborn and competitive nature inherited from somewhere, she was extremely concerned.

"Hmm..." Shirou hesitated somewhat. He didn't understand what kind of existence Artoria meant to Mordred.

Regarding the history of his previous life, he had learned from historical records kept in the Clock Tower by Magecraft from that era that Mordred initially seemed to have admired King Arthur.

Even under the influence of Morgan von Morgan, the witch who had raised several sons to become Knights of the Round Table and wanted them to usurp the throne and seize power in Britain, Mordred remained deaf to her pleas, focusing solely on fighting, building merit, and adhering to the code of chivalry, ultimately becoming the last of the thirteen Knights of the Round Table.