"So, what does this have to do with me?"
Ishtar crossed her arms over her chest, gave a soft snort, turned her head aside, and let her eyes dart about.
"You're my Servant. According to the Rules, of course you have to join me."
Ereshkigal answered casually, looking as though it were only natural.
"Why should I help you deal with Tokiomi? Even if he did have an affair, he's still my father, and he's always treated me well. He's spent years preparing for this Holy Grail War. I'm not getting mixed up with you and ruining his long-cherished wish."
Ishtar raised a brow and refused, wearing the expression of an exceedingly filial daughter.
Ereshkigal's face stiffened. Then she looked thoughtfully at her righteous-looking twin sister and spoke quietly.
"If we obtain the Holy Grail, we can order that guy around. Don't you want to try it?"
"Mm..."
At once, Ishtar's tense expression relaxed somewhat. Her eyes flickered with interest as she hesitantly raised a question.
"But there are two of us competing, and only one prize."
"Then... half each?"
After racking her brains for a moment, Ereshkigal immediately came up with the perfect solution.
"You get him during the day, and I get him at night!"
"Deal!"
In an instant, Ishtar, who had still been hesitating moments ago, broke into a delighted smile. She happily high-fived Ereshkigal to seal their pact, then planted her hands on her hips with a teasing grin.
"Hehehe, as long as this goddess makes a move, won't the Holy Grail be ours for the taking? Orders? I like that! Losers should be stripped bare... and have everything confiscated as tribute☆. Then, hehe..."
"Don't get happy too soon. As far as I know, we aren't the only ones who discovered this secret."
Ereshkigal gave a