Cowlick: Long Live Hydra

The two-story clinic by the river.

Duke brought the distraught Lancelot to the basement. It was Lancelot's first time here; Duke had forbidden him from setting foot inside before, so he froze the moment he saw the Holy Grail.

"Master, this... could this be the Holy Grail?"

Its ancient yet magnificent design contained immense magical power. Lancelot was certain he could not be mistaken, but... why was the Holy Grail in his Master's basement?

Duke shot Lancelot a vicious glare. Lancelot did not dare meet his eyes and lowered his head without making a sound.

"This is indeed the Holy Grail, the Lesser Holy Grail created by the Einzbern Family. It previously had another name: Irisviel!"

Lancelot looked toward the corner in astonishment. The Irisviel Duke spoke of was crouching there, staring back at him with an equally strange expression. They looked at each other for three seconds, both with question marks plastered across their faces.

Irisviel still did not know that Gandalf was an identity Duke had disguised himself as, so she was deeply confused by Lancelot's identity as a Servant. Fearing a certain unscrupulous Magician, she did not dare ask.

When in doubt, ask. After hesitating for a moment, Lancelot spoke directly. "Master, you said the Holy Grail is this lady... I do not understand what that means. Is there some deeper meaning?"

"The Holy Grail is divided into the Greater Holy Grail and the Lesser Holy Grail. The Holy Grail obtained by the final Master-Servant pair is the Lesser Holy Grail, and this lady is an artificial Lesser Holy Grail merely disguised in human form." Duke explained casually, then walked over to inspect the Holy Grail. Lancer's death had still failed to open the hole leading beyond the world. It needed another push.

Hearing Duke's words, Lancelot