Shock from Deep Within the Spirit Origin / Cassandra's Wish (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival)

Worried about her lack of preparation, Saber, as if possessed by prophecy, asked Irisviel how to handle such an awkward situation.

[Then...]

After a brief moment of thought, Irisviel gave her answer--

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!"

Seeing Saber suddenly get up and walk towards her, Mordred instinctively adopted a defensive posture.

However, Saber, who had already arrived in front of Mordred, seemed not to have seen her movement, stiffly extending her right hand and gently placing it on Mordred's head, slowly rubbing it.

Let's pat that child's head.

Saber, who had acted on Irisviel's advice, was somewhat eager to see Mordred's reaction.

However--

Seeing Mordred Shirou, who had initially wanted to help the two out of the predicament, instinctively covered his own face.

It's not that I don't want to help, but you're just not capable enough...

Chapter 399. Shock from the Depths of the Spirit Origin

In a cold drink shop in Fuyuki City--

As the weather gradually turns colder in early winter, the number of customers at cold drink shops has decreased significantly compared to the previous three quarters. However, as an essential spot for couples to stroll and show their affection, it is still common to see crowds of people here even in winter.

That being said, the combination in front of us is just too conspicuous...

"That..."

As one of the focal points of the ice cream shop, Ruler felt extremely uncomfortable. However, what made the Saintess even more uneasy was what was coming from across the street—

Glug glug--

Mordred, who was biting on a straw and hiding half her face behind her drink cup, but whose gaze remained fixed on him...

At this moment, the saintess felt that her situation was extremely difficult.

"Lady Jeanne d'Arc, we've come to you today simply to ask what you, my father, and Saber discussed yesterday."

Perhaps sensing Ruler's predicament, Shirou, sitting next to Mordred, broke the stalemate.

"Of course, you have the right to keep things like battle plans confidential. We just want to know what caused Saber's attitude towards Mordred to change so drastically."

Honestly, after seeing Saber and Mordred's "head pat" moment, even Shirou started to doubt his own eyes.

If we disregard their identities, the previous scene would undoubtedly have been a tale of filial piety and parental love. But their mere meeting had been fraught with tension, almost leading to the destruction of their home...

If Shirou hadn't already known that King Arthur was the kind of person who was overly upright, Shirou would have almost started to suspect that this was a conspiracy to soften Mordred's attitude.

That being said, the problem still needed to be solved. Therefore, after consideration, Shirou decided to call Ruler, who had participated in the discussion yesterday, out to ask her what exactly caused this "King of Knights" to undergo such a drastic change.

"... So that's how it is."

After listening to Shirou's explanation, the saintess nodded seriously.

Although Ruler's duty made her instinctively want to contradict Shirou, as the arbiter, she would never interfere in the progress of the Holy Grail War. Therefore, the so-called "battle plan" was completely fabricated.

However, this was not the focus of the discussion at the moment, so after a brief moment of hesitation, Ruler decided to tell Shirou and Mordred, who were sitting opposite him, in detail about the "education plan" for Mordred that he had discussed with Wang Xiaoming and the others yesterday.

"Who... who would want her compensation?"

The moment Ruler finished speaking, Mordred immediately offered his opinion.

But, young girl--

If you could tone down the blush on your face and that wide grin, you might be more convincing.

Seeing Mordred practically beaming with joy, Shirou gave a helpless smile, but he was genuinely happy that the relationship between Mordred and Saber could be repaired.

"Thank you so much, Miss Jeanne d'Arc."

"No, no, no, I was just relaying the information truthfully."

Upon hearing Shirou's thanks, Ruler quickly waved his hand, showing no intention of taking credit.

"Just relaying the message has already been a huge help."

Shirou's expression was very serious.

"As a token of my gratitude, I don't have anything particularly impressive to offer... If you don't mind, I'll prepare some of your favorite dishes tonight."

"Then... I'll gladly accept!"

Ruler, who had initially wanted to refuse, stopped hesitating after hearing the second half of Shirou's sentence and agreed immediately.

After that, Ruler seemed lost in thought, clearly engrossed in fantasies about food.

Therefore, he ignored the ambiguous gazes around him...

--This is unacceptable!!!

This was the shared thought of all the male customers still remaining in the ice cream shop at that moment.

Not to mention Shirou, Mordred and Ruler sitting next to him have such similar faces that they could easily be mistaken for twins.

Because of the distance, onlookers who didn't hear the conversation between the three earlier could easily imagine a scene from a novel where the male protagonist deals with his emotional (and marital) problems.

Not only the customers in the shop, but even the shop manager, who was already married with a wife, kids, a house, and a car—a true winner in life—couldn't help but occasionally cast gossipy glances at the trio over there.

The untold story of twin sisters and a high school boy?

Wow... young people these days really know how to have fun.

On the other side--

"I was just mentioning my thoughts to Saber, I didn't expect her to actually do it. As expected of King Arthur, her efficiency is truly remarkable."

After hearing Medea recount what had happened that morning, Wang Xiaoming didn't show any surprise.

"More importantly, how did you all end up together?"

Looking at Medea and Touko Aozaki beside her, Wang Xiaoming raised an eyebrow and asked them a question.

Then I was shut down by a single sentence.

"It's none of your business what women do."

"Alright, alright... whatever makes you happy."

Seeing Wang Xiaoming's helpless expression, Touko Aozaki suddenly spoke up.

"Oh, and give me a few more strands of your hair."

Judging from the tone of this person who treated him like family, it was clear that he had pulled Wang Xiaoming's hair quite a bit before. Wang Xiaoming, in turn, habitually plucked a few strands and handed them over.

As for the whispers between Touko Aozaki and Medea after Orange received the hair, such as "sample" and "creating a body," Wang Xiaoming felt it was best to ignore these chilling topics.

"Oh, right."

Medea, having received her "spoils" and preparing to leave, seemed to remember something and turned back to Wang Xiaoming, saying:

"Sakura just called and said she signed a contract with a Servant yesterday. However, the details are a bit complicated, and she'll tell you about it in person when she gets back."

"Ah, I understand."

Wang Xiaoming waved his hand to indicate that he understood. In his view, as long as there were no safety issues, everything was fine.

As for participating in the Holy Grail War?

With so many Master already in the household, one or two more won't make a difference.

"Oh, by the way, did Sakura mention on the phone which Servant she made a contract with?"

Watching Medea's retreating figure, Wang Xiaoming asked her a question. After all, knowing her real name beforehand would be a good way to prepare for their upcoming meeting.

"Yes, she did. I think you should know this person quite well."

Who is it?

Medea's words piqued Wang Xiaoming's curiosity.

Based on current information, the Servant who haven't appeared yet are Archer, Rider, Assassin, and Berserker. So, who will be the Servant with whom I'll develop a connection...?

"--Berserker, Cassandra ~"

"What the heck?!"

Medea's answer almost made Wang Xiaoming fall off the sofa and onto the floor.

Aside from a trip to Shanghai last weekend to see Xiaoming, I've been busy during this break... I'm so sorry, I'm really slacking off.

I won't be working overtime for a while.

(Above)

Kamen Rider Chronicles: Players Are Unbeatable

While quietly recommending books

Chapter 400. Cassandra's Wish (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival)

"I'm back."

After saying goodbye to a certain goddess, Sakura returned home only to find the house eerily quiet, with even Mordred's boisterous figure nowhere to be seen.

She probably went out with her brother.

Sakura thought to herself.

After all, the Holy Grail War is still ongoing, and gathering intelligence is a necessary step for the Master participating in the war.

This time, Sakura won't fall too far behind you, brother~

The thought of participating in the Holy Grail War alongside everyone else lightened Sakura's previously depressed mood.

[Sakura, there's a strange presence not far in front of you.]

A voice that suddenly rang in her heart pulled Sakura back to reality. She looked up and followed the voice's direction, finding her living room at the end of the corridor.

"Strange? Is it Servant?"

[It doesn't seem so, but it feels familiar to me... Sorry, without "aura perception," I can't know any more information.]

"Hmm, I think I know who it is."

After hearing what her Servant had to say, Sakura nodded. She then moved to the living room and found only one figure in the large space.

Seeing Wang Xiaoming sitting on the sofa, seemingly lost in thought, Sakura walked over and greeted him.

"Uncle."

"Oh, you're back. Did you encounter any danger on the way?"

Sakura smiled and shook her head at her uncle's concerned gaze.

"Although there were some minor troubles, thanks to Berserker, everything turned out alright."

"Berserker, Cassandra?"

"That's right."

"..."

Although he already knew the Servant's real name beforehand, after Sakura confirmed it, the overly familiar name still made Wang Xiaoming feel a little dazed.

Seeing Wang Xiaoming's somewhat dazed expression, Sakura silently communicated with her Servant--

"Berserker..."