Bazett had never imagined that one day she would describe a historical figure as "insanely shocking."
The kind with a great reputation, but wildly mixed reviews.
"I find it hard to believe that you're that Sakumura Anno."
She stared blankly at the fashionably dressed man sitting across from her, her eyes carrying a faint, almost tearful helplessness.
"Before coming here, I'd just read about your deeds and biography. You..."
"What? You think the historical figure who stepped out of the books doesn't match your impression?"
Sakumura did not seem offended. He merely smiled.
"How many words can history books spare? It's hard enough to write about one person. At most, they just recount what we did. As for what kind of people we really were—if you don't spend time with us personally, you won't know, will you?"
"Turning history into stereotypes isn't a good habit."
"...I'll try to convince myself of that."
After roughly ten seconds of silence, Bazett nodded with difficulty.
Though she hated to admit it, Sakumura Anno was unfortunately right.
"So then, why did you call me here?"
Bazett knowingly asked the question—the bar was incredibly noisy, making her somewhat restless, and... faintly expectant.
What Cu Chulainn had told her during the day... was it true or false?
"I called you over because I thought I might be able to make some use of you."
"Make use of me?"
That answer was beyond Bazett's expectations. She frowned, but did not react immediately. She simply remained seated and continued looking at Kirei Kotomine.
"Just as that Irish Child of Light said, although coldness and ruthlessness are masks you were born with, you hide your feelings far too poorly."
"Your name was Bazett Fr..."
Sakumura spoke with a smile, then suddenly stumbled over the name and blinked.
"Fraga."
"Bazett