A castle of ice and snow.
Ophelia's room.
The call with Kirschtaria Wodime had already ended, and Caenis had gone off somewhere. At present, only the room's owner, Ophelia Phamrsolone, remained.
Where Caenis went and what she intended to do were, broadly speaking, none of Ophelia's concern.
That Servant was not one she could command.
Though if they truly came to blows, she might not necessarily lose to Caenis, there was no meaning in doing so for Ophelia.
Because that was the Servant contracted to and commanded by Kirschtaria Wodime.
Lord Kirschtaria Wodime, whom she admired.
Sitting in her chair with her eyes lowered, Ophelia covered her expression with one hand.
But—
"A woman's expression."
"I know that expression."
A voice still rang out at an inopportune moment.
"Heh."
"Though I have not seen it clearly myself, I would never forget that expression."
"You are a woman, Ophelia."
It was Sigurd.
The great dragon-slaying hero abruptly dispelled his spiritual form and appeared in a corner of his Master's room. With his arms folded, he watched his Master with those crimson eyes of his.
"Spiritualization is not an ability meant for peeping. Your duty is to protect my safety."
Ophelia opened her eyes and gave Sigurd a dangerous look.
"Do not mistake that."
"You are my knight, my sword and shield."
"—I do not recall granting you permission to do anything beyond those limits."
"You should have at least some self-awareness—familiar."
As she spoke, Ophelia crossed her legs and narrowed her single eye.
"You have not forgotten the existence of Sirius Light, have you, Saber?"
"Hmph."
Sigurd let out a snort that sounded like a cold laugh.
"Yes, protect you, slaughter all your enemies."
"But is there any need to do that here, Ophelia?"
"Humans. Humans, indeed."
He rose to his