Kayneth froze. He watched the Grand Duke walk back to the sofa, sit down again, and pick up his wineglass.
"I have read your file. Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, the Clock Tower's genius, one of the Twelve Lords. At such a young age, you have already achieved what countless people could never accomplish in their entire lives."
He took a sip of wine. "But do you know what those people say about you?"
Kayneth's expression changed. How had a Heroic Spirit read his file? He certainly did not remember giving him one.
"They say you are too arrogant. Too petty. Too concerned with what others think."
The Grand Duke drained the last of his red wine and looked him straight in the eye.
"Master, why did you enter the Holy Grail War? To prove yourself? To recover your dignity? Or to..."
"Make that fiancée of yours think more highly of you?"
Kayneth's pupils shook. "You-"
"I can feel it. The way you look at Sola is not the way she looks at you."
Kayneth had no answer.
Only after a long time did he say quietly, "I don't need your judgment."
"Of course."
The Grand Duke laughed heartily. "It was merely a passing remark."
He rose and headed for the door. "I will be going out tonight. Do not worry. Perhaps I will fight, or perhaps I will simply take a look around this city."
Kayneth raised his head. "In your opinion, what must I do to win Sola's heart?"
The Grand Duke stopped. "Why concern yourself with my opinion? Don't you already know?"
The door closed.
Kayneth sat on the sofa, staring at the ceiling.
"Sola..."
There was no reply.
He turned his head and found the room empty.
Sola had gone out at some point without his noticing.
With