Lancer had already proven with "facts" that Olga Marie was dead, and Olga Marie had already accepted it. Even Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash had long since learned the truth from the mouths of Lancer and Lev, but—
"Eh?! Director!! Director!! Are you dead?!"
Even though he used honorifics, one had to admit that asking someone "Are you dead?" to their face was definitely not a wise move. This was especially true as Olga Marie stared him down with a dead-serious expression, making him feel an immense amount of pressure.
You have to remember, right now he was just an "ordinary doctor who loves sweets and has zero magical talent."
Watching the aggressive Olga Marie float over and Dr. Roman—who was clearly in his thirties yet was frantically waving his hands and backing away with none of the dignity of an adult—Lancer wore a peculiar smile.
Although Lancer didn't have particularly deep feelings for the Doctor since he hadn't played that far into the game, he had a vivid impression of the man's "sacrifice." However, this time he didn't directly speak up like he had with Olga Marie. Because—saying it would be meaningless.
Aside from knowing who the final enemy was, Lancer had no concrete intel at all. Speaking up early would only cause them to panic excessively. The same went for the Doctor; what good would it do even if he told him? Right now, Lancer had neither the power to change the future nor the wisdom to change it. Saying it was pointless because if things couldn't be changed, the man would still make the same choice to "sacrifice himself."
While Roman was apologising to Olga Marie with a bitter smile, he stole a glance at Lancer. He felt like the way the guy was looking at him was a bit strange? But since he didn't sense any ill intent, and because Olga Marie caught him getting distracted and started lecturing him even harder, he didn't have the luxury of worrying about Lancer anymore.
On the other side, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash looked at the dilapidated experimental facilities and unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. Even though they had heard everything Lev said at the end, returning to a familiar place did make them feel a bit more at ease. Unlike Mash, however, Fujimaru Ritsuka—who had family and friends in the outside world—wore a more complicated expression.
But just then, Fujimaru Ritsuka suddenly realized her right hand was being held.
"Senpai, we'll succeed!"
Although she didn't say much, Mash words still made Fujimaru Ritsuka breathe a sigh of relief. At least she wasn't alone.
But just as a "citrusy" vibe was starting to spread—
"Ahem~ Sorry to interrupt you two, but I have something I hope you can help me with."
"Of course! Mr. Lancer, thank you so much for your help this time. Is there anything I can do? I'll definitely do my best!"
"That's right! That's right! Even though it hurts a bit, I'm fine with mana transfer!"
Lancer abrupt voice caused the two of them to let go of each other's hands with blushing faces. After they finished speaking, they couldn't help but glance at each other again. Their eyes met; they didn't say a word, but they each shared a faint smile.
On the other side, Lancer expression became extremely subtle upon hearing their words. Luckily he was a decent guy, otherwise, what followed might have been an X-rated scene.
"I plan to perform a 'Heroic Spirit Summoning,' so I want to find a place that won't cause any weird interference..."
If they were outside, Lancer could summon whenever he wanted, but the situation at Chaldea was extremely unique. Lancer didn't want to crash the place because of his own actions.
Summoning a Heroic Spirit?
Mash blinked, but then she nodded.
"I understand. To solve the problem of not having weapons after 'Rayshifting,' the former Director developed the 'Guardian Heroic Spirit Summoning System: Fate' based on the 'Holy Grail War' for this very purpose. I'll take you there now."
Because Lancer was going to perform a "Heroic Spirit Summoning," Olga Marie temporarily let Roman off the hook. After all, "Summoning a Heroic Spirit" was a very important matter for Chaldea, even if the summoner wasn't a Chaldea employee.
Lancer didn't use Chaldea's original equipment. Although making his own magic circle was a bit more troublesome, it was at least safer.
Strange crystals with brilliant colors dissolved in his hands, turning into a similarly brilliant multi-colored liquid. This liquid was splashed around by Lancer hands, eventually forming a magic circle that took up about one square meter.
"This magic circle seems a bit different from the ones in the Holy Grail War?"
As the Director of Chaldea, Olga Marie had naturally studied the records of the Holy Grail War provided by the Yggdmillennia family, so she recognized the differences in the magic circle at a glance. However, she watched as Lancer very solemnly took out a golden chess piece and placed it right in the center of the magic circle.
As the piece merged into the circle and fully activated it, a dazzling golden light made everyone in the room instinctively shield their eyes. But Lancer knew he was still one step away.
Opening his "Weapon Box," he took out a cracked hairpin from the very bottom. Lancer looked at this ordinary hairpin, stayed silent for a good while, and finally tossed it into the magic circle.
"Vroom~!"
As if something had been opened, a large purple gate slowly manifested at the base of the magic circle.
Even though his eyes were irritated to the point of tears, Lancer still stared intently at it, because—
The same black-and-white maid dress as always, and the bright smile on her face. Of course, what remained unchanged was the sentence she said whenever the two of them met.
"Welcome back~ Boss.~"
Lancer wide eyes gradually narrowed, and his heavy breathing slowly steadied.
Only two years had passed for him since he last saw her, but she had waited for him for thousands of years. He believed that her heart was likely even more excited than his right now, yet even so, she still showed him her most perfect side. Naturally, he should do the same.
"I'm back—"
Just like when he used to return to the villa after completing a mission, a familiar confident smile appeared on Lancer face.
"Leone."
After saying that, Lancer walked straight over and pulled her into a tight hug, burying his head in her hair. His arms held her so tightly it was as if he wanted to rub her into his own body, but just then, a pair of hands suddenly pushed him back, and then she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck...
His eyes wide, Lancer felt the sensation from his mouth. His originally tense body relaxed, and he closed his eyes to enjoy this long-awaited reunion.