(Sorry, Nameless. I've got to apologize for something.)
"?"
(The naked apron being "culture"? That was a lie… I'm sorry, I went too far with the prank. Take this… as an apology.)
"Caspar League Muffler"
"Clothing Set"
(A gift from the club members—kappogi, maid outfits, Y-shirts, blazers, suits, nun habits, and more. And this muffler, made from my shaved fur, is my personal atonement. Even close friends need manners, and I forgot that… Please forgive me, my friend.)
"Fou…"
My name is—
"This fog's thick!!"
The Master's impression matched mine exactly.
The capital, London, was shrouded in impenetrable fog, barely letting you see a meter ahead.
"What's with this dense mist? They call it the Foggy City, but there's a limit."
The vessel muttered, spitting the words.
"And I sense mana in it. No doubt harmful to humans. Report the situation, Romani."
"Okay, got it! Weird, though—London's fog was a problem due to exhaust fumes and such, but it shouldn't be this ghastly, life-threatening stuff…"
"Likely the Holy Grail or a Noble Phantasm. An external magical factor. …Servants like Mash and Gil are fine, but—"
"For humans, it's poison, huh? But—"
A glance.
"I can't see a thing…"
Ritsuka mumbled vaguely, peering into the fog.
"As you can see, our Master doesn't seem fazed."
"Director Marie, what's this?"
—Her constitution? But it's almost unnaturally ineffective.
"Probably Mash's influence, Ritsuka."
"My influence?"
"More precisely, the Servant within you. They must be highly resistant to corruption or calamity. Through your Master-Servant contract, that protection extends to you."
"Hm, a pseudo-poison resistance skill? Not quite hero-level, but handy, Master."
"Yeah! Thanks, Mash!"
Ritsuka bowed deeply.
"N-No, it's not me, it's the one inside…"
"Doesn't matter. What matters is you're here, Mash."
"…Senpai."
"Hm. Master and Servant are bound as one. There's more to protection than swinging a shield. Learning fast, Mash?"
"Y-Yes!"
—At least we avoided the worst-case scenario of the Master collapsing.
We'd manage if it came to that, but… Mash and the Master being safe is what matters most.
"Now, shall we explore? No mountains, valleys, or cliffs. Perhaps the easiest Singularity yet. Hahaha."
The vessel's laugh lacked its usual luster. He'd been off his game since earlier.
—Worst case, I'll take the Heroic Princess form and fight in the King's place. Princess or not, I'm no delicate flower afraid of getting hurt.
"Don't let your guard down, Gil."
"Hm?"
A crisp, lively girl's voice.
"No slacking allowed. Defeat isn't an option for us."
A voice brimming with unshakable confidence followed.
"What's this? You two are our guides this time? Quite the warm welcome."
The voices of Heroine X and Arthur Pendragon came through the window.
"Exactly. Different forms, but this is London, Britain's soil. Arthur and I, the ultimate Saber, are the perfect fit."
"We both have the Instinct skill. We can tell if someone's friend or foe. …What do you say, Heroic King? Let us back you up?"
"Fine by me. I'm not in the mood, so I don't care much. I'll keep an eye on the Master and Mash, but the rest I'll handle halfheartedly."
"Tch, you're slacking, Gil. A sneaky knight could ambush you. Try not to let your guard down."
"I'm not careless or overconfident. Just unmotivated. So unmotivated I'd skip the opening Enuma Elish. It's tough."
"Whoa! Is this the least motivated this King's ever been!?"
"Being told to protect a cockroach with eggs is about the same. I hoped for architecture or scenery, but this? Don't expect smiles from me."
"Ugh. Well, maybe Gil needs a break sometimes. Fine. Leave it to the Britain Instinct Duo. We promise precise, optimal navigation."
"Do it. Yawn… Let's go, Master, Mash."
Stifling a yawn, the vessel started walking.
"Yeah! Thanks, Artoria, Arthur!"
"Yes! I like this casual vibe. Nothing like the Round Table."
"Right. Let's stay sharp but not overthink it."
"Understood. Let's begin exploring this era."
"Wonder what's waiting… Honestly, my underwear's damp and uncomfortable. I really wanna go home."
—Fight on, King. I'll do my best too.
"—Alright. Time to get serious. Hope we meet foes worth unleashing my treasures on."
Even a few steps forward, it was fog, fog, fog…
No cars on the roads, no people walking. Just toxic mist and a dreary atmosphere.
A city of death, steeped in stifling silence.
"…"
"Gil?"
"What? Spot a dragon in the sky or a lion on the ground?"
"No way those are here!"
"Well, Britain had plenty. We were constantly called out to deal with them."
"That many!?"
"Yup. Britain was a sealed, mystical land. Monsters were everywhere. We'd eat mashed potatoes, slay monsters, eat lunch, slay monsters, and slay more before bed."
"Slayed and slayed. Big ones mostly, but barbarians were a hassle too."
"Right, right. What was that thing teased in FGO?"
The two knights' chatter bloomed.
"Britain's terrifying!"
"Yes… No wonder King Arthur was so incredible…"
"Uruk's no slouch either. The gods' tantrums nearly ended the world daily. Rebuilt in three days, though."
"Uruk's insane!?"
"That damn goddess… If I see her in a Singularity, she's done for."
—Such idle banter was cut short.
"Hm, I sense a Servant ahead. Get ready."
The vessel's words sliced through.
"That was fast!?"
"I said I lack motivation, not duty. I'll do my job as a Servant. Mash, Master—fight or talk, it's up to you. You're about ready to not need my guidance."
"I don't think so, but… let's do this, Mash!"
"Yes, Senpai!"
"Don't worry. We'll tell friend from foe."
"Our Instinct's flawless! Kidding."
"You're tame this time, Artoria."
"Naturally. Even in the background, I shine with excellence."
"Here they come!"
From beyond the fog, a figure emerged.
"Hey. Answer my question."
A husky voice. Armor of silver and crimson.
"No small talk. Answer me clearly, or die. I'll cut you down now."
"Cut down…"
"—Oh?"
Face exposed, a silver sword in their right hand.
Blond hair tied back, blue eyes glinting like a beast's. A strange swordsman, fierce yet refined…
"I'm Mordred. You lot enemies or allies? Which is it?"
Killing intent and wariness radiated, the silver blade pointed at us.
"As you can see, just honest civilians."
The vessel replied, almost teasing.
"Bullshit. Civilians don't dress that gaudy in Britain."
"Haha, cheeky one."
"You're not mad!?"
"Waste my energy on a mad dog? Likely a stray rushing to their city's crisis."
"…Hmph. Not bad insight, rich boy."
Clank, the sword rested on their shoulder.
"They talk, don't attack… Guess you're not enemies…"
"That's right! We're—"
"Master, we're coming now!"
Footsteps echoed, tatatatata.
"Wait—!!!"
"Arthur just slid in—!? And stopped Heroine X—!?"
"Ow!! What're you doing, Arthur!!"
"What were you about to do!? I mean, I sensed it instinctively, so I stopped you!"
"Obviously! I was going to smash every window, flip off that insolent delinquent son, and tear him to pieces!"
"No grudges! Drop it for now! Master, Heroic King! Leave this to me and keep talking! Mordred's a knight of the Round Table! They'd never side with evil…!"
"Mordred! It's Mordred!! You're Mordred, right!! Leave your head and Saber class behind!!"
"Huh… Father? Huh?"
Mordred blinked, stunned.
—Now!
"Let me speak truth. We're a righteous legion here to mend a broken history. Rebel Knight, shining in Arthurian legend, we are not your enemies."
"Oh… That so?"
"We've just arrived, strangers to this land. Mordred, with your fierce spirit rushing to your warped homeland, I ask: will you join us, lend us your knowledge of this place?"
"Oh, yeah! That's it? Say so sooner! Got me all on edge! Leave it to Mordred, shining in Arthurian legend! Mordred, shining in Arthur's name!"
"Done. Secured a meat shield and scout in one go."
—Got their word while they're confused. Instinct tells me this knight's a pain to negotiate with straight. Best to overwhelm them.
"Gil…!"
"I told you. Lack of motivation doesn't mean I can't do my job. Now it's your turn, Master."
"Yup! Nice to meet you! I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru, Master! Let's work together, Mordred-san!"
"Hey! I like energetic types! You're cool! I'll take care of you all! Just call me Mordred!"
"I'm Mash Kyrielight. Pleased to meet you."
"Yo, shield guy! And you, rich boy?"
"Cheeky knight. I'm Gilgamesh. Rare class, Gorgeous, the ennui-laden Heroic King."
"Rare class…!? That's badass! Do I have one!? Rare class!?"
"Who knows."
"What's good? Red Thunder? Clarent? Whatever, I'm rare class too!"
"Gil! Are you serious!? Welcoming that rebel son!?"
"Drop your grudges. A Round Table knight as an enemy is trouble. Better to pull them to our side."
"Right! That's the way! Artoria, stay! Stay!"
"Grr… Fine, I'll just wait for a chance to stab from behind…"
"I get it! That helmet! It transforms, right? So cool!"
"You get it!? Hell yeah! Watch this—!"
Clank, the helmet snapped on.
"So cool—!!"
"Right!? Right!? Alright, you lot, follow the great Mordred!!"
"Simple-minded boar of a warrior… Master, Mash."
"?"
"Yes?"
(My read: they're female. But don't say it. Too much hassle.)
(…Understood.)
(Yes!)
"Hey, what're you doing? Let's go! To the hideout!"
"Coming!"
"Yes!"
"…Gil, don't rely on that one."
"? Something wrong?"
"…Nothing. There's a Saber among Sabers here, not some rebel son."
"Got it, got it. Let's move."
"…Good."
Mordred has joined the party!
"Nah, it's fine."
(Huh?)
"We're friends. A little lie or tease doesn't matter, right? I don't mind. If I can't brush that off, what kind of friend am I?"
(…You'll forgive me?)
"Forgive? That's too high-and-mighty. Even if your 'lesson' was a lie, your care and intent to teach me were real, right?"
(…!)
"The muffler, the clothes—I'll treasure them. Thanks for always teaching me stuff, Fou."
"And to the club's seniors, thank you so much, always. I'll cherish these clothes like treasures. Please, keep watching over me, forever."
(…)
"…Fou?"
(—Oh, truly… I've gained a beautiful friend—)
"Fou—!?"
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