"... Is it really okay to agree so easily, my lord?" Lancer asked softly, standing behind Ryougi Raku.
Ryougi Raku glanced at Lancer, a smile in his eyes. "... Don't you actually wish I'd agree too...?" He said nonchalantly, then turned and left. Lancer paused, then let out a hearty laugh. He no longer dematerialized, simply following Ryougi Raku as they walked away.
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Night finally fell. The Einzbern Forest was once again enveloped in darkness.
Lately, every night had been so thrilling, filled with mysteries beyond the wildest imagination of ordinary people.
A portion of the Einzbern Forest had been destroyed in last night's battle, and it wouldn't recover in a short time. It faithfully recorded the war's occurrence.
A large part of the Einzbern Castle's interior had been destroyed, with one corridor even shattered by Ryougi Raku. If not for the castle's sturdy design, the entire fortress might have collapsed! The internal destruction was always so terrifying... Ryougi Raku and Saber's battle had completely destroyed a section, and Emiya Kiritsugu's explosives had left the entire castle in ruins. Only a few rooms remained intact, where Hisau Maiya and Emiya Kiritsugu were recovering.
Magecraft could achieve everything modern medicine could, and even greatly shorten the recovery time. However, Einzbern's magecraft was a form of alchemy, adhering to the principle of equivalent exchange. Such rapid recovery came at the cost of immense physical strain and a shortened lifespan.
Irisviel sighed helplessly, feeling very guilty about Hisau Maiya's injuries.
Boom—
A deafening sound erupted without warning. The earth-shattering roar made Irisviel dizzy, and she collapsed, unable to stand.
"What's happening? What happened?" Irisviel asked, slightly panicked, as she propped herself up.
A pair of slender arms helped her up. Though seemingly frail, these arms brought Irisviel a strange sense of security.
"...Saber..." Her panic finally subsided. "...Is it a frontal assault?"
"Are you alright, Iri?" Saber helped Irisviel up, gazing into the distance. "...They're not here for a friendly visit. Let's go out and meet them! Please stay by my side!"
Irisviel nodded, but a nameless fatigue weighed on her body. She had experienced far too much in the past two days.
The two quickly left the castle and walked towards the spacious terrace in front of it.
"...This thunderous sound, this tactic... it must be Rider!"
"Hmm, I think so too." Irisviel recalled the Rider's chariot she had seen that day and nodded affirmatively. Remembering how the terrifying Berserker had been defeated in one blow, she knew the Einzbern's barrier wouldn't last long either.
"Hey, King of Knights! I've come specifically to meet you, come out quickly! Ah!" The voice came from directly ahead, indicating the enemy had already breached the defenses.
Saber donned her armor, fully prepared.
Irisviel and Saber walked towards the source of the voice, on high alert, but the people who appeared made them pause in surprise.
Not only were Rider and his Master there, but Ryougi Raku and Lancer were also present.
Seeing Ryougi Raku and Lancer, Saber unconsciously relaxed slightly.
Ryougi Raku smiled and nodded at them, and they returned his polite smile.
"There were too many trees in the yard, making it inconvenient to get in and out, so I cut some down for you. You're welcome!" Rider twisted his neck, his tone sounding very much like... a ruffian.
"Rider, you..." Facing Rider, Saber instantly lost her temper and snapped at him.
"Hey, hey, hey, King of Knights, aren't you going to change into some modern clothes tonight? Stop wearing that stiff armor all the time. Look at Lancer and his Master!" Rider frowned, a hint of displeasure in his voice.
Ryougi Raku and Lancer gave a wry smile. Their clothes were exactly the same as when they first appeared... a kimono and Lancer's tight outfit, only they looked very modern.
Waver hid behind Rider, looking at Irisviel, then at Ryougi Raku not far from him, his heart trembling. The desire to "go home" was clearly written on his face.
However, Saber and Irisviel's gazes were entirely focused on the object Rider was carrying.
It was a barrel, and just by looking at it, they knew it was a very ordinary barrel.
"Rider, what are you doing here?" Saber didn't know what to say to Rider, so she asked about his purpose.
"Can't you tell by looking? Of course, I'm here to drink with you! See, I've even called Lancer and his Master!—Hey, don't just stand there, lead the way and find us a suitable courtyard for a feast!" Rider said matter-of-factly, completely making himself at home.
"..." Saber opened her mouth, but she didn't know how to respond.
Sighing, Saber asked Irisviel beside her with a hint of helplessness. "Iri, what should we do?"
Irisviel was also a bit stunned. Her initial anger had somehow dissipated upon seeing the King of Conquerors and Ryougi Raku.
"Perhaps he really wants to invite us for a drink? Besides... hasn't Raku also accepted the invitation?" Irisviel weighed her words before answering Saber's question.
"Hmm... Could it be a policy of appeasement towards Saber?" She wondered slightly.
"No... This is a challenge!" Saber suddenly interjected, her tone unconsciously serious.
"A challenge?"
"Yes! I am a king, and he is also a king! Since we cannot fight now, let us compete for victory at the drinking table!"
"Hahaha! That's right!" Rider laughed heartily when he heard Saber's words.
"Then, Saber, do you dare to accept the challenge!"
"What is there to fear!" Her firm words revealed her determination!
...By the fountain in the castle's central courtyard, everyone had gathered.
Rider brought the barrel, smashed the lid with a punch, and the aroma of red wine filled the air.
"Though strangely shaped, it is a drinking vessel!" Rider said as he scooped out the wine.
He drained the first cup in one gulp and casually asked, "I hear only those who are worthy can obtain the Holy Grail?"
Saber unhesitatingly took the wine Rider offered and drank it all. Ryougi Raku and Lancer did the same, though Ryougi Raku wasn't fond of drinking; he would have preferred a cup of tea.
Waver and Irisviel sat to the side, waving their hands and shaking their heads to refuse Rider's wine. Rider didn't mind and continued to drink by himself.
Whether it was Saber, Lancer, or Ryougi Raku, they all drank heartily, which pleased Rider greatly.
"So, you want to compare who's stronger with me?" Saber asked, finishing her wine. "However, before that, I still have one battle to fight!" She glanced at Lancer, her fighting spirit ablaze.
"Indeed, a true contest in the name of kings. Ultimately, between the King of Knights and the King of Conquerors, who is truly worthy of the Holy Grail?" Rider said seriously, then suddenly dropped his serious demeanor, chuckling, "Ah, speaking of which, there's another person here who calls himself 'King'!"
"—Have you had enough of your jokes, mongrel!"
As if in response to Rider, an arrogant voice accompanied by a dazzling golden light flashed forth.
That voice made everyone present stiffen for a moment.
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(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) ‹ (TL : More Chapters @patreon.com/c/Gooberilla)