Night fell.
Romani and the others had something resembling a plan—though, from Laurent's point of view, it was barely worth calling one.
First, they'd investigate the situation. Apparently, even they didn't quite understand what was happening yet.
"I'll go take a look around. You guys do whatever you want."
With that, Laurent pushed off lightly and disappeared into the night.
"Lau—"
Jeanne stood there, holding a plate of food she'd meant to offer him, but he was already gone.
She sighed, disappointed—only for tendrils of blood to snake silently out of the shadows, snatching the food right out of her hands.
"Huh?"
Jeanne froze, eyes wide, trying to process what had just happened.
"Laurent's abilities are… really something else," Fujimaru muttered, not sure how else to describe someone who could casually manipulate his own blood like that.
"Jeanne, it seems like you care a lot about Laurent," Mash said, glancing curiously at her.
Jeanne smiled faintly and went back to preparing dinner. Even though she no longer needed to eat, some habits were hard to break. And besides, she'd wanted Laurent to taste something she'd made herself.
Mash had always pictured Jeanne as the saint from history—a holy maiden who'd saved a nation.
But now, meeting her in person, she realized Jeanne was just… human. A woman with warmth, habits, and quiet hopes. Maybe even—Mash's thoughts stumbled—a young wife?
Wait, since Jeanne was married now, would it be more proper to call her Madame Jeanne… or maybe young wife Jeanne?
Mash found herself oddly lost in thought.
Jeanne paused briefly at her question, then answered softly, "Yes… Laurent's always been that kind of person."
"It sounds like there's a lot of history between you two," Mash said gently.
"It's mostly my own immaturity," Jeanne admitted. "Laurent always saw things more clearly than I did—but he still chose to shoulder everything himself, all because of me."
Mash's gaze fell on the ring on Jeanne's hand.
"What about that ring?"
"It's from when he proposed to me—right at the very end."
Jeanne looked down at it tenderly. Their names were engraved inside. Without realizing it, a small, content smile curved her lips.
"It was… a very strange wedding."
"I'd really like to hear the full story between you two someday," Mash said.
"Well, it's not something I need to hide."
"Huh?"
Roman's voice cut in clearly through the communicator, instantly intrigued.
"Please, do share—I'm also very curious."
Though part of him was simply being nosy, Roman genuinely wanted to understand Laurent better.
Even if Laurent was Jeanne's childhood friend, Roman couldn't help being cautious. He hated to doubt people, but Fujimaru's safety came first.
Ever since Laurent had revealed himself as Évigi—the tyrant king of England who'd once seized all power—Roman had suspected he might be the kind of man who'd do anything for the one he loved.
If that was true, then he was grateful Jeanne stood with them.
"I wanted to save my country," Jeanne began quietly, "so I chose the path of salvation. But Laurent's wish was completely different. All he wanted was for me to live happily."
She paused, the memories returning with painful clarity.
"But maybe that's exactly why he never stopped me. His wish was simple—but I rejected it. I believed it was my duty, as a Frenchwoman, to save France. After we argued, we went our separate ways."
Her voice softened, tinged with regret.
"I only realized later that every victory I achieved was because Laurent had been supporting me from the shadows."
"So it really was like that…" Roman murmured, his tone thoughtful.
"Doctor?" Fujimaru asked curiously.
Roman didn't hesitate to explain. "Fujimaru, remember what Laurent said earlier? This is just my speculation, but I think everything Laurent did—he did for Jeanne's sake."
"Yes," Jeanne said quietly. "Though I don't know what happened to him after that…"
"Perhaps that's tied to the god-slaying legend he mentioned," Roman replied. "Still… Laurent really is something else. Honestly, I've never heard of someone defying the gods for the sake of a single person. Compared to most Heroic Spirits, that's… unprecedented."
Jeanne lowered her gaze, a quiet sigh escaping her.
"And compared to him, I can't even do something as simple as discern a Servant's true name… some Ruler I am."
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