In front of the restroom.
Merry having washed her hands and stepped out, immediately saw the Aozaki sisters standing at the door.
"Are you two waiting for me?"
"You could say that. There are a few things I want to ask you." Touko said.
"I'm wearing white underwear today."
"That's not what I'm asking!" Aoko rolled her eyes. "It's time you told us, Merry. What major impact will the outcome of this Holy Grail War have on Kouhai-kun?"
This was also a question Touko wanted to ask.
Four years ago, Merry had suddenly pulled them all into a dream and informed them that the outcome of this Holy Grail War would affect Naoki significantly. For the sake of their Kouhai-kun/student, both sisters decided to participate in this Holy Grail War.
However, from Naoki's demeanor, he seemed unaware of this. Merry's earlier behavior also indicated she was still keeping it a secret from him.
"Why not tell Naoki, Merry?" Touko asked. "And what exactly will happen at the end of this Holy Grail War?"
"Hmm… I can tell you now, but before that, I hope you'll swear an oath as a guarantee."
"An oath? What kind?"
"That you won't tell anyone what I'm about to say, because it concerns the King. I don't want him disturbed before the final moment arrives."
Exchanging glances, Touko and Aoko were both slightly surprised. Merry was being unusually serious and openly concerned for Naoki—either this was a trick, or the situation was truly critical.
And considering she had gone so far as to summon them all back then…
(The situation might indeed be critical.)
"Also, please swear to stay calm after hearing what I say. To ensure it, it's better if Aoko's Servant appears and casts a temporary binding oath, because this is news as earth-shattering as the apocalypse. I'm worried your minds won't be able to handle it."
"That serious?"
"Yes, I was shocked myself for a long time when I learned about it."
Even Merry?
Something that could shock a Grand Magus for a long time was indeed an extraordinary matter.
"I understand. Lancer, please."
Appearing beside Aoko, Scathach gave Merry, who was [unusually serious], a meaningful glance, then smiled helplessly. She then inscribed several runes on Aoko and Touko.
"It's not a Geass, just effective for a few minutes. It'll force you to stay calm if your minds waver. This should suffice."
"Then I'll say it—the matter concerning the King."
*Gulp~*
Both sisters swallowed hard. This was the first time they'd seen Merry so serious. What shocking thing was about to be revealed?
"Actually… if the King wins this Holy Grail War, I have to marry him. But I'm not ready to become someone's wife so soon, so I'm hoping you'll come to obstruct the King while watching the show—"
Before she could finish, a fist glowing with magical light shot past Merry's ear, creating a small dent in the wall.
A few drops of cold sweat trickled down Merry's forehead.
"Uh… you two… calm?"
"I'm very calm; Lancer's runes are working." Aoko said, tightly gripping Merry's shoulder. "So… the so-called 'impact' is actually… a major issue in Kouhai-kun's life?"
"Hmm… Oh, by the way, I think it's time for the King to rebuild the Knights of the Round Table. Some of you, I think, would be excellent choices. Seize this opportunity—wahhh!"
Seeing a fist rapidly enlarging in her view, Merry quickly snapped her fingers, and her entire body transformed into a shower of flower petals, disappearing.
Aoko pursed her lips at the sight. "She escaped so fast!"
"So, we were really played by her?" Touko also wore a sullen expression, tapping her arm with her fingers while giving a wry smile. "Well done, Merry, very well played. Your training is impeccable… Rider, next time you see her, don't hesitate to use your Noble Phantasm."
(Master, isn't that a bit excessive…?)
"Then just use that beam of yours to blast her to death. Your armor's got plenty of weapons, doesn't it?"
(I understand…)
Odysseus responded with a wry smile. Hailing from Greece, he thought he was accustomed to the capricious nature of gods and their playful antics with humans. He had seen all sorts of women, but a situation like Merry's—he had never encountered anything like it.
Not wanting to marry, so she asked others to create chaos and obstacles, and even wanted to involve others so she could watch the show…
Thankfully, his wife, Penelope, wasn't a woman like that.
"By the way, what's with that 'becoming a Knight of the Round Table' nonsense…" Aoko rubbed her fist. "I'm already practically a candidate for Queen. Becoming a Knight of the Round Table would be a demotion, wouldn't it?"
"Wait a second, Aoko, what did you just say?"
Touko immediately grabbed her sister's shoulder.
"You said you're already a candidate for what? I didn't mishear, did I? Queen? [Guinevere]?"
"…"
A brief silence followed, and Aoko abruptly turned, swatting Touko's hand away. But before she could escape, Touko pulled her back, smiling. "Why run? Your big sister won't eat you. It's been years since we've caught up—let's share stories and bond."
"Before you say that, stop writing runes on my hand!"
"Then tell me first what you've done with my student. Though it seems unlikely, you two didn't actually…"
"Just, just transferred Mana a few times."
Touko began to wonder if she should humanely eliminate her sister.
(Hehehe, this is interesting. A sisterly feud over a man? No matter how times change, these kinds of disputes never fade.)
(This really reminds me of the Trojan War…)
Scathach and Odysseus both sighed inwardly.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Meanwhile, back in the restaurant.
"King, done eating? I'm getting a bit sleepy and want to head back to rest."
"Huh? Why so sudden? By the way, where are Aoko and Touko-sensei?"
"They fell into the toilet."
"What?"