After taking Le Fay to the house, Asia began to ensure she was examined while the others did other things, in case they needed to defend themselves, although they were almost certain that the threat had ended for the moment.
While they were doing this, Gilgamesh noticed Le Fay staring at him with a smile of admiration on her face, also repeatedly twirling her thumbs. It seemed like she had a mix of nervousness and excitement within her, blended with sadness.
It was a combination that Gilgamesh had not really witnessed before.
Although he was wondering exactly what could have happened to make Le Fay act this way.
"So, Le Fay-san, how about explaining—"
Before he could continue, Le Fay quickly spoke.
"Gilgamesh-sama! First of all, I'm so sorry for what happened! With everything going on, I have to say I'm sorry for bringing this trouble to your doorstep! It wasn't my intention at all! And Onii-sama, he didn't mean to hurt you! He doesn't know what he's doing!"
Gilgamesh exhaled slowly, seeing that Le Fay seemed to be panicking about the situation at hand.
Gilgamesh also knew that Arthur was Le Fay's brother because the girl had told him through her letters, and from what he already knew from the anime, and he also knew what had happened to Le Fay and Arthur from what the girl had told him about the mysterious enemy.
"I don't blame you or your Onii-sama for what happened. It seems the enemy targeted you for a very specific reason; your skills with a blade are undeniable. Your sword is the strongest Holy Sword in existence. It makes sense that he would want him in his group. But to control him… it leaves little room in my mind for someone capable of something like that," said Gilgamesh.
To think that someone was capable of manipulating someone like that, Gilgamesh was genuinely surprised that something like that existed. Gilgamesh even admitted that he thought it was like his [Kotoamatsukami], but it was quite different.
Le Fay's head lowered, thinking about her brother and what happened when she disappeared, the regret and anguish visible on her face.
"…I ran away. I was a coward. Onii-sama told me to run, but he… he stayed behind… and my cowardly actions…"
"If you had stayed, would the outcome have changed?"
Gilgamesh's words made Le Fay start to think about what she had said.
"W-well… no, probably not. But even so, I…"
"That man is very powerful from what you told me. If you had been captured, you wouldn't have been able to gather allies to fight him, to expose what he plans to do."
Le Fay's eyes began to well up with tears, her small body trembling from side to side.
"…I lost Onii-sama… and now if he dies…"
Seeing the young girl in distress, Asia went to give her a comforting hug when Enkidu cleared his throat.
"He won't kill him," Enkidu interrupted. "He clearly needs your Onii-sama for something. Until he gets that something, he'll keep Arthur Pendragon around. It seems he desires strong warriors."
Gilgamesh nodded at what Enkidu said and then continued.
"He's right, Le Fay. You're not to blame for this. Your Onii-sama must have truly loved you if he stayed to fight a losing battle to protect you. In my eyes, he did a very noble and selfless job, and it was worth it since you're safe, here." Gilgamesh sat next to the young girl, placing his hand on her head. "We'll save him, alright? No matter what happens. We'll find out more information and find him, I promise. Until then, you can stay here. Sebas, you'll arrange a room, right?"
"Yes, leave it to me, young master."
Sebas bowed his head as he said this, giving Le Fay a gentle smile. Le Fay was touched by the act of kindness, so much so that she was on the verge of tears.
Gilgamesh nodded gratefully, then turned to Le Fay once more.
"You're not alone anymore. We'll stand by your side and do whatever we can to bring your Onii-sama back. Until then, you can stay with us, no problem. If you need anything, just ask."
Le Fay's eyes filled with tears.
All these acts of kindness were too much for the young girl.
She didn't think she deserved all this kindness. With Arthur attacking them under control, with her just showing up like this and placing a burden on the entire group, it was something she couldn't comprehend.
"T-thank you so much…"
Le Fay collapsed onto Gilgamesh's chest and cried.
"Well, I think we should go to bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day, and we'll investigate this," Gilgamesh said to them.
They began to nod, and Sebas went to Le Fay.
"If you'd like to follow me, I'll set you up in one of our guest rooms."
"Aah, you're so kind, thank you~"
Le Fay responded gently and left with the butler.
Arturia gave Gilgamesh a curious look.
"Is it okay to let her stay here? I know she's been through some things…"
"It's wise to be cautious, but I don't sense any malice from that girl. She reminds me a bit of Asia, actually, with how pure-hearted she is," said Gilgamesh.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
**A Few Days Later**
Several days had passed since the attack by Walburga and Arthur on Valerie, and Gilgamesh and his group still hadn't managed to find any highly relevant information, even with all their influence.
Surprisingly, Gilgamesh had a lot of influence worldwide due to his travels and contact with various people.
He also had many resources, not only from his treasures but also from important items he had acquired during his travels.
Le Fay had also gotten used to everyone. Gilgamesh helped her with various magic and tips, and everyone was happy to assist her.
The biggest shock was when Le Fay discovered the true identities of Mordred and Arturia, and after a long explanation, she understood everything.
Needless to say, Le Fay's admiration for the two skyrocketed to a whole new level, where she always followed them and stayed by their side, just as she did with Gilgamesh. She even started calling Mordred and Arturia "onee-samas," meaning "big sisters," much to their embarrassment.
Currently, Gilgamesh was in his room, wearing a dress shirt, clearly indicating he was going out.
The sound of footsteps caught Gilgamesh's attention, and when he turned, he saw Valerie leaning against the door, looking at him.
"Where are you going all dressed up like that?" Valerie asked curiously.
Gilgamesh smiled.
"To reunite with a childhood friend," said Gilgamesh, to Valerie's surprise.
Valerie didn't know much about Gilgamesh's childhood. She only knew that he had awakened his Sacred Gear at six years old and had been trained by Sebas ever since.
From what she remembered, Gilgamesh didn't have many friends. His main one was a girl he considered his older sister.
"Oh, so you're finally going to reunite with her? Took you long enough," said Valerie to Gilgamesh, who let out a small laugh.
"Well, it took a while to track her down, but I found her," said Gilgamesh.
"Where?"
"At a bar called 'Black Dog,' a bit far from Kuoh, which also belongs to Grigori," said Gilgamesh to her.
Valerie tilted her head, making a puzzled expression.
"Grigori? And that bar—you're probably going to meet SlashDog and the Hakuryuukou," said Valerie to Gilgamesh, who nodded.
"Yes, that's very likely," said Gilgamesh, nodding.
"Can I come along, or is it private?" Valerie asked Gilgamesh.
"Feel free," said Gilgamesh to Valerie, who smiled.
"Great! I'll get dressed," said Valerie, but before she turned, Gilgamesh pulled her close, to her surprise.
"What's wrong?" Valerie asked, puzzled.
"I noticed you didn't bring it to the battle against Walburga and Arthur," said Gilgamesh to her, who pouted.
"For your information, I never imagined I'd end up fighting someone," said Valerie, huffing.
Gilgamesh sighed.
"It's just that if you had brought it, you wouldn't have gotten hurt," said Gilgamesh, sighing.
Valerie smiled.
"You're so cute when you're worried," said Valerie, smiling at Gilgamesh, who huffed.
"Just promise me you'll always carry it from now on, and that includes today," said Gilgamesh to her.
"I understand, but why today?" Valerie asked him.
Gilgamesh just smiled.
"We're going to draw those people out to deal with them," said Gilgamesh to Valerie, who nodded.
Gilgamesh kissed Valerie, who melted in his arms before pulling away and going to change into new clothes.
**Some Time Later**
Gilgamesh and Valerie had left the house and told the others their plans, and everyone agreed, though they wanted to come along, but Gilgamesh declined.
Soon after, they took a train from Kuoh, which made two stops.
Then they arrived at a bar located along a busy downtown street.
The sign outside had the two words "Black Dog."
At the shop where the sign was displayed, they climbed the stairs to the second floor. The first floor seemed to be an ordinary restaurant. The second floor was a large bar with a stage at the end.
Gilgamesh and Valerie quickly headed to a counter at the far end of the bar, where a young bartender stood.
He had the appearance of a young man with short black hair and light gray eyes. His height was [174 cm], and he would be described as a handsome man.
Gilgamesh and Valerie approached, drawing everyone's attention with their supernatural appearances, and sat at the counter.
"Welcome to the Black Dog bar. How can I help you?" the man asked, smiling.
"I'd like a strawberry juice," said Valerie to the man, who nodded, while Gilgamesh shook his head in refusal.
The man quickly grabbed some strawberries, made a juice, and placed it in front of Valerie, who smiled gratefully.
"So, what brings you to this bar at this hour?" the bartender asked, puzzled.
"Just to reunite with someone," said Gilgamesh to the man, who nodded in understanding.
"So, what are your names?" the man asked.
Before Valerie could speak, Gilgamesh responded.
"Before asking someone's name, it would be more polite to introduce yourself," said Gilgamesh to the man, who gave an embarrassed look.
"You're right. My name is Tobio Ikuse. It's a pleasure to meet you," said the now-named Tobio. "And this is Jin," he said, introducing a small dog that was curiously looking at Valerie and Gilgamesh.
"My name is Valerie," said Valerie, petting the dog, who seemed happy.
"I'm Gilgamesh," said the King of Heroes to Tobio, whose eyes widened.
"Pleasure to meet you, Gilgamesh-san," said Tobio, smiling.
"Likewise, Slash Dog-san," said Gilgamesh to Tobio, who narrowed his eyes.
At that moment, Jin stood up and went on guard, causing Valerie's hand to retreat.
"Likewise, King of Heroes," said Tobio, smiling.
Gilgamesh knew very well who this man was.
It was Tobio Ikuse, better known by the pseudonym "Slash Dog," the possessor of one of the thirteen Longinus: Canis Lykaon.
And that Longinus was right beside Tobio—it was Jin.
The [Canis Lykaon] is an independent avatar-type Longinus that can move without its wielder. This Longinus manifests in the form of a black dog with the ability to create blades from darkness.
It was a Longinus said to be capable of cutting anything.
"So, what brings you here, Sekiryuutei?" asked Tobio to Gilgamesh.
Like most supernatural beings, Tobio knew about the great impact Gilgamesh had made when he debuted in the supernatural world.
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