"Saber, we…"
On Fuyuki's streets, sensing the tense atmosphere, Irisviel stepped back, hiding behind Artoria, her expression nervous.
As a homunculus, she was highly attuned to mana and far more familiar with Heroic Spirits' auras than ordinary magi.
She knew why Saber was on guard.
The purple-haired woman in a stylish trench coat before them exuded a terrifying mana and presence, distinct from modern magi—a fearsome aura from the Age of Gods. At first glance, Irisviel's body instinctively shuddered.
Though not as domineering as Saber, the sword's Heroic Spirit, her presence felt like a deep abyss, posing a danger surpassing even Saber's.
Irisviel, though naive and pure, wasn't foolish. She could assess her situation and role.
Kiritsugu had warned her repeatedly to be cautious.
This wasn't an ordinary city. From the moment the Holy Grail War began, Fuyuki had become a battlefield for mythic heroes.
"Troublesome… you didn't listen to a word I said."
Seeing Artoria and Irisviel's wary distrust, Scáthach sighed helplessly.
She'd spoken reason, but it had no effect.
Understandable. The Grail War was brutal and cunning. In such an environment, their heightened vigilance was for safety.
But…
Seeing Saber subtly channeling mana, ready to strike, Scáthach couldn't help but chuckle.
Impressive stance, fierce spirit, pure mana…
Undoubtedly, a formidable, battle-hardened warrior. Likely one of the top three classes. Not Lancer—Scáthach's eye would've caught that. Not Archer—the stance didn't match. The answer was clear.
The sword's Heroic Spirit—Saber.
A fine class, her battle-ready aura rivaling Scáthach's trained disciples, a top-tier hero even in Celtic myth.
Though her true name was unknown, Scáthach's interest was piqued through observation.
Who'd expect to meet such a warrior while shopping?
This Grail War was proving more intriguing than anticipated. Stared at with such battle intent, Scáthach felt her hands itch for a fight.
However…
Four strikingly beautiful women—each with distinct styles, hair colors, and outfits—formed a rare spectacle on Fuyuki's streets, drawing passersby to stop and stare.
"So beautiful…"
Someone marveled at their appearances.
"Purple, gold, white, red hair—are they foreigners?"
"Probably big celebrities…"
"Can I ask for a photo or contact info?"
"No way, stars like them wouldn't bother with us."
"Maybe… there's a chance."
Whispers spread, some snapping photos to share online.
Though quiet, the words reached Scáthach and Artoria with their enhanced hearing.
"See? So many eyes on us. Fighting now would be messy."
"I don't mind trouble, but my Master said causing a scene means less pocket money, so I'll pass."
Scáthach waved dismissively, showing no intent to fight.
Under such scrutiny, Artoria wouldn't rashly summon her weapon either. Confirming Scáthach's lack of hostility, she relaxed her hands and nodded slightly.
Seeing Scáthach's restraint, Touko said nothing, only muttering a disappointed "Tch." She'd hoped to witness the Queen of the Land of Shadows clash with another mythic hero.
She'd even planned to seize the frail-looking white-haired woman with overwhelming force once Scáthach engaged the blonde, weakening their team. Capturing her for Roy could yield rewards.
And…
Others might miss it, but not her.
As a Grand puppeteer, Touko's senses for puppets and homunculi were sharp, especially after recently infiltrating the Einzberns.
Having dismantled many Einzbern homunculi, how could she miss Irisviel's origins? Beyond the iconic white hair, her familiar aura was unmistakable.
She couldn't match an Age of Gods hero, but a mere homunculus? Touko was confident she could take her down. Sadly, Scáthach wasn't interested.
Understanding Scáthach's stance, Touko said no more, casting a suggestion spell to disperse the growing crowd.
"…May I have your name?"
After Touko cleared the onlookers, Artoria exhaled, pausing before addressing the pair, starting with the simplest yet most unlikely question.
"Straight to true names? Bold…"
"But revealing that now? No thanks. You'll find out soon enough. I'm just out scouting, though not too seriously. Still, meeting you two is a nice bonus—blonde Heroic Spirit and a white-haired…"
Scáthach's gaze swept Artoria, then settled on Irisviel.
"Homunculus? Surprising this era can craft something rivaling Age of Gods creations. But given they've made a Holy Grail War, it's not that shocking."
Scáthach smiled, discerning Irisviel's nature in moments, pleased with the encounter.
This outing was fruitful; her Master shouldn't complain.
She could even ask Roy for more modern currency to buy intriguing items—she'd eyed something nice but lacked funds.
"…"
Irisviel's pupils shrank, stunned that her secret was exposed instantly.
She looked at Scáthach, feeling her unfathomable depth.
"…"
Artoria, too, fell silent. Agreeing to escort Irisviel, only to have her secret exposed, was her fault.
She'd been too soft, thinking Irisviel, long confined, deserved a stroll. With her protection and daylight, what could go wrong?
Yet, they met an enemy so soon.
"White hair, red eyes… odd mana. Einzbern, right? Her Master?"
Unlike Scáthach, unfamiliar with the Einzberns, Touko was an expert.
She donned her glasses, studying Irisviel curiously.
"You're… Scar—no, Aozaki Touko?!"
Hearing Touko, Irisviel, focused on Scáthach, finally noticed her familiar face from photos.
Aozaki Touko, the dangerous figure who recently stormed the Einzberns, stealing vital data and familiars.
"Scar… fine, it's me. Are you the Einzbern's Master?"
Touko frowned at Irisviel's near-slip of her hated nickname, tempted to teach her a lesson. But with an unknown blonde Heroic Spirit nearby, she held back.
She wasn't Scáthach's Master and was currying favor for Rune teachings. If a fight broke out, she couldn't count on Scáthach's help, so she let it go.
But more pressing… where was Emiya Kiritsugu? Roy said the Einzbern's Master was that justice-driven killer, not this white-haired homunculus.
Noticing Irisviel's gloved hand, Touko guessed.
A decoy? Likely. Kiritsugu was probably lurking, ready to strike.
"…Yes, is that a problem?"
Shocked to encounter Touko, Irisviel recalled Kiritsugu's warning about her stealing Grail War data, piecing things together.
Kiritsugu was right— Touko, the Grand puppeteer, was in the Grail War!
She glanced at Touko's gloved hand, who smirked and waved it mockingly.
"What're you looking at, homunculus?"
"…"
This woman's insufferable!
While the magi sparred mentally, Scáthach remained calm.
"Well, you're lucky. Short-lived and naive, but a cute Master like you beats some annoying ones."
Scáthach smiled, addressing Artoria.
Artoria didn't reply, her golden ahoge swaying in the breeze, her youthful face stern yet heroic.
"Hmph, no need for your words, unknown Heroic Spirit. Summoned by different magi in the same Grail War, we're enemies. For the Grail, I'll defeat you!"
Artoria had no interest in bonding, especially sensing Irisviel's unease, eager to leave.
"Oh? You crave the Grail… and you're eager to fight?"
"So what?!"
"Nothing. I just prefer warriors like you over cowards."
Scáthach wagged a finger, twirling her designer bag like a weapon. Licking her lips, her gaze on Artoria held a new intensity.
The predatory stare unnerved Artoria, who was about to speak when—
"Enough. It's getting late, and chatting won't yield more. I'll leave you to enjoy modern food—eat well to fight well, cute Saber."
Scáthach smiled, stopped twirling her bag, and pulled Touko into the crowd.
Her words lingered in Artoria and Irisviel's ears until they faded.
"That… was another Servant?"
As Scáthach vanished, Irisviel clutched her chest, shaken.
She hadn't expected to meet such a terrifying Servant so soon, a female like Saber, with mana that instilled fear.
She trusted Saber's strength, but this female Heroic Spirit unnerved her.
And Touko, that dangerous woman, seemed allied with her, so close.
Recalling Kiritsugu's warnings, Irisviel texted him the critical intel.
Then, to Artoria: "Saber, did you discern her class? She identified yours so quickly…"
"From our brief encounter, I'm certain she's a formidable warrior. Her battle-hardened aura is unmistakable."
"When she twirled her bag, I glimpsed a spear's shadow. She's… Lancer! No doubt—her movements and demeanor scream spearmaster."
Artoria pondered, then answered gravely.
"Lancer… Got it."
Irisviel nodded, quickly texting Kiritsugu the intel.
[We met a purple-haired female Lancer, with Aozaki Touko as her Master.]
Unbeknownst to them, Saber's deduction was merely Scáthach's deliberate facade.
***
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