Location: Underground parking lot near Fuyuki's sports arena.
"Master, I'm back."
Carrying bags of expensive clothing, the purple-haired beauty strolled into the seemingly rundown base. She grabbed a beer Touko bought days ago, chugged it, and leaned back, eyeing the youth studying a book.
"Lancer… no, Queen Scáthach. Back so soon? I thought you and Touko would be out for days before remembering your Master."
Roy closed his book, scanning his meticulously crafted ritual array, checking it thoroughly before addressing Scáthach calmly.
For a Caster to roam during the Grail War instead of fortifying the workshop was outrageous; most magi Masters would've exploded.
But Roy was different. He lacked the typical magus arrogance or the haughty airs of his professor or Tokiomi. Nor did he think his current status and power qualified him to command a transcendent hero like Scáthach.
He knew her nature well.
From past memories, he understood many famed heroes.
As a warrior, Scáthach was fiercely proud, never bending to anyone, a born ruler. With a king's aura, she aimed to bring happiness as a queen over all.
Undoubtedly, she was a far stronger and more fitting hero than the planned Caster Cú Chulainn, despite her class not being the optimal Lancer.
For the Queen of the Land of Shadows, master of all Primordial Runes, this was no issue. By tweaking her Spirit Origin and constructed body with Runes, she could embody both Caster and Lancer traits. Though not as potent as a true Lancer, it sufficed.
She'd also aided Roy's challenge.
The workshop's location near the arena was chosen for its proximity to the Greater Grail's site, allowing manipulation of leylines for a strategic edge.
But winning the Grail War wasn't his goal.
He sought the true, untainted Grail. Knowing the Einzberns summoned Avenger Angra Mainyu in the Third War, he had a plan.
Summon an Age of Gods mage, conduct a purification ritual with them, and claim the true Grail post-victory.
Scáthach's appearance was unexpected, and her nature wasn't suited for territorial Casters, but that didn't matter.
Undoubtedly, she was gifted, self-aware of her transcendence, with a keen eye for others' potential. She'd seen it in Cú Chulainn, placing high hopes on him. For her intriguing Master, she held similar intent, not leading the ritual herself but giving him Primordial Runes for purification, mana, and curses, guiding key points while letting Roy complete it.
And the result?
"Not bad. You mastered those Runes I gave you so quickly? Your learning speed surprises even me…"
Inspecting Roy's ritual array, Scáthach remarked with admiration.
"Honestly, your magecraft talent is excessive, top-tier even among my disciples. Your secrets intrigue me. If it's you, you might fulfill my expectation after all."
"Your expectation, huh… You really trust me."
Hearing Scáthach mention the daunting matter, Roy gave a wry smile, not responding directly.
"It's not trust in you, but in my judgment. That's why I'm here, with you, isn't it?"
"True… Thanks for the Queen of the Land of Shadows's favor. I'll do my best."
Roy shook his head, not dwelling on it.
"That's best." Scáthach nodded slightly.
"You actually went scouting with Touko? I thought you two wouldn't bother."
Touko had called, relaying their encounter with the Einzbern's Servant and Master.
Her description revealed a petite, blonde, emerald-eyed Heroic Spirit—likely Saber—and a white-haired Einzbern homunculus.
Roy instantly recognized Irisviel and Artoria.
This intel was vital, confirming the sword's Heroic Spirit team was unchanged: Artoria and Kiritsugu.
That was enough.
"Indeed, we didn't plan to."
Scáthach nodded candidly at Roy's question.
"We just bumped into them on the street. Surprising that others would appear openly like us. Bold, huh?"
You know you shouldn't be out in the open…
Roy gave a wry smile, exasperated by the self-centered queen.
"Right, Touko told you the intel? Master, it's a homunculus and a sword Heroic Spirit—definitely the Einzberns' team."
Scáthach shrugged, continuing.
"But though they were close, the homunculus wore gloves hiding Command Spells, so I couldn't confirm she's the Master."
"I see…"
Roy nodded, already aware Irisviel was Kiritsugu's decoy.
"Where's Touko? She didn't return with you?"
After chatting, Roy noticed Touko's absence, surprising him.
Given her opportunistic nature, shouldn't she be trailing Scáthach, currying favor for Runes? Had she changed?
"Oh, that amusing girl?"
Scáthach replied casually.
"I gave her a Primordial Rune. She's off meditating somewhere quiet, not with me. Said she's heading to a place called the Hyatt Hotel to rest. Should be fine, right?"
"The Hyatt… She sure picks fancy spots."
Roy's expression shifted subtly, silently wishing her well.
Hope she's okay…
"Master, about my earlier battle plan—any thoughts?"
"From today's brief encounter with that blonde Saber, I'm sure if I release my aura to challenge other Servants, they'll bite."
Scáthach recalled Artoria, speaking confidently.
"And since you weren't there, they likely think Touko's my Master. She could join me to draw them out."
"Have Touko stand in for me? Feasible, good idea, but…"
Glancing at the eager Scáthach, Roy thought, Isn't that a Lancer's role? You're a Caster…
But he knew denying her would be futile given her nature.
He nodded, approving her plan.
As for Touko's consent… irrelevant.
With her personality, a few more Primordial Runes would secure her agreement.
A replaceable puppet was nothing compared to Age of Gods Rune lore.
"Settled, then, Master. I'll team with Touko to face that Saber. Though brief, I sensed her pure, fierce spirit—perfect for our first fight."
Seeing Roy agree, Scáthach smiled, praising Artoria.
"Alright, let's settle it. First, I'll check if my unlucky professor arrived as expected."
***
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