When the Holy Grail War began, the Matou household grew strangely quiet.
Sakura sat at the table with an open book in front of her. Technically, it was homework, but her attention kept drifting toward the sofa.
Ever since this "Holy Grail War" started, both Grandpa and Uncle Kariya had been acting oddly. Grandpa, once ever-present with his sly, unsettling gaze, had vanished these past two days. Uncle Kariya, who used to shadow her protectively, now seemed far more relaxed—enough that he even had time to attend to his own affairs.
Affairs which, Sakura suspected, were probably about Mother.
Even as a child, she could read the feelings between adults. And in her own quiet way, she supported them.
Still, the real reason for the change in the household was lying right there on the sofa—Arthur, idly flicking through TV channels with a bored look.
Her prince-sama looked handsome today, too.
"What's wrong, Sakura? Is something confusing you?"
Arthur's lazy wave brought her over. She hopped down from her chair and padded to his side with her book in hand.
"Don't understand something?"
"No. The book's easy," she said with a shake of her head.
"Then why the look?" Arthur ruffled her hair, privately wondering if her study plan was too simple. For all he knew, she might be a genius.
Kariya stepped into the room just then, answering with a faint smile.
"She's wondering why you've stayed home so quietly today, Your Majesty. Normally by this time, you're impossible to reach by phone."
Arthur shrugged.
"The war's officially started. Wandering around the city now would mean running into other Servants—and I dislike pointless fights." He paused, catching the curious looks from both of them. "…Fine. I ran into a troublesome fellow last night. If I step outside now, I'll probably run into him again."
"A troublesome fellow?"
"Yes. Berserker. The Roman Emperor—Lucius."
Kariya blinked. "The Sword Emperor? Isn't that—"
"Exactly why I'd rather avoid him." Arthur's tone soured. "He was a nuisance when he was alive, and he'd be worse now. I can deal with him, but without that military strategist at my side, it's… irritating."
He hesitated, searching for the right word. Annoying? Disgusting? Neither quite fit, but the feeling was mutual—they simply didn't get along.
"If he hadn't set up a barrier the moment he returned last night, I'm sure he'd have come here to stay," Arthur added darkly. "That alone should tell you how much I'd like to avoid him."
The night before—the first night of the Holy Grail War—Arthur had come back from settling matters with the Lancer faction and erected a high-level barrier around the Matou property.
Not strong enough to kill or banish Lucius, of course—time was too short and the family lacked the costly materials for that. But it was enough to weaken him significantly.
Lucius might be arrogant, but he wasn't stupid. He wouldn't step into enemy territory where his strength was cut in half.
Outside the barrier, though… that was another matter entirely.
A short laugh escaped Kariya before he could stop it.
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"…Did you just laugh? How bold of you, Kariya."
The glare lacked any real bite, and Kariya knew it. Over the past year, he'd learned that Arthur's arrogance was largely an act—mostly for the benefit of that scheming old man. Beneath it, he was surprisingly kind, especially toward Sakura.
"No, no. I was just surprised to find there's actually someone you'd rather avoid."
"Afraid? Him? He's just a defeated general!" Arthur shot up from the sofa, bristling. "If it comes to it, I'll kill him again!"
Truth be told, without the Knights of the Round Table or the ability to wield the Word Spirit freely, Lucius was… troublesome. But Arthur wasn't about to admit that out loud.
Later — A Café in Shinto
Arthur, Kariya, and Sakura sat tucked away in a corner booth. Arthur hid behind a newspaper, hood drawn low, the perfect cover to block any curious eyes from outside.
They'd been here for half an hour. Sakura didn't mind—she was content with milk and cake—but Kariya was growing uneasy.
Across the street, people bustled in and out of a small convenience store. The trip into Shinto had been Arthur's idea, and the target was obvious: Lucius.
Kariya shifted in his seat.
"Your Majesty… was it really wise to bring me and Sakura along?"
"Stop fretting. With me here, nothing will happen to you."
"But—"
"Kariya!"
He froze. "Ah?"
"Don't look out the window," Arthur said without lowering the paper.
In the convenience store across the street, a woman and a young girl stepped out, hands clasped, faces equally disappointed.
A bead of sweat traced down Arthur's cheek.
Right. Same route as last time. Should've thought of that.
Ever since that accidental encounter, the Tohsaka mother and daughter had been visiting that store almost daily. Their reason was obvious to anyone paying attention—even the cashier.
And Arthur had no intention of letting Kariya find out.
-End Chapter-
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