"They should've received the gift we sent by now."
In a room at the Fuyuki Grand Hotel, Morgan stood by the window, gazing down at Fuyuki City.
"Shadow Servants—though it shouldn't be his first time encountering them, I hope he likes this gift."
"You're truly wicked, Morgan." Merry said with a smile, lounging on the sofa. "Creating Shadow Servants with cores made from Arthur's Mana fragments, similar in principle to dragon tooth warriors, but with much higher specs. Plus, with my Magecraft, we managed long-distance teleportation… The King will definitely be shocked."
The King.
Hearing that title from Merry's mouth, Morgan couldn't help but frown. "By the way, I've always found it odd. Even though that kid became Arthur's Demi-Servant, you immediately treated him as your new King…"
"Are you saying I'm disloyal?" Merry smiled slightly. "Honestly, I'm not exactly loyal, just like you. Even if I had to change the ruler I serve, I wouldn't hesitate too long, as long as they're interesting enough."
"So, you're saying that kid brings you more amusement than Arthur did?" Morgan pressed.
"No, in that regard, they're about the same. But Naoki has one thing Arthur never offered me." At this, Merry glanced at Arthur, who was leaning against the wall, earnestly suppressing his Mad Enhancement. "Whether you know it or not, Arthur, Naoki is dead serious about marrying me."
Arthur's expression twitched, and he blinked in disbelief. "Really?"
"Mm, really. In fact, the reason he's participating in this Holy Grail War is because I told him that if he wins to the end, I'll accept his proposal."
Merry said this while swinging her legs.
"Being proposed to—though it's not like I've never experienced it before, reaching this stage is a first. Going from a spectator to a participant, this shift in identity is quite intriguing."
"You're really doing something that makes even me feel embarrassed, Naoki." Arthur said with a wry smile. "But if you, Merlin, are serious about marriage, why are you now siding with Morgan against Naoki?"
"Because it's fun."
"Separated for ten years, reuniting with an unexpected friend, only to find that friend caught in a web of intrigue, forced to fight each other… Ugh, this drama of friends who love and hate each other—I've wanted to see it firsthand for so long."
Merry's response left Arthur momentarily at a loss for words, as it was so quintessentially her. He'd experienced similar situations with her before, so he was used to and naturally accepted her explanations.
"Once everything settles, Naoki definitely won't let you off, Merlin."
"I'll obediently accept my punishment then." Merry said, hopping off the sofa. "So, when's he coming? The King—time's running out for you. If you don't hurry…"
"You'll really die."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In a small alley in Shin-to.
*PLAK!*
Swinging her sword and shattering several Shadow Servants in front of her, Artoria turned back. "All the pursuers are dealt with, Master. Is your body alright?"
"I'm fine, not to the point of being immobilized."
Leaning against the wall, Naoki clutched his chest, his voice weaker than usual.
It wasn't because he was injured. Mere Shadow Servants couldn't harm him. His weakness was entirely due to the constant draining of his strength.
Like a bucket with a hole in the bottom. Though it was constantly refilled with water (restoring Mana), for some reason, the refilling speed was slowing. From nearly keeping up at first, it now couldn't match the rate of loss.
This feeling had been present since Merry's Magecraft mark appeared on his chest.
(If this continues, my Mana will soon be less than half.)
For Naoki, Mana directly correlated with his combat strength. If he let his Mana drain like this, his power would plummet to a significantly low level.
Approaching and supporting Naoki, Artoria asked, "We should regroup with Gray and the others first, Master. Since your condition might be due to Merry and Morgan's collaboration, we can't go back to Merry now."
"No, keep heading to the hotel."
Naoki shook his head. "There's something I need to confirm, one thing I must verify. The weapons and appearance of those Shadow Servants… If it's what I think, I have to go back now, while I still have strength… Ugh!"
A sudden, twisting pain in his chest made Naoki groan in agony, his brow furrowing—the Mana drain was worsening.
This was clearly not a situation to return to Merry. There was surely a deadly trap waiting at the hotel. Though Artoria didn't believe Merry would harm Naoki, given the current situation, Merry was clearly on the opposing side.
Going back was too irrational.
"Forgive me, Master, but this time I can't follow your orders. I must prioritize your safety." Artoria said, hoisting Naoki onto her back. "I'll take you to regroup with Gray and the others."
"Lia, no, go to the hotel."
"I refuse."
Artoria firmly rejected Naoki's insistence. Just as she was about to leave with him—
"With a Command Spell—"
"Master?!"
Naoki's sudden action shocked Artoria. How dare he use a precious Command Spell here? Just to return to the hotel…
"Please don't be reckless, Master. Command Spells shouldn't be used in a place like this."
"Then take me to the hotel. There's a reason I have to go there."
"But it's too dangerous, please understand, Master. Why do you need to go there? What exactly do you want to confirm?"
To confirm one thing, he was willing to use a Command Spell to force Artoria to take him back. Artoria couldn't understand what made Naoki so determined.
"It's… Ughhh—!"
A sharp, piercing pain from his heart suddenly made Naoki cry out. Then, bone-crushing agony assaulted his mind relentlessly, gradually eroding his consciousness.
"Master? Please hold on! Master!"
"Master—!"
Artoria called out to him with deep worry and tension—that was the last sight Naoki saw before losing consciousness.