Sessyoin... Kiara...?
Seeing the woman before him, Alvin's pupils widened sharply.
Though he had known since Tiamat's appearance that Beasts could also become "transmigrators," he still felt an overwhelming sense of disbelief.
Sessyoin Kiara....to be honest, he didn't know much about her, but he was vaguely aware she was one of the Beasts.
She was a natural saint, loving everything in the world equally.
Just... which "timeline" was this woman from?
For now, she didn't seem to recognize his identity, treating him as some harmless "child"...
Perfect.
This was a chance to probe her depths and figure out her true intentions...
Alvin put on a confused expression, hesitating. "Who... who are you...?"
His tone carried a trace of unease and nervousness, paired with his fair, handsome face, making him look every bit like a "lost" boy wandering life's path.
Sessyoin paused briefly, seemingly fooled by Alvin's act, her face showing a hint of pity. "Poor child. You must be one of those lost souls who stumbled into this world, aren't you?"
She extended her hand toward Alvin again, smiling. "If you don't mind, come with me. At the very least, I can guarantee your safety here."
As she spoke, she lowered her eyes slightly, gazing quietly into the boy's eyes with a seemingly enchanting power.
Alvin's gaze was involuntarily drawn to her.
Slowly, his eyes lost focus, and he let the woman lead him by the hand into the depths of the alley.
In the alley's depths, a carriage was already waiting silently.
Sessyoin Kiara led Alvin into the carriage, and after nearly an hour's journey, they arrived at a manor outside the city, nestled in a small forest south of the royal city.
The moment Alvin saw the manor, his heart jolted with surprise.
Though he had never been here, he knew this was the estate of some noble in ancient Britain...
How had it become Sessyoin Kiara's residence in less than half a day?
What exactly happened in that time?
"By the way, I haven't asked your name yet."
Walking along a secluded path in the manor, Alvin's eyes scanned the surroundings when the woman's sweet, textured voice suddenly reached his ears.
Sessyoin Kiara had slowed her pace at some point, turning slightly to smile warmly at the young man.
"...Alvin."
He instinctively lowered his voice, as if embarrassed by her persistent gaze.
Sessyoin Kiara gave him a meaningful look before breaking into a radiant smile. "You know, I generally dislike children... but you seem like a good kid, so I don't mind you."
Her smile was dazzling, yet for a fleeting moment, her words carried an icy, almost disdainful tone.
Is it really okay to say that to my face... Alvin couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
"Lady Sessyoin, you're finally back. We've been waiting for you."
At that moment, a man's surprised voice suddenly came from the distance.
Alvin followed the sound and saw a man in a dark red noble's cloak approaching them, a fawning smile on his face.
In this era, such attire typically signified a high-ranking noble.
Though Alvin didn't recognize him, he could tell this man's status was far from ordinary.
From the start of the transmigration until now, only half a day had passed...
How had this woman managed to make a grand noble her follower in such a short time?
As if reading Alvin's thoughts, Sessyoin Kiara spoke in an incredibly gentle tone.
"Duke Cornwall had been plagued by a severe illness.
Not long ago, he abandoned his faith in King Arthur and turned to me...
After that, his illness miraculously healed."
"There are many followers in this manor now, mostly people lost on life's path... But now, they're fulfilled."
She then looked at Duke Cornwall with a smile and spoke. "Go rest for now. I'll take this new guest to meet his companions."
Alvin glanced at Duke Cornwall, his brow furrowing slightly.
Though the man appeared spirited, he could sense his aura was actually extremely weak, sustained only by some force keeping him alive.
After quietly watching the man leave, Sessyoin Kiara said calmly.
"The soil of the Age of Gods isn't suited for ordinary people.
Duke Cornwall's life has already reached its end... But as long as he holds faith, he can continue living."
At the end, as if recalling something amusing, she let out a soft chuckle. "Of course, you're still young... unlike him. Come with me."
Following Sessyoin Kiara, they soon arrived at a grand hall.
Alvin instinctively glanced at the woman ahead.
At some point, light particles seemed to gather around her, and her nun's habit transformed into an elegant, fiery red gown.
In the hall, many followers were present.
They knelt before a statue, hands clasped at their chests, appearing to pray devoutly.
"Praying...?"
Alvin murmured to himself, his gaze sweeping over the statue.
Suddenly, his peripheral vision was drawn to a figure.
Among the crowd, a girl with black twin tails knelt as well.
Her hands were clasped at her chest, softly chanting something, her face full of devotion.
Why does that girl look familiar...? Alvin wondered.
"Are you someone who transmigrated to this world for the first time?"
At that moment, Sessyoin's gentle, sweet voice reached his ears again.
"No... I came during the last transmigration, but I got lucky. I heard at first this kingdom treated transmigrators as outsiders and tried to drive them out."
Alvin lowered his voice.
"To be honest, I was a bit worried I'd be expelled from Britain at the start..."
Sessyoin Kiara quietly studied the boy, her gaze carrying a profound meaning.
After a moment, she reached out to tidy Alvin's hair, saying softly.
"Wait here for me a bit. I'll check on Duke Cornwall and come back for you."
Alvin nodded obediently.
After watching Sessyoin Kiara leave, he turned to look at the group of devotees behind him.
They were all chanting softly, each one with an expression of utmost devotion.
It was only the first day, and already a small church had formed.
What exactly does this woman want...?
Is she merely trying to gather followers?
But regardless, building a faction in Britain's territory was an extremely dangerous move... especially since most Beasts weren't exactly benevolent.
He needed to gather more information...
With that thought, he subtly blended into the crowd, soon arriving beside the twin-tailed girl he had noticed earlier.
Alvin crouched down, preparing to strike up a conversation with her.
But when his gaze landed on the girl's face, he froze.
Before him was a girl in a school uniform, looking only seven or eight years old.
Her azure eyes were pure, untainted by any impurity, and her soft, adorable face was filled with confusion and wariness.
"Who are you?"
She scrutinized Alvin cautiously, quickly asking.
Alvin blinked, staring at the girl in astonishment, instinctively blurting out. "Rin... Tohsaka...?"
Rin Tohsaka's body trembled slightly.
Hearing someone call her name in a strange, foreign world caught her off guard.
Soon, a wave of deep confusion surged within her.
...Who is this person, and why do they know me?