The light of dawn slowly rose from the east, illuminating the dim heavens.
The once grassy plain had been reduced to barren land. With the flames fading, a man and a woman faced each other once again, standing firmly amid the ruined battlefield.
Around Karna, unquenchable flames still burned, circling him like a barrier. Around the Shogun, currents of lightning lingered in the air, a halo of violet thunder dispersing radiant sparks behind her. Their weapons, once hurled away as Noble Phantasms, now reformed in their hands through the gathering of particles.
"A marvelous battle. To fight you has left me more than satisfied."
Karna glanced at the golden glow of the rising sun behind him, then turned back to the woman before him. He wiped away a faint cut across his cheek, which healed almost instantly.
"..."
The Shogun's violet eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded the man, who seemed to merge with the sunlight itself.
"At this rate, we'll be fighting until the sun has fully risen. I have no objection to that… but your Master seems to have something to say."
Karna spoke calmly.
At his words, the Shogun tilted her head slightly, casting a glance toward the distant car. Behind the window, Fiore shook her head gently and gestured for retreat.
It seems she received word from the fortress, the Shogun surmised.
"In that case, let this end here. Today's blade shall remain unspent… until next time."
The Shogun twirled her naginata gracefully, then leveled it toward Karna as her cold voice carried her verdict.
At her expression, the faintest smile tugged at Karna's lips.
"Indeed, Black Saber. To have faced you in my first battle—I am truly grateful for this fortune. I will remember our pact. Until we meet again."
As his words grew faint, his body dissolved beneath the sunlight, scattering into golden motes that drifted into the blue morning sky.
"Wait—Lancer!"
Jeanne suddenly remembered she still had questions for him, calling out loudly. But her voice could not reach him. She exhaled a sigh.
"Phew…"
Fiore, too, released a breath of relief. The battle had kept her heart racing. Thankfully, her Servant was unscathed… though the enemy was far from a simple foe.
In the distance, the Shogun watched Karna's presence fade. She lowered her naginata, dispersing the particles of lightning with a flick of her sleeve. The halo of thunder behind her melted into the air, and the glow in her eyes dimmed slightly.
She turned, walking back toward the waiting vehicle.
"That was truly a magnificent battle, both of you."
Jeanne stepped forward to greet the Shogun as she approached the car.
The Shogun gave a silent nod. From the back seat, the car window lowered, revealing Fiore's face.
"Um… may I confirm—you are Ruler, correct?"
Fiore asked cautiously.
"Yes… Jeanne d'Arc, descended here as Ruler."
Jeanne replied as she bent closer to the window.
"Then… may I call you Miss Jeanne?"
Fiore asked tentatively.
"I have no objection."
Jeanne answered firmly.
"My name is Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia, Master of… Saber. We came today to ensure your protection."
Fiore spoke smoothly, her voice carrying the practiced courtesy of noble etiquette.
"For that… I must thank you. Though I still do not understand why the enemy struck at me so swiftly."
Jeanne sighed softly.
"Miss Jeanne, would you consider accompanying us back to the Fortress of Millennia?"
Fiore finally revealed her intent.
"The Fortress of Millennia?"
"Yes. It is our Black Faction's base. For now, your situation seems precarious. Would it not be better to stay with us and rest safely? It would also give you time to recover."
Fiore's eyes flicked briefly toward Jeanne's belongings, scattered across the ground from Karna's earlier attack—her undergarments, casual clothes, and daily necessities.
"..."
Jeanne hesitated for a moment, then shook her head lightly.
"No, that would not be fair."
In the end, Jeanne refused.
Meanwhile, the Shogun absently played with a sphere of lightning in her palm, toying with it like a child.
[As I thought…]
Ei sighed softly.
'What do you mean?'
The Shogun stopped and asked.
[Even in polite speech, she reminds me so much of Ayaka.]
'And you scolded me before… yet are you not the same?'
The Shogun retorted with quiet exasperation.
[…Mm, yes. That thought slipped out unconsciously. My mistake.]
Upon hearing Jeanne's refusal, Fiore felt a small pang of disappointment. Her plan had failed, but she had prepared herself for this outcome. Her expression betrayed nothing.
"If Miss Jeanne wishes to better observe the Holy Grail War, our fortress can provide you with the best vantage point. Please, at least consider it."
Just in case, she tried persuading once more.
But Jeanne only shook her head again.
"My perception can cover all of Trifas at once. You need not worry."
Seeing Jeanne's second refusal, Fiore accepted it. Forcing her would do no good. After all, as she knew well: a forced melon is never sweet.
"I see… then forgive me for troubling you, Miss Jeanne."
She apologized politely.
"It is no trouble. Your consideration is appreciated."
Jeanne reassured her with a gentle smile.
"Mm. Shogun… let us go."
Fiore suppressed the urge to laugh at the sight of her Servant idly playing with lightning, and instead called softly.
At her voice, the Shogun crushed the lightning sphere in her hand and vanished into particles of violet light. Fiore gestured for the maid to start the car. After nodding farewell to Jeanne, the white vehicle pulled away.
Watching it go, Jeanne furrowed her brow.
"There is something amiss with this Holy Grail War…"
She whispered under her breath.
...
Inside the car, Fiore glanced at the empty seat beside her. She gave a helpless, affectionate smile.
"Why will you not show yourself, Shogun?"
"Do you require me to?"
The Shogun's voice was ethereal.
"Well… since we're sitting together, wouldn't it be better if you were present?"
Fiore replied with a gentle smile, turning her eyes toward the empty space.
In the next moment, a beautiful figure of violet light shimmered into being beside her, seated properly.
The Shogun seemed unused to the act. Eyes closed, she sat rigidly, hands folded neatly upon her thighs, her shapely legs pressed close together—her posture prim, almost overly so.
"Shogun… you need not be so stiff. Just relax by my side."
Fiore giggled softly, scooting a little closer to her Servant to reassure her.
"This is not stiffness… only that this vessel feels out of place here."
The Shogun answered, still seated with perfect composure, unbothered by Fiore's closeness.
"Out of place?"
Fiore tilted her head, puzzled.
"Do you not think my presence here feels somewhat unnatural?"
The Shogun glanced at her, then looked forward through the glass.
"Unnatural? Not at all… I think it's wonderful."
Fiore answered lightly, though in truth, a little part of her simply wished to spend more time together.
"..."
The Shogun turned her gaze back, her violet eyes locking with Fiore's.
"…Did I say something wrong?"
Fiore asked nervously. Under such a gaze, it felt as though her very heart was being seen through, leaving her flustered and shy.
"No. Since you say it is good, then I shall set aside my concern."
Her voice softened ever so slightly. With that, she looked away again.
"…Mm."
Fiore's lips curved in a gentle smile as she nodded.