This evening—the heavy rain that had lasted the entire night had finally ceased, and the sky once more revealed a clear and tranquil scene.
At this moment, Darnic held a set of documents in hand, reporting the gathered intelligence to the Grand Prince seated before him.
"As I mentioned earlier… large numbers of ancient relics and antiques from dismantled ruins have been transported into the country."
The Grand Prince swirled the red wine in his goblet, his brows faintly furrowed as he stared into its depths.
"…The Red Faction, then?" he asked.
Darnic nodded.
"Most likely materials for Caster's workshop."
"Hmph…"
Upon hearing this, the Grand Prince leaned back against his chair with a mocking laugh.
"So, their movements are faster than we expected. If they intend to attack us…"
He lifted his glass before his eyes, the twilight at the window dyeing the wine with a golden glow. His dark-golden eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement.
"…then will it be tonight?"
"!"
Darnic was visibly startled for an instant—but the Grand Prince did not miss it. Seeing his Master's reaction, the Servant merely let out a light chuckle.
"Heh… war is just like that, Darnic."
"Which means, our time is limited. Our opponents will not sit idly by; they may already possess some means to counter us."
At these words, Darnic suddenly understood. He lowered his head slightly and bowed.
"I will begin preparations at once, my lord."
"Ah… of course, preparations must be made. However…"
The Grand Prince paused, turning his face to the side for a moment.
"My lord?" Darnic asked, puzzled.
"How fares Saber's Master? Was she not gravely injured yesterday?"
"Yes, but according to Saber herself and her Master today, her injuries are no longer serious. She can still fight for the Black Faction. Moreover, in yesterday's battle, Saber managed to sever one of Kairi Sisigou's arms. I imagine the Red Faction's Saber will behave herself for some time."
Darnic promptly relayed the information.
"Oh? Truly worthy of our Black Saber. Her martial skill is superb, and her Master is likewise exceptional. Together, they have rendered great service."
The Grand Prince smiled approvingly and took a sip of wine.
"Indeed… Fiore is a genius in both spirit mechanics and artificial engineering. However, as a proper magus, she is still somewhat immature. This time, appointing her as Saber's Master was also meant as a test."
Darnic bowed slightly as he replied.
"No one is proficient from the start; all must grow step by step. As long as she has the will, that is enough."
The Grand Prince waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned with such trifles.
"I shall confirm again with Fiore whether she can continue in the Holy Grail War. Then, my lord, I take my leave."
With polite words, Darnic informed the Grand Prince, then turned to leave the chamber.
...
Meanwhile… deep within the forest on the outskirts of Sighișoara, there stood a vast castle-like structure hidden under a powerful barrier.
This was Assassin—Semiramis' mage workshop. By now, nearly all of the Red Faction, save for Saber Mordred, had gathered here to prepare for the next decisive plan.
Clack!
At Shirou's command, the Red Lancer—Karna—pushed open the great doors and stepped inside. The vast hall spread before him, metallic in hue and adorned with thorn-like ornaments.
At its center stood a throne entwined with brambles. Seated upon it was the mistress of the workshop, the Empress Semiramis, with her Master, Shirou Kotomine, at her side.
Nearby, Rider and Archer lounged in casual repose—Rider lying sideways upon the floor with his head propped up, while Archer leaned against the wall with arms crossed, eyes closed in meditation.
Karna showed no expression at the sight, striding with heavy steps down the central path past the two of them, until he reached the space just before the throne. The scrape of his armor against the metallic floor rang crisply, echoing through the vast chamber.
"Lancer, forgive me for summoning you here so suddenly," Shirou greeted him, his usual calm smile unchanged, his tone polite.
"It matters not. Are the preparations complete?"
Clearly aware of the plan soon to unfold, Karna did not waste words, asking straightforwardly.
Shirou smiled softly and nodded.
"Yes… the last one is about to arrive."
Clack!
As if to prove his words, the doors were pushed open once more. The Red Faction's Caster—Shakespeare—strode in, wearing a self-satisfied, infuriating grin. All eyes in the room turned toward him.
"Sigh…"
The Empress caught sight of him and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Ah, ah! Like the depths of Hell! Like the pitch of Night! Such beauty I see in you, radiating brilliance beyond compare!"
Speaking in his usual flamboyant cadence, Shakespeare bowed theatrically before the throne.
"…Am I supposed to take that as directed at me?" the Empress asked, not even bothering to look directly at him.
"Who else but you, O Empress of Assyria!"
With those words, Shakespeare twirled in a dramatic spin like a stage performer.
"Caster… do not forget that this is the Holy Grail War."
"Of course I haven't forgotten~! Since we've all been gathered here, surely it must be time for a most spectacular opening performance, yes?"
At that, the others grew serious, their gazes turning toward the hosts of this gathering—the Empress and Shirou.
"And so, I shall watch with admiration as each of you gives your most splendid performance!"
Such shameless words…
"Are you implying you will not fight?" the Empress frowned, her tone displeased.
"Indeed! I am truly poor at combat and combat thaumaturgy… how embarrassing! But surely, everyone has their weaknesses, do they not?"
Scratching his head awkwardly, Shakespeare offered another smug grin. If she could, the Empress would have cut him down where he stood!
"—Enough. Everyone is gathered now, yes? Even if Saber is absent, it hardly matters. That one's Master had his arm severed by the Black Saber—his own fault."
The Empress dismissed Shakespeare's nonsense and went straight to the main point.
Karna closed his eyes lightly at those words, the faintest trace of a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
"With preparations complete, the time has come to march forth. Since this rare Holy Grail War is before us… should we not play on a grand scale?"
The Empress chuckled slyly, like a fox.
"Oh? You even went as far as to construct a castle. Do you intend to hole up inside and defend it?" Rider asked casually, knocking against the iron walls of the hall with his fist.
"Defend? Hmph… ridiculous."
The Empress scoffed dismissively, then placed her hand upon the jewel embedded in the armrest of her throne.
Hummmm—
BOOOOM!!
Suddenly, the ground trembled violently! After several seconds, the shaking gradually subsided.
"Oi… what happened just now?!" Rider asked in alarm.
"See for yourselves~" the Empress replied with amusement.
At her words, everyone except her and Shirou rushed to the balcony.
"Wha—!" ×2
Rider and Archer were struck speechless. Lancer remained calm as ever, while Caster gazed in delight.
The fortress had lifted into the sky, floating like a vast airship. Below them, the city sprawled helplessly like an anthill beneath their feet!
"The Aerial Garden of Vanity—Hanging Gardens of Babylon. My Noble Phantasm."
The Empress joined Shirou at the balcony, proudly introducing her trump card.
"Truly worthy of its name…" Shirou smiled in approval, praising the Assassin beside him.
"Mm~! But of course," the Empress preened at his compliment.
The Noble Phantasm of Semiramis, the Empress of Assyria—Hanging Gardens of Babylon. A floating fortress, both offensive and defensive in nature. It could not be materialized by mana alone, but required specific materials painstakingly gathered in advance.
It was called "Vanity" because she had never truly built such a fortress—until now, it had existed only in her imagination. But now, that fantasy had become reality, their decisive weapon to secure victory for the Red Faction!
And the fortress's target now was none other than the Fortress of Millennia—the Black Faction's domain!