Dusk fell upon the countryside, the setting sun staining the sky a bloody red. Beneath the crimson glow stood two men, straight and unyielding like pine trees.
"Auram, our last duel never reached a conclusion, did it?"
After a brief silence, the purple-haired man spoke first.
"What? You're looking to fight me again?"
The blond man shrugged, his tone carrying a faint hint of provocation.
"Even if I wanted to, if Ib saw us she'd just shout, 'Stop fighting already! If you want to fight, take it to the dueling hall!!' or something like that."
"Hahaha, that really does sound like her~"
Today, they had come to bid each other farewell. To save the future of the planet, each was about to embark on his own journey. Journeys filled with uncertainty and peril. Who knew when they would meet again?
Perhaps…
"Auram, I have a proposal. Even if Ib forbade us from dueling in secret, since this is a rare occasion, why don't we compete instead—see who can find a way to repair the World Gears first?"
"Interesting. I'll take that challenge!"
Though they knew full well the dangers ahead, there was no need for sentimental words between them. They simply shared a knowing smile.
The man who stood for light: Auram.
The man who stood for darkness: Ningirsu.
They had grown up together, fought countless battles side by side. They had even once crossed blades as enemies, each for his own convictions. They had shared too much for words to always be necessary. A glance, a phrase—that was enough.
"So until we've settled things between us, I won't allow you to lose to anyone else."
"Heh. Same to you."
…
After washing up in the private bath, Auram walked to the window, threw it open, and breathed in the crisp air deeply. It was early spring, the chill still lingering in the breeze. The fragrance of budding plants mixed with a sharp northern wind that slipped under his collar, stirring old memories.
'Ningirsu… what kind of adventure are you on now?'
Though much stayed uncertain, Auram had no intention of wasting this chance. After some brief consideration, he decided to take part in this Holy Grail War himself. He would talk more with Ayaka soon.
"Hm? What's that smell?"
Sniffing lightly, Auram noticed a pleasant aroma mixed with the scent of grass. Following it led him to the first-floor kitchen. Through the glass door, he could see Ayaka Sajo bustling about.
Today she wore a pale green floral apron over her casual clothes, holding freshly dried dishes in her hands, moving happily around the kitchen like a busy little bee.
Was she making breakfast?
'Wait… when was the last time I even ate?'
At that thought, his stomach growled harder, making him chuckle wryly as he pushed open the door.
Ding-a-ling—!
The wind chime by the entrance rang brightly. Ayaka immediately noticed his arrival, set down her tray, and waved at him with delight.
"Saber, I was just about to call you!"
Loli in an apron—a rare sight, yet oddly heartwarming. It filled him with strength so early in the morning. In the past, he hadn't understood, but now Auram finally grasped the feelings of a certain Commander.
'Ayaka Sajo… perhaps she could be the mother of my children!'
"Ayaka, what are you…"
"Um… since I don't know what Saber likes to eat, I just made a bit of everything. Maybe I overdid it…"
Scratching her cheek shyly, she gestured toward the table. Only then did Auram notice the mountain of dishes piled high: bacon, eggs, toast, salad, milk, fried fish, cake… enough food for at least six people.
"Let me just ask… is there anyone else living here?"
"Of course not," Ayaka shook her head at once. "I snuck out from home, so at this temporary place it's just you and me, Saber."
"Hehe, you could even call it our little two-person world~"
She paused, covering her lips with her hand, then added in a soft voice. Her shy glance upward was unbearably cute, like a young mother trying to grow closer to her family but not knowing how to say it.
Still, Auram felt they weren't that close yet. After all, this was only the second time they'd met. So he held back from asking about her background or her casual mention of "sneaking out from home."
Though looking at Ayaka's slim figure, it was obvious she couldn't possibly eat that much. Which meant… she made all this for him alone?
Was she overly enthusiastic, or just overestimating his appetite?
"Well, then… I'll dig in."
The sheer amount was intimidating, but since Ayaka had put so much care into preparing it, Auram couldn't refuse. He picked up a fork, speared a piece of fried fish, and took a big bite.
"How… how is it?"
Even the omniscient Ayaka Sajo wore an unusually nervous expression, her sapphire-blue eyes blinking expectantly.
"It's delicious~"
Watching Auram devour the food with such praise, her anxious look bloomed into radiance again.
"Really? It's really good?"
"Really really. I'm not lying to you!"
This was exactly the kind of silly back-and-forth you'd expect from a pair of lovebirds. Auram couldn't help but complain inwardly. Anyhow, his compliments on the food were utterly sincere.
The flavors were fresh, melting in his mouth. Even though the dish was fried, it wasn't greasy. The drizzle of lemon juice sharpened the appetite. The other dishes were just as well prepared, perfectly cooked, neither burnt nor underdone. His knife and fork just couldn't stop moving.
Who'd have thought Ayaka was such a good cook? Her food was leagues above Ib's!
"That's great! I was worried it wouldn't suit Saber's taste…"
"That was needless worry. With cooking this good, I could eat it every day and never tire of it."
His words made her beam like a flower in full bloom.
"Hehe, I'm glad I made so much. If Saber likes it, then eat it all!"
"Well… all of it might be…"
No matter how tasty, the sheer volume—six full servings of breakfast—made Auram sweat a little.
'...What do you take me for, some kind of King Arthur with a bottomless stomach?'
...
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