Trees painted red filled a large garden within a small town, swaying in the icy gusts of the approaching winter. The sun was the only thing that could soften the coldness of the environment.
The sun's rays shone through the window of an old mansion. With her hair reflecting crimson hues, the young woman sitting before it watched the beautiful scenery.
The reflection in the glass displayed a lifeless face. A normal day among many mornings. She thought that life without emotions, without something to fight for, would never cease.
In the emptiness of her mind, light knocks echoed at her door… She jumped in surprise and sighed.
After hesitating for a moment, she yawned and then said, sleepily: "You can come in…!"
In the hallway stood a girl with hair the color of the prosperous snow that was yet to come.
"What's with this lethargy, friend?" Her restless hands betrayed her nervousness in front of her.
Her emerald-toned eyes, shining behind her glasses, stared at her offended: "Why are you here? Should I be happy about your arrival?"
Even trembling from head to toe, she walked over to her friend's bed. "I… You know I want to apologize about what happened the other day, Hikari… We need to have this talk, it's serious."
Silence prevailed, and the young woman continued to observe her landscape… for long seconds.
"Hikari, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that…"
"Really, Ryoka?! You didn't? You were my friend during college! Telling me 'You're not ready for life,' making it seem like you've really met everyone at the *Round Table*, as if you had lived with them… Damn it!"
Ryoka remained silent for a moment, trying to find the right words to say to her friend…
Out of options, Ryoka knelt, bowing her head in an act of plea: "I'm sorry, Hikari. I'll tell you whatever is necessary to make it up to you…"
Surprised by her friend's insistence and perseverance, Hikari realized she was genuinely trying to redeem herself. "I'll give you a chance, Granger Ryoka."
"Thank you… Hikari!"
She offered Ryoka a hug, inviting her: "Shall we go to the city center for lunch? There we can try to understand each other."
"Okay!"— she said, sporting light tears of happiness.
As the sun approached its zenith, the environment stopped exuding its coldness, becoming more pleasant.
Leaving her house, Hikari delicately appreciated the garden around her; tall pine trees displayed a vibrant green, contrasting with the ancient ruins.
While the gardener was doing his duties, he was confused to see the family's heir leaving her room after years.
"Young mistress! Where are you going during lunchtime?"
"Me? I intend to take my friend to eat something…"
"Friend? But you don't even leave the house… How did you make one?"
Granger interrupted the conversation: "She met me on the internet… An app called Tidal, I don't think you'd know it…"
She changed the focus for a moment, perceiving that a small presence was watching them. She maintained caution as she finished the conversation.
"Did something happen?"
"No, no… I thought I had dropped something, hehehe… Anyway, Hikari's father allowed us to go out together. So if you'll excuse me, we'll be on our way."
The gardener nodded in agreement.
As they walked along the cobblestone road, Ryoka said,
"Let's go to the first intersection and get a taxi. Hmmm… which restaurant do you intend to go to?"
"I would like… a Japanese one. It's been over 4 years since I last ate at the Ryushin Bar…"
Arriving at the intersection, they waited a few minutes. Granger again felt the presence following them, containing a slightly malevolent aura, making her more alert than ever.
Getting into the car, they continued their journey. "Ryoka, what have you been doing during my absence?"
"About that… I've been taking care of my garden… playing some games, and rereading some authors about the Round Table… And you, what have you been doing?"
Ryoka's question landed heavily on her shoulders, making her look a bit downcast. "Unfortunately, I haven't done much… My parents locked me in the house for 4 years. I could only read some articles and old books on archaeology and the Round Table, unfortunately…"
"I'm sorry…"
The taxi driver stopped near the square where they intended to be. "Ladies, we've arrived at the destination. That's 15 pounds."
Hikari paid the man silently directly, leaving the taxi. The friends walked through the square and tried to reach the agreed-upon restaurant.
After the terrible memories that came to Hikari's mind, Ryoka felt apprehensive about asking anything else.
Sitting down in the chairs, Ryoka asked: "Hikari, what would you like to order?"
"I'm not very hungry, honestly. You can order something you prefer."
Although bothered, Ryoka followed her friend's words.
While the food was being prepared, her friend decided to get straight to the point: "First of all, I'd like to apologize again for what I said 4 years ago. I want to be direct. Please, don't share this information with anyone, okay?"
Hikari was confused by the request. "What information is so important?"
"I am the reincarnation of the King of Knights... I am a Servant summoned by the will of the Holy Grail. Your father must—"
"What is wrong with you, huh?!" Hikari cut off her friend, slightly raising her voice, refusing to believe such an absurd fact and showing clear irritation. "Calm down, this is a seri—"
"A serious matter?! Fairy tales and reality are two different things!"
"Please, stop being so stubborn, I'm being serious! The reason I said you weren't prepared... was for you to understand the mysteries of the Round Table! I'm telling the truth..." Tears began to stream down her face.
The other restaurant patrons looked at them. With so much weight on her mind, Hikari said: "Enough! I'm going to the bathroom, don't follow me…"
On the way, she muttered furiously to herself: "Shit, shit, shit! Why is she justifying her mistake with something so fantastical?! Not even a child would fall for that…"
She washed her face once, twice, even three times. Feeling devastated, she began to cry…
"What a bad day you're having…" came a voice from behind Hikari.
Turning around, she saw a girl with platinum blonde hair. Hikari replied, "I can't do much about it… If you'll excuse me, I'll be going back."
The young woman grabbed Hikari's arm, saying, "You're not going anywhere. I have more business to settle with you."
"Let me go! Stop... Haa…" She was quickly put in an arm lock, with a hand gripping her neck, unable to even call for help.
"Hmmm, Hikari. Unfortunately, I don't have permission to kill you," the girl said, running her hand over Hikari's lower body, savoring the moment. "But at the very least, I'm going to train you. You'll look good on a leash, I'm going to love that!" Removing her hand, she smoothed Hikari's hair in a very appreciative manner, licking her lips. "I love your hair… It reminds me of the flames that made me reborn. Hell awaits you."
Ryoka noticed her friend was taking too long. She sensed two suppressed presences of evil Servants nearby, including Hikari's, which is why she decided to go check on her.
As she got closer, she heard a muffled moan. "Hikari!? Are you okay?!" Ryoka shouted.
The moaning stopped. Immediately after, dazzling flames erupted, causing an explosion that destroyed half of the establishment.
After being thrown back, Ryoka emerged from the debris and stared in horror at the entrance to the bathroom. "Hikari! No! Please, Hikari, answer me!" she screamed.
A pale mage, holding a grimoire in his right hand, blocked the light in front of her.
"Where is Aka Hikari?! Answer me!"
"Aka Hikari? Hah, she has experienced the true flames of hell! Hahaha!"