"With me here, victory isn't just possible—it's inevitable. Though that victory…is only for my own sake."
With this final courtesy, Laurent ended his words.
"No wonder I felt it back then—you weren't even using your full strength."
Martha's expression grew serious. "Come, then. If you truly have such power, trample over my corpse. Only then will your words have any weight!"
Laurent didn't answer.
He merely moved a finger.
In that instant, time seemed to slow. Martha's pupils contracted sharply.
At some unknown moment, countless invisible blood-threads had already spread through the forest, woven like a giant spiderweb.
Each individual thread was hard enough to slice a person into countless pieces.
Only now did Martha realize—she had stepped into a trap from the moment she arrived.
Understanding this, she didn't hesitate.
"GO LIKE THE STARS—"
But she never finished the chant.
All the blood-threads tightened.
They closed in like blades. Martha raised her cross-shaped weapon to block; although she deflected many, several threads still pierced her body.
Pain creased her brow as she attempted to lift a fist to counterattack—
Then suddenly, her heart seized with terror.
Her heartbeat lurched violently, warning her of imminent death.
W-what…? Why is my heart—
She forced her gaze upward.
Laurent was already standing right before her, looming over her. His crimson eyes showed no emotion at all.
No…my vision…why is my body no longer responding…?
A mouthful of blood spilled out as Martha trembled.
"Honestly, I really hate anything divine. So, sorry—but I'll kill you using this method."
The blood-threads coiled around Martha's body, binding her completely. The spiderweb of blood manifested visibly, wrapping her in countless strands like ropes.
She exhaled weakly. "This…barely counts as a battle…"
"You're a saintess. I'm your natural counter. And with your Mad Enhancement, beating me is impossible. But don't expect a fair fight—I'm selfish. I'll use any means if it serves my purpose."
"I think…I finally understand why your heart is so clear…" Martha murmured. "Before I die…tell me. What is this power…?"
Laurent smirked faintly. "My blood. If even a drop enters someone's body, I can control everything that reaches their heart. So if you ever fight me again, don't get injured. And definitely don't touch my blood."
"I see…"
Martha coughed blood again, her breath growing thin.
"So, even then…you could've killed us easily, couldn't you…"
"Mm. But I wanted to know who she really was. That's all."
"…Then my message really won't matter now…"
"You mean the part about seeking the dragon-slayer in Lyon, right?" Laurent's smile carried an unreadable meaning. "Don't worry—I'll tell them. After all…I don't want stray Servants getting in my way."
As soon as he finished speaking—
Darkness swelled.
Blood surged like ravenous beasts devouring prey.
The threads wrapped over Martha completely, consuming her.
It couldn't even be called a battle.
When it was done, Laurent exhaled lightly.
Jeanne is all I need. Everyone else is just in the way.
This time, he wouldn't indulge Jeanne's kindness.
...
He returned to the bonfire. Ritsuka Fujimaru and the others were already asleep.
Having devoured a Servant, his strength had increased considerably.
Laurent could've fought Martha, copied her skills, then killed her afterward—
His learning ability was frightening; just one glance was enough to replicate a technique.
But Jeanne was still awake, sitting by the fire, waiting for him.
"What's wrong? Not sleeping with the others?" Laurent asked as he sat beside her.
Jeanne flushed faintly. Marie's earlier "lesson" in flirting and sweetness…was far too embarrassing for her.
"By the way," Laurent said casually, "I heard something useful. Apparently, the only way to defeat the dragon beside Jeanne Alter is to find the dragon-slayer in Lyon."
"Really?" Jeanne perked up instantly—
Only to remember this wasn't the time for strategy. She quickly turned her attention back to her earlier dilemma.
"L-Laurent… w-what do you like about me…?"
Laurent blinked, then looked at her with amused surprise.
Seeing her ask something so adorable, he decided not to tease her too harshly. Pretending to think deeply, he raised a finger.
"Your figure is amazing—holding you feels perfect."
He even nodded seriously, pleased with his own answer.
"Mm-hmm, and even with clothes on, your perfect body shows through. Your thighs are really soft—"
"N-no! Not that!" Jeanne pushed his face away, refusing to let him continue.
Laurent laughed joyfully, enjoying her soft resistance.
"Then what about you? What do you like about me, Jeanne?"
"That…that's not an easy question…"
Jeanne frowned, genuinely troubled.
"Well… human emotions are complicated. If I had to say what I like about you…it's everything? I suppose so. If I must pick one thing—it's your existence. No matter how you change, as long as you're still you, I'll continue loving you."
"Besides…we're already married, so this question feels a bit silly now."
"Marie said I should act cute more often and flirt with you…"
"That wouldn't be you. Stay as you are. Just the fact that you think of me makes me happy. Honestly…if there's one thing I want right now—"
He looked at her again, pulling her close, their cheeks touching.
"It's a wedding. When we have the chance, let's hold one."
Jeanne gently stroked his hair.
As she did, Laurent's hands started wandering restlessly.
"Ah… Even after so many times, I really love your scent…and the feeling of holding you…"
Jeanne made a tiny sound, weakly resisting.
"Heh. Jeanne, why don't you sleep with me tonight? I've already taken care of all the obstacles around us."
"We…we used to sleep together all the time before…"
"Tonight is different. I want to hold you like this…all night."
---
T/N: AIEEEEEEEEEEEEE I WISH I WAS MARRIED ALREADY :SOB: KRONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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