After the passage of many such days, we finally arrived in Fuyuki City—the Japanese stage for the impending Holy Grail War.
"Come on! Hurry up, Berserker!"
Beholding the oriental architecture of timber and tiled eaves—sights never seen within the Einzbern domain—Illya tugged at my hand, her voice filled with a child's restless urgency.
I pressed a hand to my brow, letting out a weary sigh.
"Haa, I hear you. You only need to say it once, brat. You're making my head spin."
"I told you, I'm not a brat!"
"To use such a vulgar epithet for Milady..." Sella began.
"Desist at once, Servant," Leysritt added, her tone flat yet firm.
Between Illya snapping at the word 'brat' and her attendants, Sella and Liz, joining the fray, I was forced to concede the point. I clicked my tongue in feigned disappointment.
"Tch. It was entertaining while it lasted. A shame."
"It wasn't entertaining at all! More importantly, let's go explore! This place is nothing like Germany. I want to see everything!"
"Milady, while you tour Fuyuki City, we shall proceed to the Einzbern castle," Sella informed her.
"Since the manor has been vacant for a long time, we must commence cleaning," Liz added.
Illya nodded at their words.
"Alright, fine! Sella and Liz, go on ahead to the castle. Now, Berserker! We're leaving! Right now! Hurry—!"
Watching her fret like a pampered child brought another sigh to my lips. Ultimately, I nodded, surrendering to her whims.
"...Fine. I need to get the lay of the land in Fuyuki anyway. We'll combine our sightseeing with a bit of reconnaissance."
"Then, lower your head for a second."
"?"
Puzzled by her sudden request, I nevertheless leaned down as she asked.
"A little more!"
"...Like this?"
"Yes! Up we go!"
The moment I lowered myself further, Illya swung her legs over my shoulders. As she settled herself onto her impromptu throne atop my neck, I looked up with a stunned expression.
"...What exactly do you think you're doing?"
"Now, march! Berserker, move out! Move! Quickly!"
"Haa... I've certainly been saddled with an absurd Master."
Despite my sigh, a faint smile played on my lips as I began to walk with Illya perched upon my shoulders.
***
We spent hours wandering the city. We took in the sights and sampled the local cuisine. By the time we had finished our thorough circuit of the town, the afternoon sun had long since surrendered the sky to the velvet shroud of night.
Having roamed until her energy failed her, Illya had finally collapsed against the back of my head, still seated on my shoulders.
She hung limp, her voice low and drained of its earlier vitality.
"Ugh... I'm exhausted..."
"I told you we should have headed back sooner, you fool."
"But it was so much fun... This was the first time I've ever really been outside."
I supposed that made sense. She had never been allowed to leave the Einzbern territory in Germany. I could sympathize with that at least.
Even so, pushing herself until she collapsed was another matter. My Master truly had no sense of moderation. Looking at Illya, who behaved like a complete child despite her station, I sighed once more.
"Haa... Since you're worn out, let's return to the castle. It's late, and—"
It was then. I halted mid-sentence as the distinct presence of a Servant pricked my senses. Sensing my sudden rigidity, Illya spoke in a confused tone.
"Berserker? Why did you stop?"
"...The presence of a Servant. I feel it approximately one kilometer away. What are your orders, halfling?"
"I told you I'm not a halfling! Hmm... Let's go see! Some Servant had the gall to reveal themselves in my presence; the least I can do is see their face, right?"
A smirk touched my lips at her answer.
"Now that's an answer I like. Fine. Hold on tight, then. I'm going to move fast. Here... we... go!"
"?! Eek!"
Confirming she had a firm grip, and knowing the darkness of night would prevent the leakage of Mystery, I channeled a Prana Burst into my legs and leapt across the distance in a single bound.
Landing on a nearby rooftop, I used it as a springboard to vault across the shadowed skyline of the city.
The scenery shifted with dizzying speed, drawing a gasp of delight from Illya.
"Whoa! This is amazing! Do this again next time!"
"If you ask nicely, perhaps I will. More importantly, we've arrived. Be on your guard."
"I understand, Berserker!"
After three more bounds across the rooftops, we reached the source of the spiritual signature. I touched down on the pavement and gently lowered Illya from my shoulders, whispering into her ear.
"Illya, I feel the Servant around the left corner. Stay close behind me."
"Got it, Berserker! I'm counting on you!"
Watching Illya nod, I drew Twilight from my waist.
Time to work, Twilight. I felt a hum of tension; after all, this would be my first engagement with another Servant. Bracing for a sudden ambush, I slowly approached the corner to identify the source of the presence.
As my senses sharpened and my nerves wound tight, time seemed to slow under the weight of the incoming information. I swallowed hard against the suffocating silence. *Come then, nameless Servant. Let us see if you can offer a proper fight.*
Ready to deflect any blow, I rounded the corner with predatory speed. But what met my eyes beyond the bend was—
"...Eh?"
"? What is it, Berserker— What... what is this?"
The tension drained out of both Illya and me as we uttered sounds of pure bewilderment.
Instead of an ambush, we found a Servant collapsed on the ground, drenched in blood. I examined the figure closely. Judging by the hooded robes, this was surely a Caster.
As I scrutinized the fallen mage, information regarding the Fifth Holy Grail War surfaced in my memory. *Ah, I see. It was around this time that Medea was cast out.* If I recalled correctly, she was meant to be found by Kuzuki Soichirou.
It seemed we had stumbled upon her before he could. Feigning ignorance, I offered Illya an objective assessment.
"...Judging by the hooded robes, she is likely of the Caster class. Her prana is faint; it appears her link to her Master has been severed. She doesn't have much time before she fades away."
"Hmm, did she have a falling out with her Master?"
"Possibly. However, looking at the nature of the wounds, they were inflicted by a spear. I can feel a lingering curse... She likely crossed paths with a Lancer wielding a cursed lance. It is also possible her Master was killed by the Lancer, and only the Servant managed to flee."
Illya nodded, her voice turning bored.
"How dull. I came here expecting a battle, and all I find is a dying Caster! This isn't fun at all!"
Illya radiated a cold intent, as if she were about to finish the Caster then and there. *Wait. It would be a waste to let Medea die here.* If I could persuade Illya properly, we might be able to bring Medea to our side.
Once the plan took root, I acted immediately. I cleared my thoughts and spoke.
"Perhaps. But this situation might not be entirely without merit."
"What?"
Illya looked up at me. Meeting her questioning gaze, I offered a shark-like grin.
"The lack of prana confirms that a contract is either absent or has been dissolved. Which means... we could forge a new contract."
"...A contract?"
"Exactly. Moreover, you are a master-class magus beyond compare. I have no doubt you could sustain a second contract with a Caster."
At my praise, Illya's cheeks flushed slightly. Her pride swelled, and she puffed out her chest in satisfaction.
"...Hmph! Of course! I am the strongest Master, after all! ...Very well. We shall take the Caster back to the castle!"
"Understood."
I hoisted the fallen Caster over my shoulder and scooped Illya up with my free arm.
Nesting in my arm, Illya pointed toward the direction of the Einzbern castle.
"Now then, depart!"
"...Good grief, you really are a handful. Yes, yes, we're going."
*BOOM!*
Shaking my head, I triggered a Prana Burst and leaped back toward the rooftops.
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