"Darnic, report on the current intelligence and movements from all sides."
Even during the day, Vlad III, who was accustomed to standing in the dark, spoke.
Although he did not want to admit it, under the influence of that Noble Phantasm and the rumors known to later generations—which were even more famous than the deeds he actually accomplished—Vlad III preferred to stay in the shadows.
"Yes, my King."
Beside him, the leader of the Yggdmillennia clan, Darnic Yggdmillennia, maintained his respectful demeanor, reporting intelligence to his Servant.
"Regarding the Red Faction, the intelligence we can obtain is still limited. Even though our informants cover all of Trifas, the Servant dispatched by the enemy seems very adapted to the forest terrain. Our familiars were all destroyed by her before they could even capture her figure."
"Is it Archer?"
Hearing this, Vlad III narrowed his eyes. This action made his heavily shadowed eye sockets appear even deeper.
"Yes. According to the feedback from the corpses of the familiars, it should be a normal Archer who attacks using a bow and arrow."
"Interesting. An Archer who uses a bow and arrow and excels at moving in jungle terrain. It sounds like a hunter or ranger type of character."
"It could be Robin Hood, my King."
As a European, Darnic thought of this possibility almost the instant he heard this information.
In fact, when it came to selecting an Archer, the choice for most European Subcategory Holy Grail Wars was Robin Hood. As the renowned greenwood outlaw of all Europe, as long as he was on a European battlefield, Robin Hood would receive some regional buffs to varying degrees.
Vlad III nodded in agreement.
"It is not impossible. Make appropriate preparations, Darnic."
"Yes."
Darnic bowed slightly in acknowledgment, then continued.
"Next is the situation of the Servants and Masters on our side."
"First is the Saber team. The relationship between Gordes and Siegfried seems to have some issues. This became more prominent after that young man with strength rivaling a Servant defeated Siegfried. I worry that Gordes will be unable to control his temper and waste a Command Spell out of spite in subsequent battles."
Hearing this, the image of Gordes's arrogant demeanor and the disdainful look he gave the Servants instinctively surfaced in Vlad III's mind.
"According to the knowledge granted to me by the Holy Grail, Saber's Master should be the most typical existence among you magi. On this point, Darnic, you have done well."
"It is what I should do, my King."
Receiving his praise, a smile and a look of honor opportunely appeared on Darnic's face.
"Regarding this team, there is no need to worry too much. Just ensure that Saber, this great hero and my capable general, does not sustain any major damage. Continue with the remaining teams."
Darnic proceeded to report the status of all the remaining Black Faction Servants in one breath.
"There are no major issues with the remaining teams. Rider has been moving freely due to low affinity with his Master. Archer has been with Fiore, teaching her knowledge. Caster has stayed in her workshop since completing her work, seemingly plotting something. As for Berserker... although Caules has been trying his best to establish a connection with her, unfortunately, that Amazon Queen seems to hold a particular hatred for males. Although she can communicate normally, she will not listen to tactics. However, if treated as a normal Berserker, it seems there will be no problems."
"As for the final one, Assassin..."
At this point, Darnic suddenly hesitated.
Regarding this Servant—who, much like his class, had maintained a low presence for a long time and was summoned in the Far East—they had always possessed very little information. They only received news today.
"What is the matter with Assassin? Speak plainly, Darnic."
Noticing Darnic's abnormality, Vlad III frowned.
"Yes, my King."
Receiving the command, Darnic hesitated no longer and relayed the information he had received.
"According to news from our intelligence personnel in Japan, the designated Master of Assassin was killed for unknown reasons. No traces left by the Servant were found at the scene."
"The only clue is his cause of death: excessive blood loss. All the blood in his body was drained."
Hearing this, especially the word "drained," Vlad III's body jerked violently. The pressure belonging to a King, carrying furious emotions, surged forth almost instantly.
Sensing the situation was wrong, Darnic activated his Mystic Code without hesitation. Because of this, he managed to remain standing in place, avoiding being blown away.
When he instinctively looked at Vlad III, he was astonished to discover that the King's originally pale gold eyes had turned slightly red. The enraged face bore an unprecedented ferocity.
"Darnic."
Suddenly, the voice of the pitch-black King rang out.
"I am here, my King."
Deeply understanding that Vlad III's current state was abnormal, Darnic responded respectfully. But upon hearing the other party's next words, this respect instantly turned into horror.
"I am going to execute Assassin. You have no objections, correct?"
Although phrased as a question, the tone was affirmative. After the time they had spent together, Darnic had no doubt Vlad III would do exactly that.
But that was a Servant on their side.
With the enemy already possessing an extra Servant's combat power, how could this be allowed!
Thinking this, even though he knew he should remain silent, Darnic forced himself to speak.
"But, my King..."
"No buts! Darnic!"
Before he could finish, the enraged Vlad III interrupted him.
"When you summoned me in the name of protecting the nation, I told you! You are not to mention that title in my presence! You are not to use Command Spells to force me to use that Noble Phantasm!"
"And now, among my subordinates, there is actually someone who dares to commit such an act. Regardless of whether he is that kind of despicable existence, committing such an act is an insult to me and the title of the Dragon Lord!"
"Do not make me repeat myself, Darnic! Dispatch people to find information on Assassin immediately. Do you understand?!"
"Tch!"
No matter how resentful he felt inside, no matter how tightly his fists were clenched, Darnic ultimately bowed his head and agreed to Vlad III. He then left the throne room under the latter's cold gaze.
When he completely left Vlad III's perception, suppressed fury almost burned him through in an instant.
But right at this moment, Darnic heard someone calling his name.
When he instinctively turned his head to look, what met his eyes were Caster Merlin's eyes, which carried a strange smile.
At the same time, as night fell, Astolfo had already left the Millennia Fortress, taking a certain homunculus boy he encountered by chance with him.