To Become a King and a Magician 606-610

Title: So This Is the Episode Full of Chatter!

Ryougi Shiki.

As a native resident who had lived in Mifune City for over ten years, Ritsuka wasn’t unfamiliar with the name—but she’d rarely heard it. After all, she had once been just an ordinary high school girl, her most distinctive feature being her naturally red hair.

She was, essentially, someone entirely disconnected from Shiki and the local aristocratic family like the Ryougis.

Of course, this was Ritsuka’s first time meeting Shiki. Based on Naoki’s description, she had imagined Shiki as a Yakuza-type figure—always carrying a knife, covered in tattoos, radiating the aura of a killer—since the Department Head had claimed she stabbed him daily.

But now that she’d met her, the reality was the complete opposite.

(She’s so gentle…?)

So gentle, in fact, that it was impossible to imagine the woman before her was the same one who stabbed people with knives. On the contrary, she resembled the traditional Yamato Nadeshiko Ritsuka had only read about. Merely hearing her voice made Ritsuka’s heart slowly calm.

“Department Head…”

Without thinking, Ritsuka raised her hand and spoke directly to Naoki.

“Is someone like this really close to you?”

【Why do you ask that?】

“Because I feel Ryougi-san is completely incompatible with you. It’s like a princess belonging with a wandering adventurer.”

【Ugh…】

Naoki’s eyebrow twitched instantly—and Shiki chuckled softly. “A rather interesting analogy, Fujimaru—and surprisingly apt. But I know Natsukawa’s nature well. He’s simply not the type to be tied down to one place.”

【Don’t talk like I’m some untamed wildcat you can’t leash. As long as nothing strange happens, I’m perfectly happy staying put—Oh, by the way, it’s been ages, ‘Shiki’.】

Though Naoki returned to Mifune once a month, he’d never actually met Shiki—because Shiki was always asleep. The last time they’d seen each other was eight years ago, right after he resolved his affairs with Tsuru.

“Yes, it has been a long time, Natsukawa.”

Shiki nodded slightly, then turned to Angelica. “Prepare rooms for our two guests, Angelica. Since they’re Natsukawa’s guests, they are also ours.”

“I understand, Ryougi-sama. Fujimaru-sama, Mash-sama, please follow me.”

“Ah, y-yes! Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome.” Shiki said, shaking her head gently. “Also, Fujimaru—if you don’t mind—may I borrow your bracelet for a moment? There are some matters I wish to discuss privately with Natsukawa. I believe he feels the same.”

“Eh? This…?”

【Give it to her, Fujimaru. I told you—you went there to rest. Don’t worry about anything. Just relax fully. I do have private matters to discuss with her.】

Hearing the Department Head say that, Ritsuka quickly removed her bracelet and handed it to Shiki, then led Mash away, following Angelica.

After watching Ritsuka and the others disappear around the corner, Shiki closed the dojo door. Returning inside and resuming her seated position, she placed the bracelet before her. Moments later, Naoki’s image materialized before her.

“Is this also an effect of Magecraft?”

【You could call it a fusion of technology and Magecraft. To you, it’s merely a trivial trick.】

Naoki laughed.

【But more importantly, your appearance is the biggest surprise to me. Though I suspected you’d act, I never expected you’d remain so actively involved for so long… Are you sleeping again?】

Shiki nodded. “Yes. This incident was somewhat inconvenient. Alone, I couldn’t manage it. So I lent a little assistance.”

“A little assistance?”

At a time when the Incineration Order of Humanity had already occurred and all human history had been consumed by fire, she still preserved a single pocket of normalcy like Mifune City. That could no longer be described as “a little assistance.”

Yet at the same time, Naoki knew this was something only Shiki could accomplish. Even he—even Rei and Manaka—could not replicate it now.

It was a miracle—one only Shiki could perform.

【You’re truly extraordinary, ‘Shiki’. You’ve maintained this alone.】

“It’s not that difficult. Thanks to Angelica’s Noble Phantasm, the protection granted to Mifune City is semi-permanent and fully automatic. All I contribute is a small amount of Mana to activate it.” Shiki explained. “Compared to the future Natsukawa must face, this level of effort means nothing.”

“But Natsukawa, there are several things I must explain regarding the future you will encounter.”

【The future… You mean the Singularities?】

Shiki nodded. “According to your sequence, it should be the sixth. That Singularities has transformed into a situation utterly alien to you. When you go there, you must proceed with extreme caution.”

The sixth Singularities… Holy Land of the Round Table?

Naoki recalled it was an IF scenario triggered because Bedivere failed to return Excalibur, preventing Artoria from returning to Avalon and forcing her to wander Earth eternally. After two thousand years of wandering, King Arthur became a Divine Spirit due to erosion from the Holy Lance.

But here, Bedivere had returned Excalibur. Artoria now resided peacefully in Avalon as a guest, occasionally reminiscing about the past with Merlin and learning about the outside world through the internet.

Thus, the Sixth Singularities Naoki knew would never occur.

Yet the Sixth Singularities still existed.

That meant…

【A Singularities I don’t know about?】

“Yes. Unfortunately, due to certain reasons, I cannot reveal its details. But Natsukawa—only you can resolve this Singularities. No one else.”

【Only I can resolve it… Hmm, I understand. Thank you for telling me, ‘Shiki’.】

“You’re welcome. Now, another matter—it concerns another Singularities that has emerged in this country. Its formation is connected to my situation here.”

Shiki’s words startled Naoki—connected to her?

“Precisely, it’s an incident caused by a chain of coincidences and opportunities. To ensure time flows normally here, I used part of a Noble Phantasm linked to temporal control. Its effects interfered with the city’s ley lines.”

“And due to the interaction between the ley lines and the temporal Noble Phantasm—combined with the current incident—an anomaly has manifested in a past event.”

【A past event? Do you know which one?】

“Yes.”

“The year is Showa 20—the end of the Pacific War. The location is Imperial Capital Japan… which is modern-day Tokyo.”

“The incident that occurred there is—”

“The Third Holy Grail War.”

-

Title: Fujimaru Ritsuka’s Return Home

Showa 20.

Imperial Capital Japan.

The Third Holy Grail War.

Hearing the information revealed by Shiki, Naoki began sifting through historical events matching this time and location in his mind.

【Imperial Capital Holy Grail War… Huh?】

After a moment, he muttered the phrase.

He couldn’t think of any other possibility—there was only one event that fit. But if this was indeed the Imperial Capital Holy Grail War…

【I imagine it’ll be quite enjoyable when we finally resolve it—though, of course, it depends on the circumstances.】

“It seems Natsukawa already knows. Then I don’t need to explain further, do I?”

【Yes. After we investigate, I’ll begin resolving it. So… Roman, come here and sit down. I’m going there.】

The silhouette of Naoki before Shiki rose as he finished speaking. Moments later, Roman was gently pushed into place.

【What are you doing, Natsukawa? By the way, where are you going?—Of course, I’m going there. Well, consider it another visit to Atalanta and Shiki. Besides, it’s about time. I’ll return with Fujimaru and Mash.】

Naoki was coming here?

Shiki raised an eyebrow slightly. And in Chaldea, there was no way to stop him. Roman helplessly lowered his hands and turned to face Shiki.

【Pleased to meet you, Miss Ryougi. I apologize. Natsukawa said he was leaving for somewhere…】

“It’s fine. I know where he’s headed. Rather than that… You’re a doctor now, aren’t you? It’s a role perfectly suited for you, Romani Archaman.”

To others, Shiki’s words sounded like a simple compliment. After all, everyone at Chaldea knew Roman had studied abroad—and that he’d known Naoki even before joining Chaldea. So it wasn’t surprising that Shiki, closely tied to Naoki, recognized him.

But to Roman, those words sent an immediate chill down his spine.

【T-thank you for your kind words, Miss Ryougi.】

“You’re welcome. In the future, as you journey to repair the Incineration Order of Humanity, Natsukawa will likely need much support from you. Please take good care of him then.”

Take care of Naoki?

Thinking of his personality and situation, Roman couldn’t suppress a wry smile.

【It should be me being taken care of by him. Besides, what can I do now but manage logistics from here?】

Roman was no longer the King of Magecraft—even his final trump card, his ring, had been confiscated. The ring still resided inside Rei’s body, and Naoki would never return it until the Incineration Order of Humanity ended.

Thus, Roman truly could only do what he described. Of course, he held no complaints—on the contrary, he was grateful to Naoki. Without him, Roman’s burdens might have doubled.

【Then, Miss Ryougi, let us end our communication here. I’ll disconnect now. Please return the bracelet to Fujimaru later.】

“Yes, I understand.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Roman’s silhouette vanished before Shiki.

Staring at the now-dormant bracelet, Shiki fell silent for a moment, then picked it up and rose from her seat, stepping out of the dojo.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The guest room in the Ryougi residence was enormous.

This was the first realization Ritsuka and Mash had when Angelica showed them their quarters.

Ritsuka thought her private room at Chaldea was spacious enough—but the room in the Ryougi house was far larger. After all, Chaldea’s rooms were more like dormitory-style accommodations, while the Ryougi guest room was built to the highest standards for hosting dignitaries.

They were not even on the same level.

Though officially designated as guest accommodations, very few visitors had ever stayed overnight at the Ryougi residence over the years. Since Shiki assumed leadership of the family, her approach to handling affairs had become famously swift and efficient. Moreover, every member of the Ryougi family obeyed her without question, making their operational efficiency extraordinary.

Thus, there was never a scenario where business negotiations failed and needed to be resumed the next day.

For years, only two people had ever spent the night under the Ryougi roof: Atalanta and Naoki.

And now, Ritsuka and Mash became the third and fourth.

Still, both intended to stay only one night. Originally, Ritsuka had returned simply to visit her parents; her presence here at the Ryougi residence was entirely unexpected.

“Later, when I tell Papa and Mama about this, they’ll be absolutely shocked, hehe~~~”

Leaning against the window, gazing at the Ryougi family garden, Ritsuka smiled softly to herself.

Beside her, Mash asked curiously: “Your parents… What are they like?”

“Eh? Why do you ask?”

“Well… since I might meet them soon, I wanted to know ahead of time so I can prepare myself.”

“I see.” Ritsuka paused thoughtfully. “What are they like… Actually, my parents are completely ordinary. Just a normal couple you’d find anywhere—just like me. When you meet them, Mash, just act naturally. I’m sure they’ll welcome you warmly.”

Whether it was an illusion or not, Ritsuka looked radiant in Mash’s eyes. Her smile was brighter, livelier than usual.

Was it because she was returning home?

“Senpai looks so happy.”

“Eh-hehe… Caught me, huh? Even though I’ve only been gone about two weeks, it feels like forever. Probably because I’ve experienced so much lately.”

For Ritsuka—who once lived such an ordinary life—these recent experiences felt like a dream.

The Incineration Order of Humanity, King Solomon, Goetia, Singularities… She’d never imagined she’d live through any of this. Even now, a quiet pressure lingered in her heart.

Fortunately, for now, she could forget that weight.

“Then, Mash, let’s go out!”

“Eh? Go out?”

“Yes, out!” Ritsuka grinned. “Shopping! I’m taking you to every place I used to visit!”

-

Title: Returning to School and Meeting a Teacher Feels Awkward Enough

After informing Angelica, Ritsuka and Mash left the Ryougi residence.

Normally, given the geographical location of the Ryougi house, the best way to reach Mifune City would be by taxi. But unfortunately, Ritsuka had not brought a single yen with her—and taxis in Japan were notoriously expensive. So, in the end, Ritsuka could only rely on human power: she asked Mash to carry her all the way into Mifune City.

And now, on the streets of Mifune City.

Standing at a busy intersection, watching the throngs of people rushing past and towering skyscrapers lining the horizon, Mash immediately displayed an expression of stunned wonder.

“So… this is modern society?”

“Yes. Mash, didn’t you know?”

Mash nodded. “This is my first time stepping outside the world. Although my physical condition is no longer an issue, living inside Chaldea offered neither opportunity nor necessity to leave. So I’ve always understood modern society only through the internet and books.”

The sea of packed pedestrians, forest-like skyscrapers, vehicles speeding along roads, nonstop honking and music echoing from every corner—compared to Fuyuki and France, places Mash had visited before, the reality of Mifune City was something entirely new, never witnessed firsthand.

Was this what normal life outside Chaldea looked like?

It felt like a girl from the countryside seeing a city for the first time—Ritsuka suddenly thought. But considering Chaldea’s geographic isolation, it wasn’t so much rural as it was a remote, utterly cut-off enclave.

Antarctica could arguably be called the most isolated place on Earth.

And for all this time, Mash had lived a cloistered existence within Chaldea. Before arriving, the Department Head himself had said this was Mash’s very first time stepping into the outside world.

(No wonder the Department Head asked me to bring Mash here…)

Realizing what Naoki must have intended, Ritsuka grinned. “Then let’s take a little walk around here first, Mash? I know this area inside out. If there’s anywhere you want to visit, I can take you there!”

“No, I wouldn’t want to trouble Senpai. You probably have places you want to see yourself, right? I’ll just follow you.”

Mash shook her head immediately.

But Ritsuka seized her hand without hesitation. “It’s fine! Besides, we’re headed the same way. It won’t hurt to go a little slower. And honestly, it’s been ages since I came back—I want to look around too! Come on, Mash, think of it as you’re keeping me company! First stop: over there!”

Pointing across the street to a narrow alleyway, Ritsuka tugged Mash’s hand and broke into a run.

“W-wait, Senpai! There are too many people here—we can’t run on the sidewalk…”

“It’s okay! Just follow me!”

Watching Ritsuka pull her forward, Mash froze for a moment in bewilderment—then blushed slightly, smiled softly, and quickened her pace to catch up.

“Then… I’ll rely on Senpai.”

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Modern society evolves rapidly. Every day brings new changes.

A shop that opened just days ago might close two days later. TV programs change daily… As Ritsuka began shopping with Mash, she wondered if in the two weeks she’d been gone, Mifune City had changed enough to feel unfamiliar.

Thankfully, it hadn’t.

There were minor changes—yes. The bubble tea shop she frequented now had new flavors. A few shortcuts she used were blocked off. The store under renovation when she left had reopened.

But none of these made her feel alienated. Instead, they sparked curiosity.

Despite everything she’d experienced, Ritsuka was still fundamentally a seventeen-year-old ordinary high school girl. Her reactions were perfectly natural.

For Mash, however, everything was fresh. Every location they visited was a place she’d only read about in books or seen on screens.

Text and images were undeniably powerful tools for understanding—and each had its own strengths.

But no matter how vividly described or realistically depicted, they remained mere imitations of reality. Some things could only be truly felt by experiencing them directly.

Beyond physical objects, the behaviors of people gathered in public spaces were another novel experience for Mash.

Girls in uniforms huddled at the mall discussing trends. Office workers in suits talking on phones. Shopkeepers enthusiastically greeting customers…

If Mash had been a blank sheet of paper until now, everything she saw was ink spilled upon it. She didn’t yet know what picture these colors would form—but she didn’t reject them. On the contrary, she welcomed them with quiet delight.

Unconsciously, as Mash drifted out of her thoughts, she realized Ritsuka had led her up a quiet, seldom-used hillside path. At its end, faintly visible, stood a building.

“This…?”

Stopping before the entrance, Mash read the sign hanging beside the gate: “Mifune City High School…” “So this is where Senpai wanted to go?”

Ritsuka nodded. “Yes, I went to school here. If I hadn’t gone to Chaldea, I’d still be studying here now. Aside from home, this is the place I most wanted to revisit. Luckily, it’s the weekend—no one’s around. If this happened during class hours, I wouldn’t even know how to explain myself.”

“Senpai… why did you want to come here?” Mash asked, puzzled.

“Just to take a look. No real reason. Every graduate wants to return to their alma mater, don’t they?” Ritsuka laughed. “Even though I haven’t graduated yet—because I went to Chaldea, I’m technically on indefinite leave.”

“I’m deeply sorry, Senpai. Education is so important to you. But your studies were abruptly interrupted because of Chaldea…”

Hearing this, Ritsuka quickly waved her hands. “I don’t blame you, Mash. Going to Chaldea was my own choice. Even if I was persuaded at the time, I really did want to go.”

“Besides, I can always resume my education after everything’s settled. Right now, the priority is resolving the Incineration Order of Humanity—but this isn’t the time to talk about that, is it?”

Mid-sentence, Ritsuka suddenly laughed.

“Come on, Mash, let’s go inside.”

-

Title: The Return of Mrs. Natsukawa

Shiki is a woman.

Compared to the city of Mifune, which has undergone several changes, the transformations at the school have been insignificant.

After all, she had only left here about two weeks ago. For a school, it takes at least two years to undergo noticeable change.

After entering the school, Ritsuka did not head straight for the main building but instead brought Mash to a structure beside the school gate.

“Senpai, what is this place?”

“It’s the kyudo club room.” Ritsuka replied. “I used to be a member of the kyudo club myself, and I even practiced kyudo a little… Well, after my first year of high school, I just became a registered member.”

“Kyudo… Is that archery?”

Ritsuka nodded. “Yes, but beyond pure archery as an art, kyudo carries deep ritualistic meaning. It emphasizes not just drawing the bow and shooting arrows, but also rigorous training in ritual and etiquette—I wasn’t particularly accustomed to those aspects, which is why I became merely a registered member.”

As she spoke, Ritsuka had already placed her hand on the door of the kyudo club and opened it effortlessly.

Seeing the unlocked door, Ritsuka slightly furrowed her brow.

Club rooms are typically locked when inactive, to prevent theft. The key is usually held by the club president or supervising teacher.

But now, the door was open…

(Is someone inside?)

It was already afternoon, and furthermore, it was the weekend—there should be no one inside.

Walking into the kyudo club with Mash, they were greeted by an interior layout reminiscent of Ryougi’s home. Since kyudo emphasizes ethics and ritual, the activity space was decorated in traditional Japanese style.

Of course, its standard couldn’t compare to Ryougi’s residence. After all, this was merely a school club.

“There’s no one here.” Mash carefully scanned the room. “The lights aren’t even on. Did they forget to lock the door?”

“I don’t think so. After all, the kyudo club advisor is…” She paused, then added, “But honestly, this place inevitably changes over time.”

The kyudo club room wasn’t large. Its size was smaller than a private dorm room at Chaldea. The side facing the entrance was entirely open, with a flat ground area before it. At the far end stood several targets.

Ritsuka walked over to where the bows and arrows were stored, picked up a set, and under Mash’s watchful gaze, nocked an arrow onto the bowstring and drew it taut—

*ZING—*

With a faint, resonant whistle, the arrow shot forward and embedded itself squarely in the distant target.

*👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻*

Mash clapped enthusiastically. “From where I’m standing, it looks like it hit dead center. Senpai, you’re amazing!”

Though she didn’t understand kyudo, from the perspective of archery as an art, Mash felt Ritsuka was extraordinarily skilled.

Ritsuka set down the bow and smiled. “Not bad. I haven’t held a bow in a long time. Honestly, I wasn’t sure… Thankfully, I haven’t forgotten everything completely. But by Sensei’s standards—”

“I’d give you a barely passing grade.”

Before Ritsuka could finish speaking, a voice came from behind them. Hearing it, she froze instantly, as if turned to stone.

Meanwhile, Mash turned around and looked toward the speaker. Her eyes widened immediately: “You’re…”

“—Archer from the first Singularities?”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A few moments later.

The kyudo club’s rest area.

After placing two cups of tea before Ritsuka and Mash, Atalanta sat down opposite them. She sipped her own tea first, then asked: “So… what brings you two here? Fujimaru, weren’t you on leave? Why did you suddenly return? And earlier—you called me ‘Sensei’… Have you been involved with Magecraft at Chaldea?”

“Well… you could say that.” Ritsuka nodded. “But I only found out you were a Servant two days ago.”

“I’m no longer a Servant—more precisely, I once was. It’s been over ten years since I obtained a physical body from the Holy Grail. Compared to a Servant, I’m more human now.”

“That’s true. After all, over the years, Sensei never once used Servant powers… Ah, right, I haven’t introduced you yet.” Ritsuka pulled Mash closer. “This is Mash, Senpai… ugh, my junior at Chaldea! We’re both members of the Operations Department.”

“By the way, our department head is Head of Department Natsukawa Naoki.”

Hearing the name of her beloved, Atalanta raised an eyebrow slightly. “You work under Naoki?”

“Yes. Nice to meet you, Atalanta-san. I’m Mash Kyrielight.”

“Oh, no need to call me by my real name. I’ve essentially married into the Natsukawa family. According to Japanese custom, you can call me ‘Mrs. Natsukawa’ or simply ‘Natsukawa.’” Atalanta chuckled. “I’ve been called that for over ten years—I’m thoroughly accustomed to it.”

Among all the women in the Natsukawa family, only she earned the envy of the others. She could proudly declare herself “Mrs. Natsukawa.” Though this stemmed from a false identity, the fact that she could publicly claim ownership in such a manner was undeniable proof that Manaka and Rei were already dead from jealousy.

Of course, it was their own fault—they’d become addicted to various role-playing games. But frankly, in terms of results, they were currently the most prosperous. If one truly had to choose a traitor, it would undoubtedly be them.

Since Naoki went to Chaldea, the two had nearly monopolized his entire time. They were the last people who had any right to complain.

“By the way, what’s going on with you two this time? I heard from Shiki that the situation outside is quite complicated…” Atalanta paused. “Shiki—I mean Ryougi Shiki. You haven’t met her yet, have you?”

“No, I’ve already met her… Regarding the situation outside, Sensei doesn’t know?” Ritsuka asked, puzzled. “About the Incineration of Humanity… Didn’t the Head of Department tell you?”

Incineration of Humanity.

Of course, Atalanta knew about it.

“Oh, that… Now that you mention it, it’s about time. Ten years already? Time really flies. All these years, I’ve focused solely on being a teacher. As for Naoki’s affairs, he never told me much.”

Atalanta sighed.

“Tell me—what’s the current state of the Incineration of Humanity?”

-

Title: Atalanta Joins the Protagonist’s Team

Regarding the situation of the Incineration of Humanity, to be honest, Ritsuka didn’t know much. She could only recount what she herself had learned.

After listening to Ritsuka’s explanation, Atalanta fell silent for a moment.

“So it’s come to this… the situation is truly this serious?”

Human history has been entirely consumed by fire. Aside from the city of Mifune, not a single place on the entire planet remains intact. And behind all of this stands a figure using the false name King Solomon—his true identity being Goetia, the Demon King.

Seven Singularities. Seventy-Two Divine Demonic Pillars. The Holy Grail…

Sighing as if overwhelmed, Atalanta murmured, “I knew that whatever path he followed would never be easy… but I never imagined it would escalate to this extent.”

“Him? You mean the Head of Department?”

Atalanta nodded. “He’s always been like this. In the blink of an eye, he gets dragged into one crisis after another—Dead Apostles, True Ancestors, the Holy Grail War, the Root Girl… Every year, he makes everyone worry, even though he himself doesn’t need to be worried about anything.”

“Your brother’s past experiences are truly rich.”

“After all, he is the Sword Star Bearer.” Atalanta sighed. “From your description, you’ve already seen his Excalibur, haven’t you?”

Excalibur?

Ritsuka immediately recalled the radiant sword Naoki wielded in Fuyuki City: “Yes, it felt incredibly powerful. By the way, what exactly is a ‘Sword Star Bearer’?”

She’d heard the term several times before, but had never understood its specific meaning. Was it a title? It didn’t feel that simple.

“The person who wields Excalibur.” Atalanta explained. “The sword in Naoki’s hands is Excalibur—a weapon forged by the planet and the Fairies, the most potent Excalibur capable of annihilating all evil. Those who hold Excalibur are called Sword Star Bearers, and they bear the mission to save the world.”

A mission to save the world?

The Head of Department?

“In fact, Naoki has saved the world multiple times. I personally know of at least two instances—and there are surely many more I don’t know about. He’s never been the type to boast about such things.”

“So… the Head of Department is that incredible?”

Ritsuka’s assessment made Atalanta laugh. “Incredible? Hmm. To you, perhaps. But for him, he simply does what he can—or perhaps, in those situations, only he could do it.”

“Do you love the Head of Department because of that?”

At the sudden question from Ritsuka, Atalanta’s ears twitched slightly, and her cheeks flushed faintly. “W-well… partly because of that, and there are other reasons too—but someone as young as you doesn’t need to know about such things.”

“I’m already seventeen!”

“That’s still childhood. Until you grow up, you’re still just a child.”

With a playful exasperation, Atalanta tapped Ritsuka on the head. “By the way, since you’ve gotten the chance to return, aren’t you planning to go home and see your parents?”

“Yes, I plan to visit them later. I just wanted to come back to school first… Then, Sensei, Mash and I will be going.”

“Go ahead.”

As if eager to shoo them away, Atalanta waved her hand dismissively, urging Ritsuka and Mash to hurry off to their home. Once she watched them depart, she sat down and pondered quietly. Atalanta let out a long sigh.

“Ah, what can I do? It seems my teaching duties must be put on hold for now.”

“I have to go and take care of that fool who always insists on shouldering everything alone. Besides…”

Since her student was now involved, as a teacher, Atalanta couldn’t merely stand by and watch her student embark on such a dangerous adventure.

Should she formally teach Ritsuka archery for combat?

(Forget it. That’s not something to consider right now. After all, as a human, even if she learned archery, it wouldn’t help much. In the battles ahead, she’ll need to rely far more on Servant power.)

Only a handful of people can fight against Servants with mere human bodies. Atalanta didn’t believe teaching Ritsuka archery would make any real difference. Rather than wasting energy on that, she should focus on strengthening Ritsuka’s abilities as a Master.

(We’ll talk about it later. For now… I need to return and pack my belongings, then prepare to resign.)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Meanwhile, as Atalanta and Ritsuka parted ways.

The Ryougi Residence.

A few minutes after Naoki’s communication ended.

Accompanied by the sudden appearance of a luminous doorway materializing from thin air before the Ryougi residence, Naoki stepped out immediately, swiftly regulating his breathing.

“Running all the way from Chaldea here really drained me… Seriously… Long-distance travel is definitely better done by plane.”

Technically, Naoki could have used Imaginary Manifestation to create a spatial portal and teleport instantly. But if he used it within the Reverse Side of the World, he risked being sent to some bizarre, unpredictable location. So in the end, he had no choice but to run.

He was, admittedly, a little exhausted.

At that moment, as if sensing his arrival, Angelica appeared swiftly along the stone path extending from behind the Ryougi gate, and hurried forward to meet him.

“Welcome back, Natsukawa-sama.”

“Yes, I’m back, Angelica. It’s been nearly a month. Sorry for troubling you earlier.”

“If you’re referring to Fujimaru-sama and Mash-sama, that hardly counts as trouble.” Angelica replied flatly. “Besides, Natsukawa-sama, you needn’t apologize. All your actions were correct and reasonable. Any problems that arose were due to my own improper arrangements. Please assign me punishment.”

“Ugh… Let’s discuss that later. First, take me to Shiki.”

Angelica nodded. “Understood. Please follow me, Natsukawa-sama. Ryougi-sama should be here.”

“No need—I’m already here.”

No sooner had Angelica turned than a soft voice cut through her movement. Looking toward the nearby figure emerging gracefully, Angelica immediately bowed in respect. Meanwhile, Naoki regarded the woman with a gaze and tone tinged with nostalgia. “It’s been a long time, Shiki.”

“Yes, it has indeed been a long time, Natsukawa.”

Shiki smiled in reply.