To Become a King and a Magician 581-585

Title: Roman: Are You Being Polite?

In front of the gates of Vaucouleurs fortress.

Sitting on a roadside stone, Ritsuka hugged their knees, panting heavily.

Although their goal was to reach the nearest town, Vaucouleurs wasn’t close to their landing site. Mash and Hinako were fine—both had superhuman physical conditioning. Walking several kilometers was no problem at all.

But Ritsuka was different. A few kilometers of walking had already left their legs aching.

【You really need training, Fujimaru. When you return, I’ll add physical conditioning to your daily schedule.】

Naoki’s voice, completely unaffected, came through their wristband.

Ritsuka raised a hand in resignation. “I was just trained by Sensei Merry for a week. Besides, the ground here is all rocky…”

【Then, when you return, I’ll create a mountain range in the training room for you. So you can get used to marching in various terrains.】

“...”

Exhausted both mentally and physically, Ritsuka no longer had the energy to protest against their Chief. Besides, even if they did, they knew their Chief would just go ahead and schedule everything anyway.

They could only grit their teeth and accept it. Who else but the last human Master of Chaldea?

“By the way, Chief, aren’t you coming?” Ritsuka changed the subject. “Didn’t you say you’d follow soon? Why are you still drinking tea in the control room?”

【Hah? I said I’d arrive at full speed when you’re in a major crisis. Right now, you’re not in any crisis at all, so why should I go? I’d rather drink tea in the control room—by the way, I’m actually drinking cola. Tea is boring.】

They had to walk over an hour, while their Chief was sipping cola in an air-conditioned Chaldea.

Ritsuka began regretting asking their Chief. Wasn’t this just asking for trouble?

【Of course, besides that reason, I’m not going there for your sake too.】

“Huh?”

【Putting aside Senior Hinako, you and Mash are true newcomers in every sense. You need to be trained to improve your abilities. The first Singularity has the smallest fluctuation, and the combat intensity will definitely be the lowest. It’s the perfect place to train you.】

【In a situation like this, if I joined you from the beginning, it’d be like me—a max-level player—going to a beginner’s village to bully wild animals. It wouldn’t train you at all.】

(So that’s why the Chief is now casually drinking cola in the control room.)

Ritsuka understood, but hearing the sound of a straw sipping on the other end, they still felt a little envious. They wanted to drink cola and relax too after walking so far!

Meanwhile, Hinako, hearing Naoki’s words, wore a look of disdain—unlike Mash, who nodded in agreement. “In short, he’s just lazy. Lazy and unwilling to work, yet talks so high and mighty.”

【This is called training new players, Senior Hinako. Besides, you’re already there. If I went too, it’d be overkill, right?】

“Tch.”

Perhaps because Naoki said something that sounded reasonable, Hinako scoffed and said nothing more.

At that moment—

“Sorry, travelers from Chaldea. You’ve been kept waiting.”

A soldier with a spear ran out from the town toward the three of them. He was the same soldier who had gone earlier to report Ritsuka and the others’ situation to Aoko.

“We’ve received permission to enter from Her Grace the Guardian. Sorry to keep you waiting so long here. Please follow me. Her Grace the Guardian wishes to meet you in person.”

“Her Grace the Guardian?”

Hearing the title the soldier used, Ritsuka and the others looked confused. When they met earlier, the soldier had only said he’d report—no mention of anyone called the Guardian.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In Chaldea, Naoki reflexively thought of the bronze giant dropping tree roots, but the Guardian mentioned by the soldier was clearly not that giant. Besides, “Her Grace the Guardian” sounded like someone with common sense.

(And… there shouldn’t be someone like that in the first Singularity, right? Could an anomaly have occurred without my knowledge?)

If so, the situation in the first Singularity might not be exactly as Naoki knew it. Unexpected events might occur. Considering Solomon himself had appeared in Fuyuki, anything happening in the first Singularity was entirely possible.

(I hope it’s not a situation Senior Hinako can’t handle.)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Vaucouleurs was called a fortress, but its interior wasn’t large. Added to that, due to the Wyvern attack a few days ago, the town’s condition was poor. Damaged buildings and people in tattered clothes were everywhere. The overall atmosphere was bleak and lifeless.

This was a common sight during war. Originally, France and England had been fiercely fighting. After great difficulty, a ceasefire agreement was signed, and the townspeople thought they could live in peace for a while. But within two or three days, the Witch Jeanne returned with a swarm of Wyverns for revenge.

The fragile peace they had just glimpsed was shattered in an instant—and destroyed by their own hero, Jeanne. It was only natural the townspeople still looked dazed. So even though Ritsuka and their companions wore strange clothing, the townspeople had little interest in them.

Guided by the soldier, Ritsuka and the others passed through the main street of the fortress until they reached a house near the center.

Compared to the other houses, this one looked the most intact.

“Here they are, the three travelers. Her Grace the Guardian is inside.”

Stopping at the door, the soldier turned and said this.

“I’ll escort you this far. I must return to the gate for duty. My apologies.”

“Yes, thank you for escorting us.” Mash bowed deeply and politely to the soldier. Only after watching him leave did she turn to look at the house where Her Grace the Guardian resided.

“What kind of person is Her Grace the Guardian?”

“Judging from the soldier’s description, the reason this place hasn’t been destroyed by Wyverns is thanks to this Guardian… So she can’t be a bad person, right?” Ritsuka said. “Anyway, let’s go in. Seems she wants to meet us too.”

Hinako and Mash nodded. Just as the three of them pushed open the door and entered—

“You made me wait so long! Why are you so slow! Naoki!”

【Pffft——————!】

Hearing that very familiar voice, Naoki in the control room instantly sprayed cola all over Roman.

【Aoko?!】

-

Title: Chief, How Many Wives Do You Have?

Long red hair, an impressive figure, and an expression always brimming with confidence.

That was the woman now standing before Ritsuka and their companions.

Under normal circumstances, Ritsuka should have been shocked that the guardian was such a stunning woman. But before that—

“Huh? Naoki?”

Hearing the name Aoko had just called out, all three of them froze in surprise.

And seeing the three girls entering her house, Aoko—who had been expecting someone else—paused in confusion. “Huh? Where’s Naoki? Aren’t the people from Chaldea supposed to be coming? Where did he go?”

“Brother is still at Chaldea. He didn’t come to the Singularity with us…” Mash answered reflexively. “Um… sorry, are you… someone Brother knows?”

“Huh? He didn’t tell you?”

Aoko pointed at herself. “My name is Aozaki Aoko, a Magician. My relationship with Naoki isn’t just ‘someone he knows.’ Actually, I’m his fiancée—though we’ve never officially gotten engaged, married, or even exchanged wedding rings.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

Hearing Aoko’s self-introduction, the three of them stood frozen in shock.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside Chaldea, hearing the conversation transmitted back through the communication device, everyone in the control room simultaneously turned to look at Naoki—who was using Healing Magecraft to clean cola off Roman’s uniform.

Roman nudged Naoki and gave him a meaningful look.

(Why did your woman appear in the first Singularity? Did she come looking for you? Did you two fight?)

(How should I know! She didn’t send me any message at all! Besides, our household life is perfectly harmonious. Even though we haven’t seen each other in over half a year, we’ve never fought! At most, we argue in bed and make up in bed!)

After exchanging an extremely long message through intense eye contact, Naoki tossed the water ball in his hand into the nearby trash can and calmly sat back down in the main command chair. Just as he was about to speak—

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Chief.”

As if speaking into the communicator, Ritsuka’s voice came through again.

“Actually… how many fiancées do you have?”

Merry, Rei—just from what Ritsuka knew, that was already two. Plus Director Olga Marie, who seemed to have ulterior motives toward the Chief, and the various women the Chief knew at Chaldea—whose number was oddly high, like Miss Crane, Da Vinci-chan, Miss Touko…

And now Aoko suddenly appears, claiming to be the Chief’s fiancée.

“Or, Chief… how many women do you actually know?”

【Eh… Well… I don’t think it’s that many… Anyway, why are you there, Aoko?! I didn’t get any information! Did you leave Avalon without telling anyone again?!】

Hearing Naoki’s voice, Aoko immediately looked at Ritsuka’s wrist. “The voice is coming from here. Is this your Chaldea communication Mystic Code? Can I borrow it for a moment? I want to talk to my man.”

“Ah, sure, here you go.”

“Thanks.”

Taking the communicator from Ritsuka’s hand, Aoko smiled into the device. “Long time no see, Naoki. Our last meeting was during the New Year shrine visit.”

【Yes—no! Let’s talk about important things first! Aoko, when did you go to that Singularity?!】

“It’s not your fault either. You haven’t called or messaged me in half a year. After going through all the trouble to make me come, you left me in Avalon and went off to Chaldea in Antarctica by yourself. Of course, if I want to see you, I have to come out myself. Besides, staying in Avalon for too long is boring, so I came out to breathe some fresh air.”

“I came to this Singularity because Merlin said this would be the first place you’re most likely to visit. I rushed here, but I came too early. So I found a place to wait for you.”

【And you accidentally became the guardian of this place by driving off Wyverns?】

“It was hard to refuse. Besides, saving people is a good deed. Of course I accepted—But explain why you’re not here? Didn’t you say this was a huge crisis that would destroy the world? Why are you, the bearer of the Star of the Holy Sword, the world’s ultimate savior, still stuck in Chaldea?”

Aoko said, glancing at Ritsuka. “Or… is it not time for you to appear yet?”

【More or less. At least give Fujimaru, the complete beginner, a chance to train—Anyway, this kind of conversation is a bit awkward. Mash, cast the spell. Better to talk face-to-face.】

“Understood.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A moment later, in the center of the room.

Seeing Naoki’s 3D projection floating above the shield, Aoko hesitated briefly, then sighed deeply. “Haaah… I thought this time I’d finally get to see you in person. Turns out it’s just a projection.”

【If you’d told me you were coming earlier, I definitely would’ve joined you. Just be patient.】

Naoki smiled, then turned to Ritsuka and the others.

【Fujimaru, Mash, Senior Hinajo, let me introduce her—this is Aozaki Aoko, my lover and fiancée, a Magician.】

“A Magician? Not a Magus?”

Ritsuka didn’t understand the difference.

Roman, standing beside them, immediately explained.

【Magic and Magecraft are different, Fujimaru. In this era, phenomena produced by ‘miraculous’ means—if they can eventually be replicated by technology—are called Magecraft. For example, Fire Magecraft. A Magus can ignite fire from their fingertips, but an ordinary person can do the same with a lighter.】

【When a phenomenon can be achieved given enough time and money, no matter how difficult, it’s not considered Magic.】

【On the other hand, Magic is a miracle that can be achieved—yet no amount of time or money will ever allow human technology to replicate it. Examples include parallel world travel, time travel, and soul matter.】

【Currently, there are only four Magicians whose existence is confirmed worldwide.】

【Aozaki Aoko, the Blue. She is one of those four—legendary figures known to every occultist in the world.】

“She’s that incredible?!”

Ritsuka’s eyes widened in shock. Meanwhile, Aoko smiled casually. “Not that big a deal. Magic isn’t very practical. I haven’t used it in years. And despite my reputation, most of it is just bad press.”

“Bad press?”

【Human rocket launcher—and similar things. She’s a destruction expert capable of causing massive collateral damage with ease. Her Mana output rivals mine. She can casually level an entire street.】

“That’s still far from you, the guy who casually pulls down the moon. Isn’t Imaginary Numbers way more broken than Magic?”

【We’re basically the same.】

Listening to the conversation between Naoki and Aoko, the people around them began to understand why the two could be a couple.

As the saying goes—birds of a feather flock together.

-

Title: Prime Suspect: Aozaki Touko

The conversation between Naoki and Aoko didn’t last long. They weren’t a love-struck couple. They’d been together for over a decade, and separations of a year or two were nothing new. Half a year apart was already within their comfort zone.

If they truly wanted to reunite, Naoki could visit her in the Singularity later. No need to rush.

“But still, even though I know your connections are extensive, Natsukawa, I never expected a Magician would actually come to help.”

In Roman’s mind, since the Incineration of Humanity had occurred, the outside world beyond Chaldea should now be completely inaccessible. Even a Magician would likely be unable to survive under the Incineration’s influence.

“I heard you came to the Singularity from Avalon? Were you previously in the Reverse Side of the World?”

【I only arrived there recently. Before that, I was traveling around the world,】 Aoko explained. 【The reason I went to Avalon was because of a message from Naoki. He told everyone connected to him to go to Avalon to avoid the effects of the Incineration of Humanity.】

Hearing this, Roman immediately turned to Naoki. “Natsukawa, did you plan this from the beginning?”

“How could I?! You saw it yourself—I was just as shocked when Aoko appeared in the Singularity. At first, I just thought to evacuate everyone to Avalon. I have to protect my wives properly, don’t I? Who would’ve guessed Aoko would get bored and run away from Avalon?”

【I already said it—because you never came to see me. Not only did you not come, you even called Touko to you. By the way, you didn’t do anything bad to Touko, right?】

Hearing his wife’s suspicious and distrustful accusation, Naoki frowned in confusion. “What are you talking about, Aoko? Touko is my teacher, and also our elder sister. How could I ever do anything wrong to my teacher and elder sister?”

【Fujimaru, is what he says true?】

【Um, I think so. At least, I’ve never seen the Chief do anything bad to Touko-san in Chaldea.】

“So why do you all think I’d do something bad to Touko?!”

(Don’t you realize? Besides, after all these years, do you still not understand what they’re implying?)

Roman, standing beside him, stared at Naoki with deep suspicion.

Among the three people in the Singularity, except for the naive Mash, the other three also looked at Naoki with slightly ambiguous expressions (from Naoki’s point of view).

Yet, despite the suspicion, Aoko knew her little man’s character. With that dense brain of his, him taking initiative would be like the sun rising from the west. Thinking about it, he only ever took initiative when it came to Merry. In all other cases, Naoki was always passive.

Whether it was her, or even Rei and Manaka—if they didn’t take the first step, this ironwood tree would never bloom.

So rather than suspecting Naoki of doing something bad to Touko, it was more accurate to say Aoko actually suspected Touko of doing something bad to Naoki. Though the relationship between the two sisters had improved in recent years, there were still some unresolved tensions.

After staring at Naoki for several seconds, Aoko finally shifted her gaze and gave a cool smile. She relaxed and said, “Well, let’s drop this topic for now. I’ll have a proper talk with Naoki later. For now, let’s discuss the Singularity and the Incineration of Humanity. You came here because of that, right?”

Ritsuka nodded. “Yes. Aozaki-san, may I—”

“Just call me Aoko. Though I might be around your mother’s age, thanks to someone, I’m still very young in every way. Just call me Aoko.” Aoko smiled. “You want to ask about what I know, right?”

“Yes. Aoko-san… you seem to have been here for some time. You must know more than we do. Could you tell us?”

“Of course, no problem.”

After walking to the table, pouring herself a glass of water, and taking a sip, Aoko recounted her experiences: “I arrived in this Singularity about a week ago. At the time, it wasn’t like it is now, with Wyverns everywhere—that happened a day later.”

“The Witch Jeanne, resurrected, raised the dragon’s banner, led a swarm of Wyverns, and declared destruction across all of France from Orleans.”

“We already know that. We happened to meet a group of soldiers on the way.” Hinako interrupted. “Are there any more specific details?”

Aoko paused briefly. “If I had to say, the enemy situation is actually quite simple. Broadly speaking, it can be divided into three parts. First, the leaders—Witch Jeanne and a man in mage’s robes. Second, the Servants under Witch Jeanne’s command. And third, the swarm of Wyverns.”

【The man in mage’s robes… That might be Gilles de Rais.】

“Gilles de Rais? Who’s he?”

【A 15th-century French nobleman, a Marshal who fought alongside Jeanne. Originally a good man, but after Jeanne was executed by burning, he completely changed. He began summoning demons and kidnapped children in his territory for experiments, eventually executed himself. The ‘Bluebeard’ from Charles Perrault’s fairy tale is a character based on him.】

Roman explained to Ritsuka.

【Compared to Gilles de Rais, I’m more interested in the Servants mentioned by Miss Aozaki… Specifically, how many are there?】

“I saw two.” Aoko said. “That was three days ago. Perhaps because they knew this fortress wouldn’t fall easily, Witch Jeanne attacked with Gilles de Rais, two other Servants, and a large number of Wyverns. Their auras were strong, but in the end, I managed to drive them away.”

【Drive them away? That was two Servants and a massive swarm of Wyverns, plus Witch Jeanne… You drove them all away alone?】

Though Aoko was a Magician, she was from the modern era. Besides Magic, the mysteries she practiced were also limited to the modern age. Facing Servants whose mystery levels far surpassed the modern era, she actually defeated two Servants and won?

“What’s so surprising? To keep up with that Holy Sword user, I’ve never stopped training for years. If I couldn’t even handle one or two Servants, I might as well go home and babysit his kids—well, actually, I just made an extremely large magic cannon and scared them off with it.”

Aoko laughed. “It was something I made by imitating Naoki’s Moon Fall. Only the shape and aura resemble it—the actual power is nowhere close. It was just a mana balloon. Though I’m not completely incapable of defeating them, if I did, I’d have to use Magic, and the impact might not spare this fortress.”

【Scared them off… impressive that you pulled it off.】

Naoki gave a wry laugh.

【Then, can you describe the appearance of those two Servants? Based on their looks, I might be able to guess who they are.】

“Of course. One was a knightly Servant wearing black armor and wielding a staff. He kept shouting ‘Arrrr’ during battle. And the other… Hmm, if I recall correctly, it should’ve been Atalanta.”






-

Title: So, the Department Chief Is My Teacher’s Husband?!

Atalanta.

Hearing Aoko say the name, Naoki paused for a moment before replying.

【It’s just a coincidence. Servants are duplicates split from a Heroic Spirit in the Throne of Heroes. In theory, multiple instances of the same Heroic Spirit can exist simultaneously. The Atalanta you saw might be a case like that—a new Servant summoned from a Spirit that already has another manifestation.】

“I see. That explains why she didn’t seem to recognize me... By the way, I didn’t see Atalanta in Avalon. Didn’t you call her there? What about Shiki and Angelica too?”

【They’ll be fine. You know how Shiki is. Even if I ordered her, she wouldn’t come—she’s incredibly stubborn about this sort of thing. But I’m confident they’ll be okay.】

Though he said that, Naoki had actually already explained the situation to Shiki. And after hearing it, Shiki gave him an answer that put his mind at ease.

Knowing Shiki would take action on her own, Naoki chose to let her be. Otherwise, he’d have to drag her to Avalon—and possibly get chased and slashed across several city blocks by her in the process.

Hearing Naoki’s words, Aoko also felt slightly relieved. “Good, then. In that case, let’s continue... Huh? Why is your face so pale, Fujimaru?”

“Huh? W-what?”

Ritsuka, suddenly snapping back to reality, quickly waved his hand. “I’m fine! Just thinking about something. Please, go on—“

“If something’s on your mind, it’s better to speak up now.” Aoko interrupted. “I understand if there’s something you don’t want to say, but hiding small secrets now might cause bigger problems later... Was there something I said that made you curious?”

“Yes.” Ritsuka nodded. “But less of a secret, more like... I’m just shocked and having a hard time believing it. Um... I want to confirm this—Ryougi Shiki and Atalanta, the ones the Department Chief and Aoko-san just mentioned—do they live in Misaki City?”

【Yes. Why? Wait... Fujimaru, do you actually know Shiki and Atalanta?】

Ritsuka awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “I don’t really know Ryougi Shiki, but Atalanta... Atalanta-sensei has been my teacher since elementary school.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

Aoko and Naoki exchanged glances, both seeing the shock reflected in the other’s eyes. Atalanta was Ritsuka’s teacher? And had been teaching him since elementary school all the way to now?

Wasn’t this just too much of a coincidence?

【I’m surprised. I’ve never heard Atalanta mention you.】

“I’ve never heard from her that she’s married either... Well, actually, I can tell she is. Every month, there’s one week when sensei completely disappears. And when I visit her house, I sometimes find men’s clothes there...” Ritsuka looked directly at Naoki, his expression a mix of disbelief and dawning realization. “Department Chief... as impossible as it sounds, could it be that sensei’s husband... is you?”

Meeting Ritsuka’s complex gaze, Naoki immediately nodded.

【Yes, that’s me. Though I haven’t actually married anyone yet—engaged at most. So, Fujimaru, from now on, you don’t just have to call me Department Chief... you can also call me your teacher’s fiancé—your ‘teacher’s future father-in-law,’ if you will.】

“...”

Ritsuka felt like he was trapped in a dream. Why did every woman he met have such a deep connection with his Department Chief? Was there a single one who wasn’t somehow tied to Naoki? Was Naoki just that ridiculously entangled with women?

Even the most cliché light novels he’d ever read weren’t this absurd!

Meanwhile, upon hearing Ritsuka’s revelation, Aoko narrowed her eyes. “Hoo. Atalanta vanishes for a whole week every month? There’s no way I can just ignore that... Naoki, you also return to Japan for a week every month, don’t you?”

【Yes. Didn’t I tell you guys years ago? Oh, right—you were rarely home, so you probably didn’t know.】

“...”

For the first time, Aoko regretted her years of wandering. Though she trusted Naoki wasn’t the type to make the first move, he was incredibly weak against women who did take the initiative. And unfortunately, both Merry and Rei were definitely not the types to stop him!

“Naoki. Remember this. I will collect on this properly later.”

【Understood.】

Naoki, completely oblivious and unaware of why Aoko said that, nodded casually—he was used to Aoko suddenly demanding payback like this. Either way, in the end, he’d be the one benefiting.

It was like effortless profit. No—more accurately, a win-win solution.

Putting aside the bizarre connection between Naoki, Atalanta, and Ritsuka, Aoko returned to the previous topic. “Then, based on the description I gave, can you guess the true name of the other Servant besides Atalanta, Naoki?”

【It’s obvious. The clues are more than enough. Black armor, wielding a staff, shouting 【Arrrr】—it’s definitely Lancelot, no doubt about it.】

“Are you serious, big brother?”

At the mention of Lancelot, Mash, who had been silent until now, instantly grew serious. “Is the other Servant truly Sir Lancelot?”

【At least in my memory, he’s the only one who fits. I fought him during the Holy Grail War twenty years ago. The impression he left was unforgettable. What’s wrong, Mash? Excited already?】

Taking a deep breath, Mash placed a hand over her heart. “Perhaps. At the very least, the power granted to me by Sir Galahad is reacting similarly... I’m sorry, everyone. If we meet Sir Lancelot, could you please leave him to me?”

As one of the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot had ultimately destroyed his own homeland alongside a sorceress. Though the details remained unclear, Mash could feel the power within her continuously expressing dissatisfaction toward her “father’s” actions—the betrayal that tarnished the honor of knighthood.

Aoko shrugged. “If you want to fix the Singularities, you’ll inevitably have to fight against Sorceress Jeanne and others. A battle with Lancelot is unavoidable. Of course, it’d be better if you’re the one to handle it.”

“Oh, by the way—speaking of Sorceress Jeanne—there’s someone I think you should really meet.”

“Someone? Who?”

“Jeanne.”


-

Title: The Woman Has Arrived

“Jeanne?!”

When Aoko said that, Ritsuka and the others were instantly confused.

Wasn’t Jeanne already executed by fire and reborn as Sorceress Jeanne? Why was Aoko saying they could meet Jeanne?

Seeing their bewilderment, Aoko said, “Well, she’ll explain the details herself when you meet. Wait here a moment—I’ll go call her from upstairs.”

“No, no need. I’ve already come down.”

Before Aoko could finish speaking or move, a soft female voice echoed from the staircase. Then, Ritsuka and the others saw a girl with golden braided hair descending from the second floor.

Once she reached them, the girl—Jeanne—offered a gentle smile. “I overheard your conversation from upstairs. I’m sorry—I’ve been constantly pursued by my other self ever since I appeared, and only after being rescued by Miss Aozaki last night was I finally able to rest. That’s why I kept sleeping and couldn’t meet you sooner.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, guests from Chaldea. I am Jeanne, a Servant of the Ruler class. I have answered the world’s call to appear and face the crisis of this Singularity. I look forward to working with you.”

Her gaze swept quickly over Ritsuka, Mash, and Hinako, then settled on Naoki, who appeared as a 3D projection. Jeanne gave a small, knowing smile. “By the way, it’s been a long time, Mr. Natsukawa. I never expected to see you again. How is Miss Gray doing?”

【Huh?】

“Huh?”

Both parties froze for a moment at Jeanne’s sudden words.

Again?! Another one of Naoki’s old acquaintances?!

(Chief! The number of women you know is seriously beyond normal!)

“Naoki...”

【Aoko, I know exactly why you’re looking at me like that, but I’m just as surprised. I do know Jeanne—but from the Holy Grail War in a parallel world. I’ve never met this world’s Jeanne before.】

Naoki was slightly bewildered himself.

Jeanne’s class was Ruler—a class that retained memories of previous Holy Grail Wars each time they manifested. In a parallel world, Naoki wouldn’t have been surprised if Jeanne said, “Long time no see.”

But in this world, they’d never met. So why had she addressed him that way?

Seeing everyone’s confusion, Jeanne explained calmly: “Mr. Natsukawa, I am indeed the Jeanne of this world, and this truly is our first meeting. As you suspect, I shouldn’t know you. However, do you recall an incident several years ago involving parallel worlds, where the axis of the world you once visited briefly intersected with this one?”

【The Night of Wallachia in Misaki City?】

Jeanne nodded. “At that time, the Throne of Heroes from both worlds also made contact. And during that moment, I received the memories of the Holy Grail War from my counterpart in that parallel world.”

【That explains it...】

Now Naoki understood. If that was the case, then from Jeanne’s perspective, it had indeed been a long time since they last “met”—through the shared memories of her parallel self. Counting real-world time, the Holy Grail War in Trifas had occurred fourteen years ago. Though the Throne of Heroes existed beyond time and space, Heroic Spirits weren’t entirely devoid of a sense of temporal passage.

For both of them, it was truly “long time no see.”

Naoki gave a faint smile.

【Nice to meet you for the first time—and also, long time no see, Jeanne. Gray is doing well, though she’s currently helping Touko and Da Vinci clean the workshop, so she couldn’t make it. But after all these years, I’m sure the changes in Gray will surprise you greatly.】

“I can imagine. After all, back then, Miss Gray was only nine years old. Now, she must have grown so much. I’d love to see her again, if the chance arises.”

【There will be plenty of chances. We can talk about that later. For now, let’s focus on what matters—Jeanne, is there something you’d like to tell us?】

Jeanne nodded slightly. “Yes. But honestly, most of it doesn’t need explaining. Since your goal is to fix the Singularity, our purposes align. There’s no need to discuss cooperation—we’re already on the same side.”

“What I’d like to talk about is how to deal with my other self.”

How to confront Sorceress Jeanne—this was indeed a critical issue. She was the primary cause of the anomaly in this Singularity. While defeating her might resolve the crisis, her true strength remained unknown. All Ritsuka and the others knew so far was that she commanded vast hordes of Wyverns and several Servants.

【Jeanne, do you know the details about Sorceress Jeanne’s forces?】

“In a way, I was fortunate—I was summoned near their base. Although I was immediately chased, that also allowed me to observe their full combat strength.”

“Besides the Wyvern hordes you already know about, there are actually seven Servants on their side. Unfortunately, my privilege as a Ruler seems to be malfunctioning somehow, so I can’t identify their True Names. I apologize.”

【Don’t worry about that. I possess an ability similar to True Name Discernment. Aside from that, does Sorceress Jeanne have any other combat forces?】

“There is one more dragon.” Jeanne said. “Not a Wyvern-type dragon, but a high-tier Phantasmal Species. According to my other self, its name is Fafnir.”

“The evil dragon slain by the famous dragon-slaying hero, Siegfried.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same time, in the skies about thirty kilometers from Vaucouleurs.

A massive swarm of dark clouds—composed of countless Wyverns—raced swiftly toward Vaucouleurs. At the very front of this Wyvern horde soared a gigantic black dragon, far larger and far more savage in appearance than the Wyverns.

Standing atop the dragon’s head, holding a banner made of dragon hide, Jeanne Alter gazed far into the distance at Vaucouleurs.

“I can feel it... this sensation. Yes, she’s there. I’m there.”

“You’re truly fortunate, Jeanne.” Gilles de Rais approached Jeanne Alter with a laugh. “Vaucouleurs—it’s the fortress where that witch who drove us away resides. This way, not only can we eliminate that false version of you, but we can also finish off that meddling sorceress at the same time. Truly, one strike resolves two problems.”

Jeanne Alter smiled coldly. “Ah~ You’re right, Gilles. Whether it’s that irritating witch or my naive other self, neither of you will escape this time.”