Fate/Broken Melody Chapter 10: A King Falls

Little else happened on our way back to the Einzbern Castle. Though it wasn't hard to see that the spirits of my comrades had been risen. Illya was more interested in poking and prodding the unconscious body of Saber's master, while Medea was still fretting a bit over me.

But whenever she wasn't, she was showing obvious signs of being interested in Saber. Though why exactly I hadn't quite deduced.

Nonetheless, while they had been our enemies, they were still nice people. Thus for the past week I had been doing everything in my power in order to ensure that they both don't die.

Shirou, Saber's master, was the easier one to help. Illya was quite interested in playing with him, as well as engaging him in conversation. Sometimes things could get a bit…out of hand, but thankfully I had already prepared for such an outcome. Thus Shirou was safe.

…Well, safe from dying, at least. That much I could at least do. Not to say that I dabbled in the healing arts like Medea could. Far from it. At best I could apply some emergency temporary treatment, but that's about as far as that went.

Though I may not be able to heal, I could at least do this much.

Saber was a bit more of a problem.

As she was currently stashed away deep inside Medea's new workshop, the only way to get inside was with Medea's permission. Which she didn't really seem to be fond of giving, citing that it was much safer for everyone involved to not go inside. Which I could completely understand.

At the very least however I was able to get Medea to promise to not end Saber's life. Which was more than enough for me to be satisfied with. As Medea seems to have…mellowed out a bit since she had first summoned me.

That being said, it would also seem that she was falling back on old habits. As Medea was now sporadically forgoing lunch and dinner with me and Illya in order to hole up in her workshop. She was apparently working on something, but Medea was a bit cagey when it came to specifics.

While I was a bit put out by Medea's absence, Illya seemed to be constantly in a good mood. Seeming to not really mind if she was here or not. Strangely enough, it was Illya who seemed to be the more time conscientious of the two, despite also being the one who seems a bit more…fixated on her activities.

She still was more than happy to talk with me about her day. Which was mostly about her own activities with Shirou, or her conversations with him.

I was elated that Illya still found conversating with me fun, yet I also could not help but worry about Medea. While her privacy was something that should be respected, I couldn't help but prioritize her own wellbeing higher.

Which is how I found myself sneaking inside Medea's workshop during the evening.

Of course my own skills in stealth were abysmal. Barely enough to be able to fool a normal person, much less fool an actual servant. Not to mention that Medea had already applied a healthy amount of traps and bounded fields in order to keep people out. Thankfully I had already been allowed access by Medea to go into her workshop whenever I wanted. Thus there was nothing really stopping me from entering besides my own worries.

Medea's workshop bent space itself, thus was much larger than the outside would indicate. Something that I was familiar with due to doing something similar back at the temple.

I was immediately greeted with several large bookshelves that spanned the entire room, as well as several stone tables that decorated the area. Upon them were rather strange looking baubles and trinkets. A silver skull the size of my torso, a glittering chalice that seemed to change shapes whenever I looked away from it, and a marble that seemed to be constantly trying to roll off the table but kept failing.

Heading in deeper in the workshop, I was greeted with a similar sight. Though perhaps the lights were a good bit darker than they should be. I couldn't help but worry what kind of effect it could have on her eyesight if she continued to work in such dark conditions.

Eventually after traveling down several staircases, I arrived in a large stone room. One that was fortunately well lit, showcasing the how open it was. Despite having an incredibly high ceiling, there really wasn't much else within it besides several candelabras providing ample amounts of light.

…That being said, I couldn't help but think of it as almost…theatre like. Despite there being no chairs, nor balconies on a second floor.

And in the middle of the room, tied up with some sort of enchanted looking red string, Saber laid on the ground. Her arms seeming to be forced to be raised upwards in an almost prayer like motion.

For some inexplicable reason, she seemed to wearing an incredibly beautiful white dress. Complete with a garter belt and…er, perhaps I shouldn't be looking too deeply at it.

My footsteps echoed in the large open room. Something that was likely done so intentionally by Caster. As I could see Saber's shoulders stiffen in response. Not daring to look in my direction in fear of…

No, that was wrong. I didn't need to see her face to know what face she was making. Even in a situation like this, she was as valiant as ever. Unwilling to be broken by her captors. Her faith unshakable under duress.

…Heroic indeed.

Eventually I finally made my way next to her. Noticing up close how the skin that she had showing was slightly damp with grime and sweat. Causing me to hum in response.

…Medea was a bit more…risqué than I had first though…

"Are you alright?"

I softly asked Saber. Inquiring as to her current condition. In response, she didn't so much as turn her head in my direction. Her facial features instead screwed up in slightly agitation, looking straight ahead.

"…"

"Ah, well that had been a rather poor choice of words, to be sure. I can understand your anger at the fact. Nonetheless, if there is something I can help you with in order to make you feel more comfortable, I will try it."

"…"

Once again, Saber refused to engage with me. Instead intending to continue to keep enduring silently without any sort of reprieve.

Oh dear…

"I could certainly requisition a pillow for your knees. I can't imagine that position is pleasant. What about food? Servants may not have to eat but well…it's still something that's enjoyable, is it not?"

"…"

Saber continued to say nothing in response. Causing me to frown in response. Before finally offering a sigh of my own.

And then after a few seconds, my expression hardened a bit as I fixed her with a look.

"Arthur Pendragon."

That was enough to get her to look in my direction.

There were so many words that I could say in this moment. I could express discontentment with her capture and treatment. I could simply tell her how I didn't really need to be here and could just leave.

Those were the things I should have done. That I should have said.

And yet…

And yet I didn't.

Whatever I was going to say changed the moment I saw her eyes. Filled with pride, anger, and a spirit that refused to bow. One that challenged me with just a look.

It was a reaction that came from the very depths of her soul. Of her heart. She was exceedingly true to herself, almost to a fault.

So how could I not answer that honesty with my own?

Before I could even really consider my own words, they had left my mouth.

"Is there not even a small part of you that feels that you deserve this?"

She said nothing. Her eyes simply opening up in surprise at my words. Her eyes blinking once before her expression returned with a vengeance. Her eyes shining as righteous fury filled her. Causing King Arthur to take a step off the ground.

"What did you just say? That I deserve this!?"

I didn't budge an inch in response to her aggressive movements.

"Don't you? Camelot had a dungeon, did it not? How many did you imprison I wonder…"

Saber was not ready to backdown to that. Causing her to growl out in a way that reminded me of Atalanta.

"At least I treated them with respect and honor-"

My eyebrow twitched.

"Ah, of course. By executing them as quickly as possible, yes? Or perhaps you're referring to those who were born into nobility or held a high position in a foreign power, and thus were treated radically different from the common peasant."

My words didn't seem to affect Saber much, as she simply narrowed her eyes at me.

"That's what happens in prisons, yes."

…I needed to restrain myself. Even at this point I could see that I was slowly losing control of my emotions. My own stilted expression was starting to form cracks. Falling apart until finally revealing what was behind it.

And yet…I couldn't.

"Ah, I apologize if I came off as abrasive. Of course everyone knows about King Arthur's righteousness and virtuousness. I'm sure even the towns you allowed to fall prey to the Anglo-Saxons would feel the same."

For a brief moment Saber looked away. Her frown lessening in intensity. Ah…I see. So she still cares about her people, does she? How very noble and charitable of her. I'm certain they'd appreciate the thought.

"…"

"There's no need to spare a thought to them, oh great king. They are deceased, after all. Even if they had something to say, I'm sure it would just be praises for your actions. Ah, I'm sure all of Camelot felt the same, before it fell."

"…"

…Ah. I was definitely starting to push it. I could feel my own lip quivering as it attempted to move. I was definitely going a bit too far here.

I sighed in response, as I finally gathered enough control for myself once again. Bending down to a knee to address the downturned Saber.

"…I'm sorry. I let my feelings get the best of me. My offer of help still stands though."

"…"

Saber said nothing. Instead continuing to stare down at the ground. This time with a bit more of a melancholic gaze than before. Ha…

"…I understand. I will check back on you in a few days to see if anything changes. Please do not feel any sort of shame in asking for help, as I will offer it to the best of my abilities."

"…"

I looked back at her once before sighing, and continuing to walk out of the room. That certainly could have gone better…

And yet…

…I couldn't deny that I felt better after that discussion, even if only by a miniscule amount.

King Arthur. The ruler of Camelot. The head of the Knights of the Round Table.

The greatest hero of Britain.

…What a sick joke.

Medea looked at me with wide eyes. her eyes twitching spastically as I reached the top of her workshop once more. Her mouth opened slightly as if she was about to say something, but didn't have to the words to do so.

I continued watching her for the better part of a minute before finally speaking up.

"Uh…Medea?"

"I-I-I can explain!"

I smiled with an exasperated expression on my face as Medea flitted about the place. Immediately traveling to my side after putting down the seven dresses she had in her hands. Wait no…was that a maid outfit? Huh.

"I'm uh, attempting to break Saber's will and make her my servant."

I raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you already did that with Rule Breaker?"

Medea's lips quirked in a tight lip frown. She was perspiring quite a lot as her face continued to redden. Her own arms flailing about as she attempted to explain herself.

It was an incredibly cute thing to see.

"W-well I did, I meant be her master in a less…literal sense."

A silence hung around the two of us as I digested her words. My own lips pursing in response as I attempted to understand what that meant. Or rather, I attempted to find another explanation than the one I immediately came to.

Unfortunately, I don't think there was.

"I…see."

I stated, nodding slowly. Causing Medea to suddenly latch onto my arm.

"I'm not a promiscuous woman, I swear!"

The situation was made even more complicated as Medea pressed the contours of her well shaped body against me. A fact that had me reacting in more ways than one.

"I wouldn't call you as such for…something like this…"

Medea quickly nodded along with my words.

"Exactly! You understand, Orpheus. She's just so…so…cute."

I smiled as Medea blushed a bit. A slightly lurid look finding itself on her face as she thought about Saber. Yet it was one that I also found myself smiling at. Medea was enjoying herself, and Saber wasn't in threat of dying. Perhaps everything wasn't as optimal as I'd like it to be, but it was definitely better than the alternative.

A chuckle left my throat as I put my hand on Medea's head. Brushing my fingers through her soft velvet like hair.

"…As long as it makes you happy, I'll do my best to help and support you."

"Orpheus…"

Medea's face came rather close to my own. Causing my cheeks to warm up as her eyes sparkled and gazed into my own. Wonder and love clearly visible through them.

In terms of beauty they wouldn't lose out to the stars in the night sky.

"…Do you want to see her in my outfits?"

…Huh?

Above everything else, Medea understands the value of putting on a show.

My initial read of the room being like a theatre was spot on. As Medea wastes no time in turning the situation into a performance. Pulling the red threads that bound Saber with her fingers, causing her to fly up into the air with a grunt.

There were several other threads around her body, but they disappeared from sight as Saber floated down into Caster's grip. Saber frowned hard and met Caster's gaze without saying a word. Medea on the other hand was wearing a wide grin as she used her thumb to wipe the side of Saber's face.

Saber closed one eye and attempted to throw her head back, but was unable to do so. Likely having moreso to do with caster's magical prowess than actual physical strength.

With a wave of her hand, a table appeared to the side of me, alongside a rather regal looking throne. I wasn't really one for such ornate looking furniture, but I could appreciate the gesture for what it was. Thus I sat down and watched as a wine bottle poured itself into a glass for my pleasure.

Medea pressed her lips close to Saber's ear to whisper something. Whatever it was, it definitely wasn't words of encouragement, if Saber's constant attempts to move out of her grasp were any indication.

Eventually Medea released Saber with a smirk. A flick of her fingers caused the threads to pull her backwards, and then be twisted in a circle…where her clothes suddenly disappeared.

And in their place was an entirely different outfit.

"W-what trickery is this!?"

Saber complained as she almost fell on her backside, only for Medea to flick a finger behind her, causing Saber to be pulled upwards. Though it didn't seem like the act of goodwill really reached Saber's heart, as she didn't look grateful in the slightest.

Ah, well, it was understandable, I suppose…

"What do you think? Are you a fan of the more studious and bookish look?"

"Why-"

In response to Medea's question, Saber started to raise her voice. Only for Medea to silence her by pressing a finger against her lips. Causing her to seemingly be unable to open them, much to Medea's amusement.

She then turned her over to me, showcasing her wide and pleased smile as gestured towards Saber.

"What do you think…Orpheus?"

Hmm…

A genuine smile found it's way onto my face as I smiled at the annoyed Saber.

"You wear the clothes like a badge of honor. Without any sort of blemish or weakness in your countenance. Yes, I can see how so many were willing to follow you if you were always like the sunrise over a long night."

Saber blinked a few times in surprise before narrowing her eyes. She attempted to cross her arms before pausing, remembering the red string around her arms. Only to realize that she was now free to move around.

She gazed down at me just how a king should. Like a lion over their pride.

"…Mmm."

I blinked in surprise at the hum that she released, before looking back over at Medea. Oh? I was expecting her to verbally lash me. There was no reason not to after all. Especially after the tongue lashing I had unleashed onto her.

Did she already accept her situation? No, of course not. More likely she just wanted to get this over and done with. Or perhaps attempting to take control of matters in order to gain control of the situation itself. As well as retain a semblance of pride in herself.

…It was quite beautiful, in a way.

But such was the way of those who reached towards the sky.

"Hmm…no, it's alright, but it's lacking…something distinct. Saber, spin around."

King Arthur looked her in the eyes and frowned. Obviously knowing that the freedom she had was but an illusion. Like the movement of stars in the night sky. The shimmering mirage in the distance.

It was both there, and yet not.

"…If you want to force me to do something, you will have to use a command spell."

Medea chuckled at Saber's announcement before walking forward. Brushing a finger under Saber's chin in sadistic delight.

"You don't have to worry about that, Saber. I won't use those unless they're absolutely necessary. But I also don't think they're needed for you."

Saber raised a challenging look at Medea, who faced away from her. A power play in order to look defenseless when in truth she was anything but. Medea took a step away from her, and then another.

"Is that right?"

"It is."

Medea flicked a finger, causing Saber's body to flounder a bit, before slowly turning about. Something Saber seemed to be fighting with every inch and centimeter. I got a good look at her outfit from all angles before Medea shook her head.

"Hmm. Let's try on the next one, shall we?"

With a snap of her fingers, Saber's upper body was pressed backwards. Her clothes disappearing and immediately being replaced with a new set.

"Eh?"

Saber reacted to her outfit in confusion and if I wasn't mistaken…appreciation. I quickly applauded the outfit while nodding my head.

"Oh, I quite like this one Medea."

She immediately brightened up at that. Her cheeks reddening up in happiness as Medea smiled widely back over to me.

"You're too kind…"

"Not at all. Works of art should be appreciated for the beauty they inspire."

Medea looked away with a large smile on her face. A hand pressed to her cheek as she did so. Obviously she was quite happy for her hard work to be recognized. But her joy only paled in comparison to my own when I saw the pleasure my words induced into her.

After a few seconds, Medea addressed Saber, who was still admiring her own new outfit at different viewpoints.

"Saber, could you please spin a bit for Orpheus?"

Saber's eyebrow raised at Medea, before she looked to me. Her regal bearing pressing down on me from the slightly elevated platform before she finally exhaled lightly…and did just as Medea asked.

Saber spun a bit with her arms raised. Showcasing a level of elegance in her movements. Medea smiled at the act.

"See Saber? They aren't needed at all."

"Don't push it, Caster."

Saber warned, but Medea only chuckled in response. Mmm, I was getting the feeling that things weren't going to go quite how Saber thought they would.

"As you wish…Artoria."

…Artoria? Ah, was that her name before she adopted Arthur, perhaps? I should keep that in mind then.

Medea snapped her fingers and once more Saber's outfit changed. This time your attention was drawn due to similar but different reasons. As Saber's new outfit was one styled after a bunny.

Saber attempted to fidget with her outfit, but was immediately locked into place due to Medea's strings. She once more approached Saber before brushing her sides with her fingers. Once again whispering something into Saber's ears.

Whatever she was saying was enough to redden Saber's cheeks as she glared back at Medea. In response Medea cupped one of her breasts before quickly releasing her hold.

"How do you like this one? I found the design in a magazine back at the temple."

…T-this was a common design!? Oh my, the people of this era were rather enlightened, weren't they?

"I quite like it!"

I commented, causing Medea to smirk before turning back to Saber.

"Saber, if you would…"

"…"

Saber said nothing, simply standing in place with her eyes narrowed towards Medea. Eventually Medea shrugged her shoulders forward with a sigh. Showcasing that she was a bit disappointed with Saber's choice.

"Well, if you won't do it, then I have no choice…"

"…Ugh!"

Saber grunted as her limbs once more moved due to the red string tying up her body. Her left leg lifting up off the ground as she slowly hooked an arm around it. Pulling it up with not much effort before finally finishing her almost stretching stance.

"…"

She said nothing in response, but was starting to ball her free hand into a fist.

I smiled in delight.

"Poses? What a great idea."

Medea beamed at my comment before bowing slightly.

"I'm pleased that you agree."

Saber said nothing in response. Simply averting her gaze to another part of the room in order to pretend she wasn't there. Yet even when she wasn't in the room mentally, she still carried herself with authority.

Unfortunately for her, Medea had only gotten through the first few outfits she had brought. There was more after this.

Throughout the process, Saber seemed to direct most of her anger towards Medea herself. It would seem as though she preferred to pretend that I wasn't there. Or perhaps she didn't truly see me as an equal to Medea. Well, I couldn't really argue against such a point.

That being said, Saber's eyes did meet my own several more times. Instead of being faced with anger though, it seemed to be a more complex expression. Of course anger was a part of it, but there was also several other things going around in her mind.

It didn't take a genius to know that she was considering my words from earlier. No, not the unnecessary remarks, though I'm sure that stuck with her as well. She was considering my offer of help.

Unfortunately for her, she had the pride of a hero and a king weighing on her shoulders. So she seemed to be against asking for anything.

For now, at least.

I wasn't an especially vindictive man. Thus if she asked for help, I'd be more than happy to try to give her what she asks. That wasn't to say that I was a saint or anything. Of course there was limits to my generosity, and I'd probably tease her a bit about it.

But for now that seemed to be a distant discussion. Well, perhaps not so distant, depending on how hard Medea pushes her. Though considering Medea doesn't truly want to hurt her, she'd probably be fine.

After another half hour of this performance, Medea finally decided to close the curtains. Tying Saber back in a position that wasn't painful, but definitely wasn't comfortable before finally leaving. I of course followed closely behind.

"Hmm…by the way, I was thinking about going out to Fuyuki in a bit. Would you like to come with?"

I offered to Medea, who seemed to perk up.

"Oh? That's…hmm, maybe not the best of ideas, actually. If we run into archer or that blonde brute…"

I waved my hand at that.

"I'll keep a low profile."

Medea paused in her steps at that. Turning slowly around with a look of disbelief. I scoffed in turn before raising a hand to my chest.

"…I can be stealthy!"

"…Hah…somehow it sounds rather unbelievable when it comes from you."

Well, that was almost hurtful.

Honestly, I could totally be sneaky if need be. It's just never really been needed up until now.

I could definitely be covert.

…Probably.