Caren felt the atmosphere around her was slightly off.
First, there was the Saintess named Jeanne. Normally, she'd borrow Gray's body to go out, claiming to search for anomalies and dragging Naoki along. Whether for a full day or not, it happened at least twice daily. But since returning yesterday afternoon, she hadn't appeared once.
Second, there was Mordred, no longer a Servant. After gaining a physical body, she fully immersed herself in modern entertainment. Rather than a renowned hero, she was more like a rebellious delinquent, and this trait only intensified with her new body.
The only one unchanged was Angelica. Without orders from Naoki or Gray, she wouldn't move an inch.
Of course, these changes were still within reason, but what Caren couldn't accept was—
"What's up with you two siblings?"
Caren stared at Naoki and Gray, who were playfully feeding each other in front of her, her heart filled with confusion.
Though she'd known before that these step-siblings had a close bond, it wasn't this intimate, to the point of feeding each other. Yet, since returning yesterday afternoon, their relationship seemed to have escalated, showing a clear tendency to stride boldly into forbidden territory.
What did they do yesterday?
When Caren asked, Naoki, being fed vegetables by Gray, gave a wry smile. "Well, it's a long story—Gray, I can take it myself. You don't need to feed me like this."
"But you don't like vegetables, right, Brother?"
"I'll eat them! I'll eat them! Besides, instead of me, you should look at Little Mo. See how much meat she's scarfing down!"
Mordred, who was eating heartily, paled when Naoki called her out. Before she could say anything, Gray smiled, approached, and calmly took half the meat in front of her, replacing it with a pile of vegetables.
"Miss Mordred, eating only meat isn't good. Now that you have a body, you need to stay healthy."
"Uh… I-I understand."
In front of Gray, Mordred didn't dare get upset about being treated as a woman or even argue—her father presence was truly intimidating.
Mordred glared at her Master, wondering why he was so cruel as to set her up like this!
"Eat more vegetables, Sir Mordred. Gray's absolutely right."
"Ugh… Fine."
The King's gaze silenced Mordred instantly.
'What a pitiful child." Caren thought. Seeing Mordred's aggrieved expression, Caren had to admit she was thoroughly amused.
'It'd be even better if she shed a few tears.'
'A naughty child scolded by loving parents. Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a backstory that makes you want to laugh.'
At that moment—
"Naoki-sama."
Angelica suddenly appeared behind Naoki, presenting a white dove—another of Semiramis's familiars.
Signaling Gray and the others to pause, Naoki took the dove, and Amakusa's voice immediately spoke from its mouth.
[Good afternoon, Master Naoki. I apologize for contacting you this way again. This call is to inform you that Assassin's Noble Phantasm is fully prepared, and tonight we'll depart from Sighişoara for Trifas. You must be exhausted from dealing with the Black Faction these past two days. Let's fight side by side moving forward.]
Fight side by side?
Naoki couldn't help but chuckle, while Jeanne, borrowing Gray's body beside him, frowned slightly. "Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, this attitude…"
"He probably thinks we don't know his plan yet. By now, I'd guess he's already explained his goal to Achilles, Karna, and Atalanta."
"The Red Faction Servants—are they still set on helping him despite knowing his goal?"
"Exactly."
Achilles believed saving all humanity was a heroic act. Atalanta thought it could truly create a world where children weren't harmed. As for Karna… he didn't care much about it, but with his Master under control, he had no choice but to follow orders for their safety.
Releasing the white dove, Naoki glanced at those beside him. "Well, whatever Amakusa Shirou plans or schemes, our task remains unchanged—protect the Great Holy Grail we already hold. As long as it's in our hands, Amakusa Shirou's goal can't be realized."
"What about the Black Faction?" Mordred asked. "They still have three Servants. Rider and Berserker aren't a threat, but Archer's a bit troublesome."
"No need to worry. When we join the Red Faction later, I'll tell Achilles Archer's True Name."
He'll surely be thrilled to spar with his mentor.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the Red Faction's temporary headquarters, at the same time.
After painstakingly tracking down Atalanta, who was leaning against the bell tower, Achilles greeted her. "Yo, Big Sis, why're you hiding up here alone?"
"You, what's up?"
"Just half a day left before we head out. The Pastor wants us to gather at dusk." Leaping beside Atalanta, Achilles sat and gazed at the view below. "Your mood's been off lately, Sis?"
"Why ask that?"
"Well, your expression and eyes look a bit weird, and you're hiding here. A woman doing stuff like this usually means she's in a bad mood."
Atalanta shot him a glare, then sighed. "It's nothing, just thinking about something. Instead of worrying about me, you should sharpen your spear. The war's about to start, and you're our front line."
"My spear and war chariot are always in top shape. Besides, Lancer's got the tougher job."
Achilles pointed upward, where Karna stood atop the bell tower, unnoticed until now.
"Red Saber's Master, though human, isn't simple. He can gain a huge advantage even against two Servants alone. I'm itching to fight him."
"You're facing Natsukawa Naoki, Lancer?" Atalanta was slightly surprised. "The Pastor's tactical arrangement?"
"Exactly. Why, Archer, you interested in that Master too?"
"Just want to put an arrow through his head."
Rubbing the cheek Naoki had slapped before, Atalanta gritted her teeth. "Lancer, can we negotiate? Before you fight Natsukawa Naoki, can you let me face him first?"
"There's something I need to take back from him."