"The Holy Grail War is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. The source of that crisis is Caster and his Master. Therefore, by exercising the Holy Church's emergency supervisory authority, I am temporarily revising the rules."
"All Masters are to immediately cease hostilities against one another and devote their full efforts to eliminating Caster."
"Furthermore, whoever successfully defeats Caster and his Master will, as an exceptional reward, receive an additional Command Seal."
"These Command Seals were left behind by Masters eliminated in previous Holy Grail Wars. I believe everyone here understands just how valuable such marks are."
"The Holy Grail War will resume the moment Caster's destruction has been confirmed."
"Now then, if anyone has any questions, ask them now."
"Naturally, that invitation only extends to attendees capable of speaking like civilized people."
"ARCHER!!"
Deep within the Shadow Domain, Matou Kariya —currently being kicked around like a ball by a pack of beasts—felt an overwhelming surge of malice directed at him.
On Leon's side, the magically inscribed letter displayed two rather modern-looking choices:
Yes or No.
There was even a custom reply option.
The corner of Leon's mouth twitched.
Silently, he selected Yes.
At the Hyatt Hotel, Kayneth did exactly the same.
"Finally..."
"Archer's Master, Tohsaka Tokiomi , invites all interested Masters and Servants to his mansion for further discussion."
"Those who wish to attend may come after seven o'clock this evening."
The writing stopped there.
Moments later, the brown letter burst into flames on its own and crumbled into ashes.
"Not bad."
"Pretty stylish, actually."
Leon shook the ashes from his hand and checked the time.
There was about an hour left.
Walking there would be just about right.
Before that, however...
Leon glanced mischievously at the pigeon struggling to escape his grip before turning toward Artoria, who was happily devouring grilled skewers.
"Artoria."
"Extra course."
"Oh? (◕ω◕)"
…
Fuyuki Church.
Risei Kotomine stood at the entrance, receiving the returning familiars one by one.
"Hm?"
"One... two... three..."
"Why is one missing?"
Aside from Assassin, who had faked his death, the genuinely deceased Lancer, and Caster—the operation's target—Risei had dispatched one familiar to each remaining Master and Servant.
Only Berserker and his Master remained completely untraceable.
Everyone else should have received the message.
"And it's the one that was sent to Saber..."
While Risei puzzled over the disappearance...
Leon had already taken the pigeon to a nearby restaurant and asked the chef to stew it into pigeon soup.
After all, it would make a nutritious meal for Irisviel and Artoria.
It was surprisingly plump.
When Risei eventually learned what had happened to his familiar...
He quietly abandoned the long-standing tradition of using living familiars and switched to enchanted paper messengers instead.
It would cost a little more magical energy, but at least they wouldn't end up in someone's dinner.
…
That evening.
The courtyard of the Tohsaka Mansion had been meticulously prepared.
Desserts.
Roasted meats.
Fine wines.
Fruit platters.
Every imaginable delicacy filled the tables.
When Leon—fully armored in his male King Arthur attire—arrived with Irisviel and Artoria, Iskandar had already begun enthusiastically feasting alongside Waver.
Nearby, Kayneth and Sola-Ui sat in a gazebo chatting with Tohsaka Tokiomi .
Judging from both their expressions and seating arrangement, Kayneth clearly occupied the dominant position in the conversation.
After all, although the Tohsaka ancestor Nagato Tohsaka had once borne the title of "disciple of the Second Magician," he had merely received a little guidance rather than becoming a true successor.
Later, after the Tohsaka Family relocated to Japan and joined the other two founding families in establishing the Holy Grail ritual to pursue the Third Magic – Heaven's Feel and reach the Root (Akasha), they had never once succeeded.
By contrast, Kayneth was one of the Twelve Lords of the Clock Tower.
He was the culmination of generations of the Archibald (El-Melloi) lineage's prestige.
Even among the countless prodigies of the Clock Tower, he stood out as a genius.
Because of that, Tokiomi—who always valued magi tradition, pedigree, and etiquette—willingly humbled himself and spoke with Kayneth as an equal from whom he could learn.
As far as Tokiomi knew...
As long as Kayneth survived, becoming a Grand Magus was only a matter of time.
With the Tohsaka Family already in gradual decline, building a relationship with someone like him would yield immeasurable benefits.
Even if Tokiomi's ultimate goal remained reaching the Root...
No one could entirely escape worldly concerns.
"You're late!"
The moment Leon appeared, Gilgamesh—clad in gleaming golden armor—materialized from Spirit Form, arms folded across his chest, blocking Leon's path with obvious impatience.
"I don't think so."
"The invitation said after seven."
"It's only a few minutes past—"
"Hmph!"
Gilgamesh cut him off with a snort.
"Saber."
"Compared to that muscle-headed fool who wears the world map across his chest..."
"Your carefree attitude irritates me even more."
"Come with me."
Without waiting for a response, Gilgamesh decisively led Leon to a grassy area where an ornate carpet had already been laid out.
At its center stood an antique square table.
Upon it rested Gilgamesh's divine wine and matching goblets—both Noble Phantasms.
In truth...
Even the carpet and the table themselves had been taken from the Gate of Babylon.
"So you've finally arrived."
"Master, go make some friends!"
"I'm off!"
Seeing Leon arrive, Iskandar shoved Waver—who was still gnawing on a chicken drumstick—toward Irisviel and Artoria before instantly dropping cross-legged onto the seat he had reserved for himself on the carpet.
"Saber, you took forever."
"I've been eyeing that wine for ages."
"But this flashy fellow insisted nobody could drink until you got here."
"Cough! Cough!"
Caught off guard by Iskandar's shove, Waver nearly choked on a mouthful of chicken.
He shot his Servant a resentful look before quietly hiding the drumstick behind his back in a futile attempt to preserve his dignity.
Then, somewhat awkwardly, he greeted the two women.
"H-Hello."
"My name is Waver Velvet."
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