Still in Pursuit

Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh!

Wh-wh-what do I do!? I never expected to run into another famous Knight of the Round Table!

It was just yesterday I resolved to always carry an autograph book with me in case I ran into more opportunities to collect signatures, too!

I can't believe I already failed so miserably!

Please be at ease, Lady Bradamante.

We serve the same Master now, so we can see one another whenever we like.

That said...I may technically be a Knight of the Round Table...

...but I am not nearly as accomplished as the other knights, so...

Um... An autograph, you said?

I'm afraid I wouldn't feel right giving you one, so I must humbly decline.

Noooooo!

P-p-please don't say that! I-i-if I've offended you, then I beg your forgiveness!!!

Please, Sir Bedivere!

N-no, not at all! If anything, I'm the one who's been

I'm so sorry!

Ah! P-please, don't be!

I promise I wasn't seeking an apology! Oh no, now I've gone and said all the wrong things!

...!

Forgive me, Sir Bedivere.

I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I happened to be passing by.

My king!

Or rather, my king from another world. I, the unworthy Bedivere, am deeply ashamed.

I'm afraid I have been unspeakably rude to Lady Bradamante here, a paladin of the Kingdom of the Franks.

No, no! You haven't been anything of the sort, Sir Bedivere!

I should never have asked you for the impossible in the first place! O-oh, um...

May I ask who that is?

Ah, forgive me.

This is His Majesty Arthur Pendragon, Britain's King of Knights.

!!!

Arthur Pendragon, the King of Knights!? I-I-I-I-I can't believe it...!

Th-this is such a shock... S-so moving...and shocking! Although, um... Huh?

I've met the King of Knights here in Chaldea in various forms before, but...I don't recall any of them being...uh, male...

So...does this mean... Hmm...?

To elaborate, he is a being somewhat similar to myself.

He is something of a guest in this world, a figure who would normally never materialize as a Servant...

Whaaa...?

I would humbly suggest you think of me as a mere shadow from a dream, paladin Bradamante.

...Sir Bedivere, I may not be your king, but I do have one word of advice.

There is no harm in giving her an autograph. Any King of Knights would say the same.

Yes, my king.

Then, does this mean I can have Sir Bedivere's autograph after all!? Hooray!

Oh! Uh, Sir King of Knights!? Could I ask you for your autograph as well!?

Now then, I think I shall take my leave. Good day, Lady Bradamante, Sir Bedivere.

Yes, my king.

Ah! Sir King of Knights...!

He's already gone... Nnn... Nnnnnn...

You wish to know more about King Arthur?

Hmm. We are indeed the Knights of the Round Table, but I am afraid we have had few opportunities to converse with him.

Though Sir Bedivere would seem to have had more chances than the rest of us.

I see, I see...

Hm? What's up?

Oh, the other Pendragon? Of course I've met him!

The Pendragon from Proper Human History's True Name is Altria Pendragon...

...so in this case, um... I guess I should say his True Name is Arthur!

He's really mysterious, isn't he? There're so much I'd love to ask him!

You know, now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever sat down with him face-to-face. Not even to eat lunch!

Hmm, I see, I see...

He told us some lovely old legends. Didn't he, Jack?

Uh-huh. He's really nice. He doesn't get mad if we sit in his lap or climb on his back.

Although...

Yeah. I know what you mean.

He always disappears whenever we take our eyes off him. I don't like that very much.

Hmmm...

Eh, my father, the one that's a guy? Hmm, I dunno. I don't think he means any harm.

I see...

I think so too! But I also get the feeling he's avoiding me for some reason!

So if there's something about me he dislikes, I need to find out what it is and fix it!

Oh yeah?

All that aside, um... Sir Mordred!

Yeah?

I know you're the ultimate villain in the legend of King Arthur!

But...you don't seem to be nearly as bad as I thought, now that I've met you.

Ah...

The hell'd you say to me?

Bahahahaha! Talk about bein' honest to a fault! I'm impressed!

You're all right, paladin of Charlemagne! Just make sure you don't slow us down by dyin' too soon, 'kay?

Is something wrong, Saber? Remember, Lady Murasaki asked you to keep your voice down in the library.

Hm?

Saber... Did you do something to this Heroic Spirit?

Nah, it's no biggie.

You know that version of my father who came here from another world? She's worried he's avoiding her.

Is that true?

Yes, that about sums it up...

Hmm...

...If it helps, he's like that with everyone. The only one he talks to with any regularity is Sir Bedivere.

He'll respond to the situation if needed, but I don't think I've ever seen him engage with anyone on his own initiative.

Not even when dealing with Servants he knew in past Holy Grail Wars.

... ...

I'm one of them. He and I once fought each other, though in a place and time very different from this.

However, I do not retain a clear memory of that battle...

Nnn... Nnnnnn...

I thought I heard that Servants don't usually remember their past materializations...

Hmm...?

Chaldea's summoning system is a little unusual in that regard. Every now and then, it summons a Heroic Spirit who remembers their past materializations...or so I'm told.

Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. It's all I can do to barely recall bits and pieces of my own past.

Those kinds of memories also affect my Spirit Origin's stability, so...

Huh?

Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble there.

At any rate, Arthur Pendragon tends to keep his distance from just about everyone.

So please don't worry about it. I'm sure it's nothing personal.

...And that's all I saw.

I-it was nothing, really. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Yes. I saw him in the underground library.

？！

I just thought you should know. I, um, hope I didn't overstep my bounds...

？！

So that's the scoop, huh.

The former leader of the Knights of the Round Table, wielder of the sacred sword, is now Chaldea's lonesome King of Knights...

I don't know what he's so worried about. Who cares if he's from a different world or not?

Heroic Spirits are supposed to be...

... ...

...Ah, well, you know.

I'm not sure if we can really call him a proper Heroic Spirit or not, so...

Hmm, yeah, I guess that'd be tough for him.

？！

Haha.

What do you think?

You're right. My bad.

Yeah, pretty much. You're a sharp one, aren't you, Master?

？！

Until and unless he says something, it's not my place to talk about it. Especially when I don't even know for sure.

Why don'tcha just go talk to him about it?

Maybe it'll turn out that he wasn't avoiding anyone, and this was all just a big misunderstanding.

Go on and find out. Who cares whether he's inscribed in the Throne or not?

He's still a Servant you formed a contract with. If you call for him, I'm sure he'll show up.

？！

Right on. Guess I'll go round up some of the family then...

Hahahaha! Sure is taking him a while!

Never would've thought he'd choose Ganryu Island. Well, I figure he'll show up eventually.

Say, where's the pharaoh at, hero guy?

Oh, he's not coming.

Well, that was blunt...

Said something like "This errand is hardly a matter worthy of my time!" Sorry, Master. You know how he is.

Haha, I knew you would. Anyway, just 'cause he's not here now doesn't mean he might not show up later.

No problem!

？！

Can I go home now? If I ain't gonna get a chance to fight my actual man old man, there's no point in me sticking around.

We're not here to fight him, Saber.

We just thought it would be easier for him to open up to Master if there were other Servants with a strong connection to him here.

He might tend to keep to himself at Chaldea, but there have been points in the past where he's initiated contact with other Servants.

Specifically, the ones he fought against in 1991 and 1999...

...during the two Holy Grail Wars that took place in a different world.

Oh, I get it. Mordred doesn't get to have any fun...

No, no, Saber, it's not about that...

Haha. Don't worry about it, Doc.

Mordred's King Arthur's kid, right? Even if these two are from different worlds, they're not total strangers.

What he said, Doc.

Doc...

Anyway, what about you? Your Spirit Origin isn't exactly, uh, what it used to be, right...?

...So you could tell. You're perceptive as always.

True, my Spirit Origin is still unstable. But I also know I'll be fine as long as I'm not alone.

If nothing else, I can maintain my mental state even if my body changes with my Noble Phantasm.

？！

I would love that.

Although...I should warn you that my Spirit Origin tends to waver when it's just us. But as long as Lady Kyrielight

...Master.

Right. Sorry to cut you guys off, but it looks like the man of the hour's finally arrived.

...I see the gang's all here, Master.

I see. You may be right about that.

I'm not sure. I might end up dodging your questions if it was.

？！

Just so you know, we're not here to make trouble for you or anything. Not unless Master gives the okay, and we all know that's not the sort of guy he is.

I'm just gonna get straight to the point.

You're avoiding everyone at Chaldea, aren't you, King of Knights? It's pretty damn obvious.

...Yes, I am.

I've been doing my best not to interact with anyone more than strictly necessary.

All the more so when it comes to beings with deep ties to this world.

Well, that's awfully straightforward of you.

It was never my intention to hide anything. I simply never brought it up of my own accord.

But if I've caused you to worry by doing so, Master, I will always be happy to apologize.

I would never want to worry you.

？！

...I do not belong in this world.

I am but a traveler who came from a faraway land in pursuit of a single, specific goal.

Of course, I am happy to help you, Master. If my sword can help save this planet and bring it a new tomorrow, then I will gladly lend it to your cause.

I will never betray you, and I will continue to fight as the modern-day wielder of the sacred sword.

That said...I came here to eradicate evil before it has a chance to spread in the future.

Once my work here is done, I expect I will be sent back to my own world.

Therefore

Hold up!

Just relax a bit, would you? I could've sworn you were a little more laid back in 1999.

I get that you're here on a mission, but there's no law that says travelers can't make friends.

Right, Master?

？！

... ...

？！

...Fujimaru.

You may well be right. But even so...

...I want to leave as few traces of myself in this world as possible. You see, I had a premonition of sorts that

I can tell you're still not being straight with us.

Hell no he ain't. Just shut up already, old man! There's nothing to talk about!

If he won't listen to reason, then I guess I get toer, have to beat some into him!

Saber

You stay out of this.

Y'know, I just remembered something. I've still gotta pay you back for that one time!

Uh...

You feel like cake?

Cake sounds good. And hey, I think Cat and Boudica were just makin' some.

Let's go get ourselves a slice!

Uh!

Right on. ...Oh hey, if it isn't my male father!

Yo, pops! Let's go get us some cake!

Hm? That's weird. He just not hear me or something...?

Uh...

What? 'Course it wasn't 'cause he didn't want to eat with you, Fran.

... ...

You ran off without sayin' a word!

Not a damn word!!!

Who the hell just runs off without a word after giving the person inviting them for cake nothing but a funny look!?

That does it! Nobody does that to me! Especially not my old man!

I remember now! I knew I had a good reason to beat your ass!

Mordred's got a point, Arthur! No gentleman or knight should turn down an invite without at least giving a response!

Hahahaha, looks like you're outnumbered, Saber. What're you gonna do now?

What can I do?

You're right. I was rude to you back then. The least I can do now is face my punishment with some dignity.

Have at you, Mordred!

Now that's more like it! Let's go, Master! Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill him. I'm just gonna beat the everliving shit outta him!

But if you do that, you'll...! Oh, forget it! I'll just have to step in if things get out of hand!

？！

All right Clarent, it's been too long since I gave you a taste of your favorite blood! Let's fix that right now!

Hah! Figures this version of you'd be tough too!

But at least I got a good one in for Fran! Didja see!?

I got a few good hits in too...but damn, you really are a tough bastard! Almost pisses me off how seasoned you are!

Don't hold back, Arash! We'll never pin him down unless we go all out!

I'm just doing the same thing I always do. That goes for you too, right, Missy?

I-I try not to get too involved with warrior types...

I'm glad I decided to sit this one out. Hyde might be able to keep up, but there's no way I could!

？！

Huh!? But we were just starting to have fun!

...I suppose I'd best not push my luck, given my overwhelming disadvantage.

Ha! Looks like the Red Dragon of Britain's still confident enough to make wisecracks. Just don't forget, you're not the only one who knows his opponent's tricks.

Confident?

No. That's impossible. There is never a time nor a place when I do not consider myself to be on the battlefield.

... ...

？！

I...

Khh! This powerful magical energy pouring down from the sky... Is that

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Hahahahaha! Behold the descent of the sun!

I was told that vengeance was to be had upon a certain insolent wielder of the sacred sword, so I have come to lend my aid!

Hmm, it would seem that my way is blocked by rabble! This must be remedied! I shall begin by clearing the field!

？！

Master! This way!

I'll take you somewhere safe

Missy, behind you!

Huh!?

A-a Sphinx!?

More powerful magical energy readings are right behind it! Saber, keep Master safe!

...Was he just talking to you?

Shut your damn mouth!

We can get back to our tussle later! If you got time to act cool, then you got time to protect Master!

Well, whaddaya know. He was the first in line to keep Master safe.

Of course. That's just the kind of guy he is.

Even when he was fighting us, he always kept one eye on Master.

He must've wanted to be able to act at a moment's notice in case it looked like he might be in any danger.

In that sense, I don't think he's any different from you, the red Saber, Doc, or Missy.

Are you shitting me? Ugh, I knew I hated that guy!

Hahahaha!

He truly isn't holding back at all. What is the meaning of this, Ozymandias!?

Is that a joke, wielder of the sacred sword!? You should know better than any why I am doing this.

Now reflect on your misdeeds, and let the rays of the sun's light scatter your ashes!

Khh...!

...Master, it looks as though Ozymandias means business. So there is something I wish to ask of you.

I, um... I would like to keep you safe. Will you let me?

Hey! What do you think you're doing here?

I'd like to know that too.

H-huh? I-I'm not quite sure what you're insinuating, but whatever it is, it's not what I meant!

All I'm asking is that Master let me fight by his side, just this once!

？！

...Thank you, Master.

Haha! So we're up against a bunch of Divine Beasts from the Age of Gods, huh! This oughta be a good way to kill time, huh, Bean Sprout!?

This is really not the time to be joking...

I know these beasts are not truly alive. They are merely constructs given form by God-King Ozymandias's magical energy.

Nonetheless, there is meaning in form. I wish to inflict neither pain nor suffering if I can help it.

However, if the god-king means to attack us without so much as a word of warning...

...then I will not hesitate to wield my sacred sword!

Romans!

Hear me, my children of Rome, and stay your blades. Hear me, sacred beasts, and bare your fangs no more.

Any further bloodshed would be meaningless. Cease your warring at once.

？！

Holy Progenitor Romulus!

Wh-why is the Holy Progenitor of Rome here!? Not only that, his magical energy is far, far greater than usual!

He said he could not bear to see his children fighting amongst themselves, so I brought him along with me. Hmph.

As the son of a god, Romulus ascended to the greatest rank of his mythology. Even I cannot ignore his pleas.

...Arthur Pendragon, the Red Dragon of Britain.

I am Rome, and Rome is I. As all roads lead to Rome, so do I possess knowledge of all things.

And so, my child, I know where your destination lies. Ahh, my dear child.

This may not be where your journey will ultimately end, but it is a fine place to stop and gaze up at the stars.

You are so focused on what tomorrow brings that you pay the sky no heed, but that is a mistake, my child.

As you have paused your journey for now, this is the time to cast your gaze upward and behold the stars.

Indeed, it is for that purpose that you have come here.

...

Look to the stars. The great calamity you have been pursuing will come from beyond their borders.

？！

... ...

......

...I pursue something truly wicked.

...A great Beast that will come from far beyond to devour everything in its path.

The Sixth Beast will surely rear its head someday. That is why I am here.

A Beast...

It is known as Beast VI and it is one of the great Evils of Humanity, as fearsome as any of the others you have defeated.

？！

Indeed.

Now that Beast I has appeared in this world, it is only a matter of time until Beast VI follows suit.

When it does, it will devour everything. People... Cities... Prosperity... Corruption... All of civilization.

In a different world, I...we, managed to defeat it twice...

...but my world's Merlin told me Beast VI would come once again.

My goal...my duty, is to defeat it a third and final time.

...I'm sorry, Master. I wasn't sure what to do.

All this time, I've been thinking I needed to fulfill this duty on my own.

But I was wrong. I should have told you what I'm about to say the moment we formed a contract.

Master, please lend me your strength, that I may win this battle. In return I will devote myself to helping you succeed in yours.

？！

Thank you, Master.

When that time comes, I hope I can count on your help as well, Heroic Spirits of Chaldea.

Ha! You think there's even a chance we'd sit out for a fight against a goddamn Beast!?

If and when this thing shows up, I'll cut it down to size whether you ask me to or not!

You said it! I think you and I'll get along just fine, Scion of Pendragon!

That makes one of us...

Huh!?

Haha, hey, you know what they say. We're all in this boat together, so we'd better make sure it doesn't sink!

I...don't think that's how it goes...

Y-yeah. There must be a better way to put that!

Very well then. It would seem our business here is concluded, so I will take my leave! Romulus, who became Quirinus, show us out!

We are Rome!

...Hm?

？！

...Ah, right. That is what this was originally about, was it not?

I surrender, Master. I've learned my lesson.

Besides, I did think that if many Heroic Spirits, or even just you yourself, were to confront me about this...

...I would need to reconsider my approach to staying here.

I was hoping to stay out of sight, but I never wished to cause any trouble.

Thank you again for having me here, Fujimaru.

...It's over.

It looks like the problem has been resolved. He should get along better with the other Servants from now on...

... ...

I'm glad I asked for your help with this.

I would never have been able to figure out by myself whether I should tell Master what I saw in the library.

I'm just glad everything has come together as it should. I truly am.

Me too.

By the way, um... Are you sure about this, Paracelsus?

Don't you want to talk to this otherworldly King of Knights yourself?

I'm sure.

... ...

I don't know anything about the Holy Grail War you two fought in, so...I don't know the right thing to say...

But, I do know that...

...it's...sad that you're avoiding him.

Thank you. You really are a kind soul at heart.

But it's all right. Just hearing you say that is all I need...

Hm hm hmm♪

Where, oh where, could Ruggiero beee♪ Merlin, Lord Merlin, please show me the waaay♪

Ah! Those footsteps... This presence...! Could it be!?

Oh. If it isn't

O-oh gosh! Your Majesty, King of Knights!

I, um, I'm so sorry about pressuring you for an autograph the other day!

I feel terrible about it! I should've known better than to ask Your Majesty of all people for

Wait, Lady Bradamante.

I am the one who should apologize to you. My behavior the other day was truly unworthy of a knight.

Wha...? H-huh?

Lady Bradamante, I never even introduced myself properly.

If it's not too much to ask, would you permit me to start over and introduce myself properly?

Y-yes! O-o-of course!

Oh, but...are you sure it's okay for a lowly knight like me to speak to the great King of Knights like this...?

Of course it is. You and I are comrades now, both sworn to serve the same Master.

I am a Saber. My True Name is Arthur Pendragon.

I am the modern-day wielder of the sacred sword, and the King of Knights who hails from another world!