Section 2: The Young King and the Rebellious Saint

Hmm... Well, this is pointless. We're completely different when it comes to ideology.

And neither one of us comes out on top if we fight.

You're above me when it comes to being a Heroic Spirit, though

Since you were summoned as a Ruler class, I'm at a disadvantage.

Well, this is a problem. We're at an impasse now.

If that Rider would become an ally instead...

Unfortunately, that Rider hates us both.

Well, no.

I don't think you're hated. Just... Maybe the Rider knows how you're going to end up in the future.

Ouch, that stings. I personally want to grow up to be a proper person.

Well, if the Rider turns against me, that's fine. Can't do much about it.

As expected from the world-renowned King of Heroes. ...I didn't think you'd be this young.

I didn't think I'd get summoned like this either.

If Servants are summoned at their peak condition, I should've shown up in such a form as well, but...

It seems this Holy Grail is bugging out. So I would like to ask you to hand it over right away.

This isn't something that a pretend holy man from the Far East should be playing with, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada.

Hahaha. I can't deny that reputation of mine. But I have a dream of my own.

"I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly because you stroll on my dreams."

So, unfortunately, I can't just do that.

Looks like there's no choice, then. I'm not sure when we'll settle this, but we'll have to fight

Yes. ...Looks like we'll have to get down to it.

Oh. There they are! I brought a Master here!

Huh?

I see, we can tell Master why we need the Grail and then let Master decide in the end.

I don't think it's a bad plan. ...What do you think, King of Heroes?

Hmm... Well, I don't mind. But can you really do this without any grudges?

You could say that about anything. Astolfo, what do you think?

Oh, I don't need the Grail!

Once summoned, it's the Servant's job to completely be loyal to their Master!

Ouch, that stings.

If one's Master is a proper Master, then that makes sense.

Well, that makes it sound like you've served an "improper" Master in the past, now doesn't it?

A lot happens when you've been a Servant for a while.

Well, if Astolfo isn't going to participate, then it's just between me and him.

Then, I'll go first.

It's only natural that I would desire the Holy Grail. It is in a king's nature to wish to amass fortune.

Also, when we're talking about a Holy Grail that will grant every...well, almost every wish, we have to be very careful.

In that case, it should be a king's duty to store away such an object. It's not like there's anything I would wish at this time, anyway.

No return here, but no risk involved.

Master, given the situation here, don't you think it would be best to let me handle the Grail?

I'm...not so sure about that.

What Gilgamesh says is true. The Holy Grail is dangerous. However, as a neutral power, it should be used to maximum effect.

...This pseudo Holy Grail isn't enough to fulfill my wish, however.

My wish is everlasting world peace. But with the current state of things, I'm not sure it'll make it that far.

I'd like to wish for world peace, but unfortunately, this world is about to be incinerated.

Even if the world isn't incinerated, this Holy Grail will never be able to bring about perfect world peace.

？！

...But it'd be an extreme waste just to keep this Holy Grail locked away.

Fortunately, I know how the Holy Grail works. It would be best if you let me handle the Grail.

What do you think, Master?

W-What should we do, Master? They both have good points, but I'm not sure they're correct.

I can't decide myself!

Fou!

Hmm... This is hard.

I have data on the pseudo Holy Grail. It's growing, eating the magic energy around it.

At this rate, it's going to stop being pseudo. You can't give that to a Servant you haven't contracted with...

I feel like it'd be dangerous.

So, it is dangerous then. Yeah, those two treat their Masters rather rudely.

You can't go saying that, Astolfo. I am very considerate of my Masters.

Even if my Master is a tyrant, and orders me to do the most annoying work,

I won't murder them. Nothing so immoral. Isn't that right, Amakusa Shirou?

Hahaha. You're acting like you want people to think that I killed one of my Masters, I see.

Unfortunately for you, I have not.

I let one die before, but that was more like an unfortunate accident.

I do think what I did was wrong. I won't do it again.

... ...

Ahem. ...In any event, last Master in this world...

Who's the most worthy of the Grail?

Me or him. Who do you pick?

Yeah... I thought that might happen.

The second Astolfo brought you here, I thought that things might turn out this way.

That's just the way it goes. This is a Holy Grail War after all.

？！

In that case... There's only one thing left to do.

Yes, we'll work together and... ...keep Master away.

What? That's how this is going to turn out?

Of course! This is a Holy Grail War, after all!

In that case, I'm on Master's side! We'll just have to see who wins...

...That which rules, that which serves, or that which rebels.

Ow... Not very adult of you to do that to a kid.

You're not really a kid!

Not very adult of you to do that to a clergyman...

You, part of the clergy?! In any event, the Grail goes to my Master!

Huh?

...This is not good. Looks like we took too much time.

Time? What's going...

Fujimaru, this is bad!

It looks like the pseudo Holy Grail just summoned Shadow Servants!

Too many variables. Approach with caution!