Chapter 43

Frankly speaking, Medea's appearance was not part of Xia Zhi's current plan.

At least at this stage, he had not included summoning Medea in his expectations.

Because Xia Zhi originally wasn't even too certain about whether he could successfully summon Artoria; looking back at past attempts to perform Heroic Spirit Summoning in this Britain Fairy Kingdom, the results were basically all failures.

——Except for that inexplicable time when he summoned "Index Librorum Prohibitorum".

So, he currently only intended to test things out, to see if he could smoothly summon Artoria; if it went smoothly, he would then look for an opportunity to test whether he could summon Heroic Spirits of different regional attributes...

This was also why he had only reserved three new employee slots beforehand.

However, perhaps because he, possessing the Great Holy Grail's Function, had too great an Advantage in the aspect of Heroic Spirit Summoning, merely during the summoning, he Subconsciously Locked onto two desired Objects, and coincidentally possessed the records of summoning them before...

The massive Circuits inside his body Naturally connected to the Summoning Formation, and in a single shot, a Double Yolk Egg — both desired SSRs were drawn out...

Emmmmm, let's tentatively consider both of them SSR tier?

Thinking about it, this doesn't seem very important anyway; regardless, Xia Zhi feels both count as SSRs in his mind, whether it's the Ancient Britain Knight King wielding the Holy Sword, or the Greek Witch from the Age of Gods with superb Magecraft.

So, this unexpected double summoning is ultimately still a delightful matter, even if it disrupted his original plan to some extent.

But this doesn't matter at all; Xia Zhi is truly not panicked in the slightest — what is there to fear? Even though he did indeed perform a bit of strategic "artistic processing" on Medea in the Fuyuki Holy Grail War not long ago...

But that was also unavoidable.

Miss Witch must surely be a magnanimous person, unlikely to hold a grudge over this; that Insignificant displeasure has probably long been completely forgotten by her...

——That's right, that's exactly how it is.

Holding such a Natural thought, he Stepped Forward without any psychological Burden, preparing to re-acquaint himself with Miss Medea... let the past be the past; everyone should look to the future, only then can they truly move Forward.

"Looks like I've encountered an incredible Master this time——"

Medea Quietly scrutinized the individual before her, smiling unmoved on the Surface, but inwardly she couldn't help but ripple with a trace of astonishment. The faint Magic Energy fluctuations hidden within the other's body were like an abyssal mountain peak, exuding a terrifying Spiritual Pressure.

"I am Caster, my True Name is Medea, a Witch from Greece, willing to serve you."

She collected her thoughts, reached out both hands and Gently lowered her hood, revealing pale blue Long Hair and Pupils, as well as pointed ears distinct from ordinary people.

Strangely, when draped in her robe, her image was like a bewitchingly dazzling Witch; but once she removed her hood, she presented as an impressively plain beauty — this strong Contrast was particularly eye-catching.

"So it's Miss Medea, nice to meet you, glad to know you..."

The youth's Smile was exceptionally hearty, as if he completely harbored no suspicion because of this name, Fangfu this name had not stirred any doubts in his heart, and he frankly extended his hand, utterly sincere.

"I'm called Xia Zhi; from now on, we'll advance and retreat together; looking forward to our pleasant Cooperation."

"..."

"..."

Medea intently scrutinized the Expression on his face, then also smiled Gently, Elegantly extending her hand to lightly shake the other's, though it was just a touch-and-release: "As you wish, my Master."

This Master before her was obviously extremely sincere, and held not the slightest reservation about her past reputation; although this was very likely because he had that Awe-inspiring Composure — judging from that terrifying Magic Power Reserve, ordinary Servants probably couldn't even withstand the power of his Fingertips...

However, none of these are important anymore.

Regardless of the reason, as long as trust is given to her, that is the most precious quality.

"..."

"..."

Artoria stood to the side, eyes observing nose, nose observing heart, offering no opinion.

Although she indeed Faintly felt something was off, the current situation was still within acceptable limits; moreover, she knew nothing of the previous entanglements between the two, so naturally it was inconvenient to rashly offer any evaluation.

She couldn't help but have a thought: since it was all matters from the previous Holy Grail War, perhaps it truly was Unnecessary to bring it into this summoning...

Thus, she chose to remain Silent.

"This one is——"

Medea timely cast her Gaze toward her, Tone carrying a trace of probing intent, a peculiar light Flashing in the depths of her eyes. At this moment, she noticed the girl's Posture and temperament were exceptionally eye-catching, impossible to ignore.

Simply put, it made her see prey and rejoice, suddenly arousing a special Interest.

A curiosity and a certain special Desire Quietly sprouted in her heart.

"Cough cough, this one is Saber, True Name is Artoria, the Knight King of Ancient Britain..." Xia Zhi coughed lightly, directly introducing her for Miss Witch, letting the two re-acquaint.

Or rather, letting Miss Witch re-acquaint.

The Swordswoman girl, however, didn't need it; she came answering the summons with memories of the Fuyuki City Holy Grail War.

For her, that was simply something that happened not long ago, Naturally not unfamiliar in the slightest.

"Hello, I am Artoria, honored to know you, Miss Medea..." The Knight King slightly bowed in greeting; although she was grumbling about her current Master in her belly, she ultimately still gave face, cooperating with the Master's introduction without Impoliteness.

Just as she bowed, she failed to notice that a strange light was Flashing in the opposite Witch's eyes.

Xia Zhi, however, keenly Captured this Subtle sign.

He slightly raised his brow, Thoughts tracing back to that night.

When he subverted Saber from the enemy Alignment back then, Medea also revealed a similar peculiar excited Emotion; he originally thought this was Miss Witch's joy from Tactic success, having successfully Jia Jia a powerful Servant.

However, now seeing Medea reveal this Unintentional excited look again, he began to doubt this interpretation...

Could it be that Medea, because of her life's Encounter——

Was struck into changing her sexual orientation?

Thinking a bit, this Possibility doesn't seem small. He quickly reviewed Medea's story in Greek Mythology; under the manipulation of those unreliable Gods, this Miss Witch's life was undoubtedly filled with Tragedy.

Under such violent fate twists and impacts, it might indeed cause a qualitative change in a person's concepts...

Just —— why Artoria?

Xia Zhi Glanced at the Swordswoman girl beside him, seeing her skin soft and snow-white, with shoulder-length Gold Box hair and emerald green Pupils, and a face quite pretty even without makeup...

This awe-inspiring beauty was undoubtedly a top-tier beauty.

And most importantly, this appearance and Posture were completely cast from the same mold as Vivian.

——Medea would be attracted to Artoria...

——Then there's no guarantee she wouldn't also be attracted to Vivian...

Thinking of this, Xia Zhi immediately raised the importance of this matter to the highest level, deciding to wait for an opportunity to confirm it with Medea.

"Alright, then now we can consider ourselves mutually acquainted..." Clapping his hands, drawing the attention of both ladies, Xia Zhi also casually glanced at the summoning formation on the ground, perhaps it could still be utilized.

But for now, let's leave it at that; everything requires a gradual progression.

Getting the two desired cards on the first summon was already more than enough.

"Then, let me explain the reason for summoning you; I imagine you can both guess — this isn't any Holy Grail War, purely because I need more power, that's why I summoned you..."

"..."

"..."

Artoria and Medea looked at each other, neither making a sound.

——This person still needs power?

——Judging from that incomparably abundant, vast, terrifying mana supply that could completely support their Noble Phantasms firing in succession, what power does this fellow still need?

"First, let me tell you one thing: this land... is an island named Britain. Yes, that Britain." Xia Zhi smiled faintly, directly dropping this heavy news — at least, heavy news for Artoria.

"What——? How is that possible!"

The Swordswoman girl almost cried out in shock, losing her expression management in an instant.

She looked around in disbelief, surveying the surrounding land; this terrifying atmospheric environment, land with such high mana concentration, was actually Britain?

"That is the fact, though the situation also has some discrepancies; as for why such a deviation exists, I don't understand either. I can only tell you first that long, long ago, an unknown Calamity occurred in this world..."

The youth began to narrate leisurely, speaking of his understanding of the origin of this Britain Fairy Kingdom, also as paving to incite Artoria; he felt that after this strong medicine, the girl could at least stimulate two hundred percent action force.

And with this paving, he could also more confidently persuade Vivian's side, to make her accept this King Arthur's existence.

——After all, judging from all current traces, Vivian is very likely that Morgan...

——Although theoretically speaking, in this world, there simply is no King Arthur legend, no King Arthur, no Round Table Knights, and naturally no Morgan or the like.

——But for some reason, Vivian seems to have a very clear self-cognition of her other identity.

"... Basically that's it; although many differences exist, there is no doubt that this Fairy Kingdom is this world's Britain."

Summarizing the current intelligence, Xia Zhi gazed straight at Artoria, revealing a meaningful expression.

"And coincidentally I know a person; she was born bearing the mission to save Britain, but relying on her power alone is still a very forced matter; she needs more assistance to save this island's future..."

"...!!"

Artoria's pupils contracted sharply to the limit, thoughts flashing back like lightning to that night not long before.

After she herself also expressed giving up the Holy Grail, the person before her found a chance to come talk to her alone, specifically asking why she wanted to obtain the Holy Grail, and what kind of wish she had.

And she also clearly told the other party, perhaps also holding a sliver of extravagant hope...

Only, this person merely told her that perhaps he could provide such an opportunity for her to attempt, then left. And all the way until the Contract naturally dissolved, she was exiled from the Mortal World, returned to Camlan Hill —

She never saw the other party do anything.

She wasn't holding too much hope originally, but now, Artoria suddenly realized this was the opportunity the other party spoke of.

This land is this world's Britain...

This Britain is also facing the darkest crisis...

And there is also a person, born bearing the mission to save Britain...

How similar this is, just like the situation Artoria faced back then; Britain needed a Savior to step forward. And she did step forward, drew the Sword in the Stone, became the King of Knights.

However——

Not long before, having just experienced the final great battle of her life, personally witnessing the Kingdom's destruction, the girl hated her own stupidity beyond measure.

She regretted it.

The King hated Britain's destruction too much, and refused her own salvation.

If she could evade this destruction, no matter what price she had to pay didn't matter; therefore she chose to sign a Contract with the Primate's Counter Force, using her death as the price, exchanging for a chance to seek the Holy Grail.

Going to such lengths, what she yearned for was to return to the King Selection Day, change the past, change her history of becoming King.

If it wasn't her, but another person, would Britain be able to evade this destiny of destruction?

——Probably that's what she thought.

And now, just such an opportunity lay before her; it couldn't be said to fulfill her wish, yet it could provide a simulation opportunity to some extent, letting her see if another person led Britain's future, what kind of route it would be...

Her inner heart suddenly became incomparably excited; the Swordswoman girl bit her lip tightly.

She didn't want to give up this opportunity.

————

————

In the camp.

Vivian, who was concentrating on making a doll, heard movement outside, and immediately frowned lightly.

Two unfamiliar auras were approaching...

What people did that fellow bring back?

She pondered a moment, directly put down the tools in hand, stood up and left this temporary Magic Workshop.

After waiting a while in the camp, she soon saw three figures slowly walking back from the night outside. The camp suddenly fell quiet; even Index and Tetelot, the two little Lolis, were completely dumbfounded.

They looked at Vivian standing in the camp, then at the "Vivian" the youth brought back; their small heads held big question marks.

The same appearance, the same posture.

Even their temperaments were so similarly stern——

"Vivian, do you have a sister this similar?" Tetelot showed a surprised expression, subconsciously poking the golden-haired girl standing quietly beside her; she naturally thought so.

Vivian was also somewhat shocked; hearing this, she immediately frowned, instinctively wanting to retort: "What sister do I have..."

The words weren't finished when she suddenly thought of a possibility, and her expression suddenly sank.

She did indeed have a Younger Sister.

"Let me introduce her — this is the Servant I just Summoned, King Arthur from another world, Artoria Pendragon..." At this moment, that fellow on the Opposite Side was also smiling as he introduced to everyone the background of the Golden Hair girl he had Brought Back behind him.

Next Moment —

Artoria had also been looking at the girl on the Opposite Side with surprise and doubt; Immediately, she saw the gaze the other party cast over, as if wanting to kill.

(Chapter End)