Chapter 440: Robin

Ilya's voice gradually grew louder, perhaps the Spell Array truly reacted, giving her a bit of confidence.

She closed her eyes and strained to recall the key points that the Ruby had imparted to her—about "focusing mind," "imagining connection," and "infusing wishes."

(I... I hope... I could have a little more time with Mom and Dad... I hope... I could become a bit braver... I hope...)

She had no grand Destruction or Rescue wishes, only the simple, pure wish of a little girl.

"... Entwine you three great speech spirits for seven days, come from the Wheel of Suppression, Guardian of the Scales—!"

When the final syllable fell, Ilya snapped open her bright red eyes.

The Spell Array on the ground, emitting pearl‑white light, suddenly burst into brilliance!

However, the light that rose was not the usual golden, silver, or dazzling magical explosions of a summon, but a hazy, stage‑spotlight‑like, cool‑toned blue‑purple glow!

Within the glow, faint illusory notes that seemed to flow like a musical melody flickered and vanished.

"Huh?"

The Ruby paused in midair in surprise, its gem light flickering twice in doubt, "This Magic Reaction... is a bit unusual, huh? It's not a normal Heroic Spirit seat channel..."

Before it could finish analyzing, the blue‑purple light swiftly contracted and condensed.

In the center of the Spell Array, an elegant figure appeared.

The light fully faded, and the afternoon sun in the woods poured down again, illuminating the suddenly appearing Servant.

The first thing that caught Ilya's eye was a touch of elegant blue.

Her curled hair glimmered delicately in the sunlight, styled into a half‑pinned princess‑hairdo, fluffy and graceful.

Between her strands, a pair of tiny, exquisite "wings" could be faintly seen near her ears, and a faint halo shimmered briefly above her head before vanishing.

Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, bearing an otherworldly delicacy.

Her lake‑green eyes, as vivid as emerald water, like the finest gems, were now filled with obvious bewilderment.

The perfectly applied red eye‑shadow on her lids added a gentle melancholy when she lowered her gaze.

Around her neck she seemed to wear an intricate, lavish purple necklace, layered and cleverly concealing some faint trace beneath.

Her attire was even more splendid, like a top‑tier singer about to take the stage.

It was an extremely intricate gray‑white‑purple sleeveless off‑shoulder dress, short in front and long in back, its hem adorned with pearls and flowing ribbons, and as she moved, silent musical notes seemed to drift.

Purple ruffled layers piled at her chest, embroidered with delicate patterns and dotted with star‑shaped ornaments.

The detachable ruffled sleeves were tied to her arms with pearl chains, swaying gently with her movements.

Her slender legs were clad in a pair of uniquely designed purple high‑heels.

She stood upon fallen leaves and soil, incongruous with the simple forest surroundings, as if an exquisite painting had been misplaced in a plein‑air scene.

"Eh...?"

Robin widened her lake‑green eyes, looking around in confusion.

(This place is...?)

"I'm supposed to be on stage... no, that's not right. Earlier I was preparing to respond to Mr. Sha Jin's collaboration invitation, and that strange girl's challenge..."

She rubbed her temples, her eyes full of confusion, "How did I suddenly end up... in this... forest?"

Her eyes finally fell on Ilya, who was still kneeling on the ground, staring up at her with a clueless little face.

"Um... hello?"

Robin (yes, the Robin from the Pinokanni Third World line, currently taking part in that Holy Grail War) tentatively greeted, a politely puzzled smile on her face, "Excuse me... where is this? And you are...?"

She was completely at a loss.

In an instant, the scenery shifted entirely.

The environment here was unfamiliar, and the Rule seemed different as well...

Could it be the strange Noble Phantasm effect of some opponent?

But the child before her, dressed in a red coat, silver hair and red eyes, looking just like an ordinary human little girl...

Who is this again?

Ilya was utterly stunned at that moment.

(So... so beautiful!)

Like a princess stepped out of a fairy tale!

No, even more dazzling than a princess!

That outfit, those sparkling ornaments, and that naturally graceful aura...

It was as if a super idol from TV had suddenly appeared before her!

And she looked so gentle, and her voice was lovely!

Ilya's small mouth was slightly open, her sky‑blue eyes filled with exclamation marks, and she forgot to answer the question.

"U~☆"

It was the Ruby that broke the silence.

It floated between Ilya and Robin, the Magic Staff's gem light flickering curiously, circling Robin half a turn, seemingly scanning the suddenly arrived beautiful Servant from all angles.

"Oh dear! This is serious, Ilya!"

The Ruby shouted in an exaggerated tone, "Although the class seems to be Caster, this big sister's beauty and charisma stats are off the charts! This outfit, this hairstyle, this accessory taste... definitely celebrity level! The Magic Reaction is also special, not the usual Heroic Spirit system... but that's fine! Looks and aura are combat power! Ilya, you've drawn an SSR! It may require a bit of adjustment... but it's definitely an ultra‑rare Servant!"

Robin was taken aback by the flying Magic Staff, her lake‑green eyes growing even more puzzled.

(What is this again...)

She cast her gaze at Ilya again, this time a bit more seriously.

She could feel a faint yet definite Contract Link between herself and the little girl before her.

There was also a Command Spell mark on the back of her hand...

So, she was summoned by her?

In this unfamiliar world, as a Servant?

"Um…"

Ilya finally regained her composure, her small face slightly flushed from the earlier slip and Ruby's chatter.

She hurriedly brushed the grass off her skirt, a bit at a loss, but still tried to appear polite, giving Robin a slight bow.

"Y-hello! I'm Ilya! Ilya... uh, Emiya Ilya! I summoned you!"

Her voice was crisp, her eyes sparkling, full of curiosity and a hint of embarrassment, "W-welcome! Um... may I ask, what's your name? And... you're really beautiful!"

The last sentence was a sincere compliment, uttered without a second thought.

Robin looked at the silver‑haired little girl before them, whose face was sincere and whose eyes held no gloom, and the wariness in their heart eased just a little.

At least, this Master didn't seem malicious or unfathomable.

She habitually adjusted her stance.

Despite the abrupt surroundings and her many doubts, basic etiquette and professional poise naturally brought a smile to her face.

"Hello, Ilya."

Robin's voice softened, the ethereal tone sounding especially melodious in the forest, "My name is Robin. As you can see, I appear to be a Servant of the Caster class, responding to your summons."

She paused briefly, her bright green eyes gently gazing at Ilya, while not overlooking the curious Ruby observing her nearby.

"Although I have many questions... such as exactly where this is, and why I appear here in this form."

She gently raised her hand, her fingertips seemingly brushing the ornate necklace at her throat unconsciously, "But the contract is already established. Before we figure all this out, please guide me, my Master."

She gave a slight nod, performing a simple yet graceful gesture.

The hem's ribbons fluttered lightly, pearls sparkling in the dappled light.

Ilya watched the elegant and gentle Robin, and the lingering nervousness in her heart vanished completely, leaving only pure happiness and a touch of pride.

"Mm! Please guide me, Miss Robin!"

Ilya nodded vigorously, her smile radiant.