This Is My Holy Grail War [212]

On the classical redwood table sat a sleek, silver laptop. Its screen was currently displaying an active call—more accurately, a video request initiated by one magus to another.

Not all magi were fossilized relics of a bygone age. Quite a few of the new generation were adept with modern electronics. Take, for example, the students in the El-Melloi classroom—though not all of them; some were outright tech-illiterate. Flat, however, was very familiar with such devices. He and his dormmates often gamed together online.

On the laptop display appeared Lord El-Melloi II, sitting upright in dignified silence, patiently awaiting Flat to connect the call. And today, he wasn’t alone. A certain noble lady—Her Highness—was with him on the other side.

“That’s the situation. My teacher would like to speak with you, Assassin.” As Flat explained, he opened the line for Assassin. But she handled the call with practiced ease. Though she was an ancient Heroic Spirit summoned into this Holy Grail War, she seemed entirely at home with modern technology. She required no guidance from Flat, deftly manipulating the delicate electronic equipment of this era without missing a beat.

The atmosphere remained calm. Even though he’d essentially barged into her workshop, Assassin showed no signs of anger. Flat couldn’t see her face, shrouded beneath a heavy hood, but he could almost feel a subtle smile beneath—an unsettling, bone-deep chill. Her Master, Marco, had been eerily silent the entire time, as though silently permitting Flat’s actions. Only when the laptop was turned on did Flat feel the oppressive weight of his stare begin to ease.

When Flat introduced his teacher, Assassin responded with a certain warmth, which confused Flat deeply. Servants shouldn’t possess memories of previous Grail Wars. For instance, Rider—Iskandar—had absolutely no recollection of having once fought alongside his teacher. Yet El-Melloi II had willingly taken on the role of strategist from behind the scenes. Though he was far away in Europe, his attention never strayed from this Holy Grail War. Every time Flat called, his voice was there, waiting on the other end.

“When was the last time we met?” Assassin asked Lord El-Melloi II a strange question over the video call.

“The last time? Why would you ask that?!” The video feed was crystal-clear, capturing his puzzled expression perfectly. “Wait—you remember what happened in the last Holy Grail War?!”

“Memory correction,” Assassin replied. “I don’t remember—I simply haven’t forgotten.”

“Over twenty years ago, then.” El-Melloi didn’t offer a precise number, just a rough estimate. “You’ve grown stronger. I can smell a witch’s presence on you.”

“One learns through study—and study brings progress,” Assassin replied. “This appearance was borrowed from a Caster in one of the earlier Holy Grail Wars. I’m merely imitating her…”

They chatted on. Flat tried to insert himself into the conversation but quickly realized he was out of his depth. He knew next to nothing about Assassin, but his teacher wouldn’t lie to him. Judging by how she and Rider were summoned from the same relic—and the nature of their exchange—they must have once been comrades. Or so Flat guessed.

Oddly enough, he found more common ground with Assassin’s Master, Marco. This magus—called a madman by Reines—turned out to be surprisingly easy to talk to.

“Your Lordship,” said Marco with utmost courtesy, only speaking after the conversation between Assassin and El-Melloi had concluded. “I’ve noticed the connection between you and my Servant. Perhaps… we might become allies in this Holy Grail War.”

Alliance negotiations? Flat was stunned. Talking alliance with their greatest potential enemy? That couldn’t be real… could it?

“Our target isn’t you, Marco—it’s Assassin herself. In other words, my dear brother intends to recruit her,” said the noble lady standing behind Lord El-Melloi. “To stain the name of El-Melloi is to invite blood for atonement.”

“I deeply regret what happened,” Marco replied. “That was the Einzbern family’s doing, and had nothing to do with me.”

“But word of it has already spread through all of the Clock Tower,” Reines said, eyes sharp with hostility. “El-Melloi’s honor has been disgraced, and it must be restored.”

“I’ve never cared for fame,” Lord El-Melloi said softly. “Honor is something I’ve engraved on my heart. Truthfully, I don’t hate you, Marco. I’m even somewhat grateful. If not for you, I likely wouldn’t have found a way into this Grail War myself.”

“But there are things even I can’t control.”

“Then let’s form a secret pact,” Marco offered. “No one else has to know the terms between us.”

“And what do we stand to gain?” Reines cut in. “What price are you willing to pay?”

“Whoever claims the Grail this time, the outside world will only remember one thing: that El-Melloi secured the final victory in the Holy Grail War.” Marco extended his hand out of habit—even though a screen separated them. “We form this alliance, and no matter the outcome, you will bask in the glory.”

“Hm, I’m intrigued,” Reines said without hiding her interest. “We can establish an alliance, can’t we? After all, our true enemy is the Einzbern family. And Marco seems willing to fight for El-Melloi’s honor.”

“Wait a moment,” Lord El-Melloi said suddenly. “Flat—you’re the Master of Rider. This decision ultimately rests with you.”

Flat studied Marco closely, then posed a direct question to the dangerous-looking man. “Why do you want to ally with us? Have you betrayed the Einzbern family?”

“I’ve never betrayed anyone. My relationship with the Einzberns is purely transactional,” Marco said calmly. “As for my purpose—it’s about a girl… and a designated sealing.”

“I want to use the influence of El-Melloi to help one person survive this war.” He paused. “If I lose the Holy Grail War, I want to leave her a path to safety.”

“I’ll consider it,” El-Melloi said. “Using a Lord’s authority to shield someone is possible—so long as no laws are broken. That includes, but is not limited to, secular law.”

“No problem. She’s a good girl,” Marco answered with confidence.

And just like that, the alliance was formed—so easily that even Flat found it hard to believe.

“You seem to be doing quite well for yourself, Waver,” Assassin said curiously. “That timid boy I once knew… now stands tall, shielding others from the storm.”

“Do you remember what you said back then?” El-Melloi asked. “About becoming the vassal of the King of Conquerors?”

“I see now,” Rider, who had been silent for some time, finally spoke up. “So this is the potential vassal you spoke of, my King? He seems quite promising.” Despite arriving with great fanfare, Rider’s demeanor was strikingly composed—he was clearly piecing things together.

“That’s right, my King,” El-Melloi said respectfully.

“Truly, communication tools in this era are remarkable,” Rider added, impressed by the crystal-clear sound and visuals over the laptop. “This could save so much manpower and resources.”

“Waver,” Assassin asked, “if that split relic had summoned not me, but two Riders instead, who would you have pledged loyalty to?”

“That would be Perfect,” El-Melloi said without hesitation. “We’d go conquer the stars together! Same kings, same vassal, same dream. Even if there were two Riders, there’d be no conflict in this war. So whether I serve one or both—what difference does it make? In my heart, there’s only one King.”

“I see… so everything’s already been arranged,” Assassin said, then abruptly shifted her tone. “But if you’ve come here to recruit me, I’m afraid you’re too late. I already have a King. I’ve given my Grail wish to her, and I won’t be offering it to anyone else.”

She paused, then added with a sly smile:

“Oh, and I summoned this King myself.”

As if to confirm her words, a new voice rang out from beyond the room—a Servant’s voice.

“Oh? Trying to steal my vassal? You lot… are you tired of living?!”

With a creak, the private room’s door swung open. A girl in a black, elegant gown stepped through—sword in hand, her presence undeniable.

—

This is a fan translation of 这是我的圣杯之战 by 向希望祈祷. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!