Chapter 28
Blazing flames emerged amidst Berserk Saber's direction, enveloping her in an infernal embrace. She desperately tried to escape, but the flames seemed determined to chase her, clinging to every inch of her skin. "How is this possible?" Berserk Saber wondered, unable to comprehend how the fire that had taken hold of her arm dissipated as if it had never existed.
In a final effort, she contemplated using her Noble Phantasm, but what use would it serve at this moment? Her body was already being consumed by Jeanne's flames, and Berserk Saber could only utter one sentence before disappearing: "Forgive me, Maria..."
"The strength of it... It was overwhelming," whispered Fujimaru in admiration. He observed Jeanne in front of him, fascinated by her courage.
"You did it, Miss Jeanne! You triumphed over your enemy. It was truly impressive," Mash said, approaching Jeanne.
"Yes... Now, the mission is yours," Jeanne uttered, sensing that her time was running out. She added, "My time is running out, I wish I could continue alongside all of you, but it's not possible. Please, don't forget to convey this to Rémy."
"Holy Jeanne," murmured Dr. Roman, witnessing Jeanne's disappearance before he could say anything.
"She's gone," Mash said, her eyes fixed on the spot where Jeanne had been just seconds before, her voice filled with sadness and sorrow. A wave of melancholy and emptiness washed over her heart as she realized her friend and battle companion was no longer there.
"Let's go, Mash! We have to find the Grail and deliver Jeanne's message to Rémy," Fujimaru said with determination. They couldn't falter now. He approached Siegfried, who was lying on the ground.
"Let me carry him, senpai!" Mash snapped out of her reverie, realizing that Fujimaru was trying to do the same thing Jeanne had done, putting Siegfried on his back. She ran towards them, determined to be the one responsible for carrying Siegfried.
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Gilles gazed at the sky, waiting for the return of Jeanne Alter. He held onto the hope that everything had gone well. A bizarre smile spread across his face as he spotted a dragon approaching in the distance. He knew who was mounted on the dragon. Who else could it be but his precious Jeanne?
Fafnir landed softly on the ground, and Jeanne Alter descended from her dragon. Her presence was magnificent, and Gilles felt ecstatic at her return.
"Oh, my Jeanne! You have finally returned. The heavens exalt your glory at this moment. What divine wonder! I expected nothing less from you," Gilles said, showering his beloved Jeanne with praise.
"It's good to see you too, Gilles. Your tongue remains as sharp as ever," Jeanne Alter retorted. She missed Gilles' flattery as well, although she didn't like it when he went overboard as it became rather tedious.
"It's good to see you too, Gilles. I never thought you'd be so good at complimenting people," a voice chimed in. Gilles' smile vanished instantly. He recognized that voice as soon as he heard it, and his expression changed from serious to angry.
"You, you traitor! You destroyed everything Jeanne achieved! You didn't protect her, you should have given your life for her, but instead, you were responsible for her death. It's all your fault!" Gilles shouted, pointing one of his claw-like fingers at Rémy. Portals opened beside Gilles, releasing sinister tentacles that moved towards Rémy, who had just descended from the dragon.
Rémy didn't stand still. He summoned his lance and was determined to cut down those repugnant tentacles. Gilles' words struck him deeply because he knew he had failed in his duty. It was a personal failure for him.
"That's enough, both of you! There's no reason to fight. Save your energy to face the servants that are coming," exclaimed Jeanne Alter, interrupting the argument. She entered the castle, closely followed by Gilles, who cast a bitter glance at Rémy.
"Idiot!" Rémy muttered, his voice filled with frustration. "I blame myself too, I don't need you pointing your ugly finger at me." He had promised himself that he would break Gilles' finger if he pointed it at him again, and anger surged through his veins. With firm steps, he followed behind Jeanne Alter and Gilles, watching them as they walked.
"Your Command Spell won't last forever," Rémy declared with determination. "When it wears off, I will put an end to all of this and return to Jeanne. I know she'll come straight here." His eyes turned to the sky, waiting to catch a glimpse of his beloved figure. He knew that when Fujimaru picked up the Grail, everything would disappear. However, at least he wanted to spend precious time with Jeanne, even if it was brief.
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"My precious Jeanne! You cannot allow this monster to stay by our side. He will fail, just as he failed you once," declared Gilles, by Jeanne Alter's side, never ceasing to speak. "Just by seeing him approaching your glory, I can sense it fading. We cannot allow this."
"Stop plotting, Gilles. And stay away from me. There's no reason to worry. I am in command," Jeanne Alter responded, irritated by Gilles' persistent voice. "Enough with saying things that contribute nothing. Prepare to face the servants who are on their way."
"I understand, but we can't let him get so close. We need to restrain him somehow. It would be better to eliminate him once and for all," Gilles insisted, hoping that Jeanne Alter would heed his concern. They couldn't allow this individual to remain with them.
"I didn't know you could speak so well, Gilles, at least not in this class," Rémy taunted, unable to resist further provoking Gilles. Gilles stared at him with a look that could kill, but Rémy remained unfazed. He enjoyed provoking Gilles and didn't care about the hatred he received in return.
"I thought I told both of you to stop fighting," Jeanne Alter intervened, exasperated. "Enough with the nonsense and keep watch to ensure that our enemies, who will surely come here, don't gain any advantage." She awaited the arrival of her servants, planning to destroy Fujimaru's team with all her allies.
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