309 Gordes's Frustration

"Don't worry about her, Caster of Red won't pose a threat to us."

Arkhan also sensed Darnic's concern and calmly reassured him.

"Huh? Why not?" Darnic asked, puzzled.

"Because... I've already killed her."

Arkhan casually stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

Hearing that unexpected statement, a gleam flashed in Vlad's eyes, while Darnic widened his eyes in disbelief.

Managed to kill Caster of Red while being surrounded by several Servants of Red—Rider's power was truly formidable.

It seemed that in the previous battle with Lancer, Rider hadn't revealed all of his power.

"There's one more thing, it seems Saber of Red has defected the Red Faction. That's a significant advantage for us." Arkhan added.

Hearing another unexpected statement, Darnic was momentarily surprised, but then a hard-to-hide joy appeared on his face.

Saber of Red had defected? This was fantastic news! Losing such a powerful Servant undoubtedly gave them an absolute advantage in terms of sheer power!

"Haha, it seems luck is on our side this time." Vlad chuckled. "Get ready, Darnic. It's time for the final showdown with the Red Faction."

As an experienced military strategist, Vlad knew how rare such an opportunity was. Now or never, they had to act as soon as possible.

"Yes, my King!"

Even with Darnic's calm disposition, excitement couldn't be concealed from his face. The long-standing wish of the Yggdmillennia was about to be fulfilled.

Vlad turned to Arkhan.

"You've worked hard, Rider. Take a good rest; the final battle is just around the corner."

"I understand." Arkhan calmly nodded and walked out of the room.

Watching the closing doors, Darnic suddenly became puzzled.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Celenike in a long time."

While Celenike's personality was somewhat eccentric due to her early studies in black magic, it was rare for her not to appear for several days. In the past, if something important required her attention, she would inform him in advance to avoid problems.

However, this time, he hadn't received any messages from her at all.

"Darnic, the most crucial thing before us now is winning the Holy Grail War. Some minor matters don't need such deep scrutiny." Vlad said meaningfully.

Darnic seemed to grasp the hidden meaning in Vlad's words and nodded slightly.

"Yes, I understand, my King."

After leaving the room, Arkhan first went to the kitchen to prepare some food. However, as soon as he stepped through the kitchen door, he saw two familiar figures standing inside.

"Ri-Rider?" Gordes stuttered, unsure why, but a hint of guilt flashed across his face. "How did you... I mean, Servants don't need to eat, right?"

"Indeed... However, I find the cuisine of this era quite intriguing, so I thought I'd try as much as possible." Arkhan smiled.

"Well, uh... that's interesting. Hahaha, then you're in luck. Our Yggdmillennia chefs are top-notch, not inferior to those Michelin three-star chefs outside." Gordes managed a forced smile. "Anyway, I won't disturb you. Enjoy your meal."

As Gordes and Siegfried were about to bypass Arkhan and leave, Gordes was suddenly halted by a pat on his shoulder.

"By the way, why so much food?"

Arkhan glanced at Siegfried carrying a sack on his shoulder. Judging by the size, it could easily sustain a normal family of three for a week.

"Well, you know, the current situation is a bit special... I'm just being cautious..."

Cold sweat started to bead on Gordes's forehead as he explained. Arkhan silently stared at him until the cold sweat almost soaked through his back.

Without warning, Arkhan laughed.

"Hahaha, I see, I see... I didn't expect you to be so careful."

"Ahaha... You're overestimating me..." Gordes forced a smile.

"But you can't finish all this food alone, right? It would be a waste. So... if you need help, feel free to ask me anytime." Arkhan released Gordes's shoulder, smiling. "I'd be happy to assist you."

Gordes looked at Arkhan in surprise, and after a moment, he nodded slightly.

"I... will remember that."

"Umu." Arkhan smiled and walked toward the kitchen, leaving Gordes behind.

Gordes turned to glance at Arkhan's departing figure. After a moment of silence, he turned back and left the kitchen with Siegfried.

"Saber, what do you think Rider meant with all that?"

On the way back to his room, Gordes was puzzled and asked his Servant.

He wasn't a fool.

From Rider's expression and words, he was certain that Rider had discovered what he was up to.

However, if that were the case, why would Rider say such things? Wasn't he supposed to be on Caster's side?

Asked by his Master, Siegfried stayed silent for a moment before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, Master. I don't know his intentions in saying that, but I'm sure he wasn't saying it with any ulterior motive. He genuinely wants to help you."

"Huh? Why are you so sure?" Gordes asked in confusion.

"Because of his eyes." Siegfried spoke earnestly. "Words spoken by someone might not be true, but the eyes never lie."

Upon hearing that, Gordes suddenly remembered that Saber standing in front of him was a hero known for helping people. Could it be that Saber sensed a certain resonance with Rider?

Until he returned to his room, Gordes still hadn't decided whether to trust Rider, but for now, he had to keep this matter to himself.

He took out a key from his pocket and unlocked his room door.

"Come out, Sieg, I'm back."

With Gordes's call, a homunculus wearing an oversized T-shirt cautiously peeked out from the wardrobe.

"Welcome back, Mr. Gordes."

"While I was out, no one came, right?" Gordes asked as he handed a can to Sieg from his pocket.

Sieg's name was chosen by Gordes, and as for the significance behind it, only he knew.

"Caster's Master came looking for you, but left when he didn't find you." Sieg answered, taking the can and thanking Gordes softly.

"Geez, that brat..." Gordes scoffed.

It wasn't the first time Roche came looking for him; it was always about Sieg's matter.

'That kid is almost brainwashed by Caster, obsessed with helping Caster complete his Noble Phantasm to the point of losing his mind.'

Gordes sighed inwardly but then noticed Sieg struggling to open the can. He furrowed his brow slightly, opened another can, and handed it to Sieg.

"Sorry, I'm just so useless..." Sieg apologized, embarrassed.

"No, it's not your fault..." Gordes turned his head away slightly, a hint of complexity in his eyes.

As a homunculus, Sieg's body was frail. Despite Gordes trying everything to improve it, the effects were minimal. The only option now was to seek help from the Einzbern family; only they could assist Sieg.

However, the Holy Grail War was still underway, making it challenging to secretly send Sieg away amidst so many Servants.

Regardless, Sieg couldn't stay here; it was too dangerous for him.

The food Gordes brought was intended for Sieg's provisions for the journey, but with Sieg's current condition, just walking out of Trifas alone posed a daunting task.

'What to do...'

Gordes rubbed his temples in frustration, but suddenly, a sentence flashed in his mind.

—if you need help, feel free to ask me anytime. I'd be happy to assist you.

'It seems I have no choice but to turn to that guy for help...' Gordes sighed and stood up. "Saber, stay in the room. Don't open the door for anyone. I'll be right back."

"Understood, leave it to me, Master." Siegfried nodded earnestly.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Arkhan returned to his room with food.

He manipulated Celenike with Fenghuang Down, ensuring she consumed the food he brought. After she finished it, he had her recline back into the wardrobe.

"Even with such a gorgeous woman, you're so ruthless. You're quite a cold-hearted man, y'know." Nidhogg teased from nearby.

"Don't joke around. This woman is crazier and more ruthless than you can imagine." Arkhan rolled his eyes.

"Geez, I don't believe there's a woman crazier than Hela in this world." Nidhogg scoffed. "By the way, how's your plan coming along?"

"Very smooth. They've started preparing to launch a full attack on the Red Faction." Arkhan answered with a smile.

He intentionally leaked the news of Caster of Red's death and Saber of Red's betrayal to Vlad and Darnic, urging them to act against the Red Faction sooner.

The reason behind this action was his suspicion that the factor causing this world's crisis might be hidden in the Red Faction.