Chapter 407: Sisters 

"Because I am special."

This statement revealed Artoria's attitude. She intended to come clean with Jeanne, explaining her uniqueness and the mission she bore, seeking Jeanne's help.

This wasn't a hasty decision but a conclusion reached after careful thought.

If it were another Ruler, Artoria might not have used such a direct and undisguised approach. She would have cautiously engaged, gradually assessing the situation before deciding whether to speak and if so, how much to reveal. The King of Knights may not be exceptionally clever, but having been a ruler of a nation, she possessed the necessary intelligence and prudence when calm.

The reason for choosing this approach was simply that it was Jeanne—a person whom both Scathach and Artoria herself had recognized as having a similar character and spirit. With this premise, Artoria only needed to put herself in the role of Ruler to find the answer.

Mentioning Gilles de Rais also served as a test to see how Jeanne would respond in such a scenario. Jeanne's response satisfied Artoria, hence she straightforwardly claimed to be "special."

"Special?" Jeanne looked puzzled and somewhat wary. Could my anomaly be related to her?

"That's right. Let me put it this way, I—(grumble)..."

Before she could finish, a strange noise interrupted them. Though it wasn't loud, it didn't escape the ears of the Servants.

"Well, um, I'm also a bit special. I need to eat like ordinary people, otherwise, I get hungry."

Jeanne lowered her head in embarrassment and explained softly. The grumbling had come from her stomach. Although she had eaten a full dinner at the church, the hours of travel and use of holy water for exploration had depleted her energy, requiring replenishment.

"I understand, I understand." Artoria nodded repeatedly. "An empty stomach is a formidable enemy; only when full can one fight effectively."

At first, Jeanne thought it was just a comforting remark to avoid awkwardness, but seeing Artoria's serious expression, she realized it was more than that.

"Do you think so?"

"Of course. My stomach would have protested even earlier. If I hadn't sensed your presence, I would have already gone back to resupply."

When it comes to eating, the great King of Knights never jokes.

"My place isn't far from here. If you don't mind, how about joining me for a meal? Miss Reika's cooking is very good."

"Well..." Jeanne hesitated for a moment, but her body's needs overpowered her pride. "Sorry for the trouble."

"Then let's go. We can talk on the way."

Artoria started walking, but Jeanne remained rooted to the spot.

"What's wrong?"

"Um." Jeanne's face turned even redder when Artoria asked, "I need not only food but also sleep. I'm so tired and hungry that I can't walk any further—could you carry me?"

In truth, she could still move by expending a lot of mana, but enduring the despairing hunger and fatigue would only worsen. Continuing like this, Jeanne was sure she would lose consciousness, so she had to muster the courage to ask the Knight King for help—her Noble Phantasm "Revelation" told her that Artoria could be trusted.

Revelation: Rank A.

A skill equivalent to "Instinct." While "Instinct" is a sixth sense in combat, "Revelation" applies to all matters concerning the achievement of a goal (such as selecting the best path during a journey). Since it appears baseless (in the user's opinion), it cannot be properly explained to others.

Tsk tsk, this similarity is truly beyond words.

Given Jeanne's trust in her, Artoria would not betray it. She smiled and said, "I can, but I have a better way—first, let me ask, there aren't any surveillance spells or familiars around, right?"

"No," Jeanne shook her head. Ruler's exaggerated perceptive abilities ensured that all surveillance mysteries would be exposed. Since she had accepted the invitation, she couldn't allow Artoria's stronghold to be compromised because of her; it was only fair.

"That's good."

With a call, a white horse appeared.

"This is my partner, Dun Stallion. Dun, this is my friend, Jeanne. Can you let her rest on your back for a while?"

Dun Stallion extended his head towards Jeanne and nudged her cheek with his nose.

"Thank you, Dun."

This affectionate display brought a pure smile to Jeanne's face and a hint of surprise to Artoria.

A noble steed with the ability to communicate, Dun Stallion was also proud. While he would not refuse Artoria's orders, he never proactively approached strangers. On one occasion, Bedivere, a newly joined Knight of the Round Table, rashly tried to brush Dun Stallion's back and was promptly kicked away.

Perhaps he considers Jeanne to be like family. With this thought, Artoria helped Jeanne onto the horse's back and led the way herself.

"Jeanne, if you notice anyone watching us, be sure to tell me."

"Okay."

"The place where I live is a very peaceful village. I don't want them to get involved in the Holy Grail War."

"Okay..."

"And—"

The sensation of a touch on her shoulder interrupted Artoria's words. It was Dun Stallion's chin.

"What's the matter, Dun?"

Turning her head, she saw Jeanne slumped over Dun's back, arms wrapped around his neck, eyes closed, breathing steady.

"She fell asleep." Artoria didn't know what expression to put on.

She quietly watched Jeanne's sleeping face. With her blue eyes covered by eyelids, her face was no different from that of her younger self.

"Looking at it this way, we do seem like sisters."

Dun Stallion shook his head, indicating agreement; if not, he wouldn't be so close to Jeanne.

◇◇◇

In Sighişoara, at a certain secret stronghold concealed by natural bounded fields and magecraft.

Semiramis, full of spirit, triumphantly declared, "This is the garden I longed for. The 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon'; how do you like it, Master?"

"Wonderful. You've seamlessly integrated my requests, haven't you?" Shirou's eyes sparkled as if he had seen something he had longed for in his dreams.

What stood before him was an unimaginably colossal structure. It consisted of lush, neatly arranged floating islands, marble floors, and columns. Various plants intertwined everywhere, blending chaotic ugliness with dazzling beauty.

Rather than a garden, it was more akin to a fortress. And rather than a fortress, it evoked the image of a gigantic flying weapon. This was no mistake. The Hanging Gardens was, in fact, a genuine floating fortress.

"Of course. Once Rider and Archer return, we'll activate the garden. Even the Servants of the Black Faction will likely be scared out of their wits."

Hearing Shirou's praise, Semiramis felt even more delighted and burst into laughter.

"Before that, would you like a tour of my garden? My Master."

"Nothing would please me more."

"I must warn you, within the garden, the poisons I create will be maximally potent, so be prepared."

Shirou was slightly taken aback but then smiled and said, "Are you worried about me?"

"You—" Semiramis, furious, snapped, "Go die, right now—Sikera Ušum:( Arrogant King's Alcohol)!"

PS: Regarding Servants in FGO having memories, Nasu (Kinoko Nasu, the creator) has explained. To summarize, it's because of the uniqueness of Singularities, so they have memories—see, Chaldea is that impressive!