Upset

Dull eyes watched as the foolhardy brunette disappeared out of sight.

Indeed, it would've been a satisfying experience to go against such a powerful opponent. However, knowing its identity left an acrid trail of thoughts upon her mind. How distasteful. She would've been more excited if it wasn't for her body's state.

Or, specifically, the seal that was wavering behind her back.

Furious at the result of their exchange, Gilgamesh proceeded to grab her shoulders and spin her around in order to face him. However, the moment they faced each other, his eyes widened considerably. Facing him was a very dazed and befuddled Shaltea, who was then holding unto his tightening hands in utter confusion.

"What..." Shaltea trailed off, glancing around the area before returning her attention back towards him. "What are you doing, Caster?"

"Do you really intend to impede further on my generosity...?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Her tone laced with ignorance seemed to have sparked his vexation furthermore. To think she would finally act a bit rationally after they've reached an agreement after their conciliation due to their initial disputes... he really shouldn't rely on simple words of promises without the guarantee of it ever being fulfilled. 

"Have you cultivated your stupidity after all these years to the degree that you became so blind of what danger lies in front of you?!" 

"I don't know what you're speaking of." Shaltea replied, to which had fueled his anger more. 

"Should I reiterate what that Assassin's true nature is, for you to fully comprehend the situation? Or should I let it be, supposing that you would prefer not to listen to my words anyway?"

"I don't understand." Shaltea said in return, brows furrowed over the fact that he was standing in front of her, seething over the actions that he accused her off.

What Assassin was he talking about? Why is he so angry towards her? It was as if she accepted something that she shouldn't. Is that what the fuss has been all about?

"Of course, you do not! Why ever would you accept a challenge from an audacious girl, whilst knowing well who her Servant is supposed to be? How could you be so reckless, you insolent fool of a woman!"

Shaltea froze over his heated reprimands-- not from the way he was speaking, but from what he had spoken about on that moment. 

A girl, a challenge, Assassin, accepted-- all those words spiralled into her mind, spinning a thread of conclusions that she had arrived at. Reflexively, one of her hands went behind her back, in spite of being unable to reach a particular spot that was high above her range. Feeling the faint searing throbs upon the surface of her skin, where a certain Seal is in place, anxious sweats began to cascade down to the frame of her face.

'No... it can't be...'

Shaltea's surroundings became muted and empty, as if time slowed for her and her alone to see. Like ripples from the surface of a pond plunged by a skipping stone, a contemptuous voice echoed inside of her.

"Do you know what it means once the Seal breaks before you take possession of the Grail, child?"

A distant memory basked completely by the shadows emerged from the depths of her mind, two hollow eyes gleaming eerily from the image she'd painted of that scene-- far many years prior:

"You know the consequences, right?"

Deep inside, her body was brimming of wintry tremors that travelled along her vines like a disease taking over her system. However, her exterior was far gone out of touch for her anxiety to even present itself out. Instead, she lowered her head and spoke grimly, palms still attached towards the hands that were currently holding her in place. 

"My... apologies. It was... really impudent of me to take no heed of your words, Your Majesty."

"Speak no more of apologies, as it only provokes my patience the more you intend to do so. The deed has already been done, and there are no options left for us to take grasp of besides nothing but acceptance."

At that, Gilgamesh stepped away from her proximity, both hands returning back to his sides. After turning away from his unresponsive Master, he remained still on his feet, occasionally sweeping his fingers against his shiny, golden hair.

Meanwhile, Shaltea held her hands together and pursed her lips. She remembered from before about the identity of the Assassin, as based on her Servant's prediction. She knew, for sure, that they wouldn't tread the same paths at least after the fifth or sixth day has ended. To have the knowledge of being challenged into a fight with that particular pair, and having accepted such a challenge without her knowing so-- she didn't know what else to feel anymore.

With her abilities as well as Gilgamesh combined, she could go so far from being in par with them. However, the more her... condition worsens, the more the future that fate will bestow upon her becomes uncertain. Shaltea bit her lower lip from the sudden thought. 

If... that's so, should she do 'it'--?

"If you plan to enhance your mana by establishing your place at the lands of the dead," Gilgamesh added loudly, much to her bewilderment. "I suggest for you to cease those thoughts right this instant."

"But--"

"Make more attempts..." Looking over his shoulder, Gilgamesh glared at her as he further spoke. "And I will personally see you to your own demise."

Without another word, the King of Heroes swiftly dissolved into glittering sparks of gold that soon dissipated in the air. Pained at her confusion over what to choose as the wisest decision, Shaltea was left staring at her feet, her expression overcast-- just like unnoticed furniture that littered the halls of the entire museum; a museum filled of indispensable artifacts and displays of forgotten prestige.

'What... should I do...?'