C501

At the Fortress of Millennia...

With Gordes leading the way, Shirou and Jeanne made their entrance into the stronghold of the Yggdmillennia Clan. The castle itself was an architectural marvel, not quite matching the splendor of his own palace but still an incredible testament to ancient design.

They made their way into the main hall of the castle, often referred to as the King's Court.

High on a throne sat Vlad III, the infamous Dracula. His gaze settled on Gordes and Arjuna. With a pleased smile, he said, "You've done well, Gordes, Arjuna. I've seen your exploits."

Arjuna dipped his head slightly, replying, "I apologize for any missteps I may have made."

Vlad III waved his concerns away, chuckling, "There's no need for formalities. This isn't just any war – it's an epic clash of heroes that spans both time and space. Show the world your valor. If I were to stop you, it would only make me look petty, and I'm sure other kings would have a good laugh at my expense."

In any regular war between nations, he would never let Arjuna be so audacious, but the Holy Grail War was a unique battlefield; it was a combat of Servants, and had its own set of rules.

To transcend the barriers of time and space, reassemble in the current timeline, only to be hindered by flawed leadership—it would probably be a source of annoyance for Vlad III as well.

"I appreciate your understanding," replied Arjuna.

As Vlad III and Arjuna exchanged words, Shirou's eyes roamed around the court.

Including him and Jeanne, there were a total of five Servants in the room: Lancer Vlad III, Rider Astolfo, and Archer Arjuna, making up the quintet of Heroic Spirits.

In addition, several magi were also present.

Darnic stood next to Vlad III, with Gordes by Arjuna's side.

Vlad III caught Shirou's roving gaze and with a smile asked, "Assassin, is our welcoming not to your liking? Not grand enough, perhaps?"

Shirou responded with a shake of his head and a smile. "Just having you here makes it plenty grand."

Vlad III let out a hearty laugh, then spread his arms wide. "Assassin, Ruler, welcome to the Black Faction and my castle!"

"It's an honor," Shirou replied with a smile.

Jeanne added hesitantly, "...I feel the same."

Vlad III gave a nod of acknowledgment, then turned his attention back to Shirou, his tone more serious, "Now... may I ask about your true name?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not a famous Servant, so learning my true name won't change anything. However, if you're curious, you can call me Fujimaru Shirou."

"Shirou Fujimaru..."

Darnic repeated the name under his breath, his brow furrowing in thought. It was clear to him that Shirou was a lesser-known Servant. The name suggested a Japanese origin, yet there were no records or legends of a Fujimaru Shirou in their historical tales or epics.

Darnic pegged him as a minor Servant at best.

Yet, Vlad III's eyes held a different kind of recognition. "You're a King, aren't you?" he asked, more as a statement than a question.

The group exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what gave Vlad III such confidence about Shirou's status.

Shirou gave a knowing smile. "You've guessed it right, King of Romania."

Vlad III said, "The air of composure, the self-assurance, the elegance—they speak to more than just nobility. They speak of royal bearing. I would be blind not to sense the aura of a king in our midst."

Shirou responded with a chuckle, "True, I am a king, but my name might not mean much to you. And forgive me for not bending a knee like Arjuna and the others. If I did, my vassals would cry their eyes out, and a certain king might rise from his grave to scold me."

Darnic's eyes widened. Was this guy really a king? He took another look at Shirou, reassessing him.

Vlad III's eyes remained on Shirou. "One more thing," he began, "Your Master—where is he?"

That question seemed to wake up the crowd. Between the dramatic clash of Arjuna and Karna, and Shirou stepping in, everyone had missed this glaring detail.

Every Servant should be bound to a Master, so where was Shirou's? The weight of the realization began to dawn.

Shirou laughed lightly, a carefree smile on his face. "Oh, that guy? I killed him."

The room was filled with shock.

"You did what?"

"You killed your own Master?"

Darnic, the head of the Yggdmillennia Clan, was the first to show his shock. He stared at him, trying to make sense of it. How was this Servant, who claimed to have killed his Master, still active and existing without a Master?

"Maintain your dignity, Darnic," Vlad III chided.

Darnic straightened up. "Apologies, my lord. I let my emotions get the best of me."

Vlad III's attention then refocused on Shirou, and his demeanor chilled noticeably. "Explain yourself. Only then can I decide if you stand with us or against us."

Shirou responded calmly, "I was summoned through a blood sacrifice. I hope you'll understand if I express my discomfort with being summoned in such a way."

Vlad III nodded in understanding. "I see. In that case, there should be no problem."

He looked directly at him, his voice carrying a tone of respect and authority. "Welcome then, Assassin Fujimaru Shirou. I lead the Black faction. I am Vlad III, the King of Romania, now a Lancer in this war."

"A pleasure," Shirou nodded, then added, "But isn't it a bit too early to reveal your true name? Once the Red Faction is gone, we'll be on opposing sides."

"If you can best me and claim the Holy Grail, then why not?"

Shirou simply nodded in response.

It was obvious that the legend of Vlad III didn't do justice to the intellect of this Romanian King.

Then, Vlad III turned his attention to Jeanne, his face serious, "Ruler, what's your purpose in coming to my land, and what do you seek?"

"Lancer of the Black faction, I'm here to assess the situation within the Black camp," she explained.

"And? What conclusions have you drawn?" Vlad III asked, his eyes scrutinizing her intently.

"Everything seems to be peaceful here, but... where are the other Servants?"

"They're attending to their respective duties. In a time of war, who has the luxury to be idle?" Vlad III responded.

His gaze then landed briefly on Astolfo before returning to her.

Astolfo: "...."

Jeanne paused before she spoke again. "Would you allow me to stay in your castle to better understand the Black faction?"

"Cooperating with Ruler is a part of the war, and I have no objections. However, before that, I have a question for you," Vlad III's eyes were locked on her.

"Please go ahead."

"Do you wish for the Holy Grail?"

"Absolutely not." she responded without hesitation.

Vlad III said nothing, but his stare grew more intense, cold even. Arjuna, too, cast a chilly glance in her direction, leaving her feeling somewhat perplexed.

Vlad III's expression returned to normal. "I believe you'd find good company in Saber. However, Ruler, always remember who you are. Should you forget, I have the means to refresh your memory."

He added, "Rider, escort Assassin and Ruler to their accommodations."

"Understood, Lancer," Astolfo replied cheerfully.

With a flourish of his cloak, Vlad III departed the court alongside Darnic.

Jeanne's brow furrowed in confusion. What just happened?

With his usual upbeat demeanor, Astolfo approached the duo. "This way, Assassin, Ruler."

"Well, did I...?" Jeanne trailed off, searching for words. "Did I upset them somehow? Why did the King of Romania and that Indian hero suddenly become hostile toward me?"

Shirou gently patted her shoulder and said. "It's those without desires who often make others the most uneasy."