Chapter 119

Following Archer and Rider into the desolate, remote mountains, Rin couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness in the dense forest devoid of any signs of life.

'Archer, do you think they might be planning to ambush us here instead of discussing cooperation?'

Archer didn't respond verbally, but he was on high alert, even planning potential escape routes in case of an emergency.

Suddenly, Rider, who had been leading the way, stopped. Rin instinctively reached into her coat pocket, gripping a gemstone.

"Come in…"

With that, Rider took a step forward and disappeared before Rin and Archer's eyes.

Rin, who was about to complain about the trees blocking their way, was left speechless, especially after Archer confirmed that Rider hadn't dematerialized but was still right in front of them.

...

As Rin entered the courtyard of the Einzbern mansion, she looked around at the dilapidated Western-style house and the forest behind them. "A barrier that deceives the senses. Amazing."

"I told you, my Master is the strongest."

Rider's voice was always quiet except in specific situations where Shinji was present.

The door opened, and Rin saw Rider's Master—Bazett—for the first time in this Holy Grail War.

"Rider, don't scare our guests. We're just here to discuss a potential cooperation."

Although Bazett appreciated Rider's words, she felt no need to emphasize it constantly.

Bazett then turned to Rin, who stood next to Archer, and forced a polite smile, introducing herself.

"Nice to meet you, Tohsaka Rin, head of one of the three founding families. I'm Bazett Fraga McRemitz, an Enforcer from the Mage's Association's Sealing Designation Department, and a participant in this Holy Grail War on behalf of the Mage's Association."

Rin was stunned for a moment after hearing the introduction, then forced a smile. "Hello, Miss Bazett…"

"Since you're a guest, please come inside."

As Bazett entered the house, Rin felt a sudden urge to flee, thinking this might be her last chance to escape. Once inside, she feared she might not make it out alive.

"Rider, please make some tea. I'm not good at such things."

Bazett's voice came from inside, and Rider followed her in.

Seeing Rin standing hesitantly with an uncertain expression, Archer asked, "What's wrong, Rin?"

"Are you serious…?" Rin was at her wit's end with her Servant. Clenching her teeth, she communicated through their contract:

'Do you even know what an Enforcer is?! Listen up if you don't! The Mage's Association's top three threats: first, the evil spirit Gasami! Second, Sealing Designation! Third, the Enforcers!

Understand? If she wanted, that woman could kill me in seconds, then stuff me in a sack according to protocol!'

"So she's strong? That's good. We need strong allies to face Berserker. If she's as powerful as you say, that's perfect."

Watching Archer's smirk, Rin sighed deeply. "You have no sense of danger, Archer. But you're right, having a strong ally is beneficial, even if it's risky…"

...

In the living room.

Rin sat tensely on the couch, holding the cup of tea Rider had given her.

She didn't dare move, not even a bit!

After downing her tea like it was plain water, Bazett finally spoke, "What's wrong? Not drinking? Oh, I see. You don't trust your enemy's tea. That's wise."

Rin gave a forced smile, placing her cup on the table.

"Miss Bazett, I think we should get to the point and discuss our cooperation."

"Hmm…" Bazett rested her chin in thought, then asked, "Have you considered surrendering your command spells and withdrawing from the Holy Grail War?"

"That's impossible!" Rin said firmly. "The Holy Grail is the Tohsaka family's long-cherished wish! And we came here to discuss cooperation!"

Seeing Rin's determined stance, Bazett didn't press further, remembering Shinji's request not to harm her.

"Alright, if you insist. Let's form a temporary alliance until Berserker is defeated. Neither side is to betray the other. Agreed?"

"Wait, that's it?" Rin was taken aback by the simplicity. "Just that?"

"Isn't cooperation built on mutual trust and no betrayal?"

Rin realized Bazett was straightforward, without any hidden agendas.

"Ah… okay. I promise we won't betray you until Berserker is defeated."

"Good. Then it's settled. From now on, we're allies. Rider, escort Archer's Master."

"Wait, that's it?" Rin was surprised by the quick resolution. "Aren't we going to discuss strategy?"

"Strategy?" Bazett frowned. "Isn't defeating the enemy the goal?"

Rin: …

...

"I see…" Bazett, sitting with her legs crossed, nodded. "This Twelve Labors sounds troublesome, but targeting the Einzbern homunculus shouldn't be too hard. I have experience with them…"

Seeing Bazett's confidence, Rin realized she had indeed allied with a formidable ally.

If two Servants could hold off Berserker, dealing with Ilya should be easy with such a strong ally.

Feeling more optimistic, Rin asked, "When do we act?"

"Tomorrow. Saber's Master is allied with Berserker's Master. We need to be prepared in case we face both Saber and Berserker."

Rin nodded, knowing Shirou would likely intervene if Ilya was in danger.

"What preparations do we need?" Rin asked.

"Tonight, we take Lancer."

Hearing Bazett's straightforward plan, Rin was left speechless. If she didn't know Bazett's background, she would've thought she was crazy.

Seeing Rin's puzzled expression, Bazett smiled, "Don't worry, I can handle it alone."

How strong is she?! Rin wondered. If Bazett was so capable, why did she need Rin's cooperation in the first place?

As Rin pondered, Archer spoke up, "Since we're allies, we shared information about Berserker. Can you tell us about Lancer's Master? Fair's fair."

Bazett thought it over. Protecting Rin was one thing, but openly cooperating meant sharing some information.

"There's a major cheater in this war, someone no one expected. Their goal is unclear."

"Huh?" Rin was confused, thinking: Aren't we all cheaters here? Executers, Berserkers…?

Archer mused, "A major cheater no one expected… could it be?"

"Yes, the war's overseer—Kirei Kotomine!"

"What?!" Rin exclaimed.

...

After hearing Bazett's straightforward account of how she was ambushed by Kirei, who stole her command spells and Lancer, Rin was astonished. She had never seen Kirei in such a light.

Wow, Kirei, you've been hiding your true self!

Rin not only felt astonished but also a bit frightened. If Kirei stole a Servant, he must want the Holy Grail and would target the participants eventually, probably at the last moment.

Thinking back to Kirei's normal demeanor, Rin felt a chill, realizing he must have plans for her too.

"Kirei, that bastard…!" Rin clenched her fists, gritting her teeth.

Archer remained calm, quickly spotting the inconsistency, "Then what about Rider and your arm?"

"It's a prosthetic, and Rider is…"