-171- [ Idol ] and [ Musician ]

In a situation where half of the French territory had been overrun by wyverns, there were currently no places within the French borders that could be considered absolutely safe. The safe zones were now smaller in scope, and with limited cities and vast plains, options for hiding were scarce.

Ignoring the general population, for groups like armies on military campaigns, bands of bandits, or wandering groups of travelers, their hiding options were limited to forests, mountains, and thickets. Otherwise, they risked being spotted by the wyverns flying overhead.

Though the friends Jeanne had made during her journey were Servants and didn't need to fear wyverns to the same extent, exposing their whereabouts posed a danger of being targeted by Jeanne Alter's forces.

Hence, the predetermined meeting point for both parties was in a concealed location, situated in a forest some distance from Orleans.

"It's right there."

Crouching on the back of the giant eagle, Jeanne raised the holy flag in her hand and pointed to a forest below.

"There?"

Almost instinctively, Rozen activated his Spirit Vision skill to assess the forest's interior. He quickly detected numerous magical reactions.

These reactions were from naturally-born magical creatures, magical residue leaking from ley lines, and mutated beasts formed from wyvern carcasses that had absorbed magic. Rozen couldn't help but sigh.

"If it weren't for this Singularity, these anomalies probably wouldn't have occurred, right?"

Though not as severe as the modern age, the mystique decline had also reached a certain extent in the 15th century. Generally, it shouldn't have produced these kinds of abnormalities.

Thanks to this Singularity, the world's norms were gradually deviating from their proper course, giving rise to these anomalies.

"If left unchecked, not only will Jeanne Alter destroy France, but this era will also deviate and have a significant impact on the future."

Given this, for the sake of human history's development, this Singularity had to be repaired at all costs.

"As long as we retrieve the Holy Grail, the Singularity will be restored, and everything will return to how it should be in this era."

By then, all the anomalies not belonging to this era would be erased.

This included others' memories of Rozen, as well as the lives of those who shouldn't have died, all of which would revert to their original state.

This was what Roman had explained to Rozen.

"We need to come up with a solution as soon as possible."

Rozen left this remark and immediately used his Spirit Vision ability to identify two massive magical reactions.

These weren't reactions an ordinary being could possess; their intensity indicated that they were Servants.

"Is it there?"

Rozen urged the eagle beneath him in that direction.

Just then...

"Clang!"

A sound resembling a struck gong resonated like a shockwave, creating an invisible projectile that streaked towards them.

"Danger!"

This time, Jeanne acted before Rozen, swiftly stepping forward and using her holy flag to shield him.

"Bang!"

As the wave-like sound attack struck Jeanne, it was immediately repelled as though shattering glass.

This was due to Jeanne's EX-ranked Magic Resistance skill.

Fueled by her unwavering faith, Jeanne possessed high resistance against magic, capable of deflecting, dodging, or repelling almost any spell. Except for some special attacks.

The incoming sonic wave attack clearly didn't belong to that category; it was a magical attack.

"Magic?"

Rozen seemed to understand something.

Jeanne appeared to as well, quickly speaking downward.

"It's me! Please stop your attack!"

As her voice reached them, the approaching sonic wave from the forest suddenly halted and dissipated.

"Descend."

Rozen immediately urged the eagle beneath him to fly into the forest.

As they dismounted from the eagle...

"Welcome back, Jeanne!"

A young girl rushed over.

She wore splendid, gorgeous attire, had shimmering silver-white hair tied into twin tails, and sported a crown adorned with gemstones on her head.

Though she appeared to be no older than twenty, her whole demeanor exuded an air of nobility. At the same time, she radiated an innocent and romantic idol-like charm that was naturally ingrained. Her appearance was so exquisite that it seemed unreal, captivating at first glance.

Faced with such an enthusiastic girl rushing towards her, Jeanne seemed a bit unsure.

Fortunately, just before the girl could collide with Jeanne, someone intercepted her.

"Calm down a bit, Maria. You're scaring Jeanne."

A man said this as he held the girl back.

He was dressed in flamboyant, exaggerated black formal wear, with pale skin, long fingers, and two batons in his hand. He appeared somewhat frivolous.

His voice was quite pleasant to hear, and it was evident he had a strong sense of rhythm, giving off an artistic vibe.

However, the words that came out of this artist-like figure's mouth were quite unexpected.

"Although I don't mind seeing beautiful ladies getting cozy and flirting, it could be troublesome if things went that far. I might end up having to perform a song, which could be quite exhilarating, but composing a tune to celebrate the 'friendship' between two lovely ladies... Well, if it were to be passed down to future generations, it might not be so bad?"

The other person pondered like this, causing the girl referred to as Maria to get annoyed.

"Come on, didn't I tell you not to crack inappropriate jokes? Amadeus!"

Upon hearing this, the man called Amadeus seemed to snap out of his thoughts, tapping his head.

"Oh my, my apologies. I completely forgot."

Amadeus said this, but he still wore a smile on his face, indicating that he had no intention of reflection. He just reined it in slightly.

Observing this joyful pair Rozen was somewhat bewildered. Not only because of the playful attitude they displayed, but also because they had inadvertently revealed names that Rozen couldn't help but take notice of.

"Maria? Amadeus?"

Could it be?

No way?

Just as Rozen was thinking this, Jeanne stepped forward.

"I'm sorry to have worried you both, Maria and Mr. Amadeus."

Jeanne's apology redirected the two's attention towards her.

"That's right, you better not make us worry like that again."

As the girl reprimanded, a perfect smile of beauty graced her face.

"I only hope there won't be a next time. But if there is, could you at least give me a heads-up? If my musical attacks were to target the wrong person, that would truly be embarrassing."

The artist appeared nonchalant.

Shortly after, the two noticed Rozen's presence.

"Oh? Do we have a new friend here?"

The girl's eyes lit up with joy.

"I see, that massive eagle from earlier that looked bizarrely oversized must be your familiar, right?"

The artist calmly remarked.

The two then introduced themselves.

"Nice to meet you. I am a Rider-class Servant, my true name is Marie Antoinette."

The girl introduced herself with friendliness.

"I'm a Caster-class Servant, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Well, you can just call me Amadeus."

The artist introduced himself with ease.

As for Rozen, he had already lost his ability to speak.

Not because of anything else, but because of the two individuals before his eyes.