-191- Please allow me to decline!

"————!"

In this moment, an indescribable atmosphere of silence enveloped the entire tent.

Especially Rozen's expression, it had completely frozen.

At this moment, the thoughts in Rozen's mind were as follows:

What happened?

What's going on?

Where am I?

Am I still alive?

Thoughts akin to the above, indicating complete mental disarray, flashed through Rozen's mind one by one.

However, the lingering wonderful sensation on his cheek and the faint scent of the girl that remained at the tip of his nose confirmed one thing to Rozen.

He had been kissed.

Although it was just a kiss on the cheek, it was undoubtedly Rozen's first experience of this kind.

So, Rozen naturally froze, completely frozen.

Not only Rozen, but the others also widened their eyes one after another.

"This... this..."

Jeanne blushed.

"What... what are you doing!? You flirtatious queen!"

Elizabeth also jumped up, her cheeks pink, displaying an unexpectedly innocent reaction.

On the other hand, Marie herself seemed as if she didn't understand what had just happened, blinking innocently with a puzzled expression.

"What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

It seemed that Her Royal Highness the queen was unaware of just how astonishing her actions had been.

Perhaps, for Marie, this truly wasn't something that should be surprising?

Rozen had heard that in foreign countries, people were very enthusiastic and used cheek kisses as a way to greet others.

Could... could it be the same thing?

Rozen was perplexed.

However, from the unexpectedly calm expression of Amadeus beside him, Rozen learned the truth of the matter.

"I'm really sorry, everyone."

Amadeus let out a sigh.

"For Marie, her behavior just now is a way of expressing happiness and gratitude towards others. In the palace, it often happens and it caused quite a stir in the past."

In other words, this really wasn't something you could do casually, right!?

While Rozen's mood was a mix of emotions, a spine-chilling sensation suddenly came from behind him.

Trembling, Rozen turned his head to look behind him.

There stood two young women.

".....Master."

Mash stared fixedly at Rozen, her gaze and expression more serious than ever, as she said these words.

"After this, I have something I want to talk to you about. Please set aside approximately an hour of time."

Despite the business-like tone and attitude, Rozen, familiar with Mash, knew that this young girl was angry.

Why... why, though!?

Rozen wanted to exclaim.

Unfortunately, the behavior of the other young woman made Rozen freeze in his tracks due to a bone-chilling feeling.

"Hehe... hehehe..."

In that instant, Kiyohime concealed half of her exquisite face with a fan, revealing only a pair of eyes fixed on Rozen. A laugh that sounded very pleasant emanated from her lips.

However, not only did the sound of her laughter send shivers down one's spine, but the gaze that Kiyohime directed at Rozen also held no trace of a smile. Instead, it emitted an icy coldness.

That gaze was akin to her contemplating whether or not to set fire to the faithless man before her.

Why... why, though!?

Rozen had the impulse to exclaim a second time.

Mash was one thing, but why was this young lady he had just met today looking at him with such eyes?

Could it be that, as the legends said, with just one night would be enough for this snake-lady to fall in love with the young man who she had helped?

So... terrifying!

Despite the fact that the subject was such a charming and beautiful girl, Rozen found himself unable to avoid feeling this sense of dread.

In response, Rozen quickly coughed to divert everyone's attention.

"No... no matter what, we've already defeated the enemy's archer and rider. Now we can consider launching a direct attack on Orleans."

While this was meant to change the topic, it was also something Rozen had planned to discuss.

Having lost their archer and rider, the enemy now only had five remaining Servants, while Rozen's side still had six. In terms of numbers, they had the advantage.

Of course, the enemy also had numerous wyverns and the true dragon species residing in Orleans Castle.

The former was manageable, but the latter were true dragons, the most powerful beings among Phantasmal species. Conservatively estimating, they were at the level of Phantasmal Beasts, and might even be legendary Divine Beasts, far stronger than evil dragon summoned by the enemy's rider.

Rozen would need to come up with a plan to deal with these beings.

However, one thing was certain.

"Today is our final resting time."

Rozen announced this.

"Tomorrow, we will launch our attack on Orleans."

This wasn't Rozen being too hasty or reckless; it was something he had to do.

After all, Jeanne Alter still held the trump card, the Holy Grail, in her hands.

Once the enemy utilized the power of the Holy Grail again to summon new Servants, things would become troublesome for their side.

Of course, considering that using the Holy Grail again would also result in the summoning of more Neutral Servants, the enemy might hesitate. However, in a critical situation, no one would care about that.

Therefore, Rozen could only give everyone a day to prepare and rest.

"Jeanne..."

Thinking this, Rozen was about to say something to her, but then he considered the situation and turned to Mash.

"Mash, go inform Marshal Gilles of our decision and ask if he's willing to cooperate with us for one final battle."

Even if Gilles led an ordinary army of French soldiers that couldn't handle Servants, they could still use them to distract the wyvern flock, right?

"Understood, Senpai."

Concerning matters of importance, Mash put aside her complex emotions and solemnly nodded.

"Tomorrow... hmm?"

Jeanne also lowered her head and whispered softly.

The other Servants also had various reactions.

"Tomorrow..."

Elizabeth tightened her grip on her magical spear, her young and innocent face revealing a rare sense of tension as she thought about the opponents she would soon face, along with a hidden determination known only to her.

"We'll surely meet d'Eon again tomorrow, won't we?"

"When that happens, you can't hold back anymore, Marie."

Marie and Amadeus exchanged glances. One wore a smile that was both reassured and troubled, while the other gave a encouraging look.

Only one person...

"There's still a long time until tomorrow, Master. Please spend some time with me, won't you?"

Kiyohime's smile remained unchanged on her face, her gaze fixated on Rozen, as if she were preparing to devour him. She seemed unaffected by Rozen's attempt to change the subject.

"...Please allow me to decline!"

Rozen remained silent for a moment, then replied cautiously.

Thus, the moment had come to settle things with the "Dragon Witch."

"What will be the future of this Singularity?"

Quietly observing the development of the situation from Chaldea, Roman muttered to himself.

Appearing completely detached, his gaze was more distant than ever, as if he were a true observer.