C503

Watching Jeanne run way from his room, Shirou shook his head and stood up. He reminded himself that he had some exploring to do. It was essential to get a lay of the land, to understand the layout of his faction's castle.

He stepped out of the room, moving along the main corridor and then into the garden. That's where he ran into Caster, Avicebron. They shared a brief nod before continuing on their paths.

The Yggdmillennia clan's castle was an ancient landmark in Romania. While it was a site of immense cultural significance, it wasn't a tourist spot. Instead, it was the stronghold of the Yggdmillennia, a lineage of magi.

Inside the castle, apart from the members of the Yggdmillennia clan, the place was filled with artificial beings created by Caster, Avicebron.

Rumor had it that Avicebron used the Einzbern's homunculus technology to create these lifeforms. This technological edge was what emboldened the Yggdmillennia clan to turn their backs on the Clock Tower.

After a stroll through the main corridor and the garden, Shirou found himself in the castle's dining hall.

And there, he bumped into a face he hadn't expected.

"S-Saber... Are you sure you should be eating that much? Won't it hinder your mobility?" A stunning woman in a wheelchair looked worriedly at the petite, golden-haired girl who was voraciously devouring her meal at the table.

"Please don't say things that trouble me so, Fiore. For me, hunger is the true enemy!" The golden-haired girl said with utmost seriousness.

That petite figure, those emerald-green eyes...

Though she looked no older than fifteen, there was no way he could ever mistake her for someone else.

Could it be...?

"Artoria?" The name slipped out before he could stop himself.

"Hm?"

Mid-bite, Saber paused, then slowly lifted her gaze to meet Shirou's as he drew closer.

"You're the Assassin from our Black Faction, aren't you?"

Her attitude was neither standoffish nor overly intimate, giving off a very calm vibe.

At first glance, it seemed like the appropriate manner to approach someone.

But...

Something felt off.

If this was truly Artoria, wouldn't she greet him differently?

Shouldn't her instinctive reaction to him be to bow and address him as 'My king' or 'Your Majesty'?

Could it be that she didn't remember him?

He adjusted his Saint Graph and gestured to himself, questioning, "Do you not recognize me?"

Saber's brows knitted in confusion. "I apologize, but do we know each other?

Shirou: "..."

He just stared for a moment, then dropped a hint, "Crimson Moon, Camelot, forty-eight hours non-stop!"

Saber blinked, "Huh?"

"I think I understand the situation now." Saber then straightened up, her eyes narrowing in understanding. "Lancer might have disclosed my true name, but you might have confused me with someone else. Since we're allies, it's not a problem. Being able to fight without hiding our names is a blessing, whether as a king or a knight."

Taking a deep breath, she said seriously, "I am King Arthur from Britain. My true name is Artoria Pendragon. There might be someone who looks just like me out there, but please, don't mix us up. And definitely don't mistake me for that French Maid of Orleans, Jeanne."

A shadow passed over Saber's face, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. She thought back to her previous summoning by the Holy Grail, where she had involved with that wide-eyed Caster, Gilles de Rais. Her voice grew heavier with the memory.

Shirou: "..."

Piecing things together, it began to make sense to him.

He let out a heavy sigh, accepting that she wasn't the Artoria he knew.

He recalled his sneaky attempt to snatch a summoning slot for the Holy Grail War, noticing someone else racing to secure the Saber class. He had been curious then, wondering who had the same plan.

Looks like it was the Saber standing in front of him.

Realizing she wasn't his Artie, his interest waned slightly. He gave her a courteous nod, "I apologize; I indeed mistook you for someone else."

"It's alright, Assassin," Saber's serious expression relaxed slightly, "Everyone makes mistakes. As long as we acknowledge them, it's perfectly acceptable."

He gave a knowing nod. But seeing her solemn face, he couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, struck by a wave of nostalgia.

His Artie rarely showed such a stern look since their days in Camelot.

But reflecting on it, during those busy days in Cornwall, Artie did sometimes wear a serious face, urging him to take breaks.

Back then, he'd brushed it off, but now, it hit him. Maybe his Artie had started harboring feelings for him way back then.

Just looking at Saber made him wonder about his Artie and everyone else he cared about.

"Excuse me, Mr. Assassin," Fiore, Saber's Master, interrupted his thoughts from her wheelchair. "Are you also a Heroic Spirit from the British Isles?"

His attention shifted to Fiore. "I do have a connection to the British Isles."

He then glanced at Saber. "And I also share a connection with King Arthur."

Saber eyed him skeptically. "I've never met you. I'm pretty sure about that."

He chuckled, explaining, "The Throne of Heroes transcends time and space. When Heroic Spirits are summoned for the Holy Grail War, they might not be from the same timeline or reality. Those in the Throne are privy to memories from countless worlds, but the ones summoned might not retain all those memories. My connection is with a King Arthur from a certain world."

Fiore looked intrigued, "Based on your words, are you implying you're still amongst the living?"

He nodded, "Yes, I'm still alive. Due to some circumstances, I'm here as a Servant. I assume Saber is also in a similar situation, right?"

Hearing her name, Saber's eyes grew sharp. She paused, then nodded. "Indeed."

He pressed further, "Saber, what drives you to partake in the Holy Grail War? Do you wish to revive Camelot?"

Saber's eyebrows knit together as she responded, "Although we are currently allies in the same faction, I'm afraid I'm not obligated to answer that question, Assassin,"

He was taken aback for a moment, then he smiled. "I didn't mean to pry. My apologies."

"No, it's okay." she took a deep breath and her stern face relaxed slightly. "Given that there appears to be some bond between Assassin and another version of me from a different world, your curiosity is understandable. Yes, my wish is just as you said."

"But you are aware, aren't you?" He gently reminded her, "Camelot is fated to fall."

"I know what awaits Camelot, and I've accepted its impending downfall. But my deepest desire is for my people to survive, even if it means finding safety in distant lands. I've heard of another version of me who managed to make this dream come true, and I have every reason to believe I can make it happen as well!" Saber's voice became more passionate as she spoke.

"Oh, I see... Well, then, Saber, I wish you all the best," Shirou said, offering a warm smile. It lacked the taunting tone he once used during the Fourth Holy Grail War.

It wasn't so much that he had come to a grand realization about himself, but rather, understanding that this Saber was another version of his own Artie made it impossible for him to laugh at her expense.

As he began to walk away, Saber's voice stopped him. "Before you go, Assassin, can I ask about your true name?"

"Fujimaru Shirou." He replied with a smile before leaving.

"Shirou..." Saber murmured, a look of confusion crossing her face.

Seeing her expression, Fiore questioned, "Is something wrong?"

"It's a Japanese name," Saber remarked, her brows knitting together. "During my time as king, I had no dealings with anyone from Japan. How, then, could he have met an alternate version of me?"

"Well, that's certainly strange." Fiore agreed.

Saber nodded and continued eating her meal.

Fiore raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you going to continue thinking about this, Saber?"

"Hunger is the greatest enemy," Saber replied with a serious expression. "We must first address our basic needs before considering other problems, Master."