Chapter 7: The Second Round of Quizzes Begins

Director K: "Speak up, Waver Velvet!"

Director K: "You'll pay for this insolence!"

Foolish King: "Stealing is certainly dishonorable."

Golden King: "Hahaha, another farce. Perfect for my entertainment."

Mage Killer: "What exactly did he steal?"

This was the first time Emiya Kiritsugu had spoken in the group, and his question was a calculated attempt to learn more about the situation. If Waver had stolen Kenneth's relic, it meant he was preparing to summon a Servant for the Holy Grail War. Knowing the relic could give Kiritsugu an advantage in the coming conflict.

Director K: "It's a fragment of Iskandar's cloak."

Kenneth wasn't blind to Kiritsugu's intentions, but with the Holy Grail War about to begin and his relic already stolen, he had no time to pursue Waver. He decided to lay his cards on the table.

King of Conquerors: "Hahaha, so it's my relic you've taken."

Princess: "I suspected as much… Are you truly Iskandar?"

King of Conquerors: "Indeed, I am. I've never spoken a false word."

King of Conquerors: "Young man, I have great expectations for you. I'll be waiting for your summons."

Foolish King: "Hold on. That relic was stolen from someone else's home. You approve of this behavior?"

King of Conquerors: "Of course not."

Princess: "I'm done for…"

King of Conquerors: "If you were going to take the relic, you should have barged in while the owner was present, seized it boldly, and walked out with it. That's more in line with my style."

Princess: "..."

Director K: "..."

Foolish King: "Are you suggesting robbery?!"

Foolish King: "As a king, you can't seriously condone theft!"

Golden King: "How crude! Is this truly the behavior of a king?"

Golden King: "A king does not need to steal. If a king desires something, it is an honor for the owner to relinquish it willingly. They should offer it up in gratitude, not be deprived of it by force."

Foolish King: "Your actions are no different from common banditry!"

Director K: "..."

Kenneth was at a loss for words. The so-called "kings" he was dealing with seemed to have a rather unconventional view of honor and royal conduct. Their values were closer to those of marauders than sovereign rulers.

"Enough of this," he thought. "I need to acquire a new relic as soon as possible. Hopefully, I won't end up summoning another unruly Servant."

---

Chihiro: "This conversation's gone off the rails."

Chihiro was perplexed. The discussion had started with him killing Ryuunosuke Uryuu, yet somehow it had drifted into an argument about what constituted "kingly behavior."

"Never mind," he thought. "I'll focus on getting Sakura back safely first."

Sakura had cried herself to sleep in his arms as he made his way to the Tohsaka residence. When he arrived, he rang the doorbell.

---

"Sakura!"

Tohsaka Aoi rushed to open the door. Her eyes widened with relief when she saw the young girl sleeping peacefully in Chihiro's arms. She quickly took Sakura and held her close.

"She's alright," Chihiro reassured her. "Just exhausted from crying."

Tohsaka Aoi bowed deeply. "Thank you for bringing Sakura back. May I know your name?"

"Just a passing magus," Chihiro replied with a casual wave. He turned to leave.

The fewer connections he had with the Tohsaka family, the better. Tohsaka Tokiomi would soon become his rival in the Holy Grail War; it was best not to establish any unnecessary ties.

---

"A young magus?"

Not long after, Tohsaka Tokiomi returned home, alerted by a message from Rin in the group chat about Sakura's safe return. When Aoi told him that a young magus had rescued Sakura, Tokiomi's expression darkened.

Any magus appearing in Fuyuki at this time was likely here for the Holy Grail War. Even if the young man had saved his daughter, Tokiomi would show no mercy.

"If he's wise, he'll keep his distance. If not…"

---

The next day arrived quickly.

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[Ding! The second round of the quiz will begin in ten minutes. Please prepare yourselves.]

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Princess: "It's finally time! I'm ready for this."

Director K: "Hmph, Velvet. I'll teach you a hard lesson today. Let's see if you truly understand the brutality of the Holy Grail War."

Chihiro couldn't help but laugh. "Kenneth himself barely understands the Holy Grail War, yet he wants to lecture someone else on its dangers."

---

Director K: "What's so funny?"

Director K: "Wait… Who are you?"

Kenneth was puzzled. He was certain there hadn't been a member named "Chihiro" in the group yesterday.

---

Chihiro: "I'm the one listed as 'Background Character Chihiro.'"

Bluebeard: "It was you! You're the one who killed Ryuunosuke! I'll make you pay for this!"

Chihiro: "You're back to that again? Like I said, you can talk all you want once you've stepped down from the Throne of Heroes."

Princess: "Wait a second, why does your name look different now?"

Chihiro: "I changed it."

Chihiro: "Everyone gets one chance to change their display name in the group. Didn't you notice?"

Princess: "…I honestly didn't."

Waver: "It does sound better than 'Princess.' I still can't believe I was stuck with that title."

---

King of Conquerors: "Don't worry about the name, boy. It's just a label."

Artoria: "He's right. It's not worth fretting over."

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Chihiro: "Well, if that's the case, why not just keep the original name?"

Artoria: "I refuse to be referred to as 'Foolish King.' That's an insult to the dignity of a ruler."

Hero King: "Indeed. To have such a title assigned by some group is an affront to a king's majesty."

---

Waver: "Wait, who are you?"

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Chihiro: "Isn't it obvious? That tone gives it away—it's Gilgamesh."

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Hero King "How dare you address the King of Heroes so casually!"

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Chihiro: "Sorry, but you're not my king."

If Gilgamesh were a wise and noble ruler like he was in his Caster form, Chihiro would have shown him the respect he deserved. But given the King of Heroes' arrogance, Chihiro wasn't inclined to offer him any special reverence.

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Waver: "Why won't you reveal your true name?"

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Hero King: "Hmph. Why should a king such as myself bother explaining anything to a group of mongrels?"

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Tohsaka Rin: "There he goes again, insulting people. How uncultured."

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Hero King: "Little girl, I've tolerated your insolence long enough. Don't think that your age will protect you from my wrath!"