Chapter 354: One Day, I Will Poison You to Death!

Semiramis, the legendary queen who once ruled the Assyrian Empire, had a tumultuous beginning. Though born to Derketo, the fish goddess of Syria, and a human male, she did not receive maternal love and was abandoned by the water's edge. She was then warmed by the wings of doves and fed on milk brought by them. As Semiramis grew, she was found by Simmas, who taught her various knowledge. Although she married the old general Onnes, her beauty captivated the Assyrian King Ninus, who took her by force.

Onnes committed suicide over this incident. Meanwhile, Semiramis gained favor by proposing novel tactics in war to the king and soon became his queen. A few days after their marriage, she poisoned King Ninus and ruled Assyria as regent for decades.

This is considered the oldest known poisoning event in legend, and thus she is known as the world's first poisoner. This background is why she appears as the Red Assassin in this Holy Grail War. Her Noble Phantasm, Sikera Usum, (Arrogant King's Alcohol), is derived from this legend. Its effect is to poison the surrounding environment. It can imbue various attacks with poison, and even the air and magical energy can be poisoned. The type and form of the poison can be freely chosen, making it almost impossible to guard against.

With a single wave of her hand and a charming smile, poison permeated the entire space, leaving Shirou without a chance to resist, collapsing under the omnipresent concept of "poison."

After poisoning her Master, Semiramis lifted her left leg from under her heavy gown, paired with high heels, and aimed to stomp down hard on Shirou's neck. There was no doubt that with a Servant's strength, this strike would pierce through Shirou's throat if it landed.

At the critical moment, Shirou suddenly stopped convulsing, his rolled-back eyes returning to normal. He raised his empty right hand and grabbed Semiramis's left foot.

"Oh my, that was truly dangerous."

Hearing Shirou's exclamation, Semiramis applied more force. Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried or in which direction, Shirou's hand remained immovable. He even had the leisure to exhale a colorful breath and continue to sigh.

"As expected of the oldest poisoner, your poisons are indeed unique."

"You say the same thing every time, without any sincerity." It was clear from her words that Semiramis poisoning her Master was not a first-time occurrence.

"No, no, I mean it." Shirou, still holding Semiramis's foot, lay on the ground. "Your poisons are always different in type and principle, and the taste is increasingly unique. This time it's so sweet; you must have extracted it from mandrake. Next time, you could consider mixing in some animal toxins, like from a pufferfish, for an even better flavor."

"You'll taste it next time." Semiramis snorted coldly. "Can you let go now?"

"Sure—just don't push too hard; I'm afraid you might fall."

"That's none of your concern." Though she said this, Semiramis did ease the pressure.

Shirou didn't call her bluff and released her foot.

Feeling the lightness on her foot, Semiramis's lips curved into a sinister smile as she prepared to stomp down hard.

But Shirou, half-smiling, remarked, "I advise you not to do that. If you move too much, you might flash everyone like last time."

"You—!" Semiramis's face turned red, and she couldn't bring herself to stomp down.

"Ah, it's no big deal, really. Since Servants have only one set of spiritual attire, I've already seen it."

With that, Shirou pushed himself off the ground, got up, leaped up, and jumped off the bell tower in one swift motion.

By the time Semiramis realized it, Shirou had already escaped, leaving her fuming and gnashing her teeth in both shame and anger.

"You, you insufferable—"

Just like this time, the last time she poisoned Shirou and went to finish him off, her movements were too vigorous. Shirou's comment, "Oh, so it's black, matching the gown nicely," had defeated her without a fight, a humiliation the proud Empress considered a great disgrace.

Feeling the grudge, Shirou patted his chest and muttered, "So scary, so scary," as he opened the heavy door and walked into the nave of the church, heading towards the altar with his hands clasped in front of his chest.

"It's too late to pray to God now."

Semiramis's figure quietly appeared beside the nearest pew, accompanied by an overwhelmingly sweet fragrance.

"It's never too late to pray, especially for someone in the clergy," Shirou responded, unfazed, with his back to Semiramis.

"Put away your Noble Phantasm; don't damage this place."

"Stop pretending. Don't think I can't see through you. You don't believe in God at all," Semiramis retorted relentlessly.

"Whether I believe it or not, this is a historic building. It would be a shame to damage it. Besides, have you forgotten? The same poison won't work on me twice."

"Hmph, I'll spare you this time."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity," Shirou said, finishing his prayer and turning to express his gratitude.

"One day, I will poison you to death!" The Empress declared her resolve with a firm tone.

Shirou showed no fear; instead, he smiled with interest. "Ah, I look forward to it. But just 'Sikera Usum' won't be enough. To poison me, you'll need to use another trump card."

"No matter what method you use, you can't hide your true intention of wanting me to create 'The Hanging Gardens'."

Semiramis, having once ruled a nation, saw through Shirou's tactics effortlessly.

"Well, I won't deny that. Your garden will play a crucial role in this Holy Grail War, especially for us as the attacking side. It's an indispensable stronghold. So, I want you to create it as soon as possible to establish our advantage—so, what's your answer?"

"Creating the garden isn't out of the question, but you'll have to ask me nicely," Semiramis demanded.

"Merciful and benevolent Empress, please be kind and create the garden," Shirou immediately bowed deeply, his attitude unabashedly straightforward.

"Do you have any pride or dignity?" Semiramis fumed.

"How much is pride per pound? Sell me a few pounds," Shirou shrugged indifferently.

"You—!"

"So, I've asked you nicely. You won't go back on your word, will you, Your Majesty?"

"Rest assured, I'm not as shameless as you. If the materials are ready, I can create it in three days."

"The materials are all prepared. It's all in your hands. In three days, we attack Trifas."

"In the meantime, we can only rely on the pigeons to gather intelligence."

The two suddenly stopped their conversation and looked towards the door.