chapter 8

"Interesting turn of events, indeed..." Shirou Kotomine's expression stiffened slightly.

Cyd shot a pointed look at Shirou Kotomine, questioning him about the sudden attacks directed towards him. "Is this your doing?"

"He instructed me," Karna interjected, lifting a slender finger to point directly at Shirou Kotomine.

"He instructed me as well," Achilles added, standing behind Cyd with determination.

All of you are against me!

Shirou Kotomine struggled to maintain his smile. Now, all the Heroic Spirits, except his Assassin standing behind him, had aligned themselves with Cyd. While Karna wasn't as blatant, it was clear he had no intention of intervening to help Shirou Kotomine.

"It has indeed become quite interesting. What are your intentions, my Master?" The somber woman in formal attire appeared behind Shirou Kotomine, her gentle touch on his back akin to a comforting pat. Her finger playfully teased his back.

Fine, no one stands by him...

"She's Assassin," Shirou Kotomine said in a stiff tone, trying to change the subject.

"Ah," Cyd nodded, then raised an eyebrow at him to continue.

... Shirou Kotomine's mouth moved awkwardly, his strained smile looking somewhat comical, especially as he nervously observed Assassin's amused expression.

Shirou Kotomine intended to deceive Karna and the others, but in his 60 years of preparation for the next Holy Grail War, he knew Cyd's myth well, even held a degree of reverence for him. The Hero of Pure White, beloved by the people, who never harmed a soul, a figure of peace and prosperity. Shirou Kotomine admired Cyd, but was equally wary of his formidable abilities.

Prevented him from being blessed with the ability to lie. Whenever he tried, the blessing forced the truth out of him, unless he had experienced it personally. The method was not without risks.

... A challenging smile shook his head.

Silence was not the solution!

"Well, Master, have you decided to oppose me in this crusade?" Cyd pointedly asked himself.

"I haven't!" Kairi raised his hand.

"My Master..." Atalanta's eyes sparkled mysteriously. "If she knew, she would probably..."

Shirou Kotomine's lips twitched, but he nodded.

"The people you mentioned?" Cyd tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at Karna.

Shirou Kotomine shook his head.

"You're quite clever. So, Assassin, you've done nothing to the Masters of Lancer, Rider, Caster, and Berserker?" Cyd's gaze shifted to Shirou Kotomine's Assassin.

Shirou Kotomine stiffened. While Assassin enjoyed teasing him, she was undoubtedly loyal to him. He had briefed her on Cyd's legend, though her interest seemed lacking, and her character...

Would never force him to compromise his morals!

As expected, Assassin moved.

"Indeed, I've poisoned them." Assassin's tone was cold and indifferent.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the church became tense. Karna casually drew his spear, while Kairi cautiously gripped his pistol.

Assassin also tensed, her smile fading. This time, she couldn't afford to laugh it off.

"Everyone, let's calm down..." Shirou Kotomine sighed, realizing that his 60 years of preparation were about to unravel before they even began.

Perhaps any sudden movement would provoke Karna, and Shirou Kotomine was too close to Cyd, Atalanta, and Achilles, three of Greece's swiftest heroes. Assassin wasn't known for direct combat, and even if she fled, they wouldn't give her the chance to escape.

"Very well, I understand," Cyd nodded calmly, making no sudden moves.

"No sudden moves?" Shirou Kotomine was surprised.

"Otherwise," Cyd raised an eyebrow. "I wonder, would your master have any objections to my handling of the Masters who are not yet present? This is the Holy Grail War. There are no companionships, only adversaries. At this stage, he has prepared to face the consequences of eliminating those Masters. Even if he were to kill them, it wouldn't affect the game's outcome. Now, the poison you've administered might be a good thing."

Shirou Kotomine's expression visibly relaxed, though Karna and Kairi remained serious.

Achilles remained impassive. Since he hadn't seen his Master, his appearance didn't concern him.

"You're quite reasonable," Shirou Kotomine genuinely applauded.

"Well, Master, you have my word that I'll make our time together enjoyable," Cyd said, reaching out to shake Shirou Kotomine's hand. "However, your Assassin seems less enthusiastic about this."

Assassin's expression now clearly revealed her envy and hatred, even though Shirou Kotomine pretended not to notice.

"Bang!"

The front door burst open, allowing a man in medieval attire to stride in with a limp.

"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse..." He nervously scanned the church, reading several vague and unclear signs. Even he could sense the tense atmosphere.

"Have we come at the wrong time?" Caster asked, his eyes widening in exaggerated surprise.

"No, Caster, we're just having a pleasant chat. This is one of the Holy Grail War's rulers, the legendary Hero of Pure White, Cyd," Shirou Kotomine smiled warmly.

"Ah... the ruler you ordered us to eliminate yesterday?" Caster raised an eyebrow with exaggerated surprise.

"You're also involved..."