Did the Heroic Spirit I conquered become a reality?

But last night's battle also revealed a problem—this king does not seem to be entirely under his control.

She has her own pride and her own code of conduct, and may even act on her own at crucial moments, deviating from his tactical arrangements.

This is undoubtedly a potential problem for Kenneth, who has always pursued precision and efficiency.

At that moment, he felt as if he were caught in a vast net woven from countless unknowns and variables, with every step filled with uncertainty.

"No, we can't give up yet."

The confusion in Kenneth's eyes was gradually replaced by his usual calmness and sharpness.

He was, after all, the monarch of the Clock Tower, the pride of the El-Melloi family. The more chaotic the situation, the more a clear mind and decisive judgment were needed.

Perhaps... we could try to make contact with other Masters?

In the current situation, a reliable ally is far more valuable than going it alone.

But who should be chosen as an ally? Tokiomi Tohsaka? Although he is one of the three starter families, his arrogant personality as the King of Servants might not be an ideal partner.

As for everyone else…

A master who is both reliable and trustworthy... does such a master exist in this Holy Grail War?

As Kenneth was thinking about this, a name quickly flashed through his mind.

He suddenly seemed to understand, and slowly spoke, his voice echoing in the empty suite:

"Lancer."

A silver-blue figure appeared silently behind him, and Artoria's emerald green eyes calmly gazed at her Master.

“Go to Caster’s place,” Kenneth turned around, his tone calm but commanding, “and in my name, extend an invitation to Tohsaka Yu. Tell him… I want to meet with him and ‘have a chat.’”

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible ripple flashed in Artoria's emerald green eyes.

The brief but memorable encounter with Caster last night was still vivid in her mind.

Although the boy seemed inexperienced in handling spear techniques, his almost limitless magic power and endless gem magic, as well as the terrifying power he displayed with the blue-haired woman in the end—power that could devour the brilliance of the Holy Lance—remained fresh in her memory.

"Are you planning to... form an alliance with Caster?" Artoria's cool voice rang out. She wasn't questioning, but simply wanted to confirm her Master's intentions.

Upon hearing this, Kenneth's lips curled into a faint, arrogant smile befitting a monarch: "An alliance? Lancer, you seem to have misunderstood something. I merely wish to 'guide' my misguided disciple in the capacity of a 'teacher.' And incidentally... confirm some matters that interest me."

Artoria didn't ask any more questions. She understood Kenneth's usual reserve, a reluctance to fully reveal his true intentions, which was typical of those in positions of power.

As a Servant, she only needs to execute the Master's commands.

"I understand." She nodded slightly, her figure transforming into a spirit particle, and quietly disappeared into the suite.

……

As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of Fuyuki City was gradually replaced by tranquility, leaving only the occasional sound of patrolling police cars, and... the silent spying and vigilance between magicians and heroic spirits hidden in the darkness.

After having a "hearty meal," Yu Tohsaka stretched contentedly, feeling all the fatigue of the day swept away.

"I want to sleep with Yu..."

Suddenly, Tiamat reached out and enveloped him in a warm, maternal embrace, his face making intimate contact with that all-encompassing, full heart.

The momentary feeling of suffocation caused Yu Tohsaka's brain to experience a slight lack of oxygen.

After a long while, he weakly called out:

"I understand, please be gentle... please be gentle..."

Tiamat is too rough with her hands; if she's allowed to continue like this, he'll probably become the first servant to drown in someone's heart.

……

After finally managing to "break free" from Tiamat's embrace, which was filled with the ultimate maternal warmth and amazing elasticity, and gently coaxing the satisfied creator goddess to sleep, Tohsaka Yuuya finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He tiptoed out of the living room, crossed a corridor, and entered a bedroom.

The bedroom lights were dimmed, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Sajou Aika was still awake. She was curled up in a soft single sofa, holding a hardcover fairy tale book in her hands—it seemed to be one of the gifts that Tohsaka Yu had casually bought for Sakura at the supermarket—and reading it with great interest.

Her bare, snow-white little feet swayed gently as the pages of the book were turned. A few strands of her smooth, golden hair fell unruly beside her cheeks, and her fair and delicate profile appeared even softer under the light.

Those emerald green eyes, which always held a hint of innocence and curiosity, were now intently gazing at the words and illustrations in the book, with a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth, as if she were completely immersed in that fantastical fairy tale world.

Hearing Yu Tohsaka's footsteps, Ayaka Sajou looked up and, upon seeing him, immediately smiled: "Yu-kun, is Tiamat asleep?"

Her voice was light and lively, with the sweetness and naivety unique to young girls, as if the tense confrontation with Morgan at the entrance of the Matou family's insect storage had never happened.

"Yes, she's exhausted today and has already gone to bed."

Yu Tohsaka sat down on the sofa next to her, looking at the girl's pure and innocent smile, and the relaxation and dependence she showed at this moment, a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

If you hadn't witnessed firsthand how she effortlessly twisted the rules of the Greater Grail at Ryudouji Temple, and how she summoned terrifying beings like Kamana using Assassin as "nourishment"... if you hadn't known her terrifying nature connected to the "Root," anyone who saw Ayaka Sajou at this moment would probably think she was just an innocent and carefree ordinary girl next door, full of curiosity about the world.

A pure and innocent beautiful girl who is not dangerous at all, and even makes people feel affection and protectiveness towards her.

Yu Tohsaka sighed helplessly to herself.

He knew, of course, that Aika Sajou's current obedient and adorable appearance was partly due to his presence, but more so... it was probably because of Morgan le Fay.

The Root Princess must have felt a deep sense of resentment and... intense jealousy towards the fairy queen who suddenly "stole" her Servant.

Although Ayaka Sajou's behavior is unpredictable, and could even be described as "dangerous," she does indeed have a certain "affection" and "dependence" for herself, at least for now.

"Love Song..."

Thinking of this, Tohsaka Yu reached out and gently placed her hand on the girl's fair and delicate hand that was resting on the fairy tale book, and then... held it tightly.

Sajō Aika's body stiffened slightly, and she stopped turning the pages of the book.

She looked up in surprise at Tohsaka Yu, a hint of confusion and anticipation flashing in her emerald green eyes.

Feeling the softness and coolness of the small hand in his palm, and seeing the look of surprise and expectation in Ayaka Sajou's eyes, Yu Tohsaka tightened his grip on her hand with an undeniable seriousness, gazing into her eyes: "I know you're feeling very uncomfortable because of Morgan."

Upon hearing this, Aika Sajou's expectation faded slightly, replaced by a barely perceptible hint of grievance. She gently bit her lower lip, remaining silent, but instead gripped Tohsaka Yu's hand even tighter, as if afraid he would suddenly let go.

“But please believe me,” Yu Tohsaka continued, her tone incredibly sincere, “No matter what the reason was for the contract between Morgan and me, no matter whether she is now a Ruler or my Master… you are a unique being.”

He paused, looking at the light that had returned to the girl's eyes because of his words, and said softly, "You gave me the 'qualification' to participate in this Holy Grail War, and you gave me the opportunity to try to change those tragedies that were destined to happen."

He reached out at the opportune moment and gently brushed away a strand of golden hair from her forehead, his movements as tender as if he were handling the most precious treasure: "No matter what happens in the future, I will never leave you."

These words were almost the most sincere and "safe" confession that Tohsaka Yu could utter at that moment.

He both calmed Ayaka Sajou's emotions and pointed out her special place in his heart, but he did not directly deny Morgan's status as the "current Master," thus avoiding an immediate and more intense conflict.

Sajō Aika listened quietly, her emerald green eyes fixed on Ryū Tohsaka, as if trying to imprint every word and every subtle expression of his into her soul.

After a long while, the displeasure she felt because of Morgan finally eased a bit, and a bright and charming smile quickly bloomed on her face.

"Hmm... I believe in Yu-kun."

Upon hearing this, Tohsaka Yuya finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally... things have stabilized for now.

However, just when he thought this minor "emotional crisis" was about to come to an end, Ayaka Sajou suddenly leaned close to his cheek, her bright, emerald-green eyes filled with a hint of cunning and anticipation, and whispered:

“Well then, Yu-kun… as a ‘one-of-a-kind being,’ and to celebrate our ‘reunion,’ may I make a small request…”

Yu Tohsaka hesitated for a moment, but then nodded: "...No problem."

Sajou Aika paused, then gently licked her moist cherry lips.

Then, she gently brought her lips close to his ear and, in a sweet, almost coquettish voice, made a "request" that Tohsaka Yu had never expected.

"—Can you sleep with me tonight?"

Book 1: Chapter 67 The British Sisters Meet

"Can you sleep with me tonight?"

Sajou Aika's sweet, devilish whisper, and those bright green eyes so close yet sparkling with expectation and an undeniable light, instantly sent Tohsaka Yu's mind into a state of utter blankness, even more so than when facing the King of Heroes, Ea.

He was about to say something, trying to politely decline the suggestion that sounded so "life-threatening," but Ayaka Sajou seemed to give him no chance to refuse. Pressing her advantage, the little hand that he had been holding gripped his hand even tighter in return.

She even took a small step forward, her petite body almost completely pressed against Tohsaka Yu's embrace.

The girl tilted her delicate face slightly, and her emerald green eyes, which always held innocence or curiosity, seemed to be veiled by a thin, moist mist, filled with a captivating allure and... an irresistible invitation.

Her soft, golden hair gently brushed against Tohsaka Yu's cheek with her movements, bringing a slightly ticklish sensation and a richer, more delicate fragrance unique to young girls.

Yu Tohsaka lowered her head instinctively, her gaze involuntarily drawn to her slightly parted cherry lips, which were so close to hers.

Her lips were pink and full, glistening with a moist sheen under the light, like ripe cherries, exuding a silent allure.

With her soft breathing, a sweet and warm breath gently brushed against the corner of his lips, bringing an indescribable, almost meltingly soft touch.

At that moment, Yu Tohsaka felt her heart skip a few beats uncontrollably. All her reason and vigilance seemed to crumble before the girl's ultimate innocence and allure.

Just as he was almost completely captivated by those emerald green eyes—

"Dong dong dong."

A clear and rhythmic knocking sound, like an alarm bell shattering a beautiful dream, suddenly rang out from outside the apartment door, instantly shattering the extremely ambiguous atmosphere in the bedroom.

Yu Tohsaka snapped out of her daze, exchanged a glance with Ayaka Sajou, and quickly said, "I'll go take a look first."

After saying that, he got up and walked towards the living room.

As Aika Sajou watched the boy's retreating figure, a pleased smile curved her lips.

Although I usually seem very serious, if I wanted to go further, I wouldn't mind, right?

Soon, Aika Sajou's innocence and curiosity were replaced by her usual innocence.

She was also a little curious about who might be visiting at this time.

Yu Tohsaka entered the living room, took a deep breath, and tried to calm her still somewhat rapid heartbeat.

He was preparing to use his magical perception to investigate the situation outside the door when the guest room door was gently pushed open.

Morgan, dressed in a gorgeous dark witch's gown, walked out of the room with elegant steps.

Her icy blue eyes swept towards the apartment door, and she said in a flat tone, "I'll go open the door."

She didn't seem surprised by the late-night visitor, or rather, as the "new Master" and "Ruler" of the place, she felt it was necessary to personally handle these potential "minor troubles."

Morgan walked gracefully to the door and opened the apartment door without hesitation.

Outside the door, a blonde woman dressed in silver-blue knight's armor, with a graceful figure, stood quietly under the cool corridor lights.

She exuded an aura of dignified and unapproachable majesty.

It was Lancer, Artoria Pendragon, who came to invite Tohsaka Yu on Kenneth's orders.

Artoria originally thought that Caster Tohsaka Yu would open the door, and she had prepared her words to convey Master Kenneth's "invitation" to him.

However, when the apartment door opened, what met her emerald green eyes was not Caster, but a familiar figure that made her gasp for breath.

Her platinum blonde hair cascaded down like moonlight, and her stunningly beautiful face was faintly visible beneath the veil. Her icy blue eyes, carrying a hint of languor and... barely perceptible surprise, were calmly gazing at her.

Morgan...?

Artoria's voice was filled with disbelief and shock, and a tremor she herself was unaware of; almost all of her magic tensed up in an instant.

Why is she here? !

Why would this witch, who should have vanished long ago and brought calamity to all of Britain, appear here as a Servant?!

And... he even appeared at Caster's base?!

When Morgan, standing inside the door, saw Artoria, a very subtle ripple flashed in his icy blue eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his usual coldness and arrogance.

Beneath her veil, her red lips curved into a faint, mocking, and playful smile. In her unique, languid, and magnetic voice, she slowly spoke: "What a rare guest indeed. I never expected our servant to visit us in the middle of the night to be you..."

Artoria stared directly at the witch before her, her emerald green eyes filled with undisguised hostility: "What are you doing here?"

In her view, Morgan le Fay's very existence represented conspiracy, calamity and...betrayal.

Especially in this Holy Grail War for the omnipotent wish-granting machine, her appearance could not possibly be a coincidence.

"Don't they even recognize the Ruler from this Holy Grail War?"

Morgan's tone was tinged with sarcasm: "Or is it that you find it hard to accept the fact that your sister is the arbiter of this Holy Grail War?"

"ruler...?"

Artoria keenly caught another key point in Morgan's words. Her brows furrowed even more, and her gaze swept back and forth between Morgan and Tohsaka Yu, who was not far behind her. "If he is a Ruler, why is he in the Caster's base?"