Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

This guy is the successor recognized by Siegfried, so it should be me, his former Master, who provides him with magical energy!

Fiore frowned slightly and reminded him, "Not a Master, but a Mana Provider... This is not a pleasant job, Uncle Gold."

"Whatever you want, it has to be me," the obese middle-aged magician said without hesitation.

Simulated magic supply is not a very mature technology. If not handled properly, it may burn out magic circuits or even endanger lives. There have been cases of unknowingly androids being drained of their magic and becoming crippled.

Gold couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

Even so, he insisted on being Saber's battery.

"Lord Gord need not sacrifice himself, please rest assured... We can handle the task of providing magic power for Lady Saber."

"Who are you...!"

Gold glared furiously at the door, but his expression turned slightly timid the next second.

The third force living in this castle—

Artificial life forms make a dazzling debut.

Duer led a dozen or so androids through the conference room as if it were empty, leaving Fiore speechless: "Who's in charge of this World Tree, me or you?"

Duer approached Shirou: "Lord Saber, these children have volunteered to provide you with magic."

"It is our honor to become Saber-sama's power!"

A seemingly lively android girl blushed and approached to say something.

"Oh, I see... Thank you everyone."

Shirou nodded his thanks, somewhat flattered.

So what's your decision?

Fiore looked somewhat displeased. She pouted and asked coldly, "You're quite popular, aren't you, Mr. Saber? So, who would you like to provide the magic?"

"——————"

The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became heavy.

Koles, Gold, and more than a dozen pairs of eyes from the artificial lifeforms all stared at Shirou.

The red-haired boy pinched his chin and fell into deep thought.

From a purely performance standpoint, having androids supply magic would naturally be the best option, but the good intentions of Caules and Gold cannot be ignored.

After a moment's thought, Shirou came up with a plan.

Just as he was about to speak, a commotion arose outside.

"what happens?"

"Enemy...it's an enemy attack!"

"Enemy attack?"

Fiore's eyes widened: Metatron attacked? It's not even the seventh day yet! Is this the end for us?!

"Is the enemy... an angel?"

"No, that's...that's—"

……

……

The "enemy shadow" that appeared in front of the gates of Mirenia was only a single rider.

Semiramis, the "Red" assassin.

It's understandable that the people of the Thousand Worlds Tree would be so panicked.

After all, until a few days ago, this empress with unparalleled beauty was their number one mortal enemy and the final boss of the Holy Grail War.

But times have changed. The Empress no longer has subordinate Heroic Spirits, and even her once invincible castle (the Hanging Gardens) has been confiscated by the gods.

— He's just a lonely man.

Even so, the artificial lifeforms still dared not underestimate their enemy; they were fully armed and wielded axes.

"Oh, it's Assassin. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Fiore was also somewhat uneasy, but she remained calm and composed.

Semiramis flashed a bewitching smile that could make any man dazed: "Rest assured, I am here to assist you."

"……what?"

Everyone looked at each other.

Metatron killed her Master and stole her Noble Phantasm, so it's understandable that Semiramis would hate him to the core, but why did it have to be at this particular time?

Moreover, there is a precedent to follow – Ayaka Sajou, who was betrayed by Assassin, lies there.

"Are you serious? You're willing to help us fight Metatron?"

Fiore asked again, still suspicious.

Assassin is not trustworthy; she is a woman who only cares about herself and sees everything else as a stepping stone.

It wouldn't be surprising if someone like that betrayed you at any time.

Even so, the risks are worthwhile; her genius and ruthless methods are the kind of power that humanity desperately craves right now.

"Ah, I'm very serious."

Semiramis supported her full, proud breasts with one arm, and rested her other hand on her delicate chin.

"But if you want me to join you willingly, you must meet one condition of mine."

"What conditions?"

Semiramis glanced around at the people in front of the city gate, and finally her gaze settled on Shirou's face.

Amidst everyone's stunned expressions, the Empress announced:

"Make that man take responsibility for last night."

……

……

Following Semiramis's request, Yggdrasil dismissed everyone, leaving her and Shirou alone in a room.

"Are you here to get revenge on me...?"

Shirou sighed helplessly.

Recalling the scene just now, he remembered the TV series he had watched with Sister Teng:

The female chairman of a certain conglomerate stepped out of her Mercedes, approached the poor male protagonist, grabbed his tie, and said in front of everyone, "From now on, you are mine."

...What kind of humiliating play is this, featuring a domineering female CEO?!

Moreover, Fiore, Atalanta, and Leticia had just unleashed an unprecedented burst of killing intent.

Semiramis stroked her chin, revealing a meaningful and amused expression: "It's revenge, isn't it? This is revenge for your abrupt departure last night."

"So stop saying things that will cause misunderstandings!"

"Hmph...what an unromantic man."

Semiramis frowned slightly, displeased, and said, "It's one thing that you didn't say goodbye when you left last night, but why didn't you come to find me today?"

“Since you’re alright now, there’s no need for you to make another trip,” Shirou said.

This explanation failed to convince Semiramis.

She couldn't understand—wasn't this man only helping her to get her gratitude...?

"You want me to join the battle against the angels, don't you? If so, why don't you just ask me directly?"

“I do wish you could fight alongside us, but that’s not why I saved you last night.”

"Varied…………"

I heard an unexpected statement.

Assassin's inner turmoil: Why use vital magic to prolong the enemy's life if not for personal gain?

The Empress said coldly, "You wouldn't be trying to say that you saved me out of kindness, would you... Do you think I would believe such nonsense now!"

Shirou calmly shook his head: "Saving you... was actually out of my own selfish motives."

Semiramis raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What kind of ulterior motive is it?"

The red-haired boy hesitated.

"Hey... stop dawdling and explain yourself clearly!"

Assassin pressed on impatiently, which wasn't her usual style, but it certainly piqued her curiosity.

Countless Heroic Spirits have perished at Saber's hands, yet he managed to save himself, who was not even a comrade.

What's more, he had betrayed Ayaka Sajou's enemy.

Why did he save me? I want to know the answer!

Shirou hesitated and asked, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"Of course it's the truth, you idiot! Speak up!"

Semiramis couldn't help but curse, "This man... he's really driving me crazy!"

What incredible secret is behind this that's so hard to talk about?!?

"........."

Shirou took a deep breath and then looked into Semiramis's eyes.

"!"

The red-haired boy's serious expression made Semiramis involuntarily tense up.

The Empress clenched her fists and held her breath: What, what's going on? Why are you suddenly so serious...?

Shirou slowly revealed a conclusion he and Mordred had reached while drinking the previous night, which was also his sole reason for helping Assassin:

"I will save you because your eyes look a lot like my wife's."

"………………………ah?"

Semiramis was stunned.

After a long while, the Empress finally snapped out of her daze—her beautiful face flushed bright red as if on fire.

Is this... a declaration of love?

Volume 5, Chapter 252: The Prelude to a Chaotic Sexual Encounter...?

In the castle corridor, Leticia, Atalanta Alter, and Fiore exchanged glances and then nodded in unison.

Just as they were about to press their ears against the door to eavesdrop on the two people inside—

"Oh!"

Semiramis, her face flushed, stormed out of the room.

"!"

The three immediately stepped aside to make way.

"Wait a minute! Assassin!"

Shirou chased after her, but the Assyrian queen had already walked away without looking back.

"Oh, did I say something wrong?"

The red-haired boy watched Semiramis's retreating figure and sighed helplessly.

"Huh? When did you arrive?"

Shirou turned around and saw the three people hiding in the corner.