Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Challenge Letter
"Atram is dead."
"Who?"
"That noble who bought his position and title with money."
"Do we really need to discuss the death of a second-rate magus?"
"He was killed by Roy."
In the Mage Association's branch, the gathered magi from ancient families fell into awkward silence, their expressions as grim as if they had swallowed something foul.
"Roy! It's him again! A mere homunculus—what right does he have to keep stirring trouble under our noses? He doesn't deserve it!"
"Indeed, he doesn't. But he has the favor of that one. Because of their protection, there's little we can do."
"Damn it! How could a mere homunculus gain such favor?"
"Regardless, Atram was still a magus under our banner. He contributed substantial taxes to the Association every year, benefiting all of us here. We can't ignore this matter, or it will affect future tax collections."
"Even so, what can we do? You know very well how that one reacts to provocation."
"We couldn't touch Roy before, but he made a fatal mistake by joining the Holy Grail War. Now that he's involved in combat, if he dies during the war, no one—including that one—can raise any objections."
"That makes sense."
"Indeed."
"Where's Bazett?"
"She just finished dealing with a corrupted servant and is resting."
"Send her a message. Tell her to target Roy. She already has a reason—Roy's intrusion into the Great Hollow and his theft of her family's magical crest has been confirmed. With five Command Seals at her disposal, revenge is well within reason."
"Perfect. Let's proceed with that plan."
---
Knowing the corrupted servants had vanished, Roy treated himself to a good night's sleep.
The next morning, a letter arrived at the Aozaki residence.
Seated in the living room, Roy opened it.
"What does it say?"
"A challenge."
He tossed the letter toward Aozaki Touko, who caught it effortlessly.
"It's a duel invitation for tonight, at the southwestern outskirts," Roy explained. "Signed by Bazett Fraga McRemitz. She has quite the reputation for being honorable. Judging by this letter, she seems straightforward."
Touko smirked with intrigue. "Planning to go? It could be a trap set by the Mage Association."
"Of course I'm going. If the Mage Association dares interfere, I'll tear their branch apart."
Touko burst into laughter. "Interesting! If that's your decision, then go all out."
---
That night, Roy rested throughout the day to ensure he was in peak condition.
"Saber."
"Yes, Master!"
Okita Souji materialized before him, her cheeks glowing with health. After two days of rest, the pale and exhausted appearance she once had was gone, as if it had been a mere illusion.
In the courtyard, Miku Nakano, tending to the garden, had been waiting eagerly. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at Okita with fascination.
Though she'd known of Okita's existence, seeing the real thing—a beautiful young girl—left her stunned.
---
"Okita Souji... is really a girl?"
"Miku."
Ichika Nakano nudged her sister's arm, urging her to control herself.
Miku jolted back to reality, shrinking like an embarrassed ostrich. She had only intended to sneak a glance, but once she started, she couldn't stop.
The urge to comment on the absurdity was too strong.
Of course, Roy didn't care at all about being stared at.
---
"Lord Roy, I'll prepare a late-night meal for your return."
Kasenokyo Shiyu steadied herself and offered him a heartfelt blessing.
"Make something warm."
Roy waved to her and left the Aozaki residence with Okita.
---
The southwestern outskirts of Fuyuki City featured a raised hill—a far cry from the bustling city center. This area was known for its luxurious homes, with villas and even small castles, all in a distinctly European style. Only the city's most esteemed magi resided here.
It was the perfect place for a duel between servants, far from prying eyes or collateral damage.
Bazett had chosen the location well.
When Roy arrived, Bazett was already waiting.
---
"My instincts at City Hall were right."
On the barren field, Bazett pulled on her leather rune gloves. Her sharp gaze cut through the night like a dagger aimed at Roy.
"You're the one who broke into the Great Hollow and used the Greater Grail to summon your Saber early. You've come into contact with the Greater Grail—and survived its curse. Honestly, I'm impressed."
Even though she knew Roy was her target, Bazett couldn't help but admire his resilience.
The curse of the Greater Grail was no trifling matter. Even elite magi struggled to withstand it more than once or twice. Decades of accumulated curses couldn't be compared to ordinary spiritual taints found in the wild.
---
"Meeting you back then was... unfortunate," Roy admitted with a touch of regret.
"I have no personal grudge against you. In fact, I respect you. In a world of corrupt magi, you've stayed true to yourself. That's rare—like a breath of fresh air."
"Thank you for the compliment. I've heard stories about you, too. Despite being treated unfairly as a homunculus, you've earned the admiration of many in the security corps. You've saved countless lives. If I had the choice, I wouldn't want to fight you."
Bazett's praise was genuine. Her expression was serious, devoid of the usual deceit that plagued magi.
Most magi were selfish, quick to abandon others at the slightest threat. Few, if any, cared about ordinary lives. Roy's compassion made him an outlier among his kind.
---
Nearby, the golden-haired girl and the blue-haired young man exchanged glances.
"Should we suggest they become sworn brothers?"
The blue-haired man—Cú Chulainn, draped in a druid's robe and holding a wooden staff—chuckled. His carefree demeanor suited the Caster class perfectly.
"Thankfully, there's no trace of Odin's presence in him."
If Odin, like Yuanshi Tianzun, were observing this world, it hadn't reached the point where the deity would intervene directly. After all, this wasn't the kind of catastrophe you'd see in FGO's universe... or was it?
---
Before the fight began, Bazett stretched, her expression growing cold.
"There's one thing I need to ask before we start."
She rolled her shoulders, loosening her muscles.
"My family's magical crest—part of it was stolen in our last encounter. I'd like you to return it."
Roy gave a faint smile and shrugged, silently declining her request.
Bazett sighed.
"I figured as much. Looks like we'll have to settle this with strength."
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