A week had passed since Saber chose to stay in the forest-like place with the girl.
During his time there, he gradually got to know her better. Sometimes, she acted childishly when she lost their games, throwing playful tantrums. Other times, she took on the role of an older sister, gently caring for him as he slept at night.
Their relationship seemed to be evolving into something different. Was it like a father and daughter? Not exactly. He wasn't sure what to call it either. It is almost like they have switched place... Maybe? But Saber liked this new dynamic—it reminded him of the warmth and affection of someone who had once adopted him after his Master's death.
"There, there~ You should rest well tonight." The girl said softly as she stroked Saber's hair, and he lay comfortably on her lap, eyes closed. He wondered at how soft her hands felt, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.
Around morning, Saber slowly opened his eyes. As the morning light filtered through the trees and shined through the window, he turned his head and felt a warmth beside him.
"Mmm~"
"...huh?"
To his surprise, he saw the girl peacefully sleeping, her forehead resting against his chest. Their hands were intertwined, her small fingers gently holding his.
A smile crept across Saber's face as he took in the sight without him knowing. It felt comforting to have her close like this. He carefully lifted his hand, deciding to stroke her forehead softly. His touch was light and tender, hoping not to wake her.
She stirred slightly but didn't fully wake. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she snuggled closer, her fingers tightening around his hand. Saber felt a rush of warmth in his chest and decided to poke her cheek with his other hand.
"Mmm~ five more minutes..."
He continued and later followed with a stroking on her forehead, feeling a flood of emotions wash over him.
Time seemed to stand still as he enjoyed the closeness. The forest was quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves. Saber closed his eyes yet again and waited for thirty minutes before she finally stirred awake.
...
..
.
A little while later, their usual bickering has finally started.
Saber leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face. The sun broke through the branches, casting playful shadows between them. The girl glared up at him, her brows furrowed.
"Don't you remember what I said around our 256th match? We made a deal. If I win, you have to do me a favor. How many times have I won back there after our deal? About 44 times! I only managed to use 25 as of now."
"Boo! No fair! That bet was already a week ago. You can't bring that up now!" she exclaimed, pulling her hands into her chest in mock frustration. Saber raised an eyebrow, enjoying her playful annoyance.
"What's this? Can't handle a simple bet...?" he teased, his voice dripping with playful condescension.
Her eyes narrowed. "Krr...! I'll get back at you! You can't keep winning forever!"
"Oh, really?" Saber laughed. "How many times have you tried? You've lost to me at least 16 times in a row in every games we played, and yet here we are!"
She huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "You've been cheating! That's why!"
"Cheating? Me?" He laughed and shrugged. "I just play better than some people."
He was good at almost every game—Board games like Chess, Checkers, and card games like Poker and Blackjack. But it wasn't because he was born talented; it was all about hard work.
He loved games and spent hours practicing. Every night, he played against himself before going against his master, his master's friends, to even strangers, wanting to get better and better.
At first, he won by luck. He remembered when he didn't even know how a rook moved in Chess or how to bluff in Poker. But the excitement of competition pushed him to learn. He read books, browsed online forums, and watched videos of experts, trying to understand every tactics and memorizing them.
But he never cheated—at least not in a dishonest way. He would only "cheat" when he is against a cheater. After all, it would only be considered cheating if he gets caught.
Some called him obsessed, but he liked the word dedicated...
"Ugh, just because you're able to beat me continuously without losing doesn't mean you're unbeatable! Next match, I'll crush you!" she vowed, her eyes twinkling with determination.
"In what kind of game?" Saber chuckled, the playful banter flowing naturally between them. "But then again, we'll see about that. Just try not to cry when you lose again!"
"Cry? Never! You'll regret those words!" she shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.
And so, their playful exchange continued for another day.