After Astolfo's furious outburst, his Master restrained him with a Command Spell and took him away, stating that he needed a lesson. However, judging by Astolfo's determined gaze, it was unlikely to be effective—it would probably make him more resolute in his beliefs.
Still, it was all futile. He was no longer the free-spirited Paladin of Charlemagne, just a Servant bound by a contract.
Jeanne instinctively clenched her fists.
"Well then, now that the farce is over, let's get to the main topic," Vlad III said, standing up and extending his hand toward Cyd. "Pure white hero, would you be willing to join my forces? As you can see, your teacher belongs to the Black faction."
Chiron scratched his face awkwardly. He didn't want to be used as a bargaining chip to sway Cyd, but the fact remained that he was summoned by the Black faction.
Jeanne looked at Cyd with concern.
"I don't have a Command Spell that matches yours," Cyd said, shrugging.
"Your value far exceeds that of a Command Spell," Vlad III noted, seeing a glimmer of possibility in Cyd's hesitation.
Darnic was thrilled. If Cyd joined the Black faction, they would gain an overwhelming advantage. Even without a Command Spell, Cyd's combat prowess could tip the balance.
"No, you are a Ruler; you can't interfere with either side," Jeanne frowned.
"Jeanne, I wasn't asking you," Vlad III's eyes grew cold, and a terrifying killing intent swept through the hall, causing the nearby homunculi to kneel.
Siegfried silently stepped in front of Gordes, shielding him from Vlad III's murderous aura.
"Meddlesome," Gordes muttered, glancing aside.
Jeanne stared back fearlessly into Vlad III's menacing eyes.
"Relax, I won't help any side," Cyd waved a hand dismissively. "I'll fulfill my duties as a Ruler."
"Is that so? What a pity," Vlad III sighed, sitting back on his throne. "Don't you have any wishes to entrust to the Holy Grail?"
"Who knows," Cyd replied with a sly smile, not denying having a wish.
Chiron was taken aback. He had always thought Cyd was summoned by the Holy Grail because he died defeating Cronus, but he felt like he was missing something.
"Let's call it a day. Feel free to explore the castle. If you change your mind, just let me know," Vlad III sighed. "Darnic, accommodate his requests as much as possible."
"Understood, my lord," Darnic nodded.
"Can I chat with my teacher's Master?" Cyd asked, his tone a mix of sass and kindness.
Sitting in her wheelchair, Fiore's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively gripped the armrests.
Still worried about his teacher, huh? Vlad III smiled. "Go ahead."
"Um... we Rulers aren't supposed to..." Jeanne hesitated, tugging at Cyd's sleeve.
"I just want to ask about her wish," Cyd winked and gestured for Fiore to follow. "Let's talk outside."
"Okay," Fiore nodded stiffly.
"I'll come with you, sis," Caules said, winking at Frankenstein and then pushing Fiore out of the hall.
Frankenstein tilted her head and then roared at Cyd.
"I know, I won't harm your Master," Cyd said, waving to Vlad III as he left.
Jeanne stood awkwardly in the hall. Vlad III, on his throne, closed his eyes as if she were air, while Darnic whispered instructions to the nearby homunculi. Gordes' eyes darted around, his brows occasionally furrowing, lost in thought.
No one acknowledged her...
Jeanne recalled Astolfo's defiant roar and heart-wrenching gaze, which moved her deeply. After a moment of contemplation, she left the hall and headed towards Astolfo.
"Darnic," Vlad III opened his eyes. "Do you know why I ignore Jeanne?"
"I can't fathom your thoughts, my lord," Darnic shook his head.
"It's simple. You should have noticed too—those clear eyes lack any desire," Vlad III extended his hand, taking the wine offered by a homunculus. "But I don't trust such people."
Outside the hall, Fiore looked nervously at Cyd, who stood in front of her, tilting his head silently.
"Do you have any business with me?" Fiore asked.
"Well, I'm just curious about your wish," Cyd said, scratching his chin.
"My wish is simple: to heal my legs," Fiore sighed, touching her legs.
"Hmm... it's not a disease or a curse," Cyd held up two fingers. "I have two solutions."
Fiore's eyes lit up. If Cyd could help her, she wouldn't have to fight Caules.
"Remove your legs or your magic circuits."
"Smack!" Chiron punched Cyd's head, then bowed apologetically to Fiore. "Master, he was joking."
"Was it funny?" Cyd grinned.
"No, it wasn't," Caules adjusted his glasses, commenting.
"Jokes aside, you need correction. The Holy Grail's miracle can easily solve this, but I personally suggest giving up your magic circuits," Cyd said, patting Fiore's head. "Neither of you belongs in this world."
"I... I'll think about it," Fiore lowered her eyes.
"If possible, I'd love to help you," Cyd crossed his arms behind his head. "It wouldn't affect the fairness of the war, but there's someone who makes it difficult."
"Difficult? Oh, her... that is tough," Chiron patted Cyd's shoulder. "But I'll support you no matter your choice."
"However..." Cyd looked out the window at the rising sun. "Where are you?"
Elsewhere, Kairi kept Mordred behind him, eyeing the purple-haired woman warily. Now he understood the saying that every nerve in his body was screaming.
"Are you the Red faction's Saber and Master?" she asked, putting on her sunglasses and walking toward Kairi.
"Yes," Kairi gulped, wanting to flee, but... [I can't move!]
Mordred's frustrated voice echoed in his mind. Just a glance from her had paralyzed Mordred. He could still move only because he wore sunglasses and avoided eye contact.
Why did such a monster join this Holy Grail War?
And why did he have to encounter her!