The sky had darkened, and night had fallen. The vast sky was dotted with scattered stars, and amidst the misty clouds, a blood-red full moon hung high, as if foretelling something.
A cool evening breeze brushed against the silver-haired loli standing on the balcony. Her flowing silver hair swayed gently in the wind, and her clear, water-like eyes gazed into the distance at the rare sight of the red moon, her thoughts deep and contemplative.
Earlier that afternoon, she had sensed a particular energy within the mansion, one that was sharp and powerful, exuding a strong and aggressive aura. If she wasn't mistaken, the object Kirei Kotomine had brought today was the snakeskin relic used to summon Gilgamesh, a fossilized molt from the first snake to shed its skin.
It seems the Holy Grail War is about to begin.
Kaguya's lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile.
Originally, she had wanted to spend more time with Rin Tohsaka and Sakura Matou, improving their affection towards her. However, she hadn't expected time to fly so quickly. Early the next morning, Aoi Tohsaka had hurriedly left with Rin and Sakura in tow, packing only the essentials.
It was clear that the Holy Grail War was imminent, and Tokiomi Tohsaka's preparations for the war had officially begun.
However, Kaguya soon shook off her melancholy over their departure, and her mood lightened. After all, she wasn't one to dwell on such feelings for long. She was merely a bit annoyed that the lolis she had set her eyes on had flown away. Naturally, this put her in a bad mood toward both Tokiomi and Kirei.
"Why did you call me here?" Kaguya asked irritably, her tone unfriendly. "Aren't you afraid I know too much?"
"Not at all," Tokiomi said with a smile. "We are allies, and as such, we should assist each other. For such an important event, it's only proper for you to be informed."
"What's so important about it? Isn't it just a Servant summoning?" Kaguya yawned, rubbing the tears from her eyes. "Is that really a good reason to disturb my sleep? Though I must say, you really went all out. You even managed to get your hands on the fossil of the first snake's shed skin."
Tokiomi and Kirei exchanged startled glances, both showing signs of surprise in their eyes. They had never told Kaguya what the item in the box was, nor had they opened it, yet she had instantly recognized what it contained.
"Is something wrong?" Kaguya looked up at the two men, noticing their silence, and asked in confusion.
"Nothing," Tokiomi quickly recovered, his face breaking into a slight smile. "Given our family's long history, we are able to acquire most of what we need. But obtaining a relic of this magnitude was pure luck."
"Well, if you're going to conduct the summoning ritual, let's get it over with," Kaguya grumbled, still not fully awake. Her mind was a bit foggy, likely because the magical energy required to maintain her existence in this world was taking its toll. As such, her body had been operating at its lowest capacity, and sleep was the best way to minimize magical energy consumption.
"Understood," Tokiomi nodded and smiled. "Since the relic is prepared and everyone is present, we can begin the ritual."
Tokiomi placed the snakeskin on the pre-drawn magic circle, stood up, and with a solemn expression, extended his hand toward the circle on the ground. He began to chant, "Silver and iron. The foundation is stone and the Archduke of Contracts. My great teacher Schweinorg. The winds to block the four walls. Shut the gates of the cardinal directions. Come forth from the crown, and follow the forked road leading to the kingdom. Heed the words of a contract. I offer this prayer to thee, and thy body shall be under my command. Answer, O protector of the balance!"
As the incantation was spoken, the magic circle on the ground began to glow brilliantly, illuminating the entire room as if it were daylight.
Kaguya's brows gradually furrowed as she sensed a powerful energy gathering. Something was being transferred through the magic circle from another dimension.
When the blinding light finally faded, a figure appeared through the swirling smoke.
"We've won, Kirei." Tokiomi spread his arms wide, his eyes gleaming as he exclaimed, "This battle is already ours!"
Kaguya's eyes, clear as water, sharpened as she fully awoke from her sleepy state. Her gaze locked onto the figure now standing before them.
The man before her had golden hair and a handsome face, with sword-like eyebrows and sharp eyes. His piercing red eyes exuded an overpowering aura. His slender, muscular frame was adorned with golden armor, and an undeniable presence of royalty emanated from him.
If she was not mistaken, this was Gilgamesh, the legendary King of Heroes.
"I ask you, are you the one who summoned me?" Gilgamesh cast a glance at the people beside him, his voice full of arrogance.
"Indeed, my king." Tokiomi bowed respectfully. "Welcome, your majesty."
But Gilgamesh didn't look at him. Instead, his attention was drawn elsewhere, and his sharp red eyes focused on Kaguya in the distance.
"I originally thought that this ugly world held no treasure worthy of adding to my collection," Gilgamesh said, his gaze piercing as he turned fully toward Kaguya. "However, it seems there is at least one thing of value here. If this world had truly been devoid of a single worthy thing, summoning me for no purpose would have been an unforgivable offense. But this time, I shall forgive your audacious summoning, for you have shown me a gem fit to be set into the crown of a king."
Hearing this, Tokiomi's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to look at the silver-haired loli standing not far away, his face filled with confusion.
Kaguya felt deeply uncomfortable under Gilgamesh's intense gaze, as if she were being appraised as a priceless treasure. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed, and her tone turned cold as she said, "Aren't you overestimating yourself, King of Heroes, Gilgamesh?"
"Oh?" Gilgamesh's lips curled into a smile, "I didn't expect someone from this era to know my name. You've piqued my interest even further."
Kaguya's eye twitched, but then a bright, radiant smile appeared on her face as she said, "Sorry, but I'm not interested in you. And I'm not a gay. No thanks to whatever you're offering."