Nero believed him. In Su Kai's eyes, she and Artoria were two entirely distinct people. Even if they looked identical, even if they shared a strikingly similar appearance, Su Kai could effortlessly discern who was who. There was no room for confusion, let alone any notion of substitution.
Honestly, Nero felt… conflicted.
No, more than that—she felt deeply, profoundly conflicted.
She hadn't anticipated that, after only one encounter, this man could describe so many differences between them in a single breath. Clearly, Su Kai was attentive to the extreme—a responsible person who treated others with genuine care.
A man of integrity, who respected those around him.
With such keen insight, he wasn't the type to lead a careless life. And with qualities like Su Kai's, both in character and in strength…
"Is it all just positive traits?"
Nero thought to herself, sulking a bit. "Can't I find even one flaw?"
Of course, Su Kai did have his share of faults, and he could certainly list a dozen himself. But when others looked at him, those flaws seemed to fade into the background, their minds quietly sweeping them aside. Maybe, just maybe, what he considered his weaknesses weren't even issues in their eyes.
"So, why hasn't the Holy Grail War started yet?" Nero's distractions had pulled Su Kai away from his writing. Leaning back, he sighed to himself. "Based on my 'freelance' style, I should've been the last to summon a Servant."
The Holy Grail War was essentially a collaborative ritual constructed by the three founding families of Fuyuki City—the Einzbern family providing the Greater Grail, the Matou family supplying the Command Spell system, and the Tohsaka family offering access to the city's leylines.
Every Holy Grail War included a representative from each of these founding families, with the other four Master positions up for grabs by a completely random lottery. Naturally, these three families were the first to summon their Servants, ahead of the other Masters. For instance, the Einzberns and Tohsakas had already completed their summonings.
Curiously, the head of the Tohsaka family, Tohsaka Tokiomi, had refrained from summoning his own Servant, instead allowing his apprentice, Kotomine Kirei, to take the initiative.
Meanwhile, in the Tohsaka household, Tohsaka Tokiomi stared in awe at the golden figure emerging from the summoning circle. He shouted triumphantly, "We've won, Kirei! We've won!"
Nearby, Kotomine Kirei watched his master's excitement with an impassive expression, his heart untouched by the jubilation. The joy of others meant little to him; he simply found the noise a nuisance. After all, his own summon was far less impressive—the weakest class, Assassin.
Unless, of course, it was the First Hassan, the grand assassin capable of challenging the best of the best. But most Assassins were rather weak, more or less destined for a supporting role.
Elsewhere, the Einzbern homunculus Irisviel, accompanied by a tanned, muscular man, set foot on Fuyuki City's soil.
"Lancer, who would've thought that you were so adept at 'Riding'? For an ancient hero, even piloting a plane seems well within your skill set."
"Hahaha! Child of Rome, Rome has an A-rank Riding skill! As long as it's something rideable, whether it's a beast or a machine, I—Rome—can handle it!"
"…Lancer, Kiritsugu requests that you tone down your self-introduction. It's a bit too conspicuous."
"Hahaha! No worries, no worries! All are Rome. Sooner or later, everyone will know who I—Rome—truly am."
Rome was the world, in Romulus's eyes, and the world was Rome. To him, everyone was Roman, just as Nero believed that destroying Rome was tantamount to destroying human history. Indeed, Roman emperors seemed to share an abundant pride.
"Ah, my unworthy pupil. He stole his master's relic, fled to the Far East, and thought he could steal my research?"
A man with pale golden hair, meticulously groomed, held his fiancée close as they exited the airport, an air of arrogance around him.
"The Archibald family's legacy is not something a mere commoner can hope to rival," he said. "With this Servant, victory in this Holy Grail War is guaranteed!"
Kenneth's deep green eyes sparkled with confidence. Heaven knew what kind of rare relic he had obtained to replace the cloak of Alexander, which had been stolen. Whatever it was, it had filled Kenneth with the belief that every other Master and Servant was beneath him. The Holy Grail War, to him, was more a challenge to add to his résumé—a chance to display his dominance over the "uncivilized" magi of this remote land.
With his newfound power, Kenneth's mind was already brimming with grand schemes.
Trailing behind him and his fiancée, Sola, was a towering figure, easily over two meters tall.
In another part of the city, Waver Velvet, who'd been in Japan for some time, was busy securing lodgings after failing to afford a rental. Using magecraft to charm a childless elderly couple, he finally managed to find a place to stay.
It had taken an exhausting amount of effort, but he'd finally gathered enough supplies—some chickens, ducks, and other birds—for the summoning ritual.
Unlike Su Kai, who had drawn his summoning circle with his foot, Waver meticulously crafted the summoning circle with careful concentration. His looked far more intricate in comparison.
Despite arriving relatively early in Fuyuki, Waver had only now managed to gather what he needed for the ritual.
"Let thy body rest under my command; let thy fate be guided by my sword…"
Waver spoke nervously but with great care, continuing, "If you heed the call of the Holy Grail and are willing to obey this will, then answer."
In response, a tall, red-haired man materialized from the circle, laughing heartily, "I am the Conqueror, Iskandar! I have come at your call!"
Waver, staring up at the enormous man before him, couldn't help but be awed by his grand, peerless aura. Still, as a responsible Master, he tried to issue a reminder: "Idiot! Don't go blurting out your true name!"
"What does that matter?"
Iskandar laughed heartily, dismissing the concern. "A king does not hide. Why should I need to conceal my true name?"
Elsewhere, at the Matou estate, Matou Kariya watched two children—Matou Shinji and Matou Sakura. Shinji looked fearful, casting wary glances at his estranged uncle, while Sakura's face was blank, devoid of life, her eyes dull like a lifeless doll.
Kariya's heart ached. How would he ever explain this to the woman he loved, Tohsaka Aoi, who had entrusted her daughter to this family?
His gaze lingered on Sakura's hand, where a Command Spell marked her as a Master. The so-called Greater Grail could hardly be anything benevolent.
Then again, Kariya thought grimly, what part of a magus's world was ever normal?
Years ago, Kariya had abandoned his family's dark legacy, fleeing from the horror of his father's degenerating form. His fear of becoming like that twisted patriarch had led him to forsake even his beloved Aoi.
Glancing at the timid Shinji, Kariya finally turned his attention back to Sakura, speaking softly, "Sakura, would you like me to take you back home?"
Home?
A faint glimmer passed through Sakura's empty eyes before they dimmed with fear and despair. She knew better than to hope for a home. Whether it was the Tohsaka family, which had given her away, or the terrifying Matou household, neither had ever offered her a place of warmth.
After a moment's silence, Kariya sighed, "I have to take you back to the Tohsakas, Sakura. I'm not a magus; I can't protect you here."
Kariya hadn't fully understood the true depths of the magus world. Matou Zouken's death, meanwhile, had already reached the ears of both the Tohsaka family and the Holy Church. Even Su Kai's identity as a Master had been quietly confirmed.
While modern technology had made surveillance more efficient, true magi preferred "mysteries" far beyond the realm of common technology.
Before leaving, Kariya turned to Shinji, hesitating before saying, "Shinji, stay here and wait for me to return. From now on, I'll look after you myself."
As he spoke, Kariya contacted the one person he knew in the Tohsaka family: Aoi. Upon hearing of the circumstances, Tokiomi rushed over without delay.
Confirming the Command Spell on Sakura's hand, Tokiomi—a man known for his unwavering poise—allowed a rare smile of joy to break through his usual decorum.
Tohsaka Tokiomi's side had already secured two Master spots, one with his own Servant and another with Kotomine Kirei's. But now, even his daughter had been chosen as a Master…
In other words, they controlled three out of the seven Masters in the war. A small army unto themselves.
---
"Hey, Nero, don't you have Emperor's Privilege?"
Su Kai suddenly sat up in bed, a whimsical idea striking him as he called out to Nero. "Emperor Nero, use your unbeatable privilege and temporarily switch to the Caster class! Set up a mage workshop here for me!"
"No way! That's way too much work…"
Nero, wrapped in a bath towel after her shower, protested from the living room sofa. She had been unceremoniously kicked out of his room moments earlier. This man was immune to her charms and resistances—her passive skill, the Whore of Babylon, had no effect on him.
Nero was well aware of this. She had no intent to seduce him; it was simply an effect she couldn't turn off.
"Careful, or I'll use a Command Spell," Su Kai threatened lightly from the bedroom. "Don't forget what you agreed to when we summoned you."
Nero ground her teeth in frustration but ultimately climbed to her feet. "Fine, Master. Just don't use a Command Spell. I'll do anything you want!"
Rubbing his temples, Su Kai replied, "What wolfish words, Nero. If I ever use a Command Spell on you, it'll be to make you drink milk tea upside down."
Nero closed her eyes, focusing on altering her parameters. A moment later, she opened them with a puzzled look. "It won't work. There's already a Caster summoned; the Holy Grail's system denied my request."
"How strange… something that can actually deny the emperor's command!"
She tried a few more times but was finally forced to concede that she could only switch between her Beast and Saber classes.
"This Holy Grail system is quite something," Nero mused, her curiosity piqued. As a true genius and the Emperor of Rome, she was eager to explore anything new, even though she'd likely lose interest and forget all about it once she'd figured it out.
"Well, you keep experimenting with it then," Su Kai yawned, stretching before he rolled over in bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.
The dream he entered was unusual. From his vantage point, he could clearly see Nero pacing in the living room, deep in thought, and glimpses of events across Fuyuki City: the gathering of three Servants at the Tohsaka residence and an entire luxury hotel floor transformed into a temporary workshop for Lord El-Melloi Archibald…
Wait a minute—wasn't that Heracles?
An old friend!
Come to think of it, this Holy Grail War was full of familiar faces. As Su Kai scanned the other Masters and Servants, he saw not only faces he recognized but also changes. For instance, the only ones who seemed unchanged were Waver's group; everyone else had either swapped classes, changed their Servants, or both. Except, of course, for Kirei, who still had his weakest choice—Hundred-Faced Hassan.
"Hold on, I should be asleep. How am I able to see all this?"
Su Kai turned, looking back at his slumbering form. Suspicious, he looked up into the sky, and sure enough—
Two vibrant pink eyes filled with unguarded affection gazed down at him, entrancing in their charm.
Exhaling softly, Su Kai muttered, "Merlin…"
The next moment, she materialized beside him, eyes overflowing with unrestrained love. She hugged him tightly, her voice tender with relief. "Kael… Kael… I've searched for you for so, so long…"
"At last, finally—"
"At last, I've found you, Kael…"
All her years of effort hadn't been in vain. At the sight of Su Kai, Merlin—a specter adrift in human history—had finally found her place, grounding her identity. No longer an ephemeral wanderer, Merlin felt complete, present as the one and only dream-witch.
"This is a dream, isn't it, Merlin?" Su Kai didn't resist, sensing her longing and love in every word. Holding her hand, he murmured, "Why go to such lengths?"
The instant he saw her, everything became clear. For over a thousand years, as the Age of Gods faded, Merlin had followed the path he'd left behind, upholding his ideals and advancing human progress. In this post-mystic era, she had watched over the world for centuries through her EX-ranked Clairvoyance, and now… she was near her limit.
"It was worth it," she said, a tear glistening in her eye as she smiled. "This was the only way I could ever reach you, to draw you back into the world."
"Kael, this is my answer to you, my testament to our bond. Are you satisfied?"
Though they had interacted the least among all those in Britain, Merlin had followed him the longest, coming to understand him more deeply than any other. As if she were a fledgling bird, the loveless witch grew attached to the hero who had taught her to feel.
"I am moved," Su Kai replied calmly, "but truthfully, I am unsatisfied."
Her unwavering devotion was heartwarming, her emotions fervent. Yet, he disapproved of her approach.
"To love others, one must love oneself first. True affection grows from self-respect, Merlin. I do not wish to see you lose yourself—whether for my sake or anyone else's."
"Love that gives everything is not love; it's a distortion."
Su Kai's message was simple. He was an ordinary man, and he enjoyed having someone as beautiful as Merlin cherish him so deeply. But he hadn't made his sacrifices in Britain for others to throw away their self-worth in service to him.
Merlin gave him a gentle smile, her rose-colored eyes earnest and determined. "Kael, I am nothing but an empty shell… That emptiness now filled with you, with the truth of your love and presence."
"Kael, you are my world, my medicine."
"Please… continue to teach me, my Saint."
As a half-demon, a cross between human and dream-succubus, Merlin was an incubus by nature—an ancient mythic creature that could fulfill all desires in the dream realm.
In the living room, Nero's nose twitched, picking up a strange, enchanting scent wafting from Su Kai's bedroom.
"What's that scent in Kai's room?" Nero frowned in confusion, her emerald eyes narrowing. "How dare he sneak a treat without me?"
Tomorrow, she'd demand answers. She needed to know what he was hiding in there!
It was ironic. For all her titles as the Beast 666, the Great Whore of Babylon, Nero remained untouched and innocent. Despite her powers over desire and corruption, she had no idea what was happening on the other side of that door.
Yet…
The sweet, exotic fragrance lingered in the air, making Nero's face flush as she swallowed, a strange warmth spreading through her. She shifted uncomfortably, legs pressing together, unsure of what was causing this unprecedented reaction.
"Um~ What's going on with me?" she whispered, flushed with unfamiliar emotions.
Meanwhile, Su Kai and Merlin shared a moment of unparalleled intimacy within the dreamscape. For the first time, Su Kai let go of all restraint, his serene gaze tinged with a powerful intensity.
In the past, he might have been uncertain, consumed with doubting her feelings. Yet his experiences in Britain, witnessing pure, undying love, had taught him something profound—
To love, fully and unapologetically.
He couldn't love everyone as he loved humanity, but he could, and would, reciprocate Merlin's love—pure, patient, and unwavering.
So, he answered her love in kind, until dawn.
As the dream aligned with reality and the sky began to lighten, Su Kai noticed the shift, his vision refocusing through Merlin's EX-ranked Clairvoyance, just in time to glimpse a striking scene…
Gently, Su Kai nudged Merlin, trying to break her focus. "Pause a moment…"
But before he could finish his sentence, Merlin had already caught onto an opening—slipping into a more fervent mode with flawless precision, silencing his words.
He couldn't help but lament that her Clairvoyance allowed her only to see the present, unlike Gilgamesh's gift for seeing the future. If only he had that foresight instead…
Biting back a sigh, Su Kai glanced at Merlin with an expression of complex resignation.
I was going to warn you to brace yourself, but… since you've chosen this, I suppose it's out of my hands.
Then again, since this was a dream… maybe it would all be fine.
---
The night before, just as the Holy Grail War officially began...
Legend tells of a king who held the Holy Lance and wielded the Holy Sword, who ended the Age of Gods and ushered in a human rule over Britain. Once her duty was complete, she departed for Avalon, unmoved by earthly beauty, as a king eternally untouched by the world. Now, for the first time in a millennium, she returned to the mortal realm.
This was Artoria Pendragon, the Eternal King, who once shone like a living god, the very sun of Britain. Leaving behind the Sea of Stars—a place that held all the beauty of the world—she chose to set foot in this decayed, doomed world.
"Kael… my beloved, my world… You've come back, finally!"
In her arms was a finely crafted Holy Sword. She could feel it—this sword, which had been bound to her for over a thousand years, had led her to her most precious one. In this world, only Kael could command this sword of Compassion and Grace, even surpassing her own bond with it.
It must be him. It had to be Kael who had returned!
The tales of The Legend of King Arthur say that when Arthur departed for Avalon, she vowed, If Britain needs me, I shall return once more to protect it…
But in reality, that was mere romantic flourish. As the King of Britain, Artoria had already fulfilled her destiny in guiding the kingdom into the Age of Man. Once her mission was complete, the fate of Britain, whether prosperity or ruin, was no longer hers to alter. Her kingdom's ultimate fate, for good or ill, was part of the cycle of life that Kael had taught her.
Artoria's true intent in returning was not for Britain—but for Kael She had waited for the day he would appear again, and now, that time had come.
But she had barely taken a few steps before she saw a familiar, detested figure: her adversary, the woman she had been entangled with for a thousand years…
Morgan le Fay Pendragon!
Her elder sister, and the very woman who would dare steal Kael's affections.
With great effort, Artoria suppressed the joyous smile threatening to break through, fixing her expression into her usual calm, unreadable demeanor. She spoke flatly, "Morgan. What brings you here? If it's a fight you want, I'll gladly oblige."
She couldn't let Morgan see what she truly felt. The hatred between them, built over centuries, ran deep as bone. Now, as soon as they laid eyes on each other, old grudges ignited instantly. Artoria knew her sister's heart was equally bound to Kael, and if Morgan discovered his return, she would become Artoria's greatest rival. Until everything was certain, until she could firmly claim Kael's return, she couldn't risk Morgan knowing even a sliver of her plans.
Her face a stoic mask honed over a millennium, Artoria assumed her most indifferent expression, one she was sure would have deceived anyone.
But Morgan merely laughed, crossing her arms smugly. "Oh, drop the act, dear sister…"
"You're radiating from the inside out, like someone who's been parched for centuries and finally tasted water, like a flower in endless drought that suddenly blossomed."
Morgan tilted her head, a playful smirk on her lips. "Tell me, who else but Kael could bring the Eternal King back to life?"
"You can hide your expression, but your aura and soul? Those can't lie. You can't slip away and see Kael alone, sister."
Though Morgan was quite certain her deduction was spot on, her icy blue eyes remained fixed on Artoria, scrutinizing her every reaction. Even if she felt sure, she wanted proof.
Artoria gritted her teeth, her pride bruised at her sister's insight. She had underestimated her elder sister, or perhaps Morgan's talent for ferreting out secrets was amplified when Kael was involved.
"Then come and fight!"
With a quick shink, Artoria drew her Holy Sword. Not one to back down, Morgan brandished her own weapon—Kael's other sword. With the two swords crafted by the same hand, neither sister could gain the upper hand. It was like watching Kael's left hand duel his right.
For nearly the entire night, they clashed, the ringing of their swords breaking the silence as neither gained ground. After all, their strength, their divine weapons, were almost perfectly matched. If either could have bested the other, they wouldn't have been locked in this stalemate that had lasted centuries.
Unbeknownst to them, Merlin's Clairvoyance had caught sight of the two sisters the moment they met. Hiding under the veil of her illusions, she observed the two from a distance, gathering the information she needed. Once satisfied, she slipped away quietly, reveling in her silent victory.
As dawn approached, the Pendragon sisters remained locked in their endless struggle. Artoria's patience finally snapped, her heart filled with an uncontrollable longing for Kael. She let out a frustrated sigh, and with a look of exasperation, called, "Enough! I'll give you the address. Just stay out of my way!"
"Hmph, finally!" Morgan withdrew her blade, a smug smile on her lips. "Rather than wasting your time battling me, you should be thinking about how you'll face Kael and explain all the wrongs we've done."
"What if he refuses to forgive us? What will you do then?"
At the mention of forgiveness, Artoria's defiant glare softened, her proud ahoge drooping as her once-radiant golden hair dulled. "We can cross that bridge when we come to it…" She pressed her lips into a thin line.
"But I must see Kael today. I need him to know just how deeply I've missed him…"
In her star-bright eyes, a rare, fervent glint sparkled. "If he condemns me, if he punishes me—so be it. I would gladly accept his wrath!"
Morgan fell silent, for Artoria's resolve mirrored her own feelings. Simply seeing Kael, even if it meant enduring his reproof or enduring penance, was a joy in itself.
Their minds and hearts both burdened with guilt, the sisters had betrayed Kael's wishes, going against what they knew he had wanted. They hadn't realized it until now, but they had come to carry more apprehension than hope.
But it didn't matter.
For Morgan and Artoria, no cost was too high—not if it meant Kael's return.
---
T/N: Merlin will switch to referring to Kael as Kai now, and Artoria and Morgan will follow suit! In the original they automatically start referring to him as Kai before they even met him again which I found a bit off, so I'm doing this lil change here
Hi, peasants! I'm so excited to share Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking! Our favorite carefree bard, Venti, takes center stage in this Honkai: Star Rail adventure, landing in Belobog—the last bastion of preservation on Jarilo VI. With the fire inside fading and winds growing stagnant, can the spirit of freedom and the breeze of change rise once more?
If you're a fan of Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, you're gonna love this one. There's music, rebellion, and all the freedom-loving energy Venti brings to the table! Also, I've got two more stories lined up after this, so keep an eye out. As always, thank you so much for your support—y'all are the best!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]