---
In corridor, Chaldea
The next day Charles strode through the quiet corridors of Chaldea, his hands tucked into his pockets and his expression thoughtful. He wasn't particularly opposed to walking alone, but there was a certain liveliness Nero brought when they were together. Normally, she'd already be pestering him to hurry up for breakfast, but today, she was nowhere to be found.
"Hmph. Figures she'd vanish when I need her,"
Charles muttered to himself, his footsteps echoing slightly in the empty hallway.
As he rounded a corner leading toward the cafeteria, a flash of blonde hair caught his eye. Instinctively, he perked up.
"Nero?"
he called out, his pace quickening into a light jog.
But as he closed the distance, the figure turned, and Charles's eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't Nero at all, but Artoria Pendragon.
The cool and composed demeanor of the King of Knights was unmistakable.
Artoria paused, regarding Charles with her calm, sharp gaze.
"Good morning, Charles,"
she said, her tone polite but reserved.
Charles stopped in his tracks, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Oh, uh, good morning. I thought you were someone else."
Artoria raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
"I see. Are you heading to the cafeteria as well?"
Charles nodded.
"Yeah, but it's rare to see you this late for breakfast. You're usually one of the first ones there."
Artoria glanced down the hall, her expression faintly contemplative.
"I was delayed by some matters, but I make it a point not to skip meals. Shall we walk together?"
Charles shrugged.
"Sure. Why not?"
Then they're walking together to Cafeteria in silence.
---
In cafeteria, Chaldea
When they arrived at the cafeteria, it was unusually quiet. The usual bustling energy of Chaldea's Servants was absent, leaving only a few scattered figures at the tables. Charles scanned the room quickly, half-expecting Nero to pop up and drag him into some chaotic situation, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Quiet today,"
Charles muttered.
Artoria nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the room.
"Perhaps it's a rare moment of calm. I don't mind it."
They approached the counter where Emiya was stationed, diligently preparing meals as usual. He looked up as they arrived, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he registered the unusual pairing.
"Charles and Artoria."
Emiya said, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Not a combination I see often. Where's Nero?"
Charles sighed, crossing his arms.
"I don't know. She's off doing whatever it is Nero does when she's not dragging me around."
Artoria, meanwhile, remained composed, glancing at Emiya.
"Perhaps she is simply occupied elsewhere. In any case, we are here now. May I have the usual, Archer?"
Emiya nodded, already moving to prepare her meal. He glanced at Charles.
"And you? The usual for you as well?"
"Yeah, sure,"
Charles replied, leaning casually against the counter.
As Emiya worked, Charles glanced at Artoria, a small smirk forming on his face.
"You know, this is probably the first time we've actually walked together anywhere. You're usually busy being all... knightly."
Artoria gave him a sidelong glance.
"Duty often takes precedence over casual interactions. But I am not opposed to such moments when they arise."
Charles chuckled softly.
"Well, that's good to know. Maybe next time, we'll actually get to sit at a full table instead of this ghost town."
Artoria's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, and the two stood in comfortable silence as Emiya finished preparing their meals.
Charles and Artoria took their trays and found an empty table near the corner of the cafeteria. The quiet atmosphere gave the space an almost serene quality, a sharp contrast to the usual lively chatter.
Charles plopped into his seat, resting his elbow on the table as he glanced over at Artoria, who sat gracefully across from him.
She began to eat her meal with the precision and poise that somehow still felt natural, while Charles, less formal, dug into his food.
"So, Artoria, you always this quiet during meals?"
Charles asked between bites, breaking the silence.
Artoria looked up from her plate, her expression calm but curious.
"I don't see a reason to talk unnecessarily while eating. Meals are a time to replenish energy for what lies ahead."
Charles smirked, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Fair enough. But isn't it nice to talk sometimes? You know, make things a bit more lively?"
Artoria considered his words for a moment, her fork pausing mid-air.
"Perhaps. But I find the peace refreshing. It allows me to reflect."
Charles shook his head with a small chuckle.
"You're definitely not like Nero. She'd be making a speech about how amazing the food is by now."
Artoria's lips quirked in a faint smile.
"Nero and I differ in many ways. Her energy is... unique, to say the least."
Charles laughed.
"That's one way to put it. But I guess that's what makes her Nero."
The conversation lulled for a moment as they returned to their meals. Charles noticed how methodical Artoria was, each motion deliberate and efficient. It struck him how different she was from Nero, yet both carried the same aura of royalty.
"Hey, Artoria,"
Charles said suddenly, his tone more thoughtful.
She looked up, her green eyes meeting his.
"Yes?"
"You're always so serious. Do you ever just... let loose? Relax a little?"
Artoria tilted her head slightly, as if the question had caught her off guard.
"I do relax when the opportunity arises, though it may not look the same as others. As a ruler, even moments of rest require a degree of discipline."
Charles nodded slowly.
"Yeah, I get that. Being a king... it's not just about sitting on a throne."
"Precisely,"
Artoria replied, her tone softening slightly.
"It's about bearing the weight of your people's hopes and struggles. Every choice, every action, carries consequences beyond yourself."
Charles leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
"Sounds heavy. Guess I've got a lot to learn."
Artoria's gaze softened, and she offered him a small, encouraging smile.
"You already bear the spirit of a ruler, Charles. With time, you will come to understand it fully."
They continued their breakfast in comfortable silence, the unspoken connection of shared responsibilities between two rulers lingering in the air.
As the quiet cafeteria hummed with faint sounds of activity, Charles found himself appreciating this rare moment of peace.
After finishing their breakfast, Charles and Artoria stood up from the table, both quietly gathering their trays and preparing to head their separate ways. The morning had passed more calmly than usual, and the serenity between them was still palpable.
Charles glanced over at Artoria as they both moved toward the tray return station.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways for now,"
he said with a small smile, stacking his tray.
Artoria nodded, her expression as composed as ever.
"It seems so. I have matters to attend to, and I assume you do as well."
Charles paused, considering for a moment before responding.
"Yeah... Got a few things lined up. But, hey, it was nice not having Nero dragging me into something random for once."
He chuckled softly, turning to walk toward the door.
"That's one way to put it. See you around, Artoria."
"Until we meet again, Charles."
Artoria replied with a polite nod, her voice steady, and then she turned in the opposite direction, heading off toward her own duties.
As the two separated, the quiet of the cafeteria settled once again, leaving behind a rare, peaceful moment that marked the end of their shared breakfast.
---
In corridor, Chaldea
It was nearly time for lunch, and Charles found himself wandering through the corridor, his thoughts drifting in the quiet of Chaldea. As he passed a corner, he spotted Nero walking with Jeanne, the two of them in mid-conversation.
"Ah, Charles!"
Nero called out as she noticed him, her usual enthusiasm filling her voice.
"Perfect timing, Umu! Ready for lunch?"
Jeanne gave Charles a polite nod, her calm demeanor contrasting Nero's vibrant energy.
"Good afternoon, Charles. How are you today?"
Charles, not one to turn down food or company, smiled faintly as he walked toward them.
"Ah, it seems like lunch is just around the corner. I was about to head there, actually. Not alone though, I suppose?"
He gave Nero a teasing.
Nero waved her hand dramatically, her usual playful grin in place.
"Of course not! How could I let you suffer the loneliness of a meal without proper company?"
Jeanne chuckled softly at the exchange, clearly accustomed to the antics of her fellow servants.
"It's always better to share a meal with others. Wouldn't you agree, Charles?"
Charles sighed exaggeratedly, though a slight smirk tugged at his lips.
"I suppose I could use a bit of company... as long as it's not too loud."
"Oh, Charles! You wound me! I'm not loud!"
Nero protested with a mock pout, though her voice clearly held amusement.
Charles raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing.
"You have a funny way of showing it, Nero."
Jeanne smiled at the playful exchange before turning toward the cafeteria doors.
"Shall we? The food looks particularly good today."
"Absolutely!"
Nero said with a bounce in her step, leading the way.
"Let's see what delicious things we can find today, shall we?"
Charles, following behind with a slight shake of his head, couldn't help but chuckle.
It wasn't so bad, having Nero and Jeanne around to keep him company. Maybe he could get used to this after all.
---
In cafeteria, Chaldea
The cafeteria was buzzing with activity as Charles, Nero, and Jeanne sat down at a table, their trays filled with a variety of food. As they began digging into their meals, the door swung open, and in walked two more figures—Zhuge Liang (Lord El Melloi II) and Alexander, the latter grinning from ear to ear as he clapped Zhuge Liang on the back.
Alexander boomed, making his way over to their table, clearly in a good mood.
"Mind if we join you all? It's always better to have good company at lunch!"
Zhuge Liang (Lord El Melloi II), his calm and composed demeanor a stark contrast to Alexander's exuberance, followed reluctantly.
"Alexander, you should really calm down... you're making a scene,"
he muttered, though his voice carried an amused undertone as he carefully took his seat beside Charles.
Charles, who had been sulking a little over Nero's incessant teasing, instantly perked up at the sight of the new arrivals. His eyes narrowed in a playful challenge as he grinned.
"Ah, Alexander! You always know how to make an entrance, don't you?"
He nudged Nero with his elbow.
"You see, Nero? This is how a real king should act!"
Nero crossed her arms, looking somewhat displeased.
"Please, Charles, don't start again. You're just jealous of Alexander's confidence, aren't you?"
She tilted her head, giving him a mischievous grin.
"Umu, are you upset because you can't match that flair of his?"
Charles puffed out his chest dramatically, his face flushed with a mixture of frustration and childish pride.
"I can be confident! I'm just... saving it for the right moment, that's all!"
He huffed and crossed his arms, a pout forming as he glanced at Nero.
"Oh, really?"
Nero raised an eyebrow.
"Because it looks like you're just sulking, Charles."
She turned to Alexander with a mock-serious expression.
"Umu, tell me, do you think Charles could ever match your level of greatness?"
Zhuge Liang (Lord El Melloi II), who had been quietly observing the exchange, sighed inwardly. It was clear that the two were at odds again, and he wasn't sure whether to intervene. He glanced over at Alexander for some support, but the conqueror was too busy laughing at the playful bickering.
Alexander chuckled heartily.
"Ha! Now that's a good question, Nero! Charles, you're saying you have a better sense of timing than me?"
He leaned in toward Charles, his voice turning dramatic.
"Because I've been on the battlefield, son. I've seen it all! I'm a king who commands respect—unlike someone who's still learning how to get their breakfast without a tantrum!"
"Hey, I don't throw tantrums!"
Charles snapped, eyes wide and face red with indignation.
"I just... I get impatient!"
He crossed his arms again and slouched in his chair.
"And you don't have to shout about it! It's not like I don't know how to be a king!"
Zhuge Liang (Lord El Melloi II) looked between Charles and Nero, then glanced at Alexander with an expression that was a mixture of disbelief and mild amusement.
"I... never thought I'd see this much chaos over something as simple as lunch."
he muttered, rubbing his temples.
"Alexander, could you please tone it down just a little? We are in a cafeteria, not a battlefield."
Alexander waved his hand dismissively, clearly enjoying the chaos.
"What's the point of tone it down? The boy needs a bit of fire in his belly! If he's going to sit at the king's table, he might as well learn what it means to be a king!"
He turned back to Charles, grinning widely.
"So, Charles, tell me—what's your grand strategy for today? Are you going to conquer this delicious meal?"
Charles blinked at him, not sure whether to be offended or flattered by the question. His childish temper flared again.
"I—I could take this meal and the entire cafeteria if I wanted! Don't underestimate me, Alexander!"
He lifted his spoon like a sword, pointing it at his plate.
"I'm a conqueror too, you know!"
Nero stifled a laugh, watching the two clash.
"This is priceless. I swear, Charles, you're more of a handful than anyone could have ever imagined."
Jeanne, who had been silently observing the scene, couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.
"It seems even in Chaldea, we're not free from the chaos of kings,"
she said softly.
Zhuge Liang sighed again, his patience clearly tested. He didn't want to intervene, but seeing the two of them about to start another verbal brawl, he finally spoke up.
"Both of you need to calm down."
He fixed Charles with a serious gaze.
"Charles, perhaps you should focus on controlling that temper. It's not becoming of a king, especially if you want to be taken seriously."
Then, he turned to Alexander with a resigned expression.
"And you, Alexander, should tone it down. You're the cause of all this, aren't you?"
Alexander simply grinned, completely unrepentant.
"Come now, Teacher, a little bit of chaos adds flavor to life! Charles here has spirit, I like that! You need a bit of fun every now and then!"
Charles crossed his arms again, satisfied to have some kind of backup.
"See, Lord El Melloi! Alexander gets it!"
He smirked at Nero.
"But you, Nero, you're just... you're too serious!"
Nero gave him a playful side-eye.
"Oh, please. I'm the serious one? Just look at you two—fighting over who can be the most ridiculous."
She leaned back in her chair with a grin.
"Umu... I can't wait to see how this 'strategy' turns out."
As the conversation continued, the table erupted into chaos, with Charles and Nero exchanging more jabs, Alexander egging them on, and Zhuge Liang silently lamenting his fate. It wasn't the quiet, peaceful lunch he had hoped for, but then again, there was never a dull moment when royalty and legends clashed.
Meanwhile Emiya, standing behind the counter with his arms folded, stared at them with an intensity that could cut through stone.
His eyes were narrowed, his expression impassive, but the weight of his gaze was undeniable. He had been silently observing the whole scene, and now, it was clear that he had seen enough.
The room fell into an immediate, almost eerie silence. Even Alexander, who was known for his boisterous nature, seemed to take a moment to pause and look toward Emiya, his grin faltering.
Charles, who had been mid-rant, froze. His eyes flicked to Emiya, and in an instant, he realized that this wasn't just a passing look.
Emiya's stare was an unspoken warning, one that told him in no uncertain terms that this behavior wouldn't be tolerated in this place.
Nero, too, felt the shift in the air. Her playful smirk slipped into something more subdued as she caught the glance. Her voice, previously laced with teasing, became a little more controlled.
"I think we might've... gotten a little carried away," Nero said, giving Charles a pointed look. "Let's calm down, shall we?"
Zhuge Liang, ever the strategist, couldn't help but let out a resigned sigh, nodding in agreement.
"Indeed. It seems we've caused quite a disturbance. My apologies."
His voice was calm and composed, a stark contrast to the loudness around him.
Alexander, ever the troublemaker, raised his hands in mock surrender, but even he couldn't ignore the tension in the room.
"All right, all right, I get it,"
he said with a slightly exaggerated shrug, though his tone was lighter.
"No need to glare at us like that, Archer. We were just having a bit of fun."
Emiya's gaze didn't soften, but he didn't need to say another word. The message had been delivered.
The atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted, and the energy returned to a more peaceful hum.
The laughter and noise from before were replaced with quieter conversations, and even the servants who had been watching with varying degrees of amusement seemed to sense the need for calm.
Charles sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping as he crossed his arms again, muttering under his breath.
"I don't get it. I was just having fun..."
Nero rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile.
"We're lucky Archer didn't decide to toss our out of here."
Zhuge Liang, finally able to breathe a bit easier, looked at the others with a wry smile.
"Perhaps we should save the drama for a less public setting next time,"
he suggested.
Alexander, now properly subdued, chuckled and took a bite of his meal.
"Fine, fine. We'll behave... for now."
And with that, the atmosphere finally returned to a more manageable state. The lunch was still filled with conversation, but it was quieter, more controlled. Emiya, satisfied that his glare had worked, returned his focus to the counter, no longer needing to intervene.
Charles, though a little frustrated, found himself more subdued as well, settling into the new pace. Still, he couldn't help but glance at Nero with a small grin.
"Next time, I'll show them my true kingly side, without Archer glaring at us,"
he muttered under his breath.
Nero, rolling her eyes, shook her head but couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Umu... Sure, Charles. Sure you will."
---