He was a giant of a man, his thick muscles radiating strength. His messy red hair burned like fire, and his bushy beard and mustache gave him a wild, untamed air.
He drove a chariot wrapped in lightning, but his presence outshone it.
Just standing there, he pulled all eyes to him, making the chariot seem less impressive.
He felt like a mountain; solid and overwhelming.
Haru stared at the Conqueror King, unsure if this was luck or trouble.
Rider; Iskandar, the famous Alexander the Great, who once ruled the known world.
But this unmatched king dressed… oddly.
He wore a huge, cheap T-shirt with a game logo and a world map on the chest. His jeans were plain, though even the loosest fit strained against his massive frame, looking ready to tear.
"Rider… I told you… slow down…" A boy who looked like a student climbed out of the chariot, his pale face showing signs of sickness.
This was Waver, Rider's Master. He seemed weak now, but he'd grow into someone important.
Haru, once hooked on a certain mobile game, had one thought: 'Please answer my summons!'
"Your magic's faint, but it's there… Are you a magus? A Master?" the king said to himself. "Saber's Master has shown up. Lancer's is a coward. You don't feel chaotic, so not Berserker's Master… That leaves Archer, Assassin, or… Caster?"
At "Caster," Haru felt a chill. The king clearly hated Bluebeard's cruelty.
Haru bowed low. "Great king, let me explain. I'm not a Master of any Servant. I'm just a regular magus. I came to Fuyuki City because my relatives got caught in the Grail War. I'm here to save them."
"Is that so… Hm, I don't sense lies. You seem honest." If he couldn't spot a lie, he wouldn't be the wise Alexander.
Rider pulled Waver up, laughing. "Sorry to trouble you, kid. I've got a banquet to host. See you…"
That was him; bold as thunder, rough but fair, confident in his judgment. Once he saw Haru was truthful, he let it go.
Haru breathed out. At least he was leaving…
"Wait, Rider." A grand voice cut in.
Golden light broke the dark, and a shapely figure appeared on a streetlamp; a queen with golden hair and red eyes.
"A kings' banquet needs attendants, doesn't it?"
The oldest hero, Gilgamesh, announced, "Little magus, thank the skies! I've picked you to be my attendant tonight."
"Rider, bring him along…"
She vanished into spirit form, ignoring everyone's opinions, as self-centered as ever.
Rider rubbed his beard, glancing at Waver, seeing why Gilgamesh insisted.
He and Saber had their Masters nearby; not as servants, but it made the lone Hero King look less grand.
"Hey, kid, that golden one's making wild demands. You don't have to agree. I'd love to see her get mad, haha!" Rider laughed loudly.
Haru thought it over and nodded. "Okay, please take me with you."
The Banquet of Three Kings; how could he miss that!
...Well, really, he was too scared to say no.
Who knew what Gilgamesh would do if he refused!
Young Gilgamesh was a tyrant, old Gilgamesh a wise king, and child Gilgamesh a sweet boy… but this golden girl was none of those. Her nature was a mystery, and Haru wasn't taking chances.
Before going, Haru glanced toward the alleys. Red lights flashed, and sirens sounded; the Kamizukis were safe.
He worried for them, but they were out of danger, and he couldn't help more now. Going back would just cause problems.
He took a deep breath: whatever came next, he'd saved the Kamizukis; his first goal was done.
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Amber wine poured into a golden cup studded with gems, sounding like a clear spring. The air carried a tempting scent, like a paradise where a whiff could trap you.
Haru focused his breathing, using every ounce of his willpower to resist the wine's pull.
He filled the cup carefully and offered it to the seated Golden King.
Two others did the same: Waver, flushed and shaky, handed a cup to Rider, spilling some, but the king just grinned.
A striking woman with silver hair and red eyes poured for her knight with grace, every move refined, like she belonged in an old court.
She was a mix of charm and purity, noble and elegant; Irisviel von Einzbern.
She was the Einzbern family's Master on paper, but really, it was her husband, the Magus Killer Kiritsugu.
Beside her stood a king with steady blue eyes, her silver armor adding to her courage. Her flawless face seemed almost holy.
Clear as a lake, stirring awe and sympathy, fierce yet calm; a knightly maiden.
She sat properly, the only one of the three, her careful nature in every action.
She was Britain's King of Knights: Artoria Pendragon!
Known to all as King Arthur!
The one who pulled the sword from the stone, united Britain, and won twelve great battles; the chosen king, Arthur!
Her fame was legendary, but who'd guess King Arthur was a sixteen-year-old girl?
Haru knew her secret, but seeing Saber in person still struck him with her beauty and grace. He couldn't help glancing at her ahoge… or rather, the "Artoria element."
Some said it was a rare cosmic energy source!
"Why do you keep looking at me, Archer's attendant?" Saber asked, frowning.
"Don't worry, Knight King," the Archer said with a smile. "Even if not as fine as me, your beauty stands out. He's young, but it's normal to notice a lovely woman."
Haru's face turned red, like he'd had too much wine. He swore he had no bad thoughts!
Well… mostly… probably… he hoped not…
Saber was used to the Archer's pride. She didn't like the comparison but let it pass.
She sipped the wine, and her eyes widened; it was better than she'd thought!
It flowed down her throat, cool at first, then warm and strong.
Bold yet smooth, rich and deep, with a touch of bitterness that lingered…
"Oh, it's amazing!!"
Rider took a big gulp, eyes wide. "Is this for humans? It must be made by gods!"
The golden-haired girl swirled her cup, smiling. "Close, but most gods couldn't touch it."
She bragged, "Few in all of history deserve my banquet. As for those high-and-mighty gods—"
She sneered. "They're not worthy!"