Showa 20.
Imperial Capital Japan.
The Third Holy Grail War.
Hearing the information revealed by Shiki, Naoki began sifting through historical events matching this time and location in his mind.
[Imperial Capital Holy Grail War… Huh?]
After a moment, he muttered the phrase.
He couldn't think of any other possibility—there was only one event that fit. But if this was indeed the Imperial Capital Holy Grail War…
[I imagine it'll be quite enjoyable when we finally resolve it—though, of course, it depends on the circumstances.]
"It seems Natsukawa already knows. Then I don't need to explain further, do I?"
[Yes. After we investigate, I'll begin resolving it. So… Roman, come here and sit down. I'm going there.]
The silhouette of Naoki before Shiki rose as he finished speaking. Moments later, Roman was gently pushed into place.
[What are you doing, Natsukawa? By the way, where are you going?—Of course, I'm going there. Well, consider it another visit to Atalanta and Shiki. Besides, it's about time. I'll return with Fujimaru and Mash.]
Naoki was coming here?
Shiki raised an eyebrow slightly. And in Chaldea, there was no way to stop him. Roman helplessly lowered his hands and turned to face Shiki.
[Pleased to meet you, Miss Ryougi. I apologize. Natsukawa said he was leaving for somewhere…]
"It's fine. I know where he's headed. Rather than that… You're a doctor now, aren't you? It's a role perfectly suited for you, Romani Archaman."
To others, Shiki's words sounded like a simple compliment. After all, everyone at Chaldea knew Roman had studied abroad—and that he'd known Naoki even before joining Chaldea. So it wasn't surprising that Shiki, closely tied to Naoki, recognized him.
But to Roman, those words sent an immediate chill down his spine.
[T-thank you for your kind words, Miss Ryougi.]
"You're welcome. In the future, as you journey to repair the Incineration Order of Humanity, Natsukawa will likely need much support from you. Please take good care of him then."
Take care of Naoki?
Thinking of his personality and situation, Roman couldn't suppress a wry smile.
[It should be me being taken care of by him. Besides, what can I do now but manage logistics from here?]
Roman was no longer the King of Magecraft—even his final trump card, his ring, had been confiscated. The ring still resided inside Rei's body, and Naoki would never return it until the Incineration Order of Humanity ended.
Thus, Roman truly could only do what he described. Of course, he held no complaints—on the contrary, he was grateful to Naoki. Without him, Roman's burdens might have doubled.
[Then, Miss Ryougi, let us end our communication here. I'll disconnect now. Please return the bracelet to Fujimaru later.]
"Yes, I understand."
As soon as the words were spoken, Roman's silhouette vanished before Shiki.
Staring at the now-dormant bracelet, Shiki fell silent for a moment, then picked it up and rose from her seat, stepping out of the dojo.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The guest room in the Ryougi residence was enormous.
This was the first realization Ritsuka and Mash had when Angelica showed them their quarters.
Ritsuka thought her private room at Chaldea was spacious enough—but the room in the Ryougi house was far larger. After all, Chaldea's rooms were more like dormitory-style accommodations, while the Ryougi guest room was built to the highest standards for hosting dignitaries.
They were not even on the same level.
Though officially designated as guest accommodations, very few visitors had ever stayed overnight at the Ryougi residence over the years. Since Shiki assumed leadership of the family, her approach to handling affairs had become famously swift and efficient. Moreover, every member of the Ryougi family obeyed her without question, making their operational efficiency extraordinary.
Thus, there was never a scenario where business negotiations failed and needed to be resumed the next day.
For years, only two people had ever spent the night under the Ryougi roof: Atalanta and Naoki.
And now, Ritsuka and Mash became the third and fourth.
Still, both intended to stay only one night. Originally, Ritsuka had returned simply to visit her parents; her presence here at the Ryougi residence was entirely unexpected.
"Later, when I tell Papa and Mama about this, they'll be absolutely shocked, hehe~~~"
Leaning against the window, gazing at the Ryougi family garden, Ritsuka smiled softly to herself.
Beside her, Mash asked curiously: "Your parents… What are they like?"
"Eh? Why do you ask?"
"Well… since I might meet them soon, I wanted to know ahead of time so I can prepare myself."
"I see." Ritsuka paused thoughtfully. "What are they like… Actually, my parents are completely ordinary. Just a normal couple you'd find anywhere—just like me. When you meet them, Mash, just act naturally. I'm sure they'll welcome you warmly."
Whether it was an illusion or not, Ritsuka looked radiant in Mash's eyes. Her smile was brighter, livelier than usual.
Was it because she was returning home?
"Senpai looks so happy."
"Eh-hehe… Caught me, huh? Even though I've only been gone about two weeks, it feels like forever. Probably because I've experienced so much lately."
For Ritsuka—who once lived such an ordinary life—these recent experiences felt like a dream.
The Incineration Order of Humanity, King Solomon, Goetia, Singularities… She'd never imagined she'd live through any of this. Even now, a quiet pressure lingered in her heart.
Fortunately, for now, she could forget that weight.
"Then, Mash, let's go out!"
"Eh? Go out?"
"Yes, out!" Ritsuka grinned. "Shopping! I'm taking you to every place I used to visit!"