Chapter 42: Intermission

Since the banquet of the three kings ended in a fight, Emiya Kiritsugu made the decision to change the stronghold. The castle of Einzbelen, which was once a stronghold, has been completely destroyed, and not only has the outer barrier been devastated, but the interior has become uninhabitable due to the battle with Rod Elumeroi.

Such a decision is understandable, Alice Fell raised her hands in approval, and after being trapped in the castle for a long time, she can't wait to fly to the bustling human world immediately. And Artoria won't show anything, and even if she has any opinions, they will be ignored by Kiritsu. She knows that very well.

"This is it, our new home... saber!”

After following Maiya Kuyu to the destination of this trip, Alice's first sentence was to tell Artoria her feelings. Somewhat surprisingly, she did not call it a stronghold, but rather gave it the warmer name "home".

What may seem like a small difference has a deep meaning. Alice Phil is well aware of the feud between Artoria and Emiya Kiritsugu, and although there seems to be no friction between the two of them in normal times, this is what worries Alice the most.

The Servant and the Master had not had a serious conversation since the summoning, which seemed to Alice Phil to be extremely unconscionable. Even if he has the existence of his own acting master, but after all, this is Kiritsu's war, and he can't always accompany him. Therefore, the relationship between Saber and Kiritsugu is very dangerous, no matter how shrewd the master is, it is impossible to be the opponent of the servant, and Kiritsugu must rely on Saber's combat power if he wants to win this war. The point now is that Saber didn't fight for Kiritsugu wholeheartedly.

Yes, Alice Fell knew very well that Artoria had spent her time in a playful mindset from the moment she set foot in Fuyuki City. Her indifferent expression was too deceptive, and no one would think that such a serious king would do something petty. But in fact, Saber has been doing this all along.

Others may think that Artoria has always been loyal and dutiful, and Alice Phil, who has access to Master Access, knows that her battles have always been fun. According to Artoria's ability, even in the battle with the most powerful hero king, his ability was not half used, and even the powerful Noble Phantasm was not liberated once. It's not that Artoria wants to hide her strength, it's just that she's not willing to do her best.

Artoria was unwilling to do her best for Emiya Kiritsugu, let alone an easy victory. This is a child's nature, although it looks a little cute, but it may bring fatal trouble to Kiritsugu at a critical moment.

So Alice Phil wants to make sure that Artoria can do her best, and the emotional card is the best, and since Kiritsugu can't do it, he can only start with himself. It's not about exploitation, it's about having something to connect with. It's because Alice loves Artoria so much that she wants to do it. Everything is premised on one's own feelings, which is also Alice's principle.

"It's a little close to Tosaka and Kiri's stronghold, but it's a convenient place. ”

Stepping down from the Mercedes and looking at the building in front of her, Artoria answered Alice's question

In front of you is a Japanese-style building that looks like a period drama. Even in this deep mountain town, where you can hardly feel the passage of time, this building can be considered an unusually rare style. In addition, the large area of this all-wooden structure is a rare example in the history of modern Japanese architecture. But the sense of desolation that emanates from the building is also extraordinary. It seems that it has been idle for quite some time. I am afraid that there is some reason why it looks like it has been uninhabited for so long, but it looks like it has been renovated so often, and that it can occupy such a huge space in urban planning without being demolished.

"From today onwards, you two will be using this as a base of action. ”

Maiya, who got out of the light truck, said in a routine tone as she handed Alice Phil a bunch of keys. She doesn't seem to care at all about the trouble caused by Artoria's extreme car, maybe because of her gender, this woman who is more like a machine than Kiritsugu on the surface is much better at being a human being.

"Ah, just give this to Saber. ”

It's only natural to let the servant keep the key, but Alice's words still make people feel trusted. This was well recognized by Artoria, who considered Ellie to be a very popular woman, just like Gnavier.

"I bought this house just a few days ago, so I haven't had time to make any preparations inside, I'm really sorry. Maybe the environment inside is not very suitable for life......"

As she handed the key to Artoria, Maiya said this to Alice Phil, but her cold words did not show a hint of apology.

"It's okay. As long as I can shelter from the wind and rain, I have no complaints. ”

Although it doesn't sound like the words of a young lady, in fact, when it comes to the degree of desolation, the city of Einzbelen, which is deep in the mountains and old forests, does not have to be much better here.

"Well, I'll take my leave. ”

Perhaps Kiritsugu had some other task for her, Maiya took her leave, quickly returned to the light van, and left Alice Phil and Artoria, who were still standing in front of the empty house, and sped away.

"Alright, Saber. Let's start checking out this new home. ”

"Hmmm......"

When you open the gate, you will be greeted by a desolate scene as expected. The courtyard was overgrown with waist-high weeds, and the main house, which was submerged in weeds, was full of uncomfortable feelings.

"This is what people often call haunted ghost houses. ”

Alice Field, who seemed unconcerned about the deserted abandoned house, looked around with great interest, like a child in a haunted house in a playground. However, after glancing at her surroundings, Artoria became a little resentful of Emiya Kiritsugu's irresponsible behavior.

"Ellie..."

Although Artoria herself doesn't care about the deserted environment, it is not the same for Alice Phil. As the princess of Ainzbelen, even if it is just a tool, she still enjoys the best treatment since she was a child. Now that Kiritsugu has thrown her into such a harsh environment, Artoria naturally can't get used to it, not to mention Alice's body......

"It must have been a boardwalk inside, and then there were tatami mats, and there were paper partitions. Oh, hehe, I've said before that I want to see with my own eyes what ancient Japanese houses are like, and Kiritsugu must have remembered my words and did it on purpose. ”

As if she hadn't heard Artoria's call, Alice Fell was still looking elated and looking at the facilities in the room.

β€œ......”

How could that ruthless man like a war machine think of these childlike things on the battlefield. Artoria did not agree with Alice Field's words, but seeing that she was in such a good mood, Artoria was silent.

In this way, Alice Field, who was sneezing in the mountains of dust and checking the back room, finally put on a serious expression and began to think.

"Won't you feel aggrieved, Alice?"

"No, I'm already satisfied. However, it is a little difficult to serve as a base for magicians. ”

Alice Phil may look weak, but in fact she is also a first-class magician.

"There's no problem setting up an enchantment around here, but if you want to set up a workshop, you'll have to...... But this country is such a customs, I can't help it, in such an open house, the magic is easy to escape. In particular, Einzbelen's technique...... Ahh If possible, I'd like a room enclosed with stone and earth......."

"Didn't Maiya just say that there's a warehouse in the courtyard?

Suddenly thinking of Kuyu Maiya's instructions, Artoria took out the last key that had not been used and said.

"Ahh ”

As soon as she stepped through the door of the warehouse, Alice Fell nodded in satisfaction.

"It's a little cramped, but if you do it here, you can perform the same spells as in the castle. In short, as long as I can establish a magic array, I will be able to fix my realm. ”

Perhaps Kiritsugu thought of this in the first place, so he deliberately found this location with a warehouse. After all, it's hard to find a traditional Japanese building with a warehouse like this.

"So, let's get down to work now. Saber, can you bring us the materials we put in the car?"

"Okay, do you want to bring them all?"

"Now you can bring the medicines and props from the Alchemy series first. Well, I want to think about it...... By the way, bring the red and silver vanity cases with you. ”

"Got it. ”

Artoria carefully took out a particularly light piece of luggage from the back case of the Mercedes. Although Maiya was in charge of packing her luggage, Artoria also had an impression of what was in it.

When Artoria brought the vanity box, Alice Fell seemed to have determined the location of the magic circle created, and pointed to a corner of the warehouse and said to Artoria.

"Well, I'm sorry to bother you, Saber, and help me. Draw two overlapping six-pointed stars with a diameter of six feet in that place. Take this side as the front. ”

The brow furrowed slightly, and Artoria, who sensed that something was wrong, looked at Alice, but continued to move her hand as Alice said.

Although Artoria was unable to use magic because of Merlin's explicit refusal, she had studied with the great magician for many years, but this basic thing could be done effortlessly for Artoria.

"Then help me reconcile a part of the mercury, the ratio should be strictly according to what I say, be cautious"

"Ellie!"

Artoria, who finally couldn't help herself, suddenly said loudly, which startled Alice Phil, who looked a little weak on the side.

"How... What's wrong, Saber?"

"I'm sorry... Ellie, but what's wrong with your body?"