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Kiritsugu saw the crimson glow of Command Spells through his scope, his face darkening.
He watched as Haru emerged from a spatial rift, stepping before Saber to block Diarmuid's attack, his expression unreadable.
Maiya's voice came through his communicator. "Kiritsugu, the newcomer has Command Spells on his right hand. And the silver-haired woman—she's looking at him like—a lover?"
"Are you sure, Maiya?"
"This is—problematic. With just Lancelot on our side—we're at a severe disadvantage," Kiritsugu murmured, his voice grim.
Maiya didn't respond. She understood the situation.
"Continue monitoring the area with Zouken's familiars. Report any changes immediately." Kiritsugu gave his orders, then, after taking one last look at Diarmuid through his scope, he packed up his rifle and quietly slipped away.
He knew he couldn't win this war without dealing with Saber's group first. Three Servants were too much. He needed to act, to formulate a new plan.
High above, on the Fuyuki Bridge, Rider opened and closed his mouth several times, his face a mask of—confusion.
"What's wrong, Rider?" Waver, seeing Rider's unusual hesitation, asked cautiously.
Rider leaned down, his voice low. "He—he said everything I wanted to say. I've got nothing left."
"Huh?" Waver blinked, then, remembering Haru's words, looked at Rider, a strange expression on his face. "You mean—you wanted to recruit the True Magic user? And he—counter-recruited you?"
"That's right! A True Magic user! Do you know how rare those are, boy? I don't have a single one in my Macedonian army! Imagine the possibilities! A True Magic user would be invaluable to my conquest of the world!"
"You're—still thinking about conquering the world? Even after—dying? Becoming a Servant?"
"Whether I'm alive or dead, as long as I can think, as long as I can dream, I will never abandon my ambition! I will conquer the world!" Rider's voice boomed, his expression serious.
Waver looked at him with a mix of admiration and—discomfort as Rider slapped him on the back. He winced, clutching his shoulder.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Stop it!"
"My apologies, boy!" Rider said sheepishly, then turned his attention back to Haru below. His voice was deep, filled with regal authority.
"First, allow me to introduce myself. I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors—I refuse your offer! A king bows to no one!"
Everyone, except Haru, who knew Rider's—quirks, stared at him in stunned silence. In a Holy Grail War, a Servant's True Name was a crucial piece of information. Knowing a Servant's identity allowed a Master to research their history, identify their weaknesses, and formulate a counter-strategy.
Diarmuid, for example, having revealed his True Name, had inadvertently given Saber a significant advantage, his weapons' abilities now partially known to her.
And now, this Servant—he'd just revealed his identity because he was offended by a recruitment offer? He'd practically handed his opponents a weapon to use against him.
'Was he—stupid? How had this idiot almost conquered the world?'
Waver, seeing the shocked expressions on Saber and Diarmuid's faces, knew they were thinking the same thing he was.
"What are you doing, you idiot?!" He grabbed Rider's coat, his voice a frantic whisper.
The oxen pulling the chariot snorted, glaring at Waver. He quickly let go, his outburst silenced.
Rider, ignoring Waver's protests, stroked his chin. He still couldn't quite shake the desire for a talented True Magic user on his team.
"How about this, then?" he boomed. "True Magic user! Servants! Give me the Grail! Join my army! Together, we will conquer the world! I'll even share the spoils with you!"
Everyone stared at him, a sense of—déjà vu—washing over them.
Rider, seeing their confused expressions, his face reddening, blurted out, "The pay is negotiable!"
Saber and Diarmuid looked at him, their expressions strange. "Didn't someone just say that—to you?"
Rider froze, his face burning with embarrassment.
"You're—kidding, right?" Waver murmured under his breath. But everyone present had enhanced hearing.
Illyasviel giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
Saber's lips twitched. If not for the seriousness of the situation, she might have laughed as well.
Haru, giving Rider a thumbs-up, thought, "As expected of a King. Repeating the same line even after it backfired—what a legend."
Rider, scratching the back of his head, laughed. "Even if he said it first, those were my true intentions! So? What do you say?"
Diarmuid, his hands still locked with Haru's, his gaze fixed on Rider, said, "Your—enthusiasm—is admirable, King of Conquerors. But I cannot accept your offer. I swore an oath to my Master, I will claim the Grail."
"That's—unfortunate." Rider's disappointment seemed genuine. He looked at Haru and Saber, who hadn't yet responded.
Just then, a cold voice echoed from the shadows.
"So, you're participating in the Holy Grail War, Waver Velvet. That's why you stole my relic."
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