Fate Chapter 106: Pact

After some minutes, Haruki called everyone. Everyone except Saber and Archer gathered in the room. As expected, they showed different levels of curiosities regarding the unknown servant hiding behind Asahi.

“Who is this young woman?” Cu Chulainn asked with sharp eyes. “Her scent is making my head buzz, in the wrong way. She has to be a servant.”

Cu Chulainn felt death from the young woman, even though he surpassed her in every aspect.

Rin’s eyes bulged as Lancer made a startling revelation. She slowly shook her head and stared at Haruki with a furrowed brow. “Hayashi-kun…” she began with a raw, unsteady voice. “Who is this Servant? How did she breach our security?”

She was still trying to come to terms with Haruki's extraordinary power, and now she had to face the sudden appearance of another, unknown Servant among them. She was not fond of unexpected occurrences, and this situation was as unexpected as it could be.

Haruki looked at the pair of Sakura and Medea, who stood side by side. They were just as interested to know Assassin’s purpose as Rin was, however, they believed in him and adopted a more patient approach. He couldn’t expect the same understanding from Rin, who wasn’t his lover like them.

“Assassin,” Serenity meekly introduced herself, barely peeking her head from Haruki’s back. “I’m Assassin…”

“That was her introduction. I can explain the rest later,” Haruki stated before outstretching a hand to Medea. “Ruler Breaker, please.”

Rin’s gaze lingered on Haruki’s face, and Sakura could feel an intense stillness hanging in the room. The incident in the bath and now Serenity’s appearance – Rin was on the verge of confronting Haruki.

One person wouldn’t let any conflict rise between Haruki and Rin. Sakura swiftly moved and hooked her arm around her unconvinced sister’s arm, looking at Rin with a pleading gaze. “Rin Nee-san, please understand… Senpai said he’ll explain it later. Please trust him.”

Rin was unyielding, until Sakura uttered her signature plea. At the first utterance of the word ‘please’, Rin’s stance softened, and after a second one, she seemed like she would agree to any request from Sakura.

After a few moments of silence, Rin sighed. “Have it your way, dammit.”

Sakura beamed a beautiful smile. “Thank you, Rin Nee-san.”

Haruki chuckled as Medea gave him the beautiful dagger. He faced Serenity and pressed the dagger’s tip against her chest. She gazed up at him unblinkingly, showing an almost fanatic level of belief in him. It felt like she wouldn’t bear any grudge even if he were to murder her in cold blood.

“What did I do to earn your trust?” he whispered a question only Serenity could answer and pushed the dagger into her heart. “Be reborn.”

Blood didn’t spill, nor was there any sensation. She couldn’t feel much of her connection with Angra Mainyu within this house. The Rule Breaker rooted out the leftover glimmer of connection. She felt a new connection forming with Haruki, giving her a reason to smile.

“Master…” Serenity suddenly got down to her knees. “Master, command my being as you see fit… I shall put everything on the line for you.”

He gave a small, proud smile and ran his fingers through her hair as he looked down at her with a kind and unwavering gaze. “Your courage is admirable, but I will not send you on a suicide mission. You are part of this house now.”

His touch was gentle, but there was strength behind it that made it clear his decision was not up for debate.

Serenity looked up at him with an expression of determination and gratitude, her eyes glinting with tears. “Thank you, Master.”

“Look at this womanizer,” Rin whispered, looking at his interactions with Serenity. She turned to Sakura and pumped her fist. “Keep fighting. Don’t let anyone take him from you.”

“It’s impossible, Rin Nee-san.” Sakura shook her head. “I can’t monopolize Senpai. I don’t need to… restrict him.”

“Ugh, have more confidence in yourself! You can do it.” Rin placed her hands on Sakura’s shoulders. “I believe in you.”

Medea rolled her eyes. “Are you training your sister to keep Haruki-sama away from me? Are you not afraid of waking up as a man one day? Or worse I can turn you into a toddler… I can also transform into a rat or dog.”

Most of Medea’s witchcraft spells weren’t suited for offense against strong opponents, but it’s versatility was endless when it came to torturing a rather weak mage like Rin.

Rin shivered from Medea’s calm threats. “I-I am sorry. I wasn’t telling Sakura to rebel against you.”

Haruki chuckled as he handed the dagger to Medea. “Serenity, you are not allowed to touch anyone except me. I don’t want anyone here to die. Understood?”

“I don’t need anyone else…” Serenity replied with a delicate nod of her head. “Only Master… Only Master’s radiance can brighten my world…”

Serenity’s answer revealed her dependence on Haruki. Sakura, who was in a similar situation, cast a suspicious glance in Serenity's direction. The corner of Serenity’s mouth twitched reflexively as she instinctively turned her head to meet Sakura's gaze. She tucked more of her body behind Haruki, hiding from the scary woman.

“Master…”

Sakura waved her hand at Serenity with her best smile. “Can we talk later?”

Serenity looked at Haruki, her gaze probing for an answer. A part of her was against the thought of interacting with anyone as it’d lead to wastage of time that could be spent together with Haruki.

Haruki sighed. “As long as you keep your distance.”

He could only hope nothing terrible came out of the meeting between the fanatic assassin and borderline yandere lover. Sakura wasn’t as insecure as she was before Medea and Semiramis cured her. He could even say she had gained some confidence in herself. Would that be enough to stop her from becoming a yandere for him?

Amidst his concerns, Semiramis returned from the bath, carrying a lovely glow on her face. “My master, are you ready?”

He nodded. “Let’s go.”

“Wait, where are you going?” Medea asked. “Haruki-sama, take me with you. I can bring you to your destination instantly.”

“Master…” Serenity whispered. “Allow me to accompany you…”

Sakura also wanted to join but knew her limited strength would drag them down. Instead, she decided to keep honing her skills in dojo as much as possible.

“What about me?” Lancer pointed his thumb at himself. “I also wanna stretch some muscles, man.”

Haruki shook his head. “It’s only me and Semi this time. We aren’t going to fight out there. It’s for scouting purposes.”

He needed Nobunaga and Kagetora to lower their guards. Bringing strong servants would achieve the opposite.

“Ah, whatever, Master.” Lancer exhaled heavily and rolled his shoulders. He grabbed the door handle and glanced back at his master, his lips curling into a smirk. Let's go a few rounds later, Master. Your power seems to have grown since I first arrived. You might be able to give me a decent fight.”

“Haha, don’t get cocky. I might get lucky and destroy you.”

“I love that confidence oozing from you.”

Lancer’s laughter echoed throughout the hallways.