Fate/Broken Melody Chapter 8: Assassin vs The Master of Berserker

My arm ached as I continued to carry Medea on my back. Rushing through the nearby forest on a direct path towards the Einzbern castle. Fortunately for me, the pain of my other arm having been cut off kept my attention off of that fact.

Even so, it didn't exactly help that the terrain of the forest was a bit hilly. Meaning I was occasionally going uphill, and while I'd never say this to Medea's face, she was a bit…heavy.

It didn't help that I was of course down an arm and had been doing this for over half an hour. Sweat and Medea's blood clung to my back, further weighing me down. My newfound balance causing me to shift left and right as I tried to get my bearings.

…But hey, it could be worse! At least I have a destination!

My first thought had been the Tohsaka residence, but that was deemed as too risky after further consideration. Rin seemed nice, but I wasn't sure if I could truly convince her or Atalanta for any sort of lengthy amount of time.

Besides, this was still a Holy Grail War. They'd likely consider me and Medea easy pickings if push came to shove. And I couldn't truly fault them for that.

My second thought had been drawn to that Saber class servant I had run into earlier, but that was dismissed even quicker. I didn't know them, and they seemed quite willing to spill blood. Even though she had mostly been defending herself and her master, I still couldn't take that chance with someone I didn't know.

Which left me one option.

Illyasviel von Einzbern and her servant, Heracles.

They were strong enough to protect us. They also didn't seem to care all that much about who they needed to kill first. Which meant that all I had to do was convince the both of them to grant us sanctuary.

Which was doable. Illya was a reasonable person if teasing, and Heracles had a massive heart. They were obviously the best shot I had.

Eventually I finally reached the Einzbern boundary, and crossed over with little complications. This time it didn't seem that Heracles was sent after me, though I could see strange looking fake animals looking in my direction. Familiars, if I had to guess.

That was fine. If anything having someone injured on my back only made things easier for me. Obviously I wasn't much of a threat at the moment, and now they knew that.

Several minutes later I finally reached the front gates of the mansion, which started to slowly open up for me as I proceeded forward. I couldn't help but notice two pale white figures standing on either side of the gate as I went forward.

Continuing onward, I was finally greeted by the presence of Illya and Heracles. Heracles was standing at attention next to his master, his eyes focused solely on Medea as she laid on top of my back asleep.

Illya on the other hand was sipping tea rather calmly at the table in front of her. A table that on closer inspection, must have been quickly positioned here from the courtyard previously. I also couldn't help but notice how the pillow she was sitting on in the chair gave her just enough height to clear the table.

Illya cracked open an eye as she faced towards me.

"Well, well, well. Look who's come crawling back."

…Hmm? The way she intoned that sounded like…no, I must be mishearing things. She probably just worded her thoughts strangely-

"And here I thought you had already forgotten about us. Isn't that right, Berserker?"

Illya stated with a bit of…bitterness? Before glancing over back at Heracles who met her gaze and grunted slightly. Causing Illya's slight pout to be faced toward me.

…Hmm?

Hmm!?

Alright, well, this definitely wasn't quite what I had expected in terms of a welcoming…

Illya's glare was piercing. If it wasn't for the pain I was currently in, I'd probably wince in response.

"I also noticed that you've brought another servant along with you. Caster, it would seem."

I nodded in response.

"Yes, this is my master."

Illya's eyes widened in surprise, as she once again surveyed Medea with a curious gaze. Before finally finding the command seals that were on her hand. She hummed in thought before her eyes turned back to me.

"I see…and you thought it was a good idea to bring her here? In front of an enemy?"

This time I winced. Forcing me to shift the weight of Medea in my arm. It buckled and strained under her weight, but still held fast. Sweat beaded down my forehead as I continued to hold myself up.

A shaky smile brought itself to my face as I gazed at Illya.

"Well…after our own base was destroyed, I thought you were the best option to go to. Being the strongest Master and servant duo in this entire Holy Grail War I knew my chances were at their highest with you."

In response to my words, Illya's closed her eyes and wore a smug look. Her chin rising upwards with each word of praise until she was just about facing the sky.

To be honest, I kindof wanted to keep praising her just to see what would happen.

Illya nodded before facing me with a large smirk.

"Well you're absolutely right about that! Me and Berserker are the strongest!"

This time Berserk-er, Heracles let out a small roar of approval. Causing Illya to nod several more times in agreement.

"Does that mean we can stay here then? At least temporarily?"

For a moment Illya gave me an unimpressed blank stare before it started to morph onto…something more. The accursed smug look from before starting to rear it's head again once more!

"I guess it was only a matter of time before some half decent heroic spirit beat you up and ran you out of your own place, huh?"

My face flickered at that, which Illya seemed to catch. Her face becoming more curious than smug as she opened her mouth again.

"Hmm? So who was it? Saber? Archer? Lancer?"

"…I…don't think he was any of those."

Illya laughed a bit. Her amusement taking her before slowly dying as she studied me once again.

"You're serious."

I hummed a bit in thought.

"It's probable that maybe he was a servant at one point. Rider, perhaps? Or maybe something more…uncommon. Either way, I could tell from just a glance that he had reincarnated."

Illya's brows knitted together. Obviously finding my words hard to believe. Heck, I know I would've.

"That's not possible."

"I'd agree…if it was anyone else besides him."

Illya's fingers tapped on the table as she seemed to think. Possibly wondering on whether or not to trust me, or perhaps as to the identity I was alluding to.

Eventually she caved and asked me point blank.

"Who is it?"

"King Gilgamesh. The first heroic spirit in history."

…Huh. I was unaware that Illya's face could make such serious expression. One much more so than the more half hearted and childish ones she had been making earlier.

"Tell me everything."

So I did.

There wasn't much that I left out. Even the part where Medea and I had tampered with the grail a tad bit. Of course I didn't tell her what exactly we did there, but she probably had an inkling. The binding strips of cloth around my remaining hand had gotten a bit loose from carrying Medea, exposing small bits of my command seal.

Even so, it was best to at least keep some things under wraps. Not to hide anything from Illya to use against her, but just to not make her angry or anything. She was still a member of one of the three founding families of the Holy Grail War, it's possible that she might take a bit of offense if she learned that we had really messed with things.

Illya seemed to go through a filter of different emotions before finally setting on a calm but thoughtful demeanor. Stroking her chin in such a way as to mimic actually having a beard.

It seemed rather comical, but it seemed like she wasn't doing it to elicit any sort of amusement. Rather simply thinking it was a normal thing to do when thinking.

…It said quite a lot about her.

"…I see, I see…Now all that's left is to figure out what to do with you…"

Illya's eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed into my own. Attempting to peer at my very soul as my arms got even more sore. I'm pretty sure I've stained the nice little brick road I was currently standing on with my own blood.

"Maybe I should have Berserker kill you and be done with it…"

Illya trailed off, obviously taking some amusement in the reaction her words triggered. Even so, it was also obvious that she was genuinely considering it. Which was a really bad outcome to be honest.

"It also wouldn't be a terrible idea to simply run you out of my own home…"

I doubt that it would be need to be that violent. If she just asked me to leave I probably would with Medea in tow.

Illya glanced over at Heracles, and noticed that he wasn't looking at her. Instead once again peering towards Medea on your back. Actually, had he even looked away since I last noticed he was looking?

I couldn't remember.

Illya watches her servant for several seconds before closing her eyes. Being silent for several long moments before opening them once again.

"Hmm, alright, I'll take the two of you in…on one condition."

I had been expecting that. Stipulations in order to help two foreign servants was quite an obvious risk. Obviously she'd want to get something in turn.

Whether it was to become my master, to take my command seals, or even become Medea's master, I wasn't really in a position to refuse. Even so, if it threatened the life of Medea, then I would have to refuse.

Everything else though…well, I was prepared to lose.

"What's the condition?"

"You will become my new older brother!"

I blinked for a second. That …was not something I had been expecting. An…older brother figure? Hmm…I see…

Well, that didn't seem too hard!

"Alright, I agree."

Illya smiled in turn. Her cheeks lighting up with delight as she was obviously delighted at my choice. Even going so far as to pump one arm up in excitement.

"It's settled then. You'll be my plaything."

I nodded along.

"Of course. I-"

Hmm?

Hmm.

Mmmhmm.

Yes, I do believe she did just say plaything. Oh dear. Oh my. I see that Illya's understanding of family dynamics were quite different than my own. Or…perhaps…was that how the people of this era viewed family?

I'd need to investigate that one further before I embarrassed myself. Either way, I could at least get Medea to a proper bed. As I took a step forward towards the mansion, Berserker took a step forward to meet me.

For a moment I thought Heracles considered my actions threatening, before noticing that he was extending his hand towards me. He wanted me to hand off Medea to him.

I...for a second there was a part of me that rejected that idea. To just pass Medea over to someone else, even someone as trustworthy as Heracles. To try and prove myself by taking on all problems.

But that was foolish. Even the greatest of heroes got help from time to time. There was no shame in it. Besides, it was incredibly selfish as well.

Whatever action benefited Medea the most should be the one I took.

It was more than a bit of an awkward trade off. With me needing to back up into Heracles arms like a truck before slowly dropping her safely into his hold. Even so, we got through it.

Heracles huffed a bit as he gazed down at Medea, before turning around and walking into the mansion. As I turned to follow him, I immediately froze in my spot due to a wire wrapping around my throat.

It wasn't an attack that would actually take my head off, but it might as well be considering who was controlling it.

"Y-yes?"

"Where do you think you're going…big brother?"

I blinked in surprise at the strange almost annoyed voice of Illya as I looked back towards Heracles. Who continued unabated into the mansion. I proceeded to dumbly point towards his massive back as he continued to move forward.

"I was…going to follow Heracles?"

"And leave your little sister completely unattended?"

…Well…

When she put it like that…

Yeah, it was kind of a rude thing to do, wasn't it?

I nodded my head in a chastised manner. Rubbing the back of my head in embarrassment which seemed to almost immediately cheer up Illya. Her lighthearted and playful demeanor coming back instantly, as if it had been an act to begin with.

…And yet I don't believe it was. Not truly, anyway.

"You're so absentminded, big brother. But I guess that's to be expected from such a weak and miserable heroic spirit."

"H-hey now…that's…a bit hurtful."

Her words stabbed deep into my chest with a deceiving innocent smile punctuating them. Which…only made things that much more painful, If I was being honest.

Illya didn't seem amused in the slightest at my answer. Instead choosing to stare at me with an almost emotionless expression.

"Just where are you sitting?"

I paused with my hand on the chair. Turning to look at Illya, before looking back at the chair. A puzzled look on my face.

"…In…in the chair?"

"Why would you sit so far away as if you were some sort of stranger? That's almost hurtful, big brother."

I looked to my left. Then to the right. And finally back to Illya who seemed to be trying to hide her amusement.

This…this was the only other chair there was…

I took a step towards Illya. She watched me with a curious look as if interested in seeing my next moves. In essence, I might as well have been a walking talking TV screen to her.

After waiting a bit, I took another step. And another, and another.

Until finally I was close to Illya and her chair. Her eyes widened briefly before she finally realized what I was doing. Causing her to scoot a bit over to the side as I finally sat next to her.

There was room for enough for the two of us, although it quickly became apparent that it was a tight squeeze. One that was fine for me, but a bit uncomfortable to Illya, if the frown on her face was any indication.

"Hmm…what an…outside of the box way to think."

I blinked at that.

"Was this…not what you had intended?"

Illya waved her hand.

"Oh, I just wanted you to bring your chair over to my side."

…Ah. That…did actually make a lot of sense, didn't it? Well now I felt rather silly. Having already done all of this and setting butt to butt with Illya. Thankfully it didn't seem she cared about it much, if at all.

Did she bring that up as a way to get me to get off and go get the chair? No, I don't think so. Besides, I was rather sure if I did she'd only tease me further.

Thus the best thing to do in this situation was to take control of the conversation.

"So…what do you do around here, Illya?"

Illya's eye shot open in surprise at my words. Staring at me with wide eyes as if taken aback by something. Had I done something wrong? Ah, I think I got it.

"Sorry, did you want me to call you my little sister instead?"

Illya blinked before shaking her head. Something that was done with a bit of delay and a few moments of rapidly blinking as if to turn her brain back on.

"…N-no. I just…wasn't used to it. You can continue to call me Illya."

…Hmm? Was this the first time I had addressed her as Illya? No, I think I called her that once before after she had given me her name, but she hadn't reacted like this before. Perhaps something had changed between now and then.

Ah, perhaps she considered me more of a friend now? I could at least hope for something along those lines.

"I see. Well then, I-"

"Ah! Hold on a second."

There was little I could do as Illya lifted herself off the pillow on the seat and decided to instead sit my lap. Her butt positioned directly over me before plopping down without any fanfare. Her eyes looking at me with an ambivalently neutral gaze.

She didn't seem to think much if anything about her current position. As if it simply didn't matter much to her at all, despite acting extremely prim and proper just a few seconds ago. It wasn't as if she was teasing, but as if she simply didn't see anything particularly wrong with this sort of position.

Of course I very much did.

"There. Now what were you saying?"

Illya continued, before her eyes narrowed slightly as she quickly noticed that I was reacting strangely to her current position. Her eyes then wandering about as if trying to get close from my body. In doing so, her position once again changed. Causing her to squirm on top of me.

"Ah, are you sure this is the most comfortable position for you to take?"

I hinted towards, Illya. Who slowly had a smile widen on her face as she seemed to think about it. Putting a finger to her lips while looking off to the side. Before finally looking me back in the eyes with a large smirk.

"Hmm…you know, maybe you're right. I could be more comfortable couldn't I?"

I relaxed at that. Thinking that perhaps she had reconsidered her position and was going to sit next to me or something. Or perhaps putting the pillow on the chair on top of my lap to sit on.

Instead however, Illya simply shifted in my lap. Positioning her body to be facing my own. Her legs positioned on either side of my own.

…It was a very difficult position, for a multitude of reasons.

"I think this is much better, don't you Orpheus?"

I answered her wide smile with a rather strained one of my own.

"…I don't think there's an answer here that I can give that'll help me."

Illya shook her head.

"There isn't! Oh, and if you do give me a wrong answer, I'll have Heracles crush the life out of you slowly."

Oh dear. This was…going to be much harder than I expected, wasn't it?

*~o~*

Medb, Queen of Connacht PoV

It was incredibly unsurprising that I'd be summoned to help host a grand war between the greatest heroes that have ever existed. It wasn't even surprising that I'd suddenly be brought back to life.

Indeed, because I was none other than Medb. The queen of everyone's hearts. All who exist and love, inevitably do it just so they can love me.

I was just too beautiful to stay forever dead.

My power, my elegance, my status. These three things were what made me, me. No wonder I was drawn back. The world simply needed it's queen to return.

And a proper queen needed the absolute best heroes to serve under her.

My eyes flickered open. Surveying the somewhat decently attractive suite that I found myself in. The carpet was soft to the touch. The reddish colors a bit garish, but otherwise it wasn't too terrible.

"Medb. Queen Medb. Are you the might-"

I turned to look at my master, only for my nose to scrunch up in disgust. I had been expecting to answer the call of a talented magus or hero. One that had been carefully carved out of marble and chiseled before being brought to life.

A man who would make a decent first addition to my collection. To my future army of servants. And yet…

Why did I get this disgusting fat blob instead!?

His roundish face sweated profusely despite the room being rather chilly. Causing him to dab at his forehead with a handkerchief that was miles more attractive than the man it had the misfortune of touching.

His hair was short and parted in the middle. Combined with his little bowtie and pudgy cheeks, made him look like some sort of pampered overweight dog.

His suit was massive. the amount of thread and cloth that went into it would've been enough to fill my wardrobe with enough outfits for three entire seasons! Despite his bowling ball shape, he was still somehow able walk forward without immediately falling over and rolling around the room.

"Queen Medb. Charmed, I'm sure."

Due to still being shell-shocked by the walking abomination in front of me, I failed to react when he grabbed my hand and pulled it towards his lips. To consume it whole, I'm sure.

My face scrunched up in disgust and outrage as a disgustingly wet smack sounded out loud in the room. My eyebrow twitched in horror as I glanced down at the man.

The gloves I had been wearing would need to be incinerated before some sort of disease infected me.

"…Uh huh."

As quickly as I could I snatched my hand away. Immediately my hand went to the whip I carried at my side. The urge to strike down this creature from my sight was strong, but in doing so, I would likely start to perish.

As distasteful as it was to accept, this…thing was my master.

And even more importantly, if I struck him down, his disgusting flesh and blood would stain my whip. Or worse, it might even get on me!

Despite the obvious look of derision I was giving him, he didn't seem to mind it in the slightest. No, I imagine not. The fool was already smitten by me.

Ah, how awful. Sometimes I was much to beautiful for my own good. Even so, I would still carry on. With this…sickly looking thing. At least until I've won the holy grail.

…Or find someone more worthy to be at my side.

Orpheus PoV

Getting time to myself was…not exactly the easiest thing to accomplish. Most of the time Illya seemed to like having me by her side. Mostly as a source of entertainment to deride, but it wasn't too bad. Besides, her company wasn't the worst that I could have had.

She had her own novel way of looking at the world, which was interesting in of itself.

While the mansion was exactly as nice as it presented itself to be, it was also much more empty than I was expecting. I had only met five people currently living in it, and I've only talked to two of them. That being Heracles and Illya.

There also seemed to be two maids who worked in the background, but didn't seem inclined to talking to me. Or…really giving me any sort of time of day really. Not that I've made much of an effort to reach out…hmm, maybe I was the problem?

There was also the strangest resident. A very, very old and aged man. He was easily the strangest resident of the castle and I had stumbled upon him with Illya.

Drool leaked from his mouth as he simply stood there. His head lulling to the side as he seemed to not even really be in this realm of consciousness anymore. At first I thought he needed help, but Illya simply waved the man's temperament off.

"He's been like that for awhile. He's just old or something. No one really cares. All that matters is that I'M the head of the current Einzbern family, understand?"

I nodded, and Illya simply kept walking. Ignoring the man who…hadn't budged even an inch.

Eventually I was able to get away and check on Medea.

She seemed to be relatively fine. Being completely lucid and awake as I entered the room. I had already prepared cut up apple slices for her to in case she wanted something to eat.

"How are you doing, master?"

I called out, only for her to simply look at me in response. It was a look that I couldn't quite put into words. I was unsure of what exactly she was trying to convey. It was almost something approaching awe, but not quite.

…She was likely taking her defeat at Gilgamesh's hand hard. But it wasn't anything to be truly upset over. He was THE first heroic spirit after all. It would be kind of amazing if anyone could get one over on him.

"Do you…need me to get you something to drink?"

Again Medea said nothing. Seemingly content to continue just watching me move around the place. Fussing over her like some sort meddling grandma. Haha, oh I probably look quite foolish. Even so, I couldn't really contain myself.

Eventually as I went to replace the rag on top of Medea's head, she grasped my arm. Causing me to pause and look her in the eyes in response. Immediately her grip relaxed and she released me, her eyes immediately shooting elsewhere in the room. A light shade of red adorning her face.

Mmm. Just as I suspected, she was rather distraught with her failure. She really shouldn't be so hard on herself…

I placed a hand gently on her shoulder before dropping my voice to a whisper.

"It's all right, Medea. I'm still by your side. I'll support you."

My hand tightened just slightly before letting go and continuing. Medea in response slowly turned her head and cleared her throat.

"…I…thank you…Orpheus…"

This time she made eye contact with me as I placed a rag on her head. I smiled and nodded in response.

"What are friends for?"

I was lightly surprised by Medea reaching up to grasp my only remaining hand with her fingers. It was such a light touch that I had been a bit surprised by it. It felt oddly…strange.

"…Orpheus."

I blinked in response to her serious tone of voice.

"Yes?"

"I…I want-"

She was interupted by the sound of the door to the room opening. Illya loudly proclaiming her current position with a wide mischievous look before slowly continuing into the room. The mischievous look becoming colder and more serious with each step until she was next to Caster.

"Oh? I see the crone has started to recover…"

"C-crone!?"

Medea stated, her face wide as she obviously took offense at Illya's words. If Illya cared, she didn't let it show on her face. Instead she seemed to be measuring Medea up before humming and turning on her feet.

"It doesn't seem like it'll take you much longer to recover. Good, after you do so, then Orpheus can start his own."

Medea didn't seem able to look at Illya, though still wore a rather annoyed look on her face.

"…I'm aware."

Illya hummed before shrugging. A small smile playing at the edges of her lips. One that was void of any real amusement though.

"Of course you are. Even so, it had to be said. I don't really care much for you, but you were simply part of the agreement I had with Orpheus. And I intend to keep my word…for now at least."

Medea's eyes widened slightly before looking at me in worry. Her eyes immediately glancing over to my command seals with a frown before attempting to observe me further. Obviously seeming to think that Illya might have taken something physical of mine.

When in reality it was just a bit of my pride. Well, what little I actually had at any rate.

"Big brother? Come."

Illya demanded, obviously intending to showcase the new relationship we had to Medea directly. I nodded apologetically towards her before facing back to Medea.

"You were saying you wanted something?"

Medea closed her eyes for a bit before shaking her head.

"…It can wait till later. And…thank you again. Orpheus."

Ah shucks. I think I was starting to blush.

"…Do not make me repeat myself, big brother."

Uh-oh.

"Coming!"

*~o~*

Not having two arms wasn't the best experience, but it wasn't the worst either. It gave me plenty of of experience playing the pan flute with just one hand. Something I wouldn't have ever considered doing before until now.

There was a rather nice looking piano that badly needed to be tuned in the Einzbern castle, but I'd rather wait till I had both arms to start playing that one. So instead I decided to venture outside.

Not too far away from the castle, but far enough into the forest to actually encounter wildlife. Of course they'd flock to me either way, but I didn't really want to make them too uncomfortable.

The snowy fields that surrounded the castle did that well enough.

The animals of course came when summoned. Listening to my music before offering up a small amount of energy in order to help me. Not enough to harm them, but enough to make a difference.

Having my arm cut off was kind of a pain. In a multitude of ways!

The animals danced in the night. fireflies had been beckoned by the music, illuminating the area with a rather stunning glow. And apparently it wasn't just the animals that had been captivated.

It would seem Illya had quite a lot of trust in me, as Heracles was no where to be spotted. She walked up with a rapt interest in the animals rather than the music. Or rather, the music was simply second to the animals.

Her head bobbed absentmindedly as she took in the rather beautiful sights before facing back to me. Her face didn't betray any sort of enjoyment, but rather simple curiosity.

"What are you doing?"

Illya asked, leading me to slowly come to a close with my song. Trailing off after a bit in order to not disappoint those that had been listening. Though Illya didn't seem to have enjoyed the fact she had to wait to be answered.

"Just…playing some music at night. Giving everyone the blessing of sweet dreams in exchange for a few drops of prana."

She hummed at that, before shrugging her shoulders. The cold likely getting to her. With a smile I took off the coat that Medea had given me before placing it on Illya's shoulders. Instead of seeming thankful however, she simply gave me a raised eyebrow.

"Not a fan of the cold?"

I asked, causing her to glare a bit in return. Though it didn't seem directed at me, so I could count my blessings on that.

"…I hate it."

Mmm. That wasn't just an errant off the cuff answer. Nor one that showed any sort of childishness. No, it was an answer that sounded like it came from the deepest parts of her heart without even trying.

"Ah, I see. Your heart goes out for Demeter as well."

"…What?"

I waved my hand.

"It's nothing. Did you need something?"

Illya smirked before shaking her head in the negative. Her hands folded behind her as she put her head forward. A calm gaze falling onto my own.

"No. Just seeing what you're doing while everyone else is making themselves useful."

I winced. She knew just where to hit, huh?

While most of the animals had cleared off, the fireflies remained. Illuminating the area and providing a nice soft ambience for sky gazing. Now that I was away from the city, the sky looked much more similar to the one I had been used to when I had lived in Greece.

I couldn't help but notice that Illya had also seemed enraptured by them. Not a lot, no, but for the moment her eyes were on them. And that was simply enough.

"…I like the stars. Even though they are mere specks in the distance, they hold a beauty most couldn't hope to match. They inspire so may people with their light, promising to still be there even after the daybreaks."

Illya nodded without looking over in my direction. I watched as her hand twitched, before slowly starting to rise up.

Just like so many others.

"But stars are so beautiful because in truth, they are so hard to truly obtain. Very, very few are able to truly reach them, with most falling off before they can even close the distance. For every star in the sky there are billions who have failed to reach them."

This time Illya met my eyes. I wasn't sure if she could feel how truly sincere I was in this moment, but I could only hope so.

"You can appreciate their beauty for what they are, but whatever you do, never, ever reach for the stars Illya. Only pain and suffering await for those that do."

Illya seemed slightly taken aback at my words. Or perhaps she was simply weirded out at how serious I had suddenly gotten. Hahaha, I was a pretty strange man, wasn't I?

Eventually my frown faded away for a much more fitting smile. My hand finding it's way on Illya's head before patting her.

"Sorry, that must have been a bunch of gibberish huh? Why don't we go back home?"

Illya's eyes seemed to widen at my words. Almost locking her in place as her wide eyes seemed to slowly turn into barely constrained curiosity. Until finally she spoke up.

"You…think of this place as your home?"

I smiled.

"Of course. Heracles, Medea, and my little sister are here. Why wouldn't I consider this place my home?"

Illya didn't seem to have an answer to that. Slowly trailing beside me in the snow as the two of us walked back slowly to the castle. I made sure to trek the same path I took out of it in order to give Illya an easier time walking.

Even if she didn't need it due to being a spellcaster like Medea.

Eventually as we neared the castle, Illya spoke up once more.

"You considered my castle so quickly your home…it's almost as if you were born to be a freeloader."

"A-ahaha…"