The latter half of the night was spent in an atmosphere so lively that, at least for Lin Luo, the thought of just two hours of quiet sleep felt like a sacred and wonderful blessing.

In the end, for a multitude of reasons, Lin Luo didn't get any respite until the morning. Seizing this brief window, little Ber volunteered to gather intelligence… an action that, for someone who considered herself the absolute strongest, was beneath her, but one she felt compelled to undertake.

The infuriating women in the room treated her like some sort of mascot; one would pat her head, another pinch her cheek, and some even tried to strip her clothes off to take her bathing… How was the self-proclaimed 'Strongest' Ber supposed to endure such indignity?

It was then that Ber realized that being cute and popular was, in itself, a mistake, and she couldn't afford to keep making it. Therefore, to avoid any lasting psychological trauma, she readily took on the reconnaissance mission, a task usually reserved for mere scouts.

Although Lin Luo was already familiar with the general plot, his own interference made unforeseen changes possible, exemplified by the manifestation of the 'Rooted' Evil of this World. Sending Ber out to scout the enemy, then, wasn't a bad idea; after all, with her A++ concealment abilities, as long as she was even slightly cautious, no Heroic Spirit would detect her.

After Ber left, Lin Luo offered greetings to the others in the main hall and then retreated to an adjacent room to sleep. Ever since emerging from the Millennial City, he had barely rested, only managing to rest his eyes on the train back to Fuyuki City, too afraid to truly sleep. Considering his luck—the kind where he could get shot just by lying down, the misfortune that caused him to be attacked by mysterious old men even while walking—he dared not sleep soundly anywhere that wasn't absolutely secure.

While Lin Luo's constitution now far surpassed that of an ordinary human, he hadn't reached a level where he could completely disregard human physical limitations. Consequently, exhaustion of both mind and body claimed him, and he didn't wake until evening.

After a hurried dinner with everyone, it wasn't long before Ber returned from her excursion.

To Lin Luo's surprise, Ber's reconnaissance mission had yielded substantial results, bringing back three key pieces of news. First: A massive explosion rocked the Hyatt Regency in Fuyuki City last night, causing a huge fire. Lancer's Master, Kayneth, was reported missing, his whereabouts currently unknown.

Lin Luo felt no surprise about this event; the perpetrator of the arson was undoubtedly Kiritsugu Emiya, as they were the first to clash in the original narrative. Even if his presence had caused some minor shifts, Ber had already been injured by Lancer, and until Lancer was defeated, Ber could not recover her full strength. Therefore—whether acting for maximum advantage or sticking to the original plan—Kiritsugu Emiya would strike at Kayneth first.

However, Kayneth, though missing, probably wasn't killed so easily; he was likely holed up in some abandoned factory in the suburbs by now.

The second piece of news: The Church announced a temporary halt to the Holy Grail War. All participants were instructed to prioritize the elimination of Caster and his Master. Any individual who managed to slay Caster would be rewarded with a Command Seal by the Church.

This was also unsurprising. Although Rin and the others had attacked Caster's Master, Ryunosuke Uryu, and rescued several people, a considerable number had already perished at the hands of those two perverts. Neither the Church nor Tokiomi Tohsaka could simply overlook such atrocities.

The third report stated that around noon, Caster appeared thirty kilometers west of Fuyuki City in the Einzbern Forest, only to be jointly defeated by Ber and Lancer. Meanwhile, the Masters of the two Knights battled at the Einzbern Castle, resulting in Kayneth's retreat and Kiritsugu Emiya continuing the pursuit... Indeed, the fight between those two was still ongoing.

Lin Luo was aware of all this intelligence; it aligned closely with his memory, the only discrepancy being slight variations in timing. It seemed his actions hadn't created a significant butterfly effect. Alternatively, perhaps the veil surrounding him hadn't been fully lifted, leading others to hold back and avoid becoming the first target.

What truly astonished Lin Luo was Ber's efficiency; gathering this much information in less than half a day far surpassed what he might have managed, given that he had multiple clones for easier scouting, whereas Ber was alone.

“Ber, you truly are the best scout,” Lin Luo praised sincerely, stroking the little one's head after absorbing all the data.

“I am not a scout! I am the Strongest Serv—hmph!” Ber was clearly displeased with the designation, swatting Lin Luo's hand away indignantly.

“Oh? But didn’t you volunteer for that role?” Lin Luo deliberately feigned confusion. Teasing this adorable mascot occasionally was certainly entertaining.

“I didn't! That was just because…” Ber trailed off, suddenly freezing. She noticed Lin Luo’s gaze fixed on the window outside and instinctively followed his line of sight.

What was that?

Looking toward the distance through the window, Lin Luo frowned. Just a moment ago, he thought he saw a flash of lightning in the distance. Though brief, it gave him a strong premonition.

Lightning? Why would there be lightning now?… Lightning? No, it was the Ionioi Hetairoi! But it was late at night; what was that foolish giant, the King of Conquerors, doing driving his chariot? And that direction seemed to be toward Einzbern… Ah!

Lin Luo slapped his forehead suddenly. He remembered—the Conqueror King’s first visit to Einzbern Castle involved quite the spectacle!

But that wasn't supposed to happen today, was it in his memory? Had his meddling caused the timeline's structure to remain mostly intact while the temporal span itself began to loosen?

… Never mind the details; he absolutely had to visit Einzbern Castle at least once more. Missing out on that kind of excitement would be a lifelong regret!

With that thought, a playful smile touched Lin Luo’s lips. He turned back to two people in the room. “Irisviel, Nero, it’s time for our drink.”

Approximately thirty kilometers west of Fuyuki City’s bustling streets, an east-west national highway cut across desolate, sparsely populated mountains far from any village. Both sides of this highway were lined with dense forest, deep within which legend claimed a mythical city resided.

This castle welcomed masters participating in the War only once every sixty years; it was, in essence, a fortress of sorcery. Shrouded by multiple layers of illusions and magical barriers, it rarely revealed itself to the outside world, remaining virtually isolated. Those who knew of its existence called this dense wilderness the Einzbern Forest.

Now, darkness descended once more upon this mysterious wood. Inside the Einzbern Castle, deep within the forest… the night remained dark and still, yet clear signs of intense fighting were scattered everywhere.

Gazing upon the castle, reduced to a state of ruin, Irisviel sighed as she walked through a corridor. The castle, which she had meticulously tidied up, had been reduced to this state in less than two days—something she could never have anticipated.

Trying to ignore the ruined scenery, Irisviel recalled the day’s battles with lingering dread.

Not long ago, Caster, now hunted by the Church, had arrived in the Einzbern Forest and, using utterly despicable and cruel methods, challenged Ber by taking more than a dozen children hostage. Although the King of Knights valiantly engaged, the girl, having fallen into a trap from the start, faced a desperate struggle.

Following that, Irisviel and Kiritsugu Emiya's assistant, Maiya Hisau, encountered the terrifying enemy—Kirei Kotomine. Even Kiritsugu engaged in a fierce battle within the castle walls with Lancer's Master, Kayneth; the castle's damage was a direct result of their fight.

Fortunately, at a critical juncture, Lancer, adhering to the spirit of chivalry, helped Ber repel Caster. Ber, swiftly refocusing, then scared off Kirei Kotomine, managing to save the two women just as they were heavily wounded and on the verge of death. On the other side, sensing Kayneth was critically injured, Lancer rushed to protect his Master and broke off the engagement. Ber did not stop Lancer but instead actively cleared a path for him, allowing Lancer to save Kayneth from Kiritsugu Emiya... It must be said, the entire affair was chaotic, baffling, possessed ambiguous alignments, and was thoroughly messy.

Ber and Lancer, both upholding the same chivalric code, shared a bond of mutual recognition and trust despite fighting for opposing factions. However, this friendship struck Kiritsugu Emiya as utterly foolish, creating a gap between them that was rapidly becoming irreconcilable.

This was only natural; one was the just and honorable King of Knights who believed in chivalry, while the other was a cold-blooded assassin prioritizing victory above all else, willing to use any means necessary to achieve it. Putting the two together was fundamentally flawed. Otherwise, Kiritsugu Emiya would not have appointed Irisviel as Ber's surrogate Master from the outset.

Irisviel, who had been on the brink of death half a day earlier, had fully recovered. This wasn't solely due to her being an artificial human, but because the Scabbard—Avalon—resided within her.

Had Ber carried this Scabbard, the King of Knights would have been practically invincible in this Holy Grail War. But Kiritsugu Emiya hadn't allowed it. He placed his hopes for victory not in the King of Knights, nor did he trust her to secure that victory; he trusted himself more than the honorable King of Knights.

Thus, Irisviel’s safety—who served as both the vessel for the Holy Grail and Ber's acting Master, and needed to be on the front lines—became paramount. Consequently, without Ber’s knowledge, Kiritsugu Emiya implanted Avalon within her body as a form of conceptual armament.

This situation, however, caused immense conflict for Irisviel. The thought that she was being protected by Ber made her deeply pained for the heavily injured Maiya Hisau and filled her with guilt toward the young King of Knights. Yet, considering her vital importance to the Holy Grail War, her own priority for protection was an undeniable fact. To feel heartache over a companion’s severe injury, she admitted, was simply childish sentimentality.

Troubled by the "antagonistic" relationship between her husband and the King of Knights, and wrestling with her internal contradictions, Irisviel let out a deep sigh. Just then, a tremendous roar echoed near her ear.

Not only that, but the sound, tearing through the night, placed an immense strain on her magic circuits, causing a wave of dizziness that almost made her collapse on the walkway.

The roar was like thunder at close range, followed by a magical impact indicating that the barrier protecting the forest outside the castle had been assaulted. While barriers weren't easily destroyed, the spellwork had been compromised.

“What is this… A frontal assault?” Irisviel’s expression changed drastically. Surely not! A fierce battle had just concluded during the day, and now someone was breaking in? Hadn't the Holy Grail War been temporarily suspended until Caster was eliminated? Who could it be?

A sudden, profound fear gripped Irisviel. Then, a pair of strong arms grasped her shoulders—Ber’s arms, having appeared instantly upon sensing the disturbance.

“Are you alright, Irisviel?”

“Yes, just startled. I didn't expect such a reckless guest to visit.” Irisviel shook her head, maintaining a semblance of composure.

Glancing toward the source of the sound, she said in a low voice, “I will go meet them. Stay by my side.”

Irisviel nodded in agreement. Remaining near Ber, who was going to engage, meant she too would face the enemy. However, the battlefield was the safest place for Irisviel, as the Strongest Serv was right beside her.

Irisviel quickened her pace, following Ber. The two dashed through the grievously damaged castle, heading straight for the terrace outside the main entrance. Since the assault was frontal, they expected to meet the intruder there.

“That thunder just now, and this reckless tactic…” Ber spoke as they ran, in her impression, no Serv would be so brash except for that overbearing brute.

“I think so too,” Irisviel replied. She recalled the immense power of the Noble Phantasm Ionioi Hetairoi she witnessed in the warehouse district a few days ago. The chariot pulled by thunderous oxen, once unleashing its full power, could probably obliterate the magical array points set up in the forest. If the barrier had been intact, it would have been one thing, but after the attacks by Caster and Kayneth during the day, the barrier was at its weakest.

“Hey, King of Knights! I’ve come specifically to meet you, come out!” A voice boomed from the main hall. The enemy had clearly stepped through the main door; without a doubt, it was the King of Conquerors, Iskandar.

Hearing his robust shout, his tone sounded less like a warrior about to fight, but Ber remained highly alert, materializing her Silver Armor as she ran.

Irisviel and Ber finally reached the terrace by passing through the corridor. When the moonlight filtering through the skylight illuminated the enemy Heroic Spirit standing broad-chested in the main hall, they were momentarily speechless.

“Yo, Saber. I heard about the state of this castle and just had to see it for myself,” the King of Conquerors said with a toothy, unapologetic grin. He then deliberately rolled his neck. “There were too many trees in the yard; coming in was inconvenient. I almost got lost before reaching the main gate. So, I cleared some out for you. You’re welcome. The view is much better now.”

To forcibly destroy a painstakingly laid barrier and then expect thanks—only the King of Conquerors could deliver such a line.

“You!” Ber snapped, but facing this perpetually baffling enemy, she didn't know how to continue.

The King of Conquerors, however, frowned in apparent surprise. “Hey, King of Knights, aren’t you going to change into some modern clothes tonight? Stop wearing that rigid armor all the time.”

As he spoke, he adjusted his own attire—jeans and a T-shirt—perhaps showing off, or perhaps just doing something to annoy Ber, who was thoroughly speechless. Of course, she was unaware that his choice of clothing was inspired by her decision to wear a suit earlier.

But Ber had worn the suit because of Irisviel, so ultimately, the "culprit" was still the silver-haired woman.

Iskandar’s Master, Waver, half-hid behind the massive form of his Servant, staring up at Irisviel. His expression seemed to convey a mix of hostility and terror. What he clearly wanted—home and to leave quickly—was written all over his face.

Faced with such a contradictory pair, neither Ber nor Irisviel understood their true intent. It didn't feel like a battle was coming, yet how could one explain their action of forcibly destroying their barrier as a friendly gesture?

If they were to have friends like that, they vowed they would prefer none at all.

Even stranger was the object in the King of Conquerors' hand: not a weapon or anything for combat, but a bucket… a wooden wine barrel, by all appearances. The burly man, effortlessly tucking the barrel under his arm, looked less like a Heroic Spirit and more like a deliveryman from a wine shop.

“You…” Ber, momentarily silenced again, took a deep breath and said calmly, “What are you doing here?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? I’m here to drink with you. Stop dawdling and lead the way. Do you have a courtyard suitable for a feast? This castle is full of dust,” the King of Conquerors declared forcefully, gesturing at the ruined surroundings.

Sighing in resignation, the anger that had been building in Ber's chest evaporated. Looking at this seemingly harmless opponent, she found herself unable to sustain her fighting spirit.

“Irisviel, what should we do?”

Irisviel was equally bewildered. She had been angry when the forest barrier was broken, but seeing that grinning face, she couldn't summon the hatred.

“He isn’t the type to set traps, is he? Does he seriously just want to drink?”

The King of Conquerors had previously stated he would wait until the match between Ber and Lancer concluded before challenging them. To keep a promise based on the pride and dignity of a Heroic Spirit, his sudden appearance tonight was inexplicable.

“Could it be that man is trying to use appeasement tactics on Ber?” Irisviel worried. The Conqueror King had previously tried to recruit the King of Knights as his subordinate; was he attempting to poach her now? Although Ber wasn't the type to be easily swayed, Irisviel felt they needed to remain vigilant just in case.

“No, this is a challenge!” At that moment, Ber, who seemed to have lost her will to fight, suddenly grew serious for an unknown reason.

“A challenge?” Irisviel’s mind swam with questions.

But Ber's expression was grim as she murmured lowly, “Yes. I am a King, and he is also a King. If we decide superiority over a drink, it’s a battle without bloodshed.”

Perhaps hearing Ber’s words, the King of Conquerors nodded with a smile. “Hehe, you understand. If we cannot draw swords, we shall settle this with alcohol. King of Knights, I won’t let you off tonight. Be prepared.”

“Interesting. I accept.” Ber responded resolutely, radiating a fierce fighting spirit as if she were on the battlefield. Only then did Irisviel realize this wasn't a joke but a genuine battle... albeit a deeply absurd one.

The venue for the banquet was set beside the flowerbed in the castle courtyard. The day’s fighting hadn't reached this area, and it certainly wasn't shabby for hosting guests.

The King of Conquerors brought the wine barrel to the courtyard, and the two Heroic Spirits sat opposite each other in a relaxed confrontation. Irisviel and Waver sat together to one side, guessing at the development and realizing this meant a temporary truce; they only needed to watch.

The King of Conquerors smashed the barrel lid open with his fist, and the rich aroma of aged wine immediately permeated the courtyard air. He then proudly dipped a bamboo ladle into the wine. After draining the ladle in one gulp, he spoke, “I’ve heard that only the qualified can obtain the Holy Grail.”

His grave tone instantly quieted the surroundings.

“And the ritual to select that qualified person is this War taking place in Fuyuki. But if we merely watch, there’s no need for bloodshed. As fellow Heroic Spirits, if we can acknowledge each other’s capabilities, the rest should be obvious,” the King of Conquerors continued, offering the ladle toward the girl opposite him.

Without hesitation, Ber took it, scooped a ladleful of wine, and promptly gulped it down.

The girl's slender frame always made one worry if she could truly handle her drink, yet the sheer gusto with which she imbibed rivaled that of the King of Conquerors himself, who couldn't help but utter a delighted compliment upon seeing it.

"Then, first things first, you want to challenge me to a contest of strength?" The maiden's sharp gaze fixed upon the giant before her, the challenge unspoken but clear.

"Precisely. A true contest held under the banner of kings. Though, if that's the case, perhaps this shouldn't be called the Holy Grail War, but the Holy Grail Questionnaire. In the end, between the King of Knights and the King of Conquerors, who will truly reign as the King of the Grail? Such a question is best posed to a wine cup," the King of Conquerors said, his previous stern tone replaced by a mischievous grin. He then spoke as if to himself, "Ah, speaking of which, there's another self-proclaimed king here."

"Enough with the jesting, mongrel." As if responding to the Conqueror King’s cryptic words, a dazzling golden light flashed before them. The sound and the brilliance instantly stiffened the bodies of Saber (Saber Alter) and Irisviel—it was a small girl emanating an aura of supreme, golden majesty.

"Why are you here?" Saber demanded sharply, but the reply came from the composed King of Conquerors. "Ah, I met her on the street and invited her for a drink. Still late, though. But then, she wasn't walking like me, so one can hardly blame her."

Like the King of Conquerors, the petite maiden wore no heavy armor, but rather the casual clothes common to modern girls. She first glanced at Saber, then gazed proudly at the King of Conquerors with eyes like rubies, a hint of dissatisfaction coloring her tone.

"Hmph. You choose such a filthy, chaotic den for a banquet? This is the extent of your taste? You owe me an apology for making me rush over here."

"Now, now, don't be like that. Come, have a drink first." The King of Conquerors laughed heartily and offered her a ladle brimming with wine. They expected her to be enraged by Rider's flippant attitude, but instead, she readily accepted the ladle and downed the contents in one gulp.

Irisviel recalled the challenge Saber had previously issued.

Since this Golden Heroic Spirit of unknown true identity claimed the title of King, she could not refuse the wine offered by Rider.

"What is this swill? To use such liquor for a battle between heroes? Is your brain made of plywood?" The girl spat the mouthful she had just swallowed back out, her face a mask of disgust.

"Is that so? I bought it from this market; it's a fine wine," the King of Conquerors mumbled, scratching his head, somewhat at a loss.

"You think so because you know nothing of wine, you mongrel!" the small maiden exclaimed, venting her frustration. Then, a vortex of warped space appeared beside her—the precursor to the summoning of a Noble Phantasm. Waver and Irisviel standing nearby immediately felt a chill run down their spines.

However, what manifested beside the girl named Lancer (though the text refers to her as 'Ye') was not a Noble Phantasm, but an array of jewel-encrusted drinking vessels. Heavy, magnificent golden bottles were filled with fragrant, crystal-clear [wine].

"Behold! This is the wine of kings!" the girl declared proudly, tilting her head back.

Before the others could process the transformation, suddenly, a voice drifted in from outside: "If it is a royal feast of kings, I believe we too are qualified to drink. Is there still room?"

"Hm?"

Hearing the voice, everyone immediately turned to look, and there, nestled in the corner of a flowerbed, they saw a scarlet figure and a white figure, with a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy standing between them, wearing a faint smile.

"It's you?"

The crowd gasped. This was the unexpected eighth Servant in this Holy Grail War, along with his Servant Caster.