X-X-X-X

Ruler of Apocrypha Part II

X-X-X-X

When I arrived at Trifas, it was morning and I decided to check out the local hotels...which were only three in number and they were all filled with Magi. Most likely affiliated with the Black Fraction. I was quickly suggested the local church by the woman behind the counter since I looked ready to cry and I quickly thanked her, somewhat embarrassed for almost losing my cool. I stepped outside and I slapped my cheeks hard a few times.

"I am Ruler, I am Ruler, not a pathetic little girl who cries so easily...! I have a job to do so I must fulfill it properly...!" I muttered trying to psych myself up.

I went up to the church and the Sister, Alma is her name, there was kind enough to lend me the attic which was the only room available. While she was obviously concerned about a young girl like myself traveling alone...well, I merely said that I was actually 19 years old and that I'm studying Trifas as a history project. Damn my small stature and childish face...the long hair probably doesn't help since it makes me look hell of a lot smaller than I actually am...or maybe because my genetics failed me a bit and I'm a bit shorter than normal compared to most people.

"This is all we can offer at this time." Sister Alma said showing me to the attic.

"This is perfect, thank you." I'll probably only stay here to sleep a few hours before nightfall...as I'll just be sneaking out at night. "Also, I'm the one imposing so I can't exactly complain." I said giving her a small smile.

"If you don't mind, I can also prepare your meals." Sister Alma said surprising me with her kindness.

"I-I can't possibly intrude so much a-also I'm a bit a space cadet so my eating times are quite scattered!" I said holding up my hands.

"I can't possibly let someone under my roof go without food. I'll set something aside for you and leave it in the fridge to warm up whenever you remember to eat."

"T-Then...if it is only dinner then it is fine. I can get breakfast or lunch while roaming the town."

"If that is fine with you."

"Thank you then...Oh, if you don't mind, I wish to wander the grounds."

"Of course, feel free to do so until dinner time. By the way, I never caught your name."

"Lucy, just call me Lucy."

"Lucy, that's a wonderful name."

"Thank you. Well, I'll see you at dinner tonight."

"I'll call you once it's ready."

I decided to use a bit of Ruler's power to set up a protective barrier around my temporary base. It would prevent anything familiars or anything that has even the slightest bit of magic in them from crossing. I also created a detection one that would alarm me if Magi were to enter. I felt many eyes on me and I wondered if this war would at least give me a bit of a break...probably not. I spotted some birds and I could feel the slight trickle of prana in them, but they weren't familiars so they were probably hypnotized or something. I released a whistle and whatever spell they were under broke and they flew off.

"As a Ruler, they must really want me on their side..." I muttered heading inside to organize my belongings.

My parents, thanks to the hypnotism, gave to me a thousand dollars that I converted into the local currency, with me staying at a church instead of an hotel saved me a bit of money...but I need to be cautious. I also got a card, but I won't use it unless necessary. I joined Sister Alma for dinner and her cooking had this warmth that reminded me of my grandmother's cooking. My sister and I often stayed with my grandparents while my parents worked, but once we were old enough to watch over ourselves...well, we basically just stayed home without minders so we did whatever the heck we wanted.

"Hm..." It's some kind of rolled cabbage. It uses little spices compared to the normally heavy flavors I'm used to back home, but...it still tastes good. "This is delicious." I said placing my fork down.

"Are you sure you don't want another plate?" Sister Alma asked smiling at me.

"...If you don't mind." I said unable to refuse.

Despite my small size, I can eat quite a bit if I wish and it didn't help that I need to use a lot of energy to use some of Ruler's abilities. I made sure to refuse after the second plate and I helped out with washing the dishes before going upstairs to 'sleep' once it was a little past sunset. I used some magic on the doorway that if Sister Alma does check on me, she won't come in. I shoved some of my clothing into a pile and covered it with a blanket to make it appear that someone was in the bed. I also grabbed a coat before sneaking out of the window.

"Now then, to the forest to the forest~!" I hummed with a small smile.

It seems some Servants entered the forest area heading for the castle, one which was just moving forward at its own pace while another was trailing behind them...no two. I silently moved forward, my steps silent and I decided to cheat a bit by placing my hand against a tree, sending a rush of flames through it to get the entire terrain of Trifas in an instant. I was merely using the tree as an anchor while I 'bounced' my prana against it. I'm sure the more perspective Servants noticed, but it was a very small trickle that wouldn't be noticed so easily.

"Okay, this route would be best." I muttered changing into my Ruler outfit.

It not only protected my body, but it also increased my own physical ability further than what was given to me the moment Ruler appeared within my body. I stopped far away from the battlefield to watch, but at the same time out of view. I pulled myself up a tree and I stood on it to observe without risk of getting hit. Even if their Archer was to aim at me, I'm at a distance I can protect myself. Rider and Archer of Red against Berserker and Saber of Black. Berserker of Red went up ahead and will most likely face Rider of Black.

"Waah...Even from this distance I pity the Red Fraction for having a Berserker like that..." I said seeing how he was doing whatever the hell he wanted.

I continued to observe the two battles and I turned my gaze towards the castle, to the Archer of Black. We both knew where the other was and I smiled and waved politely since I could tell he was looking right at me. I received a nod in return. He's polite, how nice. I turned my gaze back to the fight to see Saber of Black attempting not to use his Noble Phantasm...before he suddenly stopped, how odd. I reached up, tugging on my hair. Saber of Black, it seems your Master is a fool. One shouldn't use their Noble Phantasm unless they are absolutely sure they can win after using it. I remained where I was until both battles were over.

"Both battles are over...Berserker of Red has been captured and the other two retreated...For now, I shall confirm the damages done by both battles..."

I also wanted to see if there were any hints as to why the Red Fraction wanted me dead, maybe something in the prana, but I wasn't getting anything~! I wish to meet with the Masters of the Red Fraction to question them, but that'd be too risky. I suddenly sensed one of the Servants of Black disappear or rather...he disappeared and reappeared, but much weaker or something. It was weird and I didn't know what to make of it so I decided to go to the castle to investigate. They attempted to recruit me so they won't kill me...plus it'd be easier for them to know my appearance and the fact that I don't feel like a proper Servant so they don't kill me in the future mistaking me for the enemy. No need to sneak about, to the front door! I was expecting to announce myself, but it was pointless as the gates opened and a...man who appeared fairly young appeared...for some reason I felt he was much older than he appeared.

"Good evening, Magus of Yggdmillennia. I am the current Ruler of this war. I wish to speak with the Masters of Black and their Servants." I said giving a polite bow.

"Yes, we were expecting you, Ruler. My name is Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia. I serve as the chief of the Magi that reside in the Fortress of Millennia." Darnic said giving me an exaggerated bow.

"...Please know that I am not here to support the Black Fraction. As a Ruler, I shall remain neutral at all times. I merely seek answers." I stated crossing my arms.

"Naturally, I am aware of this. However, for the time being, please come meet my lord first. He's been in a good mood since we received the report that you came."

"...Very well." I approached without hesitation. "Please lead me."

"Please follow me. My lord is the sovereign of Wallachia, Vlad III, is my Servant and the Lancer of Black."

"I see." As we walked I noticed the number of homunculi that we passed by, but there weren't many humans around. It also felt weird being bowed to. "Hm..."

"We believe that it is best to keep the number of humans involved to the absolute minimum."

"...While humans must not know of the war...be it human or homunculi...lives are lives, no matter how they are created."

"Did we perhaps violate one of your rules?"

"I wouldn't say that. As a Ruler, I shall see things not in black or white, no matter my personal feelings."

"Hm...how...interesting."

I remained silent the rest of the way to what appeared to be a throne room. Lancer of Black sat in the throne with Archer, Berserker, and Caster nearby. I glanced at the golems and homunculi that were lined up in the room. I wasn't afraid, but...there was something within me that stirred ever so slightly. I calmly stepped forward, stopping at an appropriate distance from Lancer. I placed a hand upon my chest, staring at the man without fear and I didn't bother to lower myself to him, as I felt there wasn't any need to.

"I am the Servant Ruler that was summoned as the mediator of this Great Holy Grail War." I didn't flinch when something black shot at me and scratched my cheek. A few strands of hair was cut and I merely reached up, wiping away the blood, the wound healed. "May I take that as an act of hostility...Lancer of Black?" I questioned burning the blood away.

"Are you truly the Servant Ruler? Despite having containing the essence of a Servant, you feel like that of a human with an incredible amount of prana." Lancer said staring down at me, observing me.

"...Really, I showed myself for a reason..." I dismissed my armor, earning some levels of surprise from the Servants before me. I reached up, unbuttoning my shirt enough to reveal the Command Spells spread across my breasts and shoulders. "Shall this suffice, Lancer of Black?" I questioned staring him in the eye.

"Very well, I have no reason to question you further. So, what is it you want, mediator?"

"I'm sure you heard from your Archer that I was observing the battles from afar, but I wish to know what has happened to your Saber."

"...How unpleasant."

I took note of the fact Archer reacted along with the homunculi. However, the one with the most terrifying reaction would be...Lancer. Without hesitation, I donned my armor once more, reaching up to unclip my cloak. He was releasing a killing intent that filled the room. It was unexpected and my mere question sparked what reminded me, only slightly, of one of my short tempered cousin's temper tantrum when he didn't get his way.

"Perhaps speaking with you has failed then please excuse me, I shall investigate on my own." I said making a move to leave.

"-Pardon me." His killing intent quickly softened and I stared at him from the corner of my eyes. "It seems I teased you a little too much." Lancer said making me want to shout at him for it.

"...So, please answer my question."

"Saber committed suicide."

"..." What is that weird sensation I felt then? "Who is it I can question for further details?"

"The one who reported it was the Rider of Black, Astolfo. It seems he instigated it, though, so he's been incarcerated in the dungeons as punishment."

"Heh..."

"Now then, Ruler, I'll speak frankly. The swordsmen who could truly be called a vital cornerstone for us has been meaninglessly lost. Therefore, I want to replenish my forces with a fighter of equal power as Saber. Is that not only natural?"

"..." I don't like where this is going. "As someone who is tasked with overseeing this war, I shall remain neutral at all times. I have no desire in joining any side."

"Do you not have a wish? Since you were summoned by the Holy Grail, you should have a wish of your own."

"Those summoned as Rulers can be called the exception. Rulers are those who act as a mediator, they are those who possess no wish nor desire for the Grail."

"..." It seems my words caused a slight disturbance among the other Servants. Lancer stared down at me, narrowing his eyes. "Girl...do you have no wish?"

"..." This man was quick to realize that I'm not the true Ruler. I hope he keeps it a secret. I released a small giggle, similar to that of a small child finding something amusing. "Fame, glory, and material things, I hold no desires for them. I am a bit odd, but I shall say...I am the type of person who goes with the flow. If I am given a duty, I shall fulfill it without fail."

"What of the Red Fraction? Do you intend on remaining neutral if they were to attack you?"

"That in itself is a completely different matter. As a Ruler, I must oversee and mediate the war, but if there are those that wish to seek combat with me then I shall respond in full and make use of whatever abilities I hold." I won't hesitate to fight back if pushed, basically. "I would much rather deal with matters using words than by force, but I'm not the type to expose my neck."

"Hmph...Very well, Ruler." He gave me an amused smirk, it appears he'll keep my secret. "Do as you like then take your leave."

"Of course."

"Wait." I paused and I looked at the Lancer. "Come here. I want a private word with you."

"...Very well, but please know you will burn if you attempt to attack."

"Of course." I approached him and he stood up, leaning down to whisper into my ear. "Don't expose your weaknesses so easily, human girl. You amuse me so try to stay alive until I achieve victory. Your secret will be kept among us Servants."

"...For that I thank you." I stepped back, rubbing at my ear not liking how the warmth of his breath lingered. "Please excuse me then."

I took my leave this time, heading straight for the dungeon. Ugh...there's cobwebs everywhere...if I see a spider, I'm burning it alive. I want to get this over with...that Lancer gave me the creeps. It was like he was taking his time observing the Command Spells gifted to the Ruler. Ruler...I wish you left it on my back or something, at least I wouldn't be exposing my breasts if I need to show who I am.

X-X-X-X

Ruler of Apocrypha Part II Ends

Very loosely follows the light novel, but some will follow the anime as it hasn't been translated yet~! As for the request I got recently, I'll get to it eventually. Just wait! Welp! Nothing to say or add so that's all for today! Bye-bye~!