Good lord I'm sorry for the wait on this. I was blocked on a good portion of this, plus was running a few events on fgo. Things should calm down a bit as I...really want to continue on and get out of this singularity as fast as I can. In any case...I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

Septem: Secret of the Ancient God

"You're awful quiet," Cira said as she guided the horse closer to Artoria's.

The Master had taken great joy in riding, much to Mash's amusement, as she had nearly jumped up and down in joy when she was told they were heading back towards Rome. Cira had been the first one to hop onto the horse and barely gave Mash time to get up behind her before she had snapped the reins and taken off towards Rome with a happy cheer.

Artoria gave a sigh.

"I should feel joy in what I had done," she finally said, "Avenged so many lives that had been lost by Roman hands with the slaying of one...yet I do not feel well at all. I am no stranger to battle or to loss of life, so this is puzzling to me."

"If it helps you at all...you protected me, made sure that he didn't kill me or Mash or Nero," Cira said, "So while others might not be happy with what happened...I am. Because that means that I'm still here to talk with you about it,"

"You are kind, Master," Artoria replied with a faint smile, "You almost always know what it is that needs to be said. Even if at times it is hard for you to keep silent,"

"Awww, tha-wait a minute," Cira's eyes narrowed as Mash held back a chuckle, her shoulders shaking in mirth, "Was that a jab!?"

"Perhaps, perhaps not," Artoria smiled, an almost mischievous look in her eyes as she turned her gaze back towards the road.

"Hey, no, I'm not done, Artoria!" Cira protested.

"Master,"

Cira's head snapped to Boudica, who had pulled her chariot up beside her.

"Have you noticed something...odd...with Nero?" the Rider Queen asked, her blue-green eyes flicking towards Nero at the head of the column...who was currently talking to a farmer.

"Uh, not really, no?" Cira admitted.

"So you haven't noticed her going oddly quiet or rubbing at her temples or such?" Boudica questioned.

"Now that you mention it...yeah," Cira admitted, "There's been some times where she just spaces out. Any idea what caused it?"

"No," Boudica shook her head, "I never met Nero in life, the only things I knew of the Romans were their attacks and frustrations to the west in what I believe in your time was called 'Wales',"

Cira could see Artoria fighting down a smile and she sighed.

"Maybe it's got something to do with the poison her mother gave her," Cira said, "I'll keep an eye on it, no worries,"

"Praetor Cira! Mash!" Nero's voice cut through the air, causing Cira to shrug.

"Duty calls, stay out of trouble," Cira warned the two Britons, pointing at them both in warning.

"Our blades will stay sheathed," Artoria promised.

"But I give no promises of our tongues," Boudica finished.

Cira sighed, rolling her eyes as she kicked the horse forwards, her mood lightening as the horse picked up speed and trotted forwards towards Nero.

"I don't know why we never did this sooner," Cira remarked, making Mash smile.

"You're enjoying yourself," she grinned.

"What! I'm living the actual dream here for every little girl...I'm riding a horse," Cira beamed, only to yelp as Mash suddenly leaned around her and yanked the reins.

"You weren't paying attention," Mash scolded, "You almost had us run over that soldier,"

"Sorry!" Cira apologized as they came up to Nero, "So, what's the problem?"

"There is no 'problem', more a...piece of information that intrigues me," Nero said, "The traveler we passed the other day said much the same thing and I would not have paid it any mind if it wasn't exactly the same,"

"Which is?" Cira asked.

"'An ancient god has appeared'," Nero quoted, "I do wonder if it's true,"

"It's an interesting phrase," Romani admitted, adding his two cents, "If he said 'ancient god' it could be from the Age of Gods."

"Which we're not in," Cira said.

"No, this…I'm pretty sure is the Age of Man. The Age of Gods ended about 0 AD...then there's the Age of Faeries and the Age of Man. Though we don't know much about the Age of Faeries save for the fact that Artoria had some hand in it."

"So by that logic we're in the Age of Faeries...since the Age of Man is the current Age back in our time?" Cira asked.

"Perhaps. We don't know for sure when that started though we do know it ended with Artoria." Romani seemed to shake his head, "Anyways. It'll be interesting, I do think that it'd be a good idea to check that out. Y'know...the whole possible god thing."

"It's been mentioned four times," Mash reasoned, "None of them seemed to be lying,"

"Why would they have reason to lie to me?" Nero snorted, "Their emperor,"

"Some people just want to cause trouble," Cira shrugged, "But I agree with Doctor Roman. It...might have something to do with the Holy Grail too,"

"I'm not quite sure about that one," Mash said, "Remember, Caesar said that their court mage had it."

"Yeah but remember the grail is weird and tends to spawn Servants randomly," Cira countered, "Kiyo and Liz and Georgios, remember? Boudica and Spartacus?"

"It's more like it's possible that he took the Grail and moved to Island," Romani said, "And claiming to be a god. Yeah...yeah that sounds exactly like something Lev would do. Slimy sonovabi-mmph!"

"Someone hasn't had his coffee," DaVinci's voice huffed, "Nor breakfast. Honestly, Romani! Am I supposed to be your mother? Sorry about that, he's a bit cranky when he's hungry. Much like how Cira gets snarky without her sleep,"

"Rr ooo g…." Romani seemed to swallow, "Ahem. Or how you get violent without your coffee…"

"...That was below the belt, Romani,"

"But it's true!" Cira pointed out, making Mash sigh and put her head in her hands.

"This is pointless," Nero groaned, "Umu, if it's on our minds so much then the best course of action is to verify it's true. Fortunately, we are facing the Mediterranean Sea, so it should not be too hard to find a boat to carry us to this island."

"Are you sure? You don't need to go back to Rome?" Mash asked.

Nero gave a grin, almost childlike in its excitement.

"I don't know what this 'ancient god' may be. But what if it really is one of the old gods? There are legends, so it cannot be impossible! Romulus, our divine founder, became a god in a flash of lightning...and was never seen again. Things like that happen."

"That's not normal, Nero," Cira pointed out, getting a waved hand as a response.

"If the United Empire took that god away, there'd be problems," Nero continued, "I don't want that. It's the thing I cannot stand."

"The people would be more inclined to follow a god-backed empire than one that is not," Romani reasoned, "Cira, Mash, as co-praetors and generals of Nero's army, it would be an honor to accompany her…"

Cira gave a sigh.

"You just want us to see a god, don't you,"

"Well...maybe," Romani admitted, "But still. It's a good idea."

"I'll let the others know," Cira nodded, as Fou climbed up on her shoulder.

"Fou fou! Kyuuuu!" the little creature chirruped, getting a smile and a chin-scratch from Cira.

"Nero, what do you think?" Mash asked, only to get met with silence as Nero seemed to space out, "...Nero?"

"Hm?" the emperor blinked, seeming to snap back to reality, "No, I have decided. A triumphant return is necessary for my arrival to Rome. And I believe that it calls for a return from the sea! I am growing tired of travelling over land,"

"But...what about the horses?" Cira asked, patting said creature's neck fondly.

"The soldiers will make sure they are returned safely," Nero said, "But let us move onwards. We will find a ship and travel to this island!"

She gave Cira a grin.

"That way I can also show off my brilliant nautical skills."

"I'll leave Boudica and Spartacus here with the army...hopefully they'll be ok with that. But this should be interesting," Cira hummed, "I've never been sailing before. Who knows, I might enjoy it like I enjoy riding,"

"I was wrong, I do not enjoy sailing," Cira groaned, laying flat on the deck of the ship as her stomach roiled.

"I'm...not quite a fan of it either," Mash admitted, leaning over Cira, the sun backlighting her head and shadowing her face, "Come on, Master, time to get up,"

"Noooo…" Cira moaned as Mash grabbed her arm and hefted her up to her feet with surprising strength, "Oh…everything is spinning…"

Another wave of dizziness overtook Cira and she immediately bolted for the side of the ship, hanging over it as some not so pleasant sounds came from there. Mash gave a sigh and gently patted Cira's back as Cu Chulainn sauntered up.

"Someone doesn't have her sea legs does she?" he asked.

"How are you all not effected!?" Cira demanded, looking up and looking very pale.

"Servant," Mash and Cu Chulainn stated.

"That's unfair. That is really unfair!" Cira whined, "Don't feel cold, don't need sleep, don't need food and now can't get effing seasick! GAH!"

"Take heart, Master," Artoria said as she and Lily came up, "We are nearly at our destination. Thankfully it is not far from the coast."

"You two don't look too comfortable either," Cu Chulainn pointed out, "You look...nervous?"

"We are about to face a potential deity," Artoria replied, "It is right for me to wonder if my blade will be enough to protect our Master,"

"And the fact we also want to get off this boat as soon as possible," Lily chorused.

"Lily," Artoria warned, "Do not give him fodder,"

"...Are you afraid of traveling over water?" Cu Chulainn blinked, "I thought you two were dragons, not vampires."

"We have the Lady of the Lake's blessing, we do not fear falling into the water," Artoria huffed, "Should the ship go down we can escape with Master and Mash both easily,"

Cu Chulainn stared at her for a long moment before a very wolfish smile crossed his face.

"And...how long have you had this 'blessing'? Since Lily's got it?"

"We've always had it," Lily shrugged.

Cu Chulainn's grin got wider.

"I think I know what it is," he laughed, "You ca-"

"Finish that sentence and we will see how well you swim," Artoria hissed.

Cu Chulainn held up his hands and Cira gave a weak laugh only to pitch forward as the boat ran aground.

"What a wonderful wind we had!" Nero chirped as she came from the helm, "Quite the aggressive voyage we had!"

"LAND! SOLID LAND!" Cira yelled, starting towards the edge of the boat and scrambling to get off.

"Master, calm down!" Lily giggled, helping Cira out, "It's not that bad!"

"I beg to differ," Romani chuckled, "Cira seems to have gone through quite the ordeal based on her vitals,"

"I hate boats," Cira groaned as she finally got off the boat and hit the sand...literally.

Cu Chulainn's laughter boiled over as Cira did her oh so graceful faceplant into the white beach, though Cira seemed to just not care as she rolled over on her back with her arm over her eyes.

"Wake me up when the world stops spinning…" she mumbled.

"Come, Master," Artoria sighed, picking Cira up, "Now is not the time to lounge."

"She's right," Cu Chulainn gasped, "Since we're gonna have to go back!"

"...No. No more boats!" Cira yelled.

"It wasn't that bad!" Romani grinned, "The ship's still standing after such a rocky journey. It's quite impressive if you think about it,"

"Don't be stupid, Doctor," Cira hissed.

"Oh c'mon, Cira! You're not that mad are you?"

"As soon as I tell which one is the real you I'm going to give you a bird," Cira growled.

"Master, that is uncouth, stop that," Artoria chastised, "We arrived safely despite the fact that the journey was rough."

"And the fact you should be looking for that go-huh?" Romani paused, "Well...looks like that ancient god they're talking about is coming to greet you. And...I'm also getting Servant readings besides the four of you. Be on your guard."

"Lovely," Cira mumbled.

"Focus on the horizon, Master," Cu Chulainn suggested, "It'll help steady you and get your land legs back under you,"

Cira nodded and turned to face...a girl. She was tiny, shorter than Artoria and Lily both, though she was dressed positively royally. No, saying that was an understatement. Her ethereal white dress seemed to hug and cling to her to accentuate every good part of her while diminishing the flaws. In short, she was absolutely radiant, every bit of a goddess.

"Welcome, heroes," the girl started, her violet gaze was...almost predatory and snakelike as she looked at the assembled men and women before her, "to my humble temporary home in this era...the Shaped Isle,"

She gave a titter as she looked over Cira's shoulder and at Cu Chulainn.

"My, oh my," she smiled, "I was wondering what kind of magnificent hero we had here,"

Cira heard Cu Chulainn shift behind her and felt him immediately go into spirit form.

"Cu?" she asked.

"Care, Master, that one's a charmer. I've had experiences with ladies like that and none of 'em are good." he warned, "I'm proud of my looks and all but I'd rather not deal with another man-eater, 'kay?"

"If it breaks out into a fight I do ask you try to help us, ok?" Cira asked.

"Got it,"

"Oh, you're no fun," the girl pouted, "Alas, all you seem to have in your company are Servants...not human heroes. I was so hoping that there would be one of those here,"

"Her reading is that of a Servant but...it's weird," Romani murmured.

"I take it she's our 'ancient god' then?" Cira asked.

"Well, yeah! Our tools can't measure the divinity level, it's immeasurable! This is definitely a god...no...a goddess…" Romani stammered.

"Your invisible friend there is right," the girl, goddess, beamed, "I am a goddess. My name is Stheno,"

"...I've heard that name before," Cira murmured.

"Oh? The little mage knows of me?" Stheno smirked, "Hm, perhaps she knows me because of my sisters. I was once part of the three gorgon sisters. However, I very much dislike being called an ancient god."

Romani gave a nervous laugh.

"However, I will forgive you," Stheno said, "As from your time I am a past god I suppose. You may call me whatever you wish...for time has no meaning for my beauty,"

"Oh god she's worse then Medb," Cu Chulainn groaned, "Then again, she hasn't tried to have her way with anyone...yet."

"Uh what?" Cira demanded, looking at where she knew Cu Chulainn was, "Cu!"

"I'm not getting involved with this, Master. Nope, no way,"

"You're a big baby!"

"I know what crazy women are like and she's grade A!" Cu Chulainn snapped, "Ain't no way I'm dealing with a child-like goddess. You Americans' law enforcement would have my head if even the implication came up!"

"You are not gonna get locked up!" Cira sputtered, "Unless you're into that stuff then you can go right back to the Throne,"

"Master, have some faith in me!" Cu Chulainn huffed, indignant, "I have my tastes and that is not it!"

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Cira apologized, "Doctor? You ok?"

"This is...very different than what I know," Romani said, "But I...guess everything has an exception? There's no doubt about it...she's a Servant...and an actual god what the actual hell…"

He seemed to smack himself back to sense and cleared his throat.

"There's no way she's got her full power. She can't remain here 'as a god'. They don't have their Authority here. In any case…"

"You're quite the knowledgeable one, Mage," Stheno's voice was slightly icy, "Yes that is right. However, there is one thing you should know, pure one…"

"Pure one?!"

"Hmm you have such a lovely voice," Stheno purred, "I should very much like to see it, but...ah such a shame, you're in a place where not even my eyes can reach."

Romani fell silent and Cira could feel the dread from his silence.

"That is what I mean, Master," Cu Chulainn said, "We don't mess with gods. They will mess you up. Love gods and goddesses are the worst about that. Especially the vain ones like that short stack there."

"Not all gods are powerful," Stheno continued, "'Myself' and I are quite…'feeble'...beings."

"So...does that mean you're not hostile because your combat abilities are low?" Romani asked slowly.

"...Why do you have to jinx us…" Cira sighed.

"There are goddesses that are never asked to fight," Stheno sniffed, "For instance…"

She turned her gaze over to Mash, who stiffened under her gaze.

"You there," Stheno started, "You're one such individual, no? You're different from those two,"

She nodded her head at the Pendragons.

"Your purpose is to protect rather than kill."

"...It is," Mash said, slowly and carefully.

"Oh I do like honest girls," Stheno cooed, coming up and patting Mash on the cheek, getting her to jump, "I'd pamper you like I do my little sister,"

A shudder went through Cira's bond with Mash and she saw her friend take a slight shift backwards. A warning burst of mana came from Artoria's end and Cira shot her quick warning look, shaking her head slightly.

"Stop leaving me out of the conversation," Nero ordered, coming closer and getting a sigh of annoyance from Artoria, "I caught the gist of this, but please reaffirm it for me. This goddess is not our enemy, correct?"

"Nope," Cira said.

"Then it's simple, Goddess Stheno, come to Rome," Nero stated, putting a hand to her chest, "I am Rome, fifth emperor, Nero Claudius. I shall accept you as a New God, let us defeat the United Empire together!"

Lily put her head in her hands and shook her head violently, some muttered words spoken from her that got Artoria to gently pat her back.

"Oh you are dazzling," Stheno purred, "Much like Apollo, but I'm afraid I cannot, your majesty. I am not a fighter as I have told everyone. I do have some skills and basic functions now that I am a Servant but…I don't have the power to fight like my younger sister."

"What?!" Romani sputtered.

"I said I don't have the power," Stheno smiled sweetly, Cira could feel the venom dripping from the words, "You'll get stabbed in the back if you don't stop being insensitive,"

"So she's more of the type of goddess that hunts her prey," Romani reasoned, "Got it."

"However...you are a hero that came all this way," Stheno hummed, tapping a delicate finger against her cheek, "I should give you a reward. Oh, back in the day I would have incited Medusa…"

"Master?!" came the slightly panicked demand from all four of Cira's Servants.

"I heard nothing," Cira said hurriedly, looking directly at Stheno, who gave a grin.

"Oh you're a smart one, I like you," she tittered.

"Did you just say incited?" Nero demanded.

Stheno gave a bell like laugh.

"Oh never you mind," she smiled, "I'll give you a goddess' blessing. As you walk along the coast, there is a cave and back in the back of it is a treasure. It is not something found in nature. I will give it to you because it's fun."

"Thank you?" Cira blinked.

"A goddess' blessing, that is just…" Nero beamed.

"It's something yeah," Romani agreed, "It could be the Holy Grail,"

"I thought you said it was with Lev," Cira asked.

"Maybe...or maybe he put it here to keep it safe because he figured we would go straight for him," Romani reasoned.

"That...actually isn't a bad idea," Cira hummed, "Alright. Well...guess let's get going then?"

The group started down the coast, leaving a waving and smiling Stheno behind.

A few hours later, a very tired, dirty and blood spattered Cira and company trudged back to Stheno, who had a wide and almost trollish grin on her face.

"Oh you survived! How wonderful!" she beamed, "Did you like my gift?"

"Master…" came the growl from Cu Chulainn, Artoria and Lily as hands were laid upon weapons.

"Hey, hey, hey no!" Cira ordered, "Look, just because I almost got eaten by an effing chimera and skewered by a bunch of undead skelies doesn't mean we have the tools to go against a literal ancient Greek god. I'm exhausted, it's been a long day, please don't kill anyone I'm begging."

She'd been lucky that Cu Chulainn had been with her. His and Artoria's hunting ability was a godsend against the chimera. None of them could scratch its hide until the two managed to get behind it. It had taken Gáe Bolg to the heart while Invisible Air tore it apart from the throat to bring it down. Needless to say, the King of Knights and the Child of Light were less than amused...especially since Cu Chulainn had to carry a nearly passed out Cira out of the cave due to her nailing a few skeleton soldiers with piercing light and sustaining his Noble Phantasm.

"You should rest," Mash said, looking at Cira, who gave a groan as she sank to the ground and sat down on the beach, "Maybe we should head back to the ship."

"Not getting on that stupid thing…" Cira seethed.

"Ahahaha! Look, the little human Master is all tuckered out!" a new voice chirped, getting Cira's Servants to put themselves between their Master and whoever this new voice was.

Cira wearily looked up and stopped.

"I...musta hit my head a lot harder than I thought," she blinked, "I think I see a cat person…"

"Oh, don't mind her much," Stheno purred, "When I materialized here I dragged her with me. I didn't believe I could complete the heroes' cave on my own so I needed someone to...test it for me. I take it you don't know her?"

"No," Mash shook her head, "I can tell she's a Servant though,"

"Alright, let us introduce ourselves," the newcomer beamed, her tail flicking in amusement, "I am Tamamo Cat, one of the Tamamo Nine! I tag 'woof' at the end of my sentences. My hobby is cafe management. My favorite food is carrots. Hmm...that's pretty inconsistent even for me. Woof!"

"Did...I just hear a cat woof…" Cira groaned, focusing on the new Servant and renewed her groan, "Oh come on another Berserker!? What is it with us drawing the crazies?!"

"At least she's not hostile," Romani reassured her.

"That's what we said about Kiyohime...and I'm still locking my doors at night," Cira hissed.

Stheno gave a loud, bell-like laugh.

"Oh your reactions were perfect!" she beamed, "It takes technique to understand her...but, Tamamo Cat...why weren't you in the treasure chest? You were supposed to be the last trick. After they beat the chimera you were supposed to hop out!"

"Because now I'll get my carrots as a reward!" Tamamo Cat preened.

"She seems to be conversing well enough with her," Nero muttered, "Then again, she is a goddess so understanding that oddball shouldn't be hard…"

"Well, not that the island hasn't been fun and all...but I guess we came here for nothing," Romani sighed.

"YOU MADE ME GET ON THAT DAMN BOAT FOR NOTHING!?" Cira screeched, sitting straight up.

"Master, calm yourself!" Artoria ordered, "Do not expend more energy than you need."

Cira huffed, sinking back against the rock that she'd been leaning on.

"It happens!" Romani protested, "But hey...at least we know that the United Empire isn't going to be able to use this against us and we can get back to Rome where you can actually sleep in a nice warm bed for on-"

He cut off.

"Doctor?" Cira asked.

"I spoke too soon," Romani sighed, "There's a Servant over there."

"Huh?" Lily blinked.

"Oh yes!" Tamamo Cat cackled.

"Indeed," Stheno smiled.

"Really now," Cu Chulainn smirked.

"Of course," Artoria chuckled.

"Um...Doctor?" Mash started.

"There's five and a half, Doc," Cira deadpanned.

"NOT THEM!" Romani snapped, "HIM!"

"What?" Nero started...only for her face to go pale, "Oh no…"

"...I don't like that look," Cira whispered, looking in the same direction as Nero...just to see Caligula, dripping wet, come stalking across the sands, "Oh come on!"

"My…" he growled, "Actions...are fate! Sacrifice your life! Sacrifice your flesh!"

"Uncle!" Nero yelled.

"Beautiful...so beautiful…" Caligula murmured, his crazed eyes landing on Nero, "My...beloved sister's child…"

"And there is where the line is drawn," Artoria growled, stepping between Nero and Caligula, hidden sword raised.

Cira blinked in confusion. Artoria was choosing now to defend Nero? But why?

"If you find an opening, end that miserable existence," Artoria said, quietly, her emerald gaze holding Nero's for an instant, "He is a Servant and can overpower you since you are still mortal. I do not approve of this...courtship. So I shall aid you as no one was able to aid me,"

And Cira understood.

The situation where a family members unwanted attention was achingly familiar to the King. Likely something Lily did not know and Artoria probably wanted to keep it that way.

"Cu, Lily, Mash, help Artoria give Nero an opening," Cira ordered, "I'll...try to help,"

"NEROOOOOOO!" Caligula screeched, charging forwards.

"You're nothing but a beast," Nero hissed, raising her own sword, "King of Knights, I gladly accept your help! I no longer see him as my uncle, let us end this!"

"Time to help out here, woof!" Tamamo Cat chirped, flexing her fingers as they became tipped with silver talons.

"Have at it," Cira nodded, "Any help is appreciated!"

With that, the Servants rushed forwards, meeting Caligula. The Berserker slashed his dagger at Artoria, who gracefully bent backwards and let the blade pass over her face harmlessly before bringing Excalibur back in an arc that swept towards his head. Caligula dodged backwards, though not far enough that he could escape the reach of the blade, resulting in a long and thin round that carved through his chest. Helpful for Artoria that no one could guess the exact length.

He jumped backwards from Lily's elegant jab and rolled out of the way of Cu Chulainn's stab. Screaming nonsensically into both of their faces as he bull rushed towards Nero...only to get met with a massive sable shield. Mash wasn't having any of his shenanigans as his dagger screeched off her shield. A flash of orange and pink suddenly leaped over the shield and Caligula shrieked as bloody red scratches opened up on his back. Tamamo Cat preened as she produced what looked to be a kitchen knife out of nowhere and hurled it, the silver blade thunking heavily into Caligula's right wrist, making him drop the dagger.

Nero dashed out from behind Mash and with a roar, rammed her blade through his chest. The blonde emperor was breathing heavily as Caligula thrashed, trying to pull the blade out. But Nero hooked an arm behind the back of his neck and pushed her weight forward, turning the weapon in his body. Blood gushed onto the blade, dripping at first, then gushing to paint the sand at their feet.

"I'm sorry…" she whispered as they both went down to the sand.

"Nero…" Caligula murmured, blood bubbling past his teeth as he reached up to cup her cheek, leaving bloody streaks on her fair skin, "My...beautiful niece. More beautiful than the goddess of the moon...more beautiful than the radiance of the Holy Grail...my Nero…"

His body began to break apart into golden sparks of light, much like Caesar's did. The other Servants gathered closer, Cira making her way towards them as well.

Nero gave a soft smile and squeezed her uncle's hand gently.

"Uncle…" she sighed, "Requiescat in pace,"

He dissolved in her arms not long after that. She took a deep breath and turned her face up to the sky.

"I have defeated the enemy commander Caligula. I have slaughtered another pretender to the Throne," she looked at the people around her and gave a smile, "Wonderful work, all of you."

"You ok?" Cira asked.

Nero gave a soft laugh.

"Ah, you really are kind, Cira," she smiled, "But no need to worry. I am the emperor of Rome after all. In any case...you all have saved me multiple times. I can assure you...the reward for defeating the Empire of Rome shall be grand. I won't however,"

She sent a daggered glare at Stheno.

"Send a monster and say 'here's your reward.'"

"You dare speak to me like that?" Stheno asked, "A mere mortal and not a Servant?"

She gave a grin.

"Oh the queen of this era seems to be brave," she chuckled, "You might actually be a proper hero...oh how I wish you were a man,"

"I am not a hero nor a man! Listen well!" Nero lifted her head as her pride swelled, "I. Am the Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire!"

"And that is what I shall call you," Stheno smiled, "Fifth Emperor of the Roman Empire. This time I will give you a true blessing. No it won't be a monster this time. It is my thanks for taking out a Servant that is not a hero. Your enemy, this so-called 'United Empire', and the gathering ground for their 'emperors'. I shall tell you it's exact location,"

Master: Cira Albion

Servants Mentioned:

Servant: Shielder- Mash Kyrielight

Servant: Saber-Artoria Pendragon

Servant: Lancer/Caster-Cu Chulainn

Servant: Saber- Saber Lily

Servant: Berserker- Spartacus

Servant: Rider- Boudica