1 Day Ago: For His Chalice

Being the popular tourist attraction that it is, the Vatican is no stranger to peculiar tourists. In fact, one can say that the sheer diversity and quantity of people that visit Christianity's capital attests to the power and influence of the Holy Church itself. As such, the presence of a young, Japanese-looking boy in white priest robes standing outside the Santa Maria della Pieta did not draw much attention at all.

It did help that said boy did nothing to draw this unnecessary interest; giving the surrounding area a quick scan, he quickly rapped at the church's wooden doors. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, and he stepped inside.

Hearing the door slam shut behind him as usual, Merem Solomon couldn't help but shudder at what he was about to face. As powerful as he was, he actually had no guarantee that he could get out of this situation alive. One wrong word, one seemingly blasphemous gesture and he would be in for the fight of his life.

Usually in situations like these, the church itself would provide him with a brief respite; Merem especially enjoyed how its interior would be completely illuminated in a myriad of colors from light peering in through the stained glass windows. Then there was the rich mahogany smell emanating from the rows of backed-benches and the intricately depicted wall murals. The tranquility invoked by this particular church really was second to none.

But Merem had eyes for none of those today. From the moment he walked in, his eyes were focused on the slim figure of the woman sitting on one of the benches. She had her back to him, so the most he could see was her long blonde hair, but he knew better than to disturb her. The Burial Agency's leader did things at her own pace, and those who interrupt this pace…make very messy corpses. Things stayed like this, and the woman gave no indication of acknowledging his presence. As time passed, Merem too felt the tension fading away, and softened his gaze.

After what felt like a lifetime, the woman finally spoke up, "I've been waiting a while, Fifth."

Her voice, though soft, prompted a primal feeling of fear in Merem's long-dead soul. Thus, his response was hurried and somewhat cracked.

"I apologize for the delay Narbarek, but I came as soon as I was informed of your summons. It wasn't my intent to inconvenience you in any way."

At this, the woman named Narbarek stood up, inducing a flinch from the Dead Apostle behind her. In a voice similar to before, she continued, "See to it that it doesn't happen again. But you have no reason to worry; I haven't been angered yet. After all, I have found an event that has piqued my interest."

"Tell me Merem, what is your opinion of the Einzbern's Heaven's Feel?"

The question was unexpected, and Merem's eyes narrowed. He would have to tread carefully. "I care not of it. Why should we, the Buriers, be concerned about the Magus' attempt at the Root? After all, the war is revolving around the Holy Grail in name only; it's impossible for that wish machine to actually be Christ's cup."

Having spoken, Merem returned his attention to observing the woman before him. On her part, Narbarek paused to drink from a goblet that had gone unnoticed in her hands until now. Thirst quenched, she left the cup by her bench and moved to examine a nearby mural. Eventually, her voice rang out once more, this time with a slight hint of fervency.

"That has been our policy until now. We ignored the war, choosing instead to focus on slaying and sealing your kin, the Dead Apostles. But I fear that we have become too focused in one area and neglecting others. After all, would you not consider that sham of a Grail to be complete blasphemy towards Him? As Buriers, is it not our duty to punish those who dare make a mockery of His Grace?"

Hearing this, Merem worriedly asked, "But what of the Magus Association? The Heaven's Feel system itself was constructed by three major families and a wizard marshal; would they not seek revenge if we make-"

"That's enough!" As if she could no longer tolerate the words of cowards and those with wavering faith, the woman turned to face him for the first time that day. With a murderous glint in her ebony eyes, she shouted, "The Magus Association houses the most deviant heretics that exist! Some have even gone so far as to turn themselves into Dead Apostles. You know this. Isn't it about time we show them just how the Church deals with heretics, Merem?"

Seeing that there was no point in arguing further, Merem sighed, signalling his resignation to Narbarek's plans. "I understand why you have sent for me now. I will fulfill this duty to the best of my ability."

Hearing this, Narbarek's expression contorted to that of a weird smile. In a curious tone, she continued, "It's unhealthy to assume things and make decisions for me. After all, I might consider it a sign of disrespect, and you would die where you stand."

The tension in the room immediately elevated to unbearable levels. Merem's eyes widened and for a second, his slim limbs seemed to grow bigger and more grotesque. Seeing this reaction, Narbarek couldn't help but lick her lips at the scent of fear in the air. Things were definitely getting entertaining.

"And yet again, you made an assumption that I would kill you; Dead Apostles never learn do they? Rest assured, Merem, I still have uses for you. As for why I called you here today…it's to contact the Seventh about her newest mission."

"…Ciel…? Then you mean…?"

"Yes. She is the one I have chosen. As one of the Serpent's past lives, she is similar enough to a Magus to summon a Servant for that war. She will be the one to destroy the false Grail and deliver punishments fitting for heretics. As I am preoccupied at the moment, you will go to her in my steed, Merem."

Though hearing the details of Narbarek's plan relieved him greatly, Merem couldn't help but speak once more, "But the Serpent no longer exists. Ciel…she can be killed now. While she may be a first-class Executor, against Servants-"

"I'm sorry, but are you interpreting my words as orders for Seventh's death? If so, then you are mistaken—I am merely gauging her worth. If she dies, then she was useless to begin with."

At this, Narbarek paused, and turned her back to him once more. "But to think that you have the audacity to suggest something like this...you have been exceedingly irritating today, Merem—so much so that I'm just itching to lop your head off with a Black Key. The Church might even reward me for adding another Ancestor to my 'Successfully Captured' list."

Paling even more than usual at her words, Merem felt his body freeze up. It was in this state that he croaked out his next words, "I apologize for my insolence today; it was never my intention to question you. I will now take my leave."

Bowing awkwardly to the woman who still had her back to him, Merem quickly made his way to the door and jerked it open. Without looking back, he stepped out into the Vatican streets once more and closed the door.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he marvelled at his narrow escape; Narbarek really was tempted to kill him, and ironically, she was a woman that easily gave in to temptations. Making it out alive certainly was a stroke of luck.

Now all I got to do is contact Ciel and my business with that madwoman will be over for a while.

With that reassuring thought in mind, the Dead Apostle Ancestor quickly left to find his unfortunate scapegoat.

Sinking lower and lower into her mansion's leather sofa, Rin rubbed her temples for what felt like the hundredth time that day. But who could blame her? She was a perfectionist, and perfectionists don't take well to things going wrong. And boy, did things go wrong for her yesterday.

First there was the issue with her family clocks being early, robbing her of an hour of precious sleep. Then she had to listen to a condescending Kirei as he mockingly reminded her of her Servant-less state. Adding to that, of all the cards she could've drawn, she got an inconsiderate amnesiac like Archer for a Servant? Just how much more unlucky can she get?

"Tea is ready, Master."

Well, at least he's great at making tea. And he's decent at housework too. Yup Rin. Keep thinking like this. Don't think about the property damage from the jerk's summoning. Don't think about your lack of sleep and aching body. Most importantly, DO NOT think about your utter failure in summoning something other than a Saber…

Accidentally remembering this huge blunder once again, Rin continued to rub her temples with increasing vigour.

"I was under the impression that you enjoyed my tea, Rin. If that is still the case, you should drink it while it is still warm. It would be a shame to let such exquisite tea leaves go to waste." Putting an emphasis on enjoyed, Archer silently gloated on his mini-victory over his master. Indeed, good food and tea was one of the few ways anyone could tame someone like Rin.

Still rubbing her temples, she replied, "It's true that I enjoyed it Archer, but can I have a bit more time to think by myself without anyone interrupting me? Can't you tell that your master is in a bad mood?"

At this, Archer flashed a sympathetic smile and gave her a small pat on the back. "I see. I didn't realize it was that time of the month again. In that case, I sincerely apologize for my-"

Archer would've finished his sentence, but even Servant level reflexes couldn't save him from having boiling tea water thrown at his face. As a blushing Rin was about to deliver further judgement on her Servant however, a sharp pain drilled into her head and she temporarily lost her sense of balance. In the process, her left foot slipped and her entire body plummeted to the floor.

Or rather, she would've plummeted on the floor had Archer not grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. A look of concern washed over his face; it wasn't like his master to have such clumsy accidents. Something must be really wrong.

"Ar…Archer…?"

"Rin, is something wrong? Did something happen just now?"

Seeing the worried look on Archer's face, Rin couldn't help but blush even deeper. With a weak smile, she responded, "Th…this is just backlash. Someone attacked and completely eradicated the bounded field surrounding this mansion. This probably means that we're under attack by a Servant…so…so I'll be relying on you for this, Archer."

Archer's eyes hardened and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Perfect timing. Watch carefully Rin; I'll show you just how lucky you are to have summoned me in this war."

Two cards have yet to be drawn, but it has already started. This is the beginning of the Fifth Heaven's Feel.