By the Bonfire: The True Self

Verndari slid back as the spear exploded against his shield, the detonation of blue light temporarily blinded them as they continued their momentum. Raising their arm, they brought the shield down into the ground to halt their movement and resume their posture, their sword hand tightly clasped around the handle of their blade as the smoke started to dissipate.

Scanning for movement, Verndari's helmet moved from side to side as it examined the cloud in front of them. Their opponent hadn't moved otherwise they would have seen it by now. At the same time, carelessly slashing at nothing but smoke would end in nought but disaster if they missed.

Adjusting their body, Verndari placed the shield in front of them and charged forwards. Breaking through the cloud of smoke, their eyes instantly locked onto the blur of movement coming in on their right. Their body swung down on reflex, steel sword slamming against the top of the spear and forcing it down into the ground. The cumbersome weapon seemed to follow the movement all too easily without a hint of resistance to it.

The moment the spear buried itself into the ground at the base of his feet, Verndari understood what the problem was. It was getting rather difficult to fight against a weapon where the tip would explode upon contact with something. They braced themselves as the lance detonated at their feet, the impact sending them stumbling backwards as the Lance recoiled the wielder back and into a running position.

Gareth gave a sharp grin as she threw herself forwards. Verndari channeled magical energy through their person, instantly igniting their sword in electricity and swinging downwards at the Lancer. The Knight widened her eyes and jumped back as the electrified sword slashed into the ground and then released a wave of lighting towards her. Tensing her body, Gareth threw herself up and into the air before she tightened herself in like an arrow, placing the tip of her lance and shield in front of her as she jumped towards the Shielder.

Verndari grunted as they raised their shield upwards to face the attacker, the small girl colliding with his shield with more strength than he had been expecting from the rapid movement although not enough to move them. Giving a grunt of exertion, Verndari pushed the shield over his head and flipped the lancer towards his back before they spun around.

Gareth crashed into the dirt face first, however as Verndari turned to face her she followed the momentum of the throw into a forward roll and swiftly returned to her feet. Spinning herself around, she threw herself forwards as a blur of movement. Verndari had only just turned to face her before the girl slammed into his gut full force with her shield, bowling him over backwards and roughly onto the ground.

Verndari made to get up before he found the tip of the lance pointed at their face. Their helmet hid away his expression of disappointment as they slumped slightly. "...I yield." they muttered out, letting their head fall backwards against the simulated dirt.

Gareth gave a small whoop before she placed her hands on her hips "You almost had me that time with the last move!" she cheered though, then winced "Sorry…I never really used my speed in fight because I was riding Sif-"

"Do not apologise." Verndari sighed, climbing back to their feet "It was my mistake in assuming you could not recover at the rate you did. I…suppose I underestimated your speed and skill."

"Well…" Gareth hummed in response, placing her hand on her chin "I am built for speed rather than brawling so…"

"Using movements which require speed on my part was poor planning." Verndari surmised as they crossed their arms and stared down at the young woman, then turned their head to the side and stared up with their left hand moving to scratch their helmet chin. "Also that spear of yours is…difficult."

Gareth stared at them in surprise before their expression turned mischievous "Ho?" she let out an amused noise as she leaned forward slightly and stared up "Are you perhaps a little jealous of my gun lance?"

"Jealous?" Verndari released a small noise "Nonsense. It is simply vexing to spar against someone who's weapon explodes every time they hit you with it." they dismissed with a wave of their hand "It will simply take a little time to get used to."

"Hmmmm." Gareth released another amused noise as she stared up at Verndari with a smug expression "You're jealous…"

"I'm not."

"Come on, just admit it!"

"I am not."

"Just say you're a little jealous. I bet you want a sword that explodes when it hits things." She mused already pacing around the Shielder with her smile only growing "Well?"

"There is nothing wrong with a weapon that doesn't have some…innate ability." Verndari huffed "Sir Raime was able to fight more than adequately with a sword in his hand." they then paused and frowned behind their helm "Unless…I have noticed that the sword the wolf Sif uses is strangely similar in design…likely a coincidence though." they dismissed the thought just as quickly. "The point is that-"

"Excuse me?" An effeminate voice called out from the entrance of the Simulator, the two knights turned towards the voice in question to find themselves staring at two individuals. One was dressed in teal coloured corset with a white undershirt with a thin rapier at their side and a wide brimmed blue hat with a pink feather attached to the top. The person - Verndari couldn't tell if they were male or female - held blonde hair and tied up in a bun and ocean blue eyes. Their expression was schooled if slightly cordial as they greeted the duo. "I apologise for interrupting, it is simply that Master Ritsuka said I should make an effort to greet the other Servants present."

"Ah." Verndari turned his full attention onto the feminine individual "Indeed. You are a fresh recruit then. I am Ser Verndari of Drangleic now Chaldea."

"I'm Sir Gareth!" The Lancer introduced.

"I see." The individual smiled "I am pleased to be in the company of such a well renowned Knight then. I am-"

"d'Eon!" A whine echoed out from behind them, the person jolted in surprise as a second person joined them with a wide smile "You ran off so quickly that I had a real hard time following you!" The second individual had long white hair and delicate pale skin. Wearing a short red sleeveless dress, with similarly matching gloves, thigh high white tights and a large red bonnet. The woman paused and turned to stare at the two knights before her smile got wider "Ah! You were off introducing yourself!" the girl's expression turned slightly guilty "I didn't interrupt, did I?"

"Of course not, your majesty!" The woman(?) exclaimed with a reassuring smile "Your timing is, as ever, perfect. We had just begun introductions." they turned back to the two knights and bowed their head "I am Chevalier d'Eon. Knight of France."

Verndari tilted his head "...Knight?" their helmets attention was pointedly aimed at the Knight's attire, if d'Eon was offended by the remark they didn't show it. Instead opting to give a faint smile in response.

"There are many ways in which one can serve their Lord." d'Eon replied with a dutiful expression "I played to my strengths and decided that I would deal with the threats which did not always present themselves upon the battlefield."

"I see." Verndari nodded his head in understanding "A…shadow agent of sorts?" he guessed with a curious tone in his voice "You present yourself well for one who works outside of the attention of the courts."

"d'Eon is the best Knight France has ever had!" The woman exclaimed with a wide smile, earning a faint blush from the knight in question, the woman's expression shifted into a slight frown "I won't forgive you if you accuse her of being duplicitous!"

"You misunderstand." Verndari raised their hand "I meant it as a compliment that they can retain some semblance of Knightly code in regards to their work."

"Oh…" The woman blinked "Nevermind then." her smile swiftly returned "Thank you for praising her!"

"Y-your majesty!" d'Eon coughed, trying to compose themselves "While your praise is welcome, I feel as though this current situation is most inappropriate. You have yet to introduce yourself."

"Oh, right." The woman hummed "How silly of me." she giggled, then suddenly straightened her posture before she performed a perfect curtsy "I am Marie Anntoinette."

The name registered in the minds of Sir's Verndari and Gareth instantly. The two stared at her with naked surprise - some surprise more visible than others - before they each gave a swift bow of their heads in response.

"Ser Verndari."

"Sir Gareth."

The pair made their introductions as swift as they were formal, Marie returned to her usual lax posture before they turned their attention to Verndari. Tilting her head slightly as they stared at the Knight. "That's a very unique helmet you're wearing." she voiced out with a hint of intrigue.

Verndari's posture straightened "It is…to ensure no opponent can read my expressions." they voiced out "I was charged by the King to test all those who wished to serve in his personal guard. Therefore the helm is as much for intimidation as it is protection."

"Hmmm. It is quite frightening." Marie agreed with a small nod of her head before she clapped her hands "Do you always wear it?"

"...Not always." Verndari replied with a slight shrug of the shoulders before they turned their attention to d'Eon. "Forgive me if this question is blunt but are you a man or a woman?"

d'Eon blinked at the question before they pursed their lips "I am whatever the Queen needs me to be." the explained "Whatever the situation calls for."

"But…" Verndari tilted their head, releasing a small noise of confusion "I do not…" Gareth's eyes darted to them quickly before they returned back to d'Eon. Marie squinted her eyes slightly in suspicion as she watched the movement then let out a small hum. "But…there would be no issue if you were a woman?"

d'Eon looked at Verndari strangely for a few moments before they directed their attention towards Gareth next to him, then back towards the Mirror Knight "I am a Knight first and foremost. My gender at any given time is irrelevant to my duty." they replied "As you can see with Sir Gareth-" they directed their attention at the Lancer "-the matter of one's gender does not lessen code of chivalry."

"...I see." Verndari muttered to himself, then looked down at the floor for a few moments before raising his head again "Are there any others that have been summoned?"

"Just a Lancer." Marie revealed "He's a Spartan so expect him to be a little…eccentric, if you meet him."

"I have never heard of Spartans before." Verndari replied "Information from the Throne is still vague at times."

"Oh!" Marie gasped in understanding "Your circumstances, right. Well…He'll probably introduce himself to you at some point anyway." she figured with a slight nod of her head, then looked to d'Eon for support "Right?"

"Most likely." d'Eon affirmed "Considering the Spartan penchant for training and if it is as close to reality as it is to legend."

Verndari hummed in response, another figure who understood the importance of personal training was certainly something to be welcomed. Their expression quickly schooled itself behind their helmet, he was also aware of the strain that summoning Servants had on the Master. He would need to determine whether or not his Liege was forcing themselves into an uncomfortable situation.

Reinforcements were always welcome, but he would rather his Liege did not jeopardize their own safety in procuring and maintaining them. He soon turned his attention to d'Eon.

Gender did not lessen the code of chivalry? He had noticed an increasing number of women on the front lines as of late. It was…

Unorthodox. Drangleic had a very rigid set of roles regarding gender and how one should stick to their own. Seeing more than one female knight was a…rather strange thing. Verndari had always been aware of other Kingdoms and their inclusive nature when it came to soldiers, but those had always been distant Kingdoms.

The culture of another Kingdom is not the culture of Drangleic.

Verndari briefly stared down at Gareth, noticing her staring up at him with a blank expression. Releasing a small sigh, Verndari straightened himself out. "If you will excuse me, your highness, Sir d'Eon." he bowed to each of them respectively before slowly making their way towards the door.

Marie watched them leave with a curious look on her face, her eyes still denoting a hint of suspicion before she turned her attention back to Gareth. The Lancer was staring at Verndari with a hint of concern before she noticed Marie's suspicious eyes and promptly schooled her own features.

"...They seem nice." Marie absently commented, giving a warm smile "Very much like a knight from an old tale, right d'Eon?"

"They did seem very courteous to us." d'Eon agreed, then directed their attention to Gareth "And if they are of good standing with a Knight of the Round Table, then we can at least be assured of his noble character."

Marie tapped a single finger delicately against her chin "Yes…I do wonder what they look like without their helmet. Perhaps like Sir Arkon?"

d'Eon cringed slightly "Your Majesty…please do not try and bully them into removing their helm."

"But Sir Arkon was pretty though." Marie pouted "Did you feel how silky his hair was?"

"No your Majesty." d'Eon replied with a strained voice "I did not."

Marie noted out of the corner of her eye how Gareth had subtly looked away at the mention of removing the helm. She might have been an airhead at times, but when it came to matters of beauty and spirit she liked to think of herself as a pioneer.

There was most certainly something afoot here.

Verndari moved through the halls in the direction of his Liege's room, then paused as they noted the teal gown of the dragonkin. He sighed as he approached. "Lady Kiyohime." they announced themselves.

Kiyohime paused in the hall, slowly turning around and facing Verndari. Her features gave off an aura of perfect serenity as she stared up at the much taller knight "Sir Verndari." she gave a light bow at him in greeting "How are you this fine day?"

"I am well enough." Verndari admitted "I - in turn - hope that this day is similarly generous to you as well."

Kiyohime's lip morphed into a gentle smile "That will depend on how much time I spend with Anchin-sama."

"Then our Liege is in his room." Verndari nodded "I understand they have recently summoned yet more Servant-" he noted her expression swiftly collapsed into barely contained irritation.

"Yes…the Rider is particularly troublesome." She muttered under her breath "I can smell a floozy as easily as I can sense the approach of a draconic bat." she frowned "I noted the way she gazed at Anchin-sama and clasped his hands. She is of the sort that are too easily led astray by the fluttering of the heart."

Verndari remained silent, entirely unsure of how best he could answer that question. Especially considering that Lady Kiyohime's first act upon summoning herself to Chaldea was to declare herself his Liege's wife and then occupy his room. Frankly he was amazed by the patience and restraint of his Liege in dealing with this rather erratic woman.

"Honestly…" Kiyohime sighed "I sometimes wonder if Anchin-sama is too nice for his own good."

"Indeed." Verndari found himself nodding in agreement "I too wonder if my Liege's heart is perhaps too vast and accepting of all who approach."

Kiyohime beamed at him "I am pleased you understand." she straightened herself out, flipping open her fan and hiding away half her face "I was just on my way to ensure he wasn't too tired out from all the summoning. But if he was, I would make my services available to him and ensure his rapid recovery." her cheeks dusted themselves pink at the last sentence before she swiftly returned to her more formal demanour.

"In truth, I was venturing there for the same purpose." Verndari admitted "Shall we go together then?"

Kiyohime's lip formed into a slight frown. "I am certain I can manage alone."

"I have no doubt as to your capabilities." Verndari assured her "But it would be of a greater comfort to me if I were to be present to confirm his health." and also there was no chance he was leaving his Liege alone with a Berserker of all things.

The woman stared back at him with a hesitant expression for a few moments before she gave an agreeable hum "Very well. I will allow you to escort me." swiftly turning about face, she started to walk down the halls of Chaldea in the direction of Ritsuka's room. Verndari waited for a few moments, watching her leave before he soon began to follow after her.

The comparison between the two was like night and day, while Kiyohime barely made a sound and moved with a certain degree of refined grace, Verndari's armour clunked rather loudly combined with their rather heavy footsteps.

The two walked through the hallway in relative silence with neither having anything that wished to discuss with the other although Verndari would admit some slight curiosity as to just how Kiyohime had come to the conclusion that his Liege was her husband returned from the dead. Although he chalked that down to the curse of madness which all berserkers apparently possessed.

He wasn't anywhere close to being of the level of strategic planning that Ser Raime had been of, but even he understood that having soldiers who were insane was not something to be discussed. Even the Knight of Alken which King Vendrick had brought from a distant land had been kept far enough away from the civilised parts of the Kingdom.

The same could be said of the Forossan mercenary before their death.

It just didn't make sense but - once again - his Liege apparently had a larger heart than most. It was both a blessing and a curse. While it was better to have a kind lord than a cruel one, there was a thin line between kindness and weakness. He would rather his Liege not lose sight of the goal and large and while they had been more than willing to make the tough calls, he was worried if that was starting to play on his mind.

Losing allies for the first time was never an easy thing to encounter and from what he had heard, his Liege had lost several in the previous Singularity.

His thoughts were interrupted as he realised they had arrived at Ritsuka's room, Verndari stood behind Kiyohime as she made to knock on the door, swiftly tapping it twice, Verndari's hearing picked up some muffled movement on the opposite side of the door before it soon opened up.

Ritsuka stood there, blinking and rubbing his eyes as he stared at the two in front of him. Surprise briefly flashed through his eyes as he looked between the rather unorthodox pair in front of him. "Hey Kiyohime, Verndari." he nodded at the pair "Is something wrong?"

"I-"

"I wanted to make sure you weren't unwell, Anchin-sama." Kiyohime announced first, only just cutting off Verndari. Her expression turned slightly concerned "You aren't unwell, are you?"

"Just a little tired." Ritsuka reassured her with a smile "Probably pushed myself with the summoning is all and it's only been a couple days since we got back from the last Singularity." he yawned, rubbing his eyes "Romani said I could probably do with a nap." he chuckled.

"Your healer speaks words of wisdom." Verndari remarked with a hint of affirmation "I can tell you are already fatigued. For the time being, my Liege, I would recommend you adhere to his advice."

Ritsuka chuckled, "Probably right." he agreed, then shivered "Although I'm already thinking of what Da Vinci and Pharros might do and worrying about it."

"Pharros?" Verndari voiced out in surprise "Pharros the Vagabond?"

Ritsuka blinked "You've heard of them?"

"You would be hard pressed to find one in Drangleic who had not." He replied "At least in the twilight years of the Kingdom when the undead curse had fully gripped it." Ritsuka cringed slightly "Pharros the Vagabond was a rather well known wandering inventor. All manner of contraptions can be attributed to their skills in crafting. While I myself never saw any of their works, I can attest that those who did held nothing but praises for them."

"...So we've got another Da Vinci on our hands." Ritsuka gave a wry smile "To be honest, I could tell the moment I saw her face."

"...Her?" Verndari tilted his head in obvious confusion with his voice betraying as such "Do you not mean 'he'?"

"No…definitely her." Ritsuka nodded back, "Sort of rounded face, brown eyes and fluffy light brown hair."

"...Oh?" Kiyohime whispered out in a dangerous tone "Another female Servant?"

Ritsuka looked at Kiyohime and sighed "I don't think she had any interest in me. She and Da Vinci virtually disappeared off the moment they met eachother." he frowned "I think they've been making stuff to compete against eachother with."

"Well." Kiyohime's expression lightened slightly. "If it is another with an obsession with work, then I suppose I will allow it."

Verndari briefly stared at the back of her head before returning his attention to Ritsuka "As long as you have decided to rest my Liege."

"Yeah…" Ritsuka nodded "I'll get some sleep."

"I can be there to comfort you, Anchin-sama." Kiyohime offered with an excited look on her face. "Just to ensure you get to sleep as swiftly and as pleasantly as possible. Sleep is just as important for maintaining good health as a well balanced meal is."

"It's sweet of you to offer but-"

"But?" Kiyohime tilted her head in innocent confusion "What is the matter?"

"Lady Kiyohime." Verndari commented from behind her "Perhaps it would be best if you allowed him peace of mind for the evening. It has been a stressful day and he would also be concerned with ensuring you are comforted as well."

"I would not mind."

"I realise that." Verndari nodded "However, if he is concerned about your health, he would forget his own." he frowned behind his helm "Besides even though you have declared yourself his wife…strictly speaking that does not make it true."

Kiyohime slowly turned to stare up at the Shielder, Ritsuka's eyes widened as he glanced between the two with worry. The Berserker's eyes gleamed with a hint of something behind them.

"Excuse me?" She whispered out "Are you suggesting that I am a liar?"

Verndari looked down unintimidated by the display "No. I am suggesting that perhaps you have gotten ahead of yourself. Strictly speaking, you have skipped the usual ritual of courtship and - perhaps - neglected the feelings of your own appointed spouse. An Unmarried couple within the same room is rather irregular."

Kiyohime frowned for a few moments, then slowly nodded her head "That…is true." she admitted "I have neglected Anchin-sama's feelings and we have not even had a wedding." she turned back to Ritsuka and bowed her head in apology "Forgive me, Anchin-sama. I was simply too excited and completely overlooked your own feelings on the matter. I promise you that when we are wed, I will ensure to look after you every need." she swiftly turned away and walked down the hallway "I wish you a good night, Anchin-sama."

Verndari and Ritsuka watched her leave before the former looked down at the latter "My Liege…I would like to apologise for what I might have just done."

"Don't feel bad about it." Ritsuka waved his hand in dismissal "You were only trying to help…I should have spoken up about it first to be honest."

"...Can I ask a question?"

"Huh? Yeah, sure?"

"Why do you keep her around?" Verndari asked in a quiet tone "I mean no offense but her behaviour is somewhat domineering and she holds a strong dislike to any women who approach you. It is also my understanding that your time spent with her is less than a week in total and yet she declares herself your wife."

"Romani thinks it's a part of her Madness Enhancement." Ritsuka explained, then sighed "She sees me as her husband or something."

"But…you are not."

"I know that, and you know that but I don't think she does." He shook his head "Which makes me feel a little ugly inside."

"How so?"

"She really hates liars." Ritsuka elaborated "As in despises them but at the same time, she thinks I'm someone I'm not and I'm not certain that trying to explain it to her would work. I really want to bring it up but it's just…" he cradled his head "How do you do that? How do I explain that I'm just not who she thinks I am without hurting her feelings?"

Verndari remained silent for a few moments "Her feelings are of concern to you?"

"Of course they are." Ritsuka replied immediately "Sure she might be a little eccentric but she's not a bad girl. I just…I don't want to see her get hurt over this and I don't like lying either."

The Looking Glass Knight stared back at him before speaking in a quiet tone "Is lying such a strong topic for you?"

"Probably not as much for Kiyohime." Ritsuka joked. "But…I do appreciate a more hurtful truth more than a well intentioned lie."

"A…noble sentiment." Verndari remarked "I am afraid my experience with women is not expansive, my Liege." they went on "But I am always willing to provide whatever aid you might need. As for Lady Kiyohime…I shall leave it up to your discretion, however you did not explain as to why she remains."

"Because she wanted to help." Ritsuka shrugged "She followed me here and is offering to help us with everything that's going on. The way I see it…if she's really offering to help then I can't just turn her away like that." he leaned against the doorframe "The Director might call me reckless but…it just wouldn't feel right if during a crisis where everyone is in danger I turned around and said 'No, you can't help'."

"...I see." Verndari muttered "Would you truly accept all manner of aid?"

"As long as they're offering…I would be willing to take it." Ritsuka smiled up "Although I do have a slight preference but like I said. I'm not really too great a judge on people."

"Some might abuse that character trait, my Liege."

"They might." Ritsuka agreed easily with a casual smile "But that doesn't change my stance. I'm not that stupid…at least I don't think I am." he suddenly looked slightly unsure of himself "Well…I like to think I'm not." he eventually decided on "But I like to at least give people a chance…that's just how I am."

"And if someone were to abuse this trust?" Verndari found himself asking before he could help himself. Ritsuka blinked in surprise before thinning his lips.

"Well…I don't know." He admitted "I suppose I'd have to see how I felt at the time."

"Hmmm." Verndari hummed in response, "Good night, my Liege."

"Thanks. Good night to you as well." He waved to the Shielder "Also you can call me Ritsuka if you want."

"...I believe I am comfortable with my current form of address." Verndari amusedly commented in response, turning their body away from Ritsuka and walking down the hall at a slow pace, the Master watched the Knight depart with a thoughtful expression before he hummed and leaned back into his room and closed the door behind him.

Marie skipped into the cafeteria and looked around, it was already approaching the lights out period of Chaldea so she expected that most of the Servants would be away and heading to bed. That is where d'Eon had gone.

It was still rather jarring to her that there were so many Servants gathered in one place. She could help but feel a little bit out of place, despite being a Queen she wasn't exactly a fighter in any stretch of the imagination. However she heard the call across the Grail and just couldn't resist. If they failed then there would be no France. At the end of the day - and despite all that had happened - she still loved her Country with all her heart.

The moment she entered the cafeteria, her eyes scanned everyone that was still inside it. She smiled and waved at Siegward when she noticed him in the kitchen. The mustached man looked up in response and waved back with a joyous expression of his own. Marie liked Siegward, he just was a breath of fresh air in the time they'd spent together in the French Singularity.

She skipped over to him and swiftly came to a halt in front of him, throwing herself onto the nearest chair facing the kitchen counter and resting her elbows on the surface and forming her arms into a slight pyramid shape. Then rested her chin atop the flat of the back of her hands. "Bonjour Siegward."

"Your Majesty-" He began, only for Marie to pout in response.

"Not you too." She whined with a saddened expression "Just call me Marie. Like if we're friends."

"Hmhmhmhm." Siegward released a low chuckle in response before he nodded his head "Very well, Marie." he agreed, earning a smile from the Queen "So I suppose you are one of our latest arrivals?"

"I am." Marie nodded her head vigorously "It's so exciting. d'Eon is here as well." she also added on "You wouldn't have met them for that long, unfortunately." she frowned slightly "They were a bit…out of sorts in the Singularity."

"Ah." Siegward nodded with an understanding expression "The curse of madness then." he hummed "Still, I am relieved to hear they have recovered then." he hastily added on "I am always open to meeting new faces." he mused with a pleased smile.

"You'll love them." Marie giggled "Anyway…" she trailed off, looking around and noticing scarce few other Servants here. In fact there were none here save Ash at the back of the room, sipping on a mug of something. "I'm surprised anyone is still here. I thought you'd be off to bed by now."

"Oh…I will be there shortly." Siegward waved his hand, moving about the kitchen to the sink "I've just got a few more dishes to wash up. Archer wanted to help but I insisted he take a few days off after that unfortunate business within the Singularity. As for Boudica, well she is taking a few days off to heal up." he sighed "We all need to take care of ourselves, even if we aren't exactly among the living anymore." the Knight's lips quirked into a smile "Although Julius has been more than pleased with the help he has been receiving."

"I see." Marie nodded her head "You look like you're having fun though."

"Well…I won't deny that." Siegward replied immediately with a wide smile "It has been years since I last cooked…" he frowned in thought "I believe that last meal I cooked was for Yhorm and Aelwin…of those two were…" he suddenly trailed off, his eyes dulled. "...They were big eaters." he remarked quietly, his hand ceased cleaning the plate he was holding.

Marie stared at Siegward with a concerned expression at the sudden shift in his tone "Siegward?" she voiced out, jolting the Knight and returning his attention to her "Are you-"

"Oh, don't worry about me." Siegward responded quickly "Just a little trip down memory lane is all." he chuckled despite himself "Now then." he cleared his throat, turning back to Marie "What can I help you with?"

Marie looked hesitant to drop the subject, although she noted that Siegward's eyes betrayed a clear unwillingness to continue the topic further. She decided to put a pin on that conversation for later, instead opting to go for what she had originally wanted to ask "What do you know about the…um…" she frowned in thought, it was actually a little embarrassing for her stumble at this moment "...He's dressed in silver armour-"

"Ah, Ser Verndari." Siegward rumbled with an understanding nod "I assume that is who you mean?"

"Yes!" Marie exclaimed with a wide smile "That's them. What do you know about them?" she asked, tilting her head "There was just something a bit…private about them."

"Private you say…" Siegward mumbled "Hmmmmmm." he gave a long thoughtful hum as his brows furrowed slightly "Well…truthfully, they are rather open. Unless you mean private in the physical sense." he shrugged "I have never seen them without a helmet."

"Really?" Marie blinked "Not even to eat?"

"I don't believe so, no." He responded with a sudden expression of surprise "Unless they did so when I was not present…I wonder." he looked over Marie's shoulder "Ash!" he called out across the room.

Marie followed his gaze towards the blonde Servant, the young looking man raised his head and stared in their direction "Yes?" he called back.

"Have you ever seen Verndari without their helmet on?" Siegward asked, Ash blinked then frowned for a few moments before he shook his head. "Really? How odd." Siegward hummed in response, turning his attention back to Marie "That is rather odd, considering they spend much of their time here but perhaps they just come for the company." he wondered with a smile "I suppose neither myself nor Ash come here for the food."

Marie stared at him with a hint of confusion "Why not? Is the food bad?"

"No, we just can't taste it." Siegward remarked as he placed another clean cup in the cupboard "That aside, I did not know that Verndari was undead but I suppose that is just another surprise."

Marie held a thoughtful expression before she jumped off her seat "Well, thank you for your help." she bowed her head slightly "I'll go off to bed and I wish you a pleasant night."

"To you as well."

"Good night, Ash!" She waved to the Saber at the opposite end of the cafeteria. The Saber gave a wave in response before he went back to staring at the table in silence. Marie paused in her movement and stared at him in a puzzling manner for a few moments before she turned to Siegward with an unasked question.

"Ah, Ash can't sleep." Siegward explained "He normally just wanders Chaldea at night and occasionally rests in a single spot. I believe last night was the…um…the name escapes me at the moment but it was a little loud and there were a lot of lights." he frowned "They sometimes send clothes there…Although I don't know why. Hmmmmmmmm. Perhaps I will ask Astolfo." he quietly hummed to himself as he went back to work in the kitchen.

Marie sent the Saber a final puzzled look before she shrugged her shoulders and skipped out of the room. She was already building up a little conclusion as to what was going on here.

Clearly Verndari had some issue with how they looked, all she needed to do was let him know that while outer beauty was important, inner beauty was just as vital for a person and there was no reason to be so private.

She'd try and make them feel welcome, she was sure it wasn't as bad as they were thinking of.

Verndari had felt eyes on him for much of the day, it hadn't been intrusive but it was rather jarring. As if he were under the eyes of a hunter or some such comparison. His head turned from left to right as he scanned the hallways in order to see if he could find the individual currently staring at him.

He frowned behind his helm when he failed to notice anyone, soon shrugging their shoulders and resuming their walk down the halls. He had heard about the new Lancer currently putting his Liege through the new training system. While Verndari would have preferred to have been consulted first, it was still early morning so there was enough time to hash out the details in regards to whose training was superior.

As the Knight moved through the halls, a door to one of the supply cupboards slowly opened up behind him. A pair of heads emerged from the room and fixed themselves upon the knights retreating back.

"Hmmm." Marie gave a suspicious hum as she watched him leave before she looked down at the other person. "Well?"

"Your majesty." d'Eon frowned "Is this really appropriate?" they asked, turning their head up to stare at the Queen. Marie gave the Knight a nod of the head.

"Of course." Marie replied with a smile "We're fighting to revitalise a heart."

"We are?" d'Eon blinked "I did not realise there was an issue with Sir Verndari-"

"Don't worry, d'Eon." Marie patted the knight on the head "It's one of those things that's very difficult for someone not as intune with the human heart like myself to understand. Like with Arkon, we'll unveil the inner beauty."

d'Eon wasn't sure how they were supposed to point out that Marie had virtually wrestled the helmet off the poor knight. They had barely caught a glimpse of his face before he had retrieved the helmet back. Although he had been somewhat handsome with very silky white hair. They weren't sure why Arkon would hide away that face although apparently it had been an unfortunate prank, d'Eon wasn't sure what relevance that had on the current situation though.

"Are you certain this is…" d'Eon searched for the right word for a few moments before they replied "Appropriate?"

"What do you mean?" Marie stared down at them with a perfectly innocent expression of confusion, d'Eon struggled mentally when Marie gave them a face like a lost pet. It was objectively cute and made it very difficult to tell her whatever issue there might actually be with it.

"Just…perhaps they enjoy their privacy?" d'Eon decided on, offering with a small shrug "They might simply be a private person."

"...I'm sure it's fine." Marie waved her hand, then looked back to see Verndari disappear around the corner. "They're getting away! Come d'Eon!" she exclaimed quietly, then took off in a ski to follow after them. d'Eon gave a gentle sigh before composing themselves and following after Marie. At the very least they could run damage control.

Marie decided that Verndari was a very stoic person, they behaved very much like the stereotypical type of knight. They trained and…

Actually, she hadn't seen him do anything else for most of the day. He'd train with Ritsuka, train some more by himself or with whoever else came into the simulator. Then he went off and would go into the Cafeteria and speak with Gareth before going back to training.

For all intents and purposes, Verndari was perfectly average when it came to a knight. However, she could still feel that something was out of place. Especially because at no point he had taken off his helmet for the entire day. Frankly, it was rather suspicious.

There was most certainly some secret and she knew that d'Eon agreed with her.

d'Eon themself was beginning to notice the slight peculiarity of Verndari never removing his helmet although they were less concerned about it. From their own perspective, it was well within a Servant's rights to keep their own affairs private as long as it wasn't harmful to the Master in any way. While Verndari not removing his helmet was rather odd, it wasn't anything that should have warranted an investigation.

However, her Majesty was nothing if not inquisitive and right now, d'Eon viewed it as their duty to try and keep her out of trouble.

"He's moving again." Marie whispered out, d'Eon looked up as they noticed Verndari move away from the Servant they had been speaking with - Gareth - and swiftly begin to make their way through towards the exit of the cafeteria, with a small box in each of their hands, and with Gareth trailing behind them. The duo remained seated for a few moments before Marie swiftly got to her feet and followed after the Knight as inconspicuously as she could, d'Eon trailing behind them.

The pair followed Verndari and Gareth at a distance as they moved through the halls, ensuring that the pair only just remained in their line of sight but not far enough away that they would lose them. Neither had the advantage of being an Assassin, so presence concealment was a considerable issue. However, Chaldea was already brimming with Servants which made it difficult to discern whether one was actually on the same floor as you or on a floor above or below you.

That and neither Marie nor them were using much of their magical energy. With luck it would allow them to just fade into background feelings.

Verndari abruptly halted and turned around, d'Eon grabbed Marie by the hand and dragged her to the side and held both their bodies against the wall to hide themselves from view. Verndari stared down the halls in silence, Gareth soon reappearing and looking oddly at the Knight and then at the hall.

"Is something wrong?" She asked after a few moments.

"...No." Verndari replied "It is just that I feel as though I have been watched all day. Perhaps it is just my imagination however." they reasoned, turning back to Gareth "Come on then." they gestured for Gareth to continue on before he resumed walking.

d'Eon and Marie waited for a few moments before they re-emerged from around the corner. "Hmmmm." Marie hummed in thought "Those boxes he has…didn't Archer prepare those for him?"

"I believe the red Archer did." d'Eon nodded in affirmation "Perhaps they are eating their lunch in seclusion?"

"But why eat it all alone when you can eat it with company?"

"Is Sir Gareth not company for them?" d'Eon asked aloud, was it really eating alone if they had someone with them? Perhaps Verndari was just the type of person who enjoyed eating with those they had grown close to.

"That's not what I meant, silly." Marie gave d'Eon a chiding look in much the same way you would give one to a child "I mean, they're going quite far away from everyone else aren't they?"

d'Eon could only shrug in return, they didn't see much of the issue.

"Come on." Marie whispered, "let's keep going."

d'Eon already had a bad feeling about this, pensively wondering if there was a chance they could yet convince her majesty to just leave well enough alone. They doubted that.

Marie and d'Eon followed them once again, watching as the pair slipped into one of the break rooms which had apparently been abandoned since the initial attack on Chaldea. Quite why they were going there was anyone's guess. The Queen took this as the opportunity to quietly sneak herself towards the door before pressing her ear against the metal and listening in.

d'Eon halted behind her, staring at the face of the Queen as she scrunched up her expression in an attempt to listen in.

"-awain always made mash potatoes." Gareth's muffled voice could be heard through the door, the young woman speaking with a hint of amusement before it swiftly turned into dread "Although…he made lots of them…"

"A simple diet." Marie and d'Eon both blinked in surprise at the second voice, Marie's head coming away from the door with a quiet gasp as she turned her head to stare at the Saber with wide eyes. d'Eon found themself similarly surprised at the voice in question.

It was most certainly not the deep reverberating one of Verndari.

"It was waaaay too simple!" Gareth whined "I like potato and meat but he just made it every. Single. Time." she went on "Even Sir Percival was like that but he just made even more of it!"

"...So it became monotonous?" The voice replied with a hint of understanding "I see, that might get frustrating after some time. But potatoes and meat are good for you, especially for soldiers."

"I know that…but how come I'm only finding all this delicious food after I've died." Gareth's pout was audible. "It just feels a little unfair is all."

"You can use this as an opportunity to indulge yourself…although having cake for your lunch seems to be-"

"Cake!?" Marie burst into the room with an ecstatic expression before she quickly realised what she had done and attempted to compose herself "I-I mean, where is the cak-" she then cut herself off as she stared ahead.

d'Eon followed her into the room and similarly paused.

Gareth was sitting at the nearest plain white table with wide eyes and a small slice of velvet cake in front of her. The girl stared at the intruders with an expression of pure shock before her features darted over to her eating partner.

Marie watched as hazel coloured eyes stared at her with obvious surprise before they slowly shifted into confusion.

Then finally into terror as they darted down to the table.

Where Verndari's helmet was currently laying.

Marie stared at the features of the person in question, chestnut coloured messy hair which extended down to their shoulders, soft features that looked to place them in their early twenties and a light sprinkling of faint freckles across their nose and cheeks. Lips slightly parted as they stared with growing horror before they moved, clumsy reaching for the helmet.

However, instead of clasping it they accidentally smacked it off the table and out of reach, sending it flying to the floor and then skating along the ground before rolling to a halt at the base of Marie and d'Eon's feet.

The French Servants stared down at the helmet in silence for a few moments before their eyes gradually raised themselves back to the knight.

Verndari's most certainly female face stared back at them with her features turning ashen "I-I…y-you…w-wait…this isn't-" they then shot to their feet, their chair loudly clattering against the floor and jolting everyone else out of their stupor.

Marie pointed at Verndari as her expression brightened and her lips widened into a beaming smile "I knew something was off about you!" she happily exclaimed. Her face immediately switched to one of supreme guilt as she saw the way Verndari looked downright terrified of her at this point.

"Hang on a moment here!" Gareth loudly cried out, jumping to her feet and pointing at the duo "What are you two doing here!?" she demanded, giving the pair a hefty frown.

d'Eon winced slightly as Marie turned her face to the Lancer "W-well…I thought it was weird that Verndari never took hi-sorry, her-" Verndari flinched as if they had been hit "-helmet off even to eat so I decided to-"

"How do you know they never removed their helmet?" Gareth asked with narrowed eyes, they then widened "Wait a moment…were you…did you follow her all day!?"

"Well…it is only lunch time." d'Eon offered up "So technically it's only half a day." they reasoned, Gareth's attention snapped towards them with a very clear hint of irritation to it bordering righteous fury. Not that d'Eon could blame them at the moment. "I apologise…that is hardly an excuse." d'Eon bowed their head in shame, which currently did little to ease the ire of the Lancer.

"Sorry…" Marie offered as well "Did I mess up again?" she asked, looking at Verndari "You're a very pretty girl though!" she complimented "So there's no reason to hide your face away, it's not like you'd need lots of makeup but it would really bring out your-" she paused as she noticed Verndari and Gareth's expressions worsen considerably.

Gareth was sending Marie a look which practically screamed at her to stop talking while Verndari looked nothing short of tormented at the words which Marie had continued to speak.

They quietly walked over to the pair before leaning down, clasping their helmet off the floor and raising it up before sliding it onto their head to hide their expression. The trio heard Verndari release a shaky breath as they moved back over to the table and grabbed their chair off the floor. Twisting it back onto its feet, she sat down in it and dropped her head into her hands.

"Um…d-did I say something wrong?" Marie found herself asking, looking to Gareth for advice. The Lancer was too busy staring at the Shielder with obvious worry on her face.

"Verndari…listen, it's not that bad-"

"...Isn't it?" Verndari asked back in a quiet voice "I believe it is that bad…" a hollow chuckle emerged from their helm "Nothing short of ridicule."

"No it isn't." Gareth hastily assured them "All we need to do is convince someone-" she directed another disapproving glance at the French before she returned her focus to Verndari "-not to say anything until you're comfortable."

"Comfortable?" Verndari scoffed "As if I am comfortable in deception."

"Deception?" d'Eon asked aloud, tilting their head "I do not see the deception in your…" they paused, wincing at their words. "Forgive me, we have already pried enough."

"So what's bothering you?" Marie asked with all the subtlety of a runaway horse "And is it to do with why you're always wearing that helmet? Like I said, you're a very pretty gir-"

"That's the problem!" Verndari snapped at her before they exhaled "...Apologise. I allowed my temper to get the better of me." they looked at the pair, then at Gareth before waving their hand "It is my fault for not being better alert."

"No it isn't." Gareth assured them.

"It is just…" Verndari sighed "Why did I have to meet you all now?" they voiced aloud "Another aspect of life that isn't fair, I suppose." she chuckled bitterly, looking at the two French Servants "They were here little more than a day and saw through my deception. It is shameful to me."

d'Eon's eyes widened in understanding "No one knows your true gender." they looked at Gareth, the Lancer's grimace was all the assurance they needed that they were correct. "Why is that an issue unless…" they turned back to Verndari "Women are not Knights in your Kingdom, are they?"

Verndari shook her head "No. We had strict responsibilities for each gender." they shrugged "I just…inherited more of my father than my mother.'' They gestured to their body "My mothers looks and my father's strength."

"So you disguised yourself."

"I lied." Verndari scoffed, rubbing their hands together "The oath of a Knight to be truthful and I lied the moment I took it…I just thought if I could ignore my obstacle and fulfil my duty to the best of my ability then I could live with it and I could." Verndari admitted "I could live with it but I always felt that idle burning of shame whenever I was congratulated or when I would see another woman in court."

d'Eon looked at Gareth and then back at Verndari "...I am sorry for-"

Verndari waved her hand "Do not apologise further." they sighed "It was not as if the secret was kept hidden. The King's brother knew of my true self." she gestured at her armour "They actually aided in my commission. It was at their recommendation that I became a squire under Ser Raime and eventually received my shield as a gift from him…I never had the strength to ask why though."

Marie remained silent before giving Verndari a gentle smile "Perhaps they saw that deep down, you were a most chivalrous knight."

Verndari shrugged "I doubt the King's brother knew much of chivalry." they responded quickly "They were exiled for experimenting on the subjects in gruesome fashions that even King Vendrick could not overlook."

d'Eon grimaced "Good heavens."

"Hmm." Verndari nodded in agreement "I wasn't ignorant to other cultures allowing female warriors but…it just was not the way of Drangleic."

"Awww." Marie cooed, tilting her head "I think it's sweet."

"It's still shameful." Verndari scoffed, rubbing her hands together "I have lied yet again, my Liege is of the belief I am male when in actuality…" they trailed off "But I know they would not treat me differently because of my gender considering Squire Kyrielight and Sir Gareth…but…to admit I had deceived him because I feared he might have thought less of me as a woman now would be to insult his honour."

"He's definitely not like that." Gareth pat Verndari on the shoulder "But I won't force you…it's why it's best three out of five."

Verndari - despite herself - gave a snort of amusement "You shouldn't feel pressured to protect me."

"Good thing I'm not then." Gareth smiled, crossing her arms in front of her "Just a Knight looking out for another Knight."

"I will keep this secret." d'Eon spoke up, staring into the eye holes on Verndari's helmet "While I have behaved disgracefully, I assure you that I will not soil your honour further than I have. As long as you wish this secret kept, I will reveal to no one what I have seen here today."

"I won't tell anyone either." Marie followed cheerfully "I just wanted to see if you were self-conscious about your looks." her expression turned guilty "I'm really, really sorry about making you uncomfortable." she looked down shamefully. "And it's my second day here too…spying and sneaking around to uncover secrets isn't any way for a Queen to behave."

"You should not-"

"I am going to apologise to you and that's that." Marie gave the Knight a faint smile "That is a Queen's word."

Verndari stared at the two in silence before she slowly nodded her head "For your discretion…I cannot thank you enough. Although in truth, I am still affronted at being spied on-" the pair flinched "-I will…overlook it in response to your words." she rose to her feet "Until I am willing to reveal myself…I will place my trust in you."

The French pair nodded in affirmation.

"Alright." Gareth clapped "Simulator time."

The French pair suddenly paused and stared at the Lancer.

"...eh?" Marie blinked "What?"

"She might overlook it." Gareth nodded to Verndari before frowning "But I'm still a little frustrated. Also I would like to review your combat capacity. It might go against my vows to hit a lady, but as of right now we are both Servants." she gave a beautific smile "I won't try to hurt you so badly, however your Grace Marie."

d'Eon looked at Verndari "And yourself?"

"...I find myself intrigued at the skill you might possess." She admitted with a shrug of her shoulders "...But I assure you, it isn't personal in the slightest."

d'Eon gave them a raised eyebrow and a faint smile "Of course not. Still…who am I to refuse a challenge from a Knight?"

Verndari smiled behind her helmet. They would reveal themselves one day.

But it certainly wasn't today.

AN: Yep, Verndari is a girl.

Also as a comment for Pharros in the last chapter.

Yes, I know that they are referred to as a man in the lore.

King Arthur and Francis Drake are also men in History. This is Fate logic now, I can bullshit my way through genders like you wouldn't believe.

But it won't be towards characters who are well established men. I'm not going way out there.