By the Bonfire: Neither Friend nor Enemy

"Looks like it's going to be another Servant." Ritsuka commented as he watched the pillar of light shoot upwards from the panel. Mash stood dutifully at his side as the light started to fade.

Only for a sudden explosion of rose petals to go off in both of their faces, Ritsuka scrunched his face up and looked away as he was suddenly assaulted by the flora while Mash blinked in surprise and let out a slight gasp of shock. She soon began waving her hands in the air as if to try and shoo the petals away from both herself and Ritsuka.

"What the heck?" Romani exclaimed from behind the glass, the man leaning forwards in his chair and squinting hard at the "Is that…are those rose petals?" the man asked incredulously. The issue was that they were still - somehow - spawning from the summoning plate and blocking off view from whoever was being summoned.

"What manner of Servant would do something so messy?" Olga clicked her tongue from behind the doctor, the Director having decided to sit in on this one instance of summoning to oversee whoever was joining. Given their growing roster, she felt it necessary to at least assess the Servants to ensure they weren't going to end up with someone completely useless in combat.

"Someone is certainly very into showmanship." Romani remarked as he stared at the petals with a more discerning eye "Hey…I think I've seen those before somewhere."

Olga frowned and leaned in closer to the window to get a better look at the roses. Actually, now that Romani mentioned it they did look familiar. However, the last time she remembered seeing roses was-

"UMU!"

The Director instantly paled, Romani stilled in his chair as the roses slowly started to settle down and reveal the newly summoned Servant in full.

A crimson red dress with a white front, long poofy sleeves, gold plated heel boots and a transparent fabric for a skirt were the first signs - and alarm bells - that were taken notice of. Next came with blonde bunned up hair, emerald green eyes and the wide smiling face of the woman as she planted a red flame shaped sword into the ground and spread her arm wide as if to show herself off in full. "I have come at your summoning! I am the Servant, Saber! Nero Claudius!"

Nero's eyes danced with life as she stared at the two in front of her, the pair covered in a small shower of rose petals before the smile grew "Umu! Umu!" made a pleased noise as she descended down the stairs "You have made the most perfect choice in summoning me, Mage!" she merrily exclaimed as she came to a halt in front of Ritsuka, dissipating her sword and placing both her hands on her hips.

Ritsuka stared down at the starry eyed girl for a few moments before he slowly craned his head towards the observation area and tilted it when he noticed Olga no longer present. He and Romani looked at each other for a few moments before the doctor pointed down under his desk.

Ritsuka rolled his lips to contain his laughter before turning back to Nero, the Saber staring at him with a hint of confusion at his lack of response to her. "Sorry about that, Emperor." he explained away with a hint of levity "Just checking something…just out of curiosity, do you remember us at all?"

Nero frowned, cupping her chin and scrunching up face up in thought as she started to examine him - Ritsuka idly noted that she looked quite cute when she did that - before doing the same to Mash. Eventually the woman let out a slight sigh before she leaned back and shook her head. "I cannot say I recall meeting either of you and yet…how odd. I feel an odd sense of…indebtedness?" she pondered aloud "As if you have done me a great service but I cannot remember it at all."

"...Don't worry too much about it." Ritsuka explained away, waving his hand "It wasn't that big of a deal."

Nero stared at him closer, leaning up on her tiptoes and studying his face to the point where Ritsuka started to lean back to get some measure of distance from her.

"No…this level of gratitude far exceeds the notion of it not being a matter of import." She dismissed instantly, leaning back and crossing her arms "No. This feels much like a debt I could never fully repay or perhaps never had the opportunity to." Nero elaborated further with a strained voice "If only I could recall it clearer, I might be able to work through the method by which I might repay you…"

"It isn't that important, Emperor Nero." Mash jumped in, giving the Emperor a reassuring expression "Really. We were just glad to help you, repaying us isn't that vital."

"Nonsense." Nero shook her head "I will repay you, it is just a matter of figuring out how best I can achieve this!" she exclaimed, pointing her finger between the two of them repeatedly "I vow this upon my name Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus!"

Ritsuka opened his mouth to respond before he closed it again, blinking several times before he blurted out the first words that came to mind "That's a long name." he spoke quickly, then snapped his jaw shut, his eyes flying wide as both Mash and Nero stared at him with clear surprise for a few moments.

The Emperor continued to stare at the Master before she thinned her lips and nodded "Umu." she agreed "I allow you the honour of addressing me as Nero Claudius!" she paused "Or Nero." she tacked on as an afterthought. "Umu! Less formal address feels far more appropriate!" she looked between the two "Now then!" she then looked around the room "...Where am I?"

"What!?" Olga's strangled voice echoed out through the chamber as the woman reappeared behind Romani, pushing the man aside as she shouted into the microphone "Didn't you hear the summoning chant and get information from the Throne!?"

Nero turned to the new individual and blinked twice before her eyes seemed to suddenly glow "Umu! You have the most beautiful look about you!" turning to Ritsuka, she smiled widely at him "I approve most wholeheartedly, Master! The sight of a cute girl is always something to stop and behold!" she looked back to Olga "Tell me your name, Pale rose!"

Olga froze, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape as her cheeks started to turn bright red. Her eyes darted to Ritsuka and Mash - both of whom were doing their best to avoid direct eye contact with her - before they fell on Romani, who was staring down at the desk in front of him.

Olga released a strangled cry as she backed away from the desk and made for the door.

"Maestro? Who is that woman?"

"Oh, that's-"

"Tell her nothing, Kyrielight!" Olga rushed back to the desk and virtually begged into the microphone "Nothing!"

"But-" Mash - ever the helpful person - attempted to make a counterpoint before the Director sent her a look which was nothing shy of begging. "...She's the Director." Mash managed to get out instead of a name. Earning a brief look of gratitude from Olga before she spun on her heel and rushed for the safety of anywhere but here.

Nero watched at the white haired woman shot out of the room before turning her attention to Mash and Ritsuka "What was that about?" she asked in clear confusion "I only asked what her name was…" she frowned, furrowing her brows "And I have that sense of familiarity again as if I have met her before…"

Ritsuka and Mash exchanged glances before they looked back at Nero, the former gave her a lopsided smile "It's a long story…not all that interesting."

"Hmmm." Nero gave him a disbelieving hum before she shrugged her shoulders "Very well, I supposed I will simply learn of this later."

"Nero-san." Mash stepped forwards "Would you like a tour?"

"Umu!" The Roman's expression visibly brightened at the mention of the tour "I wish to examine my new place of living and see who else shall have the pleasure of witnessing my brilliance!"

Ritsuka's expression froze, his eyes widening slightly before he grabbed Mash's shoulder. The Shielder turned to him in confusion before he raised a single finger towards the Emperor "Can you excuse us one moment?" he asked, when he earned a confused nod of the head, he slowly dragged Mash to the corner of the room.

"What's wrong Senpai?" She asked in a low whisper, Ritsuka briefly glanced at Nero before looking back at Mash.

"We forgot about Boudica." He revealed with a strained expression, Mash's eyes widened as they darted back to the Emperor for a few moments.

"Oh no." She realised "Their history-"

"Isn't so good." Ritsuka nodded "You saw how she got when Nero gets mentioned."

Mash winced and nodded her head in worry "P-perhaps we can keep them away from each other?"

"Like we tried with Havel and Casters?" Ritsuka sighed, rubbing his hands over his face "Great…we'll have to at least get them to keep any arguments civil or subtly try and hide her from Boudica until we can determine how she would react." he sighed "At least it's just Ner-"

"Umm…" Romani's voice echoed out through the chamber "The summoning circle is activating again."

"Huh?" Ritsuka and Mash turned back towards it as the pillar of light shot into the sky, engulfing the room in its brightness before it slowly started to dissipate and reveal the newest figure in the room.

The featureless head scanned its surroundings before slowly trailed down to look at the rose covered floor. "...My expectations for this place were already low given the company you kept upon our last meeting." the head raised up and stopped when it noticed Nero "You have managed to exceed them in finding worse help." the man sighed, straightening himself out completely as his white robes touched the floor and his wooden hands rested at his sides.

"I am the Caster Servant. Pontiff Sulyvahn of Irithyll." His head turned towards Ritsuka and inclined itself slightly "I assume you are my summoner."

"...Oh great." Ritsuka slapped his hand over his face.

"I certainly hope you do not take offense to this." Nero spoke up as she stared at Sulyvahn "But you are moderately unpleasant to gaze upon. Perhaps it is because you share a resemblance with trees?" she mused to herself, then frowned "Where you cursed?"

Sulyvahn stared at her in silence for a few moments before he replied "I am currently debating that." he swiveled his head back to Ritsuka and Mash "Where is that unkindled dog you like to keep around?"

Mash frowned at the clear insult "There's no need to be rude about Ash-san."

"Ash." Sulyvahn gave a mocking scoff as he stepped down from the panel "If that is to be his name, you may as well have called him 'corpse' instead." his mocking tone continued "Or perhaps 'thing'. Still, if you have taken a liking to it, then you may call it whatever you please."

"Him." Ritsuka spoke in a strained tone.

"How quaint." Sulyvahn absent mindedly replied as he gazed around the room, sweeping away some of the rose petals at his feet "This is where you make residence as you fight to secure the future of your world?" his attention returned to the roses.

"Umu." Nero nodded her head "I agree. Thus far, it is quite drab." she placed her hands on her hips "I am pleased to see that you also find the decorum to be lacking." she smiled at the taller man "Worry not, strange spirit of the forests, I will ensure this place matches an Emperor's style!"

Sulyvahn remained silent before turning to stare at Ritsuka "You are actually going to let her touch anything?" His voice contained a hint of incredulity to it.

Ritsuka simply sighed, shaking his head. This tour was going to be a complete disaster, he could tell already. His mind further soured when he remembered Sulyvahn was a sorcerer and apparently a morally dubious one as well. Which meant he would have to be on the lookout for Havel.

"It doesn't have to be anything strenuous-"

"The healer's words were quite clear." Siegward cut her off before she could finish her sentence, Boudica's lips pursed themselves as the Saber didn't even look away from the food he was cooking as he answered her. "You might be able to assume physical form, but you still require rest."

Boudica let out a small sigh in response as she leaned back into her chair "I suppose that's true enough." he muttered to herself, staring down at her recently regrown limb. It had taken some time and most of it spent in Spirit form for the leg to regrow but it was at least back. The issue she found was that Siegward wasn't willing to budge on the topic of rest, stating that a few days was hardly long enough and she would only be allowed in the kitchen at the end of the week.

Archer made no effort to argue on her behalf, simply stating that it was Siegwards choice whether to prevent her or not and that was that. She wasn't quite used to being told to sit out and let other people do things for her but it was certainly an odd feeling to have, being catered to.

If she was being honest, she was feeling a little restless as a result of having little to do and still being off active duty until she was certified to be at one-hundred percent again. At the very least, she could spend her time with other people and talk. It had thus far proven illuminating to a degree.

"So you would just go through periods where you did nothing?" She asked the Saber sat next to her, Ash nodded his head as he drank the Siegbrau without changing his expression, she wasn't exactly pleased that he had taken up day drinking from the Irish Lancer but it was apparently one of the few things he could still taste, therefore taking it away from him felt cruel. "But it wasn't because you slept?"

"No." Ash shook his head in response "I rested by bonfire's to allow my body enough time to recuperate or review my current situation." he shrugged, "That was all I did with my time."

"Nothing else?"

"No."

She frowned, gesturing over her shoulder to Siegward "He said he used to pass the time by sleeping."

"How Siegward chooses to spend his periods outside of combat is his own choice." Ash replied with a frown, although it felt as though it was directed at himself "However, I never attempted to sleep as I personally did not see the need for it. I would much rather be aware of how much time passes during my periods of rest."

Boudica hummed in response "Did you ever try?"

"No. I did not."

The Rider didn't have much of a reply to that, instead looking around the cafeteria. "A few new Servants now, aren't there?"

"Indeed." Ash agreed, shifting his head to gaze across the growing roster "I have never seen so many sane individuals in one place before. Even the Shrine at its height had no more than ten or so present at any given time." he paused "By its end, there were far fewer."

"I'm sure it won't play out like that." Boudica hastily assured him, earning a raised eyebrow from the unkindled "Even if we are to die, we can be resummoned again so long as Master remains alive. At least until the Incineration is undone."

"I am familiar with the idea of dying and returning from death." Ash pointed out with a perfectly straight face "It is simply the idea of all these Servants gathered under one cause that is…unusual to me."

"Is it?" Boudica frowned, then slowly nodded her head "I suppose it can be considered strange that so many people from different era's are in one place. Then again, at the end of the day we're all considered to be Heroes of Humanity." she gave him a wry smile "Is it that odd we would be summoned to help save the world?"

Ash remained silent "Does it concern you?" he asked after a few moments "The idea of dying and returning to life repeatedly?"

Boudica blinked at him, resting both her arms on the table "I haven't given it much thought." she admitted truthfully "We're Servants to be used by our Masters…we technically exist for as long as they do or require us and that's it. It's not like we're forced to do it though." she added on "I heard the call - same as all these other Servants - and decided to come down and help of my own volition." she shrugged "We can leave at any time if we really wanted to."

"I doubt there are many Servants who would wantonly abandon their duty." Ash remarked curtly "If you have accepted the call of summons, then you are obligated to see it to its completion."

"That's normally how most Servants go." Boudica admitted "But some…" she sighed "Some are probably less nobly intentioned and would just use it as a way to live a second life for their own agenda."

"Troubling." Ash grumbled to himself, shaking his head. The notion of accepting a summons with no true purpose and to flat out abandon the Duty they were brought for was disturbing to him.

"Is it?" Ash froze at the voice, Boudica blinked and looked over his shoulder as if seeing who was standing behind the Saber for the first time "I wonder what peculiar notion brought this thought to the forefront of your mind, unkindled?"

His head slowly turned around to face the Servant who had virtually appeared.

"I dare say that you commenting upon the abandonment of duty being troubling is a touch…" The mirth in Sulyvahn's voice was apparent as the featureless head stared down at him "Hypocritical."

"Sulyvahn." Ash growled, slowly rising to his feet and turning to face the Caster "How are you here?"

"How?" Sulyvahn cocked his head to the side in amusement "Is it so puzzling? I arrived in much the same way that you did. I heard the call for aid and I suppose I could not resist the opportunity to answer." a rumbling laugh emerged from his throat "Does that trouble you so much, Unkindled?"

Ash stared up at Sulyvahn in silence for a few moments before he rolled his jaw "That will depend on how long you live past this moment."

"So strike me down." Sulyvahn simply replied, stepping back and spreading his arms wide "Come now. You can do it, Unkindled. That is - after all - the only useful quality your kind has."

Ash remained stationary.

"Hmhmhmhm." Another amused laugh broke its way past Sulyvahn's 'lips' "As I thought…you still rely so heavily on orders. Did the Flame truly bring you back as nothing more than a slave who begs for a collar?"

"Who in the-!?" Boudica growled as she shot to her feet, glaring daggers at Sulyvahn "If all you've come here to do is spew insult's then leave." she warned.

Sulyvahn turned his attention onto Boudica for a few moments, seemingly examining her for a few moments before he looked back at Ash "It seems I underestimated you." he muttered out "Your ability to switch Keepers as casually as you switch masters is astounding."

Ash's pupils shrank to pin pricks, the Saber prepared to rush forwards before a loud call broke through the cafeteria.

"Umu!" Boudica froze "Greetings all! You all have the pleasure of personally meeting the Emperor of Rome!" The red haired Rider peered around Sulyvahn towards the entrance of the cafeteria.

The red dressed girl strutted into the room with a wide smile as an anxious Ritsuka and Mash followed after her. Boudica felt her blood start to boil as the obvious Roman came to a halt and spread her arms wide, throwing aside a few red petals as she posed.

"I am Nero Claudius!" She introduced "You may lavish me with your eyes all you wish now, I shall graciously welcome all who gaze upon my beauty!"

"Nero…" The name tasted like bile in her throat as she all but snarled the name, the Emperor blinked at the tone before her head quickly darted around the room to try and find whoever had said it so aggressively.

The moment she made eye contact with Boudica, her entire form stiffened with her features turning ashen and her mouth parting in slight shock.

Boudica felt her lip curl into a scowl as she glared at the Roman for a few moments, she then noticed Ritsuka and Mash's grimace before they noticed where Sulyvahn was and seemed to grimace even harder.

"What an odd reaction." Sulyvahn noted with a hint of intrigue as he turned around to stare at the Emperor "Now what manner of act warranted this reaction, Queen of Jesters?"

Nero entirely ignored the nickname and thinly veiled insult against her as she continued to remain fixated on Boudica, the Emperor took a few steps backwards as she not so subtly tried to slide towards the door. The Iceni woman halted that by raising her arm and pointing towards the Emperor with an even fiercer scowl.

"Don't you dare move." She hissed out, stalking towards the Emperor as well as Ritsuka and Mash. Her eyes fell onto the pair of them as she eventually came to a halt in front of the trio, Nero's eyes instantly darted to the ground to avoid looking at the Rider. "What is she doing here?" Boudica asked in an unusually calm tone of voice.

Ritsuka cringed as he immediately noticed the clear aggression in her eyes "She…answered the summoning?"

Her face became warped in disbelief before it turned to the Emperor "You did?"

"U-umu." Nero nodded in a quiet voice "I mean yes."

"Why?"

"W-well…um…I…" Nero struggled to find the words for a few moments. "If humanity is gone then Rome also vanishes." she explained away with a faint shrug, her eyes darted up just in time to see Boudica's expression scrunch up into a hideous frown, indicating that she didn't see that as a problem in the least.

"Is that it?" Boudica scoffed "You're just here so the History of Rome doesn't vanish?" she clicked her tongue and looked away, letting out a long breath before she pointed at the Emperor "Just…keep away from me."

"I would like to offer my ap-"

"Don't." Boudica cut her off instantly, looming over the shorter woman with a burning fire in her eyes. "Just. Don't."

Nero wordlessly nodded her head in response, the Rider leaned back and looked over her shoulder back towards Ash and Sulyvahn, realising she had left the two of them alone together.

"I made my reasons perfectly clear last time we met." Sulyvahn remarked coldly, his form straightening out and his arm resting at his sides as he peered down at the Saber "I wished only for the end of stagnation of the world. That goal has not changed."

"What assurance can you provide that you would not betray Ritsuka?" Ash crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the Pontiff, the spirit merely cocked a wooden eyebrow in response.

"What assurances can you provide that you would not?" Sulyvahn asked in an equally accusatory tone "You were bound to the flame and yet you betrayed it all the same. I was at least honest with my intentions." he paused suddenly "It occurs to me you never did answer my question as to what motivated this betrayal of yours."

Ash remained silent at he glared at the Pontiff.

"It must have been a very strong feeling indeed." Sulyvahn quietly commented as he leaned down towards the Saber "Come now…we are allies, are we not? United behind a common goal?" another pause "Unless…there is reason to doubt your motivations?"

"I will fulfil my duty as a Warrior of Sunlight and aid in the restoration of this world." Ash curtly replied "That is all you need to concern yourself with, Sulyvahn."

Sulyvahn stared back at him in silence before straightening himself out "Is that so? Very well then." the Caster chuckled "Still clinging to that juvenile hatred of me so dearly?"

"Were you expecting a different outcome?"

"Not really." Sulyvahn shrugged "Whether you hate me or not means nothing. I am here only to ensure the continuation of History. Nothing more, nothing less. Our goals align themselves for this moment, make no mistake." the Caster's voice dropped into a low growl "Your snuffing of the flame changes nothing. Decades of work undone only for you to reap the results-"

"Our end goals were the same but our motives are as far apart as night and day." Ash coldly remarked, earning a brief twitch of surprise "Do not assume we have more in common than shared goals. If I detect a hint of betrayal from you, I will not hesitate to cut you down."

"And if I so much as suspect you will squander the history of this world, I will extend the same courtesy." Sulyvahn replied with an equally steeled tone of voice, he soon turned away from Ash and moved back towards Ritsuka.

The Saber watched him depart, noticing the others staring at him with varying degrees of concern about the situation before he shook his head.

"Where am I to be situated then?" Sulyvahn asked Ritsuka as he came to a stop near the boy "I assume there is some manner of living space available for us?"

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded his head in affirmation, turning around and gesturing to the door "I'll show you." he paused, looking to Nero "Do you want to see more of Chaldea or do you want to see your own quarters as well?"

Nero blinked at him before replying "I shall see my living space." she quickly remarked, her eyes darting between Ritsuka and Boudica meaningfully as the group slowly made their way out of the room.

Boudica watched them depart before she turned to face Ash, immediately noticing the cold manner in which he glared at the Pontiff's back as he soon left his line of sight. The Saber clicked his tongue and noticed Boudica staring at him.

"I assume you don't have the best history with him?" She quizzed, having inferred that much from their rather colourful exchange.

"It's not his history that bothers me." Ash replied with a cold look in his eyes "It is his personality." he paused. "I also killed him."

Boudica let out a small noise of understanding "I see."

"I understand you also seem to have issues with Nero." He commented, his eyes shifting towards Boudica, the woman's face pulled into a tight frown upon the mention of the name. "Is her presence going to cause issues?"

Boudica remained silent for a few moments before she sighed "We've all got bigger problems than personal grudges right now…" her lips remained in their frown as she turned back to stare in the direction the Emperor had disappeared off to "Just as long as she doesn't come near me."

"Hm." Ash merely hummed in response "Very well. I will leave it to your judgement. As long as it does not threaten our duty at hand then I will not comment upon it…" he remained silent for a few moments before his features darkened slightly "Although if she attempts to court my Fire Keeper upon her summoning, I will intervene."

Boudica couldn't help but giggle at that, despite whatever else Ash said he still cared deeply for this Fire Keeper of his. Not that she could blame him though, the notion of a Roman taking a personal interest in your family was something she was obviously dubious about. Especially in regards to someone like Nero.

"Sorry about that." Ritsuka apologised to the Emperor as they walked through the corridors of Chaldea, the woman remained noticeably stone-faced as he did so "I was trying to think of how best to tell you but you sort of just…rushed off." he grimaced.

Nero let out a hum in response "It is not your fault, there is no cause for blame on your part." she assured him with a wave of her hand "It is…between myself and Boudica." she muttered to herself, sending a fleeting glance over her shoulder towards the cafeteria again. "I will simply find a way to speak with her at a later date."

Mash's expression turned slightly hesitant "Nero-san, is that the best option?" she pointedly looked back towards the cafeteria "Boudica-san didn't seem…welcoming."

"She has little reason to be." Nero admitted "However, it is not the way of Rome to flee at the sign of danger!" she asserted with a confident smile "I shall face whatever anger she has…" she trailed off "W-when the time is right." she hastily added on as a hint of nervousness entered her eyes as they switched between Ritsuka and Mash "J-just to avoid undue violence."

"I assume this means you will confront her when you are certain she won't attempt to rip your skull from your spine." Sulyvahn remarked as he walked behind the ground "I'm almost hopeful that your meeting with her ends as such."

Nero sent him a scowl but didn't say anything.

Ritsuka sighed in response, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gestured up ahead "The rooms along here are all for cleaning supplies or toiletries." he paused "Although I doubt either of you will use them."

"Have you any manner of library here?" Sulyvahn asked, changing the topic almost instantly as he walked alongside them "Or reading materials?"

"We do have a Library on the fourth floor." Ritsuka admitted slowly, then winced when he remembered who had recently taken up visiting it frequently "But it's…er…occupied?"

Sulyvahn stared down at him "It is a library. I would find myself more concerned if it was underutilised."

"That's…not what I meant." Ritsuka muttered to himself looking around in front of him "Also you should probably avoid the third floor." He added on "Actually you can't because that's where you're staying…um…avoid the North part of it." he decided.

"For what purpose?"

"That is where…Havel lives."

"...Havel?"

"Yes."

"The Bishop."

"Hm."

"The one notorious for his hatred of Sorcerers, which is an element of his story that has remained consistent throughout the hundreds of cycles, is here, in a location which is run almost entirely by sorcerers." Sulyvahn watched as Ritsuka slowly nodded his head "I see…you are, perhaps, the biggest fool I have ever encountered in my life."

"Senpai was able to convince Havel-san to give him a chance though." Mash swiftly came to his defence, cueing Sulyvahn to turn his head towards her.

"Did he now…" The Pontiff rumbled "You convinced that luddite savage to avoid killing you?" he tilted his head "I suppose I could not think of a better attack dog than the former bishop if you have him under your control."

"He's not an attack dog." Ritsuka staunchly replied.

"Then you are underutilising him."Sulyvahn dismissed, waving his hand "For that matter, why is he here? A member of the Lordkin should have no reason to aid you in any capacity. So what manner of binding have you placed upon him?"

"None." Ritsuka replied instantly "I was honest with him and he was honest with me. As of now we have an understanding."

"An understanding." Sulyvahn dubiously replied before shrugging, turning away from the Master and continuing down the hallway. "Quaint."

Ritsuka sighed, shaking his head and following after the Caster as they continued their tour through the halls of Chaldea, he currently had no idea where Havel was but he knew he'd have to get the Bishop first and try and explain the presence of someone like Sulyvahn to him before they ran into him. It was something he'd have to break to him gently.

Then there was also the matter of informing the Director of the second Caster servant they had summoned, only this one was far less ethical than Pharros. At least he assumed so, he hadn't actually spent that much time with Pharros at all.

Nero looked around the halls as she walked alongside Mash, sporting a studious expression as she seemingly measured everything with her eyes. The Shielder watched her closely before her curiosity eventually won out.

"Is something wrong, Nero-san?"

"Mmm?" Nero turned to her, blinking once before she shook her head "Not at all. I was simply measuring the length of the hall and distance my room will cover. I will need to be prepared to decorate them to match the standards expected of the Flower of Rome!"

"F-flower of Rome?" Mash asked with a surprised expression before the initial part of the sentence stood out to her "W-wait! Decorations?"

"Umu!" Nero triumphantly nodded her head, gesturing to the walls "This corridor is drab and lifeless, hardly worthy of being associated with myself! Therefore I shall redecorate it and bring life to this place!"

"B-but…eh?"

"Now that I look at you…" Nero hummed as she stared at the Shielder with a renewed sense of interest "Hmmm. You have an adequate figure." her eyes fell upon the clothes before a saddened frown came upon her face "Have you no other garments aside from these?"

"N-no?" Mash hesitantly replied, looking around in confusion "I don't really…what's wrong with them?"

"I suppose they appear casual and yet they lack a particular flair to them." The Emperor commented as she leaned out and idly rubbed the fabric of Mash's hoodie between her fingers "They are unassuming, much like this place. You could also do with additional clothes."

"I-I'm fine!" Mash quickly replied "You don't need to trouble yourself, Nero-san!"

"Really?" Nero blinked, tilting her head at the Shielder "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Very well." Nero disappointingly sighed as she unhandled Mash, her disheartened expression remained fixed upon her for a few moments before it made a complete one-eighty into a hopeful smile "But I shall be prepared in case you ever change your mind!"

Mash wasn't sure she was ever actually going to change her mind on that topic, having seen what Nero regarded as clothes - as judging by her current Servant attire - she was somewhat dreading what the Emperor regarded as casualwear. She then paused, a stray thought entering her mind.

Were her clothes really boring? She liked them for their simplicity. She always assumed that Senpai liked them too considering he never said otherwise. Now that she thought about it, he never actually said he liked them either. Her eyes darted to his back as he walked alongside Sulyvahn. Did he actually care how she looked in the least?

"And this is where you'll be staying." Ritsuka gestured to the plain room as the door opened, Sulyvahn stared at the interior for a few moments before he silently walked into the space. His head moved around slowly as he scanned his environment before a dissatisfied sigh escaped his throat.

"It will do." He curtly remarked, then waved his hand for the others to go "Do whatever you will with the Queen of Jesters-"

"Emperor of Roses!" Nero corrected from behind Mash just as quickly "Unless you believe I could outperform others within a theatre…" she suddenly thought to herself, cupping her chin. "Is that possible?"

"I have every confidence that no court fool could ever surpass you." Sulyvahn dryly remarked, turning around to face them completely. "As it stands, if this is to be where I shall live I would at least ask for another larger space where I might set up a workshop."

Ritsuka blinked "I'll…have to clear that with the Director." he slowly replied "I think we have some unused storage rooms?" he looked at Mash for assurance on the topic, the Shielder frowned in thought for a few moments before she nodded her head. "Yeah, we do." Ritsuka looked back at Sulyvahn "So I'll ask her and see if we can get anything for you."

"If there is nothing else." Sulyvahn gestured them away "I have preparations to make."

"Alright then." Ritsuka nodded his head, stepping away from the door "Just call for me if there are any problems."

"If there are any problems, I assure you." Sulyvahn looked him in the eyes as best he could, stalking towards him until he stood at the entrance of the room, looking over Ritsuka "You shall be the first to know." the door closed and sealed him inside.

Nero blinked "I must say, he is quite confusing at times." she frowned "At one moment he praises my talent in theatre and the next he is rude." she shook her head and sighed "Truly a most peculiar character indeed."

Ritsuka didn't know if he had the heart to tell Nero he had just insulted her to her face and basically gotten away with it. Shaking his head, he decided against it. He made his intentions clear on the subject through a silent conversation with Mash given through the exchange of glances. The Shielder frowned but nodded her head in response.

"Come on Nero." Ritsuka gestured down the hallway "We'll lead you to your room, unless you want to see more of Chaldea."

"I am more curious about this place." Nero admitted "I have not seen something like this since I can recall…Beyond this, I am wondering how you would feel about the notion of a theatre." she beamed "I am now considering how welcome my talents would be as an entertainer!"

Ritsuka blinked at her "Um…maybe later?"

"Umu!" Nero nodded her head, strutting past him "Indeed! For now we shall continue my adventure in this place!"

"She's in her office." Romani shrugged, leaning back into his chair and spinning side to side in it "Just took off the moment she saw the Emperor? Empress?" he frowned "I'm still struggling on how anyone could get those mixed up."

"Did she wear as Mask?" Pharros asked as she looked at the monitor in front of him, Da Vinci stood off to the side as the pair observed the woman examine the equipment in the command room. The knowledge that her Noble Phantasm allowed her understand technology provided she was around it long enough certainly came as a welcome surprise.

It meant that she could learn how to operate and repair the Rayshift equipment if they ever needed her and Da Vinci was otherwise occupied.

"Just curious." Pharros went on as she unlatched the panel underneath one of the desks "Because I went most of my time wearing the stone mask. My voice sounded pretty masculine." she shrugged "Also this robe hides a lot, most just assumed it was bulk."

"You've not seen The Emperor yet." Romani wryly pointed out, waving his arms towards himself "She doesn't even make an effort to hide her gender in the least."

"And they still have her down in history as a man?" Pharros turned around and gave Romani a raised eyebrow "Huh. Seems strange. How common were female rulers?"

"I'd like to say not all that common until recently-"

"You'd like to say?" Da Vinci gave him a bemused look as the man instantly tightened his expression.

"Not what I meant." He remarked "I meant, I'd like to say with some certainty they weren't all that common until recently…but given the fact that we've found out that Emperor Nero, Sir Gareth, Sir Francis Drake and King Arthur were all women in actuality I'm probably going to guess there might be more cases of mistaken identity."

He frowned, cupping his chin "Actually…Towards the end of her rule, Emperor Nero was quite hated by the Senate, so it might have been a smear campaign?"

Da Vinci and Pharros exchanged glances before they both shrugged at him.

"It's possible." Pharros admitted "More than probable. Still, does it really matter that much?"

"A lot of Servants have weaknesses documented in History." Romani explained "If the History books can be mistaken about something so basic as their gender, imagine what else they might be wrong about?" he sighed "What if you're fighting someone like Achilles and it turns out his weakness isn't actually his heel?"

"That seems like a stretch." Da Vinci pointed out, then gave a small hum "But I suppose I can see where you're coming from."

"I've just got a name popping into my head now." Pharros stated as she furrowed her brows before blinking "Huh. Unbreakable skin? That sounds useful."

"I'd imagine it is." Romani scratched his brow "Why can't we summon someone like Achilles?"

"Am I not good enough or something?" Pharros frowned at the doctor, causing Romani to pale slightly before she smirked and waved her hand "No, I understand. I'm better at making traps and stuff for battles anyway." she paused "Sometimes shortcuts as well. I did a pretty good turn for the Rat King during my early years."

Romani blinked "Rat King?" he tilted his head "That sounds like a derogatory title."

"It was a literal title." Pharros replied "He was the King of Rats."

"As in…" He paused, "Are we thinking of the same thing here?"

"Rodents up to your knees?" Pharros raised her hand for reference. "Actually quite reasonable once you get to know them although they were really down on their luck when I met them." she frowned "Starting to hate humans…I built them some burrows and let them seal them off if they wanted before I left."

Romani was still staring at her with wide eyes "That…can you just run that by me again?" he asked "Because it sounds more like you encountered a kingdom of Magical beasts or some such?"

"Beasts" She blinked in response at the unusual word, looking towards Da Vinci for clarification.

"It's more a classification than an insult." She explained "It just signifies that they exist outside of the normal biology of man."

"Ooooh." Pharros nodded her head "I see."

Romani chuckled "A kingdom of Rats?" he shook his head "What's next? Perhaps a federation of Cats?"

"The Cats kept to themselves." Pharros replied back just as quickly and with a voice which was tinged with a hint of fear "And they rarely intermingled with each other. Fortunate for all those involved, considering their immortality and invulnerability."

Romani blinked twice "Their what?"

"The true cats anyway." Pharros corrected herself "The ones which only came up to your shins." she shivered. "There were rumors describing what they did to maintain their bodies." shrugging she looked back at the two "Anyway, I never personally saw one of the True Cats but it was well known they couldn't be harmed by any means."

Da Vinci let out a huff of amusement "You're saying that cats had conceptual defense?"

"Some did." Pharros shrugged "There were a few theories they were the Everlasting Dragons who had taken on new forms." scratching her cheek, the woman turned back to examining the equipment "Again, I tried not to think too hard on it. If only to spare myself the worry about what I would do if I ever encountered one. Ask any self-respecting traveller and they'll tell you the same thing about the Cats."

"R-right." Romani absent mindedly nodded his head while exchanging a look with Da Vinci, they were both definitely going to ask about this. The idea of a Cat of all things being granted absolute defence against physical harm was so out there it was almost laughable. Yet Pharros had said so with the utmost sincerity that some cats were immortal.

It was certainly worth looking into for curiosity's sake at any rate.

The door opened up behind them, causing Romani, Da Vinci and Pharros to look towards it as Ritsuka, Nero and Mash entered the room. "And this is the command centre."

"Umu." Nero nodded her head, looking around and humming to herself as she examined the room "It is…" she paused, pursing her lips "Lacking in decorations."

"I told you, Romani." Da Vinci mirthfully spoke, giving the doctor a triumphant expression. Romani shook his head as he spun his chair around fully to face the new entrants.

"Fujimaru-kun, Emperor Nero." He nodded his head to the two of them "Mash." then to the girl in the back before he frowned "I take it you've already shown Sulyvahn to his quarters?"

"Yeah." Ritsuka nodded his head "By the way, where's the Director?" he asked, looking around the room "Because Sulyvahn wanted an unused storage room to set up a Workshop in."

Da Vinci rubbed her chin in thought "I suppose there are a few empty ones after we transferred all our supplies to the floors which actually retain power, then there are those whose supplies were destroyed in the initial bombings." she muttered to herself before shaking her head "As for the Director, I believe she escaped to her office after a certain Emperor arrived." she sent an amused smile in Nero's direction.

The Emperor blinked before she put on a surprised expression "Did I do something to insult her?" she found herself asking after a few moments "She fled after taking one look at me without even revealing her name."

"More like you got very friendly with her in Rome." Romani explained with a shrug of his shoulders "She probably wasn't quite prepared to see you again."

"Umu! Then she is just shy!" Nero beamed, "In that case, I shall simply expose her to my beauty more often to allow her to get used to my presence!"

"Ha-hang on, I'm not sure that's quite ri-"

"Nonsense!" Nero cut him off, placing her hand on her chest and puffing it out pridefully. "Flowers are more beautiful when they are seen together and she has the hallmarks of being a pale rose to my beautiful crimson!"

Pharros eyebrows rose up her forehead as she stared at the Emperor in bewilderment before looking around to see the others already looking a mix between resignation and dread. "This is Emperor Nero?" she asked as she took up, taking stock of the Emperor and then looking towards Romani "I take it back. I don't see how anyone could think she was a man."

"Exactly!" Romani snapped his fingers towards her "It's just…how!?"

"Clearly it was so that any Emperors who came after me did not feel as though their beauty was lesser than mine!" Nero pridefully exclaimed with an aura of complete assurness "As the incarnation of Venus, there is unlikely to be another more beautiful than I!"

"What do you think, Romani?" Da Vinci suddenly asked, looking to the doctor with a raised eyebrow and an intrigued smile "Is she the most beautiful?"

"I'm not going to cheat on Magi*Mari." Romani replied instantly, spinning his chair around and facing the computers again "So I will not comment on it at all."

Da Vinci's smile remained fixed on her face as she stared at the doctor for a few moments, then craned her head up to see a teasing smile on Pharros expression. She gave a faux warning glare before exaggeratingly huffing and looking away. "Romani just can't appreciate true beauty."

"I'm not going to compliment you every time you ask for it Leo." Romani sighed out, shaking his head "It would eventually lose the meaning of praise."

"Aha!" Da Vinci victoriously exclaimed "So you do think I'm beautiful!"

Romani sighed even louder.

"Umu! A most interesting place." Nero nodded her head, placing both her hands on her hips. "I wonder…" she hummed to herself before turning to Romani "You, mage!"

"H-huh?" Romani spun around in his chair "Yes?"

"Is there a reason I feel an odd sense of indebtedness to this place?" She asked, frowning "Despite what Maestro says, I feel as though it was of great importance. I wish to learn what transpired."

Romani blinked at her twice before his expression turned giddy "I knew that war journal would eventually get read!" he shouted out in a happy tone of voice "And everyone said it was a waste of time!"

"I think only the Director had a problem with it." Ritsuka commented "I thought it was still in drafts." he muttered out "I kinda want to read that as well now." he paused "You did get down the bits with the director, right? Because I have no idea what was happening."

"Oh, yes." Romani nodded his head, getting to his feet "I have it in my room!"

"I thought the Director wanted it in the Library?"

"..."

"You forgot, didn't you?" Ritsuka let out an amused sigh, shaking his head and giving the man a hopeless smile "Never change Romani, never change."

All the doctor could offer was a half shrug and a nervous chuckle in response.

Regardless, Ritsuka couldn't see much of an issue with Nero reading up about the second singularity of her own volition. He didn't want to make a big deal out of it but it seemed she wasn't going to take no for an answer.

He doubted anything would really go wrong.

The pair sat in silence, there was much to be said about the manner in which the pair of them stared down at the books in their hands with both their visors sitting just to their side. Medusa was pointedly looking away from Gwyndolin - or rather his legs - if only because it was mildly amusing/off-putting.

The manner in which around a dozen snakes were staring at her as if they were lost puppies was just something she couldn't wrap her head around effectively.

Gwyndolin meanwhile was more focused on reading the book in front of him, raising a finger and turning onto the next page before he looked over at Medusa "And you are content with this?"

"I am." Medusa nodded her head, still fixated on reading "It's calming and out of the way of everyone else."

"I suppose that much is true." Gwyndolin hummed to himself before he went back to reading. This 'Lord of the Rings' book was actually quite intriguing for him to read thus far. He had never actually read anything akin to a novel such as this. Although the notion that it was regarded as 'fantasy' was actually quite amusing considering where he was from and who he was reading it with.

It was…nice to just sit in silence with company who was after much the same goal.

Although Medusa hadn't actually said what she was reading.

"UMU!" The pair flinched at the sudden volume, Medusa instantly snatched up her visor and clipped it back on before she turned her head towards the sudden intruder.

Gwyndolin looked up and sighed when he noticed who it was. The colourful and eccentric mortal ruler had apparently come here as well. "What business have you, human?" he asked out in an already resigned tone of voice.

"I have come to offer my thanks for all you did for me in Rome!" Nero - rather loudly - exclaimed as she strutted towards the God "I am eternally grateful for this aid and will strive to repay you for it."

While it was peculiar for him to be offered thanks, he only did it as revenge against Aldrich. "You have offered thanks, you may depar-"

"I actually have something I must ask of you…" She trailed off, looking left and right before she leaned closer to him and dropped her voice into a whisper "I was wondering if I might ask a favour of you."

"A…favour?" Gwyndolin lowered his book, raising his head to look her in the eyes. Nero stared at him inquisitively for a few moments.

"You have a most beautiful face…" She whispered out in awe, an odd gleam entering her eyes "Like Sporus…" swiftly shaking her head - and completely missing Medusa's brief grimace as the name registered - and returning to the original point. "As I was saying, I have recently been reminded of a promise I made to throw a grand festival to thank Chaldea…and I believe you might be of help."

"Really?" Gwyndolin raised a lone eyebrow before his eyes returned to his book "And what reasoning might I have to aid your peculiar quest, mortal?"

"For I intend to gather a great many in celebration of this victory!" Nero beamed, placing her hand upon her chest and smiling down at the God "From all those who offered aid being welcome!"

Gwyndolin paused, slowly lowering his book and staring up at Nero with a hint of intrigue. "I am listening."

AN: Everyone's favourite wise-ass Suly-chan is here!

Also a little sneak peak into what is going to happen next. Madness, madness and stupidity.

That's right everyone! It's time for Nero-Fest!