AN: So someone private messaged me if Motoyasu was going to join Ritsuka after the Melromarc Anomaly, so I'm going to answer this for everyone. The Cardinal Heroes are still going on adventures in the light novel after Chaldea resolves the Anomaly. However, since Ritsuka has met them he can summon them due to the Anomaly, as such he can utilize them in future stories. I planned to have the three Heroes join Ritsuka in the Second Arc during the Danamachi Anomaly.

Ch 26 Back to the South

Fuyuki, Japan

It was the middle of Winter Break for Motoyasu, he'd been busy getting some more Tuition Money.

Ritsuka was assisting him by working the same Job as Motoyasu, a Convenient Store clerk. Thanks to Motoyasu's recommendation to the Store Manager. Now they work similar shifts, almost working together,

"Thank you for your contribution, please come back again." Ritsuka inclined his head to a Customer before they left the counter.

"What a nice young Man," The Elderly Woman spoke with a smile, she then took her shopping bag and bid Ritsuka farewell.

The black-haired teen smiles, watching as the Elderly Woman leaves the Convenient Store.

"How are you doing, Ritsuka?" The young Teen turns around and sees Motoyasu with the Store Manager standing beside him. "Any troubles?" Motoyasu asked his Brother Figure.

Ritsuka smiles at the two Men, "No, things are going quietly, Sir." The young Teen informed the two.

The Store Manager smiles at Ritsuka, "I'm happy to hear that, Fujimaru-kun." He said to the young Teen, "Keep up with the good work,"

As the Store Manager left the sales floor, Motoyasu approached his Brother. "Here I was getting worried that with only a few Months of learning Japanese and the Culture, you might not be able to handle yourself on the Counter and the People." Motoyasu smiles, joining Ritsuka on the Counter.

"Hey, I learned from the best, Aniki," Ritsuka said, taking every chance to learn from the blonde Man. "You did everything for me since coming here, I have to find a way to pay you back."

Motoyasu chuckles, ruffling his hair which receives an unpleasant expression. "Don't worry about it, Ritsuka." The blonde College Student stated, "Like I said; there's no need to pay me back for anything."

Ritsuka smiled, however, he knew the truth. One night during the middle of Motoyasu's Semester, he came out of his room for a drink of water, he overheard Motoyasu on the Phone.

Flashback

"Are you sure? I made the payment on time." Motoyasu sat at the table, on the Phone with his University.

-ZZZ- I'm sorry but it seems your funds are inefficient, -ZZZ- The Receptionist informed the young University Student,

Motoyasu sighs, placing his hand on his forehead. "How can this be? I made sure I set some money aside for this Semester…" He said to himself, "Is there anything I could do to make the payment?" He asked the Receptionist,

The Receptionist checked a few things on the Computer, and after waiting for what seemed to be an hour she responded, -ZZZ- Alright, based on your Schedule the payment will be decreased if you take a lesser packed Schedule. -ZZZ- She informed Motoyasu.

The blonde University Student nearly stood up from the floor. "But I'm supposed to graduate in a year! If I take a small Class Schedule then I won't be able to graduate!" Motoyasu exclaims,

Ritsuka flinched, hearing his Brother Figure shouting in disbelief at what the University told him. He continued to listen to the conversation, feeling like it was his fault for putting his Brother in this predicament since he spent his Money for his needs here.

"Alright, I guess there's nothing I could do now…" Motoyasu sighs, accepting the outcome of his Studies.

End Flashback

After the shift, Ritsuka walked out of the Staff Break room. The young Teen walked past the Counter, noticing Motoyasu stacking the shelves behind the Counter.

"You're not coming, Aniki?" Ritsuka asked Motoyasu, seeing he was still working.

Motoyasu turns around, seeing Ritsuka all ready to leave for their Home. "Ah, I took an extra shift." He chuckles, scratching the back of his head, "I'll be Home later, Ritsuka."

Ritsuka's eyes lowered before accepting what Motoyasu said. "If you say so, Aniki." The young Teen left the Store, returning to their Apartment.

The walk to their Apartment on the regular route was relatively peaceful. However, this walk was different,

"Excuse me, young Man." Ritsuka paused, turning around to the front of an Antique Store. "You seem to be the type of Person who likes a good book…" The young Magus looks up at the Person speaking to him.

Ritsuka looks at the old man in his way. "I do enjoy a good book. Might I why you ask me, sir?" Ritsuka asked.

"Ohoho, I had a feeling when you passed my stop daily." The old Man said. He took out an ancient-looking book from his back and handed it to Ritsuka. "Here,"

Ritsuka holds out his hands to him. "Oh no, I couldn't sir. I do not have money for-"

"Just take it, it's on the house." The old man smiles at the young Magus.

Ritsuka read the title of the book. "Thaumaturgy," he read before looking up at the old Man. "Are you sure? This might catch a hefty price." Ritsuka asked

"Yes, now run along and enjoy the book," The old Man said to the young Magus.

"Thank you, Sir." Ritsuka inclines his head in respect to him before heading home.

The old Man smiled as Ritsuka was at a good distance away from the store. He opens his crimson eyes, "Study well my new apprentice, for your destiny awaits." he walks back into the store awaiting the perfect time to make a move on him.

Ritsuka's eyes opened and he sat up from the Carriage's bench. "Ritsuka, you're awake!" Pavel sat next to him, watching him sleep.

"Pavel…" Ritsuka yawns, feeling sores all over his Body. He stretches before addressing that the Carriage was empty besides himself, Pavel, and Fou. "How long did I sleep?"

The dark-grey-haired Boy smiles, wagging his tail. "You've been sleeping for a long time, Ritsuka," Pavel explains to his Caretaker, "You were still sleeping even though we arrived at the Town. Mr. Naofumi told me not to bother you, so yeah! Oh and to watch over you too!"

"Fou, Fou," Fou nodded, confirming what his Descendant said.

Ritsuka smiles, "I see, thank you, Pavel." The Magus reach over, petting his head.

Suddenly, the Carriage tarp opened, "Oh, master, you're awake." Bedivere said, surprised to see his master up this soon. "How's your rest? I know that the Battle of the Northern Territory was taxing," The Saber commented,

The Magus smiles, sitting on the bench. "Well, sleeping on a wooden bench isn't good for one's back." Ritsuka jokes, stretching the stiffness from his body. "Pavel here is making sure I'm alright, right Pavel?" Ritsuka asked,

Pavel nodded with a bright and proud smile. "Yeah, did I do good, Sir Bedivere?" The young Demi-Human asked the Knight of Loyalty,

"Yes, yes you did, young Pavel." Bedivere chuckles, seeing how eager the young Child is. "Good job on watching over master." The Silver Knight smiles at Pavel before addressing his master.

"Fou, Fou," Fou congratulated the young Demi-Human for a good job.

Pavel giggles, feeling his Ancestor nuzzles him. "Fou, stop it!" He giggled,

Ritsuka gazed at the Silver Knight, ready for whatever he needed to say. "Bedi, what do you got for me?" He asked Bedivere, waiting for the information.

Bedivere looks at his master, telling Ritsuka what he'd miss during his rest. "During your sleep, master; we received an unexpected Guest here in the Town." The Knight of Loyalty informed the Magus from the Stars.

"An unexpected Guest?" Ritsuka raised his eyebrow, curious who was visiting if they caught everyone's attention.

The Saber nodded, "Yes, Sir Naofumi, Lady Raphtalia, and Saber are speaking with her as of right now." The silver-haired Knight explains to his master.

Ritsuka was interested in who their mysterious Guest might be. "Then let's go and greet our mysterious Guest," He looks at Pavel, who instinctively grabs hold of his hand and smiles,

"I shall escort you two to where they are, master." Bedivere inclined his head, offering his service as his Servant.

"Much appreciate it, Bedi," Ritsuka said, appreciating what the Silver Knight offered. The three soon left the Carriage, heading into the Town to meet with everyone.

Inside the Border Town, it was much busier than before. There were a lot more Demi-Human and Human Knights, Adventurers, Mages, and other Professionals in the Town.

Fou observes the newcomers to the Border Town, seeing many new faces. "Fou…"

Pavel was in awe of the many People in Town. "Wow, there's a lot of People here!" He smiles, looking around from side to side of the Town. "Why are there so many People here, Ritsuka?" The young Boy asked the Magus.

"I'm not too sure about it, this is my first time seeing the Town like this since coming back here," Ritsuka said, looking around the Town at the many People present. He then turns to Bedivere, seeing he was in the Town before coming to them. "Saber, do you know why there are a lot of People in Town?"

"Our Guest did not come alone, master," Bedivere explains to the director of Chaldea. "From what she said upon arrival to the Town, she came with a small Platoon and Adventurers sent by the Queen." The Saber continued with his explanation.

The Silver Knight looks at where their Guest is speaking with the others. "I'm not sure why she's here, but I believe you should talk to her, master," Bedivere said, motioning to Ritsuka's position as the Leader of the group and the Alliance.

Ritsuka nodded, understanding what his Servant was saying. "Right," He said, walking up to where the Guest was.

In the middle of the Town, Naofumi was standing with Melty, Castoria, Raphtalia, Tristan, Harobalomia, and Barghest. Standing before them was a young Woman around Naofumi and Ritsuka's Age, she have a fair complexion, pink hair, and blue eyes, and wearing a green Military Uniform.

"So the Queen has heard about our victory in Faubrey and sent you to…do what exactly?" Naofumi asked, crossing his arms and trying to understand Mirellia's mindset on sending this Woman.

"I understand your confusion, Sir Shield Hero. Allow me to explain Her Majesty's reason for sending me and the Platoon you see before you." The Female Knight gazes at Naofumi, "After receiving word that you and the Magus from the Stars defeated Heroic Knight Tristan and diminished his power. She and Rider decided to move our Forces near the Border between the Southern Countries and set up a station for the eventual march."

Barghest nodded, understanding the motives behind Mirellia's thought process. "Makes sense, when the time comes for the Siege of the Capital, we need a place to gather our Allies of the Southern Countries' Forces to prepare themselves." The Fairy Knight said, knowing Military tactics firsthand.

"Indeed, but it still troubles me that we're using a Town as a Staging Ground without the Lord's permission, Lady Saber," Tristan added, turning to the Lord of the very Town. "Lord Harobalomia, is it truly alright with you for the Queen's Soldiers to be here in your Town?" The Archer asked the Elf.

Raphtalia agreed with Tristan on that notion, "You and your People have done so much already for sheltering us. Even letting us build our Forces if you-"

The Elven Lord chuckles, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it. I said this before, we're all Allies in this fight against the Three Heroes Roundtable." Harobalomia stated, that understanding this gathering was for a better Future, "I shall make the necessary preparations for Housing of the Queen's Army. Please make yourselves comfortable until then,"

The Elf inclined his head to the Female Knight and her Platoon before departing,

"Well, it seems Lord Harobalomia doesn't mind you being here, Lady Seaetto." Castoria smiles at the Knight of Melromarc, "Since you're here, you should meet master later. He's resting a bit after giving everything during the Battle of the Northern Territory." The Lostbelt Servant stated,

"I see," The Female Knight said, placing her hand on her chin. "If Lord Fujimaru is resting, then I'll hold off my introductions for later…" She said, understanding a large Battle like that has its toll on someone, even with a high standing like Ritsuka.

Naofumi's eyes shift to the side, noticing Ritsuka, Pavel, and Bedivere heading over to them. "Well, you don't need to wait any longer. Fujimaru's here," The Shielder motions his chin behind her.

The Female Knight and her Platoon turn around, seeing the Magus from the Stars and some of his Allies heading their way.

Ritsuka approached the group, seeing what the commotion was. "Lord Fujimaru, it's an honor to meet the Commander of the Heroes Partisan; the Magus from the Stars." The Female Knight saluted Ritsuka,

"O-Oh, um, nice to meet you all." Ritsuka wasn't expecting a respectful greeting from the newcomers. "I'm guessing you all are from Faubrey then?" He asked the Female Knight and her Platoon.

Melty steps forward, seeing it's her time to introduce Ritsuka. "Fujimaru-sama, this here is Lady Éclair Seaetto; the Daughter of the Lord of Seayette and Mother's right-hand Knight regarding Melromarc/Demi-Human relations." The Second Princess introduced Éclair to Ritsuka.

Éclair stood straight, emitting a Knightly aura similar to the Servants behind her. "I was away on important matters when you were in Faubrey, Commander. My Father and I always believed in the Prophecy of the Stars, hoping that one Day the Waves of Calamity will end." She stated, showing that she has a very high respect for Ritsuka. "Once we received word that you have claimed victory in the Northern Territory, her Majesty requested me to aid you in whatever you need and set up a Staging Ground for the Siege."

Naofumi interjected, making what the Knight said simpler. "In short, she's here to set up for the Battle with the Capital." He said, smirking at him as he felt Raphtalia nudge him.

"Naofumi-sama!" Raphtalia hissed at him, scolding him for his interjection.

Tristan sighs, being reminded of the old times in Britain. "Ah, such memories…"

"Uh, thank you, Lady Seaetto. But you don't need to be formal with me." Ritsuka said, not wanting them to feel like they must have a Knight persona for him.

"Please, call me Éclair, Commander," Éclair stated, allowing the Magus to call her by her first Name.

Ritsuka nodded, "If you say so, Lady- er, Éclair. If you don't mind, what did Queen Mirellia say by aiding us?" The Magus asked the pink-haired Knight.

Éclair placed her hand on her chest, explaining what the Queen of Melromarc wanted her to do. "Her Majesty wants us, more on me to assist you on your Mission." The Knight explains to the Magus. "Consider me as your envoy to Her Majesty, Lord Fujimaru." She stated,

"Alright then," Ritsuka said, accepting the Female Knight and the Platoon. "Welcome to the Team, Éclair."

The pink-haired Knight inclined her head towards Ritsuka, "The honor is mine, Lord Fujimaru." Éclair responded, allowing the Magus to address the others.

"So, I'm guessing the many People here are the result of the Battle in the North?" Ritsuka asked the others, assuming that was the case after hearing the reason their new Ally said.

Raphtalia nodded, confirming what Ritsuka said. "That's right, word travels fast of our victory that many Adventurers decided to join the Heroes Partisans." The Pseudo-Servant explains further what Ritsuka suspects.

Barghest closed her eyes, feeling like she heard about this before. "This sounds familiar, like when the People of Norwich lending aid to Londinium in the British Lostbelt..." The Blackdog commented, remembering seeing reports in Camelot.

"A-Ah, right…no wonder this scene looks oddly familiar…hahahaha…" Castoria chuckles slightly, turning away not wanting to remember what happened to Lostbelt Gareth afterwards.

Naofumi looks at the blonde Servant, catching her slight chuckle. "Anyways, we should discuss what's our next move now that we're back here." The Shielder suggested to everyone.

"That I agree," Bedivere added, supporting what Naofumi said. "A lot has happened in the Northern Territory that needs to be disclosed to everyone." The Silver Knight stated,

Everyone agreed as Ritsuka turned to Éclair and invited her to join. "Éclair, now that you're here you should join us." Ritsuka offered the Female Knight,

Éclair nodded, accepting the invitation given by the Magus from the Stars. "Very well, thank you for inviting me, Lord Fujimaru." The Knight thanked him, following the group to the Town Hall.

After walking to the Town Hall, Ritsuka stood before the door and was looking at Pavel standing with Filo and Fou. "We'll be in the meeting for a while, you two can play with the Town's Children outside." He advises the two younger Party members.

"Hai!" Both Pavel and Filo agreed with what Ritsuka suggested, eager to play with the Children in the Townsquare.

The two Children rushed back outside after getting permission from Ritsuka to leave. Just before Pavel and Filo left the Building, Fou looked at Ritsuka, "Fou, I'm counting on you to keep an eye on those two. Alright?" He asked the Beast.

"Fou, Fou." Fou nodded, following the Children outside the Town Hall.

Ritsuka smiles, watching Fou following the two outside the Building before hearing the door open. "Master, are you finished here?" Lancelot asked his master, seeing the Children and the Beast left.

"Yes, I'm just seeing Pavel and Filo off with Fou," Ritsuka said, explaining to the Knight of the Lake. "Anyways, let's start the meeting, Saber."

Lancelot nodded, moving to the side for his master to enter. "Right," He said, walking with him inside the room.

Inside the room, gathered around the Roundtable Servants and Naofumi's Party were ready to discuss the events that transpired. Both Éclair and Archer of the Red Cliffs were present, sitting in between Raphtalia and Saber.

"Before we start the meeting, Archer I see Berserker was able to Heal your Spirit Origins after you and Fairy Knight Tristan battled against Itsuki." Ritsuka smiles, happy to see the red-haired Archer back to his fighting form.

"Yes, I'm grateful to Berserker for Healing despite our complicated Past," Tristan spoke, appreciating the Lostbelt Queen Healing him, "Now I can continue fighting for you, master."

Baobhan Sith sighs, leaning her face on her hand. "Well, that's good and all but I'm sure that next time we face that Bastard we'll get our asses kick." The Fairy Knight stated, "The best we could do is injure him or restrain him to the least."

"Yes, I hate to admit it, but those Heroic Knights are a bit too powerful," Gawain stated, remembering how much of a struggle is to pin them down.

"Heh, well you wouldn't have to worry about that, Saber." Naofumi chuckles, crossing his arms causing everyone who wasn't with the Expedition Team to be aware of the situation.

The Grand Saber looks at Naofumi, curious about what he is saying. "What do you mean, Sir Naofumi?" The blonde Servant asked the Shielder.

Ritsuka smiled, leaning on the table, and informed the rest of the Roundtable. "In the Northern Territory, we've encountered Merlin who not only personally gave us the Piece of Rhyongomyniad but also revealed a way to weaken the Three Heroes Roundtable." The master informed the entire Roundtable.

"Is that so?" Morgan raised her brow, seeing an opportunity before them. "Seems like the Merlin of this World is working her hardest to aid us." The Lostbelt Queen stated.

"Heh, I can't wait until I face that smug-ass Bastard again," Mordred commented before seeing her Lostbelt version of her Father raise her hand. "Eh? What's with that look?" The Knight of Rebellion asked her.

Castoria has a concerned expression. "Um…Fitoria Merlin's Spell doesn't completely render the Heroic Knights weak." The Caster explains to the Table. "The Spell makes them at the same level as the Knights they were Named after."

Melusine nodded, understanding what the Child of Prophecy meant. "So we can fight evenly now instead of receiving some wounds ourselves." The Lancer said, smiling at how his master found a way to fight the Three Heroes Roundtable on even terms.

"That's right, now that's out of the way. We can move on to our next objective." Ritsuka said, moving the meeting along.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.