AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 4 Welcome to Faubrey
The group continued their way to Faubrey Castle for the Ball invited by the Queen of Melromarc. They've encountered minor monsters, such as another pack of Barghests, some Demonic Boars, Wyverns, and bandits
Upon arrival to the Country, they were met by an advanced City filled with technology beyond what Melromarc has.
Naofumi opens the trap from within the carriage, he was awed by the Steampunk City. In hindsight, he wasn't expecting to see a Steampunk City in this World. "I heard Faubrey was advanced, but not like a Steampunk City."
"So you have something similar to Faubrey in your World, Naofumi-sama?" Raphtalia asked her master, hearing what he called the City.
"Somewhat, a Steampunk City in my World is a setting in some novels in fiction Raphtalia." The Shielder informed his Slave,
Melty giggles, looking up at the Shield Hero, "This must be like a dream to you, Naofumi-sama." She looks over to Ritsuka, thinking he'll have the same reaction as him. "Fujimaru-sama, is Faubrey a surprise to you too?"
Ritsuka looks over to the Second Princess of Melromarc, hearing her question. "Yeah, I've been to many Worlds before in my travels. The closest thing to a Faubrey in our World was London." He explains to his allies.
"London?" Pavel asked, looking away from the City and at Ritsuka. "Is it like Faubrey, Ritsuka?" The young boy asked.
"Fou, Fou?"
Ritsuka smiles, "Somewhat, during a certain age it's in a state similar to Faubrey." He explains to the Demi-Human child.
Naofumi nodded, understanding what Ritsuka was talking about. "Oh yeah, I remember that during History Class. The Industrial Revolution was a time when new technologies were being created." The Shield Hero supported the master's statement.
"The Industrial Revolution. That must be really important seeing that both of you seemingly came from similar Worlds." Raphtalia stated, finding both Hero and master's Worlds to be fascinating. "Is it still in the Revolution?"
"Not quite," Lancelot spoke from outside the carriage. The Demi-Human, Castoria, and Melty poke their heads out to where the Knight of the Lake was riding his horse beside them. "The Age of the Industrial Revolution has ended but new technologies were still being made."
Melty was confused by his statement, "What do you mean? If the Industrial Revolution ended how come technology was being made?" She asked, curious about their World.
"That's Humans for you, once an era is said to be finished, they're still inventing new ways of life." Saber of the Heroes Parisian commented at the front of the carriage.
Barghest nodded, seeing herself how the Human of Chaldea and in the first Anomaly are. "Well said, Lord Saber." The Fairy Knight added.
Castoria agreed with both Sabers of Humanity, "I never once doubt Human mind. I always believe Humans can achieve many things." She proclaims, getting the knowledge of Proper Human History upon her Summons.
Ritsuka looks over to Naofumi who shrugs. They're soon interrupted when Percival shouts from the front. "Master, some Knights are blocking the path to the castle." He informed the people within the carriage.
"I also confirm that there's a Servant with the Knights," Melusine added to her younger Brother's statement.
"A Servant? Who the hell thinks that Servant is standing in Step-Father's way?" Baobhan Sith shouted, about to exit the carriage and kill whoever is in the way.
Naofumi held onto the Vampiric Fairy's wrist, holding her back from slaughtering Faubrey's Knights. "Hold on, Princess. We're in another Kingdom's territory, if we start anything here it won't look good on our part." He stated, "Heroes or not, they'll brand us as criminals."
"Tch," Baobhan Sith knew that the new Pseudo-Servant was right. She sat back down with Morgan, waiting to be called. "Fine, I'll wait."
"You got nothing to worry about, everyone." The green-haired Saber stated, leaping off the front of the carriage. "Rider here is our escort to the castle,"
Ritsuka looks at Pavel, about to get off the carriage. "Pavel, stay here with Fou and Berserker. Alright?"
Pavel nodded, taking Fou off his head. "Okay,"
Morgan inclined her head, taking the child under her care. "I'll care for him, Husband. Like a child from our union." She smiles at her master.
Ritsuka sighs, shaking his head at Morgan's statement.
"If you're going to meet this Rider person then I should go too," Naofumi stood up, leaping out of the carriage. "I am an important Hero to the Southern Countries."
"I too; I am the Princess, and they'll recognize me instantly." Melty stood up too, turning to Castoria who also volunteer to join them.
"Let's not keep Rider of Bermuda waiting," Castoria said, following the others out of the carriage.
Once outside, Ritsuka and Naofumi walked side by side while following Saber of the Heroes Partisan.
Castoria, Melty followed the Heroes to the Knights and the Servants before them.
"Be careful, Mel-chan, Arturia-chan," Filo stated, feeling intimidated by the mere presence of the Knights before them.
"Don't worry Filo, we know these people," Melty stated, seeing that Pavel, Baobhan Sith, and Raphtalia poked their heads out from the carriage.
Lancelot, Melusine, and Percival stayed on their horses while Barghest sat on the carriage. They were prepared to spring into action if there was any hint of malice towards their master.
Naofumi saw a cloaked man wearing a mask with black markings on the right side of his face. He has maroon hair and the armor on his legs was from ancient times. He leans over to Ritsuka, sensing that the person in front of him was powerful as the Knights of the Roundtable behind them.
"(Hey, Fujimaru; that masked person over there. Do you think he's the Rider of Bermuda?)" Naofumi has to admit, that was a strange title to have for themselves. He understands the class name but to add a cursed area known for disrupting ships and aircraft to the name… suspicious.
"(Yes, I do. I can tell he's a Servant.)" Ritsuka answered the Shield Hero. "(His Magical Energy is similar to Heracles or Achillies. But I feel like I've seen him before…)"
Naofumi blinks, hearing those famous names of Greek Myth. "(Wait, you know Heracles and Achillies?)" He knew Servants are Heroes from the past, but still; it was shocking.
The Magus smirks before continuing their way.
They stopped once Saber of the Heroes Partisan stood before his fellow Servant. "Hey, Rider long time no see." The green-haired Saber greeted the Hero. "How's training the Knights coming along?"
Rider took off his mask, revealing a handsome face with seafoam green eyes. "Saber, things are going well for my part." He looks over to the Chaldeans and Shield Hero's Party. "When we received word that you manage to retrieve the Chaldeans and Shield Hero, many were skeptical about it. But seeing that they're here in person, opinions will change."
Melty and Castoria step forward, greeting the maroon-haired Rider. "Hello Rider, it's good to see you again." Melty greeted the Hero.
"As to you, Caster, Princess. The Queen will be pleased to hear that you are back safe." Rider of Bermuda steps down from his horse and approaches the Heroes of the Prophecy.
Saber of the Heroes Partisan moved to the side, allowing his ally to meet the others. "Welcome to Faubrey, Sir Shield Hero and master of Chaldea. I am the Rider of Bermuda, a Servant Summoned by the Queen to train the army of Melromarc to retake her Majesty's Kingdom."
"Nice to meet you Rider, I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru. Humanity's Final master and director of Chaldea." Ritsuka introduces himself to the Servant.
"Naofumi Iwatani, the Shield Hero and also known as the Shielder of Camelot." Naofumi introduces himself to the Servant as well. He looks over to the Knights gathered behind him and hears them whispering.
"(So the Prophecy is real, the Shield Hero and the Magus from the Stars are here.)" A Knight whispered to his fellow Knight.
"(I never imagine they would be so young,)" The other Knight commented.
"(They may be young, but they were able to escape Melromarc on their own.)" Another Knight whispers back.
The entire regime was whispering about the Chaldeans and the Shield Hero's Party. They were impressed, those who believe that the Prophecy was nothing more than a children's tale are starting to change their perspective.
But those few were only a small handful, there are still many more that needs more proof than escaping a corrupt country.
'I guess there's still a few more people who want us to prove ourselves,' Naofumi thought, he turned his head to Ritsuka who shared the same thought as he did.
Rider of Bermuda nodded, remembering the name Kirschtaria was talking about back when he was in the other World. "It's nice to finally meet you, I remember Kirschtaria spoke about you back in the Bermuda Triangle."
"You knew Kirschtaria?" Ritsuka looked at the Rider, seeing the seafoam green eyes. Those eyes were similar to Percy's back in the World where the Olympians still roam in the Modern Era. "Then you must be P-"
"Forgive me, but please refrain from saying my True Name." Rider smiles, placing his hand over his face. "I'm sure you know why, master of Chaldea."
Ritsuka paused before nodding to Rider's request. "Of course, sorry about that Rider." He apologizes.
Naofumi scoffs, placing his hand on his side. "Almost messed up, didn't you Fujimaru?" He chuckles, "I always thought of you as someone who is cautious. But it seems even a master such as yourself do mess up sometimes."
Castoria steps forward, glaring at her Brother figure. "Onii-san, stop teasing master!" She scolded him for doing that. "Apologize to him this instant!"
"Ngh!" Naofumi saw the displeased expression on Castoria's face. He looks away, not wanting to see her like that, "Fine, I-I'm sorry Fujimaru."
"There, that's better Onii-san." Castoria huffs, a bit peeved by him.
Ritsuka was surprised at how quickly Castoria got Naofumi to apologize. "Was Arturia like this when you were traveling together?" He asked Melty behind him.
Melty shrugs, "I may not be in the Party for long, but I can tell they do have a Sibling type of vibe between them." She looks at Raphtalia and Filo speaking to the other Knights of the Roundtable. "You have to ask those two, they were with Naofumi-sama longer than me."
Ritsuka turns back to the carriage, seeing those two with his Servants. "I see, maybe I can talk to them more during the Ball."
"You should, Fujimaru-sama. We've been traveling and fighting that we hardly have any moment to really know each other." Melty stated, finding this Ball that her Mother put on is the perfect opportunity to bond with each other.
"Sorry to make this short, but her Majesty is waiting." Saber of the Heroes Partisan interrupted the conversation. He motions his head to the Castle behind them.
Rider placed his hand over his chest, "Indeed, I shall show you all the way to the Queen, Shield Hero, and master of Chaldea." He looks over at their companions, "Your companions may come along,"
"Of course, and thank you," Ritsuka nodded, signaling the others to follow them to the castle.
Once they parked the carriage, everyone followed the two Servants to the castle.
Faubrey Royal Castle was like a Steampunk corporate building with a hint of a Medieval Era. Inside the castle was like every Western Castle Ritsuka's been to.
There were Guards with muskets in the halls. They remind the Ritsuka and Naofumi of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. "A Steampunk Kingdom and Guards sharing similar to the Guards of Buckingham Palace. I thought I'd seen it all." Ritsuka chuckles.
"Indeed master, there are many references to our own World," Lancelot stated, being in the Queen of the United Kingdom's Palace once with his master.
"And I thought I heard it all too," Naofumi chuckles, knowing how big being inside the Palace is.
"So Faubrey reminds you of a place in your World? There's a lot of similarities to your World here, Naofumi-sama, Ritsuka-dono." Raphtalia commented, happy to hear that.
Naofumi scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, there are some things that remind me of my World." He confirms the Demi-Human's comment.
Filo sniffs the air, smelling some food from the kitchen. "Filo smells food nearby," She turns to her master, hoping to get some. "Can Filo have some food, master?" The Filoial asked Naofumi.
Ritsuka chuckles softly before feeling a tug of his jacket. His blue eyes look down at Pavel staring up at him, "R-Ritsuka, can I have some food too?" He asked with big bubbling eyes.
Both Naofumi and Ritsuka looked at each other. Then looked at the Servants the Queen Summoned.
Rider spots a maid nearby and signals her to come over. "This maid works in the castle," he informed the Chaldeans and Shield Hero. "She'll show the way for the young ones."
The Demi-Human maid inclined her head to the group, "A pleasure, I shall take care of the needs of the children." She respectfully greeted them.
"We're counting on you," Ritsuka gave a bright smile at the maid. He looks down at Pavel, ruffling his hair. "Pavel, this maid will help you to the kitchen with Filo. Listen to her as if she was me, okay?"
Pavel nodded, "Okay!"
Naofumi looks at Filo, knowing that she's a bit mature for Pavel. "Filo, keep an eye on Pavel. You're more experienced than him," He asked the Filoial.
"You can count on Filo, master!" Filo raised her hand proudly; she turns to the Demi-Human child and grabs his hands. "Come on, Pavel-kun. Food is waiting!"
"Okay, Filo." Pavel smiles, happily following the maid and Filo.
Ritsuka smiles before looking at his shoulders. "I see you're sticking with me, Fou." He scratches the Beast's chin.
"Fou, Fou!" Fou looks at the Fairy Knights, giving a smirk at them.
'Damn you Cath Palug!' The Fairy Knights seethed seeing that the Beast is taking advantage of his form to their master.
Raphtalia felt a sudden chill and heat from the female Knights. "Um…are they…"
"Don't mind them, Lady." Lancelot sighs, crossing his arms at a familiar sight. "The Fairy Knights are quite competitive when it comes to our master,"
The Demi-Human nodded, looking at the Fairies before them. "If you say so, Saber-dono." Raphtalia saw Baobhan Sith arguing with the other Fairy Knights.
Soon the group arrived at the Throne room, upon entering they were met by the Royal Guards of Faubrey and Melromarc, there were some Nobles around the room watching them. Sitting on the Throne was a violet-haired woman wearing a regal dress and covering her face with her fan.
'She looks like Melty, she must be the Queen of Melromarc then,' Naofumi thought, seeing the resemblance between the two. The Shield Hero looks at Ritsuka, nodding at him that something strange with her.
Ritsuka looks at the Queen, standing from the Throne. 'This Magical Energy, is she…'
Melty and Castoria walk forward, standing with the Saber and Rider Servant they've met. Two on each side with the Queen in the middle.
"Greetings, Sir Shield Hero, and Magus from the Stars. I welcome you to the Kingdom of Faubrey." Mirellia greeted the Heroes of the World. "I am the Queen of Melromarc, Mirellia Q. Melromarc. I'm pleased to have the chance to meet the two of you," She smiles behind the fan.
Ritsuka, Lancelot, Barghest, Percival, Melusine, Morgan, and Baobhan Sith knelt on their knees. They bow their heads in respect for the Queen.
"(Oi, Fujimaru, what the hell are you-)" Naofumi was surprised by the sudden actions from the Chaldeans.
Raphtalia leans to Naofumi's ears, "(Naofumi-sama, they're bowing to the Queen of Melromarc. A sign of respect,)" She whispers to her master.
"It's a privilege to meet you, your Majesty." Ritsuka greeted the Queen of the Country they were in. "I am Ritsuka Fujimaru, the director and the last master of the Chaldea Security Organization. Behind me are just a few of the Servants that accompany me here to save your World."
"(So that's the Magus from the Stars? He's so young,)"
"(My, those male Knights look handsome,)"
"(Look at the ones in that red dress and covered in the veil,)"
"(Are they royalty?)"
Baobhan Sith scoffs, looking away from the Nobles. "(Of course Mother and I are royalty you trash,)"
"(Archer,)" Morgan warns her Daughter before hearing giggling before them.
Castoria and Melty turned their heads to the Queen, hearing her giggle. "Y-Your Majesty?" The violet-haired Princess asked, never seeing this side of her.
Mirellia closed her fan, looking at the Nobles gathered in the room. "If I could have the room, I wish to speak to the Shield Hero and the Magus of the Stars alone." The Queen asked the Noblemen around her.
The Nobility inclined their heads before leaving the Throne room. Soon just the Chaldeans, Naofumi, Melty, Raphtalia, the Servants Summoned by Mirellia, and the trusted Guards of the Queen are left in the room.
Mirellia looked at the Chaldeans and the Shield Hero and his Party member. "Please, stand. You have all done so much for my Country and its people. I have no intention of treating you all as my subjects; but as equals." The Queen stated, closing her fan and revealing her face.
Ritsuka and the other Knights of the Roundtable stood properly. "Now, allow me to introduce myself without prying eyes properly." Mirellia held her dress at the side and inclined her head to Ritsuka.
"Wait, what are yo-"
"I am Mirellia Q Melromarc, a Pseudo-Servant that contains the Spirit Origins of a Hero not of reality. Please, call me the Caster of Faubrey or Mirellia, Chaldean master, and you as well, Sir Naofumi." Mirellia informed the two Heroes of the World.
Somewhere in the Castle; Pavel and Filo were still following the maid through the halls. Filo was holding her stomach, feeling it grumbling. "Excuse me, but when are we getting to the kitchen? Filo's belly is rumbling,"
Pavel nodded with big bubbly eyes. "Yes, please, I'm hungry too."
The maid smiles behind her, knowing how much they need to travel just to get here safely. "I do apologize; the kitchen is two floors down from here. If you could, please wait a little more you two,"
The two remembered what their caretakers said about listening to the maid. "Okay!" The two responded.
Soon a loud explosion spooked the two children; before them was a room with smoke coming out of it.
"Stay behind me," The maid told the two and headed to check what was that explosion.
Both Pavel and Filo followed the maid into the room with the smoke. "F-Filo, I'm nervous. What was that explosion?" The Demi-Human child asked the Filoial.
Filo smiles at the grey-haired, grabbing his hand. "Don't worry Pavel-kun! Filo will protect you from whatever is inside the room!" The Filoial proclaims, wanting to be like an older Sister to Pavel.
The Demi-Human child smiles brightly, trusting the Filoial holding his hand. "Thank you Filo-nee," Pavel thanked his now older Sister figure,
The maid opened the slightly opened door and checked inside the room. "Is everyone alright inside here?" She shoos away the smoke covering the room.
"Yes, yes, we're quite all right here. Just some experimenting on the prototype rifles," A brunette woman with a gauntlet approached the maid, explaining what has happened. She then noticed the two children behind the maid. "My, aren't you unique."
The woman approached the children, taking in their appearance. "You aren't an angel obviously since I don't sense any Divinity within you. You must be a Humanoid Filoial bird that I've read about,"
"That's right, Filo's a Filoial!" Filo exclaims happily.
"And you have the most adorable name as well." The woman commented at the blonde Filoial girl. Her blue eyes then shift to the dark grey-haired boy that shares similarities with her master. "And who might this cute Demi-Human child be?" She smiles at him.
Pavel blushes, digging his foot into the marble floor. "I-I'm Pavel, n-nice to meet you."
"Hello Pavel, I'm Da Vinci but do call me Caster for the time being." Da Vinci introduces herself to the children. The Genius was genuinely intrigued by this World's people, mainly the Fae blood running through the Demi-Humans and other Species.
When she laid eyes on Pavel, she also finds it interesting that he resembles Ritsuka with dark grey hair. "Oh!"
"Mmm?" Da Vinci looks at Pavel, hearing him squeaking. "Yes,"
"You're Da Vinci? You must be what Fou was trying to say to Ritsuka!" Pavel smiles, happy to finally know who Da Vinci was.
Filo turns to the Caster Servant with a bright face. "If you know Rit-chan then you must know master!" She excitedly said.
Da Vinci was now intrigued that he knows Ritsuka and the Beast, "We'll what a coincidence this is, tell me, Pavel, Filo how do you know my master?" She asked the two. "I was preoccupied that I didn't get a chance to meet up with him."
Pavel nodded, "Okay!"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.