A day after the battle in Fairyland, the Wandering Sea Chaldea Base (Novum Chaldea) was in full swing. A boy with sky blue eyes and black hair was walking down the bright white corridor. His face was bold, but he also had a slight sense of nervousness. Dressed in a white jacket and dark blue slacks, he arrived in front of the conference room he had been called to and lightly knocked on the door.

"Yes, please come in."

A cheerful reply rang out from within the room as the door unlocked and he entered.

"Welcome! Thank you for arriving ten minutes before the start, Ritsuka-san. Please sit next to Artoria-san."

"Yes, excuse me."

The amethyst-haired woman gave him a cheerful smile and motioned for him to take a seat. The boy, Fujimaru Ritsuka, Chaldea's only Master, nodded before heading to his seat.

Sitting next to him was a beautiful fairy with golden hair. Wearing a cobalt hat and cloak, and a pure white jacket and skirt, her name was Artoria Caster. She was a paradise fairy from the utopia of Avalon, who had fought alongside Chaldea in the Fairy Kingdom and returned alive. The sweet and beautiful fairy turned her jewel-like green eyes towards Ritsuka, smiled, and waved slightly with her right hand. Ritsuka returned the smile at the fairy and lightly waved his right hand before taking his seat. The Child of Prophecy cast a dreamy glance at the foreign magician. The boy noticed and smiled, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning crimson red.

"Well then, I'll ask you a few questions. Oh, I won't ask you about your private life. Just tell me what actually happened."

A woman with all-seeing purple eyes, Sion Eltnam Socaris, an electronic hacker at the Atlas Institute, began questioning the two about what had happened in Fairyland. Having already received reports from Mash and Da Vinci, Sion's questions were mostly limited to events that only Ritsuka and Artoria knew about. After hearing the whole story, Sion leaned back in her chair and folded her arms.

"Hmm... I see. So, during the final battle with Cernunnos, Ritsuka-san, you poured all of your resources into Artoria Caster—Command Spells, ceremonial outfits, and the Holy Grail? There's a high possibility that this is what called her back to this world, right?"

"Yes... I apologize for using the Holy Grail that I secured without permission."

After replying to Sion, Ritsuka stood up and bowed deeply.

Seeing this, Artoria bit her lip, her expression clouded. She secretly resolved that if Ritsuka was to be charged with a crime because of her, she would have no choice but to return the magical resources, even if it meant sacrificing her own body. Meanwhile, Ritsuka was prepared to take full responsibility to ensure that no harm would come to Artoria. Sensing the mutual affection between the two of them, even from their tense appearance, Sion smiled and began to speak.

"Please don't apologize, Ritsuka-san. You won that Holy Grail yourself. And since the Master of Chaldea deemed it necessary and used it, no one will complain. We have gained new allies, so let's think of this in a more positive light."

Sion winked lightly with her right eye, urging Ritsuka to raise his head. Ritsuka quietly muttered "yes" and sat down. Artoria also sighed slightly in relief but suddenly covered her eyes with both hands.

"What's wrong, Artoria? Are your eyes hurting?"

"No, it's not that... it's just that it's getting a little hard to see..."

To Ritsuka, who looked anxious, Artoria replied with a slightly clouded expression, struggling to answer.

"Is your eyesight deteriorating? Either way, we're going to give Artoria a thorough examination, so let's have her check it out in the infirmary."

Artoria nodded hesitantly in response to Sion's offer. She wasn't talking about her eyesight. She felt as if her fairy eyes were weakening a little. Her fairy eyes, which were able to see through the malice of others regardless of Artoria's will, had become a little blurred. Artoria didn't know why, but she felt a little relieved. The ability to automatically read the malice that everyone harbors in their hearts was nothing but painful.

After that, Ritsuka and Artoria Caster spent their days hectically with Da Vinci and Shion, conducting tests and reporting on the Fairy Kingdom. Time passed without them having a chance to talk to each other calmly.

Two days later, a meeting was finally held to decide Artoria's fate. All the core members of Chaldea, including Goldolf, were present. Next to Ritsuka, Artoria was visibly tense. If they were deemed unnecessary, she would have nowhere to go and no means to survive. Sensing her anxiety, Mash spoke with a reassuring smile.

"There's no need to be so nervous, Artoria. We, Chaldea, need you."

"Yes, you're right, Artoria. Let's get straight to the point and hear the Director's opinion."

The next to speak was Leonardo da Vinci, Chaldea's technical advisor. She smiled brightly and turned to the head of Chaldea, Goldolf Musik, with her hands clasped.

"Let's get to the conclusion first. Artoria Caster, as the personal guardian magician of Chaldea's Master, Fujimaru Ritsuka, you have permission to join Chaldea and participate in various operations. It will be a tough mission, but please protect Master Fujimaru Ritsuka."

"Eh... Ah, ha... Yes! But... I wonder if someone like me can handle such an important mission..."

Artoria stood up, gripping the Staff of Selection tightly, but her shoulders soon slumped. She lowered her head, thinking there was no role for her in the vital mission of protecting Ritsuka, a task that involved a thousand Servants in Chaldea. Seeing the dejected fairy, Goldolf nodded with a slightly troubled expression and motioned for Artoria to sit down. As she slowly complied, Shion began speaking, holding a document in one hand.

"I looked into it, and I found that Artoria's combat ability and magical power are lower than their peak in Fairyland. Still, they are not inferior to those of a Servant. Wow, the fairies of Paradise are truly amazing. Furthermore, the two of you are connected by a magical path even stronger than that of a Master and Servant. This is likely because Ritsuka has used all his resources to connect Artoria to this world. It will probably be possible for them to Rayshift together. I have no doubt she will be an indispensable fighting force when Chaldea deals with future singularities, Lostbelts, and other issues."

Shion gave a thumbs-up with a big smile. Artoria was a little surprised at how warmly she was welcomed and looked up at the boy next to her. Ritsuka noticed and nodded, smiling just like Shion.

"We have a good understanding of her personality in Fairyland. We investigated just to be sure, and there doesn't seem to be any trace of an alien god or someone else in disguise. We trust Artoria. Your cooperation is truly appreciated."

Da Vinci spoke gently to supplement Shion's explanation. His honest and sincere words made Artoria shiver slightly, feeling a warmth grow deep in her chest.

"After all, Chaldea is chronically short on manpower. Even with the full cooperation of the Servants, saving the Earth from crisis with this number of people is quite a difficult situation."

"That is why we need as many trustworthy people as possible. I'm counting on you from now on, Artoria Caster."

"Artoria, please don't underestimate your own abilities. Your role is crucial, and your strength and skills are recognized by everyone here."

Shion's words carried a reassuring tone as she flipped through the document. She paused, making sure Artoria was paying attention.

"You've proven your worth in the battle against Cernunnos and throughout our time in the Fairy Kingdom. Your presence has been a great asset, and we believe you'll continue to be indispensable."

Holmes added, "Besides, Ritsuka needs someone he can trust implicitly by his side. And you've shown that you are more than capable of that."

Ritsuka nodded vigorously. "Exactly. You've saved us and fought with us."

Da Vinci, always pragmatic, chimed in. "Your unique abilities, especially your unique skills, give you an edge that most Servants don't have. We need that kind of advantage."

Goldolf finally spoke, his tone firm but kind. "Artoria, your primary mission is to protect Ritsuka, but you are also to be part of our strategic operations. Your insights and abilities will help guide our decisions. Chaldea is not just about sheer strength; it's about strategy, wisdom, and the heart to keep fighting for humanity."

Finally, when Chaldea's advisors, Sherlock Holmes and Goldolf, spoke, Artoria made up her mind and slowly stood up.

Artoria's eyes filled with tears of relief and gratitude. "Thank you... all of you. Please leave the protection of Master Fujimaru Ritsuka to me. I will definitely protect Ritsuka."

Goldolf gave a rare smile. "That's the spirit. Welcome officially to Chaldea, Artoria Caster." He was happy, because they saved atleast one person in this lostbelt. But fou secretly stole his food when he is busy.

The room filled with applause and encouraging smiles.

Mash gave a modest round of applause to Artoria, who had declared her resolve without hesitation. The applause quickly spread to everyone, and the Child of Prophecy smiled happily, surrounded by smiles and congratulations.

After the applause for Artoria, the meeting was quickly dismissed. Now officially a member of Chaldea, Artoria was given her own room, and the fairy was led there by Ritsuka.

"This is your room, Artoria."

Ritsuka opened the door, turned on the light, and made way for Artoria to enter. Artoria timidly stepped inside, but her eyes immediately lit up.

"Wow... it's spacious and very beautiful. Are you sure I can have this room?"

"Of course. Feel free to use it however you like. If you want, we can add more furniture, though nothing too fancy."

Smiling back at Ritsuka, who scratched his head with a wry smile, Artoria explored the room and leaned her selection wand against the bed. She ran her fingers over the brand-new shelves, touched the scratch-free desk, and settled gently into the comfortable chair.

'Is it really okay for me to have such a nice room?'

Thinking this, the Fairy of Paradise instinctively clutched her heart in joy. Ritsuka, watching Artoria with a pleased expression, approached her with a hand in his pocket.

"Take some rest today. Tomorrow, I'll give you a proper tour of Chaldea's facilities. Oh, and I have something for you."

Ritsuka pulled out a notebook-sized device from his pocket and handed it to Artoria.

"Is this... the same one you and the others use?"

"Yes, it's a Chaldea mobile device. It has various functions, but I'll explain them later. For now, just familiarize yourself with the phone function."

Ritsuka took out her own mobile device and looked at it.

"I'll have you call me from Artoria's device. Let me show you how to do it."

"Y-Yes."

Smiling at Artoria, who was slightly tense, Ritsuka powered on Artoria's mobile device. The device, already biometrically registered for Artoria, started up promptly. Ritsuka instructed her to press the phone book button and then select the button with Ritsuka's name registered on it. Artoria slowly followed the instructions with her index finger. Instantly, Ritsuka's mobile device began to ring.

"That's it. Now try holding the device to your ear like I did."

As Ritsuka spoke, he placed the device to his left ear, stepped away from Artoria, and leaned against the wall. Following Ritsuka's lead, Artoria hesitantly placed the device to her ear.

"Hello, can you hear me?"

"Wah! I can hear you! I can hear Ritsuka's voice coming from this device!"

Though surprised to hear Ritsuka's voice from the device next to her ear instead of directly from Ritsuka himself, Artoria replied cheerfully.

"Great. I'll hang up now. Try holding the device away from your ear."

As soon as Ritsuka's voice cut off in Artoria's ear, she moved the device away and heard the ringtone from her mobile device.

"Ritsuka, it's ringing! It's making a sound!"

"Don't panic. Press the green button on the screen and put the device to your ear."

Following Ritsuka's instructions, Artoria pressed the button and held the device to her ear, just as before.

"Hello, can you hear me?"

"Ah, I can hear you. I can hear Ritsuka's voice very clearly again."

Artoria responded happily upon hearing his voice again. Ritsuka then ended the call in his device and walked over to Artoria's side.

"It seems you're able to make calls without any problems. How's the phone connection? Is it working well?"

"Yes, now I can talk to you even from a distance."

Ritsuka nodded, smiling at Artoria who beamed back at him.

"Good. If you need anything, feel free to call me anytime. Well, it's late now, so I'll come by again tomorrow. Good night, Artoria."

"Yes. Good night, Ritsuka. See you tomorrow."

They waved to each other, and Ritsuka left the room. Now alone, Artoria once again took a look around her immaculate room.

"This is my room..."

It wasn't like the stables of her childhood, nor an underground cell, nor a temporary inn.

"It's my room, my own room... Ah, what should I do? I feel so happy."

Feeling as if she had found her own castle, Artoria jumped into bed. The bed was soft and fluffy, smelling of soap, and soon she succumbed to sleepiness. The day's fatigue hit her all at once.

"I'm glad I came to Chaldea... And with this phone, I can talk to Ritsuka whenever I want..."

Artoria Caster whispered happily, clutching her mobile device like a treasure, before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Suddenly, the Child of Prophecy woke up. The fairy saw a crumbling wooden ceiling. It was the familiar stable where she had spent her childhood.

"Ah... huh? Wh-why?"

Artoria muttered in a trembling voice, spreading her arms and looking down. Her clothes had reverted to those of her childhood, and the mobile device she had clutched as she slept had vanished. Trembling with fear, Artoria groped around for the Selection Wand.

'But there was no Selection Wand.'

The stick she had propped beside the bed was gone. This wasn't Chaldea; it was a stable, with nothing but sooty straw spread across the floor.

"That can't be... I was in Chaldea... why, how..."

With a trembling voice, Artoria hugged herself tightly. Anxiety and fear slowly spread throughout her heart.

"Artoria? Are you awake?"

As Artoria trembled in shock, she heard an impossible voice—a fairy who had once claimed to be her friend, a fairy who should have perished long ago.

"W-why are you in Chaldea... R-Ritsuka! Help me, Ritsuka!"

Sitting on the straw, desperately scanning the stable, Artoria cried out for Ritsuka's help.

'But there was no reply.'

Instead, another fairy entered the stable. It approached the Child of Prophecy. Artoria's face turned pale as she tried to escape, but the wall blocked her path, leaving her no choice but to cry out in tears.

"No... no, don't come! Stay away!! Ritsuka... where's Ritsuka? Ritsuka!"

"Ritsuka? Who's that? Have you met anyone besides the villagers? You can't leave the village; there's no way you'd meet anyone."

"Ritsuka is a mage from a foreign land who helped me... I left the village! I traveled with everyone..."

"Hehe, in a dream? It was quite a nice dream, wasn't it?"

The fairy claiming to be her friend chuckled ominously. It slowly approached Artoria, who had no means to escape or resist.

"It's not a dream! I... I came to Chaldea! To Chaldea with Ritsuka!"

"This is Tinta, Chaldea... what is it?"

As Artoria shook her head in disbelief, a static-filled voice resembling a fairy spoke.

Suddenly, Artoria's vision clouded, and darkness enveloped her surroundings.

"No... No way... Because, if that's true..."

'That meeting, the adventures, Chaldea, Ritsuka... everything turned out to be just a dream she had in the stable.'

"No... No! I refuse to believe it!"

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