Along the banks of the Seine River in northern France, Rouen exuded an air of timeless elegance and rich history. Its cobblestone streets, lined with half-timbered buildings and bustling cafes, told tales of medieval grandeur and artistic inspiration. Rouen's Gothic cathedral, soaring into the sky with its intricate spires, stood as a majestic centerpiece, a testament to the city's architectural prowess.
In the northwest of the city stood a large four-stories estate that was the epitome of refined luxury and sophistication of both Western and Eastern. Hidden behind towering trees and wrought-iron gates, the was a testament to the grandeur of the modern era. Its sprawling grounds, meticulously landscaped with vibrant gardens and serene pathways, offered a haven of tranquility.
As Rouen stands as a considerable city, it serves as both a homish bustling hub of opportunity and another base of operations, making it an ideal location.
The main residence is a stately mansion adorned with intricate stonework and elegant balconies. Within the estate, a world of indulgence and refinement awaited. A library, dining room, gym and training room, workshops, and lavish salons, adorned with ornate chandeliers and plush furnishings, provided the perfect setting for intimate gatherings and lively conversations. For moments of leisure and relaxation, a private spa, an exquisite pool in the yard, and a wellness center offer an array of luxurious treatments to rejuvenate both body and soul.
An air conditioner and heated floors in every room, as well as excellent exterior insulation for year-round comfort, were just a few of the features that contributed to the unparalleled comfort and luxury. Each room had its dedicated unit, allowing inhabitants to adjust the temperature to their preference and create a personalized oasis of coolness.
During the colder months, the heated floors added an extra layer of warmth and coziness. The carefully regulated temperature spread evenly throughout the rooms, creating a soothing and comforting sensation underfoot.
In addition to these individual room features, the estate boasted excellent exterior insulation. This meant that the temperature inside remained stable, regardless of the weather conditions outside. The insulation was carefully installed to prevent drafts and maintain a consistent and pleasant atmosphere within the estate, shielding guests from the harsh elements and ensuring a tranquil and cozy environment.
Beyond the walls of the mansion, the estate's gardens stretched out in all their splendor. Meticulously manicured lawns, dotted with vibrant flower beds, created a kaleidoscope of colors that danced with the changing seasons. Hidden alcoves and tranquil ponds provided secluded spots for contemplation and reflection while winding paths invited strolls amidst nature's embrace.
This dream house is completed with more than 10,000 square meters of space. Having a complete but extreme security system to prevent both supernatural and mortals from entering unless with an owner's permission. The entire property, including the exterior landscapes, was surrounded by hidden CCTVs and the "Chaldea Manor's Barrier", an accordance-made or combined powerful Bounded Fields constructed by Casters that warn the residents and owners about individuals with malicious intentions and tell their human quality upon entering its perimeter. The barrier has an excellent detection ability, such as being capable of telling someone's frontal status, and both offensive and defensive capabilities, including either repelling or punishing intruders that force their way in, with the severity of the punishment dependent on the level of their malevolence while reducing their powers.
Within this grand estate's second floor, lay a space that epitomized simplicity and functionality, now adorned with subtle touches of understated luxury. It was here that Shirou found solace like the Emiya residence and Chaldea 2, surrounded by the harmonious blend of opulence and tranquility that defined his sanctuary.
Shirou's room remained a stark embodiment of simplicity and functionality, but now with a touch of understated luxury. The plain white walls were present, providing a clean and serene backdrop, but they were accented with subtle textured wallpaper, adding depth and sophistication to the space. The bed, oversized at a 9x9 dimensional wide Alaskan king, adorned with silky smooth sheets in a neutral shade of ivory, exuded an air of opulence. The pillows, plumped up and covered in soft velvet pillowcases, beckoned one to sink into their comforting embrace.
A sleek and modern desk with a smooth surface crafted from polished marble. Technologies unbefitting for a Magus like a laptop and an iPad sharing space with an elegant lamp, its base made of shimmering crystal, casting a warm and gentle glow across the workspace. A leather-bound notebook, embossed with Shirou's initials in gold lettering, lay open on the desk. A single fresh flower, delicately placed in a crystal vase, added a touch of natural beauty to the otherwise minimalist space.
The dresser, made of rich dark wood with polished brass hardware, exuded a sense of refinement and sits above a small framed photograph of his family. Each drawer was lined with soft velvet, protecting Shirou's clothing from any potential damage. The clothes within were meticulously organized, with folded sweaters and neatly arranged shirts showcasing Shirou's attention to detail. A small velvet-lined jewelry box sat atop the dresser, containing a few cherished accessories that added a touch of personal style to his wardrobe.
The closet, fitted with frosted glass doors, gave a glimpse of Shirou's impeccably organized collection of clothing. Each garment hung on sturdy wooden hangers, ensuring they remained wrinkle-free and ready to be worn. A plush rug, thick and soft underfoot, covered the floor, providing a luxurious feel as Shirou stepped out of bed each morning.
In a corner of the luxury room, a small reading nook had been added, complete with a plush armchair upholstered in buttery leather. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, filled with a carefully curated selection of novels and classics, invited moments of relaxation and escape. A side table held a silver tray with a selection of gourmet teas and a porcelain teapot, ready to be enjoyed during quiet evenings of reflection.
Shirou couldn't help but appreciate the extravagant touches of luxury that graced this room despite preferring it to be empty except for a bed, treating it as merely a place this sleep. The blend of simplicity and opulence created a sanctuary that perfectly suited his pragmatic nature while offering moments of indulgence and comfort.
His room was where he could relax and recharge after long days at work without having to worry about the stresses of everyday life.
A glance at the clock and he decided that he'd gotten enough of staring and admiring for the moment. With a sigh, he got out of bed and padded outside of his room.
Casually, he's dressed in a simple black long-sleeved T-shirt and grey slim pants, and his usual black and white jersey zip jacket. The only thing unusual about him is the comfy arch-support house slippers he's wearing.
The hallway is not longer than Chaldea 2's, but Chaldea Manor's is much bigger and wider, letting Shirou easily trek and roam to the first main floor using the fancy imperial staircases. At the far end of the first floor was another fancy staircase, a lovely bifurcated one that is suitable for this place with grand spaces.
A few Servants are wandering around doing their own thing and going on their business. Ignoring Kiyohime and Elizabeth bickering as usual, Shirou nods in greeting to familiar faces like Charlotte, Mozart, Boudica, and Mata Hari pass by.
He's pleased with how relaxed the Servants are. Despite being on duty, and the fact that many of them were constantly in the process of working and tidying, they don't seem overly concerned. Perhaps this was due to the absence of stress and tension. Perhaps they're relieved that they have nothing to worry about for once.
Shirou reaches the first landing of the main staircase. As he rounds the corner into the another hallway,
–A small red blur passes him by laughing, holding something pink. Was that Kuro carrying a–?
"—NOOO!! GIVE ME BACK MY SWIMSUIT!!"
A red-faced Illya bolted past him wailing with tears in her quivering eyes, rushing to her giggling sister. Illya mentioned going for a swim, but seems Kuro decided to be devious again.
The scene reminds Shirou so much of when they were living in Emiya Residence. Her mischief led to brazen things and fighting her sister over any minuscule things. Himself included? He can only imagine what sort of disaster she will cause this time around.
He heard another set of scurrying steps, and when he turned around,
"Big brother." Miyu greeted with a brief smile before dashing to Illya, most likely to help her put a stop to Kuro.
They sprint to the hallway leaving Shirou amused as other steps echo behind him, more calm this time.
"They're being quite a handful again, aren't they?"
Shirou looks down to see the source of the voice.
The young snow princess is walking towards him, sharing her brother's amusement.
She's holding a swimsuit, a white piece on her hands.
"You don't say?"
It was rather adorable actually, seeing demure Illya running and yelling, chasing her older sister, while being backed by another sister.
"They're always like that, Kuro frankly likes to tease Illya. Nothing is going to change with them."
Sitonai chuckles, nodding in agreement. "You're right, nothing will ever change with those two. But I suppose that's just part of their nature." They watch as Miyu catches up to Illya and Kuro, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to her sisters' antics.
"But it's good to see them enjoying themselves," Sitonai continues with a rare smile on her face. "Especially in a world like this. They deserve some carefree moments."
Shirou glances at the swimsuit in her hands. "Are you planning on joining them as well?"
Sitonai nods, her expression brightening. "Yes, I thought I might as well. It's been a while since I've had the chance to swim."
Shirou smiles warmly. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'm sure you'll have a great time."
Sitonai's eyes sparkle as she imagines swimming in a luxurious pool. She holds up the white swimsuit, examining it with a sense of anticipation. The fabric is soft and smooth to the touch, and she can already feel the cool water against her skin.
With a graceful movement, Sitonai folds the swimsuit and tucks it under her arm. "Well then, I should go and join them," she says, her quietude palpable. "I don't want to miss out on all the fun."
Shirou nods. "Go ahead, I'll still have to drop in on the conference." Understanding passes in her eyes.
As Sitonai turns to leave, Shirou can't help but feel a sense of contentment. He turns as well and continues until he makes his way to a pair of opulence doors of the meeting room.
Faint voices could be heard through the double doors. So the meeting had already started. Shirou politely knocked twice and the conversations slowed down, and someone neared the doors from the other side. Shirou heard a muffled voice mention his name and the doors opened, revealing a beautiful white-haired adult woman with orange eyes filled with mirth.
The woman is wearing a stylish and elegant open-front red coat underneath a comfy grey sweater, and tight-high black boots.
She's excluding a noble charisma that appears to embrace vanity, reminding one of sulfuric acid.
"Finally, our dear master has arrived," Carmilia smirked hauntingly. "You're just in time, actually."
Stepping inside, the conference meeting is humongous and grandiose, able to fit 300 guests, and adorned with elegant chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow. The long circular table in the center is polished to a shine, reflecting the light and adding to the overall sense of luxury. In the middle is a copy of CHALDEAS.
Seated around the table are the other Servants of Chaldea, their faces varied. Only a few spaces were used from where they were seated. They're like simply 11 of them here.
Da Vinci was seated placid beside the head seat, not in a casual outfit but in her Servant garb folding her arms on her thighs.
On her left was Sherlock Holmes with a contemplative face, his fingers steepled in front of him as he observed his surroundings.
Beside him were two familiar people whom he bumped into a long time ago, Waver Velvet as Lord El-Melloi II and Reines El-Melloi Archisorte. But as Servants, they are generally recognized as Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi respectively.
On the other side, were the familiar faces he met in inconceivable places again and again. The people whom he importantly held deep within his heart. Seating elegantly in her blue old-style dress made from old-fashioned blue cloth without her usual armor, the beautiful King of Knights, Artoria Pendragon, and the one he promised to find for eternity.
Suffice it to say, they finally found each other a year ago.
Beside her was Rin Tohsaka clad in her typical clothing that he grew fond of; a red turtleneck, black shirt, long black stockings under brown leather flats, and accompanied by her long red jacket coat. There are a few differences in her appearance now, however, such as her twin-tailed black hair tied with black ribbons while the majority loose all seemed to wave and float, and now adorned by a black and gold tiara. She's also donned a golden neck brace and matching 'O' shaped earrings, and her hair has small streaks of blonde and small pink while the underside glowing blue, implying that she was heavily influenced by her other halves, the goddesses Ishtar and others.
Her sister, Sakura Matou is still the same beside her, only her hair has streaks of white that one can almost see an image of a starry sky in it. She's wearing her other half's casual outfit with changes; a long black skirt, leotard white shirt without a bowtie, a pair of white gloves, black floral-patterned thigh-high stockings, and low-heeled shoes.
A few seats away from them and close to both El-Melloi was Luvia Edelfelt in her regular sleeveless bright blue dress. Her long golden blonde hair styled entirely in large coils glowed fully blue from the middle to the end, affected by Astraea.
While they grabbed his focus as he noticed them in their outfit that mixed their casual and Servant outfits, they smiled lovingly and waved greetings. He put his attention to who else attended here.
Away from Da Vinci is the upfront Captain of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo or Triton, in his white Servant outfit. Carmilia went back to sit near the middle after closing the doors.
And lastly, at the head seat, the one who commenced this meeting, Olga Marie Animusphere, but some wary of her as "Beast VII of the End", the intermediary for the Alien World, and the leader of the Apostles of the Alien World. The reason why she is sitting in power here is that, although he summoned her and every other Servant, she was still the Director of the entirety of Chaldea, well Chaldea 2. Dismissing the fact that he served her once as the apostle Muramasa, she's more fitting to be with the authority than him with her management expertise.
Affected by the Beast VII, Olga has a single small golden horn growing out of the right side of her forehead. In a situation like this, she was wearing her director's outfit.
She stared at Shirou quietly and opened her mouth to say something but closed it and sighed with a resigned face, "The meeting started five minutes ago. You're late, Emiya!" She added in a murmur, "Just like Fujimaru."
Once, Shirou had seen a character from a modern series and heard this infamous quote, maybe he could use it to talk her down, "Sorry, I got lost on the road of life."
Olga looked at him, "Got lost on the road of–what?" She shook her head, "Never mind that. Just sit down."
He obliged and sat close to her beside Artoria who gave him an affectionate greeting, waiting patiently. Olga nodded with approval. "Good. We don't need any distractions during these meetings. Let's proceed."
"What have I missed?" It was only five minutes since he was delayed. Da Vinci took notice of the curiosity in his expression, "Ah sorry, it's nothing major. We just discussed the ongoing recreation of LAPLACE."
Unlike the original Chaldea, the second base lacked the device to monitor the past and collect historical records. They need that in this world.
Olga coughs, "Now, shall we continue?" Directing his attention.
Approved voices muttered around. It's time to start the meeting of the races at the top of the food chain. The dangerous beings they gathered the information of from the past year.