It was a rare day at Chaldea—no imminent threats from otherworldly beings or Singularities to be resolved. For once, Ritsuka Fujimaru had the opportunity to take a break from saving humanity and spend the day with some of their Servants. The idea of a peaceful day seemed foreign, but it was a welcome change, especially with the Knights of the Round Table, led by none other than Artoria Pendragon herself.
Ritsuka found themselves in the courtyard, a serene space within Chaldea that was often used for relaxation or training. The sky above them was an artificial projection, a pale blue reminiscent of summer, with the sound of distant birds chirping. It felt so peaceful, but Ritsuka knew better—where the Knights of the Round Table were concerned, chaos was always lurking beneath the surface.
"Master!" A clear, proud voice called out, and Ritsuka turned to see Artoria, the Lion King herself, approaching in her full armor. Despite the weight of her title and the solemnity she often carried, her expression today was one of calm. "I heard we are to enjoy a day of rest. Have you any plans for us?"
Ritsuka smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of their head. "Honestly, I didn't think that far ahead. I figured we'd just... relax? Maybe talk, enjoy the weather?"
Artoria looked thoughtful for a moment. "A good idea, Master. After all, we must be ready for future battles, but rest is equally important."
As they spoke, the rest of the knights began to trickle into the courtyard. Mordred was the first to appear, her armor slightly scuffed as usual. She gave a cheeky grin and a thumbs-up to Ritsuka.
"So, we're taking it easy today, huh? No complaints from me. 'Bout time I got a break from all the lectures." She shot a glance at Artoria, who merely raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.
Lancelot arrived next, ever the image of quiet dignity, though his eyes betrayed a sense of internal conflict. Gawain, with his radiant smile, strode in confidently, followed by Bedivere and Gareth, both more subdued but equally eager for the day's respite. Tristan, as expected, walked in with a melancholic air, his harp slung across his back. He said nothing but gave a polite nod toward Ritsuka.
Ritsuka looked around at the gathered knights, feeling a swell of pride. "I guess this is everyone. So... what should we do first?"
Gawain spoke up, his voice cheerful. "Perhaps a round of light training? Even on a day of rest, it is good to maintain our skills."
Mordred groaned dramatically. "Are you kidding me? This is supposed to be a day off, not a day of getting hit in the face with a sword."
"Indeed," Lancelot added softly. "We should respect the time we have for relaxation, as rare as it is. Though, of course, if our liege or Master wish to engage in training, I will follow."
Artoria gave a small sigh, looking at Ritsuka. "What do you think, Master? A balance between relaxation and keeping our skills sharp may be the best course."
Before Ritsuka could respond, Gareth eagerly chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement. "What if we had a picnic instead? We could still spar afterward if anyone wants to, but... I made some sandwiches earlier! It would be nice to eat together, like a family."
The courtyard fell into a brief, stunned silence.
"A... picnic?" Mordred repeated, her tone confused. "We're knights, not—"
"I think it's a wonderful idea!" Ritsuka interrupted quickly, smiling brightly at Gareth. "A picnic sounds perfect. What do you all think?"
Bedivere, always calm and measured, nodded. "It would be a good way to spend time together without the weight of battle on our shoulders. I agree."
Gawain smiled even wider. "Indeed! Eating together would strengthen our bonds."
Mordred folded her arms, frowning slightly. "Well... alright, I guess. But don't expect me to make any food."
With the decision made, they all found a shady spot beneath a tree in the courtyard, where Gareth and Bedivere quickly laid out the picnic. The sandwiches Gareth made were simple but well-prepared, and despite Mordred's earlier reluctance, she was the first to grab one.
"This isn't half bad," Mordred muttered around a mouthful of food. "Maybe you're onto something, Gareth."
Artoria gave a small, almost imperceptible smile as she sat down beside Ritsuka. "It's rare for all of us to gather like this. You have a talent for bringing people together, Master."
"I just like spending time with all of you," Ritsuka admitted, taking a bite of their sandwich. "It's nice to see everyone getting along, even if it's only for a little while."
Gawain laughed heartily at that. "With such fine company and a pleasant day like this, how could we not?"
Tristan, sitting slightly apart from the group, strummed his harp, playing a soft, melancholic tune that added to the atmosphere. "Even in times of peace, the heart cannot forget the sorrows of battle... but perhaps, in moments like this, we can find solace."
Mordred rolled her eyes. "Geez, Tristan, can't you turn off the doom and gloom for one day?"
"I think it's nice," Gareth said with a bright smile. "It makes the moment feel... special."
Lancelot, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Master, I am curious. How do you find rest in such times? You bear the burden of so many battles, yet you find time for peace with us."
Ritsuka paused at the question, thinking for a moment. "I guess... it's because I know I'm not alone. No matter how hard things get, I have all of you. That's what keeps me going."
The group fell quiet at Ritsuka's words, a sense of camaraderie settling over them. Even Mordred seemed to soften a little, though she quickly masked it by grabbing another sandwich.
As the afternoon wore on, they continued their picnic, sharing stories of their battles and adventures. Artoria, ever the leader, listened quietly, occasionally offering her wisdom when asked. The knights laughed, teased each other, and even engaged in some light-hearted banter, with Mordred often at the center of the playful arguments.
Finally, as the sun began to set (or at least, as the artificial sun of Chaldea dimmed), Ritsuka stood up and stretched. "Well, that was... surprisingly peaceful. Thank you, everyone."
Gawain clapped a hand on Ritsuka's shoulder. "The pleasure was ours, Master."
Mordred smirked. "Next time, though, we're definitely sparring."
"Next time," Ritsuka agreed, laughing.
As the group began to pack up and return to their respective quarters, Artoria lingered behind, walking beside Ritsuka.
"You've given us all something precious, Master," she said quietly. "Even knights need days of rest, and you have provided that."
Ritsuka smiled softly. "You've all given me so much. It's the least I can do."
