Ritsuka and Mash led MoM out to a grassy hill near Chaldea's borders, the fresh air and open space a welcome change from the chaos inside. Mash glanced at Ritsuka, her expression half-worried, half-curious.

"Master, do you really think he's... capable in a fight?" she whispered, keeping her voice low.

Ritsuka sighed, rubbing his temples. "I mean, he's got to be, right? They wouldn't summon someone totally useless… probably."

Master of Masters, strolling casually behind them with his hands clasped behind his back, hummed a light tune. "Ah, the beauty of nature. A perfect stage for theatrics! Though, I must say, I'm not much of a nature enthusiast."

Before Ritsuka could respond, a group of rogue Celtic Soldiers emerged from the nearby forest, their weapons gleaming under the sunlight. Their menacing expressions left no room for negotiation.

Mash readied her shield, stepping in front of Ritsuka. "Master, stay behind me. We've faced these types before."

Ritsuka turned to MoM, a mix of anticipation and nerves in his voice. "Alright, you, time to see what you can do. Don't hold back!"

MoM's cheerful humming abruptly stopped. He took a step back, his hands raised defensively. "Oh no. No, no, no. This isn't what I signed up for."

Ritsuka blinked. "...What?"

"I don't fight!" the hooded man exclaimed, dramatically clutching his chest. "Combat? Danger? Pain? Ugh, it's not my thing. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes guy. You know, strategy, wisdom, comic relief. The usual."

The soldiers began to advance, and Ritsuka's heart sank as MoM shuffled behind Mash, peeking out with exaggerated fear.

"Look at them!" he cried, pointing a trembling finger at the soldiers. "They're terrifying! The armor, the weapons, the angry yelling—no thank you!"

Mash and Ritsuka exchanged incredulous looks.

"Are you... serious?" Mash asked cautiously.

"I'm always serious!" the Master of Masters insisted, though his playful tone betrayed him. "You're the fighter here, Shield Girl. Protect me, oh valiant knight!"

The Celtic Soldiers surged forward, and Mash raised her shield with a determined shout. "Ritsuka, I'll hold them off! You need to summon backup!"

"Right!" Ritsuka fumbled with his summoning spells, but he couldn't help glaring at MoM. "Are you seriously not going to help?!"

MoM shook his head, cowering behind a tree. "Oh no, I'm not built for this kind of stress. My poor heart couldn't take it!"

Just as Mash deflected an attack, Ritsuka shouted over his shoulder, "You've got to be kidding me! You're a Moon Cancer! You have to be able to fight!"

MoM peeked out, his tone feigning sorrow. "A Moon Cancer, yes. A competent warrior? Afraid not. Sorry to disappoint!"

Mash grunted as she blocked another strike. "Master, I don't think he's joking!"

Ritsuka growled in frustration, summoning a pair of extra Servants to help. As Bedivere and Emiya joined the fray, they quickly turned the tide against the soldiers.

When the battle was over, Ritsuka turned to find MoM lounging casually on the grass, humming again as if nothing had happened.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Ritsuka stomped over. "You were totally useless!"

MoM sat up, smirking beneath his hood. "Oh, come now, Master. You handled it beautifully without me. I'm quite proud."

"You were pretending, weren't you?" Mash asked, her tone sharp.

Master of Masters gasped, feigning offense. "Pretending? Me? Why, the mere suggestion wounds me!" He winked. "But between you and me… maybe I was. Who's to say?"

Ritsuka groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible."

EMIYA and Bedivere exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between the composed knight and the exasperated chef. Their expressions seemed to collectively say, Is this guy for real?

Ritsuka caught their looks and sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "I'm starting to think summoning him might have been a mistake…"

MoM, who had been dusting imaginary dirt off his cloak, perked up at the mention of his name. His hooded head tilted curiously toward the group. "Mistake? Oh, don't be so hard on yourself, Master. After all, I'm a treasure to behold!"

Before anyone could respond, MoM's expression brightened, and he turned to EMIYA with a cheerful clap of his hands. "Ah, Archer! Could I trouble you for a fresh glass of water? That battle was simply exhausting!"

Bedivere, still standing nearby with his blade resting at his side, gave MoM a blank, deadpan stare. "…You didn't even lift a finger."

MoM placed a hand over his heart, his posture exuding mock indignation. "How dare you, Knight of the Round! Do you know how much emotional labor I expended cheering you all on? It's no small feat to maintain morale, you know."

EMIYA pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a deep groan. "So, you want me to get you water after your intense battle of sitting on the grass and humming?"

"Precisely!" MoM replied with a radiant grin, as though the request were perfectly reasonable.

Ritsuka shook his head. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but… EMIYA, don't bother. He doesn't deserve it."

MoM raised a finger, wagging it playfully. "Now, now, Master. It's important to stay hydrated. Even great strategists like myself need a little refreshment after providing moral support!"

Bedivere let out a long sigh, his usual calm demeanor faltering. "Your antics are truly unparalleled, Moon Cancer. I can only hope your contributions will improve in future encounters."

MoM gave an exaggerated bow. "Why, thank you, Sir Bedivere! I shall take that as a vote of confidence in my unmatched potential."