Author's notes
Hi! Welcome to 2025!
Welcome back to the second arc of this fanfiction. Reminder: Clockwork Flower Pavane Chapter 1 and Eden Treaty Chapter 1 are skipped.
Make sure to check out side-stories in my other separate work!
Enjoy!
Fate/Grand Order: Where All Miracles Begin, SCHALE
A Visitor from Beyond (3/6)
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Last night's meeting went better than expected.
After much discussion, Ritsuka had asked Yuuka and Noa, two of his most dependable students, to help arrange Abigail's enrollment at Millennium Science School. Though it would only be temporary, Noa had readily accepted the proposal with her usual composure, and Abigail's sheer delight lit up the room. As the decision settled in, the group transitioned into a much more casual atmosphere.
The four of them gathered around the dining table at SCHALE, sharing a big dinner as if it was the little girl's welcome party. Abigail, seated next to Ritsuka, eagerly recounted her thoughts on her upcoming school life, occasionally pausing to ask questions about Millennium and its students. Yuuka chimed in with practical advice, though her voice carried a slight hint of exasperation whenever Noa teased her about being overly serious.
Noa, for her part, seemed to enjoy doting on Abigail, who quickly grew attached to her. The two struck up a surprisingly warm dynamic, and their lively banter added to the cozy mood of the evening.
If Yuuka was Aris's mother, Noa was Abigail's.
By the time dinner concluded, the stars had already filled the night sky. Ritsuka offered to drive Yuuka and Noa back to Millennium. As they left SCHALE, Abigail waved enthusiastically from the doorway, promising to see them again soon at school.
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Swooosh
"Sensei! We're back!"
"We're back~"
The lively sound came followed the door opening. Abigail and Noa called out cheerfully as they entered.
"Sensei— Eh?"
"...?"
The little girl whispered, tilting her head in surprised. Abigail paused mid-step, her eyes widening slightly at the scene before her.
Sitting on the couch, the teacher who had taken off his suit jacket, was sitting properly. However, the man wasn't alone. Next to him, a purple head girl— Yuuka was leaning against his shoulder, her face peaceful and relaxed, completely lost in slumber.
zZzzZzzz
Shhhh...With a soft smile, Ritsuka raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for silence.
"Yuuka-san is sleeping?" Abigail asked in a hushed voice, inching closer to the pair.
"Mhm." Ritsuka nodded. "She must've exhausted herself a bit. Last night, she overworked herself making sure all your enrollment documents were processed perfectly."
"She did all that?" Abigail's eyes softened with admiration as she looked at the older girl.
"That's Yuuka-chan for you." Noa added gently. "She's always like this, pushing herself for others. It's very normal for her. But make sure to thank her when she wakes up, okay?"
"Yes!" Abigail nodded enthusiastically, her voice barely a whisper. She moved closer to Ritsuka, gazing at Yuuka's sleeping face.
The trio remained quiet for a while, the atmosphere in the room calm and serene. Abigail's mind wandered back to her morning adventures with Ritsuka.
Earlier today, they had strolled through the picturesque streets of the Trinity District. The city's aesthetic was nothing short of stunning, with its blend of European architecture and Christian influence. White marble buildings glowed under the morning sunlight, and cobblestone streets led to chapels adorned with stained glass windows depicting vivid, holy imagery. The serene ambiance was enhanced by the faint sound of church bells ringing in the distance, creating an air of tranquility that Abigail found captivating.
Along their walk, one of his students who was a member of Trinity's disciplinary committee even misunderstood that they were father and daughter.
"Wait— Sensei, is this your daughter?"
The girl's words were engraved into her memory. Abigail found it amusing and endearing when the closed-eyed people opened their eyes. Ichika, the member of the Justice Task Force, probably misunderstood since she'd seen them holding hands.
They also stopped at Trinity's Make-up Work Club, a group of students under Ritsuka's care. Abigail watched in awe as the girls, despite their struggles with academics, showed clear adoration for their teacher.
Everywhere they went, people greeted Ritsuka warmly, their eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
Abigail had noticed it clearly—he was loved and admired wherever he went.
But this admiration came with a cost. The little girl couldn't help but think about the challenges he faced in Chaldea. The endless battles, the overwhelming expectations, and the constant weight of responsibility— Yet, the man somehow managed to steal countless hearts of goddesses and heroines. Now, seeing how much he was adored in Kivotos as well, she felt a pang of concern...
zzZzzZzz
"..."
Standing in the SCHALE office, Abigail's gaze shifted back to Yuuka's sleeping face.
"(ㆁ-ㆁ)" Abigail thought to herself.She's one of them...
From the little girl's eyes, the treasurer seemed to be the frontrunner in this race. How her master treated her and having seen their interactions so far, she was somewhat certain. Nonetheless— her eyes flicked to Noa who was quietly tidying up some papers nearby.
Maybe... Noa-san is the same...
As these thoughts lingered in her mind, a voice broke the silence, pulling her back to the present.
"Abby, how did it go today? Did you get all the necessities?" Ritsuka's voice drew the girl's attention back.
"Yes, Sensei! Noa-san bought me everything. A phone, books, clothes, and my uniform too!" Abigail beamed, pointing proudly at the pile of shopping bags neatly arranged on the floor nearby.
"That's great to hear." Ritsuka said warmly, his gaze then shifted to Noa. "Noa, Abigail didn't cause you any trouble, right?"
"Sensei! You meanie! I'm not a bad child!" Abigail puffed her cheeks in mock indignation, crossing her arms.
Noa chuckled softly, her usual calm demeanor laced with amusement. "Fufu— Of course not, Sensei. Abigail-chan was very cooperative. She's a delight to be with, right?"
"See? Noa-san testified on my behalf!"
Ritsuka chuckled, reaching out to gently pat Abigail's head. "Alright, alright. Good girl, good girl."
Abigail grinned, clearly enjoying it as Noa watched with an amused expression.
Earlier, after wrapping up his errand at Trinity, Ritsuka had dropped Abigail off in Millennium under Noa's care to handle her school preparations. While the two spent their day shopping for everything Abigail might need with his credit card, Ritsuka returned to SCHALE with Yuuka, who was on duty for the day— again.
By the time Noa and Abigail returned from their spree, the paperwork at SCHALE had been completed, though it left both Ritsuka and Yuuka visibly drained. The result of the day's effort was now evident in front of them—Yuuka, who also worked overtime last night, was sleeping soundly on the couch.
"Abigail-chan, why don't you show him your uniform?" Noa suggested.
"Eh?" Abigail's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, right, Sensei! I'll change—just give me a minute!"
Grabbing a shopping bag, she dashed off towards the restroom, bouncing with energy.
As her figure disappeared, Ritsuka leaned back into the couch, glancing at Noa with a knowing smile. "Alright, you're holding back. What's she like in the uniform?"
Noa chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ara Ara, Sensei. I won't spoil it for you. Let's just say..." She paused, tilting her head playfully. "She's very cute. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
Ritsuka raised an eyebrow but didn't press further, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He knew Noa's penchant for teasing, and he could already tell Abigail must have left quite an impression.
They waited a few more minutes in companionable silence until the sound of footsteps drew their attention.
"Sensei, look!"
Abigail's cheerful voice rang out as she stepped into view.
Wearing her Millenium uniform with a sense of pride and excitement, Abigail emerged from the side, her bright smile rivaling the sunlight streaming into the room.
The crisp white shirt tucked neatly into her short black skirt accentuated her youthful elegance, while the oversized white Millennium jacket draped over her small frame made her look even more delicate and adorable. Her favorite black-dotted bows and orange bows added a personal touch to her blonde hair, which contrasted strikingly against the blue and white accents of the jacket. The large black-dotted ribbon at her neck completed the ensemble, giving her a polished yet whimsical appearance.
"Wow..." Ritsuka murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration as Noa giggled beside him, clearly sharing his sentiment.
"Do I look pretty?" Abigail asked, her cheeks slightly flushed as she spun around to show off her outfit.
"Yes, of course you do." Ritsuka replied with a wholehearted smile.
The little girl giggled, taking a small leap to cuddle against Ritsuka's chest. Her sudden movement jostled Yuuka, who had been peacefully napping on his shoulder.
"Hmm? Abigail?" Yuuka's sleepy voice broke through as she rubbed her eyes lazily, still half-lost in her slumber.
"You woke up, Yuuka-chan."
"Noa? You returned already?" Yuuka's voice was soft as she began to register her surroundings, her gaze eventually settling on Abigail.
"Yuuka-san! Thank you for your help!" Abigail exclaimed, her voice brimming with sincerity as she bowed her head slightly before jumping back to cling to Ritsuka's arm, now unoccupied.
"A-Abigail, I see... You look very good in our uniform too." Yuuka stammered, waking up more fully and taking in the sight.
"Thank you, Yuuka-san!" Abigail replied brightly, her eyes sparkling. Turning to Ritsuka, she added excitedly. "Look, Sensei! Yuuka-san complimented me too!"
"Yes, yes... I told you, you're very cute," Ritsuka chuckled, ruffling Abigail's hair gently as she beamed up at him.
While the master and servant seemed lost in their little world, the twoactualMillennium students—Noa and Yuuka—watched the interaction with blank expressions from the sidelines.
"Hey, Noa..."
"What is it, Yuuka-chan?"
"Isn't Abigail wearing the same uniform as us?"
"Well..." Noa trailed off, eyeing Abigail's outfit she'd chosen herself. The white shirt, the short skirt, and the Millennium jacket were indeed identical, save for the absence of the blazer or tie that Noa and Yuuka usually donned.
"Has he ever showered us with praise like that?" Yuuka asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.
A long silence stretched between them as they exchanged glances.
"..."
"..."
"Yuuka-chan..." Noa began, a knowing smile spreading across her lips, "are you jealous?"
"Of course not!" Yuuka snapped, her face flushing. "But—ahhh, I don't know anymore!"
Noa laughed softly as Yuuka crossed her arms, clearly flustered, while Ritsuka and Abigail remained oblivious to their conversation. The cheerful atmosphere hung in the air, laced with a subtle tension that only Noa seemed to enjoy.
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Late in the night, three girls gathered in a cozy room.
Noa moved around gracefully, her usual calm demeanor present as she prepared the bed for Abigail, adding an extra pillow for her guest. Abigail watched her intently, feeling both grateful and a little nervous in the unfamiliar space.
"Noa-san, thank you again for letting me stay with you." Abigail said earnestly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her pajamas.
"Ara, it's no problem at all," Noa replied with a gentle smile. "Yuuka-chan sleeps over from time to time when she can't sleep, so this is nothing unusual."
"Noa!" Yuuka's voice shot up in surprise as she spun around, her hair still damp from the shower. The blush on her cheeks made it clear she hadn't expected Noa to reveal their little secret.
After the little girl had spent yesterday's night at SCHALE, tonight she stayed at Noa's dorm room so she could go to school tomorrow.
"By the way—" Yuuka asked, stopping the hairdryer. "How was SCHALE's dorm? Did you sleep well last night?"
"I slept well, Yuuka-san, but... does SCHALE also have a dorm?"
"Eh?" Yuuka blinked in surprise, her brow furrowing. "Wait, where did you sleep then?"
"Uhm—" Abigail hesitated, tapping a finger to her chin before casually saying. "With Sensei?"
"You slept with Sensei!?" Yuuka exclaimed, dropping the hairdryer on the floor. Even Noa paused, her eyes widening slightly.
"Calm down, Yuuka-san! Is that not normal?"
"W-W-W-What?" Yuuka stammered, her face turning crimson as she processed the girl's words.
"Does that mean you always sleep with him?" Yuuka asked, her shock evident in her voice.
"Uhh... from time to time, I think." The little girl answered with the mix of confusion and innocence, tilting her head like a curious kitten.
Abigail's mind wandered to her time in Chaldea. She often played with the lily Jeanne, Jack, Nursery, and Bunyan. They would share rooms or the same space aboard the Storm Border. Jeanne, however, had her family—her sisters, Jeanne Alter and Jeanne —where she spent most nights. But since the family recently lost the middle one, Jeanne Alter Lily had been staying closer to her eldest sister for comfort.
Abigail, on the other hand, lacked such familial bonds. On nights when she couldn't sleep, she'd go to her Master. If he wasn't busy—or if the bodyguard team didn't stop her—he'd let her sleep with him. Otherwise, she'd find solace in other parental figures instead.
Yuuka frowned, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, Abigail, you... must have known Sensei for a long time?"
Noticing where the conversation was heading, Noa took a seat at her desk, pen and notebook in hand, ready to jot down every detail.
"Uhmm, it's not that long?" Abigail replied, a bit unsure. "But it's almost two years now."
Both Noa and Yuuka exchanged surprised glances. They knew Sensei had only arrived in Kivotos a few months ago, yet Abigail spoke with such familiarity, as though she had known him for a lifetime. To Abigail, a year felt like a much longer measure of time than mere months.
"Wow, that's... something," Yuuka muttered, still processing the revelation.
"Ehehe..." Abigail laughed nervously, not wanting to dive too deeply into her origins. While they knew she came from the same place as Sensei, the details remained vague, and Abigail preferred it that way.
"So..." Yuuka leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "How does he look in your eyes?"
Abigail's face lit up as she thought about her Master. "Sensei is... a very kind person. He always helps others, no matter what. He's patient, so very patient, and always gives people another chance. And he can get along with anyone." She said, her voice tinged with admiration.
Her words carried weight as she recalled his past. Sensei was the kind of man who had befriended peerless heroes and even gods. These extraordinary figures, who once stood as his mortal enemies, had grown to admire and respect him as their Master. Heroes of legend, deities of immense power, and mythical beings alike had all been drawn to his warmth and unwavering resolve. They saw in him not just a leader, but someone who understood them—someone who believed in redemption and second chances.
"He never judges anyone by their past or their mistakes," Abigail continued, her voice softening. "Even when others doubted or feared them, he stood by their side. That's why so many people trust and follow him."
Yuuka and Noa listened intently, their expressions shifting from curiosity to quiet awe. In their minds, the image of Sensei grew larger, more profound, and more enigmatic.
Yuuka and Noa exchanged glances, their awe-struck expressions mirroring one another.
"Wow..." Yuuka whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, as if thinking aloud, she muttered. "Even in Kivotos, with such a personality, the man was probably treated the same. Mooou— No matter where he goes, he'll be loved by everyone."
Noa, catching the faint trace of worry in Yuuka's tone, she turned to Abigail.
"Abigail-chan." Noa began, her voice light and curious. "When you said he was surrounded by many people... so, there were many girls?"
Hearing the question, Yuuka's head whipped toward Abigail, her eyes filled with sudden urgency. "Wait, Abigail! Is that true?"
"(ㆁㆁ)!" Abigail blinked, a little taken aback by the intensity of Yuuka's reaction. She fidgeted with the hem of her pajamas, unsure of how to answer. "Well... uhm..." she started hesitantly, her voice trailing off as she tried to find the right words.
"Abigail-chan?" Noa prompted, her tone still sweet but with a hint of mischief.
"Uhhhh..." Abigail stammered, her cheeks warming as she realized there was no easy way out of this conversation.
Before she could say more, Noa suddenly let out a soft laugh, brushing the question aside with her usual grace. "I'm just kidding! Fufu."
She said with her iconic smile lighting up her face. But as she leaned back in her chair, her eyes glinted with amusement, and her thoughts wandered.So, it's true. Many girls must have fallen for him. Yuuka-chan, it looks like you have a good number of rivals. You'll need to try harder now.
Abigail could only manage a dry smile, her unease evident.Not only are the female Servants always in trouble over this, but now this side is getting involved too. Master-san, you... Waaaaaa TvT
Yuuka, oblivious to Noa's internal musings, sank back into her seat. Her thoughts were a mix of admiration for Sensei's kindness and a growing awareness of how much competition might lie ahead. Nonetheless, one real question remained.
"Hey, Abigail..."
"Yes, Yuuka-san?"
"Does— Does he have anyone he likes...?"
The room fell silent, the question hanging heavily in the air. Abigail tilted her head slightly, her expression shifting as she pondered deeply.That's a very good question...
She thought back to her time in Chaldea. Everyone there knew that the Grand Order was his primary focus. It was his duty, his responsibility, and his calling. The immense weight of saving humanity left little room for personal matters like love. Abigail recalled how he intentionally held back his true self, dedicating almost all his time and energy to the mission.
Yet, as kind and selfless as he was, the man was still human. Occasionally, in quiet moments, he let the romantic side of him slip. It was never intentional, but for those fortunate enough to be there, it was like catching a glimpse of something rare and precious. Those fleeting moments gave certain Servants a huge advantage—a chance to see a part of him most others didn't and get higher bond points.
If she were to think of potential candidates, a few names came to mind immediately.
Mash Kyrielight, his ever-loyal Shielder and longest companion, who had accompanied him through countless battles and shared every hardship. Jeanne Alter, with their fiery love-hate relationship, always seemed to bring out a unique side of him. Ereshkigal, with their cute interactions, always looked at each other endearingly. Then there was Meltryllis, whose he had a soft spot for. Also there was Kama, who advanced relentlessly on him.
And Artoria... particularly her Caster form. The trials and tribulations they faced together forged a connection of mutual respect and understanding. Morgan and her knights, are fiercely loyal and compete with each other for him.
Then there were the Archetypes, beings so enigmatic yet drawn to him in ways no one could fully understand. And the goddesses— And also the space—
As Abigail's mind reeled with the sheer number of possibilities, she began to feel the heat rising in her cheeks. One name after another piled into her thoughts until she could no longer keep track.
BOOOOM!
" ( ヮ )" Her brain overheated.
"Abigail-chan?" Noa's voice broke the silence, snapping the blonde-haired girl out of her thoughts.
"Uhm—uh..." Abigail stammered, her face slightly flushed. "I-I'm not sure, Yuuka-san..." she admitted, laughing nervously. "He... um... doesn't really talk about that kind of thing."
She had known too much. If she were to speak, it wouldn't come out as advice but warning— a threat! After careful consideration, Yuuka better didn't know. Even her friend, Jeanne d'Arc Alter Santa Lily Lancer, who played the little sister role— said she would hit on him when she grew up. Cut from the same cloth, both the middle and youngest sisters had the same spirit origin after all...
The war was intense enough to haunt anyone's dreams. Abigail vividly remembered the time Anastasia, completely out of the blue, uploaded a heart-stoppingly bold image to Chaldea's social media platform. What followed was absolute chaos—a relentless battle of escalating photo exchanges, with each picture becoming progressively more outrageous than the last.
Yuuka leaned closer, her curiosity only growing in a negative way. "But therehasto be someone, right?"
Before Abigail could respond, Noa interjected with her usual playful smile. "Fufu, Yuuka-chan, why are you so interested? Could it be... you're worried about something?"
"Wha—!?" Yuuka's face turned crimson, and she immediately flailed her arms in denial. "N-No! I was just—just curious, that's all!"
Abigail let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful for the slight shift in focus. Meanwhile, Noa's thoughts were far from innocent as she jotted something down in her notebook.
"Yuuka-san, are you close with Sensei? I saw you sleeping near him today." Nonetheless, Abigail's naughty side erupted from slumber.
Yuuka's eyes widened in slight panic, but she quickly masked it, crossing her arms and turning her head away with a huff. "Well... I guess you could say we're close. But only because I help him out a lot, okay? I just happen to spend time at SCHALE because... it's a calming place to work at, that's all!"
She fidgeted slightly before adding, "It–It's not like I like him or anything, alright?" Her voice rose at the end, tinged with tsundere embarrassment.
"..."
"..."
"(๑/๑" )"
Abigail and Noa exchanged knowing glances, the corners of their lips curling into subtle smiles. The truth was far too obvious.
Noa's teasing nature kicked in. "Oh, Abigail-chan, you might get to see the other side of things someday. Sometimes, it's the other way around, Sensei ends up falling asleep onherlap instead."
"Wha—!" Yuuka's face burned crimson as she flailed her arms in denial. "Th-That's not true!"
Noa continued, her playful smile widening. "Fufu~ Sensei really likes you, Yuuka-chan. In fact, he once told me that seeing your healthy thighs made him happy."
"Noaaaaaa!" Yuuka shrieked, covering her face with her hands as her mind spiraled in embarrassment.
The atmosphere in the room lightened, though the lingering curiosity about Sensei's heart remained in the back of everyone's mind.
Noa glanced at her notebook and tapped her pen against her lips, clearly plotting something.
"Anyway— " Noa finally said, breaking the silence with a cheerful tone. "let's get some sleep, shall we? We've got a big day tomorrow."
"Yeeess."
"Ahh!— You two demons! I'll remember this!"
In the end, they went to sleep.
Abigail slept with Noa. Yuuka returned to her room, with a lot of thoughts in her head.
As a result, she couldn't sleep.
She couldn't be more ready to blame him for his fault and claim a compensatory nap on his shoulder like usual.
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In the quiet solitude of the SCHALE Office, sunlight streamed softly through the blinds, illuminating stacks of untouched paperwork on the desk. Yet, instead of tending to his responsibilities, Ritsuka sat reclined in his chair, eyes glued to his phone screen. A warm smile tugged at his lips as he played a video sent to him earlier in the day.
The scene unfolded in the bustling Millenium dorm kitchen. Three girls surrounded a countertop filled with cooking equipment and various ingredients. The centerpiece of the group was a tiny blonde girl, Abigail Williams, cheerfully humming a tune as she worked on the stove.
With a frying pan in hand, she twirled playfully while singing in her high-pitched, innocent voice:
"Kuro neko to pankēki tsukuru! Meow!
Pankēki ni kuro neko noseru! Meow!
Kuro neko no pankēki wa dekiagari!
Kuro neko pankēki〜〜〜〜!Meow, meow!"
Yuuka, who was standing nearby attempting to mix pancake batter, turned toward Noa in alarm. Her face flushed crimson as she exclaimed, "N-N-N-N-Noa! Did you record all of that?!"
"Fufu, of course, Yuuka-chan," Noa replied, her teasing smile never faltering.
Meanwhile, Abigail carefully slid a pancake onto a plate. With sparkling eyes and an eager grin, she placed a chocolate decoration shaped like a black cat on top of the pancake as a finishing touch. "Noa-san! It's finished!"
"Wow! That looks absolutely delicious, Abigail-chan," Noa praised, her phone's camera now focused on the adorable little chef.
Ritsuka chuckled softly, watching his screen. It had been two days since Abigail had started living at the Millenium dorm, and though she messaged him frequently through Momotalk to update him about her new life, today felt special.
Earlier that morning, the girls had gone the extra mile to make Abigail's favorite dish—her cherishedBlack Cat Pancakes. It was clear from the video that the three had worked hard and, more importantly, bonded over the experience.
Abigail's transition to school life at Millenium had gone smoother than expected. Despite her initial struggles to keep up with the advanced lessons, the little girl had already begun to make friends with her classmates. It was an impressive feat, considering her background.
To be fair, back in Chaldea, Abigail and the other child Servants were still undergoing elementary-level education. Now, diving into the world of Millenium Academy—the most renowned and advanced science school in Kivotos—she was faced with a steep learning curve.
Nonetheless, even though temporary, seeing Abigail happy reassured him. With Yuuka and Noa by her side, he was sure the little girl's school days would be full of laughter and adventures ahead.
Still, the silence did not last long.
Swung the door opened, the sudden creaked interrupted the quiet hum of the SCHALE office.
"Master! I'm back!"
A sweet, excited voice rang out, immediately followed by the tiny figure of Abigail sprinting into the room. The instant she locked onto her target, She leaped into Ritsuka's embrace— her small arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders as if trying to make up for the two days they'd been apart.
Ritsuka chuckled, catching her easily. "Hey, welcome back. I thought you forgot about me already."
"That's not true, Master-san!" Abigail pouted, burying her face against his chest.
The master smiled warmly, setting her down. "So, how was today? Did everything go well?"
"Mhm! I didn't cause any trouble, too! Except..." She trailed off, fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"Except what?" Ritsuka asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well... when the instructor called on me, I couldn't solve the math problem," she admitted, her cheeks puffing slightly in frustration.
Ritsuka laughed, ruffling her hair gently. "It's alright. Even if you got it wrong, you can boast to the other girls when you get back. I'm sure even Nursery couldn't solve that one—it's a junior high question, after all!"
Abigail perked up, her pout disappearing. "Right! Nursery couldn't solve it either!"
"Did you come back by yourself?" Ritsuka asked.
"Mhm! Yuuka-san and Noa-san stayed back to visit some clubs. I left first because..." She paused, looking down bashfully before continuing. "...because I missed you so much, Master-san!"
Ritsuka smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Hmmm. I'm always here, Abby. It's not like I'm going anywhere."
Abigail beamed but quickly shifted the conversation.
"By the way, Master-san, did you read the letters?"
Ritsuka froze, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he recalled the stack of heartfelt letters the servants from Chaldea had sent through Abigail. Each one carried a lot—A lotof emotions.
"Ahem—well, yes, I read all of them. Looks like I can't afford to slack off on this trial Alaya has given me."
Abigail giggled softly. Not only the man had to work on his ordeal with mysterious servant class, he still had more trials back at home. With so many girls in Chaldea whose hearts he'd unintentionally stolen, his responsibilities were indeed... huge.
"Abby, last time you said everyone was fine... but nothingbadhappened, right?"
Abigail tilted her head, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Well... before I left, nothingbighappened. Based on what we normally deal with, I think it wasn'tbad."
"...What do you mean?"
"Well..." Abigail began innocently. "Just a few days after you went REM-REM, Tenochtitlan-san was bound by Enkidu-san's chains. I heard Tezcatlipoca asked for his help to keep her in check before she caused any problems."
Ritsuka blinked. "...Enkidu used thechains of heavenon her? That's... unexpected."
"Yes! But no ruckus was caused. Tezcatlipoca-san is such a big brother, isn't he?" Abigail smiled brightly.
Ritsuka sighed, muttering under his breath, "Big brother, huh...? That family's a handful."
Yes, that was the family in which a big brother had shot her little sister through her forehead. At least, he must give it to him this time, he sure prevented possible troubles.
"Oh! And Young Moriarty-san also tried to take over Chaldea." Abigail's cheerful voice cut through his thoughts.
Ritsuka's brow furrowed. "What?"
Abigail cleared her throat, imitating Young Moriarty's voice.
"'Since Fujimaru Ritsuka is gone, I'll take his place instead. I promise I will do the job better than—'"
"—Ouch!" She dramatically mimicked a thwacking sound, followed by the little girl pantomiming a brick hitting someone in the head.
"...What?" Ritsuka's expression was blank.
Abigail giggled. "His older self didn't even let him finish! He hit him square in the head with a brick!"
"..." Ritsuka didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Well... that ended well, I guess."
Abigail nodded enthusiastically. "Mhm! And Young Moriarty-san apologized—well, after another brick hit him, anyway."
"...What's with all the bricks?" Ritsuka muttered to himself, shaking his head.
Abigail continued cheerfully, "As usual, Kiyohime-san was restrained and locked down by the Hassans, and Da Vinci-san stationed three of your guards to keep an eye on her."
"Pretty normal," Ritsuka nodded.
"Yes, Master-san, the same old procedure!" Abigail agreed, before adding, "Oh, and then there was Melusine-san..."
Ritsuka sat up straighter. "Melusine? What about her?"
"She went on a rampage," Abigail said matter-of-factly.
"What?!Melusine went on a rampage?! Is everyone okay?"
Abigail waved her hand reassuringly. "It's alright! Siegfried-san and Sigurd-san calmed her down. But..."
"But?" Ritsuka leaned forward anxiously.
Abigail hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Despite their efforts, Sigurd-san got injured very badly. It took our casters almost 48 hours to restore him to stable from a critical condition."
Ritsuka's jaw dropped. "Sigurd was injuredthatbadly? Did Melusine lose controlthat much?"
Abigail quickly shook her head. "No, Master-san. The problem wasn't Melusine-san."
"...Huh?"
"Well..." Abigail said with a sheepish smile "After calming Melusine-san down, Sigurd-san was... injured enough that Brunhild-san found him very, uh, attractive in that state. So, she 'accidentally' stabbed him."
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"..."
Ritsuka froze, utterly speechless.
Abigail tilted her head innocently. "It was just a tiny stabbing! Nothingbig."
The master buried his face in his hands. "Just another normal day in Chaldea, huh..."
"Yes, Master-san!" Abigail beamed up at Ritsuka, her expression brimming with joy. "Still, many servants are praying for your safe return. Saint Martha, Pope Joan, and the big Jeanne all prayed for your success. Even Monk-san told me she missed her disciple and prayed for you too!"
Ritsuka chuckled dryly, running a hand through his hair. "I see... Seems like I'll need to prepare not just a lot of apologies, but also a lot of thanks."
"Oh, and Master-san!" Abigail perked up as if suddenly remembering something. "This one's important."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Merlin-san! He's also watching over you right now!"
"...Merlin?" Ritsuka blinked, his confusion evident.
It wasn't shock—he'd long given up being shocked by the Mage of Flowers' antics—but genuine confusion. Of course, Merlin would be watching him; the man had essentially been a live broadcaster of his journeys since the beginning. What puzzled Ritsuka this time was thehow.
"Abby, didn't King Gilgamesh give you my coordinates personally? How did Merlin...?"
"Euhh..." Abigail trailed off, suddenly looking sheepish. "Well, after King Gilgamesh gave them to me, he also... uhm..."
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"Hahahahaha, Merlin!"
"Eh? King Gilgamesh...?" Merlin tilted his head, sensing trouble.
"Though we now have the little girl for the hand-on operations, I see no reason to not task you for monitoring his safety!"
"...That means—"
"And you," Gilgamesh continued, cutting off the mage's hesitation, "shall receive his location as well!"
Before Merlin could react, another orb of light materialized in Gilgamesh's hand. Unlike the one given to Abigail, this one shot straight at Merlin with the speed of a divine bolt, slamming into his forehead before he could utter a word of protest.
"Good luck, Flower Mage." Gilgamesh's smirk widened as Merlin staggered back, eyes wide in terror.
"Y-You...!"
Just as he was about to spit fire swears on the King of Heroes, his voice was cut short— froze... as many hideous, vengeful presences made themselves known behind him.
His blood ran cold, his spine stiffened, and his instinct screamed for survival. Slowly, instead of turning around, the Mage of Flowers activated his clairvoyance to see what lurked behind him.
Through his magic, the sight that greeted him was worse than he'd feared: A gathering of anti-world women stood there, their eyes burning with demands. At the forefront were two particularly terrifying sisters—ones who clearly bore past grudges against the hapless mage.
" n. . . . . . . . . ."
()!
The command room fell silent as the other staffs and servants huddled together, trembling as they witnessed the impending doom looming over the mage.
Even Fou, the adorable mascot of Chaldea who regularly delighted in tormenting the mage, muttered in a rare human-like tone:
"Die, Merlin. Fou..."
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Abigail giggled softly as she finished recounting the memory, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And that's how Merlin-san ended up watching over you too, Master-san!"
Ritsuka groaned, burying his face in his hands, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Of course, Merlin couldn't help but get involved..."
"But don't worry, Master-san! He's... definitely keeping an eye on you."
"Yeah, I bet he is..."
"Looks like I have to quickly solve this singularity and figure out what's going on in this world. I can't help but worry what will be left by the time I return."
Abigail, seated beside him, clenched her small fists with determination. "Mhm! You can do it, Master-san! I'll be cheering for you all the way!"
Her words brought a faint smile to his lips. "Thanks, Abby. If you're ever allowed to visit again, please ask Da Vinci and Sion about this singularity'sHuman Order Foundation Valuetoo."
"Roger!"
Despite Abigail's salute and cheerfulness that lightened the atmosphere, the man couldn't shake the weight of his thoughts. Even though he could only theorize, the foundations of this world—the AI, the demihumans, and the students— Without real humans, the three main species could only give C- or C at best.
"Abby, do you happen to know where the Holy Grail is?"
The little girl shook her head apologetically. "No, Master. I don't sense its form at all. But, what bugs me the most is..."
Pointing outside of the window, her slender finger aimed straight to the tower with its beam pierced through the heaven. The Sanctum Tower, core building of Kivotos.
"High up in the sky, there are enormous magic circles covering the entire city. It's as if— they're maintaining this place." Abigail said with a serious face.
"I've flown over all of Kivotos several times," Abigail continued. "The outside... it doesn't exist. There's no place beyond this city."
Ritsuka didn't respond immediately, but his mind raced. He had suspected this, yet hearing Abigail confirm it sent a chill down his spine.
"And that beacon from the Sanctum Tower, Master-san..." Abigail glanced at him, her expression showing that she knew they shared the same thought.
"Mhm— It's indeed very similar."
They both paused, as if speaking the name would make it more real. Finally, Ritsuka said it.
"It's likeRhongomyniad."
Abigail's breath hitched. For the master, the thoughts lingered in his mind for so long. Thanks to Abigail being here, he finally had someone who could understand him.
What he had thought of was 'Rhongomyniad', the Lance that Shines at the End of the World— The anchor that put the world in place. When the divine lance was used, it could bring the world borders to its location while sustaining a landmass marked as the edge of the world.
"Nonetheless, the pillar of light isn't the same color. I guess it isn't the actual Rhongomyniad, but it operates on a similar concept. The pillar created this city and sustains it using the magic circles in the sky."
Abigail listened intently, her wide eyes betraying her growing unease.
"The Holy Grail..."
"..."
"Its true identity is an immense concentration of magical energy. It can take any shape and form. Maybe, in this world..."
Abigail thought followed Ritsuka, her smile that had long faded were replaced with shock. Her face truned pale as the realization struck her. Her small hands trembled, her voice wavered as she finished his thought.
"It's... It's the entire city itself."
"..."
"..."
Both went silence. Ritsuka stayed quiet, letting her words sink in.
Abigail's lips quivered, and her body stiffened as dark thoughts clouded her mind. "Then, Master-san... if that's true, and if you resolve this singularity..."
The Holy grail created a singularity.
The entire world was only Kivotos, sustained by the Holy girl's magical energy and concepts similar to Rhongomyniad's divine power.
This world was a singularity. To resolve it and return to Chaldea, he had to retrieve the grail— but that mean...
This world must be destroyed.
Her thoughts spiraled. The memories of their conversations flashed before her eyes.
Students— Halos—
The theory of them being prototypes of servants— The theory of them initially human transitioning into servants— Spirit origins—
The images of the students—Noa, Yuuka, the Abydos girls, and countless others— surfaced in her mind.
If the singularity was resolved, then—
"Abby!"
"Master-san..." Abigail's tear-filled eyes met his, her fears evident in her trembling voice. Ritsuka's firm voice cut through her panic as he shook her shoulders gently.
"It's alright, it's alright," Ritsuka reassured her, pulling the little girl into a protective hug. "Don't overthink it too much. Maybe we've got it all wrong."
"Mhm..." Abigail nodded weakly, her face buried in his chest.
"When you return, make sure to deliver all this information to Da Vinci and Sion, okay? Let the smart ones figure it out."
"...Okay."
"Our theory hasn't been proven yet, and right now, it's just that—a theory. Let's wait for the truth to reveal itself before we start worrying, alright?"
Abigail sniffled, her voice gaining strength. "Mhm!"
"And once we know the truth, we'll come up with a good solution together."
"Mhm!" she replied more confidently, holding onto his words as a lifeline.
Ritsuka sighed, brushing a hand through Abigail's blonde hair to calm her trembling. "Good girl, Abby."
Abigail nodded, her small hands clutching the front of his shirt tightly.
"Master-san... Promise me, no matter what happens, you'll protect everyone here."
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"..." The man was taken back, his eyes showed a rough mix of emotions. After a few seconds of reclaiming his composure, he smiled faintly.
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"Of course. That's a given. I'm their teacher after all, right?"
"Mhm!" Abigail sniffled, her tears finally stopping. Her master always knew the right words to make her feel safe.
Ritsuka leaned back slightly, maintaining his comforting grip on her shoulders. "We'll figure this out. Together. Whatever this city really is—whatever secrets it's hiding—we'll uncover them. And no one is going to vanish under my watch, okay?"
Abigail's lips quivered, but she managed a small smile. "Okay, Master-san. I'll trust you like I always do."
The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their theories lingering in the air.
Ritsuka's gaze shifted to the towering Sanctum Tower visible from the window. Its beacon of light pierced the heavens, unwavering in its brilliance. His gaze unsettled— in his mind, he was fighting with a great dilemma.
To save the world— to save his, he had to return back by passing this trial— by resolving this singularity.
He had been through this several times. Chaldea also had its basic principle not to form unnecessary bonds with the singularity's or lostbelt's inhabitants— because one day, they would eventually part ways.
Nevertheless, this time it was different.
As a teacher, he interacted with students and grew close to them. If it was him to take their lives away...
"It's almost funny."
Abigail tilted her head. "What is, Master-san?"
"That I ended up in a place like this," he chuckled dryly, "a city filled with students, a world of guns, magic circles, and halos... all while trying to play the role of a teacher. And now, even the city itself might be the Grail we're looking for."
"..."
"Life is strange, huh?"
"Mhm. But Master-san always finds a way, no matter how strange or difficult."
Her words stirred something in him—an odd mix of pride and responsibility. He'd faced countless challenges, many of them far worse than this. Yet, each time, he managed to endure, to find a way forward. And now, with Abigail by his side and countless others depending on him, he couldn't afford to falter.
"Alright, Abby," he said, his tone more upbeat. "No more doom and gloom. We'll handle this step by step. First, we gather all the information we can. And second..."
"Second?" she asked curiously.
"...We get you a proper education while we're here. What do you think?" he teased, his smile warm and reassuring.
Abigail pouted playfully, her mood lifting. "Master-san, you're so mean! I'm already working hard at school, you know!"
"Good!" he laughed, ruffling her hair. "Because the students here could learn a lot from you too."
The little girl's cheeks flushed at his praise, and she leaned against his side with a content sigh.
For now, they would focus on the present and tackle the future one step at a time. Together.
The atmosphere eased as Ritsuka and Abigail brushed aside their previous worries. With a faint smile, he leaned back on the couch, looking at the little girl cradling her plushies. "So, Abby, what did you do today besides studying?"
Abigail's eyes lit up, and she eagerly leaned forward. "Well, I tagged along with Noa-san and Yuuka-san for a bit. Oh! And I made a new friend today! Her name is Aris, from the Game Development Department!"
"Aris? That's great to hear. You two sound like a good match."
He paused for a moment, lost in thought.
Finally, Noa and Yuuka's 'daughters' meet each other,he mused.
Despite her physical age unclear, he thought her mental age matched Abby's perfectly. Seeing them get along now is such a relief.
Then it hit him—his own words in his head.Wait... Am I thinking of them as their parents? I even looked at both like they were daughters too.
Then don't that make Yuuka and Noa—my wives?
The realization made him shake his head, dispelling the absurd thought before it could spiral further. Yet, the faint warmth on his cheeks betrayed him.
"By the way, Abby." he asked, his eyes narrowing at the collection of plushies in her arms. Normally, she always carried her favorite pinkish orange one, now they were three of them.
"Did you buy more plushies?"
"No! But... " Abigail exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement. She held one up, a ridiculous chicken-shaped plushie with goofy eyes and a tongue sticking out. "Are they cute, Master-san?"
"They are... but is thatPeroro?" he asked, pointing at the silly chicken.
"Mhm! Yesterday, we ate outside and coincidentally met Hifumi-san and Azusa-san. They gave it to me as a gift!" she explained happily.
"I see..." Ritsuka said with a chuckle. "And what about the other one?"
"This one?" Abigail held up a medium-sized teddy bear. Its stitched eyes and patchwork design were oddly charming.
She smiled innocently. "An Onee-san gave it to me!"
"Hm? Another new friend?"
"Yes! Today, we visited a lot of clubs—uhhh, this one came from—"
"The Hacker Club!"
"..."
Ritsuka froze. His relaxed posture stiffened as the words settled. Abigail, not noticing her master who had gone silent, continued innocently.
"Right! The Hacker Club with the really hard name—ummm, VeryMuch? That doesn't sound right."
"Uhh... Vegeta? Ve-Ve-Ve— Veritas!"
"That's it! They were very welcoming too. We ate snacks and chatted a lot!"
With his face paled and voice stuttered, he asked cautiously.
"Do... do you remember that Onee-san's name?"
"Of course—!"
"It's Kotama-san!"
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Ah, shit.
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END.
Author's notes
Holy GOD, this chapter is also long! Like the previous chap, I couldn't find where to cut except here.
I dare you to reread the one-shot againafter reading this chapter! If you've read one-shot, you'll probably understand more with Ritsuka's dilemma and Abigail role now.So yes, I dare you to revisit!
Stay tuned for the next chapter! As I said, this arc is a light-hearted one. Also, I found joy in drawing cutscene images, therefore it may take a little longer until the release of next chapter. Thanks to new-year break, I went all out on this one, so don't expect much for the future chapters.
PS. If you're wondering why some of the more popular waifus were not in the illustration, the answer is— I only chose the canon. Eresh in BabyloniaOC3, Jalter in ShinjukuOC2, Melt in SERAPH, Kama in OC1, Castoria in LB6, and Mash who's the main heroine.