บท 419: Chapter 419: I Am the Man Chosen by the Holy Grail
As the Ruler with the "Servant Radar" ability, Jeanne sensed the presence of the Black Assassin before anyone else. However, she did not reveal this to the others, not knowing the Assassin's intentions, and this also aligned with her agreement with Artoria.
Unexpectedly, the Assassin kept approaching the house without stopping.
Even more surprising was that just as Jeanne was about to give a warning, Jack jumped up and said, "Papa's here," then opened the door and threw herself at the man Jeanne had met once before.
Jeanne was stunned—was the Black Assassin Jack's "Papa"? But Artoria had said that Jack was summoned by her Master, which meant he was Artoria's Master? Artoria's subsequent greeting confirmed this.
Before Shinji's appearance, Jeanne had often wondered what kind of person Artoria's Master would be. She never imagined it would be someone she knew, and moreover, a Servant.
"You are... Artoria's Master?"
Jeanne stood up from her seat, her sky-blue eyes fixed on Shinji. She saw him unhappily purse his lips and mutter something.
"You didn't take the bait. I was hoping to put on a bit of a teacher's act, but you didn't give me a chance. Ah, yes, you're right. Though it's a bit unbelievable, I am indeed Artoria's Master. No rule in the Holy Grail War says a Servant can't be a Master, right?"
As he spoke, Shinji pulled up his sleeve and unwrapped the bandage on his left arm, revealing three red Command Seals—the greatest proof and authority of a Master.
Seeing these three Command Seals, Jeanne completely confirmed Shinji's identity.
"Indeed, there is no such rule. Your status as a Master is legitimate."
"That's good." Shinji had been waiting for Jeanne to say this. "Artoria mentioned you wanted to see me?"
"Yes."
"For what? You don't expect me to continue teaching you math, do you?"
Jeanne shook her head. "No, I didn't know beforehand that you were Artoria's Master, so... but if you have time later, I do have some math questions I'd like to ask you."
"Since you love learning so much, I'd be happy to continue being your teacher," Shinji responded with a smile.
Reika, observing from the side, showed clear surprise—Saint Jeanne d'Arc loves learning this much? She had seen yet another hidden side of these legendary heroes. The Holy Grail War was becoming more interesting at the moment.
Reika's mind was different from ordinary people. She found no joy in ordinary life, living mechanically and instinctively. This was not only because she hadn't met anyone who truly cared for her but also because her seemingly normal worldview hid unknown distortions.
These distortions were gradually awakening with the arrival of Jack and Artoria and the progression of the Holy Grail War. Now, Reika wasn't just participating in the Holy Grail War for the sake of those she cared about. She had found enjoyment in the war itself. Even if Shinji asked her to leave, she wouldn't—having finally found a life that wasn't so dull, why would she leave?
Some people are born with extraordinary traits. Many heroes are like this, and so is Reika. She was naturally suited for the Holy Grail War.
What interesting things would happen next? Hugging Jack, Reika sat on the sofa, watching Shinji and Jeanne with a smile.
The young man and woman finished their small talk and sat at the dining table to discuss serious matters. Artoria, sitting with them, continued her battle with the food, occasionally mumbling in agreement with her mouth full.
In such a harmonious and friendly atmosphere, the outcome of the negotiation was naturally not going to be bad.
Because Artoria had only mentioned her uniqueness without revealing Shinji's information, Shinji had plenty of room to maneuver.
Considering he had already revealed his true name in front of Artoria and Reika, Shinji saw no point in continuing to pose as an unknown Assassin. Additionally, due to a particular analysis by Justeaze, it was necessary to bring Jeanne on board. Therefore, Shinji hid almost nothing, openly revealing his true name and background.
Of course, Shinji wasn't foolish enough to present everything without any embellishments, as doing so would undoubtedly result in being deemed a violator and disqualified by the judge.
In Shinji's account, he portrayed himself as a kindred spirit to Jeanne, similarly chosen by the Holy Grail due to issues arising in this Holy Grail War. The difference was that while Jeanne possessed a human body and used it to operate, Shinji's soul was extracted by the Holy Grail and fused with a Heroic Spirit's power, allowing him to act according to his will. As proof, Shinji displayed five Noble Phantasms from different civilizations that had no connection to each other: "Indra's Thunder," "Azure Cloud Sword," "Ishtar's Lance," "Goddess Staff," and "Hades' Cloak."
Jack, sitting obediently in Reika's arms, was also evidence, as she was Shinji's Servant.
This explanation confirmed a suspicion Jeanne had. She had not been summoned merely to arbitrate between the red and black factions; there was a more significant reason. However, Jeanne did not fully trust Shinji's words. Her "Revelation" skill indicated some discordance, although she couldn't pinpoint it. After all, Shinji wasn't lying. Justeaze was the Holy Grail, and he was chosen by her, carrying a special mission. What could be wrong with that?
Noticing a hint of wariness still in Jeanne's eyes, Shinji played his trump card—cheating.
This was a method that an honest, diligent, and hardworking student would never think of. Specifically, using his contract with Justeaze to draw out the Holy Grail's colorless mana.
Though it was just a tiny amount, it was the most compelling evidence—look, I possess such pure Holy Grail mana, how could I not be a man chosen by the Holy Grail?
Finally, Jeanne believed Shinji's story, though she still had questions—
"Why didn't the Holy Grail inform me of your existence? Our cooperation would be far more efficient."
"You are the judge, meant to act openly and righteously. I am an assassin, naturally required to operate in the shadows. One in the light, one in the dark, a double assurance. If one side encounters trouble, the other can continue to act. I planned to contact you in the mid-to-late stages of the Holy Grail War, once the Grail had formed and the mastermind had surfaced. I didn't expect you to run into Artoria."
It was the truth, without lies, compelling Jeanne to believe.
"I see. So, have you discovered anything?"
"Finding nothing is sometimes the best discovery. After my investigation, none of the Black faction's Masters and Servants are violating any rules or showing anomalies. The problem must lie with the Red faction—Karna's actions the night you went to Trifas are the best evidence."
"But since that failure, they haven't taken further action."
"No action doesn't mean they don't intend to. It could be they haven't had the opportunity or something has delayed them. We can probe the Red faction Masters who have yet to reveal themselves to see what they're planning."
"How do we probe?"
"I have a plan—"
Shinji's eyes flashed, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
PS: I am the man chosen by the Holy Grail, and you are the woman chosen by the Holy Grail. Quite a fitting match, isn't it?
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