Chapter 589 Candlelight, Hero and Beauty
Having successfully shaken off the zombie-like Masters and circled back to the restaurant, they secured a private room. The dimly lit evening space was illuminated by warm candle flames, their hazy glow spreading across the pristine white tablecloth like a soul-soothing painting during a journey. Nero cradled her teacup, listening to Sakatsuki's explanation of the events, and couldn't help but criticize his underhanded tactics.
"This is all your doing! I haven't even had dinner yet, and now I'm exhausted and starving... You absolutely must make it up to me, or I'll be very cross!"
Perhaps due to the intense physical exertion, Nero's eyes were slightly unfocused as she leaned back in her chair, her chest rising and falling with each small exhale. The ample curves—so unlike a certain flat-chested someone—repeatedly drew Sakatsuki's lingering gaze.
Fully expecting her straightforward complaints, Sakatsuki clasped his hands together. "Then tonight, all your expenses shall be on me, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty?" Nero blinked in surprise, her expression instantly turning wary. "How did you know my identity?"
"Hard to miss, considering I nearly assassinated an emperor last time," Sakatsuki shrugged, referring to the infamous mapo tofu incident where Nero had outright accused him of "attempting to poison the emperor"—her identity had long been exposed.
Recalling that embarrassing moment, Nero flushed slightly and raised the menu to hide her reddening cheeks. But she quickly shifted focus, rapidly ordering a lavish spread of dishes without the slightest hesitation.
Meanwhile, Sakatsuki merely waved a hand, asking the waiter for a drink.
"Aren't you eating?"
"Me?" Sakatsuki smiled. "Has Your Majesty ever heard the phrase 'feasting one's eyes on a beauty'?"
"Umu?" The ahoge on Nero's head twitched briefly in confusion before comprehension dawned. Her eyes narrowed with delight. "Umu umu! You certainly know how to sweet-talk. Good, I'm very pleased!"
"Is that so?" Sakatsuki chuckled. "Then it's my honor."
He adored Nero's refreshingly candid nature—whether angry or happy, she never hid her feelings, always frank and endlessly vivacious. She never let those around her feel stifled, like a dazzling rose in full bloom that captivated all who passed by.
If possible, he'd love to take her home and keep her... Sakatsuki mused idly.
The food arrived swiftly, and Nero cheered, eagerly picking up her utensils to dig in with gusto. Across from her, Sakatsuki sipped his drink occasionally, his gaze clear and bright.
Just as he'd said earlier—using her beauty as the perfect accompaniment to his wine.
But the emperor was hardly content with mere culinary satisfaction. At her request, Sakatsuki took on the role of storyteller, recounting tales of the previous Holy Grail War—how that naive and pitiable opponent had woven their own doom, and how the red-haired pirate captain had met her end with a smile.
"Mmm... Umu umu, I see. So they were Asia's gaming champions." Nero twirled her fork thoughtfully. "That would've been a troublesome pair to deal with. Had that Master seized an opportunity, that 'Drake' Servant would've obliterated everything with her cannons."
"Your Majesty is wise and mighty, with divine foresight," Sakatsuki casually flattered, then admiring Nero's crescent-moon eyes as he continued, "In truth, I was indeed restrained by Shinji's magecraft, and Captain Drake took that opportunity to unleash her Noble Phantasm."
"Noble Phantasm!" Nero gasped, her expression tensing as if she were there herself. "Then... how did you respond?"
Before Sakatsuki could answer, she covered the young man's mouth with her hand. "Wait, let me think... Ah! You used your Noble Phantasm, didn't you! In such a critical moment, you must have unleashed it to turn danger into safety! Yes, only a Noble Phantasm can counter another Noble Phantasm!"
Completely unaware of the issue, Nero removed her hand from Sakatsuki's lips and gazed at the stunned young man, her face full of anticipation. "So, what's the answer? It must be as I imagined, right? You countered with an even more powerful Noble Phantasm and defeated the enemy in a dazzling display!"
"Unfortunately, you're wrong," Sakatsuki snapped out of his daze, swirling his wine glass with a smooth voice. "I didn't use a Noble Phantasm."
Didn't use a Noble Phantasm?!
Nero's expression froze. After a long pause, she asked incredulously, "Then how did you manage it?!"
"Blocked the Noble Phantasm, immobilized the warship, and slew the enemy." The young man shrugged. "Just like that."
Just like that? Those three steps were anything but simple! Nero narrowed her eyes, slightly displeased with Sakatsuki's evasiveness about the details. But knowing this wasn't information to be casually disclosed, she suppressed her astonishment and smoothly changed the subject with a smile.
"Speaking of which, you really dislike being in the spotlight. Did something happen in the past?"
"Already probing into my past, Your Majesty?" Sakatsuki quirked his lips, unbothered. "It's nothing. You understand—those Masters never cared to know me as a person. They only craved power."
"If they don't even see me as a person, why should I live up to their expectations?"
"I see." The fifth emperor of Rome nodded in understanding. "But I'm different from you. Even knowing their love isn't truly for me, I must still respond to their passion."
Sakatsuki raised his glass in salute. "That's why your love is too selfless. You need someone by your side constantly, or else your beautiful fireworks might burn others—or yourself—to ashes."
"Hmm... You speak as if you know me well." Nero leaned closer, her perky rear lifting slightly as her playful, pouting face scrutinized him, utterly unconcerned about the glimpse of cleavage she revealed. "So, do you want to be the one who watches over me?"
Familiar words... Sakatsuki hid his face behind his glass, evading Nero's sparkling gaze as he chuckled wryly. "That's too unfair of you. I've already promised my current Master to protect her until the second round."
With Nero, Sakatsuki had no reason to hide anything, so she knew he was a Masterless Servant and his promise with Hakuno. Hearing this, the young emperor didn't react with anger or disappointment. Instead, she cheerfully patted his shoulder.
"Good! Though you rejected my offer, what I despise most is betrayal, restraint, and decline. Indeed, compared to fickle opportunists, a steadfast loyal hound suits my tastes far better!"
Damn that Nero... Sakatsuki rolled his eyes before speaking in an exaggeratedly formal tone: "However, you are the only person so far who suits my tastes. Therefore, my respected and adorable Emperor, I am pleased to inform you that after a rigorous selection process, you have successfully caught my attention. I believe forming an alliance with you will secure victory in this Holy Grail War. Please submit your application to me after the second round concludes—"
"Stop, stop stop stop! You're being way too official about this. I don't like it, try again!" Nero pouted her small lips, feigning displeasure. "This is a request I'm personally making, you know? Being so perfunctory is just bullying!"
"Oh? Let me think then... Wait no, shouldn't I be the one holding the reins here? Wagging my tail to please others isn't really my style."
"Ehehe~"
The two were just teasing each other, neither taking it seriously. Though Nero didn't know when she'd become so comfortable with this young man, she quickly brushed the thought aside, losing herself in Sakatsuki's smile and words.
Sakatsuki was truly talented—his words were pleasant to hear and incredibly amusing!
After eating and drinking her fill, Nero still unsatisfied, ordered wine to share with Sakatsuki. Under the flickering candlelight, their glasses clinked. The girl's cheeks had already flushed pink, her emerald eyes growing increasingly alluring, her voice soft and sweet as if filled with tender affection—or perhaps like a lover's coquettish whimper.
"After all, I'm a mature adult now. I don't want to make overly selfish demands. But still... While I'm not asking for extravagant decorations, can't something be done about this dreary room? If there were at least a rose garden or a saffron-scented bathhouse, life would be much more comfortable..."
"Not to mention, there's that adorable little girl staying here too... It weighs quite heavily on my conscience!"
Well, what could be done? Neither the adult Nero nor her younger version were good at these things.
Sakatsuki smiled without responding, but Nero clearly had more complaints. Her petite frame curled up in the chair, her words slurred by intoxication as if she had candy in her mouth: "Also, recently there's always knocking at my door in the morning. When I open it, all I find are two lunch boxes left outside. No idea who's behind this good deed."
"Oh?" Sakatsuki subtly straightened his back, keeping his expression neutral. "And what do you make of this situation?"
"How should I know? At least they're not poisoned." Nero rested her chin on her hand, shooting the young man a reproachful glance before giggling foolishly. "Those lunch boxes seem to be Moon Cell's mystic codes—the space inside can hold three full meals a day, with no repeats between meals! It's saved me so much expense... and everything's exactly to my taste!"
"Umu! It must be someone who admires my glory and willingly prostrates themselves before my crimson skirts!"
That much was true... Sakatsuki nodded in satisfaction, about to speak when a surprised yet exasperated voice sounded behind him.
"Finally found you! I'll have you know, Hakuno was attacked by an enemy Servant, poisoned, and sent to the infirmary!"
Hakuno?
Sakatsuki froze, whipping his head around to see Rin Tohsaka leaning on her knees, panting heavily. Her sweat-drenched clothes clung to her body, accentuating the girl's delicate curves.
However, the young man had no mood to appreciate the scene at this moment. He immediately stood up, his brows furrowed: "Impossible. This is a school, and I even gave her a protective charm. Who could possibly harm her?"
Though he said this, Sakatsuki still nodded apologetically at Nero before reluctantly quickening his pace—eventually breaking into a run and disappearing from her sight.
"Hmm, he's leaving just like that?" The alcohol had left the girl slightly dazed. She tilted her head, watching his departure like a large, forlorn puppy. Only after a long pause did she snap out of it, instinctively bringing the wine glass to her lips...
"Bleh, bleh—why does this taste so awful?" Sobering up considerably, Nero widened her beautiful eyes as she examined the shimmering liquid in the glass. With a pout, she set it down. "How boring. Waiter, the bill!"
Sakatsuki had only treated her to a meal, not the drinks. More importantly, she could actually afford this small tab.
"Miss, the gentleman had already instructed that all your expenses would be covered by him."
"Hmm?" Nero blinked, then narrowed her eyes, the stray lock of hair on her head perking up in delight. "My, my, that guy... he's really quite likable. If it wasn't intentional, such thoughtfulness could easily win over many a maiden's heart."
Stretching lazily with a soft moan, the crimson-clad emperor rested her cheek against the table, gazing at the flickering candlelight. Her eyes sparkled as she murmured dreamily.
"Hmm, if only our first meeting had been a heroic rescue... how wonderful that would have been..."
Who knows—in the heart of this cross-dressing emperor, who was the hero, and who would play the beauty?