noontime | OPEN POST.

[ Fiore had given him a confused stare at first-- because as far as she was aware, only Servants who held a wish would answer the Grail's call. But as he continues, the perplexity in her gaze lightens, then vanishes entirely.

It's not as large a wish as she had expected. But he's so earnest about it that there was never any doubt about his sincerity, just a sense of... melancholy, if she had to place a name to it. His own regrets had held him down long past his death, and that's a fate she wouldn't wish hon anyone. ]

I understand. I don't know how many Wars you'll be summoned to, or what relevance this one will hold for you, but as long as I'm your Master, I'll do my best to grant that wish for you.

[ "By letting you serve me to your utmost" sounds like a terrible thing to say, though, so she doesn't. ]

[ She's a kind person, he thinks. Her own sympathy and concern is clear, and for that, he wishes he could dismiss it entirely. So the moment of seriousness passes, at least on his part, and he's back to an easy smile. ]

Now, it's nothing to frown over. It sounds a bit gloomy, but... I do not think of it as such. To serve is my second chance to do right by my oath, and I can think of nothing greater that even the Holy Grail itself could give me.

[ Though he does reach up to idly scratch at his neck, a bit of an awkward gesture, since it's still difficult to explain. He's not sure he would have ever reached this peace about it in life, even if Arthur had somehow miraculously triumphed in Camlann. It comes from a perspective that's distinctly inhuman, that part of him that's now an eternal being rather than one limited by a single lifespan. Even if it's his reality now, that difference is difficult for him to put into words. ]

You needn't concern yourself over me, though your kindness is not something I will spurn. After all, it is just as much my oath to protect a maiden's smile.

[ It's one thing to have him reassure her that his wish isn't anything like a burdensome regret weighing down his shoulders and to let herself completely believe it. Though, at the same time, she doesn't doubt him. It just seems... well, he's right. It sounds gloomy. ]

I can't say I'm entirely like the maidens you were probably familiar with, unfortunately.

But...

[ ... ]

Thank you, for your candor and your sincerity. I do happen to think we'll work well together.

Of that, you are correct. No maiden was ever my master, after all.

[ ...More or less. Technically, his king was, but even knowing that truth now, it's difficult for him to think of her as such. Arthur never showed that side of herself, so she would always be a king over anything else in his mind. ]

That simply makes that oath all the more pressing! I must resolve your worries, both as a knight and as your Servant. [ There's a playful laugh in his voice, but it doesn't really seem like he's joking... It seems that the knights of the Round Table are truly as gallant as stories say. ]

...But I do agree. I hope the same is true of the rest of the Masters and Servants.

[ If she'd ever had any doubt of gallantry, Gawain sure is curbstomping it currently.

Fiore pauses to think of the current arrangement, tapping her chin. ]

I think Berserker will do well with my brother. He's not very delicate, but he seeks to understand and cooperate, so they should be a good match. Lancer is well-respected by his Master, as is Caster... Archer may have some difficulty with Uncle Gordes trying to be too commanding.

[ Haaa. ]

... I, er. Rider may have some trouble, as well, but as a Servant, he should be fine?

[ His attention gets a bit more focused as it turns back to more tactical considerations. He nods along as she explains, since knowing at least the majority of who these Servants are, he can't help but wonder. Frankenstein and Vlad the Impaler are infamous in their own rights, but they're also not noted for their... Well. To even think it would seem like it could invite trouble, somehow. Vlad especially is no king under which he would serve, to say the least.

He's naturally curious about the Caster and Archer, since they're both quite mysterious, if for different reasons. Archer at least gave him the initial impression of being a gloomy, serious fellow, so he thinks they'll get along. It's not unlike another bow-wielding knight he knew in life.

However, any of the questions that would come from that quickly become secondary when it's mentioned Rider might have some trouble. His brow furrows together in curiosity, but his mind doesn't go anywhere near what his trouble might be... ]

Hm? Is this because of his forwardness? I hope he would not be punished for that.

No, it's not a matter of his personality. [ Vlad would have made his displeasure known at the beginning if Astolfo's straightforward attitude was a hindrance. ]

Rather... it's his Master I'm more concerned about. She's, ah...

[ She pauses to clear her throat delicately. ]

... She takes great pleasure in torment, and... [ Help her. ]

In torment?

[ There's definite concern in his voice, since he still doesn't quite get to the right conclusion. Or, well. He's like, half right, but the other half is important... ]

Even if he is a Servant, does that mean Sir Astolfo is at risk?

No, in his case, he could simply snap his restraints, and she won't... hurt him...

[ Gawain, please. She's already suffering. ]

[ His expression stays serious, though confused for a few moments. He's clearly mulling it over, and especially her hestiation, but all of the sudden, his expression brightens back into a smile as he laughs. ]

...Haha, oh! Would you happen to mean torment more... [ Hm, how to put it. ] Well, to be polite, let us just say carnal?

[ Her face? Definitely in her hands now. ]

... In his case, yes.

[ Outright torment for anyone not a Servant, though. Poor things. ]

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