288 Banquet on the Einzbern Castle (2)

(I'm back! I will update about my situation this past months in the next days)

Due to my return, and the fact that I have been inactive for so long, I am going to bring a new offer for this month in my p@treon. For the month of April only, you will be able to read all the advanced chapters, plus a new bnha fanfiction I'm uploading there, for only 1 euro/dollar or its equivalent in your currency.

Also, for every 5 p@trons that subscribe, I will upload an extra chapter both there and on this page.

You have more than 30 extra chapters to read there.

https://www.p atreon.com/GreatSage_Master1

----------------------------------------------------

Saber agreed to let Drako accompany them, but he had only proposed this to buy Rider's time to arrive on the scene. After all, the Einzbern camp was strong but insufficient against Gordius Wheel.

"The thunder then, and this meaningless tactic... the opponent must be Rider."

Irisviel recalled the overwhelming power of the Noble Phantasm she had witnessed a few days ago in the warehouse district. The chariot entwined with thunder and pulled by divine bulls - if this type of Noble Phantasm Anti-Army were to unleash its full power it could easily destroy the magic focus points located in the forest.

"Hey, King of Knights! I specially came to see you, come out. ah?"

This sound came from the entrance of the castle. It seemed that Rider had already arrived. Without a doubt, this was the King of Conquerors, Iskandar. Judging by his powerful, reverberating call, his tone was like that of a warrior about to fight.

Rider finally entered. He did so as if the mansion was his own property, his chest puffed out and his steps proud. Waver followed behind him, embarrassed by his Servant's attitude and a little frightened at the thought that they were in enemy territory.

"Hey, Saber. I wanted to take a look around after I heard about the castle here... oh? I see I'm not the only one who wanted to take a look at the castle. By the way, it's hard to get in and out of a house if you have a lot of trees in the garden. I almost got lost before I got to the gate, so I cut some down for you. Thanks to me, the view is much better."

Someone tugged on the sleeve of Drako's sweatshirt. It was Kuroka. From his amused look, she seemed to want to know the identity of this muscle-packed clown.

"He is King of Conquerors, Alexander the Great."

Drako whispered it in his wife's ear, though he doubted it would be enough for them not to hear. Well, Rider didn't seem to be paying too much attention to Drako right now.

"Rider, you..."

Saber wanted to say something. But, faced with this enemy who always left the opponent speechless, she didn't know what she should say anymore. It was Rider who frowned in surprise and said:

"Hey, King of Knights, aren't you going to wear something modern tonight? Don't always wear that old-fashioned armor."

If Saber's armor could be old-fashioned, how would Rider's attire of jeans and T-shirt look? This armor was considered Saber's pride, but the cracks in the thick breastplate suggested his weakness. Perhaps the only thing we could say here is 'the ignorant is irrevocable'.

Although it was true that the Servant of House Einzbern was the only one wearing her battle armor, even Drako's group was dressed in casual clothes. Obviously, no one had come intending to have a fight.

Well, at least two people did show enmity to Irisviel and Saber. Mordred seemed to still hate his "father", though it was more superficial than the look Waver was giving Irisviel. He probably thought it was her fault that Rider was now obsessed with casual clothes.

Once, King Alexander took the initiative to wear Asian clothing, given his interest in his conquered lands' cultures and caused his followers to avoid him like the plague. Irisviel had heard this story, but she would never have known that Rider's reason to change to modern attire was because of Saber and her costume.

What left them more confused was the thing in Rider's hand; it wasn't a weapon or anything used in battle.

It was a chest.

No matter how they looked at it, it still looked like a red wooden wine chest. Rider, who easily carried the chest under his arm, looked like a wine store owner coming to deliver an order.

"You..."

Saber, once again at a loss for words, took a deep breath and said serenely.

"Rider, what are you doing here?"

"Can't you guess from the appearance? I came to drink with you - hey, stop standing there and show me the way. Is there a courtyard here suitable for a feast? You guys can join in too if you like; you're invited."

Iskandar gestured to Drako's group as he spoke.

"..."

Saber and Irisviel were once again speechless. This idiot was inviting other people to have a banquet at the Einzbern mansion. Did he really think he owned the place or something?

Wait... Drako hadn't said anything about attending a banquet? Did he know this was going to happen?

Saber gave the mysterious boy a deep look, as if she could draw out his secrets with a glance. Obviously, she wasn't going to find out anything. At least for the time being.

"Rider, you really are a genius. A feast would be perfect," Drako commented with a smile.

"Hahaha, I know. I wouldn't be called the King of Conquerors if I wasn't a genius."

Drako nodded his head as if it was natural what the man was saying, while Kuroka had a strange smile on her face at the sight of the giant idiot packed with muscles.

Currently, Kuroka had her ears and tails hidden so as not to draw too much attention to herself, though Drako had told her that there was no need to hide them. In the end, she was just a companion and didn't want to steal the spotlight from her man. She would rather stay home than actively participate in all the fights, but she had agreed to accompany Drako because they would only have a small banquet with possible future mates. Curiosity kills the cat, or so they say.

"By the way, this is a challenge."

Saber, who should have lost her will to fight, suddenly became solemn.

"Challenge?" Irisviel asked.

"Yes... I am a king, you are also a king, and I can even feel the aura of a king accompanying Drako. If we are to seek victory at the drinking table, then this is a battle without bloodshed."

A genuine smile bloomed on Drako's face as he listened to Saber, just as the King of Conquerors nodded with a smile.

"Hohoho, it's good that you understand. Since we can't oppose each other with swords, then let's fight with wine. King of the Knights, Drako, I will not go easy on you tonight. Prepare yourselves."

"Interesting. I accept." Drako replied cheerfully.

"I will not lose."

Saber, answering resolutely, emanated sharp battle vigor as if facing a battlefield. Only then did Irisviel realize that this was not a joke but a real 'battle'.