D' Ultimate Lich King

"Oh, exquisite!!"

Rider took a sip, his eyes widening in praise. Even Saber's curiosity was piqued; this wasn't a mere display of refinement, but a contest of wines.

As the wine flowed down her throat, Saber felt a powerful surge in her head. This was unlike any wine she'd ever tasted—fiery yet pure, rich yet refreshing, a potent aroma filling her nostrils, leaving her feeling slightly lightheaded.

"Magnificent! This surely wasn't made by humans; it's fit for the gods!"

Archer smiled serenely, watching Rider's effusive praise. He'd sat down at some point, swirling his goblet contentedly.

"Naturally. In my treasury, only the finest wines and swords reside—a King's taste."

"Don't be ridiculous, Archer,"

Saber retorted, the calm atmosphere turning tense.

"Your boasting about your wine collection is tiresome. You're not a King; you're a buffoon."

Archer smirked at the increasingly irritated Saber.

"Unacceptable. One who doesn't understand wine is unfit to be King."

"Alright, you two are insufferable,"

Rider chuckled, gesturing to the still-fuming Saber, then raised his goblet towards Flandre.

"Let's toast our little hero, expressing our gratitude for the innocent lives she saved."

Like Rider and Saber, who had investigated the Caster's sewer hideout with their Masters, he felt a deep sense of regret and shared their intolerance for the Caster's actions.

Rider had also promised his Master to eliminate the evil Caster.

He hadn't expected someone else to beat them to it.

"It was nothing; and I did it for my Master's Command Seal."

"Tch, Command Seals? Are they really worth striving for?"

Archer scoffed at the mention of Command Seals, likely remembering Tokiomi Tohsaka using one to force his retreat.

"Ah, Command Seals are excellent tools for strengthening the bond between harmonious Masters and Servants; for dysfunctional pairs, they're merely tools of convenience,"

Flandre smirked sarcastically; Archer, enraged by the girl's words, nearly dropped his goblet.

"Mongrel, you're courting death?!"

Seeing the feast about to descend into conflict, Rider stepped in, chuckling wryly.

"Can't we just enjoy the wine tonight? Archer, as a 'King,' you shouldn't be enraged by a child's playful words."

"Tch… Rider, a King's generosity is for his loyal subjects, not for any random demon or monster. For a brazen mongrel who defies a King's authority, death is the best solution."

"I know, I know, but at least tonight, give us some face. If you kill the host, how can this feast continue?"

"Tch… fine, I'll give you face."

Archer grumbled, suppressing his anger.

Flandre was about to speak, but Rider gave her a warning look, imploring silence.

If Flandre persisted, even Rider couldn't prevent a conflict. The feast would instantly become a battle; Rider didn't want that.

Flandre also wanted to avoid conflict; it was their base; any fight would harm Einzbern.

Rider drank again, then spoke seriously.

"I hear only the worthy receive the Holy Grail."

His serious tone calmed the atmosphere. Something felt wrong.

"And the ritual to determine worthiness is this war in Fuyuki—but there's no need for bloodshed if you're just observing. As fellow Servants, if we acknowledge each other's abilities…"

"So, you want to test strength, Rider?"

"Exactly, a true contest between Kings. Not 'Holy Grail War,' but 'Holy Grail Quiz'… which King—the King of Knights, the King of Conquerors, or the King of Heroes—will become the 'King of the Grail'? This question is best answered with wine."

"Oh, interesting, a King's Quiz? Then the irrelevant can leave,"

Archer's crimson eyes fell on Flandre.

"This young lady, though not a King, is a powerful and admirable hero; I believe she deserves to participate. Don't you think, Saber?"

Rider smiled, looking at Saber, who nodded slightly.

Archer frowned, about to object, but Flandre spoke first.

"I disagree; in a sense, I am also a King!"

Flandre's statement surprised the three Servants; their gazes fixed on her, awaiting an explanation.

"My kingship differs from yours. I am a descendant of the Dark Lord, Dracula; my Scarlet family are the monarchs of the night, the Kings who rule all bloodkin!"

Flandre raised her head, the small girl exuding an air of immense pride that impressed the three Servants.

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