Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

[Hades's cap of Invisibility!]

It was the Hades's cap of Invisibility from Greek mythology—the cap that granted invisibility!

Its greatest effect was to erase all traces of one's presence, making even gods struggle to detect the wearer.

Now, after Souma had painstakingly refined it in advance, it served the singular purpose of concealing all unusual auras around Roya.

Even if that useless goddess Ishtar descended in person, she wouldn't notice anything amiss!

Once worn, it would activate automatically.

Even an ordinary person could use it.

"Then thank you, Mr. Gold! You're even kinder than my own brother!" Roya cheerfully placed it on her head.

"As long as you like it."

The man waved goodbye to her.

Roya was so delighted she nearly skipped away, but then remembered this was a high-class banquet and quickly adjusted her steps into a refined, ladylike gait.

Just as she stepped out of Mr. Gold's high-floor reception room—

She could already hear the cheers erupting outside.

Standing by the window, she saw the massive crowd of King Arthur's fans packed tightly together.

Roya felt immensely relieved. If not for Mr. Gold's help, I might've been one of them.

What could they even see from that far away?

They wouldn't even catch a whiff of anything!

Just then, she spotted Souma hurrying over.

With a stern expression, he warned, "When you meet the Heroic Spirit later, don't get nervous. And don't push too far forward."

"Hmph, I'm not a child. Of course I know that!" Roya scoffed.

This guy was way too paranoid.

She'd seen her fair share of grand occasions—did he really think she'd mess up so easily?

"Hey, who gave you that green hat on your head?" Souma asked in surprise.

"Mr. Gold gave it—Wait, screw you! You're the one wearing a green hat!"

Roya couldn't help grinding her teeth.

Such a beautiful hat, yet the other party scorned it so disdainfully that she felt like biting them.

Be ladylike, ladylike!

"It looks extremely valuable. You mustn't take it off, lest someone snatches it away!" Souma warned sternly again.

Yet his heart was filled with resignation—

Oh heavens, my dearest friend Golden Shine, if you keep being this tsundere and saying one thing while meaning another, I swear I'll kick your ass with my heavy boots.

Good lord, believe me, I'll absolutely do it!

Wanting to help me, yet having to say harsh words first—was that really necessary?

Souma instantly understood the hat's true nature.

A hat gifted by the mighty King of Heroes could only be Hades's cap of Invisibility.

With Hades's Cap of Invisibility masking her presence, this round was truly secured!

Once this crisis passed, he could return to enjoying the warm, ordinary days of a commoner.

Perfect!

"Hmph, I won't stay with this hopeless otaku anymore. This young lady is off to the banquet!"

Roya turned away with her head held high, like a proud little peacock.

"Don't bother puffing up—what isn't there just isn't there."

The words that followed nearly made her trip over her own feet.

Stamping her foot in frustration, she stormed off.

Just you wait—I'll grow up properly and make you beg on your knees!

...

First floor of Fuyuki Grand Hotel.

King Arthur's group arrived alongside Tamamo-no-Mae and others.

Some were already waiting at the entrance.

At their forefront stood Illya.

Dressed in a pure white princess gown, her silver-white hair swayed gently behind her.

Her ruby-like beautiful eyes were fixed intently on the king.

Artoria raised her hand slightly in greeting: "Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise, it's an honor to meet you."

Illya felt slightly nervous.

This was her first time appearing in such a grand, magnificent setting.

Most crucially, the person before her could be considered her—

Love rival?

Yet the other party paid her no mind, exchanging only a casual greeting before brushing past.

"That's it?"

Illya's initial nervousness instantly transformed into inexplicable irritation.

Clearly, in the eyes of the great King Arthur, she amounted to nothing!

Inside the hotel's presidential suite.

Only the British contingent occupied the suite's main hall.

Mordred snorted: "Father, you remain as haughty as ever, disregarding everyone."

Despite having debuted alongside Illya in Unlimited Blade Works, and despite Emiya's desperate protection of the girl, she'd been effortlessly overlooked.

"I am a king, representing Britain's dignity."

Artoria replied impassively.

As a monarch, she must carry herself accordingly—she couldn't behave like some petty, jealous girl.

"Heh, if you insist on playing king, then hand Nameless over to me."

Mordred taunted, "Didn't you vow to dedicate your life to Britain? Then don't hinder Nameless's future."

Claiming not to care, striving to be the perfect sovereign—

Yet here you were, happily trotting off to Japan to meet him?

"Mo, you grow increasingly insolent."

Artoria's saintly blue eyes bore down upon her, radiating immense pressure.

Yet.

Mordred remained unfazed: "I merely speak the truth."

Nearby, Gawain kept his distance, silently observing their confrontation.

Terrifying.

They're really going to fight.

What should I do—pass them Gáe Bolg or Clarent?—

No, no!

Am I supposed to play the role of the Nameless this time, using my life to mediate between these two?

Under Gawain's tense gaze, the two didn't actually come to blows.

Mordred snorted coldly and walked out of the presidential suite, wanting to take a short stroll outside.

A crisis temporarily averted!

The presidential suite was located on the top floor of the hotel, so there was no chance of random people wandering around.

But the moment she stepped out, she saw a girl wearing a white hat embroidered with green patterns.

"Hey, you're the Heroic Spirit Mordred? I bought your—uh, I mean, your Noble Phantasm merchandise!" Roya exclaimed excitedly, staring at her.

"Oh? And who are you?"

Mordred frowned slightly as she looked at the girl.

"Just an ordinary person. I'm a huge fan of yours—I came here specifically to see you all!" Roya continued, brimming with enthusiasm.

Mr. Gold truly had incredible connections, allowing her to get this close to a Heroic Spirit.

This was an absolute win!

"A fan, huh?"

Mordred relaxed a little.

She couldn't sense any magical energy from the girl—clearly just an ordinary human.

"Lady Mordred, could I get an autograph?" Roya asked cautiously.

This might be her only chance in life to interact with a Heroic Spirit—she had to seize it.

"How about we take a photo together?"

Mordred said casually.

It wasn't every day she met a fan who admired her, so she naturally wanted to show some appreciation.

"Eh? Really? Thank you!"

Roya instantly beamed and stepped closer.

After striking a simple pose, she pressed the shutter on her phone.

Click~

The screen immediately displayed a photo of the two of them.

Roya carefully tucked her phone away, eyes sparkling. "Thank you so much! Meeting you is such a stroke of luck!"

***

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