In the grand hall of the Yggdmillennia family's villa, everyone was discussing how to continue their battle against the Red Faction.
According to the familiars' reports, immediately after last night's battle, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada had swiftly retreated to Sighișoara in Romania, reclaiming the Holy Church as his base.
Having lost the [Hanging Gardens], the Holy Church was undoubtedly the most defensible position available.
After all, the church was previously the Red Faction's stronghold, brimming with defensive magecraft barriers.
Moreover, compared to Trifas, Amakusa was far more familiar with Sighișoara and could lay down additional preparations.
Had it only been the Red Faction, the Yggdmillennia family wouldn't have had much to discuss. They would simply head to Sighișoara and strike under cover of darkness.
In short, a direct confrontation. Now that Sighișoara had become enemy territory, any covert approach would be impossible—Amakusa's familiars were everywhere, and his revelations matched Jeanne's own ability, precluding any stealthy assault.
But the main problem now was Assassin of Black—Jack the Ripper—still lurking within Trifas.
At least according to Jeanne's senses, Jack was still present. Without resolving this immediate threat, Jeanne couldn't feel at ease leaving for Sighișoara to confront Amakusa Shirou Tokisada.
If Black Assassin struck while they were attacking the Red Faction, the Yggdmillennia family's magi and homunculi wouldn't stand a chance.
Even now, counting Emiya Shirou and Jeanne, Yggdmillennia only had three Servants left.
Though Emiya Shirou's strength didn't match top-tier Servants like Chiron, he clearly surpassed Astolfo and could reliably be considered a combat asset.
"I will go and deal with Assassin," Jeanne decided after brief consideration.
"But it's still quite a distance from Trifas to Sighișoara. Even at your full speed, Ruler, it will take too much time," Fiore pointed out hesitantly.
This had been troubling the Black Faction greatly. If Jeanne went after Assassin alone, their confidence in breaking through the Red Faction's formidable lineup plummeted.
Astolfo could hardly be counted as reliable combat support.
Last night's battle was evidence enough. Far from helping, Astolfo had caused trouble repeatedly—his original Master even died at Assassin's hands.
"No, I have a method to quickly reach Sighișoara after dealing with Assassin," Jeanne assured Fiore. Distance was indeed an issue; even sprinting full tilt, Jeanne couldn't immediately arrive in Sighișoara.
But the Black Faction couldn't afford to wait until after defeating Assassin to move against Amakusa. The time lost would be too great. With Amakusa already possessing the Greater Grail, any delay was unwise.
Moreover, not scouting ahead could lead them straight into an ambush on the road.
At least during the daytime, they wouldn't need to worry about such issues.
Even with his grand wish of salvation for humanity, Amakusa had always followed the Holy Grail War's rules meticulously.
Apart from his own existence, which violated the war's principles, he adhered even more strictly than Jeanne herself.
Thus, the Yggdmillennia family wouldn't need to fear daytime ambushes along the way.
"If that's the case, we should begin preparations to move toward Sighișoara immediately," Fiore decided after a moment's thought. She didn't press Jeanne about how exactly she'd arrive swiftly—if Jeanne didn't elaborate, Fiore would respect her privacy.
It was enough to know Jeanne had a reliable plan.
Although Emiya Shirou could be considered equivalent to a Servant, he was still ultimately human. If something unexpected happened, Fiore wouldn't feel comfortable at all.
Fiore was unquestionably a first-rate mage, yet she still found herself unable to fully embrace a magus's coldhearted pragmatism.
Her memories of the puppy, for example—rather than burying or forgetting them, she revisited those moments repeatedly.
She understood that such sentimentality was unnecessary for a magus, particularly for one who specialized in spiritual evocation. Yet she couldn't let it go, precisely because her innate decency resisted such cold logic.
She simply couldn't accept the ruthless detachment expected of magi.
Thus, unlike other magi, she sincerely cared about Emiya Shirou's safety.
At least Caules shared her goodwill toward Emiya Shirou as well.
A good and honest person like him shouldn't be consumed by the Holy Grail War.
"Then, let's begin preparations," Fiore instructed the group. In truth, only five would actually travel to Sighișoara: Sisigou Kairi, Emiya Shirou, Jeanne, Astolfo, and Astolfo's current Master.
No other Yggdmillennia magi intended to assist them.
On one hand, there was no direct benefit for them. On the other, these magi knew their strength would amount to no more than those homunculi who'd fought Mordred—mere cannon fodder.
Besides, Darnic had yet to issue any specific orders, so only these few would pursue the Greater Grail.
Jeanne had no objections. She preferred fewer casualties, and would never force others into unnecessary risks.
Even Emiya Shirou's involvement had been voluntary. Had he wished to step away, Jeanne would have respected that without protest.
Although the Yggdmillennia magi wouldn't journey personally, they still provided transportation. After all, they couldn't very well expect Emiya Shirou and the others to travel all the way on foot.
Previously, when Shirou and Arthur had visited the Holy Church, Yggdmillennia had similarly arranged a vehicle for them.
Shirou returned to his room. Although he had nothing particular to pack, there was no great urgency yet.
They would rest briefly, then head for Sighișoara in the afternoon without issue.
A knock suddenly sounded at his door.
Knock, knock, knock.
A familiar voice spoke through the door.
"Shirou, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."