"To liberate people and grant them the right to freedom by your own will—that is truly a wonderful thing!"
"I was once the same..."
"Leading the people of France toward freedom with nothing but the burning passion in my heart."
"Looking at you now, it's as if I'm seeing my former self. Seeing you so beloved by them truly warms my heart."
"As I thought... I certainly didn't make a mistake back then!"
Jeanne smiled sweetly; the more she looked at Haruka Kasugano, the more she liked him.
"So handsome~!" she laughed with pure frankness.
"Hahaha..." Haruka Kasugano chuckled sheepishly. This atmosphere, thick with the "sweet scent of romance," made him feel a bit awkward.
The two strolled leisurely, ascending the castle's observation deck. They watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon, seeing off the last wisp of twilight. Beholding this scene, the smile on Jeanne's face gradually faded, replaced by a shadow of sorrow.
Tonight...
They would have to part...
Even now, she still didn't understand the vision she had seen through [Revelation]. Back then, she had seen herself in a carnal union with Haruka Kasugano...
But tonight was the night of the final battle. How could she and Haruka Kasugano have the time or leisure for such things? Was it that time a few days ago when she taught him "adult knowledge"? It didn't seem like it...
Could it refer to a future where Leticia lives with Haruka Kasugano? But how could her Revelation foresee someone else's future? Was it a hint that her current feelings were entirely caused by Leticia? Was the Lord warning her to fulfill her duties as Ruler and not be swayed by personal emotions?
That was the only... logical explanation...
She turned back longingly, staring at the side of Haruka Kasugano's face as he too watched the sunset. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
Never mind... I am a Servant... how could I fall in love with a human? This must be a side effect of the possession! Don't worry, Leticia... I will protect both you and him... I... I...
Jeanne felt lost. She no longer knew what to think. This feeling was exactly like a shy girl wishing her best friend and her secret crush a happy marriage. But Jeanne didn't understand this at all. She was just an innocent girl, after all. How could she understand such complex matters? She couldn't even be sure if she had fallen for someone.
But one thing was crystal clear in her heart. Right now... she felt an extreme sadness. Though she didn't know the reason, as long as she looked at Haruka Kasugano, a wave of sorrow surged within her.
...Why do I feel this urge to throw myself into his arms and hold him tight? Is it because I want to protect him? Is it because tonight is the battle that decides life and death?
"Nngh..."
Haruka Kasugano took in her every reaction. He was no wet-behind-the-ears rookie, and with the divine skill [Human Observation] at his disposal, he easily dissected Jeanne's current state of mind. It was far too easy to read.
Hehehe...
Haruka Kasugano made up his mind to deliver a finishing blow. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled Jeanne into a tight embrace. This abrupt move left Jeanne's brain a complete blank, her entire face turning bright red in an instant.
"Haruka Kasugano..."
Inhaling the enchanting fragrance emanating from Jeanne—as if he were standing in a field of flowers—Haruka Kasugano felt intoxicated. Feeling her lush, soft body, his heartbeat involuntarily quickened. Her skin was as smooth as silk, her touch delicate and warm. His fingers lightly traced her lines, feeling her supple strength, and an unspeakable urge surged within him, making it hard to stay calm.
In this moment, Haruka Kasugano's heart pounded with excitement. Facing Jeanne's shock, he didn't panic at all.
"Ruler, thank you." Haruka Kasugano whispered that sappy line.
To Jeanne, however, this was an absolute "one-hit kill." Her pupils vibrated, and her expression went momentarily vacant. But soon she regained herself, offered a smile, and reached out to return the embrace.
"I thank you too..."
She stopped overthinking and quietly immersed herself in the beautiful moment of being held by him. Let's just enjoy the present...
Heightened by the romantic and intense atmosphere, their emotions swelled like a rising tide until they finally lost control and melted into a deep, passionate kiss.
Before this, Haruka Kasugano had only managed to sneak quick kisses when she was off-guard. Such brief touches could never satisfy the burning fire and longing deep within him. But this time, it was a genuine, soul-stirring kiss. Jeanne's vivid lips were incredibly soft, as wonderful as a flower in full bloom. The fragrance of her breath was intoxicating, making him feel as though he were in paradise.
Jeanne, too, couldn't help but lose herself in the kiss... She had completely cast aside all logic and thought, no longer worrying about right or wrong. At this moment, she only wanted to experience this beauty with her whole heart.
"AAHHH, Holy Maiden...! Kissing can lead to pregnancy! It's over, I'll never be able to get married now...!" Leticia wailed within the sea of her heart.
Yet, after a moment, she began to giggle foolishly, murmuring, "Oh well... Mr. Haruka Kasugano is quite handsome after all..."
---------------
The last rays of the sun faded away, and the sky was shrouded in endless darkness. Jeanne gently pushed Haruka Kasugano away and turned around.
"We... have to fight..."
She didn't want to sink any deeper. After all, it was a relationship with no future. What they had to do now... was fight, perhaps even face death.
"Mhm." Haruka Kasugano nodded silently, instinctively touching his lips, feeling the lingering warmth and fragrance of Jeanne. The corners of his mouth curled up in a secret grin. Hehehe, everything is going according to plan.
Next, as long as he coordinated perfectly with Shakespeare, he would successfully bring Jeanne into his arms. Haruka Kasugano stood behind her, gazing at her graceful figure. Her curvaceous lines and tempting physique, accentuated by the Command Spells on her skin, appeared even more sexy and alluring. Especially her back, smooth as jade, radiating an irresistible charm.
Truly something to look forward to!
By now, Fiore, Chiron, and Caules had already mobilized, heading toward the twenty airplanes. Astolfo ran over, shouting, "Master! What are you two doing dallying here? It's time for war~!"
"We weren't... dallying..." Jeanne's face was flushed with embarrassment.
Haruka Kasugano then took his leave; he needed to discuss the move with Artoria alter, Melusine, and the others. Astolfo immediately leaned in, giggling at Jeanne, "Oho! Things are going well, aren't they, Ruler?"
"What do you mean 'going well'? Rider, what are you talking about?" Jeanne's eyes darted around as she gave a perfunctory answer.
"Mmm-hmm! Master is very charming, isn't he? When he came to save me, I was so surprised!" Astolfo chirped.
Hearing this, Jeanne felt a pang of unease. she leaned closer to Astolfo and asked tentatively, "Astolfo... do you like Haruka Kasugano?"
"Of course! Don't you?" Astolfo replied almost instantly.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH..." Jeanne was totally flustered. She lowered her head and watched Haruka Kasugano's receding figure with a complex heart.
Astolfo patted her head and smiled, "You better do your best! You've already taken a huge step forward, haven't you?"
"Even though we, as Heroic Spirits, have no future, that little sister inside you who isn't 'Ruler' is different!"
Flick!
Astolfo flicked Jeanne's forehead.
"Ah! You knew..." Jeanne panicked.
"Hahahaha!" Astolfo laughed and ran off to board a plane.
Jeanne stood frozen. That's right... we Heroic Spirits have no future; we are just shadows lingering in this world... As I thought... my inner feelings...
Never mind, this must be Leticia's heart speaking! I must defeat Amakusa Shirou Tokisada so that Leticia and Haruka Kasugano can live a peaceful life!
"Hahaha... hehehe... ugh..."
As she thought, Jeanne couldn't find it in her to smile anymore. She didn't know what was wrong with her. Resigned, she headed toward the planes. It was better to focus on the battle.
...
Haruka Kasugano arrived in an empty room.