-178- Should we go find?

After a brief commotion, the camp finally regained temporary tranquility. The soldiers remained wary and fearful of Jeanne's presence, causing them to even distance from Rozen's group. However, they at least followed Gilles's command and dispersed on the spot.

Under the circumstances, the group gathered in the main tent where Gilles resided.

"Alright."

Upon entering the tent, Rozen immediately directed questions to Mash and Gilles.

"Start by telling me the current situation."

While Rozen had gleaned some information from Roman, he preferred to hear the details firsthand to avoid any potential disputes between Jeanne and Gilles. This was his way of directly getting to the important matter.

Mash seemed to understand this and volunteered to provide a report.

"Recently, we were attacked by an archer during our retreat..."

This was also mentioned by Roman.

After escaping Orleans, the French army hadn't retreated far before an enemy archer caught up to them and immediately launched an attack. Mash stepped forward to fend off the attacks, but without Rozen by her side, her combat abilities were limited. She managed to block all the enemy's shots but couldn't drive them away.

Later, through Chaldea's reconnaissance, an astonishingly swift enemy rider pursued them. Even an enemy saber joined the chase. At a tense moment, another servent appeared to lend assistance.

"The one who helped us was a Lancer-class Servant."

Mash explained earnestly.

"According to the information provided, she seems to be opposing the Assassin within the 'Dragon Witch.' She wasn't planning to intervene, but when she saw us confronting the 'Dragon Witch's' Servant, she decided to lend a hand."

Hearing this, Rozen was taken aback.

"She wasn't planning to intervene? She just helped on a whim?"

The others reacted similarly, surprised by Mash's explanation.

However, Mash's account wasn't over yet.

"After helping us repel the enemy archer, she initially intended to leave. But later, she said something like, 'Speaking of which, that woman has a horde of dragons to command. How could the adorable Illy-chan be so plain, wandering around on her own? Even though they're just a bunch of useless puppies compared to the noble dragons, since the enemy over there is just a bunch of pseudo-dragons, I guess I can't help it. Puppies, you shall be my hunting dogs. And you, the shield-bearing squirrel over there, yes, you! I'm asking you, is there a stage suitable for a concert around here? I'd like to go there!' Based on these requests, she decided to accompany us."

Mash's explanation left Rozen's mouth twitching, and the others were similarly dumbfounded.

"Afterward, we retreated while the enemy Rider and Saber were catching up. We returned here and contacted you, Senpai. Currently, the enemy Rider and Saber are still pursuing us. It seems the enemy Archer is also returning. We were considering whether to relocate before you arrived."

Mash's explanation concluded, and she looked at Rozen, her tone serious.

"Anyway, Senpai, should we go find a stage for a concert?"

Mash blurted out this extremely off-topic question.

"What... are you even saying?!"

Rozen flicked Mash's forehead, causing her to cry out in pain and cover her forehead.

The other three Servants expressed various reactions.

"Well, how should I put it?" Jeanne began, her tone somewhat understanding, "She's quite an unique Servant."

"Yeah," Marie chimed in, sincerely smiling, "She seems like a really cute girl. I can't wait to meet her."

"...Forgive me for being blunt, Maria," Amadeus' face was unusually dark as he spoke in a low voice, "I don't know why, but I have a very ominous feeling. I don't believe that someone is a person who can hold a concert worthy of full applause. So, if possible, let's eliminate her as soon as we can. It's an impulse I feel deep down, and if we don't do it, I'll definitely regret it."

The three Servants each expressed their thoughts—one with a wry smile, one with anticipation, and one with a curse.

It was easy to imagine how much commotion this self-proclaimed "Illy-chan" would cause.

"What about now?" Rozen inquired hesitantly, "Where is this unique Lancer you're talking about?"

Mash seemed to hesitate and stuttered her response.

After a while, she finally spoke up.

"Actually, just this morning, we encountered another Servant."

Mash revealed this astonishing news.

"The other Servant is a Berserker, and her relationship with the Lancer isn't very good."

Mash's words came out haltingly.

"Right now, those two are in the forest, getting ready..."

Before she could finish that sentence, an unexpected event occurred.

"Boom..."

A booming sound echoed, as if something had exploded, causing the air to tremble slightly.

"What... what happened!?"

"What's going on!?"

Inside the tent, everyone was astonished and rushed outside, looking alarmed and gripping their weapons tightly.

"What's happened!?"

Gilles grabbed a passing soldier and demanded an explanation.

"M-Mar... Marshal!" The soldier exclaimed in panic, "It's the forest!"

Almost everyone reflexively turned their gaze toward the direction of the forest.

In the next moment, they felt it.

A surge of magical energy emanated from the center of the forest.

"Ah----!"

A soprano-like sound wave vibrated there.

"Roar----!"

A dragon-like roar accompanied by dark flames erupted.

The sound waves and flames intertwined, twisting and mingling together, creating bursts of explosive wind that sent dust and smoke billowing.

As the high-pitched sound and roars resonated, before the others could react, Amadeus covered his ears and groaned.

"Damn it...! Damn it...! What awful noise is this...!? You bastard...!"

Amadeus began cursing.

"No swearing, Amadeus!"

Marie furrowed her brows, seemingly ready to scold Amadeus.

But Amadeus, for once, paid little attention to Marie.

"Swearing? What about swearing? This shitty voice is an insult to the term 'sound' itself! Don't even mention cursing! I can't take it anymore!"

Amadeus yelled with bloodshot eyes.

"We must stop this immediately! Otherwise, I'll go crazy! I'll definitely go crazy!"

Saying that, regardless of everyone present, Amadeus charged into the forest.

"Ah, it's come to this..."

Marie sighed as if understanding something, and she apologized to the others.

"I'm really sorry, everyone. As his guardian, I can't control his actions. For Amadeus, music is everything. Without music, he's left with just his eccentricity. He can't stand awful noise and dissonance. Please forgive him."

Marie nonchalantly explained.

"Now isn't the time to discuss this, is it!?"

Rozen quipped.

"Let's hurry over! Something is about to happen!"

Following Rozen's lead, the group rushed into the forest.