Drinking Buddies

That was the presence only participants in the Holy Grail War could feel.

It shattered the illusion of peace, piercing through the harmonious atmosphere surrounding the group, sharp enough to make it impossible to ignore.

This is the domain of war.

Peace has never belonged to them.

Saber naturally grabbed Irisviel's arm, gently pulling her to her side. A simple action like this caused Irisviel to lock eyes with Saber, her gaze calm.

"...An enemy Servant?"

"Yes."

Artoria spoke, but her azure eyes were fixed on two figures in kimonos, one large and one small.

As a Servant of the Saber class, she wasn't particularly skilled in detecting enemies, but even she noticed this presence. That meant the Caster faction had likely sensed this provoking presence as well.

So...

"Don't even think about it."

Artoria's words were cut off when Sakatsuki stopped her. Sakatsuki, dressed in a kimono and exuding an air of elegance, picked up his Servant and sternly said.

"The world is such a beautiful place, and you're so quick to anger, always thinking about fighting and killing. Aren't you tired of it?"

Eh?

The blonde girl with blue eyes widened her mouth, stunned.

Someone who could pierce her heart with a thousand swords in a moment of instinctual warning was now holding a Servant and talking about world peace with a straight face?!

Yet Irisviel actually believed him, nodding in agreement.

"Indeed, how could we let Miyu-chan be involved in such a cruel battle? Saber and I can handle it."

"Is... is that so?"

Meanwhile, Miyu, who was being held in Sakatsuki's arms, stared vacantly as she watched the two irresponsible Masters toy with Saber. Finally, the two groups of Masters silently parted ways. Irisviel chased after the source of the presence, while Sakatsuki turned to walk in the opposite direction, leading them into a small shop down a winding alley.

As soon as they entered, the strong smell of alcohol made Miyu cough repeatedly, her cheeks turning bright red.

"Good liquor knows no alley."

Sakatsuki muttered as the sound of the door opening caught the attention of the shop owner.

An elderly man emerged from behind the counter and, seeing Sakatsuki, smiled warmly.

"It's you again, young man. What will it be today? I have everything you need."

The old man wasn't lying. Shelves behind him were filled with fine alcohol from around the world.

There were cocktails from Singapore—Sling; Dutch Gin; Spanish Sherry stored in bottles, and the famous Portuguese wine, Porto; Japanese sake, a spirit inspired by Chinese Huangjiu; and even Moutai, one of the world's top three liquors, quietly displayed at the top of the shelf.

The intoxicating scents of these diverse drinks almost made one wish to drown in them, never to wake up.

Sakatsuki was a regular here, and without hesitation, he said.

"Bring me some strong liquor, the stronger, the better. Red Star Erguotou, Life Water, bring it all. Oh, and throw in a bottle of sake and beer, just charge my card."

"You know your stuff! Quick and easy!"

The old man laughed, quickly preparing the drinks and handing them to Sakatsuki.

The sound of the bottles clinking echoed as Sakatsuki politely refused the old man's offer for a drinking contest, leading the slightly tipsy Miyu out of the shop.

As they stepped out into the alley, the cold winter wind helped clear Miyu's head.

"Onii-chan, you bought so much alcohol. Where are we going with it?"

Facing the wind, Sakatsuki smiled as a silver-green motorcycle roared to life beside him, its engine growling.

"To find someone to drink with, and..."

"To watch a show!"

***

The Fuyuki Great Bridge, spanning the entire length of the Mion River, stood near the estuary. At 665 meters long, it was a three-span continuous arch bridge.

The top of the arch reached over 50 meters high. If one were to be blown by the sea breeze from such a height, the result would be certain—a fall into the river. Without safety ropes, no matter how skilled the worker, no one would venture up.

Waver Velvet, however, was not using any safety ropes or equipment. He was simply clutching the cold steel beams with his hands and feet. Normally, he told himself to remain calm, but right now, he could no longer care about that.

His Servant, Rider, sat beside him, legs crossed. He looked completely composed, exuding a regal aura that made one want to grind their teeth in envy.

"We... should get down from here..."

Waver's teeth chattered from the cold and fear. His voice, however, was nothing more than a whisper in Rider's ear.

"This is the perfect vantage point. Let's stay up here for a while and observe."

Rider, holding a bottle of liquor, occasionally took large gulps while overlooking the vast seaside park below. Although Waver couldn't make out much, Rider had spotted their target—after spending four hours tracking the Servant's presence.

Rider, a king who had battled across many lands, immediately recognized the other's intentions. He decided to remain a passive observer, waiting for other Servants to enter the fray and hoping for the chaos to lead to an opportunity.

That said...

"This is too high! I... I want to get down! No, let me down! I've had enough!"

Waver shouted, but his cries were lost in the wind, unheard by Rider.

"Alright, wait a minute. A restless guy like you should learn that waiting is part of the war."

Rider said casually, continuing to drink, not even sparing a glance at Waver's increasingly desperate expression. It seemed there was no mutual understanding between them about the dangers of high places.

"If you're bored, read the books you brought..."

Rider suddenly stopped speaking, turning sharply to look toward the bridge entrance.

Even Waver saw it this time, a sleek motorcycle came speeding towards them, skidding to a stop at their feet.

The man in the kimono removed his helmet, as if he had known of their presence all along, and called out.

"Conqueror King Iskander, why are you standing so high? Come down, let's drink together!"

"Who wants to drink with you?!"

Even if he was terrified, Waver wasn't foolish enough to jump down. This Caster's Master had been fighting against them just a few days ago. Now, suddenly coming over... who knew if it was some trap?

Suddenly, the steel frame of the bridge trembled, startling Waver. He instinctively looked at Rider, only to find the red-haired giant standing up, reaching out with a hand the size of a boulder.

Then, he grabbed Waver by the collar, lifting him like a kitten, and shaking him once or twice.

"W-what are you doing, Rider?"

Waver swallowed hard.

Rider, however, smiled kindly.

"Ready, kid?"

Amid the screams of impending doom, Waver felt like he was riding a free-fall ride without any safety precautions, starting to plummet.

"Ahhhhhh—!"

The scream echoed over the Fuyuki Great Bridge for a long time.