Visiting an Old Place

Glastonbury.

The resting place of a king.

After preparing lunch and buying some items, Naoki and Riddel arrived here at noon.

"Glastonbury... is this the place you wanted to come to?"

Looking at the expanse of grass with many tourists and pedestrians in front of her, Riddel stared at Naoki with a hint of doubt.

What was the point of coming here?

Ignoring her, Naoki skillfully bought a bouquet of flowers from a vendor by the roadside, then walked towards the interior of a somewhat dilapidated building.

No.

More precisely, towards a simple tombstone.

[Hic jacet Arthurus Rex, quondam Rexque futurus (Here lies King Arthur, who was once king and will be king)]

"King Arthur's grave?"

Seeing the inscription on the tombstone, Riddel turned her attention back to him.

"Did you want to come to clean King Arthur's grave?"

"Judging from the result, you could say that, although I only came to see a friend." Naoki chuckled softly, then bent down and placed the flowers in front of the grave, "Long time no see, Arthur, there have been so many things lately. For the past six months, I've also been constantly in Japan, sorry for never coming. Although I'm saying this, you won't hear it anyway."

'Talking to himself? Speaking to empty air?'

Riddel frowned, but remained silent. Her instincts told her that it was better not to disturb him now.

Naoki's monologue didn't last long. After mentioning some of his personal affairs and some daily occurrences, he led Riddel to sit beside a large tree not far away.

Holding a piece of sandwich, Riddel sat on the picnic mat, looking at the peaceful surroundings.

The weather today was very good, a sunny day. Although the temperature was a bit chilly, it wasn't cold at noon. Sitting under this tree, feeling the breeze on her face, felt very comfortable.

"It's really a nice place."

"Right. If possible, when I'm seventy or eighty years old and become an old grandpa, I want to settle down here."

"You're only 21 and already thinking about something so far in the future? Be a little more positive." Riddel chuckled, "Then what were you doing just now? Could it be some kind of spirit summoning? Calling the soul of the deceased King Arthur to talk to him?"

"No, no, no, it's not like that. I was just talking to myself. If I have to force an explanation, you could say I was having a one-sided heart-to-heart."

Naoki said while taking a sip of water.

"Didn't I tell you before that I participated in the Holy Grail War? Before coming to the Clock Tower."

"That's right."

That was an incident two years ago, on the plane while returning from Paris to London. For uncontrollable reasons, Naoki explained a part of the events during the Holy Grail War.

"If I remember correctly, the one you summoned was Saber."

"That was actually King Arthur." Naoki laughed, "I summoned King Arthur, as his Master I fought alongside him, and in the end, I survived. You could say the reason I became a Magus is rooted in my meeting with him. He was the one who changed my life."

"My relationship with him, in my personal opinion, is that of trusted comrades-in-arms and the most important friend. So after coming to England, I occasionally come to see him like today, telling him some of the things I've experienced. Well, you could say it's reminiscing about the past."

Seeing Naoki showing a relaxed smile he had never seen before, Riddel was silent for a moment, then bent her legs and leaned on Naoki's shoulder.

Before Naoki could say anything, Riddel spoke first, "So, are you still attached to the past with him?"

"How could that be." Naoki shook his head, "The Holy Grail War was indeed a very important experience in my life, but even though the Holy Grail War is over, life continues. Time isn't so tolerant as to allow me to keep dwelling in the past."

"I've been saved by him many times. So I decided that in the rest of my life, within the reach of these two hands, I will use this life that has been saved to help others as much as possible."

"In other words... a hero of justice?"

Riddel's analogy made Naoki unable to help but laugh, "Hahaha, it's not like that, I don't have such lofty ideals. All I can do is repay those who ask for my help, or help people who are in trouble on the street. After all, my reach is only this far."

Lying on his back, Naoki stretched his hand towards the sky.

'This kind of choice, surely won't disappoint the life you gave me, right? Arthur.'

Just as Naoki thought this, Riddel suddenly reached out and grasped his hand.

"Riddel?"

"Your words definitely won't be wrong."

Looking at Naoki with a gentle gaze, Riddel chuckled, "For some reason, I suddenly wanted to say that."

"Huh, what's this?"

"I also feel a bit strange myself."

Laughing twice, Riddel stood up and patted her skirt, "Then, shall we go back? If we calculate the travel time back, we should be able to get back in time for dinner."

"Alright."

Also standing up, tidying up the picnic mat and sandwich box, Naoki was just about to walk down the path with Riddel when a figure walking towards him in front suddenly stunned him.

It was a woman.

Like an ordinary tourist, her clothes and appearance were nothing special. She walked naturally with the crowd, and although some people glanced at her, it was probably because of the beauty of her face.

After all, she was a rare beauty.

And that beautiful woman, who also noticed Naoki coming towards her, also showed a slightly surprised expression, as if she didn't expect to meet him here at all. But quickly, that surprise turned into joy.

"Naoki? What's wrong?"

Realizing Naoki was standing still, Riddel couldn't help but turn back and ask with a hint of doubt.

However, as soon as she turned around, her whole body was instantly pulled back by Naoki, completely protected behind his broad back.

"Eh? Naoki?"

"Is it necessary to show me such an expression as soon as we meet?"

Riddel's surprised doubts hadn't reached Naoki's ears when another woman's voice sounded.

Sticking out half her head, Riddel saw the person speaking—a silver-haired woman wearing a black dress, looking about the same age as Merlin, with a faint smile that felt somewhat artificial on her face.

'Who is she?'

"Since the Holy Grail War ended—no, it should be since that battle. Although I've also secretly watched you several times afterwards, when you were in a coma in the hospital, I also visited you. But from your perspective, this is our first meeting in the past few years."

Tidying her loose silver hair, the silver-haired beauty—Morgan—smiled and waved at Naoki.

"Long time no see, truly an unexpected and pleasant encounter, Saber Master, Natsukawa Naoki."

"Caster..."