the grave of chivalry

Well, at least he was the same Lancer. It would have been a headache and a half trying to explain to another version of him just who she was and why he needed to obey her every whim.

“You really need to apologize, too. Do you have any idea the problem that was dropped into my lap while you were gone, one you left me alone to deal with?”

And then he looked up, a faint glow of happiness illuminated the forlorn color of his eyes as he heard Reine’s voice again, her words, asking her not to apologize even if it was inevitable.

“I ignore what problem is, but I will stand by your side. My spears are yours, Master.” Diarmuid’s stern gaze met Reines’ . But there was an uneasy feeling gnawing at the corner of his mind. His intuition, that unexplainable feeling something really bad had happened. 

“W-what is it, Master?” What could it be that could darken and worry the girl’s face? Her determination, she was always so strong and seemingly unbeatable, invulnerable, free of doubts..., but this.

[text to: ???] [I do not believe you do understand! I know no Lady Reines or her family.] [You are not disturbing me in the sense you are disrupting me, because you clearly require some assistance, but you are disturbing me in the sense I’ve no clue what you are remotely talking about.]

[…You must know that other me, then? Just, go to his house with her, okay? I’ll figure it out.]

[Text] I appreciate your help. She almost started a mage battle against another child. I will be there with you soon briefly! 

[Text] ...

“I’m Lord El-Melloi.”

“You’re really not very smart, are you?”

Diarmuid’s gaze remained low, on the ground, as if he accepted that strange punishment. He had been through worse after all. Kayneth’s words had been far less than kind. He would condemn him for his legend, acuse of him of scheming against him, conspiring to steal his beloved fiance, using that bewitching curse to deepen the misery of his myth. 

This.., he could endure this. 

“I am a warrior, Master. My duty is not to weave plans but to follow your orders.” His gaze then rose, fixed on the girl’s face, brow furrowed, serious.

[text to: ????] [You have the wrong person.] [I do not recognize any of these names.]

[What do you mean ‘transformed’? Is that even possible? What do you mean you’re a knight? My household has no knight.]

[text]

I... understand.

I apologize for disturbing you, Lord El-Melloi. But do you remember Lady Reines? The heiress of the El-Melloi family. She succeeded my late Master Lord Kayneth--. 

[text]

“I know who I am. I’m not dumb! You’re the stupid one.”

“One, he’s my Brother now, not my Uncle. I am his sister by succession.

“Two, cities can’t summon Servants.”

“I apologize, Master... I did not mean to insult your intelligence. Yes, your brother..., I accept this.” Lancer wasn’t certain, he had originally meant his late Lord Kayneth, but no reason seemed to suit the girl’s logic. 

“This city is different, it is called Spirale. You are now in the Southern Clocktower, by the forest’s edge in the Mistwood. It is a dangerous place, there are creatures in the forest that could harm you. I implore you to remain inside until Lord El-Melloi has arrived.” 

“…”

[text to: ???] [Who is this?]

[TEXT] Ancient gods... no.

Please tell me you remember me, Lord El-Melloi II. 

It’s me, Lancer..., Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, your household’s faithful knight. 

Lady Reines has transformed into a child.  Something has happened to the city.

[/TEXT]

How did a five year old manage to look so unimpressed? Reines certainly managed it, folding her arms with a little ‘humph’.

“So I get kidnapped by a crazy man? Lancer is dead, and I certainly wouldn’t have summoned such a failure of a Servant for myself.”

Even as a child, it looked as if she wouldn’t be showing Lancer any mercy.

Lancer tensed, those words... he could almost imagine Kayneth El-Melloi saying exactly the same. He was weak compared to the mage’s expectations, he had not been the legendary hero-- but he had sworn his loyalty. 

“You have not been abducted, you are free to go as you please, but at this moment I rather escort you. It is unknown what has happened to the city and this mansion is at the forest’s edge. It is too dangerous.” 

He inhaled closing his eyes again as he still bowed. 

[TEXT]

Help!

[/TEXT]

Shall we start packing, Master?

Oh, he’s adorable. Where did Reines find him?

(A quick glance out the window. Nothing yet.)

“I’m more of a coffee person than a tea person, don’t worry. But I probably shouldn’t have anything heavy. Just something to tide me over until I get home.”

The smell of black tea reminded him of business and lessons. Eugh.

“Large caramel macchiato, a couple of whatever scones you have today…”

“And your phone number, if you’re not seeing anyone?”

“Coffee”. Diarmuid nodded and scribbled something on the small notepad.

“We do offer coffee though it is not the house’s specialty. Only one variety, but the best the city can offer,” Lancer reassured. 

But then he sensed it, that strange and sharp glint in the young man’s gaze, one which was very familiar to him. Diarmuid had seen it countless times. Could it be? 

His first impulse guided him to lower his gaze bashfully and a hand rose to the side of his cheek, covering the mole with the tips of his fingers. 

“And scones...and” A small smile stretched across his lips. “I am not,” he admitted. If the mole wasn’t to blame, then perhaps having a friend would be a nice experience. He had been so alone, only working as a servant for his master, training, hunting..., nothing more except for a few exchanges with the residents of Lord El-Melloi’s mansion. 

Diarmuid retreated as he clutched the notepad. Coffee, caramel macchiato, a sweet one. Then the scones. This time he was alone and he had to act fast. 

First, get that bandaid and conceal that spot that had caused so much trouble in the past. And only then he returned to serve the coffee as much as he had learned from the ‘barista’. 

About five minutes later, Diarmuid returned to the guest’s side, now the bandaid hiding the mole. His expression was unreadable as he set the macchiato and the scones on the table. 

“Wow.”

It was like stepping into one of his mother’s lackies’ mansions, where someone took your coat and brought you to a sitting room. That kind of old-fashioned, butler-esque charm some people loved having so much. But this was, for once, someone with a fairly handsome face. A welcome change.

“You’re so polite! Usually I get a smug little smile as a teenager charges me an arm and a leg for a latte, so I like this much better. Don’t mind if I do.”

A table was chosen away from the window. Flirty as he was being, he still wasn’t sure if he was being chased this far. Windows meant a clear shot, and a clear shot meant a dead Lars. A table near the counter it was.

If need be, he could clear the jump and hide behind it.

“Diarmund, huh?”

It’s not a common name, but something tells Lars he’s heard it before, somewhere. The name of an actor, maybe? A TV show character?

“Nice to meet you, Golden Eyes. I’m Lars. And I do come in here a few times a week when I get off of the graveyard shift. Maybe I should start coming in at this time more often~”

The dark suit and forest green shirt had been exquisitely designed to fit the theme in the most tasteful and sober way, and together with the inside colors of the cafe, the place had become one of the finest in town despite the moderate prices.

Diarmuid smiled at the compliment. It honored him and Reines. He had to admit the young master had put a lot of effort and thought into her business. 

“Graveyard shift? This means you’ve been working all night. Probably this will feel like a tea time or perhaps dinner. Let us try to make it good enough after a long shift.” Lancer smiled, his gaze lowering to the menu. 

He then corresponded with a nod. “It is a pleasure to have you as our first guest today. How should I call you?” 

For as much as Zal liked to complain about the ridiculous prices Reines charged her for a cup of coffee, she sure did visit rather frequently. And she had to admit it was almost kind of amusing to see if the employees knew the little gremlin charged her specifically more or not. Not that it ultimately mattered. She could afford it and she refused to crack first.

But it wasn’t Reines she was dealing with today, but one of her employees. Who… Looked kind of familiar? In a way beyond him clearly working here, anyway.

“Have we met somewhere else, mister? I don’t think you’ve ever taken my order here before, have you?”

Diarmuid blinked for a moment trying to remember. Of course. 

“I think I’ve seen you before around Lord El-Melloi’s residence.” A hand reached for his own chest, introducing himself. 

“My name is Lancer, or Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. I’m one of the lord’s servants. Even if Lady Reines is the one I serve, I’m also honored to be at Lord El-Melloi’s command.” His eyes closed with a gentle smile. It was strange to offer up his name so freely, even after a year it still felt strange to exist in a world without a Grail War even if his duty as a knight continued.

“I’m almost certain you have visited the residence before. Friend of the kind residents of his house.” His gaze then lowered to the small notepad in his hand, readying the pen. 

I feel far stronger now.