The Queen of Shadows

Chapter 4: A Bright Idea

Chaldea's Cafeteria

Inside the massive room that was Chaldea's café, Gudao and Gabrielle were sitting at a booth next to a massive window to the outside that spanned the entire hall. Not far away, Arturia and Jeanne were sitting at a table closer to the kitchen were Emiya was cooking. Having already helped themselves to appetizers, Arturia was elegantly devouring a tray-full of food while Jeanne, on the other hand, was writing random words and sentences on a piece of paper with a dictionary, leaving most of the food on her plate untouched. Servants do not normally need nourishment from eating, but with only 2 masters supporting all of them, they had to eat and sleep as regular humans do to conserve mana. Arturia took a break from eating to take interest in what her friend was doing.

"Are you still practicing?"

"Yes. Da Vinci says I should try to read and write as much as I can. I'm currently learning synonyms."

"That sounds fun..."

"Well, it turns out language is more technical than I thought, but I think my penmanship is improving."

"Let me see?"

Jeanne shows Arturia what she had been writing. The Saber noted how the Ruler's writing was a bit sloppy, but otherwise legible.

"Not bad. I think you'll be able to read the Bible front to back in no time. Your hard work is paying off..."

"Thanks Arty. From what I heard from the masters, grammar is a very boring subject."

Arturia couldn't be any more proud for her friend. Jeanne d'Arc was illiterate in her past life, barely able to write her own name without assistance. Since being summoned to Chaldea, Jeanne took the opportunity to learn how to read and write whenever they weren't on a mission. The progress she has made up to this point was a testament to her dedication.

The two servants suddenly turned to the sound of commotion lineup in front of the kitchen. Apparently there was a hold-up with the line for appetizers, with many impatient employees expressing their displeasure for one individual's indecision up front. It didn't take the two girls long to see the cause.

Astolfo was browsing the food behind the glass while holding an empty tray, unable to decide what to take first as if it was the most important decision ever. Jekyll was behind him trying to get the Rider to make up his mind.

"Astolfo, please... just pick something. Everyone behind you is waiting."

Astolfo was gazing at each plate with great interest.

"But they all look so yummy, I can't choose!"

"Then step aside and let other people pick."

Emiya steps out holding 2 plates full of fresh egg rolls.

"It's alright Rider, take everything you want. I've made plenty of extras."

Astolfo looks back at the Archer, his face lighting up as he turns back at the food with his tray at the ready.

"Oh really? Well in that case..."

The Rider darts from plate to plate, filling his tray to the brim with food.

"I'll take this... and this... Oh! Definitely some of that..."

Jekyll lets out a sigh for his fellow servant's lack of subtlety and face palms. Jeanne giggles in amusement at the sight; it took a lot of patience for someone to tolerate the ball of energy that was the bubbly paladin. She notices Arturia staring at Astolfo taking all the food.

"Don't worry Arty. I'm sure Astolfo isn't going to take all the leftovers. He can't compete with your appetite."

Arturia looks back at Jeanne without any hint of envy.