Fate/Magus Path

2 The Servant and The Master

"Happy New Year, Count."

While cooking dinner, Roy didn't forget to send his Servant a greeting, even though the Count didn't celebrate the New Year at all.

"Happy New Year, Master."

"Thank you."

Walk out of the kitchen, Roy served the dishes he had just prepared. Upon seeing the steak and other France-style dishes on the table, the Count frowned slightly. Roy then pushed the food toward him and said, "Come and try it. I specifically learned a few France dishes, but they might not taste very good."

"The taste, you say..."

The King of the Cavern nodded, glancing at the dishes before him. Then, seeing Roy's expectant gaze, he skillfully picked up the knife and fork Roy had prepared and took a small bite, nodding slightly.

"Not tasty?"

Roy felt a bit nervous; this was his first time making France food. Although he had strictly followed the recipe, he still felt uncertain.

"Hmm, indeed, it's quite terrible."

He hadn't controlled the cooking time well, the beef was of inferior quality, and he didn't have all the necessary seasonings. Such food might not even be considered France cuisine.

"Ah? I'm sorry, but this was the only beef available at the supermarket."

However...

The Count set down his knife and fork, a slight smile curving at the corners of his mouth. In that moment, Roy felt he saw a trace of nostalgia in the Count's smile.

This somewhat terrible yet very familiar taste... it really reminded him of her.

"But I like it."

Like it?

"Is that so? As long as you like it."

Seeing that the Count liked it, Roy felt a bit relieved, and his tense emotions finally eased. A hint of relaxation appeared in his eyes, all of which was clearly noticed by the King of the Cavern.

Initially, the King of the Cavern found it hard to understand why his Master could trust him so completely.

From the very beginning, as he descended here in the identity of an Avenger, the anti-hero King of the Cavern naturally had little respect for his Master, especially since this Master was an ordinary person who couldn't even supply basic magical energy. As a Servant, he naturally held a grudge against him and didn't show him any good face, let alone obey his commands; he certainly didn't qualify as his accomplice.

This led to the King of the Cavern often wandering alone, and it wasn't uncommon for him to be absent for several days. If it weren't for the command seals still on the back of Roy's hand, he might have suspected that the King had died outside.

Although the Holy Grail War hadn't begun, the preparations for it had already started. Such rebellious behavior was considered a taboo in the Holy Grail War; if it were any other Master, they would have exploded in anger at the King of the Cavern' actions long ago.

The King of the Cavern thought his Master would use the command seals to restrict his behavior and was prepared for the betrayal of his Master.

However, Roy not only didn't do that but even encouraged the King of the Cavern to go out more, to see the development of the world and experience what freedom was like.

If he encountered trouble, he could always contact Roy and use the command seals whenever needed; Roy wouldn't pry into the rest of the matters.

Thus, this Master and Servant had coexisted in a very peculiar manner for a long time.