Fate/ Grand Crypter

Chapter 9

Leo sat on a chair, keeping his eyes on the Servant sitting across from him. The handsome man was flitting around the room, examining it with interest. Looking at him, it would be impossible to believe he was a villain at all. He looked every bit the part of the hero or prince, straight out of a storybook. A testament to the diligence and depth of his deception.

"So, Master," Oberon said, looking at him with a smile. "I understand that you have summoned me to help prevent the end of the world, but I feel like I am missing some details. I thought Chaldea possessed some special facilities. This place is a far cry from what I was expecting."

"You knew of Chaldea before your manifestation?" Leo said.

"Of course! You all pursue the honourable mission to protect humanity. As a resident of the Throne of Heroes, how could I not know of you?"

Oberon gave Leo an innocent smile, hands open as if he was hiding nothing. Of course, some information about Chaldea would be stored in the Throne, the source of Heroic Spirits. But Oberon didn't know it from that. He knew it because he had fought with Chaldea, or rather was meant to fight with Chaldea. An event in the far future, a future that should no longer come to pass. Of course, that also meant he shouldn't even be able to be summoned.

"What class have you manifested as?"

"I have been summoned as Ruler, Master. It suits me better than any of the 7 classes."

Heroic Spirits were generally divided into classes based on their weapon of choice, their class choice reflecting an aspect of their character. Muramasa was a Saber, the sword-wielding knight, and thus used swords. Caenis was a Lancer and wielded a spear and shield. Cu Chulainn was a Caster and used magic, but he could also be summoned as a lancer with the spear. Oberon didn't fit any of these classes well, so Ruler made sense. Of course, Oberon wasn't a ruler. It was just a convenient excuse.

"Master, I cannot help but notice you have avoided answering my question." Oberon sat down, folding his hands together. "You have also brought me aside to ask me these questions, out of the earshot of your companions. Is it possible that you do not trust me?"

"Surely I would be a fool to trust someone right off the bat? It takes time to build trust, so of course I don't trust you at the moment."

"But you were the one that summoned me, Master. I am bound to you through those Command Seals, the three unbreakable commands. If you wanted to compel me to keep your secrets or keep no secrets from you, it would be simple."

Leo's right hand instinctively twitched, the red Command Seal marking its back. Three hooks all spiraling out from each other marked his right as a Master, his three inviolable orders. However...

"If I used them, you would be able to find a way to overcome them. Nothing is unbreakable, and I would make a fool of myself if I believed otherwise."

"You see Master, that is what I am talking about. We have known each other for only an hour, and yet you are almost hostile to me. I cannot help but feel like there is a reason for this. Ah, perhaps Master you are the kind of person who hates insects? In which case I am very sorry, there is nothing I can do about my appearance."

"I don't have a problem with insects."

"Ah, then... could it be? Is my Master so self-conscious about their looks that you want to get rid of the competition! Master I am so sorry, I had no idea! Please, I am sure that with some surgery, or a bit of magic we can fix you right up-"

"Alright, alright, I get it."

Leo sighed, moving over to the door, pausing before opening it.

"Chaldea was attacked, and as a result, we are currently stranded here. We cannot go back until we complete the mission. Happy?"