Fate/ Grand Crypter

Chapter 28

Leo took a sip of the green tea, having finally finished explaining his report. The drink was refreshing, and he sat back in satisfaction. Across from him, Olga Marie sat reviewing what had been written down, a cup of her own in hand. She had insisted on the separate report from Leo, given that he and Ophelia had acted independently from the rest of Team A, and resolved the Singularity issue in the end.

"Well," she sighed, putting down her drink. "I suppose I can't find any major faults with your decisions, apart from your repeated attempts at risking your life."

"As I said, each of them was all equally justified."

"I am sure you think they are. When I get Ophelia's report from Kirschtaria, then I can be sure they were." Marie smiled sweetly, giving Leo the distinct sense of falling for a trap somewhere along the way.

"Anyway, let's talk about other things. How are you getting along with your Servant?"

"Oberon? We're fine. Just fine."

"Another thing we are going to change is adding more detail to your responses," Marie said dryly. "What does just fine mean? Is your relationship the same as when you left for the mission or has it improved? Details this time Leo."

Leo sighed and took a sip of his tea. He had known he would have to face some tough questions when Marie had called him in for the private meeting. At least he had prepared himself somewhat.

"My combat relationship with Oberon has improved. We have a better sense of what each of us can do, and we did have a lot of fighting we needed to do in this Singularity."

This was the truth. Leo's sense of Oberon's abilities came from the game, which presented combat in a very stilted manner. This Singularity had helped him understand Oberon's actual combat ability, and how he could combine that with his magecraft for the maximum effect.

"As for getting along with him as a person... that will take a bit longer. It's impossible to measure human relationships after all."

"Your relationship with Ophelia seems to have improved by leaps and bounds," Marie questioned. "Why has the same not happened with the person meant to be your closest ally?"

Leo hesitated. It was not a question he could answer easily. If this had been his first interaction with Oberon, if he didn't know the truth that lay behind his smile, Leo probably would have gotten along well with the Faerie Prince. But he couldn't. Every time he was with him, he was on guard against the creature within his Servant.

As Leo was caught up in his thoughts, Marie let out a slight cough, breaking the sudden silence caused by his reaction.

"It's alright Leo, I understand. Different relationships take different amounts of time. I just hope that you can focus on this one."

A slightly concerned expression crossed Marie's face as she watched him.

"You tend to put yourself in wildly dangerous situations. In those life-or-death moments, your Servant has to be your strongest and most reliable ally. Especially for you, you need to make sure your relationship with your Servant is strong. Do you think you can focus on it? If not for yourself, for me who will have to handle the paperwork after you are gone?"

"I...I will certainly try," Leo gave a half-hearted smile. "If nothing else, to save you from the extra work you would have to do. I am sure things are busy as is with the reduced staff."

"They are managing."

Marie leaned back in her chair, a wistful expression on her face.

"It isn't easy... without Lev around. But everyone understands the importance of the mission. And we all are survivors of the attack. The sense of responsibility has helped bring everyone together and work on the mission as one."