Fate/ Grand Crypter

Chapter 34 (Septem)

Leo watched as the soldiers sifted through the wreckage. With the darkness dispelled, the destruction wrought on the market was clear. The ruins of stalls lined the streets, with pieces of art scattered among various food items. The shattered stonework of the road was the only evidence of the massive monster they had just fought. Behind him, Leo could hear the clamour of the crowd, the many Roman citizens watching the efforts from beyond the line of soldiers. Their disquiet mutters burned his ears, their accusatory glances prickled his skin. Leo kept his face resolutely facing the soldiers, refusing to return the crowd's gaze.

"Don't worry about them too much Master."

Leo glanced at Oberon as his Servant picked his way across the rubble towards him. His wings were gone, his garb changed into a white cloak and coat. Without his fantastical elements, he appeared far more normal, or at least as normal as Leo looked in this city.

"Do you think I care what the crowd thinks? After we just saved their lives?"

"You're a sensitive person Master," Oberon smiled. "You hide it well, but inevitably things like this weigh on you."

Leo shifted his eyes from Oberon to the soldiers in the street behind him, dodging his gaze. The smile appeared genuine, even to Leo who knew the truth that lay behind it.

"What news so far?"

"Kadoc and Anastasia cannot track the traces of magic here, so they are moving slightly further out to try their luck. But I don't expect any miracles. The soldiers are still searching, it will take them a while before they have checked everything. Do you intend to stay here and watch them gloomily?"

Leo resisted the urge to reply and ignored Oberon. He set off towards the soldiers, picking his way through the rubble towards the Captain, a burly man identified by his distinctive plumed helmet. As he approached, the soldiers eyed him cautiously, with the Captain turning around and staring him down.

"Captain, I wanted to inquire if you had discovered anything about... the shopkeeper who was killed?"

The Captain eyed Leo suspiciously, then slowly nodded.

"Yes... sir. Others on the street have confirmed his name and where he lived. Was there anything you wished to know?"

"I intend to inform his family of his passing," Leo said. "It's important they know."

The Captain's eyes widened slightly, and he looked Leo up and down with a softer expression. After a moment, he turned around and bellowed out a command.

"LEGIONARY CATUS! Get up here!"

He turned back to Leo as a soldier detached from the crowd and made his way over.

"Legionary Catus will serve as your guide, sir. He can show you where you need to go."

Leo glanced at the young soldier who approached them with surprise. The familiar face was not what he had expected. As the legionary gave the captain a salute, his eyes turned towards Leo and Oberon, recognition manifesting on his face.

"Wait, it's you guys!"

"Vel?"

The young soldier grinned, his armour clean and whole, lacking the bloodstains that had coloured it on their first encounter. He brought his spear down and gave Leo and Oberon a salute as well.

"Pleasure to be working with you again, sirs!"

"Well, this is a happy coincidence isn't it!" Oberon exclaimed.

As the captain moved away to continue directing the operation, Leo and Oberon moved closer to Vel, the young soldier enthusiastically gesturing as he spoke.