Fate/Magus Path

157 Confession

The meeting spot Merem had arranged with Roy wasn't at the Misaki City church but at a quiet park on the outskirts of the city.

When Roy arrived, Merem Solomon had already been waiting there with Arcueid for some time.

Seeing Arcueid swinging on a park swing with Merem standing nearby, Roy greeted them with a wave.

"Hey, Arcueid."

"Ah, you're here, Roy."

Noticing Roy's arrival, Arcueid hopped off the swing and ran over to him, her face lit up with joy.

"What's up? Arcueid, and Father Merem, is there something you needed to talk to me about?"

Arcueid aside, Merem definitely had a reason for calling him here.

"..."

"Mr. Roy, I apologize for calling you out so soon after such a grueling battle," Merem began, his tone respectful and apologetic.

This respect wasn't just due to Roy's overwhelming strength but also out of gratitude for protecting Arcueid and for finally putting an end to Roa, fulfilling Arcueid's long-standing mission.

"It's fine. I've mostly recovered," Roy replied, shaking his head before turning to Merem. "So, what's the important matter you wanted to discuss at this hour?"

"Yes... I called you out for a reason, or rather, a request," Merem said, cutting straight to the point. "Though it's unlikely, I still wanted to try."

"Go ahead."

Roy nodded.

"Would you be interested in joining the Holy Church? The higher-ups have said that your solo takedown of three troublesome Dead Apostle Ancestors is enough to earn you the title of Saint within the Church. If you're interested, you could come to the headquarters."

"..."

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Seeing Roy's strange, silent expression, Merem sighed. "I knew it. What a stupid question. Those guys..."

"I already expected this answer, and those higher-ups are dreaming. A title like 'Saint' in exchange for a Magician's top-tier combat power? Fanatics really do have twisted minds."

Merem didn't hold back, subtly mocking his superiors.

Then he shouted into a mirror he was holding.

"Are you satisfied now? I've said what needed to be said. This doesn't count as slacking off. If you want to recruit someone, at least have the decency to show up in person. Sending me as a messenger? What a joke."

"Merem..."

A voice began to speak from the other side of the mirror, but with a crack, the mirror shattered, cutting off the communication.

"Alright, Mr. Roy, I've done my annoying duty. I'll leave the rest of the time to you and the princess... I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you further."

Normally, Merem wouldn't bother with such a ridiculous task. But this time was different. After the events, Arcueid had personally sought him out and asked him several strange questions.

Though Merem himself had never experienced romance, having lived for over a thousand years in the material world, he had seen it all. But this situation was new to him.

From Arcueid's behavior, it was clear that while she might not yet understand love, she had developed a deep attachment to Roy. Had the princess fallen for him?

The realization startled Merem.

As a staunch supporter of the White Princess, he began to strategize. Arcueid, having spent most of her time in the depths of the Millennium Castle, retained a pure innocence and lacked understanding of the complexities of the world.