“I’d rather not have to stain my hands with the blood of those who would not wish to fight. Given my profession, I am sure you would understand that, Master. Of course, I am a Servant in a Grail War, so I shall fight those who are within a Grail War as that is my word, but I do wish there was a way to convince those others not to fight against us. My word is always correct, and I promised you the Grail, didn’t I Master?”
“You were drooling over her though, weren’t you.”
“Oh yes! What an adorable little girl! Heaven forbid such a creature were to be harmed in any way! What a sweet, sweet puppy! ” Sylvester said in a mocking tone to his wife, almost as if to tease her. If there was one thing that Sylvester enjoyed, it would be the fact that he thought the comedic reactions of his wife after accusing him of (often true) sexual escapades were rather hilarious. Of course, that being said, it would be likely that if he were not a Servant, he’d be sleeping in the garden again tonight; not that he truly minded such, but not being able to see Meridiana was somewhat of an inconvenience for him.
Meridiana seemed to make what could only be described as a “frustrated noise” towards Sylvester’s general direction before Sylvester sighed and revealed the truth of the matter.
“Yeah, she is cute. Nice, too. But those types ain’t my style. That isn’t to say people like gramps over here are not great; I honestly couldn’t have asked to be summoned by a better Master. But when you look for a partner, if I don’t see the flames of passion in their every action, I can’t say I am willing to chase their skirt. Just ain’t worth it in the end. After all, that is how we met on that moonlit night all those years ago.”
Meridiana hesitated for a moment.
Sylvester was just a boy; so young and innocent. Those eyes that held the desires of a king in the body of that child. Not the eyes of a conqueror, but the eyes of a brave, noble man who would sacrifice everything to protect those he “loved”.
And she was the kingmaker to this broken man.
He gazed upon her as he did all those years ago with the same, youthful eyes.
“You never change, do you?” Meridiana said, finally taking form from the Pontiff’s arm.
A beautiful lady, the sight of which might make many a man fall for her. A beautiful lady that one might grant everything in their possession to and would still not be tamed. Though her appearance seemed nothing more than a French peasant woman dressed in the finest clothing, there was something about her rather simplistic beauty that would call many a man to ask for her in marriage or to fight over her affection. And while Meridiana did enjoy the “sport” of it all, she found such prodding to be a nuisance after such a long bout of time.
....But his affection was different.
“And what exactly is that supposed to mean!?” Sylvester quipped back at her, seemingly annoyed at her proclamation. “I’ll have you know that repetition is the secret to a long life, or so I’m told.”
“Very well, he who claims lordship over my Husband. If you have a place where you think drinks would be excellent, I shall follow. That shouldn’t be an issue, should it,... I suppose you are going by “rider” now?”
With a sultry laugh, Meridiana dragged Sylvester by his one hand to walk beside him and for him to walk beside the old man.
“Tch. I was going to accept his proposal anyway. No reason to lord it over me, missy.” ]
