Fate: Edmund

The elegant Hyatt Hotel in Fuyuki was a place where luxury and discretion blended perfectly. Its modern, minimalist design offered a panoramic view of the city, while its interiors, adorned with warm tones and noble materials, exuded an atmosphere of sophistication. Edmund, dressed in an impeccable tailored black suit and a dark blue tie that highlighted his eyes, stopped in front of the hotel's glass doors.

His hair, combed neatly but not too stiffly, shone in the morning light.

With a determined step, he crossed the lobby, ignoring the curious glances of the employees and some guests who recognized in him someone of class and distinction. The sound of his shoes against the marble floor echoed like an echo of authority, although a faint playful smile danced on his lips. He had come with a clear purpose: to retrieve the relic he had lent to his brother-in-law, Kayneth Archibald, for the invocation of Hector of Troy.

The elevator took him smoothly to the penthouse, where Kayneth and his fiancée, Sola-Ui, were staying. As the elevator rose, Edmund closed his eyes for a moment, letting his thoughts wander.

"Hector of Troy... the champion of the Dardans, the protector of Troy. Steadfast, brave, but trapped in the fate of a war he never wanted. It will be fascinating to see him in the flesh."

When the elevator doors opened, he was greeted by a short hallway leading to a single door. He knocked gently, but with enough force to announce his presence. The door opened quickly, and Kayneth, with his ever haughty bearing, watched him with some discomfort.

"Edmund, what are you doing here?" asked Kayneth, trying to remain calm as his gaze shifted nervously.

"I've come to collect what is mine, brother-in-law. The relic of Hector that I lent you. You've served its purpose," Edmund replied, his tone casual but firm, as his eyes roamed the suite.

The interior of the suite was as luxurious as the rest of the hotel. Dark leather furniture, heavy velvet curtains and a bay window that offered a dazzling view of the city. Sola-Ui, sitting in an armchair by the window, looked at Edmund coolly, as she always did. Her relationship with her younger brother had been marked by tensions and prolonged silences.

Before Kayneth could respond, Hector of Troy appeared. He was standing next to Sola-Ui, his spear resting casually on one shoulder. His figure was imposing: tall, with messy brown hair and armor that, while not ostentatious, radiated a majestic simplicity. His face wore a calm expression, but his eyes reflected the wisdom of a warrior who had lived through too many battles.

Edmund could not help a brief look of admiration.

"So this is the famous Hector" he muttered to himself, as his gaze assessed every detail of the legendary hero. Hector's presence was such that for an instant Edmund allowed himself to forget everything else. However, that moment of fascination was fleeting. He remembered the purpose of his visit and returned his focus to Kayneth.

"The relic, Kayneth. Don't make me repeat myself."

Kayneth, frowning, pulled a small box from his blue trench coat. His expression showed some reluctance, but he also knew he had no choice. Edmund reached out and received the box matter-of-factly.

"I appreciate your cooperation, brother-in-law." Edmund's voice was a mixture of sarcasm and politeness, accompanied by a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Sola-Ui, who had remained silent, finally spoke, in the same icy tone she always used with Edmund.

"It's surprising that you bothered to come personally. I thought you preferred to delegate these kinds of tasks."

Edmund looked at her for a brief moment, his expression changing from playful to serious.

"We can't all afford to be indifferent, sister. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to."

Without waiting for a response, Edmund spun on his heel and headed for the door. Before leaving, he cast one last glance at Hector, as if to burn his image into his memory.

"Farewell, champion of Troy. I hope this war treats you with the dignity you deserve."

With those words, Edmund left the suite, leaving behind his sister, Kayneth and the legendary hero. In the elevator, he briefly opened the box to verify that the relic was intact: a splinter of wood that had been part of Hector's spear. He closed it again and sighed.

"Everything is going according to plan. Now, to prepare for what's to come."

The elevator reached the lobby, and Edmund exited the hotel as calmly as he had entered, disappearing into the streets of Fuyuki as his mind already began to work on the next steps of his intricate plan.

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Inside the Hyatt Hotel suite, Kayneth Archibald stood motionless in front of the door Edmund had closed after his departure. His expression was a mixture of frustration and pent-up humiliation. He gritted his teeth as he folded his arms, unable to fully process what had just happened.

"That insolent...," Kayneth thought, frowning.

"Always so arrogant, so sure of himself. But what can I do? He's Sola-Ui's younger brother. I can't risk antagonizing him, not when I need to maintain what little respect she still has for me."

Kayneth closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm down. His pride, which had always been a fundamental part of his identity, had once again been trampled on by this young man who never seemed to take anything seriously. Despite his talent, Edmund was a constant reminder that even prodigies could be irritatingly impertinent.

Behind him, Hector of Troy watched the scene with a raised eyebrow. He had been silent during the exchange, but now he couldn't help but comment.

"Well, well! That young man... Edmund, is he really your brother-in-law? He has a way of talking that almost makes me feel...stalked." Hector's tone was light, but his words were laden with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment.

"It's like his gaze is piercing my armor, and I'm not sure how to feel about that."

Kayneth's eyes widened and he looked at his servant with a mixture of disbelief and disgust.

"Don't make light of it, Lancer. Edmund is just like that. His behavior is... peculiar, to say the least. You needn't worry."

Hector shrugged and smiled.

"If you say so, Master. Though I must admit there is something fascinating about him. He has a presence that's hard to ignore."

Kayneth decided to ignore the comment and changed the subject, focusing again on his plan for the Holy Grail war.

......................

Meanwhile, Edmund was striding steadily towards the mountains, where Waver Velvet and his servant, Perseus, were. He had taken a vehicle to the point where the road became impassable, and now continued on foot, enjoying the fresh air and natural scenery.

The forest surrounding the cabin was dense, with trees so tall that their canopies almost completely blocked the sunlight. Edmund walked calmly, his hands in the pockets of his black coat, as his thoughts wandered. The briefcase he carried dangling from his hand contained several documents and tools he planned to deliver to Waver.

"Perseus...the first Greek hero. It's been a while since I've been this excited about anything. Seeing him with my own eyes will be a pleasure. And, of course, I must make sure that relic is returned to my hands."

Finally, he reached the cabin. He knocked on the door gently, and after a few moments, it opened revealing Waver, who looked slightly surprised.

"Edmund-kun, what are you doing here?" asked Waver, frowning.

Edmund smiled, lifting the briefcase.

"I came to deliver some things to you and, of course, to retrieve what's mine. Can we talk inside?"

Waver nodded and stepped aside to let him pass. Edmund entered the cottage, peering inside with interest. It was modest, with basic furnishings and a cozy atmosphere. On the head table were several papers and books scattered about, evidence of Waver's intense study.

"You've been trying hard" Edmund commented as he set the briefcase down on the table.

"I have to" replied Waver, crossing his arms.

"This war is not a game."

"Oh, I know" replied Edmund with a mischievous grin.

"But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the process a little. Now, where's Rider?"

Before Waver could answer, Perseus appeared from across the room. His presence filled the space immediately. With his dark red hair and simple but elegant armor, he was the epitome of heroism.

"You must be Edmund," Perseus said with a gentle smile.

"Waver told me about you."

Edmund watched him carefully, his playful smile morphing into a more genuine one.

"Yes, and you are Perseus, the legendary Greek hero. It is an honor to meet you in person, even if it is under these circumstances."

Perseus bowed his head slightly in respect.

"The honor is mine. You seem to take a great interest in us servants."

"Of course" Edmund admitted without a trace of embarrassment.

"It's not every day you get the opportunity to interact with legends."

Waver watched the interaction in silence, feeling a bit out of place. Finally, Edmund turned his attention back to him.

"I need the relic you used to summon Rider," he said seriously.

"It's important that I retrieve it."

Waver hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and went to get it. When he returned, Edmund took the box carefully, checked its contents and nodded, satisfied.

"Thank you, Waver. It's in good hands. Now, let's get back to the war. Rider, take good care of my young friend here. He has a lot of potential, but he'll need your support to survive."

"I will" Perseus affirmed, looking at Waver with determination.

Edmund turned towards the door, but before leaving, he cast one last glance at the two of them.

"Watch your backs. This is just getting started."

With those words, Edmund left the cabin, leaving Waver and Perseus behind, who exchanged a look of understanding before turning their focus back to their preparations.

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Don't expect anything tomorrow, on Sunday I will continue uploading the next chapter, so... until Sunday