Aiz gazed at Shirou, who stood in front of the summoning circle, his expression filled with nostalgia. She could sense something in his demeanor—a deep yearning, a loss that was difficult to articulate. She knew this feeling well. She often saw that same look in the mirror when thinking of her long-lost parents. Gently, she mustered the courage to speak. "Shirou… who did you summon with this circle in your world?" she asked softly, her voice filled with curiosity.

Shirou remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the circle. Then, with a small sigh, he replied, "She is Saber. My Servant during the Holy Grail War." He turned to Aiz and Riveria, who were listening attentively. "I've told you about that war before, haven't I? The war for the Holy Grail. Saber was the knight I summoned to aid me in that battle."

Riveria nodded slowly, recalling Shirou's earlier explanation. "Then… can this circle summon her again?" she asked, her eyes studying the intricate design on the ground.

Shirou gave a faint smile, shaking his head gently. "No. In this world, there's no Holy Grail to act as a conduit. This circle is just a symbol—a memory from the past. Without the Grail, the ritual is meaningless," he explained, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and reverence for his past experiences.

Riveria leaned in slightly, her curiosity growing. "Then how did you perform the ritual before? Was it a complicated process?" she asked eagerly.

Shirou chuckled softly, scratching the back of his head in slight embarrassment. "Complicated? Actually… I did it by accident," he admitted, looking a bit sheepish. "At that time, I was being pursued by an enemy known as Lancer. In desperation, I was injured within this circle. And suddenly, Saber appeared before me. She asked, 'I ask of you, are you my Master?' Her voice was calm, yet full of authority."

Aiz watched Shirou intently, her curiosity piqued. "What did Saber look like? Was she like the knights in fairy tales?" she asked, trying to picture Saber in her mind.

Shirou smiled, his gaze softening as he remembered Saber. "She was extraordinary. Her blonde hair was cut short and tied up, like a true warrior. She wore majestic silver and blue armor like she had stepped out of legend. But there was one thing…" Shirou glanced at Aiz as if making a comparison. "She… resembled you, Aiz."

This revelation took aback Aiz, though her expression remained calm. "She looked like me?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Shirou with newfound interest.

"Yes," Shirou replied with a nod. "Her face, her hair… they were very similar to yours. The difference was in her eyes. Your eyes are golden, while hers are green. And Saber had a distinct aura. The aura of a king. Even in her simplicity, she carried a regal grace in every step she took."

Riveria and Aiz fell silent for a moment, contemplating Shirou's description. In their minds, they each imagined the vivid image of Saber that Shirou had painted—a knight who was not just a companion but also a symbol of his struggles and cherished memories.

Aiz looked at Shirou with determination. After a moment of thought, she stepped forward and stood in the middle of the summoning circle Shirou had drawn on the ground. With confidence, she declared, "Shirou, I will be your Saber."

Shirou stared at her, a small smile on his face, filled with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Didn't I say this circle is useless in this world?" he replied, shrugging slightly.

But Aiz shook her head, her expression unwavering. "I know," she said quietly. "But this is just to give you a small memory. To comfort you, Shirou."

Riveria, who had been observing their interaction, softly suggested, "Then how about using the original incantation? It might make the moment feel more authentic."

Shirou exhaled deeply, looking a little awkward. "The original incantation? I've never actually used it," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But my friend, Rin, once told me the words."

Taking a deep breath, Shirou stood in front of the circle. He raised his hand and began reciting the incantation that he changed to suit him, his voice deep and steady. The words flowed like an ancient chant, full of power and resolve:

"Steel and fire to the origin. Blade and the forge of ideals to the cornerstone.

The shadow of the hero echoes through eternity.

The tempered wind becomes a shield. The gates in the four directions close, forming the foundation, and the path of steel that leads to the throne resounds.

Seal (forge).

Seal (forge).

Seal (forge).

Seal (forge).

Seal (forge).

Repeat with every strike of the hammer.

Simply, break the chains once tempered.

――――I declare.

Your blade is mine to wield, my resolve is in your edge.

By the call of the Holy Grail, if you hold to this purpose, this vow, then manifest.

Here is my pledge.

I am the one who becomes the sword of the world's salvation,

I am the one who endures as the shield of the world's despair.

You, seven heavens clad in three words of power,

arise from the circle of eternity,

O keeper of the eternal flame ―――!"

As Shirou finished his incantation, the summoning circle began to glow bright green, flooding the area with dazzling light. A thin mist rose around Aiz, shrouding her in an air of mystery.

However, nothing else happened after that. Even so, Aiz gave a small smile. With a graceful motion, she drew her sword and raised it high. In a low, spirited voice, she said, "I ask of you, are you my Master?"

Shirou froze. In that instant, memories of Saber flashed through his mind. The sight of Aiz standing proudly in the center of the circle, her blonde hair shimmering in the morning light, bore an uncanny resemblance to Saber. Yet, there was a difference—Aiz's sharp golden eyes, filled with resolve, replaced Saber's green eyes, which radiated the majesty of a king. Shirou found himself speechless, his heart trembling with deep nostalgia. Saber… he whispered inwardly, even though he knew the one before him was Aiz.

Riveria, who had been observing from the side, smiled softly, understanding that even though this ritual was only a game, it had successfully brought Shirou back to precious memories he had long held close.

Riveria clapped her hands lightly, a small smile gracing her elegant face. "How fascinating," she said in a satisfied tone. "This is the first time I've heard you use such a long incantation, Shirou. Usually, you just say 'Trace on' or nothing at all."

Shirou scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "Well, that's because incantations in magecraft are different from magic in this world," he explained. Crossing his arms, he looked at Riveria and Aiz seriously. "Incantations in magecraft are actually very flexible. Each magus can adapt them to suit their own style and abilities, unlike magic in this world, which seems rigid and highly structured."

Riveria nodded, listening intently. "So, that flexibility allows for creativity?" she asked enthusiastically.

Shirou nodded. "Exactly. But the explanation is quite long, and maybe it's better if we save it for another lesson," he added with a small smile. "I don't want to overwhelm you with too much theory in one day."

Aiz, who stood not far away, suddenly stepped closer. Her usually calm face showed a hint of curiosity. "I felt… something," she said softly. "When you recited that incantation, I felt connected to you. Just for a moment, but it felt real."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Shirou raised an eyebrow, looking at her. "Connected?" he asked.

Riveria tilted her head, deep in thought. "Maybe Aiz really can become your Servant," she said half-jokingly, though there was a serious undertone to her words.

Shirou immediately shook his head, chuckling softly. "That's impossible," he said. "A living being's body naturally resists becoming someone else's familiar, especially someone like Aiz, who's already Level 6. The chances of that happening are very slim."

Aiz looked puzzled. "Why is it different with Heroic Spirits?" she asked curiously.

"Because Heroic Spirits are technically already dead," Shirou explained patiently. "They no longer have physical bodies like us. They're summoned through the Grail as entities bound by a contract. So, in their case, there's no natural conflict between their bodies and the contract." He gave a faint smile. "It's different for those of us who are still alive."

Riveria chuckled softly, realizing Shirou's explanation made perfect sense. "I understand now," she said. "But still, the idea is intriguing, isn't it?"

Aiz looked at Shirou for a moment before giving a small smile, though her expression didn't change much. "Interesting," she murmured softly. "But I think I prefer being myself."

Shirou smiled gently. "And that's more than enough," he replied with genuine appreciation.

Unlike Aiz, Riveria suddenly took the initiative. With graceful steps, she walked to the center of the summoning circle Shirou had drawn and sat cross-legged there. Her cloak billowed slightly before settling neatly around her legs. Shirou looked at her in confusion, raising an eyebrow.

"Riveria, why are you sitting there?" he asked curiously.

Riveria turned to him with a small, elegant smile. "As you said earlier, Shirou. Magecraft is flexible. So, why don't you try altering your incantation? Focus your intent on making me your Servant," she suggested calmly as if it were a trivial matter.

Aiz, standing at the edge of the circle, looked uncertain. "But… isn't that dangerous?" she said softly, concern evident in her tone.

In her heart, Riveria felt a surge of curiosity. This is why I left the royal forest and my status as a princess. I want to witness wonders I've never seen before. I want to experience things that transcend our understanding of magic. She took a deep breath, her resolve firm.

"I think the worst-case scenario is that I become your Servant," Riveria said lightly, though her words carried significant implications.

Shirou crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her with a skeptical expression. "Aren't you afraid? A Master typically has three Command Seals, absolute commands that their Servant cannot refuse. That means I could make you do anything," he said, trying to make her reconsider.

Riveria sighed softly, shrugging. "You're far too polite to exploit something like that, Shirou. At most, you'd use a command to take me on a picnic to the 18th floor, like that time I lost a bet to you in the monster archery competition."

Aiz furrowed her brow, confused. "Monster archery competition? Picnic? I've never heard that story," she said with a curious tone, her eyes darting between Riveria and Shirou.

Shirou smiled awkwardly, then cleared his throat to shift the focus. "Alright, I'll try to think of a modified incantation," he said, steering the conversation back as he stroked his chin in thought.

Riveria closed her eyes calmly, waiting for Shirou to make his decision. Meanwhile, Aiz stood beside them, filled with curiosity and a hint of worry about what might happen next.

Finally, Shirou let out a long sigh and began reciting the modified incantation. His voice was calm but filled with determination, each word leaving his lips like the strike of a hammer on a hot iron.

"Steel and resolve to the origin. Blade and the forge of bonds to the cornerstone.

By my will, the unbroken path of ideals shall serve as the foundation.

The tempered wind becomes a chain.

The circle closes, drawing forth the light of the throne.

Seal (bind).

Seal (bind).

Seal (bind).

Seal (bind).

Seal (bind).

Repeat with each oath made.

Simply, break the limits once bound.

――――I proclaim.

Your life is under my command, your blade is guided by my resolve.

By the bond forged in steel, if you accept this purpose, this pledge, then manifest.

Here is my declaration.

I am the one who will carry your ideals.

I am the one who stands as your anchor to this world.

You, spirit forged in eternity, arise as my blade and shield,

O guardian of this contract ―――!"

The summoning circle beneath Riveria began to emit a soft glow as if responding to Shirou's incantation. Riveria suddenly felt a gentle pull within her—a sensation like invisible threads connecting Shirou's prana to her own.

She did not resist it. Instead, she activated her own magic circuits, attempting to strengthen the connection. However, the effort was far from easy. Cold sweat began to bead on her temple as the pull grew stronger, almost painful. Despite this, she refused to give up, her focus entirely on maintaining the fragile thread of prana.

But, like a thread pulled too tightly, the connection ultimately snapped. Riveria slowly opened her eyes, her breathing ragged yet composed.

Shirou approached her, extending a hand to help her stand. "Looks like our experiment failed," he said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Riveria shook her head gently as she wiped the sweat from her temple. "Not entirely," she replied. "I felt a real pull, Shirou. It was as though something almost connected between us. Perhaps there's a limit to the strength of beings that can become Servants. If it were a creature much weaker, this method might have worked."

Shirou regarded Riveria intently, considering her words. "So, you think it's possible this method could succeed with beings that lack a natural resistance to contracts like this?"

Riveria nodded. "I believe so. And it's something worth further exploration."

Shirou let out a deep sigh before offering a small smile. "I'm not sure whether to feel excited or disappointed. But I admit, this was an intriguing experience."

Aiz, who had been silently observing from the side, gave a slight nod, though her mind continued to mull over the potential of this method and the possible risks it could pose in the future.

The morning sun climbed higher, its light warming the grassy field where they had been training. Its gentle rays illuminated Riveria, who still stood at the center of the summoning circle, as if signaling the end of their session. Shirou glanced at the clear sky and offered a small smile. "It seems our time is up," he said in a soft yet firm tone.

Riveria nodded, brushing the sweat from her brow with her fingertips. "Today's training was quite intriguing," she remarked, satisfied with the progress she had made. "Thank you for your time, Shirou. Magecraft truly is a world full of surprises."

Shirou returned her nod, and then began tidying up everything they had used. With a sweep of his hand and a bit of focus, the magic stones, metallic paint, and brushes they had utilized gradually faded, dissolving into prana that merged back into the air. No trace remained, as though they had never been there.

Aiz, observing the process, raised an eyebrow in mild amazement. "That's very convenient," she commented. "At first, I thought I'd see Riveria cleaning everything herself."

Shirou turned to Aiz with a small smile. "That's one of the benefits of Magecraft. Sometimes, it does make life a little easier," he replied as he finished up. Then, shifting his gaze to the two women, he added, "I'll head to the kitchen now. Lefiya is probably waiting for me to help with breakfast."

Riveria glanced at Shirou and gave a faint smile. "In that case, let's return to the Manor together. I need to get ready for the day as well."

Aiz nodded in agreement, taking her place to Shirou's right while Riveria walked on his left. The three of them strolled along the path leading back to the Manor. The atmosphere was serene, accompanied only by the quiet sound of their footsteps and the morning birdsong. Although the training had ended, a sense of camaraderie lingered, enveloping them like the bright morning sunlight.

As they walked, the relaxed mood persisted. However, Riveria suddenly glanced at Shirou with a curious expression. "Shirou," she began seriously, "if Aiz earlier seemed fitting as a Saber, do you think I'd suit the Caster class?"

Shirou paused for a moment, his thoughts flashing back to the Caster he had once faced in the Holy Grail War. That figure had long ears reminiscent of an elf, though Shirou had doubted she was a true elf. "Interesting," he finally said. "The Caster I fought did have ears like an elf's, but I'm not sure she was actually an elf."

Riveria gave a faint smile and elaborated further. "I didn't mean in terms of race or physical similarity. I mean, do you think I'd be suitable for the Caster class as a Servant?"

"Ah," Shirou chuckled lightly, realizing the misunderstanding. "Yes, I see what you mean now. If the strongest mage in Orario isn't fit to be a Caster, I don't know who else could be."

The compliment brought a proud smile to Riveria's face, and a slight blush colored her cheeks. "In that case," she continued enthusiastically, "if I were summoned in another class, which one do you think would suit me?"

Shirou furrowed his brow in thought. "Hmm… Maybe Archer," he eventually said. "I know you're skilled with a bow. Though, of course, you did lose to me in that monster archery contest before."

Riveria smiled at the remark, but before she could respond, a soft voice from Aiz broke in from beside Shirou. "She's more suited to Berserker when she's angry," Aiz murmured, almost to herself.

Aiz's thoughts briefly wandered to her childhood. She recalled an incident when she stubbornly called Riveria "an old hag," which led to Riveria angrily tossing her into a pond—a memory that left Aiz with a lingering discomfort around water.

However, Riveria's sharp ears, enhanced by Reinforcement, caught the comment clearly. She turned slightly, her eyes narrowing. In a calm yet threatening tone, she asked, "Aiz, would you mind repeating what you just said?"

Aiz's face paled instantly, realizing her whisper had been overheard. "I-I'm sorry, Riveria!" she stammered, bowing deeply.

Riveria let out a long sigh but wore a sly smile. "Be careful with your words, Aiz. Don't make me repeat your lessons from back then."

Shirou, overhearing their exchange, chuckled softly. "Perhaps the Berserker class isn't such a bad idea," he quipped as they continued walking, leaving Aiz and Riveria exchanging looks of mixed feelings.