I will finally embark on the road of no return called hero

"Ugh… I'm done for…""I think I'm actually going to die…"

Lord El-Melloi II hadn't said a word, but Cyd could tell from the brief twitch in his expression—his stomachache had officially started.

And it was all thanks to one person.

"Teach~ How about a passionate night together? Oh, and we can bring Caules along too~ But you're only allowed to be on the receiving end~"

El-Melloi II had faced the Church's Executors with nothing more than mild tension. But this girl bouncing in front of him? She was the one enemy he had no defense against.

From "I want to be the professor's lover" to "I AM the professor's lover."He had done nothing, yet somehow, he had done everything.

"Oh my, what an adorable child. Are you El-Melloi II's lover?"

And, of course, just to make things worse, there was another person who lived for making things worse.

Katsuragi Hishiri.Would it kill you to just not say anything for once? Because if you keep talking, Yvette is going to—

"That's right! My teacher and I have all sorts of passionate interactions!"

Yvette gave a big thumbs-up.

Grey tilted her head. She couldn't hear anything, but she wasn't panicking. A familiar warmth around her ears told her exactly what had happened—the kind hero had covered them.

So… it was something she wasn't allowed to hear?

A little confused, Grey obediently sat still, not making a sound.

"Yvette, you better—no, you WILL slam your head through that window and jump out."

El-Melloi II's eye twitched.

Yvette, of course, did not jump out of the train.

Though judging by his expression, El-Melloi II really wished he could throw her out himself.

Meanwhile, outside, Cyd sat atop the train, exhaling a slow breath as he gazed at the starry sky.

The professor had buried himself under his covers in utter humiliation, and Cyd had taken that as his cue to step out for some fresh air. It had been a while since he had time to admire the stars.

And… to admire her.

"Can't I get a little peace and quiet?"

Cyd sighed softly.

"I don't get to see her this clearly very often."

"Man, you're a real deep guy, huh?"

The cold edge of a dagger pressed against his throat. The blade was so sharp, it felt like the slightest pressure would slice through his skin.

And yet, Cyd didn't react. His gaze remained gentle, locked onto the constellation of Leo shining in the night sky.

"But don't you think you're underestimating me a little?"

The tall woman behind him arched an eyebrow—only to freeze.

No. She had underestimated him.

A scythe's edge now rested against her own throat.

Silent as the night itself, it had appeared. And with one small movement, her head would be severed from her shoulders.

"Leave."

The low, commanding voice sent a chill down the woman's spine.

Medusa had shifted. No longer in her childlike form, she had assumed the appearance of a mature woman, exuding an unmistakable presence.

"Tch. It really does feel like I'm being watched by a snake."

The woman clicked her tongue and withdrew her dagger.

Medusa, however, made no move to lower her weapon. From the look in her eyes, she was clearly debating whether she should just kill the woman here and now.

"Wow, no warrior's dignity at all, huh?"

The woman shrugged, unfazed.

Cyd finally turned to face her, his expression calm.

"You don't fear death."

Not a question. A statement.

"No… it's not that you aren't afraid."

His golden eyes met hers.

"It's that you've already died before."

A beat of silence.

Then, the woman smirked.

"Ding ding ding~ You got it. Name's Hephaestion."

She spread her arms wide as if making a grand declaration.

"First confidant of the great King of Conquerors."

Her real name. The one a Servant should never carelessly reveal.

Was it arrogance? Foolishness? Or… complete and utter fearlessness?

"So? Why are you here?"

Cyd turned his gaze back to the stars.

"Oh, just a friendly little warning."

Hephaestion spread her hands.

"If you keep sticking around that man… then I will—"

She didn't finish the sentence, but the intent was crystal clear.

I'll kill you.

Cyd calmly took a sip of his coffee.

By the time he glanced back, she was already gone—vanishing into spirit form.

A warning. A threat. And nothing else.

Cyd set his cup down.

…Did she just underestimate me?

It almost felt insulting.

As a Servant, his presence had always been undeniable. Even when he had worn Hades' Helm of Invisibility, someone like Karna could still sense him.

"I know there's no one here, but I can just tell you are."

But now? He was just a regular human. No Servant body. No special abilities. No Noble Phantasm. Just a few materialized weapons.

…Had he really gotten this weak?

Grey hesitated in the doorway, looking completely lost.

Cyd was sitting at the dining car's table, sipping coffee like he belonged there. Medusa sat beside him, calmly drinking tea.

It was the complete opposite of what Grey had expected.

This was supposed to be a stealth mission. Cyd was supposed to be hiding. And yet, here he was, just… eating breakfast.

"Uh… Cyd—cough, cough—Mr. Cyd?"

"Yo~ Morning!"

Yvette, who had been sitting across from Cyd, cheerfully waved.

"Teacher's adorable little apprentice~"

Grey's instincts screamed at her.

This was bad.

This was very, very bad.

This was going to be a headache for her teacher.

Maybe she should warn him…

"It's fine, Grey."

Cyd took another sip of coffee.

"We just happened to run into each other while getting breakfast."

"But—"

"Wow, Grey, I didn't know you knew other passengers! As expected of my rival!

Yvette gave her another enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"Huh? Wait, what?"

Grey blinked.

Other passengers?

Cyd and Medusa…?

"Anyway, sit down," Cyd gestured toward the seat across from him.

"Your teacher's probably still curled up in bed, mumbling about sleeping five more minutes."

"What?! I spent so long getting that intel, how do you know it too?!"

Yvette recoiled in shock.

"A new rival!"

Cyd groaned, rubbing his temples.

Now he really understood why El-Melloi II always looked so exhausted.