Fate x Danmachi: The Sword Prince (eng)

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Beneath a dawn sky still tinged with darkness, the chirping of crickets filled the quiet air of Twilight Manor's courtyard. Amid the shadows of trees and night-blooming flowers yet to unfurl, a woman with long green hair walked slowly, dressed in a relaxed ivory-white gown.

Riveria Ljos Alf, a First-Class Adventurer and Orario's most powerful mage, moved calmly toward a corner of the garden where a small shed stood, hidden and protected by hedges and dense foliage. This place was more than just a storage room. It was where she and Shirou often practiced Magecraft—a craft not native to this world.

Upon reaching the shed's door, Riveria paused briefly. The cold morning breeze brushed softly against her face, but her mind was already focused. With a delicate yet firm right hand, she touched one of the four magic stones embedded at each corner of the small building. The metallic lines connecting the stones reflected the faint silver glow of the garden lanterns.

She closed her eyes slowly.

"Sprout..."

That was the mental trigger Shirou had taught her. She envisioned a tiny seed breaking through the soil, growing steadily into a towering tree with roots digging deep into the earth and branches stretching high into the sky—a symbol of resonance between herself and the magical structure before her.

As she channeled prana into the magic stone, her hand grew warm. The flow of energy coursed from her body, tracing the bounded field's embedded patterns. She could sense traces of Shirou's prana—a lingering warmth, faint yet familiar.

"...Like the sound of a freshly forged sword," she murmured softly, opening her eyes.

Yet she also noticed that the bounded field's magical energy had grown thin, as if Shirou's prana had nearly been drained by the structure. Riveria sighed gently. "This time, you forgot to replenish it..."

Without hesitation, she channeled more prana from her magic circuits. A soft light spread along the metallic lines, converging at the center, reviving the layers of protective and isolating magic in the space.

Gradually, Riveria could feel two prana signatures—hers and Shirou's—blending within the bounded field. Shirou's prana flowed like a calm river, while hers resembled a breeze gently caressing the water's surface.

She stood still for a moment, savoring the warmth blossoming in her chest.

"Merging... not just our magic, but our hearts as well."

A faint smile touched her usually stern and reserved lips. The morning wind carried strands of her long hair, and in the silence, she whispered softly:

"I hope today... You'll come a little earlier, Shirou."

Riveria slowly pushed open the shed's wooden door—creak—the sound of old hinges greeted by the damp air of an enclosed space. Faint light from a small western window illuminated dust particles dancing in the air.

Without hesitation, she took a cloth from a wall hook and began cleaning the room. Wipe... sweep... tidy... Her movements were practiced and meticulous, as they always were when preparing the magic training space. Every small table, folding chair, and tool rack was neatly arranged. Soon, the shed resembled a tranquil meditation room once more.

After cleaning, Riveria spread a thin woolen carpet in the center of the room. The moss-green carpet bore a delicate magic circle pattern embroidered in gold thread—a gift from one of her expedition journeys.

She sat cross-legged in the middle, back straight, hands resting on her knees, and closed her eyes briefly. Yet her mind was restless. Shirou was usually punctual, but today... "I must have arrived much too early."

"Still not here..." she murmured softly, gazing at the still-closed door. But she wasn't impatient. She cherished these quiet moments. The simple, warm atmosphere here felt more comforting than the grand halls of the Manor.

With time to spare, she decided to practice her Magecraft.

Her hand touched the cold wooden floor. Her emerald eyes closed, and she took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.

Her fingers traced the rough, slightly chilly surface. With controlled breathing, she channeled prana from her magic circuits, illuminating from within her body.

From her back, the Rune symbols forming the High Elf's magic circuit glowed softly. Warmth spread from her spine to her fingertips. Zzt... The energy flowed into the floor, activating the Magecraft technique she had mastered:

"Structural Analysis."

In an instant, it was as if a floodgate of information had opened. Riveria received data: the wood's fiber structure, fine cracks, air pressure between the planks—all recorded in her mind like a clear river's flow. But there was more.

Something else.

Like an invisible spiderweb enveloping the room, she could sense the presence of the Bounded Field Shirou had set up. Not just its existence, but how the prana flowed along the metallic lines outside the walls. The weave of magical energy connected directly to the spot where she sat, as if she weren't just touching the magic but had become part of its system.

She took a deep breath.

"This Magecraft... isn't just about control, but about merging," she whispered.

With closed eyes, she calmed herself within the Bounded Field. If Shirou didn't arrive soon, she would wait here, quietly, in this space that belonged only to the two of them.

Riveria sank deeper into the resonance of their blended prana, her soul dissolving into the quiet rhythm created by the fusion of her energy and Shirou's. It felt... warm. Comforting. Almost like a silent embrace from someone who understood her without words.

Yet the tranquility was suddenly disrupted.

Zzzzznnnng—

A faint hum, barely audible, vibrated at the base of her ears. A subtle signal from the Bounded Field, activated when someone crossed its outer boundary.

Riveria reflexively opened her eyes. Her gaze immediately locked onto the shed door, now slowly creaking open.

Morning light spilled gently into the room, framing the figure of a red-haired young man standing at the threshold. His black training clothes were slightly damp with dawn's dew, and his breath formed faint clouds as he stepped inside.

It was Shirou.

And for some reason, this morning... his face looked a little more handsome than usual in Riveria's eyes. Perhaps it was the morning light. Or perhaps... it was the feeling of love blooming in her chest.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Shirou said as he closed the door behind him. His voice was low but warm, as always.

Riveria straightened her posture, maintaining a composed expression. She hid her slight nervousness with a graceful nod.

"It's fine," she replied elegantly, adjusting a strand of her long hair draped over her shoulder. "I just arrived myself." A small lie, but not a harmful one.

They exchanged a brief, silent glance. Then Shirou walked to the center of the room, stepping onto the carpet where they usually trained, and sat cross-legged facing Riveria. His gaze swept the surroundings briefly.

"The Bounded Field feels more active than before... Did you replenish it?" he asked, lightly touching the floor.

Riveria nodded slowly. "Your prana was nearly depleted. I thought it wouldn't hurt to add some of mine."

Shirou acknowledged this. "Thanks. So now... you're not just using Magecraft, but maintaining it too."

Riveria suppressed a wider smile. "My teacher would be disappointed if I were a lazy student."

The morning was still young, and the day's lesson was about to begin.

Shirou's hand remained outstretched, gently touching the floor between them as if confirming the stability of the magical field beneath the carpet. Yet his words were light, almost like casual conversation.

"Unlike yesterday... You didn't ride a bike today, or try flying with a balloon?" he half-joked, a relaxed expression on his face.

Riveria raised an eyebrow, then let out a soft, quiet laugh. "Yesterday was... fun. But I realized my Magecraft study time was spent on other things. I actually wanted to discuss something important I found during my research with Aina... when I stayed at her place earlier."

"Oh?" Shirou seemed interested but continued lightly, "Speaking of auntie Aina, I met her yesterday. When I went to the Guild to pick up a quest for Aiz and Lefiya."

Riveria stiffened. Her breath hitched for a moment, and though her expression remained calm, her eyes widened slightly.

Auntie Aina, he said?

A quiet sigh escaped Riveria's lips. "He calls Aina 'Auntie'... Do I also look that old to him, too?"

She tried to dismiss the thought, but unease bloomed like petals suddenly unfurling in winter.

"Did... Aina mentioned anything strange to you?" she asked quickly, her voice slightly higher than usual. She didn't want to sound panicked, but she couldn't hide her anxiety.

Shirou blinked, momentarily confused before answering casually, "We just had lunch together in the garden. She asked a few things about me... and mentioned that you'd told her a little about Magecraft."

Riveria immediately covered part of her face with one hand, her cheeks slightly flushed. So... Aina probably already knows... that I... like Shirou.

Her thoughts were in disarray, and she didn't even realize she was gripping the edge of the small carpet beneath her.

"Riveria?" Shirou called softly, concerned. "Are you... Okay?"

Riveria took a deep breath and averted her gaze. "Shirou... you're not angry, are you? I know you said Magecraft should be kept secret. But I told Aina. Just the basics... I couldn't help it. She was too curious."

Shirou shook his head, reassuring her gently. "I don't mind. I trust you... and the people you trust. After talking with Aina yesterday, I could tell she's a good person."

Riveria stared at Shirou for a moment—her gaze filled with relief, but also... a warmth she couldn't hide.

"...Thank you," she whispered softly.

Then she lowered her head slightly, averting her eyes, not wanting Shirou to see her slightly flushed cheeks. Shirou truly... never made her feel guilty. And that, for some reason, only made her feelings harder to contain.

Riveria took another deep breath, steadying her thoughts after the slightly unsettling conversation. Her face was calm again, and when she looked at Shirou, her gaze was serious.

"I... want to talk about the research I did with Aina yesterday," she said quietly but firmly.

Shirou leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "Oh? Did you find something?"

Riveria nodded slowly. "We managed to translate some ancient High Elf texts. A collection I brought to Aina's house."

Shirou raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive. So what did you learn?"

"Many things," Riveria answered, her tone even but clear. "The history of the Elf race. Lineages. Ancestral names. Records of the oldest forest guardians and ancient pacts with spirits."

Shirou nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "But... is any of it related to Magecraft?"

Riveria shook her head, slightly disappointed. "That's the issue. All of it... is culturally important, yes. But there wasn't a single technique, theory, or clue about advancing Magecraft that I could use. It's as if all knowledge of high-level magic was lost with our ancestors."

"Hm. That's a shame," Shirou remarked, rubbing his chin. "If there were traces of their magical system... it might have been a way to expand your Magecraft."

Riveria sighed, then suddenly fixed Shirou with a deeper gaze. "...But there was one other thing we managed to translate."

"Oh?" Shirou turned his full attention to her.

Riveria slowly touched her own back, just above her shoulder blades.

"This Rune..." she murmured. "The High Elf Rune is engraved on my back. It's been there since I was a baby."

Shirou froze for a moment. His eyes widened slightly. "...You translated it?"

Riveria nodded. "It took all night. But we succeeded."

Shirou held his breath, his heart beating steadily. An ancient Rune passed down through generations? If it's truly translatable, it could be the key to understanding Magecraft suited for Riveria.

"So... what does it say?" he asked softly, almost a whisper.

Riveria looked at Shirou with a gaze that suddenly turned more alluring, her lips curving into a small, meaningful smile. "Are you... Really, that curious?" Her voice trembled slightly, lower than usual, as if carrying something only the two of them could understand.

Shirou, still serious, nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I want to know."

Kreek... The sound of crickets outside seemed to fade momentarily, replaced by Riveria's suddenly racing heartbeat. For some reason, her courage peaked this morning. Perhaps it was the news that Shirou would spend the afternoon swimming with Aiz and Lefiya in the Dungeon. I don't want to lose...

Without warning, Riveria turned gracefully, presenting her back to Shirou. The movement made Shirou jolt, his eyes widening. "H-hey, Riveria? What are you doing—?"

Snap. The soft sound of the ivory-white gown's back buttons coming undone one by one. Shirou quickly turned his face away, his cheeks reddening. "W-wait! Riveria, this!"

"Relax," Riveria said as she deftly unhooked her black bra. Click. The small sound seemed to echo in the quiet room. She gathered her long green hair over her shoulders and chest, leaving her smooth, bare back fully exposed. "You've already seen my back when you first unlocked my magic circuits, haven't you?" Her tone was flat, but there was a faint tremor at the edge of her voice.

Shirou, still covering his face with his hand, stammered, "Y-yes, but that—that was for your Magecraft training!"

Riveria tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "This is also for my Magecraft, you know." Fwoosh... A flow of prana coursed from her body, slowly illuminating the ancient tree Rune on her back. The golden-green light formed intricate patterns of sacred branches, glowing brighter than ever before.

Shirou, peeking through his fingers, was stunned. Riveria's back, which he had only glimpsed briefly before, was now fully revealed under the magical light. Skin like snow, the perfect curve of her spine, and the Rune shining like stars in the night—it all left him breathless.

"Look closely," Riveria whispered, her voice suddenly softer. "This Rune... isn't just a hereditary symbol." The flowing prana formed new patterns—roots, leaves, branches spreading into a tree, revealing ancient script that had been hidden.

Shirou unconsciously lowered his hand, his eyes fixed. "This... is ancient High Elf language?"

Riveria gently but firmly took Shirou's hand. Her delicate fingers wrapped around his wrist, guiding it to her still-glowing Rune.

"Touch here..." she murmured, her voice trembling slightly, "Starting from the leftmost branch. I'll explain its meaning one by one."

Shirou obeyed, though his heart pounded. His rough fingertips—marked by battles—brushed against Riveria's silk-like skin. The contrast made him acutely aware of how close they were.

"The first branch..." Shirou tried to focus, though Riveria's warmth was palpable under his touch. "What does it say?"

Riveria took a deep breath. Shirou's touch sent faint electric currents across her skin. "Nngh—" she hissed softly before steadying her voice. "It's... Blóð hēahælfes..."

Shirou frowned. "Meaning?"

"Blood... of the High Elf..." Riveria answered, her breathing growing heavier.

Shirou continued, his fingers moving slowly to the second branch. Each touch made Riveria squirm slightly, but she endured.

"And this?" Shirou asked, trying to distract himself from how soft her skin felt.

"Cynelic..." Riveria suppressed a sigh. "Meaning... nobility..."

One by one, Shirou traced each branch of the Rune. Third, fourth, fifth—each symbol unveiled hidden ancient words.

"Blóð hēahælfes cynelic bēoð eald and unswīðred, se þe wyrhta sylf asceóp..." Riveria translated in a voice growing softer, almost a whisper. "The blood of High Elf nobility... is ancient and unfading... shaped by the Creator Himself..."

Shirou fell silent, absorbing the meaning. His hand lingered on Riveria's back, as if captivated by the warmth and the words.

"So... this is your ancestral heritage?" he asked quietly.

Riveria nodded, then slowly pulled away. With graceful movements, she re-fastened her bra and buttoned her ivory-white gown. The click of the buttons locking seemed to mark the end of their intimate moment.

Shirou lowered his head, his thoughts swirling. What was the true meaning of this Rune?