Shinji Matou at Your Service-Chapter 1075: Post-match Dinner

Rankings?

The referees had given up; who knows what the rankings even are! Maybe once they recover, they can announce it.

In comparison, what everyone was looking forward to was the event after the Grand Prix's conclusion.

And that was—

"Time for the banquet!!!"

This time, it was finally Shinji's moment to shine. Taking the microphone, he stepped onto the stage.

"Thank you all for your efforts in the Grand Prix, and for the incredible performances you've put on for everyone. To express our gratitude to all the participants and staff, I hereby represent the Holy Grail War organizers—"

"—Why are you representing the organizers?"

Rin jumped in, looking to stir trouble. Shinji shot her a side glance.

"Because I organized the banquet, and most of the food was prepared by me, Sakura, Kirie, and Fujino. If you don't like it, you can take over."

"Ugh..."

"Ahem—on behalf of the Holy Grail War organizers, I've prepared a lavish banquet for everyone. This is also a tradition left over from the previous Holy Grail War—"

"—The previous one was the Banquet of Kings," Gilgamesh cut in, also looking to stir up trouble.

"Sorry, but on this, I stand with the King of Conquerors. A king is not solitary, and neither is a banquet. Anyone who wants to join is welcome."

"Oh, well said," Iskandar laughed heartily.

"Don't be so stingy, King of Heroes. It's not like you're the one paying for the venue or the food."

"It's not about the venue or the money, it's a matter of dignity."

Gilgamesh stubbornly shook his head.

"Dignity. Those who are not true heroes have no right to enjoy my wine."

"That's just fine; we'll drink our wine. I think there are too many people trying to steal my wine," Iskandar said with a sly grin that didn't match his usual bold demeanor.

"You...!"

Gilgamesh chuckled.

"Fine, let's get this banquet started already, clown. Some people can't wait any longer."

"Regardless of any grudges, I ask that you set them aside for now and enjoy this celebration. There's more than enough food and drink for everyone. I wish you all a delightful meal. And so, I now declare the banquet officially open—cheers!!!"

Shinji raised his glass high, and all the guests followed suit, raising their glasses.

"Cheers!!!"

The atmosphere was already heated enough that Shinji didn't need to make any extra effort. Everyone naturally started to engage in whatever activities they preferred—eating, drinking, or competing in drinking games.

Artoria, the undisputed glutton, grabbed a roast duck and devoured it, her mouth glistening with oil. As she ate, she mumbled, "This is delicious."

"That was made by my brother," Sakura said proudly.

"Really?"

Artoria's eyes sparkled. Winning the heart of the King of Knights was easily done through her stomach, and Shinji had succeeded.

Realizing what she had just said, Sakura instantly regretted it.

"What am I saying? I'm such an idiot, idiot, idiot!"

...

Cu Chulainn hoisted a barrel of ale onto his shoulder, scanning the crowd as if looking for someone to challenge to a drinking contest.

After a while, he locked eyes with Iskandar, who was also carrying a barrel of wine. But before he could issue a challenge, Faker, Iskandar's bodyguard, stepped in to block him. Her meaning was clear—if you want to challenge the king, you have to get through me first.

Cu Chulainn didn't back down. He lifted his barrel and started chugging. Faker, not to be outdone, followed suit—despite her smaller stature, she could hold her liquor just as well. Her drinking speed matched Cu Chulainn's, leaving everyone around them in shock.

Meanwhile, Lorelei, Waver, and others naturally gathered together, chatting in a more formal tone appropriate for a banquet. Being from the Clock Tower, they were well-versed in these types of gatherings. Whether it was the high-and-mighty queen or Waver, who was guarded by Reines, they couldn't completely avoid these kinds of social obligations.

However, their approaches were different due to their respective paths in life.

Waver focused on keeping his students out of trouble. Lorelei, on the other hand, approached Olga Marie—who had been trying to avoid her all evening. Finally, Lorelei had found her chance.

"I've heard that you've run away from home. Your father is extremely worried."

"Hmph, none of your business."

Olga Marie turned her head away, not even looking at Lorelei.

"Your father's request for assistance is already sitting on my desk."

"So what? We're both participants in this Holy Grail War. Our positions are the same. Instead of worrying about me, you should be more concerned about yourself. If something happens to you, the Lord, the Department of Policies will—hmph!"

"Don't talk like that."

A hand reached out from behind and gave Olga Marie a light tap on the head. It was Luvia.

"Lord is only worried about you."

"I don't need her concern."

The sulking girl ran off immediately.

"Please don't mind her, Lord Barthomeloi. She didn't mean any harm," Luvia said apologetically.

"It's fine, I understand. Everyone has that phase in their life," Lorelei replied with a slight shake of her head.

"Believing oneself to be the best, defiant of everything and everyone."

"You too, Lord?"

"Of course, and being from the Barthomeloi family only made it worse. If not for... well, let's not talk about that. I don't want to bore you with personal stories."

"Oh no, no, not at all. I'm quite curious about your past."

"Heh, if you ever decide to join the Department of Policies, I'll happily tell you everything you want to know."

"Oh my, Lord's offer is so generous that I'm flattered. But I've only just enrolled at the Clock Tower, so I'm still focusing on my studies."

"I'll be waiting."

The two exchanged polite pleasantries, typical of the European magus society. In reality, neither took it too seriously.

Just as Luvia was about to leave after clinking glasses, she thought of something and waved Sakura over.

"Sakura, come here for a moment."

"Yes, sister Luvia," Sakura replied sweetly. Ever since discovering the relationship between the Tohsaka and Edelfelt families, Sakura had naturally started calling Luvia sister.

"With your current level, there's not much point in staying in Fuyuki to train. Would you be interested in coming to Europe with me?"

"I—"

"Don't listen to her."

Before Sakura could respond, Rin interrupted.

"What are you trying to do with my sister, you nouveau riche?"

"I'm doing this out of kindness, Miss Tohsaka. Sakura is incredibly talented, and staying in Japan will only stifle her potential. Europe is where she can truly thrive. It's the center of the magical world, and I'm sure you won't deny that."

"That..."

Rin was at a loss for words. No matter how many hidden talents resided in Fuyuki City, they couldn't compare to the resources of the Clock Tower. As Luvia said, Europe was the true stage for the magus.

"Do you understand now? If you do, stop holding her back. Your family's spot at the Clock Tower only allows for one person, so leave Sakura to me—"

"Uh, sister, sister Luvia, I have a spot."

Sakura timidly interrupted, glancing at Lorelei, who then spoke up.

"Sakura's place was arranged long ago. If she had wanted to, she could have come five years ago."

"Huh?"

"What?"

"—What's going on here?" they both asked in unison.