Chapter 24: Shadow Realm -7-

Right after the historic feat of summoning the Servants was complete.

Kay was the first to act, firmly tightening the apron strings around his waist.

“All right, everyone, take a seat at that table over there. Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, it’s time for a proper welcome feast. Sending guests away empty-handed just isn’t the way we do things in Britain.”

Kay rolled up his sleeves and called out.

Scáthach crossed her arms and, wearing a mock-stern expression, gave him a piece of her mind—but her fingers were already tracing intricate runic symbols in the air.

Wooooong~

A rift tore open, and out poured a mountain of supplies: the choicest cuts of demon-beast meat, rare mountain greens and mushrooms harvested from the depths of the Shadow Forest, and the highest-grade wine jars Scáthach had been saving.

Kay stood before a massive flat rock that served as his chopping block. The knives in his hands gleamed sharply beneath the ashen sky.

“All right, let’s see if I’ve still got it.”

In an instant, his gaze shifted, transforming into that of a seasoned commander directing a battlefield.

Of course, in reality, it was simply the look of a head chef.

“Oh my? Master, the kitchen is Tamamo's sole stage! I shall show you the very essence of a devoted housewife. Master, you just sit right there and—”

Tamamo approached, her fox tails swaying with enthusiasm, but Kay shook his head firmly.

“Nope. Today, I’m the one treating you. In my kitchen, speed is everything. Just watch.”

No sooner had the words left his lips than Kay’s hands began to move at a speed that blurred the vision.

Tadadadadak!! Crack! Chop chop chop!

It was less like cooking and more like a martial art.

He struck the bones and joints of the colossal beasts with pinpoint accuracy, separating them in a single motion. After skinning the carcass, he sliced the stubborn muscle fibers into sheets as thin as paper.

In one enormous cauldron, a rich broth boiled like lava over simmering bones. On a heated stone slab, dozens of thick steak cuts sizzled with a violent roar, cooking all at once.

His sprinkle of spices was as precise as a magus’s incantation, and his timing in tossing logs to control the heat was flawless.

Kay was unleashing the full extent of his mass-scale field cooking skills, honed through years of feeding eight ravenous siblings and a starving mercenary company.

“…My goodness.”

Tamamo’s fox ears perked up, and her eyes went wide.

As an undisputed culinary master and the most talented among Benienma's disciples, she was unmatched in refined Japanese or delicate court cuisine—but Kay’s overwhelming performance was on an entirely different level.

While Tamamo might have the upper hand in artistry, Kay was the absolute superior in "field cooking"—the ability to churn out hundreds of servings of consistent quality within a limited time and in a harsh environment.

As far as she knew, only Benienma was capable of such a feat. While Benienma was undoubtedly superior, Kay was the closest thing to her skill level that Tamamo had ever encountered.

“That’s superb. Not a single wasted movement, and the strength and technique to completely dominate the nature of the ingredients. When it comes to mass production… I honestly have to admit it. He might even be better than I am.”

Tamamo wagged her tail, letting out a sigh of genuine admiration.

Meanwhile, Jeanne Alter sat crookedly in a corner chair, resting her chin on her hand with a bored expression.

“Hmph. So what if it’s fast and there’s a lot of it? Flavor is what matters. No matter how great a chef is, mass production always leads to a drop in quality… huh?”

Before she could finish, Kay set a massive wooden platter down in front of her with a thud.

On the platter sat a mountain of smoked meat enough to feed ten grown men, accompanied by an appetizing garnish of Shadow Forest mushrooms and wild greens sautéed in butter.

As the rich, savory aroma hit her, Jeanne Alter’s nose twitched instinctively.

“Jeanne, you look a lot like our Artoria, so I figured you’d have a big appetite. If it’s not enough, just let me know. There’s plenty more in the pot.”

Kay grinned and gave Jeanne Alter’s head a casual pat before moving on. It was a habit he’d unconsciously developed from treating Artoria.

“Hey! Who told you to treat me like a kid?! And don’t just touch my hair!”

Jeanne Alter’s face flushed bright red as she yelled, but her eyes were already locked onto the meat. Her mouth watered uncontrollably.

“...Hmph, it’ll taste bad if it gets cold, so I’m only eating it because I have to. You should be grateful I'm accepting this.”

She grumbled, speared a piece of meat with her fork, and shoved it into her mouth.

In an instant, her golden pupils dilated.

The juices exploded. The exterior was perfectly smoked and crisp, while the interior was unbelievably moist. The gamey scent typical of demon beasts was gone, replaced by the sweet and spicy flavor of Kay’s special spice blend.

It was an overwhelming taste that instantly conquered even her picky and cynical palate.

“...W-what is this? It’s... not bad. Actually, it might even be delicious.”

She turned her head away, acting the part of the tsundere, but the speed of her fork became frighteningly rapid. The way she stuffed her cheeks with meat made her a dead ringer for the Artorias.

Medusa also sliced her meat with graceful movements and, after taking a bite, let out a soft exclamation of surprise.

“...Impressive. This isn’t just a meal for survival. I can feel a warm sincerity, a genuine care for the person eating. I envy your sisters... to think they could enjoy meals like this every day.”

Beside her, Tamamo looked absolutely blissful as she tasted the mushroom and wild green garnish.

“Mmm~ Now this is what I call a *mi-kong*☆ taste! I’m actually starting to feel a sense of crisis. Kiyohime’s style is different, so I’ve never felt threatened by another cook before, but to make such nutritionally balanced food in such quantities... this Tamamo still has much to learn!”

Tamamo praised Kay’s skills, feeling a genuine spark of professional rivalry.

Kay served the dishes one by one, and the five of them gathered around the table.

Glasses clinked, and the atmosphere grew lively. Scáthach watched with a contented expression, enjoying the feast prepared by her little cook.

“So, Master. Since you’ve summoned us, do you have some grand purpose in mind?”

Tamamo asked, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol as she tilted her glass. A summoning of Heroic Spirits usually came with a corresponding grand ambition.

“No, nothing that grand.”

Kay set his bone aside and stared calmly into the crackling campfire.

“For the last dozen years or so, I’ve been in Britain taking care of my siblings and cooking for them. I was more of a nanny than a knight. Then I got stabbed in the back by that damn incubus bastard and ended up in this Shadow Realm. My goal is simple.”

He clenched his fist.

“I’ll grow strong here and return to Britain. I want to go back to my young nephew and the siblings who are waiting for me. I just want to protect the everyday life where they can smile without being hurt. That’s all.”

There was no heroic bravado or exaggerated tragedy in Kay’s voice.

There was only the heavy sense of responsibility of a man and a piercing longing for his family.

“And as a bonus, I’m going to pluck every single hair off that half-incubus bastard who kicked me into this place.”

As Kay added this while grinding his teeth, the mood lightened slightly.

“Oh my, Master. It’s so humble it actually makes my heart ache. Such a warm wish... This Tamamo shall remain by your side as a devoted housewife until the day you return to Britain and punish that incubus, mi-kong!”

Tamamo, appearing deeply moved, let tears glimmer in her eyes as she clung to Kay’s arm, pressing her chest against him.

Medusa quietly drank from her glass, gazing deeply at Kay from behind her blindfold.

“A fight to protect one's family... If it is that kind of struggle, I will not lose to anyone. I, too, gave everything to protect my sisters. If it is your wish, I will help you.”

Jeanne Alter spoke bluntly, a bone still in her mouth.

“Hmph, boring. Your big revenge is just plucking hair? If it were me, I’d tie that incubus to a stake and burn him alive. Well, if you want it that bad, I’ll personally turn him to ash. I guess I like you a little—since you can actually cook.”

She continued to grumble, but she wasn't actually looking down on him.

Kay gave a wry smile at the three Servants' varied reactions.

They each had strong personalities, but their willingness to help him was certain.

“Whether you kill that incubus or let him live is none of my concern, but if you want to return to Britain, you'll at least need to be capable of landing a second effective blow on me.”

Scáthach interjected, crossing her arms. Her gaze had returned to that of the strict teacher.

“Do not grow complacent just because you have summoned Servants. If your own strength is lacking, you will simply be weeded out. For the next two years, I will push you even harder than I have until now. Be prepared.”

“Ah, yes, yes. Whatever you say, my Queen. My bones aren't going to survive this~”

Kay let out an exaggerated sigh, but he was secretly looking forward to the hellish training ahead with such reliable allies.

It would be grueling and painful, but it was meaningful.

After the three Servants joined, the once-quiet daily life in the Shadow Realm became significantly more boisterous and colorful.

In particular, a strange tension began to form around Kay, centered on the self-proclaimed housewife Tamamo-no-Mae and the mistress of the realm, Scáthach.

The catalyst was trivial. It happened after a grueling morning training session, just as Kay had slumped over, drenched in sweat.

“Oh my, Master! Look at all this sweat! This Tamamo will wipe it away for you.”

Tamamo appeared out of nowhere with a fragrant towel, rushing over to wipe Kay’s face and neck. Her lush tail curled around his leg affectionately.

Snap.

But before the towel could touch Kay’s face, a cold hand snatched Tamamo’s wrist.

It was Scáthach.

“...What do you think you're doing, fox?”

Scáthach’s voice was low, but it carried an oppressive weight that froze the surrounding air.

“Oh? As you can see, I am simply attending to my Master. Is that not the natural duty of a good wife?”

Tamamo didn't back down, replying with a sweet smile, though a sharp tension crackled behind her eyes.

“Do not be mistaken. Looking after Kay’s training is my prerogative. It has been so for the past three years, and it shall remain so.”

Scáthach roughly brushed Tamamo’s hand away and used her own sleeve to wipe the sweat from Kay’s forehead.

“And... do not touch this man’s body without my permission.”

It was a clear declaration of territory—a silent warning that he belonged to her.

However, Tamamo-no-Mae, a fragment of the legendary nine-tailed fox, was not one to retreat easily. Her fox ears twitched and stood straight up.

“Hoh? Your permission? You're overstepping, aren't you? Master is not an object. Besides, love knows no borders, nor does it follow a first-come, first-served rule!”

Azure foxfire began to flicker behind Tamamo.

“Hmph. Love? Don't make me laugh. How much time have you spent with him to speak of love? I have watched him from his lowest point to his current growth. We have already shared both body and heart.”

Scáthach countered by releasing a surge of crimson mana. The tip of Gáe Bolg trembled slightly, radiating killing intent.

“Shared... your bodies?”

Tamamo looked at Kay in shock. Kay winced and averted his eyes.

“Hmm, I see.”

“?”

“Well, it's not as if I'm betrothed to Master. At his age, it's only natural to have experience. Besides, I'm no unicorn, you know? It's perfectly fine if he isn't pure. Love exists on a higher plane. Unless he were cheating on a fiancée—unlike Kiyohime, I can be flexible.”

“Who the hell is that?”

“Oh, her. The one who had a one-sided crush, got rejected when she tried to sneak into his bed, and then burned the man and herself alive. Honestly, it's a bit tragic; she seems to have some mental instability. Anyway, I don't mind if Master has plenty of experience with women!”

“Actually, I've only ever done it with Scáthach.”

At Kay’s correction, Tamamo beamed.

“Oh my~ That’s wonderful news! Surely you must be getting tired of her by now? And it's not as if you're actually married. Perhaps... I could visit Master's bed tonight~?”

“Dream on. Kay’s bed is in my room. There is no room for you.”

“Oh heavens, a threesome right from the start is a bit much...”

“I suppose being a goddess makes you insane, even as a fragment.”

“Is that coming from the woman who was exiled for slaughtering gods?”

The two were locked in a savage war of nerves. Although Tamamo was far weaker than Scáthach, anyone watching knew the truth.

In this fight, the first one to physically attack would be the loser. No matter how great a Celtic warrior she was, Scáthach's pride could not tolerate a psychological defeat.

Medusa and Jeanne Alter, watching the scene from a distance, let out deep sighs.

“...Sigh. Should we stop them?”

“Just leave them. Getting involved in that kind of fight is just exhausting. More than that, I feel sorry for Master. He might end up like Zeus, tormented by Hera.”

“Hey, that's a bit much, calling me Zeus...”

Kay tried to object, but Medusa’s assessment was accurate.

He had essentially fallen into the role of the husband being nagged by his wife.

Unlike Zeus, however, Kay hadn't actually done anything wrong, yet he seemed destined for this fate.

“But isn't she falling for him way too fast?”

“She spent her life alone, so that might be it. Besides, they say his soul is handsome. He might just be Tamamo's type.”

“Sigh... this is complicated. Master, let's just go eat.”

“Yeah... let's go.”

Kay had a feeling that the next two years were going to be incredibly exhausting. Strangely, he felt a sense of comfort with Jeanne Alter—perhaps because she reminded him of Artoria Alter—and he seemed to be closer to her than to Scáthach at the moment.

Scáthach and Tamamo watched Kay’s back as he walked amicably toward the dining hall with her.

“There is an Eastern proverb that says the quiet cat is the first to climb onto the hearth.”

“Yes, exactly. Perhaps it's because Master is so oblivious that his naturalness is actually working.”

It seemed that their competitors were not just the two of them.

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