Fate/Emiya Household's Dinner.

"Eh—" Rin Tohsaka propped her chin, looking at the young girl about to embark on the path of swordsmanship, and couldn't help but sigh repeatedly, "Geez... why do all Archers have to be good at close combat? Isn't it enough to focus on archery? Is there some little-known rule or urban legend behind this?"

Archer merely hummed softly at her words, his calm tone full of the ease of an experienced veteran: "It's normal for an Archer to master some close-quarters combat techniques. After all, not every battlefield allows you to safely stay in the back and shoot arrows."

"Indeed." Saber nodded slightly. "From this perspective, March 7th also really needs to learn some basic sword techniques for self-defense. After all, Star and Dan Heng can't always be by her side to protect her, and when facing groups of enemies, a sword is clearly more effective."

"However, won't the time be too short? Only fifteen days..."

"From my personal experience, it's truly difficult to learn a complete set of complex sword techniques in fifteen days. One can only focus more on basic training."

As Shirou's former sword instructor, Saber leisurely spoke while holding her teacup: "...But even with basics, as long as Miss March 7th trains diligently, the results will be quite good. The most important thing in these fifteen days is to cultivate the wielder's familiarity with the sword itself—for example, understanding how far their sword can reach, how to properly exert force and swing it, and how to find their own rhythm in offense and defense... Once these are mastered, I'm afraid even Shirou won't be her match."

"Hey... Saber, why are you dragging me into this?" Shirou complained with a hum.

Saber blew on the steaming tea in her cup and chuckled softly: "Shirou, aren't you also interested in swordsmanship? This is a great opportunity to improve yourself."

——

Yunli immediately crossed her arms and began to mock: "So you're admitting defeat? Fine, since you don't even have the confidence to teach, why don't I guard the Xianzhou Luofu's arena for you?"

Jing Yuan encouraged: "Yanqing, the process of teaching and imparting skills is also a way to examine what you've learned and deepen your understanding of the art. You've been a disciple for many years; it's time to broaden your horizons."

"I understand, I agree to what the General said!"

"Hmm, since Yanqing has agreed, all that remains is a nod from Miss March 7th."

Ultimately, this matter needed March 7th to decide for herself. Of course, Star still suggested that she might as well take this opportunity to switch professions and become the Astral Express's top swordswoman, so she wouldn't have to worry about March 7th shooting her in the butt every time.

"Hey, I always shoot accurately!"

March 7th nodded to General Huaiyan: "Then it's settled! Thank you for your kindness, General Huaiyan."

The old man was so happy his eyes narrowed until they were almost invisible: "Excellent! Starting tomorrow, Yanqing and Yunli will teach you the basic tenets of Cloud Knights swordsmanship daily. Now, Yunli and I must go ahead to procure some training gear for Miss March 7th, as a welcoming gift for her apprenticeship~"

"Hahaha, you're too kind... Wait, who's preparing a welcoming gift for whom?"

Huaiyan smiled without speaking, then left the Seat of Divine Foresight with Yunli.

——

Spirit Cage.

"Eh? You guys, if you count it like this, Jingliu's seniority has gone up again?" Shanda counted on his fingers, "Her disciple's disciple is now taking on disciples, and they're even taking on a great hero from the Xianzhou Jianmu Calamity as a disciple. Tsk tsk... If I were Jingliu, I'd feel proud even in The Shackling Prison."

"I think it's better not to bring up that white-haired Master. By now, she's probably already met with Luocha and is seeing the Marshal together." Xia Dou slumped on the table, feeling quite emotional. "Such a beautiful Master... The Xianzhou people's concept of time is different from ours. Who knows when we'll see her again."

"Wait... I feel a bit strange, why did General Huaiyan leave?"

"Didn't he say he went to get things for March 7th? Why would he stay here if not for that?"

"Wasn't General Huaiyan here to discuss serious matters like the Marshal's orders with Jing Yuan and the others? How did the topic suddenly shift to taking on disciples, and then he used that as an excuse to slip away?"

"...Oh, right!"

Xutong's reminder immediately made everyone realize.

It seemed that Yanqing and their apprenticeship and preparations were as important as the generals discussing the Jianmu Calamity. Or perhaps, General Huaiyan only appeared indifferent to outsiders, but actually had some matters he wanted to discuss privately with Jing Yuan and planned to find another opportune moment?

However, recalling the mysterious smile on the old man's lips just now... it was truly hard to understand what this old man, whose thoughts were deeper than the ocean, was thinking.

——

"Uh, did the discussion get off-topic? How did things turn out this way?" March 7th also realized.

"Yes, I brought you all to the Seat of Divine Foresight because 'the General had important matters to discuss,' how did... how did Yunli and I become Miss March 7th's sword masters in the blink of an eye?"

Dan Heng offered his opinion: "Because... Mr. Huaiyan hopes we will stay on the Xianzhou Luofu for a while longer."

"But we were originally just here to observe the ceremony?"

"But in his eyes, we are no different from tourists who can leave at any time." Dan Heng continued, "Since the Luofu's report to the Alliance included records of the Astral Express's activities, he must want to see with his own eyes if we truly possess the capabilities mentioned in the report, rather than just using it as a perfunctory excuse."

"The Wardance is his touchstone. For this, he even dragged Yunli into it. What was originally just a competitive gamble between two young people... has now become the two of you jointly teaching March 7th."

After listening to Dan Heng's analysis, Jing Yuan couldn't help but sigh: "Elder Huaiyan... is still the same Elder Huaiyan who gives everyone a headache."

"I must apologize here. I invited you all to return and observe the ceremony with the intention of presenting human witnesses to the two Generals, but my failure to be frank was Jing Yuan's fault. Aside from Elder Huaiyan, in the coming weeks, I will also invite you all to meet with General Feixiao to answer her questions and clear her doubts. I hope you will be prepared then."

"So, are we packing up and leaving tonight?" Star whispered into March 7th's ear.

"Did we do something wrong? We genuinely saved the Luofu, so why should we leave like fugitives?"

"Star, don't worry. Regardless, I will stay as the Astral Express's witness and accept the interrogation." The reliable Teacher Dan Heng spoke at this moment.

"General! There isn't much Yanqing can do to help the General, but Yanqing..."

"Hmm?"

"Yanqing..." The young man raised his head resolutely, "Yanqing will definitely guard the Wardance arena for the Luofu!"

Jing Yuan smiled gently: "I know."