Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

All these servants, yet it felt like no one knew the Master.

"Well, while I'm fine calling her 'Master', I would still like to know her name," Saint Martha commented.

“To be honest, I don’t think I have ever seen her laugh,” Queen Marie replied, a small frown on her face, “It’s a little concerning.”

“She doesn’t need to laugh for her to be a capable Master,” EMIYA, the Nameless Archer, replied. “Nor is it of any importance to us whether or not we know her name.”

The answer was cold, but his gaze lingered. 

“Usually, during Holy Grail Wars, we would be the one that hide our name. How ironic that it’s the other way this time,” Assassin Sasaki said, a wry smile on his face. 

“Well, it appears that there is not much we can do about the situation,” Rider Ushiwakamkura added. "It would appear that she cannot speak."

"There are plenty of ways to speak without talking though," Lancer Benkei added, sounding as calm as possible.

“Honestly,” Caster Medea sighed back, “It’s more surprising that no one is even trying to get her to learn how to speak.”

“We are working on it,” Mash suddenly called out.

There was this feeling in her heart that was getting gnawed on the longer the other servants talked. They, who clearly had no idea what was going on, kept talking in a way that made her frown and cause something inside of her to tighten up. Unexpectedly, it bubbled up into something because she was trying her best. Wasn't it obvious? What else could she do so that it gets even more obvious? What did she need to do and then the feelings bubbled out-

“Please leave matters concerning the Master to me.”

There was a moment of pause, half of them genuinely surprised by her words and the other half looking wrong-footed. 

Mash blinked and immediately started to back-track. She dropped her eyes, ashamed for being so rude in front of these magnificent people who served as the foundation for humanity as they knew it today.

“Ah, what I mean by that is that, it would be bad if a bunch of different people tried to teach her at the same time and have it completely blow up in everyone’s face.”

“Ah, too many cooks spoil the broth,” Caster Mozart called back helpfully, inquisitive eyes focusing on her, “Yes, I suppose I understand that.”

“So please,” Mash said, lowering her head into a polite bow, “entrust this matter to us.”

There was another beat of pause, but the shielder eventually got the affirmation.

She can do it. She was Senpai's first servant. She was Senpai's Shielder. The warmth of that hand while the world burned down around them had etched itself deep into her mind, like a tattoo.

She could do it.