IBHJ Chapter 973

Under York's persistent questioning, Morrigan looked at Shirou with a pleading gaze, hoping he'd step in. But to her surprise, he didn't seem to notice. Instead, he turned his attention to the city wall.

As the Sanctuary's first line of defense, the wall was built to withstand the beast tides. It was the Great Wall of this connection point, and surely it had to be imbued with some kind of magical properties. Yet, it looked so plain, so ordinary.

Perhaps he should call Aqua, he thought. After all, according to the game lore, she was the true master of the Sanctuary. Just as he was thinking this, his eyes were drawn to the inner wall.

The inner wall wasn't a wall at all, but a series of hollowed-out stone chambers. Within each chamber stood a statue, each one different in form and appearance, yet all of them incredibly lifelike. They were like giant gods, frozen in mid-stride.

"What's the matter, sir? Are you admiring the giants?" York walked to his side and asked.

Shirou turned and nodded at him. "Are those some kind of defense system, meant to protect the city if it's attacked?"

York chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure, but that'd be fantastic. Imagine how much easier our jobs would be during the yearly beast tide if those giants helped us."

"Now that I think about it, weren't there no statues in the wall before?" Morrigan was confused.

"You're right. The Archbishop had them put in recently," York confirmed.

"The Archbishop?" Morrigan's frown deepened. "Why would he...?"

York's face lit up, clearly eager to share the gossip. "Ah, you've been away too long! We had a visit from this incredible alchemist, you see. Claimed these giants could bolster our defenses. The Archbishop was so impressed, he had them installed right away."

York turned back to Shirou, his eyes bright. "You know, if those giants could really come alive and protect us like you said, sir... well, that'd be wonderful."

Shirou smiled, but before he could answer, a deep sound filled the air.

"Dong... Dong... Dong..."

The bell's loud rings spread through the city. York stood up straight and looked at Morrigan.

"That's the festival starting. We need to be extra careful watching the wall now." He pointed to the busy city below. "You two should go down and enjoy the party. No reason to miss out on the fun."

With a friendly smile and a quick nod, York turned and walked away.

Shirou watched him leave. "He seems like a good guy."

"They all are," Morrigan said softly. She turned to him, looking excited. "So, where should we go next?"

He looked over the city, now busy with celebration. "Let's check out the festival. I know the city layout pretty well now. This could be a great chance to see the local customs and how they celebrate."

She nodded happily, already moving towards the stairs. "Sounds good."

After looking at the giants in the wall one last time, he turned and walked back into the city with Morrigan.

The city was full of people. Top adventurers mixed with locals. Shops were busy, people were everywhere, and the whole place was alive with noise.

But Shirou only cared about the food stalls.

"I want this one, and this one, and that one too. All of them."

Soon, his hands were full of local foods. Morrigan started to worry. "Can you really eat all that?"

He rolled his eyes. "Whose body do you think I'm in right now?"

"I know Artoria's body is special... but should you let your stomach make all the choices?"

"Of course not," he said with a grin. "But with a stomach like this, wouldn't it be a waste if I didn't try all this tasty food?"

Morrigan: "..."

She sighed, watching as Shirou happily munched on his snacks. The festival bustled around them, full of laughter and excitement, but Shirou was in his own world of food bliss.

"Well," she said at last, a small smile on her face, "I guess we should enjoy the festival in our own ways. Just don't blame me if you get a stomachache later!"

He nodded, his mouth too full to speak. He gave her a thumbs up and kept eating, taking in the sights, sounds, and most importantly, the tastes of the festival.

Suddenly...

"Archbishop is coming out! Archbishop Moirase is coming out!"

A sudden shout spread through the crowd. People rushed to both sides of the street, pushing Shirou and Morrigan to the back.

They looked at each other. She shrugged and asked, "Archbishop Moirase is really popular. Should we try to get closer?"

"No need," he shook his head, casually popping a piece of pork into his mouth. "How can people be as good as meat?"

She stared at him, thinking, Why does that sound so disturbing?

"Archbishop Moirase is here!" someone yelled.

The crowd got very excited. People started cheering loudly.

It was clear that the people of Sanctuary really loved their Archbishop.

"This Archbishop is quite popular," he said with interest.

She shook her head. "Given how time flows here, he's been running Sanctuary for decades. He's done a good job. No wonder he's so popular."

He nodded, then went back to his food. He didn't care much about Archbishop Moirase. But when the Archbishop's parade came by, with the Archbishop riding an elephant, Shirou looked up without thinking.

What he saw made him freeze.

On top of the elephant was a young girl with white hair. She wore a pure white robe and stood very still. As the wind blew, Shirou saw a rainbow-colored crystal on her forehead.

"Altera...?" he murmured softly, his face full of confusion.

"What Altera?" Morrigan asked

He frowned and kept looking ahead, but the parade had already moved on.

"Let's go back, Shirou," Morrigan suggested.

Shirou hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

He couldn't get close to Archbishop Moirase during the festival. But he could try to meet the Archbishop tomorrow, after the party was over. Then he could find out if what he saw was real or just his imagination, like what happened with Kiara. With this plan in mind, he went back to the inn with Morrigan.

At the inn, Mordred and Artoria were happy to see all the food he brought. They quickly took it from him.

Mordred ate the tasty food with a big smile. But Artoria looked sad. She was full after eating just a little bit. Before, she could eat and eat without getting full. But now, even with yummy food in front of her, her stomach already felt on the verge of bursting. This useless stomach! she pouted.

He watched them, amused. "How's the food?"

"Ish grea'!" Mordred mumbled, her cheeks bulging.

Artoria sighed. "I wish I could eat more," she said, looking longingly at the food.

"Eh?" Morrigan suddenly exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She said with uncertainty, "That sly fox merchant just popped up in the guild, saying she made quite a bit of money during the festival."

"So that fox is in the Sanctuary right now?"

She nodded. "Yes, but I don't know exactly where."

"Hmm..." Kiara suddenly shuddered, her face turning pale.

"What's wrong with you now, Kiara?" he asked in surprise.

"I don't know. I just feel... feel... so uncomfortable!" Kiara hugged herself, her face full of discomfort.

Just then, they heard a soft, sweet voice from outside the inn.

"We made a lot of money this time, senior."

"We did."

"See? I worked really hard. So shouldn't you teach me about it now..."

"Well, I'll think about it."

"Come on, won't you teach this pure and eager woman... Eh? What's this high-quality scent of a good man? Sniff sniff, and it's even the abstinent type!"

Almost instinctively, Shirou shuddered violently!