"..."
"..."
[You completely didn't expect Sakura Tohsaka to say such a thing so directly to her teacher, Vivian.] You were taken aback by her straightforwardness.
[You were initially a bit shocked, but you quickly realized that this was her genuine thought.] Her sincerity was evident.
[Understanding this, you instead felt somewhat relieved—this meant Sakura Tohsaka was beginning to try to think independently.] You saw this as a positive development.
[This would be greatly beneficial for her magical research, as well as her future life.] You considered the long-term implications.
[But you didn't know how much pain Vivian was feeling at this moment.] Vivian's inner turmoil remained hidden from you.
Vivian looked at Sakura Tohsaka, who was questioning her with a serious expression, and her own expression became somewhat troubled. Vivian's face showed her inner conflict.
On one hand, it was because Sakura had indeed hit upon her thoughts; Vivian acknowledged the truth in Sakura's words.
On the other hand, the state of being questioned by a little girl was truly a bit embarrassing. Vivian felt a sense of shame.
Considering these two points, Vivian knew that she absolutely could not admit to such a thing on her own initiative. Vivian made a firm decision.
After thinking it through, she quickly shook her head. Vivian denied the accusation.
"Of course not." Vivian spoke with a dismissive tone.
"How could Sensei possibly see some ghost-San?" Vivian tried to sound incredulous.
"That kind of thing is too absurd." Vivian laughed lightly, attempting to downplay the situation.
"..."
"Sensei, you're lying." Sakura's voice was filled with sadness.
Sakura Tohsaka's expression became somewhat sad—it was the sorrow of being "betrayed" by someone she trusted. Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes.
"Ghost-San said you've been trying to find ways to get close to him." Sakura revealed what you had told her.
"You… you clearly can see Ghost-San!" Sakura insisted, her voice trembling slightly.
"..."
At the moment she heard these words, Vivian's pupils instantly dilated slightly. Vivian's eyes widened in surprise and realization.
Because she knew that Sakura Tohsaka's words just now not only proved that her disguise was completely meaningless. Vivian understood her efforts were futile.
It also incidentally verified something Vivian was very unwilling to face—that was that Sakura Tohsaka and he had indeed become close to a certain extent. Vivian felt a pang of jealousy.
There was almost no barrier between them, and they could exchange the situations they saw at any time. Vivian recognized the depth of their connection.
In other words: Sakura Tohsaka had indeed received his favor. Vivian's heart sank at this realization.
Realizing this, a raging fire of jealousy ignited in Vivian's heart. Vivian's jealousy burned intensely.
She even selectively ignored the fact that the other party was a little girl because of this. Vivian's mind became clouded with envy.
Kill her! A violent thought flashed through Vivian's mind.
Kill her! The urge intensified.
Kill her!!! Vivian's desire to eliminate Sakura became overwhelming.
He will only be mine!!! Vivian's possessiveness reached its peak.
A faint blue light lit up on Vivian's hand—that was a secretly prepared spell. Vivian's fingers glowed with magical energy.
In the past millennium, she had used this spell to kill many people for various unavoidable reasons. Vivian recalled the deadly effectiveness of this magic.
Now, it would become the witch's sharp weapon to take the life of her own student. Vivian prepared to strike.
However—
Such a tragedy did not occur. Fate intervened.
Because Sakura Tohsaka, who hadn't noticed any killing intent from her teacher Vivian at all, quickly revealed a warm smile, and she continued speaking: Sakura's innocent smile shone brightly.
"Sensei, Ghost-San is actually very worried about you, you know~." Sakura conveyed your concern.
With just such a simple sentence, all of Vivian's killing intent melted away in an instant. Vivian's murderous aura vanished as quickly as it appeared.
The witch who could no longer see him directly knelt down in front of her student. Vivian's knees hit the ground with a soft thud.
She grabbed the little girl's shoulders with both hands and asked with a look of nervousness: Vivian's grip tightened on Sakura's shoulders.
"Really?" Vivian's voice was filled with disbelief and hope.
"Did he really say that?!" Vivian's eyes searched Sakura's for confirmation.
"Eh?" Sakura tilted her head, confused by Vivian's sudden change.
Although she didn't quite understand why her teacher would suddenly become so agitated, the meticulous Sakura Tohsaka could feel the urgency hidden behind those words. Sakura sensed Vivian's underlying anxiety.
She realized that this might be what Vivian cared about, and she quickly nodded in response: Sakura offered reassurance.
"Sensei, I promise you, he really said that!" Sakura spoke with conviction.
"..."
[You didn't speak out to stop Sakura Tohsaka's actions.] You observed the interaction silently.
[After all, in a certain sense, there wasn't a single lie in what she had said from just now until this point.] You acknowledged the truth in Sakura's words.
[You were indeed somewhat worried about Vivian's emotional state—but that was based on your concern for Sakura Tohsaka.] Your priority was Sakura's well-being.
[And at the same time, you became increasingly concerned about Vivian's past.] Your curiosity about Vivian's history grew.
[What exactly had she done to make you feel this sense of familiarity?] You pondered the connection you felt.
Vivian's anger completely dissipated at this moment. Vivian's tense posture relaxed.
Because Sakura Tohsaka's words undoubtedly told her one thing—that was that even in this state, Ian still cared about her. Vivian felt a surge of happiness.
But the intelligent Vivian quickly realized another problem. Vivian's mind started to analyze the situation.
If he really still cared about her, Sakura Tohsaka's tone when relaying his words just now shouldn't have been like that. Vivian noticed a discrepancy.
Vivian thought of an unpleasant possibility. A worrisome thought entered Vivian's mind.
He… couldn't have forgotten about her, right? Vivian's heart sank with fear.
Seeing Vivian suddenly fall silent, Sakura Tohsaka thought that her words just now had made her unhappy. Sakura worried she had upset her teacher.
She asked carefully: Sakura spoke with a hesitant tone.
"Sensei… is something wrong?" Sakura's voice was filled with concern.
"...No." Vivian replied softly, her gaze distant.
Vivian looked at the empty space behind Sakura Tohsaka, thought for a moment, and then continued to ask. Vivian's eyes scanned the area behind Sakura.
"Then—" Vivian paused, choosing her words carefully.
"Sakura, did he say anything else besides these words?" Vivian probed for more information.
Vivian didn't want to directly reveal her intentions, and even less did she want to reveal her true identity. Vivian tried to be subtle in her questioning.
After all, having lived in the Clock Tower for so many years, she had long understood how fanatical modern mages were. Vivian knew the dangers of revealing too much.
As long as they saw even the slightest bit of magic they had never encountered before, they would flock to it like moths to a flame. Vivian recalled the relentless curiosity of mages.
Although it wasn't that she couldn't deal with them, it was really quite troublesome. Vivian considered the potential complications.
Her alias, Vivian, was also for the same reason. Vivian's secrecy was deliberate.
Sakura Tohsaka didn't realize that this was Vivian's indirect questioning. Sakura remained oblivious to Vivian's true motives.
She only knew that she had to quickly answer her teacher's question. Sakura focused on providing an answer.
"Sensei, no." Sakura shook her head.
"If I really have to say something… probably only that he found you very familiar." Sakura relayed your observation.
"..."
Vivian appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was already surging with turbulent emotions. Vivian's inner turmoil contrasted with her outward composure.
Familiar was for sure, and where they had met was also absolutely true. Vivian agreed with the assessment.
She was his wife, the absolute possessor of his body, and the person who could order him to have a physiological reaction to her at any time! Vivian's possessiveness resurfaced.
She and he were partners who had experienced countless intimate moments! Vivian's memories flooded back.
How could he not find her familiar?! Vivian felt a surge of confidence.
Wait a minute— Vivian's thoughts were interrupted.
Familiar? Vivian frowned, noticing a potential issue.
Vivian furrowed her brows—she realized the situation was deviating from her thoughts. Vivian's brow creased in concern.
After thinking for a moment, she asked again: "Then… does he know my name?" Vivian sought confirmation.
"Eh?" Sakura blinked, slightly confused.
Sakura Tohsaka tilted her head slightly and nodded. Sakura confirmed your knowledge.
"Yes, he knows!" Sakura spoke with certainty.
"Because I already told him Sensei Vivian's name!" Sakura revealed her action.
"..."
The corner of Vivian's mouth lifted in an almost imperceptible small arc—she had already figured out some of the situation. A subtle smile played on Vivian's lips.
For some unknown reason, he had lost his memory. Vivian concluded the reason for his behavior.
That was why he had developed such an intimate relationship with the Sakura Tohsaka in front of her. Vivian understood their current closeness.
If he could recover his memory, he would definitely come to her side without hesitation at the first moment. Vivian's hope rekindled.
He had promised! Vivian remembered his vow.
He would only ever love her for his entire life! Vivian clung to his promise.
Then it was absolutely impossible for him to choose to stay by the side of other women when he saw her! Vivian's conviction grew stronger.
That's right. Vivian affirmed her belief.
It must be like this! Vivian's certainty solidified.
She had to make the Sakura Tohsaka in front of her participate in the Holy Grail War and then inherit that contract from her. Vivian formulated a plan.
As for recovering his memory and such, she could definitely find the corresponding methods at that time! Vivian looked forward to the opportunity.
He didn't stop loving her, he just temporarily forgot her! Vivian rationalized his current state.
Right, he must also want to come back, right?! Vivian's longing intensified.
That was why the current situation had occurred! Vivian found an explanation for everything.
Understood. Vivian declared to herself.
She completely understood. Vivian felt a sense of clarity.
Vivian thought this way in her heart, and she actually began to feel that the Sakura Tohsaka in front of her was just Ian's tool. Vivian's perception of Sakura shifted.
She completely didn't realize that she had already completely fallen into some extremely deep obsession at this moment. Vivian remained unaware of her descent into obsession.
That was the regret formed over the past thousands of years, but now it had become the fuel for her actions. Vivian's past regrets fueled her present actions.
[You noticed that Vivian's emotions were fluctuating erratically.] You sensed her unstable mental state.
[You couldn't help but feel a little worried.] Your concern for the situation grew.
[You told Sakura Tohsaka about these things—you felt she should make her own choices according to her own thoughts.] You empowered Sakura to decide for herself.
[And after thinking it over, the little girl indeed took action.] Sakura made a decision.
Sakura Tohsaka raised her head to look at her teacher Vivian, choosing to bring the topic back to the question she had asked at the beginning. Sakura refocused the conversation.
"Then—" Sakura began, her tone serious.
"Sensei, can you answer my question from before now?" Sakura pressed for an answer.
"Why… did you want to touch Ghost-San?" Sakura's gaze was direct and unwavering.
"..."
With the series of thoughts she had just had, Vivian realized that she was actually still in a position of advantage. Vivian felt confident in her plan.
In addition to this, she also felt that her student Sakura Tohsaka wasn't as persistent as she had imagined, and could even be said to trust her quite a bit. Vivian underestimated Sakura's perception.
The witch who had lived for thousands of years chose the most direct, but also the most efficient "explanation method" after a moment of hesitation. Vivian decided on her approach.
"Sakura, Sensei has something she wants to discuss with you." Vivian's tone became serious and enticing.
"Eh?" Sakura blinked, surprised by the change in tone.
Feeling that Vivian's tone had become much more serious, Sakura Tohsaka also became nervous. Sakura's initial curiosity turned into apprehension.
"W-what is it?" The little girl asked softly. Sakura's voice was barely a whisper.
"Do you still remember the 'Holy Grail War' that Sensei mentioned to you before?" Vivian brought up the topic of the war.
"I remember!" Sakura Tohsaka took out a small notebook from her clothes pocket. Sakura eagerly retrieved her notes.
On it, densely packed content was written in very neat handwriting—those were all the knowledge she had acquired from Vivian during her magic studies. Sakura proudly displayed her diligent note-taking.
"I've written everything down properly!" Sakura showed her commitment to learning.
"That's good." Vivian nodded, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Vivian took a light breath, adjusting her extremely complicated emotions. Vivian composed herself, masking her true feelings.
She wanted to use this method to make her next suggestion look like a teacher's earnest expectation for her student, rather than some vicious act of using someone as a tool. Vivian aimed to manipulate Sakura's perception.
"Sensei thinks you should participate in a 'Holy Grail War'." Vivian made her suggestion.
"Eh?!" Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief.
Although she had mentally prepared herself in various ways, the suggestion from her teacher Vivian still surprised the little girl somewhat. Sakura was taken aback by Vivian's words.
"Sensei, are you serious?" Sakura asked for confirmation.
"I am serious." Vivian suppressed her emotions. Vivian maintained a calm facade.
"The reason Sensei wanted to touch the 'Ghost-San' you mentioned was actually to confirm your magical talent." Vivian offered a fabricated explanation.
"Now I can be sure—it is very excellent." Vivian praised Sakura's abilities.
"So, make good use of this talent and participate in a 'Holy Grail War'." Vivian urged Sakura to join the war.
"..."
Sakura Tohsaka was silent for a moment, and then asked with a face full of worry. Sakura's expression showed her concern.
"Sensei, the current me… probably can't do such a thing, right?" Sakura doubted her own capabilities.
"Of course not now." Vivian smiled calmly, "You will definitely be able to do it when you grow a little older." Vivian reassured Sakura, looking towards the future.
"Besides, I will also help you properly." Vivian offered her assistance.
"And there's one thing I think it would be better for you to know in advance." Vivian hinted at a crucial piece of information.
"What is it?" Sakura Tohsaka asked, pressing for more details. Sakura's curiosity was piqued.
"Hmm…" Vivian hesitated for a moment.
Vivian looked at the serious-faced Sakura Tohsaka in front of her, feeling somewhat conflicted inside. Vivian's inner struggle was evident.
But in the end, the feeling of hesitation disappeared in an instant when she thought of Ian. Vivian's resolve hardened at the thought of you.
She explained: Vivian began to elaborate.
"If you participate in the 'Holy Grail War' and achieve final victory, you can make a wish." Vivian revealed the ultimate prize.
"A wish?!" Sakura exclaimed in surprise.
Being still young, she didn't realize how heavy the risks behind such a wish could be. Sakura remained naive to the dangers involved.
She only knew that she happened to have some things she wanted to achieve. Sakura thought of her own desires.
"Then… can any wish be granted?" Sakura asked, her eyes filled with hope.
"Yes." Vivian nodded, "'The Holy Grail' has extremely powerful power and can easily grant wishes." Vivian confirmed the Grail's power.
"Wow——~" Sakura's eyes sparkled with delight.
A look of surprise appeared in Sakura Tohsaka's eyes. Sakura was amazed by the prospect.
If that thing called the "Holy Grail" could really grant her wish. Sakura's imagination ran wild.
Then wouldn't she be able to see Ghost-San?! Sakura's primary desire surfaced.
However, she quickly remembered Ghost-San's instructions—she had to respect her adopted sister Luvia. Sakura recalled your advice.
"Sensei Vivian, then let me go back and discuss it with Luvia-san!" Sakura decided to consult her sister.
"If she agrees, I will go participate then!" Sakura made a conditional commitment.
"Hmm, okay." Vivian nodded, her expression appearing very relaxed.
Vivian nodded, her expression looking very relaxed. Vivian felt a sense of relief.
She knew that she had already planted the seeds of participation in the Holy Grail War in Sakura Tohsaka's heart. Vivian was confident in her manipulation.
It would definitely blossom and bear fruit at some point in the future. Vivian looked forward to the outcome.
And she would be the sole enjoyer of that fruit. Vivian's possessiveness returned.
Taking Ian away from her side? Don't even think about it! Vivian's resolve to keep you intensified.
[Time continued to flow.] The passage of time was relentless.
[The trajectories of fate changed by the "Holy Grail War" were far more than just one.] The war's influence was widespread.
[Countless undercurrents were pushing the arrival of the "Holy Grail War" in various ways.] The stage was being set for the conflict.
Several days later. A few days passed.
Fuyuki City, inside a certain private residence. The scene shifted to Fuyuki City.
Waver Velvet, who had stolen his teacher Kenneth's relic and come here with the financial support of his friend Melvin Weins, prepared an extremely clumsy summoning array. Waver's preparations were far from perfect.
There was no other way. Waver had to make do with his limited skills.
After all, Waver knew his own level—he even had to hypnotize an elderly couple, pretending to be their grandson, in order to live here. Waver's resourcefulness was questionable.
"I'll win for you to see!" Waver muttered to himself with determination.
"I will definitely win for you, you bastard!" Waver's resentment towards his teacher fueled his resolve.
"Bloodlines and such are not important at all!" Waver rejected the elitism of the mage world.
In this mix of grief and indignation, Waver completed his first Servant summoning. Waver initiated the ritual with mixed emotions.
Light flashed and then disappeared. The summoning was complete.
A robust Servant appeared before Waver. A powerful figure materialized.
He laughed heartily. The Servant's laughter echoed in the room.
"Hahahaha~" The Servant's booming laughter filled the air.
"Are you my Master? You feel rather fragile!" The Servant's first words were mocking.
"What?!" Waver was completely taken aback.
Waver completely didn't expect his Servant to say such a thing as soon as he appeared. Waver was stunned by the Servant's bluntness.
He was about to lose his temper, but he was made happy by the other party's next sentence. Waver's anger quickly turned to joy.
"But it doesn't matter." The Servant's tone softened.
"I, Iskandar, will lead you to the end of victory, and we will become victors together!" The Servant declared his intentions.
This man seems very powerful! Waver thought, impressed by his Servant's confidence.
[This was a Servant summoning that only Waver knew about.] The summoning remained a secret.
[And at the same time, the ancient castle in the German forest also welcomed a special "guest."] A new arrival entered the scene.
Castle gate. The setting shifted to the castle entrance.
Irisviel was introducing the little loli in front of her to Artoria. Irisviel performed the introductions.
Throughout the entire process, this madam's expression appeared extremely happy. Irisviel's joy was evident.
"Saber, she is the daughter I mentioned to you before." Irisviel presented the child.
"Ilya, quickly call her big sister." Irisviel prompted her daughter.