"..."
The little girl, whom Irisviel called Ilya, tilted her head and looked at Artoria for a while before directly following her mother's instructions and calling out. Ilya looked curiously at Artoria.
"Sister~" Ilya's voice was sweet and innocent.
"Eh?" Artoria blushed slightly.
Although she was the former king of Britain, she was actually an ordinary girl in private, and naturally she would also have thoughts of liking cute things. Artoria's girlish side was showing.
Especially when Ilya, who fit this description, called out so sweetly, the combined effect was even more pronounced. Artoria's heart fluttered at the endearing address.
"Hahaha." Irisviel chuckled, watching Artoria's slightly shy appearance.
"How is it?" Irisviel asked with a smile.
"Saber, I didn't lie to you, did I?! Ilya, she is super cute—!" Irisviel emphasized her daughter's charm.
"That is indeed the case." Artoria nodded. Artoria agreed with a gentle smile.
"The Master's daughter is indeed as lively and cute as previously said." Artoria acknowledged Ilya's endearing nature.
"Just looking at her like this, I feel my heart has been healed to a considerable extent." Artoria felt a sense of warmth and comfort.
Artoria had not changed her address for Irisviel temporarily. The change in address was pre-planned.
This was something the two had agreed upon. They had discussed this beforehand.
Since Emiya Kiritsugu had completely transferred the command authority of Artoria, who was a Servant, to Irisviel. The transfer of command necessitated a change in address.
Then the corresponding address also had to change—otherwise, they would be exposed in an instant. Maintaining secrecy was crucial.
"That's for sure." Irisviel's voice was full of pride.
"This is my and Kiritsugu's daughter, after all~ How could she not be cute?" Irisviel boasted about her daughter.
Watching her mother and Artoria exchange words, the little girl named Ilya couldn't restrain herself any longer. Ilya grew impatient with the adult conversation.
Only to see her tug on the corner of Irisviel's clothes, pointing at the swordswoman on the other side with her little finger. Ilya tugged at her mother's dress.
"Mama, who is this big sister?!" Ilya asked with childlike curiosity.
"..."
Irisviel glanced at Ilya, then at Artoria, a hint of hesitation appearing between her brows. Irisviel pondered her response.
She loved her daughter very much. Irisviel cherished Ilya.
But casually saying the name of a Servant during the Holy Grail War was a rather dangerous thing. Irisviel knew the risks involved.
Because it meant her true name would be known, and the weaknesses formed by her past experiences would very likely be exposed as well. Revealing a Servant's name could lead to vulnerabilities.
That would be no different from putting oneself in a passive position. Irisviel wanted to avoid such a situation.
Knowing this well, Irisviel chose the most secure method of concealment. Irisviel opted for secrecy.
"Ilya, this is Papa's guest." Irisviel provided a simple explanation.
"You… just call her Saber." Irisviel instructed her daughter.
"Saber...?" Ilya repeated the name, a question in her voice.
Ilya nodded, then looked at Artoria and said happily. Ilya greeted Artoria with a bright smile.
"Saber, hello~" Ilya's greeting was cheerful.
"Hmm, hello." Artoria also responded very politely. Artoria returned the greeting with a gentle nod.
Seeing that her daughter and Artoria hadn't had any conflict at all, Irisviel felt her mood improve as well. Irisviel was relieved by their positive interaction.
"Ilya, Saber, it's too cold here, let's go upstairs first." Irisviel suggested moving indoors.
"It wouldn't be good if you caught a cold later." Irisviel expressed her concern for their well-being.
"Okay~/ Got it, Master." Artoria responded obediently.
Some time later, the three arrived at a certain room in the castle. They moved to a more comfortable location.
This was where Irisviel usually rested. This was Irisviel's private chamber.
Perhaps to ensure the quality of his wife's sleep, or simply because he didn't want to see Artoria fulfilling her duties as a Servant. Kiritsugu's absence was noticeable.
Emiya Kiritsugu was not here at this moment. Kiritsugu was elsewhere.
"Wow~ It's Mama's room in the castle!" Ilya exclaimed with excitement.
While saying this, Ilya ran forward and finally jumped onto the bed, starting to bounce up and down as if treating it as her own personal playground. Ilya's playful energy filled the room.
Such behavior was naturally quite impolite. Artoria's upbringing made her notice the lack of decorum.
Artoria, who had received aristocratic education, instinctively wanted to stop Ilya from doing such a bad thing. Artoria's noble instincts kicked in.
But she quickly noticed the expression on Irisviel's face beside her. Artoria observed Irisviel's reaction.
That was the unique empathy of a mother seeing her child happy. Irisviel's face radiated maternal joy.
A familiar scene made Artoria recall the small house by the Holy Lake. A memory stirred within Artoria.
Mordred back then was also so rambunctious. Artoria remembered her adopted daughter's mischievousness.
Climbing trees, swimming, doing whatever was dangerous, as if afraid that she, as her adoptive mother, wouldn't worry. Mordred's antics often caused Artoria concern.
But—
Even though Mordred was really naughty back then, she didn't feel any annoyance at all. Artoria's affection for Mordred outweighed any frustration.
Understood. Artoria realized something.
She could completely understand. Artoria's comprehension deepened.
Artoria looked at Ilya once more. Artoria's gaze softened.
This time, the girl's eyes could only see the little girl's happiness, and other unimportant things seemed to have been automatically filtered out. Artoria's focus narrowed to Ilya's joy.
So cute… Artoria thought fondly.
If only she could see Mordred as a child again. Artoria wished for a glimpse of the past.
What would she look like bouncing on this bed? Artoria imagined Mordred's playful antics.
She should also be very cute, right? Artoria's heart warmed at the thought.
Artoria completely understood the scene in Irisviel's eyes. Artoria empathized with Irisviel's feelings.
However—
This understanding didn't last for too long. The moment of understanding was fleeting.
Because Irisviel quickly and quietly asked Artoria beside her. Irisviel broke the silence.
"Saber, Ilya like this is very cute, isn't she?" Irisviel sought Artoria's opinion.
"..."
Artoria didn't really want to lie to this good-tempered proxy Master. Artoria hesitated to deceive Irisviel.
She nodded, responding to the other party's question. Artoria gave an honest reply.
"Yes, she is indeed very cute." Artoria confirmed her thoughts.
"That's good." Irisviel breathed a sigh of relief, "I thought someone your age would be very angry seeing her behavior." Irisviel admitted her worry.
"After all, this looks like what everyone calls a naughty child, right?" Irisviel pointed out the apparent mischief.
"..."
"Perhaps." Artoria's gaze swept over Ilya, "But I believe that if properly educated, she will definitely be able to become an excellent person in the future." Artoria expressed her faith in Ilya's potential.
"Become an excellent person in the future?" Irisviel repeated the words, her expression shifting.
Irisviel's expression became complicated, a feeling of sadness mixed with a vague longing for Artoria's words. Irisviel's emotions were a mixture of sorrow and hope.
"I also very much hope that her situation can be as you wish." Irisviel echoed Artoria's sentiment.
"Saber, do you know?" Irisviel asked, her tone becoming more serious.
"Kiritsugu and I promised that if we can win this Holy Grail War, Ilya can live a good life." Irisviel revealed her and Kiritsugu's wish for Ilya.
"It's the kind of ordinary life where she interacts and communicates with the people around her, and gains happiness from it." Irisviel described their vision of a normal life for Ilya.
"Doesn't that sound wonderful?" Irisviel looked at Artoria for agreement.
"..."
Artoria thought for a moment, then nodded. Artoria considered Irisviel's words.
"That is indeed the case." Artoria agreed with conviction.
"After all, many things are not as meaningful as people imagine… especially some things that seem to bring status and position." Artoria reflected on the true meaning of life.
"Plain and simple is the truth." Artoria shared her newfound understanding.
"I only understood this principle today." Artoria admitted her late realization.
"But—" Artoria gave a wry smile, "It seems to be a little too late." Artoria felt a pang of regret.
"That's not true." Irisviel's gaze softened as she looked at Artoria.
Irisviel's eyes reflected Artoria's figure. Irisviel focused on Artoria.
"As long as you can realize it, no matter what, it won't be too late." Irisviel offered words of comfort.
"There are many people who still haven't been able to understand what they are pursuing, and what they truly want." Irisviel spoke of the common human struggle.
"You being able to think clearly about this point, I think you are already above them." Irisviel praised Artoria's clarity of thought.
"Thinking about it this way, as expected of the former king of Britain." Irisviel acknowledged Artoria's wisdom.
"However—" Irisviel's tone shifted again.
Irisviel took Artoria's hand. Irisviel reached out to Artoria.
"Although my orders don't have a compulsory effect on you." Irisviel acknowledged Artoria's independent nature.
"But if possible—" Irisviel hesitated slightly.
"Could you please try your best for Ilya's sake?" Irisviel made a heartfelt request.
"It is my duty." Artoria replied without hesitation.
Artoria answered without the slightest hesitation. Artoria's loyalty was unwavering.
"I will definitely fight with all my strength to strive for the greatest chance of victory for you." Artoria vowed her commitment.
A hint of joy appeared in Irisviel's eyes. Irisviel's face brightened with happiness.
For her, agreeing to let Ilya come here from the family thousands of miles away was indeed a correct choice. Irisviel felt reassured by her decision.
And Artoria's promise was a response to this choice. Artoria's words validated Irisviel's actions.
However, just as Irisviel wanted to say more, she seemed to suddenly sense something and looked towards the door. Irisviel's attention was drawn to the entrance.
"Sorry, Kiritsugu is looking for me." Irisviel apologized for the interruption.
"Saber, could you please help take care of Ilya for a bit?" Irisviel asked for Artoria's assistance.
"No problem." Artoria readily agreed.
After arranging things properly, Irisviel immediately left the room. Irisviel departed swiftly.
After walking for a while along the long corridor, she met her husband, Emiya Kiritsugu. Irisviel found Kiritsugu waiting for her.
"Kiritsugu, what's wrong?" Irisviel asked with a smile, "You called me so urgently." Irisviel greeted her husband with a warm smile.
"..."
Emiya Kiritsugu gently let out a breath, looking as if he had made some kind of decision. Kiritsugu seemed to have made up his mind.
"Iri, I have to go." Kiritsugu's words were direct and serious.
"..."
At the moment she heard these words, Irisviel's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. Irisviel's expression saddened slightly.
But she didn't blame Emiya Kiritsugu, but instead asked with a small hope. Irisviel held onto a glimmer of optimism.
"Can't you stay a little longer?" Irisviel pleaded softly.
"Ilya… she only just got here not too long ago, right?" Irisviel reminded him of their daughter's recent arrival.
"I also really want to stay." Kiritsugu turned back, his gaze firm.
Emiya Kiritsugu turned his head back, and his eyes, as dark as night, showed a hint of determination. Kiritsugu's resolve was evident in his eyes.
"But just like what I said before, I have to go back to Fuyuki City a bit earlier." Kiritsugu reiterated his need to return.
"Otherwise—" Kiritsugu hinted at potential consequences.
"We might be taken advantage of by others." Kiritsugu expressed his concern about their opponents.
"..."
"..."
Silence, followed by eye contact. A moment of silent understanding passed between them.
Irisviel keenly noticed the abnormality in her husband. Irisviel sensed something was amiss.
"Kiritsugu, is there anything else you want to say?" Irisviel asked directly.
"If there is, just say it all at once." Irisviel urged him to be open.
"Iri." Kiritsugu spoke her name softly.
Emiya Kiritsugu reached out his hand and gently stroked his wife's snow-white hair. Kiritsugu's touch was tender.
"I want you to take Saber ." Kiritsugu revealed his request.
"..."
Irisviel's eyes bloomed like flowers in an instant. widened in surprise.
But she quickly realized that her husband would definitely not make such a request for no reason. Irisviel knew there was a strategic reason behind his words.
After thinking it over, she had the answer. Irisviel came to a conclusion.
"Kiritsugu, do you want me and her to coordinate with your actions?" Irisviel understood his intention.
Probably knowing that he couldn't hide it, or perhaps feeling that there was no need to hide it from Irisviel, Emiya Kiritsugu nodded. Kiritsugu confirmed her suspicion.
"Yes." Kiritsugu gave a simple affirmation.
"The Holy Grail War cannot be separated from the appearance of Servants." Kiritsugu explained his strategy.
"I plan to have you act in my identity from the very beginning… this way, I won't attract so much attention." Kiritsugu's plan was to use Irisviel as a decoy.
"As expected." Irisviel sighed softly.
Irisviel sighed, then put her hands on her hips and responded with energy. Irisviel accepted his plan with a determined spirit.
"I understand." Irisviel nodded in agreement.
"I will go with Saber—but what about Ilya?" Irisviel expressed concern for their daughter.
"If we all leave, there will be no one here to take care of her, right?" Irisviel worried about Ilya's well-being.
"You can rest assured about this." Emiya Kiritsugu took Irisviel's hand, "I have already contacted the people from your family." Kiritsugu reassured her.
"They… will send someone over to live with Ilya." Kiritsugu had already made arrangements.
"So you don't need to worry about her life." Kiritsugu addressed her concerns.
"I see." Irisviel nodded, "Then I can rest assured." Irisviel felt relieved.
"But we might have to leave secretly… otherwise Ilya will definitely cry her eyes out." Irisviel suggested a discreet departure.
"Hmm, I'll listen to you." Kiritsugu agreed to her suggestion.
A rare hint of warmth appeared in Emiya Kiritsugu's cold eyes. Kiritsugu's usual stoicism softened slightly.
"Thank you, Iri." Kiritsugu expressed his gratitude.
"I thought you would be very resistant to doing this." Kiritsugu admitted his surprise.
"What are you saying?" Irisviel hugged Emiya Kiritsugu. Irisviel embraced her husband.
"I already said it on our wedding day." Irisviel recalled her wedding vows.
"No matter what, I will definitely firmly support you—this is not a joke!" Irisviel reaffirmed her unwavering support.
At the same time. Meanwhile...
Inside Irisviel's room. The scene shifted back to Irisviel's chamber.
Artoria, standing by the bed, was looking happily at Ilya, who was still bouncing up and down on the bed. Artoria watched Ilya with a fond expression.
Of course. However...
The image she saw in her eyes was actually not Ilya, but Mordred. Artoria's mind wandered to her adopted daughter.
Although she was not her biological child, Artoria had never neglected her even once because of this. Artoria's care for Mordred was unwavering despite their lack of blood relation.
That feeling of taking care of a child was a rare experience in the girl's life. Caring for a child was a precious experience for Artoria.
Although it was indeed very tiring, it had a very down-to-earth sense of happiness. Artoria found a unique joy in motherhood.
It was a treasure that could only be obtained with the identity of a "person," something that even the "king's" treasury, which held all things, had never possessed. Artoria valued this personal connection above her royal treasures.
Apart from the few years she secretly spent with Ian, which she treasured most in her memory, Artoria cherished this time the most. These moments held a special place in Artoria's heart, second only to her time with Ian.
Speaking of which— A new thought entered Artoria's mind.
What would it be like if she really had the chance to have children with Ian in the future? Artoria daydreamed about her future with Ian.
If it was a boy, he should be as brave and practical as him, right? Artoria imagined their son's characteristics.
If it was a girl, she shouldn't be as plain as herself, she should dress up beautifully like Morgan, and he would definitely like her more. Artoria considered what their daughter might be like.
But in that case, it seemed she would have to first make him change his bad habit of drinking with that part of his body. Artoria chuckled at a private joke.
How could she make him like normal postures… Artoria pondered a playful solution.
Perhaps a night raid might be a good idea? A mischievous thought crossed Artoria's mind.
Artoria's post-marriage fantasies became more and more serious, so much so that she completely didn't notice that Ilya on the bed had already stopped. Artoria was lost in her happy thoughts.
"Saber!" The little girl shouted. Ilya's voice snapped Artoria back to reality.
Hearing this shout, Artoria finally woke up from that incomparably warm fantasy and returned to the cold reality. Artoria was jolted out of her reverie.
"Hmm… what's wrong?" Artoria asked, slightly disoriented.
"It's nothing~" Ilya still had a cute and adorable appearance. Ilya's innocent charm remained.
"I just wanted to know where Mama went." Ilya asked about her mother.
"..."
Without too much hesitation, Artoria responded directly. Artoria answered truthfully.
"Oh… Master, she left for a while because of some business, she will be back soon." Artoria provided a simple explanation.
"Is that so~" Ilya seemed unfazed by the news.
Ilya didn't make a fuss as Artoria had imagined—it seemed these things were perfectly normal for her. Ilya accepted her mother's absence calmly.
She continued to ask: Ilya's curiosity persisted.
"Then—" Ilya continued her line of questioning.
"Mama said you are Saber, so you should have your own weapon, right?" Ilya inquired about Artoria's weapon.
"..."
Although she didn't know what Ilya wanted to do by asking such a question, Artoria still transformed her Noble Phantasm, the Sword of Assured Victory (Caliburn). Artoria manifested her golden sword.
Looking at the incomparably exquisite blade, a strange interest flashed in the little girl's eyes. Ilya's gaze was drawn to the magnificent sword.
Soon, she asked a question that Artoria didn't expect. Ilya's next question surprised Artoria.
"Saber—" Ilya began, her voice filled with curiosity.
"How do you use this sword to kill people?" Ilya asked a surprisingly dark question.