[Dear Professor Sakatsuki:]
[Your recent letter felt like reuniting with an old friend.]
In Keukenhof Park, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloomed brilliantly, their vibrant colors weaving a tapestry as dazzling as a young girl's ornate dress. Inside a small pavilion, a figure reclined leisurely on a chair. A glass of golden cider sat on the table, its sweet-and-sour bubbles rising to the surface, beading condensation along the rim that refracted the sunlight into tiny rainbows.
The afternoon sun was gentle and lazy. Laughter from playful scuffles drifted in from afar. The silver-haired, crimson-eyed homunculus girl glanced up briefly before smiling and lowering her gaze again, carefully penning words she had kept hidden for so long.
[By convention, I should probably start with 'Hello,' but I learned this ancient phrase from an Eastern traveler, and I thought it might suit your tastes better.]
[As for why I'm writing to you… Today, when I opened the window of the inn, I suddenly noticed the wind chime flowers I'd been tending on the windowsill had bloomed—blue and very beautiful. It gave me an inexplicable urge to write something down.]
[This impulsive, spur-of-the-moment style might be because I've spent too much time with Astolfo. It's funny, considering the teacher who guided me was such a serious person. Hahaha.]
[Oddly enough, it still feels like the Holy Grail War ended just yesterday, but when I picked up the pen, I realized half a year had already passed. The bitter cold of winter is gone, and now it's spring, with flowers in full bloom. So, I thought it was time to update you on everyone's current situation.]
She raised the glass and took a small sip. No matter how many times she tasted it, the crisp flavor of the cider always made her narrow her eyes in satisfaction. Like any ordinary girl her age, she began recounting the events of the past six months to the young man she trusted most.
[After the war, Fiore and the others focused on repairing the fortress while sending envoys to negotiate with the Clock Tower. By the way, the envoy group didn't just include me, Caules, and Professor Gordes—Chiron and Astolfo came along too.]
[To be honest, I initially thought this combination was really strange, but surprisingly, everyone played their part well. Caules followed your advice and quickly established ties with a faction called 'El-Melloi.' He even became the student of a man with long black hair who looked utterly exhausted and eccentric. I later learned this man, who seemed on the verge of overwork, was called 'Lord El-Melloi II'—one of the Lords of the Clock Tower.]
[Due to their nature as Servants, Chiron and Astolfo were repelled by the Clock Tower's bounded fields. It was Lord El-Melloi II who stepped in to resolve the issue. After that, Chiron and Astolfo were taken away by magi who introduced themselves as members of the 'Department of Spiritual Evocation'…]
For the sake of maintaining secrecy, the information regarding the "Incarnation" of the Servants belonging to the Yggdmillennia clan was strictly controlled, with knowledge limited only to the core members of the Clock Tower. As for the higher-ups of the Spiritual Evocation Department, after several "probing attempts" that resulted in devastating counterattacks, they practically began treating Chiron and Astolfo like deities, merely hoping the two Servants would cooperate with periodic experiments to gather data.
Incidentally, upon learning of Chiron's true identity, Waver Velvet—Caules' teacher—went to great lengths to finally persuade this legendary instructor to give lectures in his classroom.
According to reliable sources, after this sage began teaching, his popularity at the Clock Tower skyrocketed like a rocket, nearly rivaling that of the classroom's owner, Lord El-Melloi II himself. Moreover, thanks to his strikingly handsome Greek features and gentle demeanor, he quickly became the new top contender for "The Man Most Clock Tower Female Students Want to ■■■ With" (the previous titleholder being Waver himself).
Additionally, according to an unnamed mischievous young lady, the famously overworked Lord El-Melloi II was heard shouting "Finally, no more overtime!" in his rented apartment on the day of the lecture, promptly taking a week off to hole up in his room and binge video games all night.
[Miss Fiore has repeatedly expressed concern about having such a teacher, but since it was your personal recommendation, she chose to respect Caules' decision. And it seems Caules shares some common interests (otaku culture) with Lord El-Melloi II, so he decided to remain in that classroom.]
[Thus, the issues between the two major factions—Yggdmillennia and the Clock Tower—were resolved.]
After writing this lengthy passage, the girl pursed her lips, thoughtfully tapping the pen against them before her eyes lit up. She grabbed the pen and continued writing.
[I think what interests you most, Teacher, are those few individuals, right? Coincidentally, last night, Jeanne d'Arc—or rather, Miss Laeticia—contacted me, and we talked about many things. About that great war, about the present, and about you.]
Indeed, as a Demi-Servant who didn't require Incarnation, Jeanne also remained. Her superior, the Holy Grail, had run off with Sakatsuki, her brother-in-law, so Jeanne wasn't forcibly unsummoned and chose to continue inhabiting Laeticia's body to properly observe the world of this era.
Though delayed for a few days by trivial matters like Church reports and erasing mysteries, once her duties were complete, Laeticia boarded a flight back to France with Yggdmillennia's assistance. The sudden disappearance of her normally obedient and well-behaved student for over ten days—despite a roommate covering for her—eventually raised eyebrows at the school.
Fortunately, the Saint's silver tongue (a passive skill) proved formidable. Armed with documentation from the Church, she effortlessly convinced the teachers and principal, perfectly resolving the crisis before relinquishing control of the body back to Rétice.
"Study hard at school"—the Saint seemed to have earnestly promised something along those lines.
['On the surface, it seems like a return to normal school life, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm more like a mother—or maybe an older sister?—taking care of a child. And every time the Saint insists on going outside to relieve academic stress, I lose consciousness halfway through the trip.']
["When I woke up, I was at the police station holding a few unconscious delinquents, so my plans to visit the bakery or candy store were ruined. But Miss Jeanne didn't get angry at all—truly befitting of a saint… 'That's what Laeticia personally told me.'"]
Though they were apart, thanks to the handy tool called a 'telephone,' Sieg and Laeticia—two simple-hearted girls—quickly became close friends. As Sieg wrote these words, she couldn't hold back her laughter.
["Honestly, I think Laeticia completely misunderstood the situation from the start."]
Perhaps it was the sunlight reflecting off the glass, dazzling her eyes—but even though she was merely putting her thoughts to paper, for a fleeting moment, Sieg seemed to see a young man reading the letter, a knowing smile gracing his lips.
["As for the other Ruler, Miss Artoria, according to the 'big brother Merlin' inside her scabbard, some existence called the 'Counter Force' wouldn't allow them to stay for long. So after spending about a week in the human world with Mordred, she left. Uncle Kairi said Mordred was unusually listless that day, moping around like a little puppy… right before she bit his arm."]
As a relic from the end of the Age of Gods, an existence fundamentally out of place in this era, Artoria had to return to the Reverse Side of the World. Otherwise, she would be rejected by the rules of the present world—especially since she still wielded that legendary Holy Lance.
Though brief, for Mordred, those days were like a dream come true. Her long-admired father had acknowledged her. They lived together, roughhoused, enjoyed meals, and beat up Merlin… Everything she had yearned for in life had been fulfilled. That genuine smile was captured by Kairi, becoming his most treasured memory.
After the "Ahoge" returned, Mordred didn't settle down either. Instead, she and Kairi headed to the Middle East—the most chaotic region, whether on the surface or in the shadows. Neither of them was the type for a quiet life. Peaceful days were just a pastime; the smoke of the battlefield was where they truly belonged.
["By the way, Mordred sent me a photo—her and Uncle Kairi charging through some battlefield in the 'Saber Tank' (a military off-roader). Seeing Mordred with a rocket launcher slung over her shoulder, I couldn't help but feel the need to mourn for the victims…"]
["According to yesterday's news, Miss Atalanta hasn't been idle either. She's been setting up orphanages and charity foundations with Miss Reika and Jack. With Reika and Achilles occasionally visiting, I believe her wish will one day be fulfilled."]
In truth, even Sieg didn't know that Reika wasn't just the honorary director of the orphanage—she was also secretly supporting the Yggdmillennia faction. While Fiore was a talented magus, she lacked skill in management. In contrast, Reika, though not a magus herself, had a keen understanding of the political machinations within the supernatural world.
Selecting envoys to negotiate with the Clock Tower, managing the delicate balance in conflicts with the Department of Spiritual Evocation, persuading Chiron to teach at the Clock Tower… The resurgence of Yggdmillennia in this new form was the result of Reika Rikudou and Fiore's combined efforts. For this born anomaly, perhaps this was where she truly thrived—far more than in an ordinary life.
[Empress Semiramis and Father Amakusa have departed on the Hanging Gardens. According to Father Amakusa, he intends to seek new methods for humanity's salvation, but honestly, I think he'll never escape the Empress's grasp (laughs). Avicebron has remained dutifully with the Yggdmillennia, seemingly planning to stay until he's fully taught Roche before leaving. As for Sir Siegfried and Sir Karna...]
The flowing writing paused briefly here before continuing.
[They were perhaps the most carefree pair of all. Just two days after the war ended, they held their promised duel atop the Empress's Hanging Gardens before all witnesses. In the end, Siegfried preempted Karna's final strike, perishing together with him—both departing without regrets.]
After all this rambling, only one Master-Servant pair remains unmentioned.
[Oh, I should confess—your student and Astolfo have embarked on a world tour! Starting from Romania westward, we've traveled through Prague, Vienna, Worms, Domrémy-la-Pucelle, Munich, Luxembourg, Paris... Now we're in the Dutch town of Lisse awaiting the spring flower parade!]
The childish, boastful tone leaped off the page. After enduring a war beyond ordinary human experience, Sieg and Astolfo were racing toward beautiful days beyond even a writer's imagination—the happy epilogue after the adventure's conclusion.
[Though Astolfo still causes frequent troubles... it's alright. We've met many kind people during our travels. Even when we make mistakes, sincere apologies and reparations earn forgiveness. Looking back now, travel memories feel weightless, like an endless dream.]
The glass of cider stood empty. The blazing sun had mellowed into sunset, lazily shifting from one end of the long table to the other.
[The newly-born me could never have imagined such an extraordinary life—and nearly all this wonderfulness that almost makes me guilty comes from you, Sakatsuki-sensei. Had you not extended your hand that night, the homunculus called "Sieg"... no, that nameless being would have become just another worthless casualty of war.]
[Not just me either. All the heroes and Masters who emerged unscathed from that final battle owe you an immense debt. To charge into battle without suffering painful sacrifices or farewells... Such a beautiful ending was the kindness and miracle you and Mr. Shakespeare gifted us.]
[So why was it you—whom even someone as insignificant as myself feels such gratitude toward—who had to leave us first?]
[I miss you.]
Birds sang clear notes as distant Irish bagpipes sounded from somewhere. The young woman tilted her face upward slightly, closing her eyes.
"How disappointing—it turned melancholy after all."
With a slight shake of her wrist, the last two lines were blotted with ink until illegible. Finally, she carefully folded the letter together with travel postcards into a floral-patterned envelope, sealed it with wax, and placed it solemnly into a box.
"Hey, Sieg—" The pink-haired paladin seemed to have had enough fun playing with the children, running over to Sieg's side all sweaty, just in time to see her final action. "Writing to Sakatsuki again, huh? You send one from every place we visit, and always in the most exquisite envelopes... The Nibelungen souvenir envelopes are so cool, I really want one too!"
"I'll buy you one next time we pass through there, Astolfo," Sieg said softly, weighing the opaque box in her hand. The sound of envelopes rustling inside was unmistakable. Unconsciously, this once-light box had grown heavier, much like the sincere emotions of the young girl.
"The world is so vast—who knows how many years it'll take to return there..." Astolfo muttered, but quickly brushed the thought aside. "Ah, never mind! After all, you've mastered that technique, haven't you, Sieg? Living a century or two is no problem at all! More importantly, come help me out here! Those kids are ganging up on me—I can't take them all on alone!"
"You mean you're still not done? You have more energy than the children themselves... Alright, I'm coming."
The two figures departed, stirring a gentle breeze in their wake. Wisteria blossoms peeking in from outside the pavilion swayed, petals drifting down, slipping with uncanny precision through the gap in the box.
"My, my, I see it now—the precious feelings of a maiden. Allow this understanding big brother to make them come true~~~"
From atop the tower of paradise, the magi hummed a cheerful tune.
"The Garden of Avalon, where bonds intertwine, is ever at your service. Just as before, this letter (these feelings) will surely reach him."
"The future the last knight believes in, and the bright smiles you all wish for—that young man longs to see them too."
"I am the watcher of the cold fairyland, a humble magi. This radiant and beautiful future is my offering to the youth cherished by so many—a small token of gratitude for having savored such a wondrous tale."
The deep hues of dusk had been drained like apple wine. Sitting alone beneath the eaves, the young man gazed down at the letter, gently swirling the wine cup in his right hand. Ripples spread in circles, like starlight, like moonbeams.
Warming a pot of moonlight, savoring the wine with letters—thus, countless emotions drifted in like dreams.
[Ahh—such delightful things can happen, after all.]