From the very start, the Holy Grail War was a brutal clash of life and death. No matter what methods the Masters used, everything was fair game.
Even so, Saber had hoped to engage the Heroic Spirits from other realms in honorable combat, to fight with her own hands and present victory to her Master.
Stealing someone else's relic might seem despicable, but in truth, it wasn't something worth condemning.
After all, Servants didn't have the right to choose. The ones making the decisions were always the Masters.
Wasn't Rider's Master's relic also taken from someone else? And Rider didn't seem to care much about it.
But that was because Lancer's Master's character was far inferior to Rider's current Master. As for her own Master—Emiya Kiritsugu—compared to Yoru…
Saber shut her eyes, forcing herself not to dwell on it any further. Supporting her heavy body, the girl slowly walked out of the Einzbern courtyard.
At the very least, she didn't want to jump to conclusions. She needed to ask her Master—confirm what the truth really was.
As the eastern sky began to brighten faintly, Saber wasn't even sure what emotions she carried as she left the Einzberns' residence and returned to the temporary inn in Fuyuki City where Emiya Kiritsugu was based.
Perhaps because she hadn't returned all night, Kiritsugu hadn't slept either. When Saber opened the door, she found him sitting silently on the bedside, smoking a cigarette.
"Where were you?"
He threw out the question coldly. But Saber didn't care to answer. There was something far more important in her heart—what Yoru had told her.
Even though questioning her Master like this was disrespectful, Saber could no longer hold back her emotions.
"Master, please tell me—where did you get the relic you used to summon me?"
At her question, Kiritsugu paused slightly before his expression shifted to one of quiet realization.
"So that's it. You went to the Einzberns, didn't you?"
As soon as he said that, Saber froze. His words made it clear: the relic used to summon her had been taken from the Einzberns.
So it wasn't just a vain hope... That man really was supposed to be my Master…?
Rage welled up inside her—rage directed at the indifferent man before her. If he hadn't used such vile methods, she might have fought alongside someone who truly shared her ideals, striving together toward the Grail.
But now… because of the man standing before her, everything had become a lie. And she was still forced to endure his despicable behavior.
If he went to such lengths to obtain her, if he summoned her—then why wouldn't he believe in her power? Why wouldn't he let her win glory for him?
Is an honest duel between knights truly that difficult for a Master to accept?
"Why…?"
Overwhelmed by frustration and disappointment, Saber's voice trembled like she was on the verge of tears.
"To obtain the Grail."
Kiritsugu flicked away the spent cigarette and crushed it underfoot. His voice was calm, but beneath the surface, there was a terrifying madness.
"To obtain that all-powerful wish-granting machine… any act, any price, any sacrifice is worth it."
He gritted his teeth as he spoke, revealing just how deep his obsession ran. His face twisted, and beneath his skin, something seemed to pulse with life—like distorted veins writhing beneath his flesh.
The magecraft of the Matou family was never benevolent. As their adopted son in name, Kiritsugu had undergone Zouken Matou's modifications to gain power.
And he had gained that power. But at a terrible cost.
How much longer could this ruined body last after the war? Ten years? Five? Maybe less?
Kiritsugu didn't know. He didn't want to know. As long as it held together long enough for him to seize the Grail, that was enough.
"You really want the Grail that badly? Even if it means stooping to such despicable methods?!"
"Know your place. I am your Master. No matter how I obtained the relic to summon you, none of that matters anymore. What does matter is that I summoned you, forged a contract, and now provide you with the mana to exist in this world."
As he spoke, Kiritsugu raised his hand, revealing the Command Seals on the back.
In the dim room, the crimson, sword-shaped seals glowed with an eerie light. To Saber, that glow was blinding—painful to look at.
At the same time, a cold chill spread through her entire body. Kiritsugu's stance was clear—if she harbored any rebellious thoughts, he would not hesitate to use the Command Seals.
"You understand what that means, don't you? I don't want to have any more unpleasant conversations like this. Don't forget—the reason you were summoned into this world is to fight for the Grail. You need it too. So work with me and win this war."
He stood up, picked up his toolbox, and headed toward the door.
"Tonight, we move. Our target is Lancer. We'll get rid of that troublesome enemy and remove the curse on your arm."
As he said that, Saber couldn't help but feel a sharp pain in her wrist. The wound left by Lancer's Noble Phantasm still hadn't healed. It constantly interfered with her performance.
"I still have an unfinished, fair duel with Lancer. And you… what do you intend to do, Master?"
"Who knows…"
Kiritsugu shrugged and walked out of the inn, ignoring the gloom on Saber's face.
So even this final bit of honor can't be protected…?
With despair in her heart, Saber collapsed slowly onto the bed. Heroic Spirits did not feel fatigue and had no need for rest.
But at this moment, Saber's soul was exhausted beyond words.
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