Irisviel secretly cast an encouraging look at Artoria, then immediately shifted her gaze to Arthur, shyness and a hint of excitement shimmering in her eyes.
So comfortable.
I want more.
What just happened… could actually continue.
However, Artoria interpreted this look as a silent plea for help.
Don't worry, Iri. I will definitely rescue you from the clutches of this devil, even if it costs me the honor of the Knight King!
"Caster, stop!" Artoria suddenly raised her voice, an idea forming. "If you don't want to fight, then your goal is already achieved. Now, release Irisviel, or from this moment on, the only way we'll communicate is through our swords!"
…Saber?
What are you doing, Saber? That's not what I meant!
Irisviel had been perfectly fine in Arthur's arms, but when she heard Artoria's words, she was startled at first—then blinked in disbelief, feeling a pang of grievance.
Didn't we agree to be each other's angels? Why are you breaking up my happiness?
As a homunculus, am I not worthy of joy?!
I'm so angry… When will the android— Oh, right. It's because my Servant is too straightforward. Well, fine.
For a brief moment, Irisviel even considered whether she should pay a secret visit to the Matou family to discuss swapping Servants.
Think about it—we're both King Arthur, and I have the best class, Saber. It would be a fair trade… probably. The Matou family might even agree.
While Irisviel kept her head down, her mind racing, she suddenly felt her body lighten. Before she knew it, she was back at Artoria's side—and she almost cried.
No, take me back! I'm willing to be kidnapped!
"Oh, I'm sorry. If you're willing to avoid a physical fight, I don't really care," Arthur said casually, canceling the Dragon's Shadow.
"Well… in order to let you talk things over, I wouldn't mind being kidnapped a bit longer." Irisviel looked at Arthur nervously, then asked, almost pleading, "How about… we go back to how we were just now? Don't worry about me—I'm fine. Really."
"That's ri—wait! Irisviel, what are you saying?!" Artoria exclaimed.
"…Are you serious?"
Even Arthur was stunned.
Had he ever heard such a request before?
Are all Einzbern homunculi this pure, innocent, and… adorable?
What a selfless spirit of sacrifice.
If everyone in the world were like this, there wouldn't be so much scheming and betrayal.
Arthur had to admit—he was a little moved.
"Yes, I'm sure. Please… let me be the bridge of peace between you two." Ignoring Artoria's horrified expression, Irisviel looked genuinely excited.
Before long, Arthur and Artoria began to talk.
And Irisviel… cried.
Now she was being held hostage in the most unromantic way possible. Twisted shadows clung to her body, ready to kill her at a moment's notice. The warm embrace was gone, the sweet scent was gone, and the chance to admire that handsome face—along with the blush-inducing intimacy—had completely vanished.
Where's the romance you promised? Where's the domineering King Arthur falling in love with me?
Standing beside Artoria, a mere three meters from Arthur, Irisviel felt utterly hopeless.
It's not like that, it's really not like that!
Saber, why are you so straightforward? Is the gap between King Arthur and King Arthur really this huge?
Little did she know, her Servant was already considering selling her out tomorrow.
Artoria, however, was still focused on Arthur, her expression fierce. "What exactly do you want? I don't know which historical hero you are or why you claim to admire me, but if you so much as think of touching Irisviel, I will make you regret it!"
Irisviel: …
Right. If there's a chance tonight, I'm going to the Matou house.
Saber-types are the worst!
"I'm King Arthur. The real King Arthur," Arthur replied evenly. "As for your Master… don't worry, I have no ill intentions. At least, not yet." He paused, then asked, "By the way, have you heard of Emiya Kiritsugu? The famous Magus Killer—expert in assassination, intimidation, and all sorts of underhanded tactics?"
"I have not! But even if I saw such a despicable man, I would strike him down on the spot," Artoria declared.
A very Knight King-style answer.
"Well, I've heard of him," Irisviel said softly. "Before the Einzbern family decided to join the war, they tried to invite the Magus Killer. But he never replied. In the end, the family poured all its resources into me, and I joined the war as Saber's Master."
"Iri, you—" Artoria was speechless.
She couldn't fathom what had gotten into her Master—why she was being so cooperative with the enemy.
Even if you're naive, you shouldn't answer every question so honestly… right?
Could it be brainwashing?
In that instant, without her Servant noticing, Arthur had completed some kind of mental manipulation. Caster—how despicable! But even if it's despicable, his magic is formidable… I must overcome it.
Artoria's eyes sharpened, and she stepped in front of Irisviel, blocking Arthur's view. Even if her Master's life was in Caster's hands, as a knight she could not abandon her duty to protect the lady—no matter how futile it seemed.
Meanwhile, Irisviel could only listen to Arthur's voice from behind her Servant, forced to imagine his expressions.
Her resentment grew.
Unfortunately, after a long silence, Arthur still didn't speak.
Her eyes dulled.
At that moment, Arthur was busy analyzing the current situation.
If the course of fate had changed due to his own interference—or if this was simply an unknown parallel world—then it would make sense that Emiya Kiritsugu was absent from the war.
Parallel worlds meant different possibilities. Anything could happen.
As for the butterfly effect… without careful observation and extensive calculation, it was impossible to know the full extent of the changes.
In any case, the differences were now a fact.
But… if it wasn't Emiya Kiritsugu, then who had bombed the Fuyuki Hotel last night?
"Caster, what is your purpose here?"
"…Let's assume, for now, that I came with a single objective. I am here, on behalf of the King of Conquerors, to personally deliver an invitation. Normally, some lackey would handle this, but since it's you, my sister, I've come in person. Feel honored. This banquet is a feast for kings—you will attend."
"No problem, Your Majesty. We are honored and very grateful for your visit. As the Master, I agree on Saber's behalf."
Artoria: "???"
-End Chapter-
Visit the Patreon!!
Read 30 chapters ahead, more on the way!
[email protected]/TrashProspector