Dawn broke; it was the second to last day of the Holy Grail War. Lancer and Rider had been eliminated the previous night, leaving only three Servants.
Arthas was worried about a surprise attack from Archer. If Archer attacked, Arthas doubted he could defend himself.
Saber was gravely injured and unconscious; relying only on himself and Flandre, they were unlikely to stand against the strongest Heroic Spirit.
They weren't completely powerless, but besides Saber, Illya also needed Arthas's protection.
Archer, the renowned King of Heroes, felt different from the other two Kings.
The malice in his eyes, the constant aura of brutality and killing intent, deeply displeased Arthas. Rider was, at best, a warmongering tyrant, but Archer was a true despot!
A despot who could commit any cruelty without surprise!
This enemy was as troublesome as Kiritsugu Emiya, perhaps even more so.
Kiritsugu was at least an obvious villain, his villainy apparent and easily anticipated. Archer… was completely unpredictable.
You'd expect the oldest King of Heroes to possess regal bearing and composure, yet he was a vulgar, shameless creature, spewing filth from his mouth. He flew into a rage over trivial matters; Arthas felt no fondness for him.
Arthas respected and admired Rider, but felt nothing for Archer.
Though Archer was a King, Arthas saw no kingly bearing in him.
Short-tempered, easily angered, foul-mouthed—Arthas couldn't imagine the state of a kingdom ruled by such a man.
Harsh sunlight struck Arthas's face. The man, just emerging from the hall, blinked wearily. Worried about Archer's possible attack, Arthas hadn't slept all night, staying by his wife's side.
By dawn, he was exhausted. His body was still human; several sleepless nights, plus Flandre's blood-drinking, explained his weakness.
"Master, are you alright?"
Flandre, also sleepless, approached, gently supporting Arthas's unsteady form.
"I'm fine, just tired."
Shaking his head, Arthas rubbed his temples.
"How's Saber? Awake?"
"Not yet. Her injuries aren't healing; they seem to be worsening. Her magical energy is also weakening; she could disappear at any moment."
Flandre frowned, worried. Saber was a valuable ally; her disappearance would be a significant loss.
"I understand. Rest, Flandre. I think I know what to do."
"Yes, Master. You should rest too."
Flandre, a creature of the night, nodded obediently and went to her room. Arthas went to Saber's room.
Saber's worsening condition was simple: she'd betrayed her Master, Kiritsugu Emiya, violating their agreement and losing her magical energy supply.
Except for Archer, who could act independently, all Servants couldn't exist in this world for long without a Master. Saber's survival after such a fierce battle was remarkable, but she'd reached her limit.
Keeping Saber was simple: Arthas could re-contract with her. It wasn't difficult; possessing a Command Seal granted the right to contract with a Servant.
With mutual consent, the contract could be easily established.
"I hope you'll lend me your strength, Saber."
Arthas said, gently taking Saber's hand; the crimson mark on his hand glowed.
The moment the contract was formed, a surge of power flowed into Saber, instantly healing her wounds.
Instant healing of a gravely injured Servant—the power of the Grail and the Command Seal.
With her wounds gone, Saber slowly opened her eyes. Though unconscious, she was aware of Arthas's actions; otherwise, she couldn't have responded to his contract.
The girl felt only joy at becoming Arthas's Servant; she should have been his Servant all along; now, she was finally by his side.
"The contract is established. My sword is with you; your fate is mine!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Saber said this, tears welling up. She sat up, the blanket sliding off her.
Arthas turned away, embarrassed. The girl was completely naked under the blanket.
Flandre must have removed Saber's clothes last night, seeing her injured and blood-soaked state.
Even if she did, she could have been a little less thorough.
Amusement and awkwardness warred within Arthas as he didn't know what to say. Saber also noticed the awkward situation.
Unlike a typical girl who would scream and hide, Saber seemed unconcerned about her appearance before Arthas.
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