Spring passed, autumn came, and the early winter snow fell upon Einzbern, covering it in a thick layer of white.
Early morning, with the cold wind howling outside the window, Ryuya could feel the magical energy surges in Snowfield City becoming more and more frequent. The surges of mana also accelerated the arrival of the False Servants.
If nothing else, the Command Spells on his arm had already appeared. They were based on the Einzbern's artificial system, 18 in total, representing the six False Masters.
He had forcibly imprinted all the Command Spells on his own body.
Relying on the Class Skill of the Beast of the Apocalypse, Devourer of Heaven and Earth (SSS), Ryuya forcefully took the entire False Command Spell System onto himself.
He needed to ensure that every False Master was a person of his choosing.
Speaking of which...
"Iri, can't you sleep peacefully and properly?"
One month before the Holy Grail War began, looking at the oversized princess in his arms, Ryuya felt a headache coming on.
He felt he shouldn't have been soft-hearted during that 'night assault' four months ago, letting Irisviel run wild like that.
As their relationship 'deepened', Ryuya found Irisviel learning to be more and more 'mischievous'.
She was no longer satisfied with a normal daily routine, but wanted a 'snack' early in the morning.
"Master, is it not allowed?"
Opening her adorable vermilion eyes, the innocent Irisviel was no longer innocent in certain aspects. Beneath the innocent and artless demeanor like a newborn baby was the cunning of a successful prank.
The experienced prankster didn't react much, just quietly looked at Ryuya. That rule-breaking expression was simply too much.
"Fine... do as you like." Hesitating for a moment, Ryuya let Irisviel do as she pleased.
After breakfast, time always slipped away unnoticed.
Continuing preparations for the Servant Summoning Ritual, Ryuya didn't know who the False Servants would be, but he had to prepare for it.
Inside the vast laboratory, which served as a data room for Servant Summoning and storing various books, Ryuya glanced at the history recorded in his hand, then looked at Irisviel beside him, attached like a conjoined twin.
"Iri, if you're sleepy, go to sleep. No need to force yourself like this."
Knowing Irisviel hadn't slept well due to the morning's activities, Ryuya draped his coat over the girl, signaling she didn't need to stay up here.
"No, I want to stay with Master."
Sticking closely to Ryuya like a young beast clinging to its creator, the Einzbern Princess's silver hair was as beautiful as the stars in the night sky.
Her entire body was exquisitely crafted like a work carved by God's own hand.
Even though she was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, Irisviel still persevered, determined to enjoy every minute by Ryuya's side.
Well, except her gaze was currently fixed on the window, clearly so tired she didn't even know where Ryuya was anymore.
"Silly... fine, I really don't know what to do with you."
Feeling somewhat helpless towards Irisviel's little adorable antics, Ryuya could only hold the girl tighter in his arms, trying to let her sleep more comfortably.
"Mmm..."
After a brief moment of clarity, she felt the warmth from Ryuya. Knowing her most trusted creator was by her side, Irisviel skillfully shifted to a more comfortable position and began catching up on sleep.
Watching the sleeping Irisviel, Ryuya said nothing. He simply picked up his book again, preparing for the commencement of the Holy Grail War.
…
Snowfield City, January 1985.
In a shantytown at the edge of the city.
Bzzzt... Bzzzt...
Before the power of the Life Simulator System, sisters bound with Ryuya's mark, synchronized from the real world to the Land of Trials, appeared here.
"Nee-san?"
"Yukino?"
The two sisters, with very similar appearances, had completely different auras.
The younger one was relatively aloof. Despite being an exquisite beauty, she exuded an aura that kept strangers away.
The other was a mature beauty, outwardly sunny and charming.
They were none other than the Yukinoshita Sisters, Yukino and Haruno.
"Nee-san, what's... happening to us?"
In her memory, she was clearly sleeping while holding her beloved brother, but when she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar place.
Looking at the empty, somewhat dark, silent alley, Yukino found her clothes had changed into her usual everyday wear.
"It seems we've crossed over. There are some strange memories in my head."
"Yukino, can you feel it?"
Also remembering she was working late, but her pajamas had changed into her usual work clothes, Haruno was calmer than her younger sister.
After arriving in this unfamiliar world, some basic memories surfaced in her mind: Magi, Servants, and the Holy Grail War.
"Strange memories? These are... we've been made into False Masters?"
The prompts in her memory weren't extensive, only informing her that she currently held the identity of a magus and was a False Master qualified to summon a Servant.
Looking at the slightly burning Command Spell on the back of her hand, Yukino felt like she was dreaming.
"It's not a dream, Yukino. Calm down first."
Much more mature than Yukino, Haruno held her sister's hand while surveying their surroundings.
"It seems we've really crossed over. It's a bit cold here."
The January weather hadn't left winter behind.
Unlike Fuyuki City's perennial spring, Snowfield City's winters were colder.
Their current clothes were fine for summer wear, but unsuitable for winter.
Stamping her feet, Haruno decided to find a place with Yukino first, at least to change their current outfits.
Just as the two sisters prepared to move...
"Well, well, to encounter such fine goods late at night. How much, girls?"
Cities in 1985 were far less prosperous and stable than in later years, especially in the middle of the night, at the city's fringes.
Under the dim streetlights, a few disheveled homeless men had apparently found treasure in this alley.
Rubbing their hands, originally just hoping to find some scraps in the trash cans, they never expected to encounter prime prey like the Yukinoshita Sisters.
Exchanging glances, their brains clouded by lust and they couldn't wait to enjoy this hard-won feast.
"Nee-san..."
"It's alright, Yukino. In a moment, I'll try to hold them off. You run quickly."
Feeling her younger sister's body trembling behind her, Haruno silently cursed their bad luck. But she clearly wouldn't give up hope, and even if she died, she'd take a bite out of them.
Her eyes became terrifyingly serious. Just as the two sisters felt the world's malice...
"Such disgusting creatures. Was summoning this king here just to witness this boring farce?"
With a flash of golden light, the several homeless men were instantly decapitated.
"Gil, don't be so hostile. Be polite to your Masters."
Unlike the initially extremely haughty voice, the subsequent female voice was very gentle, warm to the ear.
Looking up in the direction of the voice, the Yukinoshita Sisters saw a golden King and a pure white Chain of Heaven.
"Hmph, little girls. So it was you two who summoned this king?"
Arrogantly looking at Yukino and Haruno, the oldest King, Gilgamesh, and the Chain of Heaven, Enkidu... had arrived!