The time came two weeks later.
Einzbern Castle.
Haruto had been taking care of and accompanying Irisviel here for two weeks. Irisviel had clearly begun to understand human emotions and had already acquired a vast amount of everyday knowledge. It must be said that the Einzberns' homunculus technology is truly remarkable, given how strong her learning ability is.
In his spare time, Haruto would occasionally visit Shiki and Touko. After all, they couldn't be left out in the cold. Now, Irisviel no longer needed Haruto's help for minor tasks, as the assistance of Sella and Liz (Leysritt) was sufficient.
Speaking of Liz—that useless maid—after meeting Haruto, she recognized him as the sole master of the house. She quietly told Haruto that she intended to accompany him to bed. Haruto experienced the dynamic of a maid and master on the spot. Of course, after that experience, he had to sneak back to his room quietly. After all, Irisviel still needed Haruto to sleep by her side. In her words: "Naturally, a husband should sleep with his wife."
During this period, Haruto also signed into the system twice. He obtained a Noble Phantasm, [Gáe Bolg: The Lance of Penetrating Death]—the weapon of the "Purple Old Woman." Haruto had a weird expression when he received it. Dude, is the system asking me to summon Scáthach?
The second item was a true treasure: [Pure-Blood Dragon Seed]. This is an object from the Little Garden; even Azi Dakaha was able to use the Shadow of the Dragon because of a [Pure-Blood Dragon Seed]. Thus, Haruto can now be considered a dragon himself.
Consequently, his Doomsday ability evolved several new powers for him:
• [Dragon Roar]
• [Dragon's Coercion]
• [Dragon's Breath]
• [Dragon's Gift]
The first few abilities are self-explanatory. Among them, [Dragon Roar] and [Dragon's Coercion] can effectively damage the soul, which compensates for Haruto's previous lack of attacks against spiritual bodies. As for the Dragon's Breath, it allows him to breathe fire. In this way, Haruto can now expend both ice and fire.
The [Dragon's Gift] is particularly interesting. It grants a gift of blood, providing the recipient with infinite possibilities. This means the ability can enhance the all-around power of those around him.
Properties Panel:
• Name: [Haruto]
• Bloodlines: Human, Kryptonian (Doomsday), Pure-Blood Dragonborn
• Physique: Perfectly enhanced version of the Ancient Doomsday Gene (Immortal, Indestructible, Infinite Evolution)
• Strength: S+
• Defense: S+
• Stamina: ∞
• Agility: S+
• Magic: ∞
• Luck: ∞
• Comprehensive Strength: Five-digit Exception
• Abilities: Thousands of Magic, Chinese Martial Arts, Dragon's Gift, Third Permanent Organ, Super Strength, Super Speed, Super Flight, Super Defense, Super Vision, Super Hearing, Perspective, Thermal Vision, Super Breathing, Super Healing, Super Hypnosis Magic, Etheric Energy Ray, Dragon's Coercion, Dragon's Breath, Dragon's Roar, Still Stand, Human's Last Hope, Goddess's Nostalgia... and many more.
That night, Irisviel teased Haruto. Seeing Haruto's unbearable tension, a hint of slyness flashed in her eyes. She exhaled into Haruto's ear and whispered, "Ara~, do you want it?"
Haruto couldn't hold back any longer. Bold goblin, you aren't human at first glance—take this!
-----
Haruto eventually got up and went to the study. He planned to give Irisviel a gift in a few days: a heart. Haruto had crafted this by studying alchemy and other magecraft over the past few weeks, injecting energy from the Third Permanent Organ and his own blood into it.
He had been preparing for this for a long time. To extract the Lesser Holy Grail from Irisviel while keeping her alive, there had to be a replacement, because the Lesser Holy Grail had become her heart. Therefore, Haruto had to prepare the most perfect heart for his wife.
-----
When night fell again, Irisviel got up. After dinner, she pouted, pretending to be angry, and said, "Well, Haru-kun isn't considerate at all. You tossed us around for five hours! It's going to make us lose face in front of Sella and Liz."
"Well, I was wrong, Iri. But who made you so beautiful?" Haruto squeezed Irisviel's face and smiled. Then he pulled her up and held her in a princess carry. "To apologize, I will show you a beautiful view."
Haruto smiled and took off with Irisviel, flying directly into the sky and breaking through the atmosphere. He took her to see the dazzling galaxy. As far as the eye could see, the sky was full of diamond-like stars, scattered like gems across the vast night sky.
Irisviel was mesmerized by the scene. Feeling Haruto's embrace, she couldn't help but think of the moments they had shared lately and how well he had cared for her. It's so nice to meet you, she thought.
Then, she suddenly remembered her own destiny—the fate of being the Holy Grail's vessel. Her heart felt a pang of reluctance. She didn't want to part with Haruto, but she believed it was fate. She lowered her head sadly.
Haruto noticed her thoughts and lifted her face. "Iri, are you thinking about your fate as the Holy Grail vessel?"
"Yeah, Haru. I've lived such a happy life these days and learned so much. Although it's been short, I will cherish these beautiful memories. But... but..." Irisviel became more emotional as she spoke, eventually sobbing. "But I can't bear it. I don't want to be separated from you."
Haruto smiled and produced a jar. Inside was a heart as bright as a miniature galaxy. "I know. That's why I prepared a gift for you—something that can replace the Lesser Holy Grail. I will help you remove the Grail and replace it with this heart I made for you. After all, I promised to protect you for the rest of my life. I won't let go."
Irisviel hadn't realized until she saw the object that Haruto had already prepared everything. A look of happy excitement appeared on her face as she hugged him tightly. "Haru, thank you."
The two looked at each other, and their lips drew closer. Floating there in the void, the stars seemed to lose their color in that moment.
After a long time, Haruto took Irisviel back home. He led her directly to the homunculus magic workshop.
"Are you ready, Iri?" Haruto looked at her seriously.
"Yes... go ahead, Haru," Irisviel replied, though she was a little nervous, her hands and feet trembling.
Seeing her anxiety, Haruto simply used Super Hypnosis, causing her to fall into a peaceful coma. Then he began the operation: making the incision, precisely removing the Lesser Holy Grail, installing the prepared heart, and healing her body. He then placed the Lesser Holy Grail into another vessel—an inanimate puppet.
This entire series of actions was completed in just a few seconds. When the hypnosis was released, Irisviel woke up. Feeling a powerful and vast magical energy within her, she knew it was Haruto's power—his magic. Through the [Dragon's Gift], she now shared a soul-level connection with him.
She was finally free from her fate as a vessel and wept with joy. "Haru, I... I'm so happy."
"Congratulations, Iri. Now we can be together forever," Haruto smiled.
"Yes. Please look after me for the rest of my life, Haru."