"It seems Master has resolved everything."
Artoria looked at the black mud that had stopped flowing, breathed a sigh of relief, and the dreamlike light around her vanished.
But as everything settled,
She felt a sense of loss.
The Holy Grail... had turned out like that.
All her efforts until now seemed to have become a joke.
For a moment, her mood was complicated to the extreme.
At the same time,
The light of a teleportation magic circle flickered, and Ayato's figure slowly materialized.
Thanks to the All the World's Evil, his strength had grown like never before.
He had a premonition that he was one step closer to his goal of doing anything he wanted.
If he had the chance, he could go spar with a Satan or a god.
After Esdeath and the others had cleared away the surrounding rubble, Ayato briefly explained the situation to them.
A moment later, Asia said admiringly, "As expected of Ayato-san. You even dealt with the evil of this world?"
'Indeed, Ayato-san was the best.'
'Perhaps even the Lord could one day be surpassed.'
Unconsciously, this thought popped into Asia's mind.
Perhaps Asia herself didn't realize that ever since learning of the God's fall, her thoughts had become increasingly heretical.
"Master, the Holy Grail is unusable now?"
Looking at Ayato, Artoria said quietly, "Is it truly beyond saving?"
"Perhaps you could still make a wish."
Ayato was silent for a moment, then spoke. "But the way the wish is granted might not be as you desire."
"I suspected as much."
Artoria smiled bitterly. "It's just... a bit disappointing."
"Don't worry. If I become powerful enough, I will grant your wish."
"Then I leave everything to you, Master."
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Artoria's face.
"Interesting. You don't doubt that at all?"
Artoria said solemnly, "I trust you, Master."
"Haha, no need to be so serious."
Ayato said casually. "Don't worry. Though I often lie, I will never betray the trust of my servants."
Utaha said with a hint of jealousy, "I can attest to that. Master is a big pervert, but that part is true."
"I'll tentatively take that as a compliment."
Ayato smiled, then looked seriously at Artoria. "Now then, it's time to fulfill your promise."
Having done so much, it was finally time to reap the rewards.
The King of Knights' value was at least SSR.
Artoria was stunned for a moment, then nodded firmly.
"I would have brought this up even if you hadn't."
"Please take care of me from now on, Master."
She answered very decisively, without a moment's hesitation.
After all, it was a promise.
For her, the dignity of a king would not allow her to break a promise.
Not to mention, the Holy Grail was now useless.
At the very least, Ayato was willing to toy with fate, alter history, etc., for her.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved.
So she had made up her mind to sell herself completely to this Devil.
After all, now…
Ayato was her last hope.
"Then, King of Knights, from today onward, you are mine."
Ayato gazed at her, the Rook Piece appearing in his hand.
"Master has tricked another beautiful girl."
"That's great! Another servant for Ayato-san! We have new family!"
"Oh my, she's very strong. I'm quite pleased with that."
"..."
Utaha and the others had already gathered around.
Each of their gazes was different, but most were in a mood to watch the fun.
"Huh?"
Artoria's pretty face turned bright red, steam rising from her head.
Taking off her clothes was already embarrassing enough.
And now, with so many people watching...
It's too embarrassing.
Though as a king, she was used to being adored by thousands, something like this was a first.
"No need to be like that. We're all family now."
Ayato's expression was calm. "Take off your outer clothes."
"..."
Hearing this, Artoria took a deep breath, forcibly stabilizing her emotions.
After a long while, though her face was still flushed, her expression had become determined again.
"I was being too shy."
Her armor disappeared, replaced by ordinary clothes, and she took off her outer garments.
Her arms were crossed in front of her chest, but still couldn't hide the softness.
'As expected of the King of Knights, very soft indeed.'
Ayato looked her over, then said, "Move your arms a little. They're in the way."
Artoria's body trembled, then she slightly shifted her arms.
Thus, that trace of mystery became even more apparent.
Ayato showed a sunny smile. "Yes, that's better."
With that, he very skillfully pressed the Evil Piece onto Artoria's body.
An unprecedented touch made Artoria completely flush, nearly fainting on the spot.
But the subsequent warmth made her eyes widen even more.
Hum!
A crimson magic circle appeared beneath Artoria's feet.
At the same time, a powerful aura radiated from Artoria's body.
'As expected of the King of Knights, she's indeed very strong.'
Ayato sensed Artoria's aura, growing even more pleased.
Artoria, now possessing the two great Noble Phantasms of Excalibur and Avalon,
After reincarnating as a Devil, her strength would be extraordinary.
'Another powerful servant.'
Utaha's eyes flickered.
'This kind of aura...'
She instinctively looked toward Esdeath.
'It seemed this new family member was also a strong contender for the title of strongest.'
For a moment, Utaha's mood was somewhat complicated.
But soon, her gaze became determined.
At the very least, she was constantly growing stronger.
And with the Essence of the Fire God given by Ayato, she was no weaker than anyone.
Thinking this, Utaha's mood improved considerably.