The Grail War, from its inception, was a brutal struggle for survival; Masters employed any means necessary.
Despite this, Saber still hoped to fight honorably alongside heroes from other timelines, using her own strength to secure victory for her Master.
Stealing another's Holy Relic seemed incredibly underhanded, yet, upon reflection, it wasn't entirely reprehensible.
Servants, after all, had no say in the matter; the Masters made the choices.
Hadn't Rider's Master also acquired his Relic through less-than-honorable means? Rider didn't seem overly concerned.
But that was because Lancer's Master was of inferior character compared to his current Master. And compared to Arthas… well, compared to Arthas…
Saber closed her eyes, refusing to dwell on the thought, her weary body slowly leaving the Einzbern courtyard.
She couldn't be certain; she needed confirmation from her Master, to ascertain the truth.
The eastern sky was beginning to lighten. Saber didn't know what emotions drove her as she left Einzbern and returned to Kiritsugu Emiya's temporary base in Fuyuki City—a hotel.
Kiritsugu, seemingly because she'd been gone all night, hadn't slept. When Saber entered, he sat silently smoking at the bedside.
"Where were you?"
He asked coldly; Saber had no desire to answer. Clarifying Arthas's statement was far more important.
Though questioning her Master was highly disrespectful, Saber couldn't contain her impulse.
"Master, please tell me the origin of the Holy Relic that summoned me."
Kiritsugu paused, then a look of understanding dawned on his face.
"I see, you went to Einzbern."
Saber stiffened. Her Master's reply was clear; the Holy Relic was indeed stolen from Einzbern.
It wasn't just a wishful thought… that man should have been her Master?
Anger welled up uncontrollably, directed at the impassive man before her. If not for his underhanded tactics, she might have collaborated with a like-minded Master, fighting for the Grail together.
But because of this vile man, it had all become a fantasy. And she was forced to endure his despicable methods.
Having used such means to obtain and summon her, why didn't he trust her strength? Why didn't he want her to bring him victory?
Was a fair duel between knights so difficult for a Master to comprehend?
"Why…"
Unable to contain her anger and disappointment, Saber's voice was choked with emotion.
"To obtain the Grail."
Extinguishing his cigarette, Kiritsugu said flatly.
"To obtain that all-powerful wish-granting machine; any action, any cost, any sacrifice is worthwhile."
Kiritsugu spoke firmly, a barely suppressed madness underlying his calm tone.
If Saber had looked closely at Kiritsugu's face, she would have seen his clenched jaw, a frantic pulse beneath his skin, like twisted veins.
The Matou family's magic was never benevolent. As a nominal adopted son of the Matou family, Kiritsugu had undergone Zouken Matou's modifications to gain power.
He had gained power, but at a terrible cost.
How long could this broken body endure after the Grail War? Ten years, five, or even less?
Kiritsugu didn't know, and he didn't care; as long as it lasted until he won the Grail, it was sufficient.
"You truly want the Grail? Even by using such despicable methods?!"
"Get your facts straight; I am your Master. How I obtained the Relic is irrelevant. What matters is that I summoned you, we have a contract, and I provide the magical energy for your existence in this world."
Kiritsugu showed Saber the Command Seals on his arm.
In the dimly lit room, the crimson, sword-shaped Command Seals glowed eerily, intensely bright in Saber's eyes.
A chill ran through Saber; Kiritsugu's attitude was clear: any defiance would result in the immediate use of the Command Seals.
"I think you understand what this means. I don't want another unpleasant conversation. Remember why you're here, your need for the Grail. Cooperate with me, and we'll win this war."
Kiritsugu stood, picking up his toolbox and heading for the door.
"We act tonight; the target is Lancer; eliminate this troublesome enemy, and remove the curse from your arm."
Saber felt a sharp pain in her wrist. The wound from Lancer's Noble Phantasm hadn't healed, constantly hindering her performance.
"I have a fair duel to fight with Lancer, and you… what will you do, Master?"
"Who knows…"
Kiritsugu shrugged, ignoring Saber's dark expression, and left the hotel.
Even this final honor couldn't be defended?
Saber thought despairingly, collapsing onto the bed. Servants don't tire or need rest, but Saber's heart felt utterly exhausted.
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