After Artoria had finished dressing, the two of them headed together to the chapel where Irisviel was kept.
The girl lying beneath the crucifix statue looked as though she were simply asleep—silent and still. Looking at his wife lying there, Yoru's face softened into a gentle expression as he leaned over and held her hand.
A trace of envy crossed Saber's face, though there wasn't even a hint of jealousy. She leaned in as well, carefully examining Irisviel's body.
It didn't take long before she discovered the crucial issue, her brows knitting slightly.
"How is it? Can you tell what's wrong?"
"All I can see is the magical energy… a vast amount of magical energy is coursing through Irisviel's body, and this magic feels very familiar to me."
Artoria's expression darkened slightly as she spoke. It was indeed a very familiar magical signature—one she had faced in battle before.
The magic belonged to Rider, Lancer… and several other Servants. It was a chaotic mix.
"Why… why is it like this? Irisviel's body—it's like a vessel… a container that holds the power and souls of Servants."
Hearing Saber's words, Yoru's expression grew grim. Thinking back to what Irisviel had said to him so many times before, he seemed to have finally begun to grasp the truth.
"The Holy Grail was created by the Einzbern… and in order to hold the power of the Greater Grail, a Lesser Grail must exist. And that Lesser Grail has always been guarded by the Einzbern family."
"Yoru, you don't mean to say…"
"That's right… If I'm not wrong, the Einzbern's Lesser Grail is inside Irisviel."
As Yoru said this, he clenched his fists tightly. No wonder her condition had grown more and more unusual as the Holy Grail War progressed. She had known her fate from the beginning—prepared to die from the very start.
"You're too cruel, Iris… If you die, what am I supposed to do? What about Illya?! Do you think I'm the kind of bastard who'd just ignore your death and make a wish to return to my world like nothing happened?!"
Hugging his wife's fragile body tightly, Yoru spoke with a heart full of pain.
"Don't worry… I won't let you die. Never. I'll obtain the Grail and use that all-powerful wishing device to bring you back. I swear it!"
Holding her delicate frame in his arms, Yoru made that vow. And from the side, Saber looked on in silence, her expression both warm and envious.
You're so lucky, Iris. To be loved like this by someone so deeply… I wonder when I'll ever have a place in his heart like that. I really do envy you…
◇
When Irisviel opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was the crimson light of sunset streaming in through the small window of the underground chamber.
Having lost consciousness, it felt as though an entire day had vanished. She had been trapped in a deep sleep. But her collapsing body—this was no sleep. It was closer to a state of suspended animation.
Warmth in her palm—reassuring and comforting—told her that Yoru was by her side.
"…Yoru…"
Irisviel called out softly, and like a hunting dog responding to a whistle, Yoru immediately turned his gaze toward her.
"What time is it now…?"
"It's almost dark, Iris," he replied gently.
"I see… How long was I unconscious?" she asked, her eyes appearing hollow and vacant. That lifeless gaze pierced Yoru's heart with pain.
Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. All he could manage was to sit by her side and hold her hand.
"You were out for an entire day. You've finally woken up now."
As he spoke, Yoru reached out to stroke her cheek. Her face was icy cold—completely devoid of warmth.
His hand trembled as he gently caressed her, as though cradling fragile porcelain.
"Why are you crying? That's not like you at all, Yoru. My husband is supposed to be someone who stays calm and wise no matter the situation."
"It's nothing. Just some dust in my eye."
Yoru gave an awkward smile and turned away to wipe the corners of his eyes.
"Hey… don't be sad anymore. This ending—it was decided long ago. You've probably already figured it out by now. I'm the vessel for the Lesser Grail. Once the time is right, I'll summon the Holy Grail. Then you'll be able to make your wish."
"I won't let you die. I won't!"
Listening to her say one heartbreaking line after another, Yoru trembled. He couldn't even bring himself to hold her tightly—she was too weak, like she'd die the moment he used any strength at all.
"You don't need to feel sad, or regret anything. And there's no need to blame yourself. You've been a wonderful husband. For someone like me, being your wife is a tremendous honor."
"Thank you… really. Thank you. But… this much is enough. Someone like me—receiving this kind of love—it's more than enough."
As Irisviel spoke those words, her body too frail to go on, she once again closed her eyes and drifted back into unconsciousness. Yoru gently held her hand, a bitter smile on his face.
I should be the one saying sorry… For someone like me to marry a woman like you—it's the greatest blessing I could've ever received.
He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, then slowly laid her body down flat again. Rising to his feet, he walked out.
Outside the room, Flandre and Artoria stood waiting, concern on their faces as they looked at Yoru.
"I'm fine. Really."
Giving the two girls a soft smile, Yoru straightened up and turned his eyes to the darkening world outside the window.
"Let's go. It's time to bring this war to an end."
As he spoke, he lowered his gaze to the crimson command seals etched into his arm. The four glowing marks shimmered ominously in the fading light.
You must be getting impatient too, huh—Emiya Kiritsugu… and the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh.
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