Stunned, completely stunned.
Dumbfounded, utterly dumbfounded.
Defeated, thoroughly defeated.
After witnessing the intimate closeness between Ishtar, Female Gil, and Enkidu, Golden Gil suddenly felt that revenge, battles, and everything else were meaningless.
Even in the original work, when corrupted by the All the World's Evils, the King of Heroes never changed.
But now, he felt like just giving up, letting everything be destroyed.
"Hey, Gil, Enkidu, is he okay?"
Never expecting her simple actions could cause such a reaction, Ishtar couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Don't worry, he's fine. He just needs some time to accept it."
Snorting lightly, no one understood Golden Gil better than his female counterpart.
Dismissing him, Gil-chan turned her attention to Artoria and the others.
Listening to Morgan, Merlin, and her mature self recount Ryuya's legends in Camelot, the couldn't believe any of it.
"So, that Ryuya is your lover, and also the Sun-Crowned King who extended Camelot for hundreds of years?"
Using his own body to connect to the Root, opening Britain's mystery, and even reconciling the rift between Vortigern and King Uther… each feat was something Saber found unbelievable.
Yet, the presence of Morgan, Merlin, and her other self couldn't be false.
Taking a deep breath, she thought how great Ryuya was and wondered why didn't such a man appear in her world.
"Sigh, if only Is were just our lover."
Sighing deeply, Merlin glanced towards Female Gil's trio, "You see, those three are also Is's lovers. Who knows how he ended up in Uruk? I heard there are two more goddesses there who didn't manifest in this Holy Grail War."
"Really, such a playboy, a big idiot, a big dummy!"
In both competitions so far, Merlin was the only one with zero points. Unlike Irisviel, the oldest hikikomori had her pride too.
Worrying that if she lost a potential third competition, her dearest husband might neglect her, the Avalon's Saint of Swords felt a surge of sadness and extreme discomfort.
"You, always causing trouble."
A suddenly emerging voice made everyone present change expressions.
Looking at the figure who had appeared in the hall unnoticed, they fell into a prolonged silence.
"Is... Is."
Blinking, like a child caught misbehaving, Merlin retreated three steps, only to be pulled back into Ryuya's embrace.
"I'll punish you properly tonight," Ryuya whispered with a laugh.
"Ah? Hmph, who's afraid of who!"
Feeling that Ryuya's love for her remained, a secretly delighted Merlin snorted tsunderely and retorted defiantly, but she pressed herself even closer into Ryuya's embrace.
"Mmm, let me see. Everyone's here. Then let's begin."
Taking the seat of honor, Ryuya was flanked by Irisviel and Zouken, who was under a spell.
As for Berserker, Lancelot, Ryuunosuke, and the big-eyed Gilles… one was hard to control, the other two were criminals, so they were still locked in the Rashomon.
Clapping his hands, signaling the maids to start serving, he said softly, "Welcome, everyone, to my banquet. As a gesture, I will reveal all matters concerning the Holy Grail and this war here."
"After I finish speaking, what you wish to do next will be your own decision."
He began explaining the true nature of the Holy Grail War.
Time passed swiftly.
A long while later... After listening to Ryuya's detailed account of the Holy Grail War's specifics, everyone present understood the whole story.
"So, the Holy Grail was already corrupted in the previous war? Therefore, no matter what, the altered Grail cannot grant the victor's wish?"
Sighing, feeling dejected upon learning the truth, Kayneth didn't doubt Ryuya was lying.
In the two battles against Golden Gil and Caster, this man had displayed absolutely formidable strength and unparalleled means. His casual reversal of time had shocked them all.
Feeling that his so-called alliance was laughably childish, and learning the Grail was corrupted, he showed a disappointed expression.
Even without hope of victory, having the path to the Root severed was still a pity.
With a grave expression, Kiritsugu said, "Corrupted by the All the World's Evils? In that case, what consequence would the Grail's victor face upon making a wish? Death?"
Learning that the hope for world peace was shattered, Kiritsugu remained calm, though his slightly trembling fingers betrayed his unease.
"Death isn't certain, it would just distort your wish."
"For example, if you wish for world peace, the corrupted Grail might kill all humans. Without living people, there would be no conflict."
"Or if you want to be the richest person, the Grail might kill everyone richer than you. It's all similar scenarios."
Taking a gentle sip of wine, Ryuya noticed Kayneth's fiancée, Sola-Ui, staring at him the whole time.
'Strange, shouldn't she be interested in Diarmuid?'
"Hahaha... A twisted war? No wonder you stepped in to stop it, Ryuya. I see. Initiating the Holy Grail War early and ending it thoroughly… that's your plan, right?"
Completely indifferent to the so-called wish, Iskandar's desire was simple: exhilarating battles against enemies, experiencing the value of being alive.
Stating he didn't pursue the Grail's wish, he just wiped his mouth, looking pleased, "This king is already at peace with the Grail's outcome. More than that, this king desires a relaxed, all-out struggle with everyone present."
"Interesting, Rider. This king suddenly finds you much more amusing than the fellows this king's Master gathered."
Having remained silent throughout, Golden Gil hadn't spoken a word.
Watching the Servants and Masters present looking dejected, Golden Gil showed a disdainful smile. Begging the Grail to fulfill wishes… as a King, he truly scorned such behavior.
Staring intently at Ryuya, the oldest King expressed he didn't want any so-called battle.
Having seen Enkidu from another world, what he wanted now was another fight with Ryuya, even knowing he was no match.
As for the others, Golden Gil only found Iskandar somewhat agreeable, and he acknowledged the King of Conqueror's way.
Hearing Golden Gil's words, Diarmuid also responded, "I have no stake in the Holy Grail's existence or its righteousness. But if possible, I will fight for my Lord to the very end, fulfilling my knightly loyalty."
Even though Kayneth had forced him to ambush Ryuya, Diarmuid's loyalty and regrets wouldn't change.
He truly had no wish for the Grail, and what he wanted is an answer… the completion of his knightly path.
"Britain's future has already changed. If I were to return, would my own existence hold meaning?"
Pursing her lips slightly, after hearing Morgan and Merlin talk about the other world, Saber couldn't help but feel a sense of yearning.
Suddenly feeling she might not be qualified to be a King, she began re-examining her past, pondering her purpose in becoming King.
Was it to fulfill her own regrets? Or to allow her people to carry on?
If it was the latter, perhaps her efforts weren't perfect, but she had done her best, earning the allegiance of countless knights.
But if it was the former, then the so-called desire to return and change everything was merely an excuse masking her inner selfishness. In that case, her Kingly Way was utterly fragile.
Everyone began to have new thoughts about the meaning of their participation in the Holy Grail War.
Watching the contemplative crowd, Ryuya smiled.
"Everyone, I have told you about the Holy Grail. Your subsequent actions, whether to stay or leave, are your own decisions."
"As for me, I will completely destroy this evil Holy Grail and return the leylines to heaven and earth."
"Before that, please freely express your own wills and do what you want to do."
Raising a glass to conclude this Holy Grail War, Ryuya indicated that the final act of this great war was also time to end.