Before the lifeless gaze of Kiritsugu Emiya, which seemed to pierce into one's soul, a chill radiated from him, freezing the entire temperature of the reception room.
The flames burning within the fireplace appeared to be subdued by an air of despair, flickering weakly.
This was a world for men accustomed to betrayal and murder, and before their eyes, even the most artful lies appeared pitifully fragile.
Yet Steve sat calmly upon the sofa, as if unaware of the suffocating heaviness in the air, responding only with a gentle smile.
He quietly set down his teacup. In the silent room, the crisp clatter of porcelain sounded especially clear.
"Kiritsugu Emiya, I understand you have many questions."
Though he did not speak loudly, his words reached everyone distinctly.
"It's the same as when I introduced myself last night to another Master, Kariya Matou.
I am the Caster of this Holy Grail War… and my true name is Steve.
I hail from the future, the world of 2077, from a parallel universe."
Upon hearing the word "future," Kiritsugu's pupils shrank nearly imperceptibly.
"The reason I have come to visit the Einzbern residence is not to engage in bloody conflict on the traditional scale of the Holy Grail War with Saber or other Servants," Steve continued.
"Rather, my goal is a peaceful outcome where all participants can realize their wishes as much as possible."
"Peace?"
Kiritsugu's lips pulled into a cold, unreadable smile.
"Caster, you must be joking— the essence of the Grail War is slaughter. There can be only one winner."
"Your so-called peace is nothing more than the naive fantasy of an ignorant child."
"Words will do no good," Kiritsugu finished.
Steve shook his head, unbothered by the sarcasm.
"As I said before— even if we debated this all day, your doubt wouldn't lessen at all, and the results would be poor. I stand by my previous suggestion."
His gaze moved between Kiritsugu and Irisviel.
"Either you or Lady Irisviel may, just as Saber did, come into direct contact with this boy— and using the visual magic I left on him, peer into his past memories.
Whether it's truth or lies, friend or foe, shouldn't you see it with your own eyes?"
"No."
Kiritsugu hardly hesitated.
"I can't allow Iri to be placed in such danger..."
"He's right, Kiritsugu!"
A strong voice cut him off.
It was Irisviel.
She stepped out from behind her husband, her beautiful ruby eyes shining with unprecedented determination as she faced him.
Her curiosity—and deep concern for the memory about "Illya" spoken of by Saber—completely overcame any fear of the unknown.
"Kiritsugu, it's fine,"
She turned, and reassured her doubtful husband, no trace of uncertainty in her voice.
"Saber is right here. We can confirm the other side has no malice."
"And..."
She softly pressed a hand to her chest, hinting at her ultimate trump card, the protection she carried within.
"…Did you forget about that—Avalon? Even if I am harmed, it won't matter."
"Very well, then let us confirm it."
Kiritsugu's lips tightened.
He looked into his wife's unwavering eyes, then at Saber who nodded silently beside her, fully supporting Irisviel's decision.
For the first time, Kiritsugu felt things had slipped entirely out of his control.
Finally, after suffocating silence, he forced out a few words through gritted teeth.
"…Do as you wish."
This reluctant consent was an unmistakable signal of approval.
Without delay, Irisviel approached the boy who'd only just moments before been bowing his head, holding his body taut with tension.
Her pace was a touch hurried, but as she drew closer, she unconsciously slowed down, her movements impossibly gentle, as if afraid to startle him.
"Child,"
Her voice, without her awareness, took on a mother's kindness.
"Are you all right…?"
The young Red Archer lifted his head slowly, still a bit nervous, but nodded nonetheless.
He reached out with his small hand.
Irisviel's warm, soft hand enfolded his cold fingertips— and once more, the same scene unfolded.
But this overwhelming torrent of information, seen from the perspectives of both "wife" and "mother", shook Irisviel's very soul.
In time, she understood everything.
"—Ah…"
A stifled cry of pain, uncontrollable, spilled from Irisviel's lips.
She snatched her hand back, tears rolling down her cheeks like shattered pearls— not from fear or pain, but from profound sorrow.
And… an inexpressible surge of maternal love.
"Illya…my…Illya…"
She murmured, reaching out as if to touch the boy's cheek, but she was trembling too much from sorrow to do so.
"Iri! What did you see?!"
Seeing this, Kiritsugu lost all composure, rushing over to steady his shaken wife.
Irisviel turned, meeting his eyes through her tears.
She did not answer— instead, gripping his arm tightly, she pleaded.
"Kiritsugu… you should go… and see…"
She looked up at Saber beside her, the two exchanging a meaningful, sad glance.
"If you also touch this child…everything will become clear."
Kiritsugu was completely stunned.
He looked at his wife, then the servants—both mysterious now, gazing at him with the same expression.
Her eyes were a complex mix of sadness, understanding, and urgent tension.
To the Magus Killer, it felt as if he'd become cut off from the world— excluded even from vital secrets concerning the family he ought to know best.
For the first time, an overwhelming wave of emotion surged in the heart of this typically reserved, expressionless man.
Though reason screamed warnings of danger, his emotions—and a cursed curiosity—pulled him forward.
At last, after a long, suffocating silence, Kiritsugu let out a heavy sigh, as if he'd exhausted all his strength.
Slowly, he pushed aside Irisviel's hand and straightened his back.
And then, step by step, with a complex expression of tangled pain and hope, he walked toward the boy.
At last, the Magus Killer stood before the boy, who bore the weight of countless possible futures, and after a moment's quiet, slowly extended his hand.
…
Bonus chapter at 500 PS
Read advanced chapters at patreon.com/AbsoluteCode