The Entanglement of Fate

Danger.

Extreme danger.

That was Artoria's first reaction.

This was not just baseless speculation. She possessed a unique skill called "Instinct," ranked at A, which allowed her to momentarily glimpse into the future.

Just now, she had glimpsed a possible future where she was impaled by countless blades.

Though the probability of such an event was minimal, it still proved that this young man before her possessed the power to kill her.

But soon, Saber realized her vigilance was unnecessary.

After a brief moment of shock, Irisviel quickly revealed a delighted smile.

"Shirou! I didn't expect to run into you here. Illya really misses you."

Shirou?

Saber stiffened, then quickly turned her head.

Red hair, brown eyes, and eyebrows that curved at the ends like lightning.

But the illusion soon faded. The young man standing before her had white hair and dazzling golden eyes.

Strange...

The handsome knight frowned, sensing both familiarity and incongruity.

Meanwhile, Miyu, who had returned to Sakatsuki's side, looked up and secretly observed her brother.

"...Shirou?"

That name again. But no matter how hard she tried, Miyu couldn't recall anything.

Yet it felt so familiar.

More than once, she had been troubled by the gaps in her memory.

Fate was a fascinating yet cruel force, bringing together individuals whose destinies were intertwined while simultaneously severing their recognition of one another. It maliciously awaited their belated realization, leading them towards inevitable tragedy.

But this time, an otherworldly soul stood above it all, overlooking the intricate web of fate, seeing every thread clearly.

"Hello, Irisviel, Master of the Einzbern family."

Sakatsuki deliberately used a formal, unfamiliar title. He removed his left hand glove and extended his hand toward her.

The three Command Spells on his hand glowed like burning flames.

"As a fellow participant in the Holy Grail War, I, Sakatsuki, greet you."

Irisviel instinctively reached out. It wasn't until Sakatsuki let go that she finally processed what had happened.

"So... 'Shirou' is...?"

"Just a name I used on a whim. Don't mind it."

Sakatsuki suppressed the turmoil in his heart and replied casually.

"Oh..."

Irisviel nodded in half-understanding.

"Kiritsugu told me long ago that you might join the Holy Grail War, but I didn't expect to meet you so soon."

"Kiritsugu..."

Remembering that man, Sakatsuki nodded.

"If it's him, I'm not surprised."

After all, that was the man who had ended this Holy Grail War.

"Oh, right!"

As if recalling something, Irisviel clapped her hands and spoke as casually as if she were deciding what to eat for dinner.

"Sakatsuki, what class is your Servant?"

"Caster."

Sakatsuki answered straightforwardly, without hiding anything.

At this, a triumphant smile appeared on Irisviel's face.

Before Artoria could sense something amiss and stop her, it was already too late.

"My Servant is Saber, the strongest class in the Holy Grail War!"

Like a child showing off her best friend, Irisviel proudly hugged Artoria's arm.

"Irisviel!"

The golden-haired, suit-clad knight gave her a sharp look, her blue eyes filled with helplessness. Yet, she still stepped forward and performed a knight's bow.

"Servant, Saber. Pleased to meet you."

Sakatsuki was about to return the gesture when Miyu suddenly stepped forward, her small face serious.

"Servant, Caster. Pleased to meet you."

"Oh my!"

Irisviel covered her mouth, her red eyes sparkling.

"What an adorable girl!"

"Be careful, Irisviel. Her power is not to be underestimated."

Sensing the immense magic within Miyu, Artoria cautioned her.

But Irisviel, as carefree as ever, ignored the warning. Instead, she lowered her gaze to the quiet girl, and after a moment of thought, she simply spread her arms and hugged her tightly.

"Mmph..."

Overwhelmed by softness, Miyu struggled slightly, only for Irisviel to hold her even tighter.

Under Sakatsuki and Saber's helpless gazes, the Einzbern lady lifted her head, blinking her bright red eyes, and asked in her usual innocent tone.

"So... Sakatsuki, are you here to form an alliance, or are we enemies?"

"You've already captured my Servant. What else can I say?"

Sakatsuki chuckled in resignation.

"I'm just here to have some fun."

***

The sun, already low in the winter sky, had long since vanished behind the distant mountains. Now cloaked in night, the city transformed into a dazzling spectacle, with colourful lights illuminating the streets like countless twinkling stars.

And, without a doubt, the most energetic among them was Irisviel.

Hand in hand with Miyu, she walked ahead, her laughter bright and carefree.

There were certainly many cities in the world with even more breathtaking nightscapes than Fuyuki.

But to Irisviel, this was her first time seeing such a view—this first, precious experience.

"It's so beautiful..."

Moved, she murmured words that reached Miyu's ears.

Miyu looked up at this woman, who appeared to be an adult yet had the innocent heart of a child.

And unconsciously, memories stirred within her.

Because of the Holy Grail's rules, much of her past had been sealed away.

Yet even so, Miyu clearly remembered the years she had spent confined, unable to step outside.

She still recalled the loneliness and sorrow of that isolation.

Which was why she understood, more than anyone, how precious Irisviel's feelings were.

Squeezing the hand in hers, Miyu suddenly stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed Irisviel's cheek.

"Let's go have fun, Irisviel."

She wasn't sure why she did it.

But somehow, it felt like something she had long wanted to do.

"!!!"

Irisviel's eyes widened in silent surprise. Then, she covered her mouth and giggled.

"Alright! Where do you want to go, Miyu?"

Miyu thought for a moment.

She glanced back at Sakatsuki, who was walking side by side with Saber.

Seeing how their dark suits matched so well, she pouted slightly.

"First, a clothing store."

***

Moments later, Sakatsuki emerged, now dressed in a traditional kimono alongside Miyu, who also wore one.

Seeing Saber's bewildered expression and Irisviel's amused smile, he couldn't help but feel that something was off.

Was there something wrong with his previous suit?

But in the next instant, the expressions of everyone present suddenly changed.

***

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