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Emiya Kiritsugu and Irisviel responded to the summons of the family head, hastening their arrival at the ancient castle of Einzbern. The castle, encased in an icy grip, harbored a thousand years' worth of delusion and deception.
Their destination was the chapel of Einzbern Castle, a grand and foreboding location unlike any other. This sacred space was far from a sanctuary for worshipping and seeking solace in divine grace. In a castle inhabited by magi, a "prayer room" stood for a chamber designated for conducting sinister magecraft rituals.
As one gazes up at the stained glass overhead, the vibrant artwork does not depict the visages of revered saints. Instead, it weaves a vivid tapestry chronicling the arduous journey of the Einzbern family in their relentless pursuit of the Holy Grail.
Among the Three Founding Families, the Einzberns have dedicated an unparalleled amount of time to the sacred quest for the Holy Grail. Isolated within the icy embrace of the mountains, they have obstinately severed ties with the outside world, their unwavering focus fixed solely on unraveling the miracle held within the Holy Grail.
Yet, their valiant endeavors have been plagued by countless setbacks, humiliations, and agonizing trials. This cyclic pattern of hope, disappointment, and subsequent desperate measures has persisted through the ages, leaving them bereft of any tangible results.
In a desperate bid to break free from the despair of their solitary pursuit, the Einzbern family reluctantly forged an alliance with external magus families, such as the Tohsaka and Matou, two centuries ago.
In following Holy Grail Wars, the Masters' combat capabilities constantly fell short, leaving victory forever out of their grasp. Therefore, a significant decision was made nine years ago—to enlist the aid of skilled combat magi from outside their ranks.
Emiya Kiritsugu could be seen as the final trump card wielded by the once-proud Einzbern family, renowned for their untainted lineage. Their commitment to this cause led them to amend their family creed for a second time, willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary to attain their elusive goal.
As Kiritsugu made his way down the corridor, his gaze accidentally caught sight of a relatively new addition—a painting adorning a stained glass window.
The artwork portrayed the Winter Saint of the Einzbern family, flanked by two magi faithfully serving by her side. All three figures extended their hands, reaching out towards the ethereal presence of the Holy Grail suspended in the heavens above.
In the composition and subtle nuances of the painting, one could discern the echoes of a bygone era—the passionate pride once harbored by the Einzberns, who had belittled the Tohsaka and Matou families two centuries past. Yet, the artwork also conveyed a profound sense of humiliation, the bitter acknowledgement of their ultimate reliance on those they had once scorned. These complex emotions found expression within the intricate strokes and artistic harmony of the painting, offering glimpses into the history of the Einzbern family.
Awaiting Kiritsugu and Irisviel at the altar was the venerable magus, the custodian of the Winter Castle—the Lord of the Einzberns.
Having ascended to the esteemed role of the eighth generation family head, he had come to be widely referred to as Old Man Acht. By using arcane means to extend his own lifespan, he had already traversed the earth for nearly two centuries. Guiding the Einzbern family through the chaotic journey from their relentless pursuit of the Holy Grail to the ensuing Holy Grail Wars.
Kiritsugu was well aware that the aging Acht had encountered a string of failures, dating back to the time of the Winter Saint during the Second Holy Grail War. Therefore, as the prospect of the Third Holy Grail War loomed before them, the magnitude of Acht's anxiety surpassed anything he had previously experienced.
It was solely due to his own judgment that he had made the decision nine years ago to welcome Emiya Kiritsugu, infamous as the Magus Killer, into the folds of the Einzbern family. This choice was primarily rooted in Kiritsugu's formidable skills and reputation in the world of magi.
This morning marked the long-awaited arrival of the fabled relic that had been sought after for generations in Cornwall.
As Acht gently stroked his snowy-white beard, his piercing gaze, sharp and discerning, locked onto Kiritsugu's eyes from the depths of his sunken sockets. It was a gaze that defied the passage of time, making it difficult to discern the true extent of his age.
Kiritsugu, who had spent considerable time within the confines of this ancient castle, could never fully withstand the weight of that gaze. It seemed to stir a deep-seated sense of unease and paranoia within him whenever he found himself in the presence of the family head.
With a gesture of his hand, the elderly head of the family directed their attention towards a tightly secured, charcoal-colored chest resting upon the altar. He spoke, "By using this artifact as a conduit, you may be able to summon the fabled king who cleaved through the annals of the medieval era. Kiritsugu, regard this as the utmost aid that the Einzbern family can provide you."
"I am genuinely undeserving," Kiritsugu responded, his expression assuming an outwardly impassive and stoic demeanor as he bowed his head deeply.
...
Kiritsugu and Irisviel made their way back to their quarters, unlocking the chest entrusted to them by the family head. The sight that greeted them immediately entranced their senses.
"I never imagined that we would actually discover this..."
Even Kiritsugu, who was usually calm, seemed deeply moved at this moment.
What lay before them was a scabbard.
Crafted from a resplendent golden material and embellished with captivating blue enamel, this opulent piece of equipment exuded an aura befitting a noble treasure rather than a mere weapon. Engraved at its center was the long-forgotten script of the fairies, confirming that this scabbard was a work of artistry fashioned by otherworldly hands.
"Initially, the family head had considered obtaining the Book of Wisdom from the London Museum or relocating the statue of the Eternal King from Cornwall. However, both options proved too conspicuous and impossible to obtain. Nonetheless, the family head did manage to acquire this legendary scabbard. Using it in summoning could potentially bring forth either the Eternal King or the undefeated Knight King."
With utmost reverence, Irisviel delicately removed the golden scabbard from its lined container, cradling it in her hands.
According to legend, donning this scabbard alone could mend the wounds of its bearer and halt aging, on the condition that its original owner supplied magical energy.
In other words, should the summoned Heroic Spirit uses it, this very item could serve as a treasured asset for the Master as well.
Kiritsugu remained silent, his gaze fixed on the scabbard, a bitter smile hidden within his heart.
With this flawless Holy Relic, the Heroic Spirit summoned would undoubtedly be the one desired by the family head. Yet, there would surely exist a stark contrast between the legendary king who possessed the scabbard and Kiritsugu's own personality as a Master, wouldn't there?
Nevertheless, Kiritsugu chose to abide by the head's decision and formulated a plan.
And so, the summoning began.
The incantation of the summoning spell resonated, bridging the gap across the river of time through the Holy Grail system.
Through the connection forged by the scabbard, a hero traversed the vast expanse of years, arriving at this very moment.
In Kiritsugu's eyes, a young girl emerged slowly from the summoning ritual, brandishing an invisible holy sword.
The girl appeared to be a mere fifteen years of age, adorned with elegantly styled golden hair and clad in a traditional gown. While her physical appearance perfectly aligned with that of a sheltered young lady, the aura emanating from her presence permeated the room, infusing the air with a tense and solemn chill. One could describe the atmosphere as not merely freezing, but rather akin to a refreshing current coursing through the room.
"Servant Saber, I have arrived. I ask you, are you my Master?"
Despite her youthful appearance, the girl exuded an unwavering resolve and determination, defying any expectations associated with her age. Her blue eyes locked onto Kiritsugu's with earnest intensity.
And Kiritsugu felt anger rising within him.
...
The castle of Einzbern was trapped in a freezing grip of ice.
Centuries ago, some ancient magi had chosen this castle as their covert sanctuary, a place to preserve their life force. Hidden away in the desolate mountains, the castle had been trapped beneath the snowy shroud for what seemed like an eternity.
But on that day, a liberating force broke through the relentless snowstorm.
Though the sky wasn't entirely clear, the milky white expanse seemed much brighter compared to the usual snowy weather.
In this winter landscape, where no birds soared and no greenery thrived, only the light radiated in abundance.
And on such a day, regardless of how busy or exhausted they might be, Illya and Emiya Kiritsugu always set out on a playful walk through the forest surrounding the castle. It was an unspoken agreement between the couple, a cherished tradition within the Einzbern family.
Peering through her emerald eyes, she watched from the castle windows as her master and his daughter engaged in joyful play on the outskirts of the forest.
A delicate figure of a girl stood by the window, emanating an ethereal aura that seemed to detach her from the chaotic world outside.
Irisviel's voice broke the girl's reverie. "What are you looking at, Saber?"
Turning around, Saber, the girl by the window, replied, "Lady Einzbern and the Master are playing in the forest outside."
Despite a slightly furrowed brow and a stiff expression, the girl's beauty remained undiminished. Her demeanor was better suited for a dignified and serene serious gaze rather than a charming smile, exuding a rare and captivating elegance.
It was difficult to fathom that this poised presence was the embodiment of a Heroic Spirit.
Yet, she was indeed the true Saber, summoned by the Holy Grail as one of the seven Heroic Spirits. She was the legendary Servant known as the Knight King, the King of Knights, who had emerged victorious in twelve great battles, cutting through the darkness of turbulent times and shattering the whip of the Emperor, Attila.
Irisviel cast a glance through the window and caught sight of Kiritsugu, playfully carrying Illya on his shoulders as they made their way back.
"You must be taken aback by Kiritsugu's softer side, huh?" Irisviel asked, a smile gracing her lips.
However, the girl shook her head and replied, "Someone once enlightened me about the complexity of people. They explained how even the kindest individuals can harbor dark thoughts, while those deemed wicked can hold noble intentions. One should never judge a person solely based on one aspect."
"This person... is the Eternal King, right?"
"Yes," the girl nodded.
"What kind of person is the Eternal King?... By the way, Kiritsugu seems quite upset. He made comments like 'What kind of Eternal King burdens a kingdom on a young girl?'"
"Please refrain from defaming the King any further, or I might become angry!" The girl's composed expression finally gave way to a display of anger. She continued, "The King is a great person! Besides, my true form is much older than my current appearance!"
Curious, Irisviel blinked her eyes and asked, "Then why did you manifest in this form?"
"That's because it is in this form that I, as the knight deserving of being the King, can fulfill my duties. This form represents the pinnacle of my existence," explained the girl.
"I see... By the way, Saber, you still haven't described what kind of person the Eternal King is," Irisviel suddenly remarked.
The girl paused for a moment, allowing herself to reminisce, and a faint smile graced her dignified and serious expression. She then spoke, "The King is truly remarkable... Like the Master, the King possesses a vision that aims to help everyone. However, unlike the Master, the King understands that no single person can accomplish everything or save everyone. Instead, the King imparts wisdom to everyone, fostering collaboration and a shared purpose."
"I see... he's truly an extraordinary king. Despite possessing immense knowledge and power, he doesn't hold the belief that he alone can solve everything," Irisviel remarked, reflecting on the peculiar nature of the Eternal King.
"By the way, Irisviel," the girl interjected, "Consider this a suggestion. It would be advisable to avoid exposing Lady Einzbern to concepts that surpass her age."
"Huh? What makes you say that?" Irisviel asked, genuinely curious.
However, the girl chose not to respond.
"Speaking of which, Saber. What was the era you lived in like?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because it differs from what the books describe. According to the books, the King of Knights was male, yet you are a female. Furthermore, earlier you mentioned that Guinevere is not your queen but a subject. And Sir Lancelot is Guinevere's adopted son, not... well, not what some stories suggest. Lastly, the Eternal King was known for having a considerable harem in his kingdom, but if you are indeed a woman... huh? Why does your expression look so strange?"
The girl expressed her frustration, saying, "It's... nothing. I just want to kill those damn poets who wrote such nonsense! Since the day the King ascended to the throne, he never enjoyed a day of peace, and yet they write such things!"
Irisviel, wearing a smile, responded, "Well... that's a shame, but they died hundreds of years ago."
Just then, Kiritsugu Emiya hurriedly approached them and delivered his urgent news, "Iri, we need to go to Fuyuki City."
Curious, she asked, "What happened?"
"Caster has appeared, and the Holy Grail War has started ahead of schedule!" he replied.
After that, Kiritsugu left in a hurry.
Throughout the entire interaction, he never once glanced at Saber.
In fact, since being summoned, Kiritsugu, as the Master, had never engaged in conversation with Saber.
He treated Saber purely as a servant or a tool, devoid of acknowledging her as a person.
Perhaps, as a magus, such an attitude came naturally to him. No conversations, no responses to her inquiries, not even a passing glance. Kiritsugu consistently rejected the Servant he had summoned.
Although Saber didn't openly express it, her dissatisfaction with Kiritsugu's indifferent attitude must have run deep. Observing the situation, Irisviel discreetly glanced at Saber.
To her surprise, Saber offered her reassurance instead, saying, "Please don't concern yourself with me. My primary goal is to win the war and obtain the Holy Grail. I will faithfully follow the Master's strategies. However, regardless of the circumstances, I genuinely hope innocent people won't become entangled in this."
"I see..." Irisviel responded with a smile, though she couldn't help but find it peculiar.
Saber projected an image of a noble, serious, and virtuous knight, yet she cared deeply about the Holy Grail which seemed rather unusual.
"By the way, Saber. What is your wish?"
"To go back to the day of selection and allow the people to choose different king,"
"I see!"
Without hesitating, Irisviel entrusted her daughter, Illya, to the care of the castle maids. With that settled, she embarked on the journey of the Fourth Holy Grail War alongside Saber.
