Two weeks later.
Neuschwanstein Castle.
It has already been two weeks since that fateful conversation. Two very strange, heavy weeks...
Kiritsugu's words... After carefully reflecting on them, I began to grasp the essence of what had happened. Everything he had kept secret for so many years, everything I learned that night... could anyone else have told it? Did he have the strength to admit that he was the reason you lost everything you had?..
But... after that, I finally began to understand the meaning of my existence. My salvation, my training, my baptism by fire as a mercenary - all of it began to take on a clear significance... It was an attempt by my father to atone, even if just a little, for everything he had done in his life. An attempt to make the right choice for once...
I understood that anyone in my position would feel nothing but hatred and disgust for such a person, and I had my reasons for those feelings... Yet, I found neither the strength nor the desire to blame him for anything. Perhaps my attachment to him played a part, or perhaps I simply couldn't mourn for those who had hardly even existed in my life... or maybe deep down, I realized I would have acted the same way if I were in his shoes.
I didn't have the answers to these questions. All I knew was that there was no longer any point in wasting time on empty hatred. I had found my purpose. That was what I was now striving towards with all my might.
My younger sister - Iliyasviel von Einzbern...
Perhaps, of everything I had heard from Kirishugu, this was the most shocking. He had a family, and that... it simply didn't fit in my mind. I wonder what it was like? Who was he back then, surrounded by close and beloved people? I would probably never know the answer, but... it didn't diminish my curiosity in the least.
It's not surprising that he decided to share this now, when he had little time left, and I was quite capable of standing up for myself. Had I learned of this earlier, I would have likely rushed to save her... and it's unlikely I would have found success...
However... now was not the best time to think about that. I had pressing matters to attend to...
***
Neuschwanstein Castle was relatively young, having only recently reached its hundredth anniversary. It was built in the late 19th century for King Ludwig of Bavaria, although the king himself did not live in it for long...
Today, a gala concert was taking place here, in anticipation of the upcoming New Year. The most esteemed families of wizards gathered to sum up the closing millennium, discuss their affairs, politics, and simply show off to each other... though it was unclear what mattered more to them. In this respect, wizards hadn't changed one bit, remaining aristocrats down to their bones. Still, those people were of no concern to me.
My target was Alexander Crawford, an eighth-generation wizard from Scotland, whose family owned a vast piece of spiritual land that my employer had set his sights on. Crawford was the last representative of his lineage, so it would all end with him... not without my assistance, of course.
There was only one complication. Alexander was a paranoid individual, one in a million. Calculating how many distant relatives would want to see his photo in mourning frames, he started living a secluded life and rarely left his estate. But he simply couldn't miss this evening; that was the whole plan.
In an ordinary situation, I wouldn't take on such a job – the risks were too high, and I felt nauseated just being surrounded by so many schemers and hypocrites. Yet Sif insisted on this matter. He insisted quite vigorously. When I asked where this sudden enthusiasm came from, he jokingly replied, "One last job, and I'll be set for life." I had grown used to the whims of this macaroni addict, so I didn't push to discover the truth, which, it seemed, was as old as time...
Getting into the evening turned out to be simple enough. The guest count had exceeded a hundred, so knowing everyone by face was impossible, and checking them was, firstly, tedious, and secondly, insulting to respected wizards. In the end, I was mistaken for some heir of a Japanese family of necromancers, which was a side branch of a German family of necromancers and golem creators... ah... even such a brief version of my backstory wears the mind, how do some people figure these things out so easily?..
However, while Japan was one of the fastest developing countries in the world, in the wizarding realm (which seemed stuck somewhere in the 19th century), it still felt like a sort of periphery. So even mid-tier families looked down on Asians. Though... this was a plus for me. They could think whatever they wanted about me – I wasn't here to make friends.
But the thought of what their faces would look like if they learned my true identity amused me...
Now all I could do was wait for Ferro's signal. Only after that would I eliminate my target, and he would ensure our quick and safe retreat...
But as time dragged on, and there was still no command, it began to irritate me. Particularly annoying were the stares from certain individuals who snickered and whispered to each other while pointing at me. Their opinion didn't bother me, of course, but that didn't mean I had no simple human pride. And when it was persistently tested in such an aggravating manner... let's say, it wasn't boosting my spirits.
A couple of times, a few curious onlookers approached me, and I had to exchange perfunctory phrases with them to avoid exposing myself. After all, a young wizard whom everyone here was seeing for the first time in their lives, especially one glancing sternly at those gathered, inevitably drew unwanted attention...
To appear natural, and partly from boredom, I began to stroll slowly through the wide hall, which could easily accommodate a few hundred more people even if tables had been set up in a crescent as tradition demanded. But there was no crescent. The guests feasted while standing, walking along walls decorated with tapestries, garlands, and hovering magical chandeliers that cast as much light as electric ones. Long tables lined the space beneath the tapestries and garlands. Delicate dishes were crammed together among intricately designed ice sculptures. In simpler terms, there was far more complexity than food.
Smirking at this thought, I sighed briefly. Thus began my dull and monotonous wait, filled with witty thoughts aimed at the sorcerers, who hypocritically looked down on the common folk, yet hadn't forgotten to build towers of champagne glasses... ha... decadence in its purest form...
***
Time slowly and lazily rolled forward. Ferro remained silent. Frankly, this was becoming frustrating. The thought of simply finding that wizard and putting a bullet between his eyes was gradually beginning to seem less insane...
Lost in deep thought, I paid little attention to my surroundings and, predictably, collided with someone.
— Oh!.. – I involuntarily exclaimed.
— Aw! Schau wohin du gehst! – I received an annoyed reply... in German?
Returning to reality, I lowered my head, and saw who I had bumped into.
It was a small girl, dressed in a little white dress that almost merged with her pale, marble skin and snow-white hair. She had a bright red rose pinned in her hair, beautifully complementing her eyes.
Perhaps due to their hue, I fleetingly thought she resembled a vampire. The job has its effects...
— Es tut mir leid, ich war ein wenig nachdenklich und... – I attempted to apologize in broken German.
— You can use English – she interrupted me, displeased, upon seeing my poor attempts.
— Thank you. Once again, I apologize. I was just a bit lost in thought, that's all... – I sighed in relief, after which I tried to apologize again, but the words remained unspoken.
I was interrupted by her piercing gaze, which made me feel uncomfortable. She was examining my facial features suspiciously, as if trying to find something only she recognized.
— Ahem, excuse me... Is there something on my face? – I dared to break the awkward silence.
— Huh? N-no, nothing, I'm sorry, just... – it seemed she realized the awkwardness of the situation. – Tell me, have we met somewhere before?
— Um... No, I don't think so. I have a pretty good memory for faces... and I definitely wouldn't forget yours, – I replied, shrugging. To be honest... her question made me think deeply.
— I see, – she replied with a hint of annoyance, then adopted an important demeanor and continued. – So? How do you plan to make amends?
- I already apologized... what else do you want from me... - I thought with an involuntary irritation.
— Pardon?..
— Well, you bumped into me, simply overlooking my presence... even if by accident, I still feel my dignity is somewhat offended, – she replied leisurely, smiling. – I would prefer not to let such a trivial matter harm possible relations between us and our families...
- What a petty girl... she's just playing with me! – my irritation reached its peak, and I barely held back from grinding my teeth. – Frankly, I couldn't care less about such things, but... if I step out of the role of a decent wizard, she might draw attention to me, and judging by her look, she would gladly do so. Tch... looks like I'll have to play by her rules...
— And? What have you decided? – she asked with a devilish smile.
I already felt cornered, but this time fate decided to come to my rescue. Only now did I notice that the atmosphere in the hall had changed; a different, slower, and less pompous music began to play. I cast a fleeting glance at the couples forming on the dance floor and barely held back a triumphant smile.
- Ha... it takes two to play this game... - I thought vindictively.
- Well then... to atone for my guilt, I... invite you to dance, - I replied, smiling as sweetly as I could.
- D-dance? - she asked, surprised, clearly not expecting this turn of events.
- Yes, I am Ken Rosenthal, and I would like to invite you to dance, - I repeated with a smile, extending my hand to her. - Though, if you decline, I won't insist...
I said the last phrase as neutrally as possible, but I knew she would catch the hidden irony regarding her dancing skills. Just a subtle hint, but it wasn't difficult to catch.
Judging by her suddenly altered expression, she understood the subtext perfectly...
- N-nothing of the sort!" she replied, her face turning crimson and revealing her embarrassment. - I graciously accept your invitation, - at which point she cautiously placed her palm on my hand.
- Thank you for the opportunity, milady, - I smiled and carefully led her to the center of the hall...
***
Of all the skills I had to learn for my profession, this was the most detestable.
Unfortunately, my targets weren't always hiding in slums, provincial towns, or afar. More often than not, they were in plain sight, and to eliminate them required a subtle approach...
To speak metaphorically, I had to be a scalpel, not a hammer.
And this assignment was one of those.
For successful infiltration, it wasn't enough to simply end up in the right place. For everything to go well and not to be spotted in the first minute, one had to look a certain way, act a certain way, and even speak a certain way...
Moreover, infiltrating the society of pseudo-aristocrats, represented by magicians, required a whole set of specific skills... and dancing was one of them...
About a year ago, a mission also involved attending a gala, though a less privileged one. That was when I had to deal with something I'd rather not recall... If it hadn't been for "Structural Analysis," which helped me quickly grasp the necessary knowledge straight from the source, I shudder to think how much time and nerves it would have cost me...
However... this was one of those exceedingly rare occasions when I didn't regret it....
***
Our pair quickly attracted the attention of everyone around. No wonder... the girl, who had only been noticed before for her unusual appearance, suddenly took to the waltz among the first couples, dancing with a completely unknown Asian-European-looking magician...
Though... neither I nor she paid that any mind.
Judging by how she moved, this was her first real dance with someone other than servants or teachers. Her movements were unsure, but she made no mistakes, moving instinctively to the rhythm of the music. It wouldn't be accurate to say I was better, but I did have living experience, so I involuntarily adjusted to her movements.
However... I wouldn't say it was unpleasant or difficult. Honestly, I felt extremely unusual sensations. For the first time that evening, and against all odds, I didn't feel discomfort being in this company... it simply didn't exist for me. There were only us... the music playing in the background, and our dance...
The music faded, but our pair continued to swirl, provoking whispers and sly smiles around us. Finally, we stopped, and I smirked with self-irony.
- I wanted to put her in an awkward position, to give her a life lesson, and ended up getting so caught up that I didn't even notice…
My partner also seemed unable to detach from the dance. It appeared to have made quite an impression on her. Ha... a bit of joy for my vanity.
Only then did I finally notice the mages discussing our pair. Few of them expected something like this from such a strange couple, but... they quickly agreed that the girl simply wanted to stand out, and I, as her loyal bodyguard, couldn't refuse my lady. Indeed... people come up with anything, though... now it even worked to my advantage. If I was seen as her escort, I'd attract much less attention.
Fate today was unusually generous with pleasant gifts...
- Well, thank you for the dance, - I said when we returned to the spot where we'd met. - I hope this a good atonement for my guilt?
- Yes, quite, - she nodded nervously.
- Glad to hear that, - I nodded with a smile. - But... I'm not too flattered by the attention we've attracted, so, if you don't mind...
- W-wait, - she said, grabbing my sleeve. - Do you mind if I keep you company?
Wow... what an interesting turn of events... Although, I have no reason to object. Her company is hardly the worst I could have here. And, judging by her behavior, she also seemed burdened by being here. Must be her age...
- Alright, - I replied, still smiling. - But under one condition…
- And what condition is that?
- Let's be on first-name terms, alright?…
***
- So, you're from Japan? - she asked with interest.
- Yes, at least I was born there…
We decided to move the conversation to one of the numerous balconies of the castle. We stepped out, having dressed first because, while the mountain air was pleasant and refreshing, it also bit to the bone.
Honestly, I had no idea what made me say yes. Was it a desire to escape this den of snakes, or was I still reeling from the dance? After all, we were somewhat similar: we both felt uncomfortable being here, and our desire to distract ourselves from it was also the same...
- What's it like? Japan?
- Ha... hard to say... though it's my homeland, I've never felt any particular attachment or love for it. Perhaps it's because I've traveled a lot, that I can't call it my home... - I replied thoughtfully.
- I see... - she said somewhat disappointedly, evidently hoping for a different answer. - Did you come here alone?
- Yes. My father, he... is seriously ill. He doesn't have much longer. Such a trip was no longer for him, so I came alone.
- And your mother?
- I... I don't remember her at all, - I replied with a heavy sigh. - She passed away when I was still very young.
- I'm sorry… - she quietly apologized after a long, painful silence. - I didn't mean to…
- It's fine, you weren't doing it out of malice, - I said reassuringly. - What about you, with your parents?
- No… - the girl replied quietly. - My grandfather brought me here. He said it would be good for me to visit, but... I don't know why he thought that. I don't know anyone here; you're the first person I've talked to for more than a couple of phrases…
- Then… your parents stayed at home?
- They... are no longer here, - she replied, a coldness in her voice.
- I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked…
A silence fell between us once more.
It seemed that the topic of family was extremely painful and unpleasant for both of us. Though, what's so surprising about that? The world of mages has never encouraged family values...
- Tell me... what's your father like? - she inquired, looking at me intently.
- Ha... I don't even know how to answer that, - I said after a minute's contemplation. - Sometimes I want to know what kind of person he is too. Just when I thought I finally started to understand him, it turned out I didn't know anything about him at all... He was always kind to me, though sometimes strict. He always looked at me with some kind of hope, yet at the same time, I saw sorrow in his gaze. It was as if he hoped I could do what he couldn't, while also fearing I might make all the mistakes he did... Honestly, I'm not even sure I can call him 'father.' I've seen him more as a teacher than a parent throughout my life. Maybe that's why I find it hard to answer your question...
- No matter how he is, he's always been there for you, no matter the circumstances… - At first, I took her words as reproach, but upon seeing her distant gaze, I realized I was mistaken. Her eyes shone, and looking at me, the girl continued. - But mine abandoned me... he betrayed me and our family... because of him, my mom died... he just forgot about me, as if I'd never existed!
Her words made me uneasy. The hatred she emanated towards her father was almost palpable... my heart felt heavy, even though I couldn't understand why... was it just her words?
- I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that... - she said, turning away. - We shouldn't have continued this topic…
- You're wrong to apologize. Sometimes it's helpful just to voice everything that's built up. I don't often get to talk like this with someone either.
- Well, that's what we came here for, didn't we? To talk? - She smiled sadly, the first smile I had seen that evening.
- Heh, yes… perhaps, - the heaviness in my chest slightly eased at her smile, and I smirked in response.
Life is truly a strange thing... I never would have thought I'd be talking like this with a girl I didn't know about our problems. I didn't even consider her as part of the society that was now reveling in the castle behind our backs. She was something different from them, yet in many ways, she was just as different from me...
— Alright, I suggest we head back before anyone realizes you're gone, okay?
— Yeah, I suppose so, — she reluctantly agreed...
***
However, our time together didn't last long...
As we made our way back to the hall, a sudden thought struck me like lightning about why I was really here. I was on a mission, for heaven's sake! Glancing at my watch, I realized it had been several hours since my last check-in, and there was no sign of Sif...
Damn it... what's going on? Did something happen? After all, unexpected situations often arise on missions, but... not with him. Despite his carefree and unbearable demeanor, Ferro was always collected and serious during operations – he would never let the mission come under threat. Even if something went wrong, he would have found a way to warn me...
But on the other hand... this only made things stranger. There must have been plenty of opportunities to take out the target; what was he even thinking?!
- Ugh, forget this... I'll handle everything myself... No hard feelings, girl, but it's time for me to step off the stage and get to work...
Apologizing to her, I explained that I had something very important to attend to and took my leave, promising I would see her again later...
***
When I began searching for the target, fortune decided to grant me a final gift. Sneaking onto the gallery that overlooked the banquet hall, I leaned over the railing and nonchalantly surveyed the mages below.
The evening was still ongoing, but its character had shifted. The most noble and pompous mages had retreated to their assigned chambers, while the remainder turned the evening into a more traditional and relaxed affair. Tables were moved, chairs, armchairs, and stools were dragged into the hall from who knows where, and people settled in, indulging in various merriments, most of which lacked subtlety. A large group surrounded a massive barrel of liquor, chatting and bursting into uncontrollable laughter from time to time. Those who had only recently delicately picked at exquisite snacks with silver forks now shamelessly gnawed on lamb ribs, grabbing them with both hands. A few were playing cards, disregarding the people around them, while many were sleeping. In one corner, a couple was passionately kissing, and the enthusiasm with which they engaged suggested that kisses weren't all they were after.
Among this couple, I spotted my target, brazenly groping a red-haired sorceress in a burgundy dress. I could only envy the speed at which they left the hall, and I barely managed to catch up with them downstairs. Struggling to contain my excitement, they stumbled into one of the vacant rooms and noisily disappeared inside.
I couldn't help but let out a relaxed sigh. All evening, my nerves had been stretched to the limit. To be honest, it had been a while since I felt such tension. After this mission, I would definitely need to go into hiding... at least I would get to spend the remaining time with Kiritsugu. I still had so much to learn from him... yes, that's definitely the plan.
Looking around for any unwanted witnesses and noticing no one, I waited a couple more minutes for good measure, gathered my thoughts, and got to work.
First, I needed to check for any barriers at the door, but this measure proved unnecessary. Although... what could I expect from him? This idiot had spent all his days in the company of himself, and now, placed in such a relaxed atmosphere, he decided to indulge so it would last until next time. It was no surprise that basic precautions lost all meaning for him.
With a swift movement, I retrieved a suppressed Glock-18 from my "pocket." After all, the "Phantom Sector" was an incredibly useful spell – I could be searched from head to toe, and I would still bring an entire arsenal with me...
— Well then... let's go... — I muttered, quickly opening the door and shutting it behind me.
The room was fairly spacious, even featuring an unused fireplace. However, the bed directly opposite the door was in full use...
The sound of the door slamming struggled to break the attention of this Don Juan from his companion's ample bosom, and he threw over his shoulder bitterly:
— Hey! This is occupied, get lost... — his attempt at a witty retort failed as he noticed the gun aimed at him in the dim light.
A quiet, almost silent shot silenced him forever. The girl tried to scream, but the next shot knocked her onto the bed beside her would-be lover...
— Sorry, but I don't need witnesses, — I muttered, lowering the gun.
Afterwards, I approached the still-warm bodies and, for good measure, fired another shot into each of their heads. Sad experience had taught me to take care of such matters...
Glancing around the dimly lit room, I noticed a key lying on the side table, conveniently left by the hosts for guests who didn't wish to be seen. Well... this would help buy some time.
Locking the room from the outside and tucking the key into the "Phantom Sector," I turned and walked away from the place. By the time someone discovered the bodies, it would already be too late to search for me...
— Job is done... — I quietly summarized, pondering what had just happened.
Everything had gone surprisingly well, albeit not without its oddities. Ugh, funny... and Ferro still hadn't contacted me...
Taking out my earpiece, I tried to reach him, but only silence answered. However, there was no static, which meant the radio was functioning just fine. So... it must be something with Sif?
— What the hell... — unable to find a suitable explanation, I cursed.
Since the moment we parted before the mission began, he hadn't made a single contact. Not once. No idiotic jokes, no biting comments about the people he ever worked with... nothing. He should have given some sign!... What the hell is going on?..
Honestly, I faced a difficult choice. Common sense suggested that I should find him urgently and get out of here before everything went to hell, but at the same time, there was the difficult question: "Where do I search for him?" The castle was enormous, and I had no clue where he might be. I couldn't just mindlessly search room by room, could I?...
Yet simultaneously, some inner voice whispered something entirely different. Had Ferro just wandered off? Technically, why should I be responsible for finding him? I owed him nothing, and we didn't have any strong friendship, so I had no reason to stay here and put myself at risk. Besides, I'd already thought about our paths diverging, so what does it matter if it's now or later?..
Ha... Alright, I need to calm down and think...
— Heh... I wonder if she was really that upset that I left her so abruptly? — a wild thought flashed through my mind.
Ha... why am I even thinking about her now? Though, I suppose that meeting with her was the only positive moment of the evening. Even though our conversation didn't end on the happiest of notes, I now felt there was a certain connection between us... Just look at the similarity in our lives – I have a dying father and a deceased mother, and hers betrayed her family, causing her mother's death...
He betrayed me and our family...
I was hired by the Einzbern family, one of the founders of this ritual... but realizing the cost of my desire was too high, I tried to destroy the Holy Grail...
I felt my hands tremble, and my heart race like mad...
Because of him, my mother died...
When... when I was accepted into the Einzbern family, I met a woman there. Her name was Irisviel... She was supposed to be just another tool on my path to my dream... but she became something more to me...
No, this is just a ridiculous coincidence... it can't be...
And yet he abandoned me... he just forgot about me, as if I never existed!..
Now she's in Germany, in the Einzbern castle... and surely blames me for everything that happened... Maybe once I could have made my way there, but... you can see what's happening to me...
— Illya... — I whispered barely audibly.
My... my little sister was with me all this evening, and I didn't even realize it... How did I not figure this out sooner... I'm an idiot... yes... a complete idiot...
— No, — I shook my head, trying to regain some semblance of composure. — I need to find her and make sure everything is alright... I have to keep my promise...
Everything else had lost all significance for me... Ferro... the mission... empty and meaningless words. I had something much more important to do. I needed to find her. And let the whole world descend into chaos; I will do this!....
***
At that very moment, Illya was also wandering through the castle's wide corridors, though not in quite as much of a hurry. The prospect of remaining in the company of increasingly unruly mages or, even worse, the homunculi of her family was... to put it mildly, unattractive.
The only bright moment of the entire evening was her encounter with Ken Rosenthal... even though their introduction didn't start off on the right foot, it wasn't to say that she found his company unpleasant. Their dance... the conversation on the balcony...
He did not resemble the other mages she had seen that evening. In neither his gaze nor his demeanor was there the pomposity and pride that so irritated her. On the contrary... he seemed somehow... simple, more human, and easier to converse with. He stood out sharply against the backdrop of the company he was in, as though he were the antithesis of the typical mage. And also... he was the first in many years to make her smile, to feel like a... person again.
Yet there was something in his appearance that awakened memories she had tried so fervently to bury. When she first saw him, she initially thought she was imagining things. His hair, his eyes, his features—all of it reminded her of Kiritsugu... even in his gaze, there was something that she had once seen in her father. A distant emptiness and nostalgia for something known only to them. And from their conversation, she realized she was not far from the truth.
So she was not overly surprised when he excused himself and left her...
- Maybe I said something wrong? Or perhaps he felt guilty about the questions regarding our parents? - she asked herself. - Anyway... I never actually introduced myself to him. Not very nice, considering he introduced himself... Yes! I will just find him to correct this oversight, nothing more...
However, she quickly realized that the task was far more complicated than she had imagined. The castle was truly enormous. It was even larger than her own home. Finding a person here seemed like something out of a fantasy. Still... it was better than being in the hall with those who were rapidly losing their dignity...
***
Nevertheless... her search did not last long. Wandering through the far part of the castle, she spotted him at the opposite end of the corridor. At her call, he did not turn, clearly not hearing her, and disappeared around the corner, hastily heading toward the winter garden. Illya looked around and, seeing no one, ran after him.
The winter garden was deserted. Under the moonlight filtering through the glass roof, there was not a single soul, just deep shadows and dark, almost black silhouettes of plants...
Illya called out to him once more and found herself the first in the center of the garden. Stopping under the cold beams of moonlight, she heard his hurried footsteps. The girl was glad to have found him, but as soon as Shirou stepped out of the half-darkness, her joy instantly turned to concern.
He was pale, breathing heavily and raggedly, and his gaze, once calm and sad, was now fearful and darting. Stopping a couple of steps away from her, he straightened up and looked intently at her. The young man's hands trembled slightly.
- What... what happened to him? It's like he saw a demon! - Illya thought anxiously. - Did he think I was upset because he left me? But that's absurd…
Emiya swallowed nervously and quietly, barely audibly, murmured one word...
— Illya...
Just a single simple word, yet it made her involuntarily flinch.
- Where... how... how does he know my name? I never called him! — the girl thought in shock, though what shocked her more was not that. He might have accidentally heard her name from one of the guests, but… — But... the way he addressed me...
All her life, everyone called her by her full name, even her grandfather. Only two people called her by that name.
— Who are you? — she asked in a cold and heavy tone.
— I guess... I should apologize for all that farce and introduce myself once again... — he said with a heavy sigh, gradually calming down in appearance. — My real name is Shirou... Emiya Shirou.
— Emiya? — she repeated slowly, as if hoping she had misheard.
— So it is... you... — Shirou spoke, half relieved, half disappointed.
— Do you know many girls with white hair and red eyes, Shirou-kun? — she asked, dripping venom with every word.
Her face trembled with the anger she could not hide. Emiya looked down. He seemed broken and lost, but nonetheless answered rather firmly:
— Yes... Kiritsugu said that you would surely hate us...
— How insightful of him! I wonder why? — she asked, almost bursting into a scream. — Perhaps it's because he ruined my mother, betrayed our family, and left me to play dad-teacher with you?
— Yes... it likely was... if, of course, you believe what he told me. But... he thought about you far more than he did about me.
All the tirade of anger and hatred she had prepared to unleash on him stuck in her throat. She shivered and, barely holding back tears, croaked:
— Why should I believe you? You already lied to me once, and now you expect me to take your word for it?
— You're right... I did indeed give you a false name, but... everything I told you back then, on the balcony, was pure truth.
— Why did you come here? — ignoring his words, she asked again. — Did he send you? Did he lack the courage to come here himself?
— He... doesn't know you're here. Just as I didn't know until I met you...
— Even if that is true... he never even tried...
— Listen, Illya...
— Don't call me that! — she shouted sharply, and the first tears began to roll down her cheeks, glistening in the moonlight.
— I'm sorry... I understand that you're angry at him. Honestly, I don't blame you for that feeling at all... however I feel about Kiritsugu, I can't call him either a good person or an especially good father. At least, for me, he never was. To put it frankly, I have no less reason to hate him, — he managed to force out with a wry smile. — All my life I trained, killed, lived from one job to another... but all of it was done just for you... even after Kiritsugu became a "father" to me, he continued to think only of you... He couldn't return not because he didn't want to, but because he couldn't. I have no idea what happened to him, but my words are true - he is dying...
— Why... why are you telling me all this? — she interrupted him, suppressing her tears.
— Because... — he hesitated and fell silent for a moment, as if gathering his strength. Standing like that for a couple of seconds, Shirou lifted his gaze and declared with determination. — Because I'm offering you to come with me.
— What?.. — Illya was taken aback by these words.
— To come with me, — he repeated. — Yes, I initially came here not for you, but... that doesn't matter anymore. I can take you away from here, away from the Einzberns... I can save you...
— Do you even hear yourself? — she asked after a moment of silence.
— What?..
— You're suggesting I go to the person who caused me so much pain? To the man who made me lose everything I cherished? To the one you yourself admitted is disgusting... to the person who sacrificed you? — she asked, each question dripping with irony. — Do you really believe he can do anything good anymore?
— Listen... — he began, but she interrupted him.
— Once... he also promised me he would return. Yet where is he now? Dying in some hole, full of hatred for himself and his own life... even you, the person who had nothing to do with us, he abandoned to the foundation of his own selfishness! — she looked at him coldly, and not a single emotion reflected in her gaze. — You also promise to save me, yet... alas, I no longer believe in such promises... no one can save me now...
After this, she turned and, dissolving into the darkness, said for the last time:
— I won't tell anyone that you're here. Consider it something like my gratitude for making this evening pleasant... even if just for a little while. And now... just leave...
She walked away, leaving Shirou alone with his despair and a sense of utter hopelessness...
***
After some time, Illya returned to the room that had been set aside for her in the castle. After dismissing all the maids, she locked the door, and as the lock clicked, her legs gave way. She slowly slid down to the floor, leaning her back against the door, and let her emotions surge desperately forth...
Somehow regaining herself, the girl managed to rise and fell onto her bed. She tried to forget everything that had happened that evening, but it was unlikely that was possible...
Her thoughts kept returning to Shirou and their conversation in the winter garden. Every phrase, every word of their dialogue flashed through her mind over and over again. For the first time in many years, she felt so many different emotions within herself...
Naturally, her grandfather told her about his existence… as well as the fact that Kiritsugu had chosen him over his own daughter. Because of this, she had come to despise him wholeheartedly from afar, often imagining how she would make him regret ever meeting her father.
However... their meeting turned out to be nothing like she had envisioned. In fact, neither was Shirou...
Even during their introduction, she noticed a strong resemblance to Kiritsugu in him, but she didn't want to believe it. Only when he called her by name did everything start to fall into place. This was him—the person she had vowed to hate with the fiercest hatred, but... for some reason, she no longer felt the same animosity toward him. She couldn't even bring herself to hate him.
She was an Einzbern, a representative of an ancient magical lineage. Simply put, her ability to discern and separate truth from lies was almost innate... yet she felt no deceit in his story or in the words he had spoken in the garden. There were no hesitations, very little emotion, and complete conviction in his words. Even his assertion that Kiritsugu had meant far more to her than Shirou himself was devoid of jealousy or envy.
Moreover... even his behavior did not meet her expectations. All the emotions he showed during their conversations... they were not fake. Yes, during their first meeting he had introduced himself as Ken Rosenthal—a mage with a false name, history, and emotions—but on that balcony and in the garden, it was the real him—Emiya Shirou—who was displaying his own feelings, albeit clumsily...
At times, I myself want to know what kind of person he is. Just when I thought I could finally understand him, it turned out I didn't know anything about him at all...
To be honest, I'm not even sure I can call him "father." Throughout my life, I saw him more as a teacher than a parent...
Regardless of how I feel about Kiritsugu, no matter how much I might want to, I can't call him a good person, let alone a good father. At least, for me, he has never been that way. To be frank, I have no less reason to hate him...
Even after Kiritsugu became my "father," he only thought of you...
These words kept resurfacing in her mind. It was the last thing she expected to hear from him.
- What have you done to him, Kiritsugu?.. What did you do, for even the one you left me for speaks of you like this? What did you make him endure?..
Ironically, she even felt a slight sympathy for him...
- Maybe... I was too categorical? – she continued to ponder. – This doesn't change the fact that I still hate Kiritsugu and don't completely trust Shirou, but... perhaps I should have agreed? At least I could have spoken with him, listened to his excuses, looked into his eyes... if only for that boy, whose life he sacrificed for me...
This thought, in light of recent events, seemed crazy, yet... what awaited her instead? To return to that cold castle, where there is nothing but snow, soulless dolls, and relatives who care nothing for her? To repeat her mother's fate and become yet another victim of their ambitions, bearing the burden of a family legacy that didn't concern her at all?
And how is that any better?
- I need to talk to him one more time... I hope it's not too late, - she decided, then pulled a strand of her hair and transformed it into the familiar Zelle. - But the castle is too big to search for him on my own, and my grandfather might suspect something. An extra pair of eyes would definitely not hurt...
***
As for Shirou, he wasn't in any hurry. After leaving the garden, he walked a little further down the corridor, stopped, and leaned against the wall, slowly sinking to the floor.
Once again, a painful emptiness welled up inside him...
Emiya knew from the start that talking to his sister would not be easy. It would have been naive to expect her to throw herself into his arms and thank him for coming. At best, their encounter was likely to be cold... and Shirou was prepared for that, but...
...no plan, as they say, survives the harsh test of reality.
None of the things he said to her seemed surprising or unexpected; in fact, it was quite the opposite. He knew exactly what she would say when they met, but... for some reason, her words cut deep into his soul.
Maybe she was right? Maybe Kiritsugu truly couldn't save anyone? Throughout his life, he had merely used people and left behind mountains of corpses in his pursuit of his utopia. Even those close to him had been sacrificed for it, and Shirou was no exception...
He was well aware of all Kiritsugu's reasons, knew how he had come to such methods, having experienced it himself. However... after Illya's words, it all took on a different hue.
— Yet do I have the right to criticize him when my own hands are elbow-deep in blood? – he sadly smirked at his own thoughts.
For a while, he just sat there in a kind of daze, as if the entire world had suddenly ceased to exist for him...
...until a strange sound pulled his attention back...
Returning to reality, Shirou raised his head and saw a peculiar bird, seemingly made of wire, hovering silently above him, trying to catch his attention.
— A familiar? – he muttered in confusion, looking at the bird. – But who could have sent it... could it be?..
The bird continued to hover above him, as if trying to convey some important thought.
— Am I... meant to follow you? – he guessed.
As if to confirm his words, it changed its course and flew straight down the corridor. Shirou had no choice but to stand up and follow it....
***
After a few minutes of brisk walking, the familiar figure turned around the corner. Shiro managed to half-stick out from behind him just before the deafening sounds of gunfire made him instinctively recoil...
He timed it just right, for a second later, the bird was reduced to scraps, and the wall behind it was shattered into rubble.
- Well, well, what a nimble little bastard! - a painfully familiar voice reached him. - Alright, come out, I know you're there! If you're thinking about running away, you might as well forget it...
This last phrase was clearly unnecessary. Retreat had already ceased to be an acceptable option for Emia.
Pulling a couple of pistols from his "pocket," he leisurely stepped out from behind the corner. For some reason, Shiro knew that there would be no follow-up gunfire...
Around the corner was a spacious hall, where, in addition to a dozen armed homunculi, a familiar albino awaited him with a pair of Colts in hand.
- I'm sorry, kid, but there's no way forward, - the Italian declared with a smile.
- Ferro..." Shirou spat out his name. - For some reason, I'm not even surprised by what's going on...
- What a pity! I was really looking forward to our reunion! Although, because you met that doll, I had to adjust the plan significantly on the fly...
- I don't have time to mess around with you, Ferro...
- Hahaha... just listen to him! - Sif pointed his Colt at the homunculi surrounding him. - 'I don't have time to mess around with you...' Hahaha... Are you hinting... - he suddenly grew serious, - ...that you can kill me at any moment?!
- Are you willing to risk and test that? As I understand it... this was a setup from the start?
- No, not at all... first of all, nobody planned to set you up with that girl, and because of that, the whole plan fell apart, and secondly, that guy was actually worth something, although compared to what I'll get for you and your old man, it's a drop in the bucket...
- Money? Is that all? I never thought you'd be such a petty and poor scum, - Emiya scoffed.
- Sharp remarks don't hurt, and let's skip the irony, Shirou. I really owed your old man and as payment, I've been training you this whole time. I kept my word... but I never promised you eternal friendship. Nothing personal; it's just business...
- How prosaic... greed will be your downfall, remember?
- You'll hardly live long enough to test that saying... - the "Catalan" smirked. - You know... I actually expected something like this. When Kiritsugu brought you to that bar in Cairo, it was like a draft swept through me... maybe a part of me already knew that this would be how it ended. One of us will definitely kill the other... it seems my intuition didn't let me down... Enough chatter, though... we're not here for that, are we?
- You're got that right... - Shirou replied, and his eyes ignited with a blue light...