i do, i will

A travelling monk, having departed from Kiso arrived at the shores of Lake Biwa--Awazugahara. And in that place, there was a single shrine. It just so happened that a single woman had made a pilgrimage there. She was beautiful, but she wept sorrowfully.

The woman was a ghost and disappeared with the sound of the evening bell. When the monk began to chant sutras, she appeared anew.

She was a gallant female warrior, clad in armor.

She spoke. Of her remorse, of her regrets, of her feelings for her lord, who had also been her husband. She hadn’t cast away her attachments even after death.

...Now, in the noh play, apparently, after this, the woman--that is, “I” requested that the monk pray that I be freed from my attachments.

Yes, what is it? What actually happened, you ask?

Fufu. Please allow me to keep that a secret. But, yes. I remember very well. What happened there.

They say that that “key” existed in Salem, Massachusetts, for a short time. Temporally speaking, it was for a few decades, but compared the centuries of eternity the key itself has existed, that time is nothing more than the blink of an eye. The key had been methodically kept safe by a certain “mage” who traces their roots back to Great Britain. It had been wrapped in a large sheet of parchment and kept in a box made of fragrant wood which let out a sweet scent. A special power is given to the one who possesses the key. But not just anyone will do. There are clear conditions to using it. These conditions are to be pure, one who has not lost the heart of a child, while having been provided a grounding in magecraft. This is because the key is connected to the world of dreams. In the first place, the “key” was created by was created by a mage who lived in the fearsome ancient times, on a northern continent that sank during the frigidly cold glacial epoch; one can learn this by looking at the description of it in various grimoires, such as “The Book of Eibon” and “The Necronomicon.” You would certainly call it a key based on its outward appearance, which closely resembles something excavated from the ruins of Rome, but the lock that goes with it does not exist in reality. In truth, it fits the general concept of a key and should, properly speaking, be considered the “staff” a mage wields. In the end, when the witch trials, a fatal calamity, fell upon Salem, the key was supposed to once again be wrapped in a veil of falsehood and superstition and be lost, but the one meant to inherit it appeared. That girl’s name was Abigail Williams--the demon pillar gave the key to her, and she, at the moment of sunset, at the time celestial bodies dyed the hill were people were hanged the color of roses, used it correctly. Ia! Ia! The girls suspected of being witches wrote red signs within the devil’s book, and those signs, via actions befitting each individual sign, twisted the ropes, nine to match the number of signs, and the girl threw open the door that opens to the “boundary.” Ia, ia, n’ghaa, n’n’ghai-ghai! Oh, one who looks upon us from the fictitious abyss. Oh, the final gate, the god which exists beyond the corridor of dreams. Oh, one who is “All-in-One and One-in-All.” We must warn those who come into contact with the girl. The girl’s existence will surely making this world unstable, but oh, oh,

--The note is cut off here.

Even so. In the end, neither your fates nor your duties change very much.

You stay yourself, and she stays herself, neither of you leaving the places you live, and neither of you harming each other’s pride. But that is exactly why I smile at that brilliance. It was just a small incident, the memory of a single moment, but it became a thorn and stabbed my heart, causing pain.

Though grapevines will never bloom in Kur, you are, to me, the fruit of the grapevine. The star I yearn for no matter how many months and years may pass. Even after I have disappeared, that passion alone surely never will.

After the age of the gods has ended, and souls have ceased to come to rest in this land, and the role of the mistress who was left alone to the end is over, over the wasteland will surely shine, completely, a bright sun. It will be the afterglow of the brilliant memory I have dreamed of over and over again. --Flowers blooming in Kur. And I, just like that, feeling happiness, became a flower and disappeared.

[The Falcon Witch’s Banquet]

--organ-eye-sir? Oh, you mean “organizer”? Of course. You can leave handling a party all to me. Since I’ve been asked to handle it, I’ll make it the most amazing celebratory banquet, one where no one stops smiling, even if it was your own funeral.

I’m particularly picky when it comes to food. I’ll prepare the best ingredients, one that won’t pale in comparison to offerings devoted to the goddess Hecate. And quality wine that even the god of the harvest, Dionysus, would envy! And innocent maidens who would bring the god of shepherds, Pan, back to life from Hades... ...Eh? I don’t have to go that far? Why?

No, no, Master! You should do more to devote all that you are to decadence. People were given life in order to immerse themselves in banquets. Yes, the delight of the banquet is life. First forget whatever heavy titles burden you and fling all your duties and responsibilities into the lake at the foot of a waterfall. You needn’t worry about tomorrow, nor is remembering the past of any use. Relax, and simply entrust your present to me.

Forget both day and night, and just grow intoxicated upon theses delicacies and the pleasures of the flesh. There’s no need to hesitate. Death is always close by. If you’re going to enjoy yourself, now is your chance. Of course you don’t need an invitation. Just take a small spoonful of this kykeon, this barley porridge and consume it...

The bed with its canopy was the girl’s entire world.

There was not much life left in her body, ravaged by sickness. Adults, separated from her by a single thin sheet of cloth, were silhouetted clowns that hated each other, laughed together, and delighted one another.

While worshiped as having the ability to save the world, her den was worse than even the ugliest parts of the world. It was the depths an animalistic id that even a landfill would sneer at.

The girl gave up on her own life, gave up on sages, gave up on seeking wisdom within people.

...But she did not give up on her dreams and them alone. On the verge of death, the girl held a single book, her treasure, in her hands. The fairy tale her believers had left there on her bed as a joke was the sole light in her tent.

---

There’s no real need to make a fuss over weapons. If they’re easy to run prana though and have destructive power, that’s good enough. Stuff like ‘the maker’s spirit’ can just eat shit. Weapons are tools for efficiently killing something, nothing more and nothing less. Just the idea of the bearer having pride in them makes me laugh.

Weapons are things meant only to kill people; if you need to attach some greater purpose to them in order to kill people with them, then you’re just useless. I despise that uselessness.

Hah, what? Why do you look so pissed off? In that case, take up that gun. After all, if you shoot me through the head, then these words you find so unpleasant will disappear! 

[The Dynamics of an Asteroid]

Well, a certain mountaineer put it into words: “Because Mt. Everest is there.” People desire to challenge their own limits, and they are unable to control themselves when it comes to testing whether or not the conclusions they’ve reached are correct.

You see, Master, I… Calculated I could do it. I came to the conclusion I was capable of it.

And since I did, there was nothing else I could do. Even if it meant falling into evil, I simply had to check if my calculations were correct or not!

Yes, that’s right. You’re utterly correct. The proper order of cause and effect has been reversed, in my case at least. I mean, instead of destroying the world because I’m evil, I’ve become evil in order to destroy the world!

I don’t know how widespread Shinjuku spoilers are right now, but Moriarty is rather lovable. Both when he’s ‘good’ and when he’s ‘evil’.

The promised place. Is it the golden meadow he will one day reach? Is it the hill of corpses where that bloody battle unfolded? Or is it the forest of slumber where he decided to return the holy sword?

No. It is none of those places.

The moment he decided to be a simple knight rather than a king, the promised place was decided. It is:

--A garden preserved out of love. A ‘garden’ on which the gentle moonlight pours down.

If you’ve seen the CE, you know that it’s of Ayaka’s garden, the one where she and Saber meet in the Prototype OVA. If you’ve read Protofrag, you’ll know that Ayaka actually spends quite a bit of time explaining how the garden just feels like a ‘garden’ and no other word really fits.

Kid Gil: Oh man. This means that this Holy Grail isn't any good anymore. Since it was a fake from the beginning, maybe it was easier to pollute. If only I'd put it away in my treasury right away.

Amakusa Shirou: I should have placed it under my control right away. Let us both reflect on and learn from this.

Astolfo: The fact that neither of you are willing to concede even at a time like this is really just like you two!

Kid Gil: Now then, um... [Guda]-san? I would appreciate it if you would allow us to help, if you don't mind. I mean, after all, no matter how you think about it, the fight between him and I is the underlying cause of this. We have to take proper responsibility.

[Thank you.]

Kid Gil: Alright. Then we'll help you!

[We'd really appreciate it.]

Amakusa Shirou: Understood. Then the two of us shall support you.

Amakusa Shirou: Understood. Then the two of us shall support you.

Kid Gil: Oh boy, I knew it; it's completely polluted. Destroying it quickly looks like the best way to avoid future problems.

Dr. Roman: We've already picked up the existence of several Shadow Servants. If you don't do something, this place may become a Singularity.

Amakusa Shirou: I am in agreement. Though it hardly compares to Fuyuki's Greater Grail, those perfunctory similarities between them do give it a disagreeable nature.\

Matthew: You know about Fuyuki's Greater Grail?

Amakusa Shirou: Yes, but only that of a distant world, with no connection to this one. ...Now then, putting that aside. How about this? One of us to protect [Guda]-san. The remaining two will focus on attacking the enemy when the chance arises. First, we shall eradicate the Shadow Servants, and after that, destroy the Grail.

Astolfo: Okay, leave it to us! In that case, Kid Gil-cchi and I will start with the offensive! Master, you go at it together with that Ruler!

Amakusa Shirou: Then please. --It has been some time since I have fought side-by-side with others. Regretfully, my class is one that is difficult to use, but--please do make use of me.

---

Amakusa Shirou: We have basically dealt with our enemies, but--

Astolfo: Save meee--!

Amakusa Shirou: ...Astolfo?

Astolfo: I just can't stand ghosts, okay! Sorry, but the rest is up to youuu!

Amakusa Shirou: ...Good grief...

---

Amakusa Shirou: So they're spiritual bodies. Then the only way to deal with them would be by exorcising them. It will be a baptism rite from a mock saint, but that is better than continuing to exist in anguish. --Now then, let us go, Master.

---

Amakusa Shirou: With this, we have basically dealt with our enemies, Shadow Servants included, but-- The issue is how we will destroy the Holy Grail. Gil-kun, are you in possession of anything capable of that?

Kid Gil: Mm, I can probably deal with something like this with a sword or something similar from my treasury. --The problem is that this pseudo-Grail is trying to give birth to something.

Matthew: W-what? It's trying to...give birth?

Dr. Roman: Woah, woah, woah... An enormous amount of mana just poured out of that Holy Grail! Something's coming! Eh, what exactly do I mean by 'something'? I don't think it's a demon pillar, but... It's something similar, I guess...? ...Wait, that's a big deal!!

Amakusa Shirou: Then we shall restrain that immense spiritual body and--

Kid Gil: And I'll just grab some sword from Gate of Babylon (The King's Treasures) and destroy it. So clear a path for me, if you would. And please don't get into my line of fire, no matter what. I'm talking especially to the Rider-san over there.

Astolfo: I-I got it! I'll be fine! Because I definitely won't be getting in your line of fire! After all, there's no doubt you'd just kill us along with that thing! My instincts are telling me so!

Kid Gil: Yes, you're completely right!

Astolfo:: This is the problem with kids that'll grow up to be tyrannical kings!! Well, whatever, okay... Hippo-kun, go!

Amakusa Shirou: In that case, I too shall keep that thing in check. ...Master, you need only to accompany one of us. Here I go. Set (I announce)!

Matthew: Master, your orders! Destroying the pseudo-Grail!

---

Matthew: W-we managed to bring it down somehow... Its immense spiritual body is crumbling...!

Kid Gil: Alright, alright, okay. There--scatter to the winds!

Amakusa Shirou: Good grief, it's over. That would had never reached Heaven's Feel (the Cup of Heaven). Being destroyed like this may have been the end most befitting of it.

Kid Gil: (sigh) It's not like I wanted it that much anyway, but now that it's broken, I can't help but regret...no, not really. In the end, it was the equivalent of wings made of wax. So it was a product inferior to the black plumage of birds.

Astolfo: Man, I guess this means that this sub-Holy Grail War's over. And I thought that this time I'd finally be able to punch you, Amakusa Shirou!

Amakusa Shirou: That is unfortunate. But it was a stroke of good fortune to meet a genuine Master in a place like this. If you one day forge a proper contract with me, I will surely be of use to you. And in order to grant my own dream, I will happily take the chance to work with you.

Astolfo: Though I think that that dream of yours is pretty crummy! Well, whatever. Alright, if fate brings us together again, Astolfo, one of Charlemagne's Twelve Paladins, will be in your care! If you summon me, I'll even massage your shoulders! See ya!

Kid Gil: Um... I'd also love to be summoned, but in the first place, this me isn't me in my golden age. But, you know, I might be more useful than the grown up me. I got it. If it comes to that, we'll have you judge which one of us is the proper Servant, Master! So, if we're fated to meet again, I'll see you then. Goodbye, Master.

???: Mmmm, we're at an impasse. Ideologically, you and I are polar opposites.

???: --But even so, the two of us fighting each other wouldn't produce a victor. As a Legendary Soul, you are, of course, superior to me, but--

???: Because you've seen summoned as a Ruler, class-wise, I'm at a disadvantage. This really is a pickle. The way things are now, we'll be stuck in a deadlock. If only that Rider had joined me.

???: It's unfortunate, but that Rider hates the both of us. Ah, no. In your case, it's not they hate you, but rather, I believe, that they've foreseen what you become in the future?

???: Oof. That topic's a painful one when people bring it up. Personally, I want grow up just the way I am now. --Though, well, if that Rider is my enemy, that's fine too. I'll just accept it and let them go.

???: Just what one would expect of the famous King of Heroes. ...Though I would never have imagined that you would be so young.

Kid Gil: Well, you know, I never thought that I'd be summoned looking like this either. But, since we're supposed to be summoned at the height of our abilities, I should, generally speaking, be summoned as my older self-- Like I thought, this Holy Grail clearly has bugs. And so, I'd like to ask that you quietly hand it over to me. This isn't something that a mock saint from the Far East can handle, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada-san.

Amakusa Shirou: A ha ha! I don't deny your assessment. However, I have my own dream. "I have spread my dreams under your feet; / Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." --But it seems that isn't possible.

Kid Gil: Then we don't have a choice. Neither of us know when this battle with reach its conclusion, but--

Amakusa Shirou: Yes. ...It appears the only option available to us is to devote ourselves entirely to this battle.

[Gil and Amakusa start fighting.]

Astolfo: Ah, found 'em, found 'em! I brought a Master!

Both: Eh?

[Explanations happen.]

Amakusa Shirou: I see. You're proposing that each of us tell this Master our reasons for needing the Holy Grail and have them make the final decision. I believe that it isn't a bad idea, but... King of Heroes, what of you?

Kid Gil: Mm, I don't particularly mind either. But I wonder if things will reaaally end with no hard feelings.

Amakusa Shirou: If you worry about that, we won't be able to get started. Astolfo, what will you do?

Astolfo: Ah, I don't need the Holy Grail or anything! Because devoting yourself to your Master once you've been summoned is what being a Servant's all about!

Kid Gil: Uwah, my ears are burning. But if the Master is a proper Master, then you're correct; that's the right thing to do.

Amakusa Shirou: Oh? The way you talk makes it sound like you've served an improper Master before.

Kid Gil: When you've been a Servant for a long time, all sorts of things happen to you. Now then, at any rate, since Astolfo isn't participating, I guess that means it's single combat between him and me. Alright, I'll be going first. It's natural that I would desire the Holy Grail. After all, desiring riches is the nature of a king. Especially since this Holy Grail is an omnipotent wish-granting machine... Well, not quite, but it's still something extremely dangerous. In that case, what should be in charge of managing it is the king's law. And, as a matter of fact, I don't have any big wishes either. It's 'no return,' but it's also 'no risk.' Master-san, considering the current state of affairs, don't you think entrusting this Holy Grail to me is the best solution?

Amakusa Shirou: Well... I wonder about that. Certainly, it as Gilgamesh said: the Holy Grail is something dangerous. But, if its power is uncolored, then I believe we really should utilize it. ...Though it is a psuedo-Holy Grail that would not grant my wish.

[And your wish is?]

Amakusa Shirou: My wish is permanent world peace. Though with the current state of affairs, even a wish that could be granted wouldn't.

[It won't grant your wish?]

Amakusa Shirou: I would like to wish for world peace, but, unfortunately, the world itself is on the verge of being incinerated. In the first place, even if weren't incinerated, I would be very far from achieving total world peace with that Holy Grail.

Amakusa Shirou: ...However. It would be too great a waste to simply put this Holy Grail away for safekeeping. Fortunately, I have knowledge on how to operate a Holy Grail. I would be grateful if you were to leave this one in my hands. What do you think of that, Master-dono?

Matthew: Wh-what should we do, Master? Both sound right, but they also both sound wrong. I can't make a decision!

Fou: Fou!

Dr. Roman: Mm... We're stuck between a rock and a hard place. I've retrieved that psuedo-Holy Grail's data, but it's scavenging and consuming the mana around it and growing. At this rate, this pseudo-grail will stop being pseudo. Handing something like that over to a Servant we aren't even contracted with would be... A bit dangerous, I think.

Astolfo: Ah, so it is dangerous, like I thought. Yeah, of course it'd be dangerous. These two are pretty careless with their Masters after all.

Kid Gil: It makes me sound bad when you say it like that, Astolfo. I go along with my Master, just like I should. No matter how tyrannical the Master may be, even if I'm assigned modest and troublesome-looking manual labor, I would never do something immoral, like killing my Master. Right, Amakusa-san?

Amakusa Shirou: Fufufu, that makes it sound as if you have suspicions that I've killed my Master before. However, I'm sorry but I must disappoint you; I've never killed one before. There was an incident where my actions resulted in allowing one to die, but that was an unforeseen accident. And, of course, I've reflected on what I did. I shall never do such a thing again.

Both: ...

Amakusa Shirou: Ahem. ...Moving on, now then, last Master in the world. The one worthy of attaining the Holy Grail is--

Kid Gil: Which one of us, him or me?

[We'll be taking it.]

Kid Gil: Ahhh... I knew that would the conclusion you reached. When Astolfo-san brought a Master, I thooought it might turn out like this.

[Both are you are a no.]

Amakusa Shirou: Then we have no choice. This too is part of the Holy Grail War.

Kid Gil: Mmm, it really has come down to this. Then we'll have to do that.

Amakusa Shirou: Yes, the two of us will work together and take this chance to put this Master to flight.

Matthew: Eeeh!? I-is that allowed to happen!?

Astolfo: It is! This is a Holy Grail War after all! Alright, in case, I'll side with the Master! One who rules, one who serves, and one who rebels. Let's see who'll win!

---

Kid Gil: Ow, ow, ow... You're so immature, taking a fight against a child seriously.

Astolfo: Like you can really call yourself a child!

Amakusa Shirou: Guh... How immature of you to fight seriously against a clergyman...

Astolfo: And just how exactly are you a clergyman! But now, this Holy Grail belongs to Master!

[Everything starts shaking.]

Kid Gil: Huh?

Amakusa Shirou: ...We've made a blunder. It appears we took too much time.

Matthew: Time... you say? What exactly...

Matthew: Doctor, are these the correct coordinates for the place that's becoming a new Singularity?

Dr. Roman: Yeah, and like we expected, enemies have been confirmed to be all over the place. If we leave things be, the seven time periods that have already become unstable may start to collapse even faster. It looks Servants have been summoned in response to what's going on, so we want you to work together with them and correct this time period.

Matthew: Roger. Alright then, Senpai, let's start by looking for those Servants.

[scene changes]

Matthew: This town is in ruins. And I don't see anyone...

Dr. Roman: Our sensors show that a Servant should be really close by; you don't see them?

Matthew: A... Servant? It's true that I detect one as well, so there should be one close enough for me to do so, but I don't see--

???: Boo!

Matthew: Hyaa!?

Fou: Fouh!?

???: Ahahahaha! Did I scare you? Hey, did I scare you? Oh, man, I'm sorry. But, you know, it just felt like the thing to do!

Matthew: I-I can't believe you suddenly appeared right out of the sky... I ended up making a noise unfitting a Servant. Um, you're a Servant... yes?

???: Yep! My name's Astolfo! Astolfo: I'm one of Charlemagne's twelve paladins, and my class is Rider! My hobbies are taking walks, eating, jousting, gambling, drinking alcohol, reading, talking, and, and...

Matthew: Th-that's plenty enough information. My name is Matthew Kyrielite. And this is [Guda], my Master.

Astolfo: So this cutie is a Servant... and you're her Master! Nice to meet ya! Huh? Have you and I met before? Mm... Well, I've already forgotten about it, so whatever! So, what brings you two here?

Matthew: R-right. We've come to investigate the Singularity--

Astolfo: Singularity? Oh, so that sorta thing's been popping up lately. But I don't know anything about it.

Matthew: I see... Then do you know about the remaining Servants?

Astolfo: Ah!

Matthew: Y-yes!?

Astolfo: That's the thing! The reason why I came to talk to you guys! I remember, I remember now! Oh, man, I was this close to forgetting all about it. Tehehe.

Matthew: Please don't forget things like that...

Astolfo: The truth is, there are two other Servants here. And one of them's a Ruler!

Matthew: A Ruler... A Ruler!? Like Jeanne-san!?

Astolfo: Yeah, yeah, like her! And the other one is an Archer. Um, what was his name again... Gila... Gili... Gil..

Matthew: ...Would it be "Gilgamesh"?

Astolfo: Yeah, that's it, Gilgamesh!

Matthew: Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes... The oldest hero, who possesses riches that can never be exhausted. The weapons that flow out from his treasures are the prototypes of the weapons possessed by the heroes of the world... That's what I've heard about him from da Vinci-chan, though I've never personally laid eyes on him... Ah, no. I think we may have met him before... but I'm not sure...

[That was a dream.]

Matthew: Oh, a dream? I see. Now that you mention it, that's what it feels like to me as well.

[I've seen him before.]

Matthew: You have? Eh... Santa-san?” What do you mean? I apologize for lacking the knowledge to understand...

Astolfo: But, man, that kid definitely has the kind of soul worthy of a title like that. Yeah, yeah, that kid will become a splendid hero when he grows up. Though, well, he'll become a tyrant too!

Matthew: So, what about the two of them?

Astolfo: Um, well, you see. How should I put this... That Ruler and Archer are, uh. Holding a...

Matthew: Holding a... What?

Astolfo: A Holy Grail War.

Matthew: Oh... A Holy Grail War... Eeeeh!?

Astolfo: Anyway, I want you to stop the two of them! So come with me! C'mon, c'mon, hurry it up, hurry it up!

Dr. Roman: Heeey, sorry to bother you when you're all getting along so well, but it's time for battle. Lamia-type enemies are heading your way.

Matthew: Roger. I have visual confirmation of the enemies; we'll deal with them! ...What you doing, Astolfo-san!?

Astolfo: Wahahahaha! Snakes, they're snakes! Alright, I'll hunt 'em! Today, I'll send thirty of them to Nirvana... send them to Heaven? Anyway, I'll see them off down the road to the afterlife!

---

Astolfo: A huge haul, a huge haul! Oh, man, snake hunting is always fun! How about we keep this up and take a shot at changing the ecosystem?

Matthew: Please don't change the ecosystem... No, lamia are creatures with no connection to the ecosystem, so there's no problem, but... M-more importantly, we have to stop the two Servants who started holding a Holy Grail War...!

???: --I continue repeating that moment. Even though within the context human history, which runs in an unbroken line, within the context of my entire life, that moment may be a trivial one if you look only at the facts.

Even if it merely consisted of shooting down my enemy. At that moment, I felt sadness, anger, joy and, most of all, relief, all of them inexpressible--I remember those feelings even now. ...Relief. Yes, it was nothing but a relief. A strange kind of pleasure, like when one tears off a scab. The fear that had sent shivers down my spine had already disappeared, gone off somewhere. But I was unable to touch the arrow that pierced your flesh. Nor was I able to take your head. I merely, in a trance--accepted that brilliant victory.

[leyshift]

???: ... ...up. Wake up, you there.

[...?]

???: Are you unhurt? It seems to me that you are the very picture of boldness to leisurely take a nap in this storm.

[Where am I?]

???: That is the question. ...To be honest, I don't know either. When I awoke, I was already aboard this ship and wandering through this storm. While I do know how to sail a ship, in this storm, all there is to do patiently wait and endure until it ends. Which is why I decided to interact with you, the person enjoying their nap without a care. After all, I had nothing else to do.

[Who are you?]

???: ...Troubling enough, it seems that I myself do not know who I am. Yes, I am a man without a name. The one thing I do remember the simple fact that I am an Archer-class Servant.

???:...Now, I do not know where this ship will go. I don't even know who am I, though I am a Servant. But it appears that you are a Master. If you don't mind, won't you join me for now?

[I will.]

???: You have my thanks. My name--is still unknown to me, but at any rate, I'm an Archer. Please take care of me, Master.

[Matthew...]

???: Matthew? Well... It's possible there may be someone inside the ship.

Matthew: Master!? Are you here, Master!? Senpaaai!!

???: And that person is?

[My reliable Servant.]

Matthew: Oh, Master, thank goodness. I'm glad to see that you aren't hurt. Yes, I'm [Guda]-senpai's Servant, Matthew Kyrielite!

[My lovely kouhai.]

Matthew: L-lovely kouhai... No, I'm still far, far from being that... W-wait, despite appearances, I am still a Servant! You have to say that I'm 'reliable'! But... Um... Thank you...

Fou: Fou!

Matthew: Let me report our current situation, Master. Apparently during the leyshift, we were blown to this strange singularity. Unfortunately, we're unable to contact the Doctor. By the way, about the person with you... I think a Servant with quite a big name, but...

???: No. It's a shame, but I seem to have left my name behind somewhere. But I do know that I'm an Archer. After all, as you can see, my weapon is a bow. It's likely that I'm an Archer.

Matthew: Um, well... sorry. Excuse me for saying this, but it's better if you didn't determine your class from your weapon. Because, in this world, there are Archers who use twin swords, Archers who hit their enemies with a cudgel, and even Archers who blindly launch treasures as their weapon... It may be a bit hasty to decide you're an Archer because you're holding a bow.

???: ... The world is filled with a variety of heroes...

Matthew: By the way, Senpai, what were you doing over here...? Oh, you were napping? That's amazing, Senpai. That's just what I'd expect from your style of brazenly enjoying naps in Chaldea's halls! As for me, I haven't been able to rest at all, or rather, I feel sick... I've experienced being in a ship during a storm numerous times by now, but I just can't get used to it...

Archer: The hull seems to be quite sturdy, but if the storm continues on like this, there will be a cause for worry despite that.

[enemy alert]

Archer: That was...

Matthew: Ghost-type enemies. I'm sorry, but please give me your help...!

---

Matthew: Extermination complete. Master, good job.

Archer: ...My apologies for such a poor showing. I'm utterly ashamed that I wasn't of much use.

Matthew: N-no. What's important is that everyone is safe.

[You have doubts.]

Archer: ...You seem to have a discerning eye. You are correct. I... am hesitant to fight.

[You don't want to fight?]

Archer: Can superior Masters understand even Servants who are not contracted to them? You are correct. I--seem to have misgivings about fighting.

Matthew: What do you mean?

Archer: Right now, I do not know my true name nor do I know how many Holy Grail Wars I've participate in and how many I have won. ...I don't believe that I have been defeated. I have tremendous faith in my own ability. If I have met with defeat, that would likely be because my Master ordered me to commit suicide.

Matthew: Wh-what overflowing confidence...! But none of what he's saying is a lie, Senpai!

Archer: Furthermore, I probably did not know defeat while I lived either. And that is why, it's all empty. Both my victories and even my defeats. They are no more than diminutive boats swept away by the tall waves of time. There is no meaning in the joy of victory. There is no meaning in the humiliation of defeat. In that case, there can be no meaning in being attached to such things.

[Even to living here and now?]

Archer: ...Yes. While I am reluctant to admit it, that is my current situation. In all likelihood, if you weren't here, Master, I may have renounced fighting altogether.

[Even if you were to die?]

Archer: In the first place, I am a Servant... And I was likely once a member of the warrior class. I have no fear of death.

Lancer: You're mistaken, Archer. You are not a warrior who does not fear death.

Archer: ...!?

Matthew: Eh, who...!?

Lancer: Right now, you are not afraid of death. You simply do not see death. You piled glory upon glory far too easily and with too little incident. In consequence, you have grown weary of life; it's unsightly. Your farsightedness is nothing more than the despair that has resulted. You simply place absolutely no importance on your own being. That is not even martyrdom. That path is not open to you.

Archer: ...Who... are you...!? No, that's not it... Who am I...!?

Lancer: ...It's maddening. But even if I were to tell you the truth, you would never accept it. The one person in the entire world that you would not acknowledge, no matter what happens. For me, that person is you, man of the bow.

Archer: ...!

[Arjuna fires an arrow at Karna.]

Lancer: That was a violent and sloppy shot. Is that your true nature? If it is, then you should start over from the stringing of your bow.

Matthew: Archer-san!? Please calm down. That man isn't our ally, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's our enemy...!

Archer: I am aware of that. I know that, but... I... That man--no. I cannot tolerate you. No matter what, I cannot tolerate your existence...!

Lancer: --So you're a bit more like your usual self now. That rage, that irrational hatred. That pride is your true value. Wrath that is like the wrath of the heavens is what befits the owner of that bow. Wield it without any regard for the gazes of those around you. You see, there's no need to hold back. I too will, without a shred of consideration for you, drive this shadowy spear into your throat!

---

Archer: (pant, pant, pant)

Lancer: That tenacity overcomes the advantages and disadvantages our respective classes give... Your fate and mine truly are intertwined. ...But we must stop here. It's necessary for both of us to once again question the "The Bhagavad Gita (Poem of the Gods)". We'll return to this issue when we've finished with that. ...The Master over there. Yes, you, the one who has been watching all this time from the side. ...It is likely not my concern, but guide him. You are the only one who can.

[Do you need me to guide you too?]

Lancer: ...That's unnecessary. But I'm grateful for your concern. As long as that man is with you, I will appear as your enemy. Though the reverse is also true. Myths require an evil to be hated. And I am completely used to playing such a role.

[Just what is your goal?]

Lancer: I have no obligation to answer an enemy's questions. To begin with, my goal is something small.

[Karna leaves.]

Archer: Master. Earlier, I said that I was tired of living. That is certainly true. My will in regards to fighting is lacking, even now. And yet. Despite that. I cannot tolerate that Lancer. No, these feelings are probably irrational. That man is surely a "righteous" being. He is surely a hero who correctly recognizes people as people and virtuously dedicates his entire being to them. And yet, I really... do not know why, I wish to fight that man. No, I do not wish to fight him. I wish to deny that man. Everything about that man, every last part of him. ...This is surely an impermissible wish. A misguided desire.

[It's not misguided.]

Archer: It's not misguided... you say?

[He's definitely your destined enemy.]

Archer: My destined... enemy. ... ... I see. Certainly, those words ring true to me as well.

[Let's go on a journey to find the answer.]

Archer: A journey... you say? ... You may be right. Who that man who throws my heart into such chaos. And what kind of person I myself should be. To find the answers to these questions...

[The sky clears.]

Scarlet: Honestly, how have you all lived until now? I can’t understand it.

Fuuka: What do you mean? We’ve lived normally.

Scarlet: Normally? Do you mean spending almost every day eating sweets?

Fuuka: Do I eat sweets that often?

Scarlet: You do. I’m talking about Caramia’s pancakes.

Fuuka: Those are like my staple food!

Scarlet: I’m saying that’s the problem. They can’t be good for you with all the honey and whipped cream you put on them.

Fuuka: But Dr. Crow praises me for being healthy...

Scarlet: That’s only for now. You see, the kind of illness I’m talking about lies dormant and then erupts later in life. I will improve your lifestyles before that happens. ...That is my mission.

Fuuka: (He’s so enthusiastic...) Are there things you can improve our lifestyles with in this forest?

Scarlet: Yes. You can find anything in forests. Naturally, there are edible plants, but there’s also meat and fish.

Fuuka: There aren’t any sweets.

Scarlet: ...Of course there aren’t. If cookies grew out of the ground, the uproar wouldn’t stop at people just being bewildered. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing sweet. There’s the nectar from flowers, and there are fruits for you to find if you search for them.

Fuuka: Huh. Forests are amazing places.

Scarlet: That’s right. And despite that, everything’s free, so they’re really... wonderful places. My... no, the Family I used to be a member of, the Grimm Family, didn’t have much money. So we often went out like this, all together. Hansel and Gretel, and...

Fuuka: Hameln?

Scarlet: Y-yes. ...That’s right. Hameln too. He knew more about forests than I do. He was so useless a human being that it was shocking, but I admired that part of him. This brings back memories...

Fuuka: Scarlet.

Scarlet: ...Sorry. I shouldn’t talk about things like this. I’m not Grimm anymore; I can’t cling to the past.

Fuuka: No. Those memories are important, so you don’t have to throw them away. I like it when you talk about the Grimm Family. You look so happy when you do, Scarlet.

Scarlet: But...

Fuuka: It’s alright here. You and I are the only ones here. So please tell me all about those fun times.

Scarlet: ...Okay, I understand. ...But could I secure some ingredients for food before I do?

Fuuka: Yes, of course!

Scarlet: Also... I might be getting ahead of myself, but if we could come here again like this, the two of us... Well...

Fuuka: Scarlet?

“Mm... So it’s morning already. Good morning. That, after I awake, your face is the first thing I see, is an unparalleled happiness.”

Guided by the sound of my alarm clock, echoing regularly, I open my eyelids. When I smile and say that to her, who is right within my field of vision, she, embarrassed, smiled back at me.

“...Good morning. I thought the same thing. And that this kind of feels like the lap of luxury.”

“Haha, I see.”

The fact that we harbored the same feelings also became joy and filled my heart. Suddenly, she reached out an arm and turned off the alarm--then, for some reason, stared hard at the clock.

“Hey... This clock isn’t broken, right? The time is earlier than usual.”

“Yes. I changed the settings.”

While my love for her intensified from the way she tilted her head to the side, I gently pulled on her arm and brought her back to lie on the bed again.

“This clock lets you set two alarms. I set the first to just a bit earlier than when we usually wake up, and the second to the very last second before we have to get ready.”

“?? Why?”

“...I wanted to spend my mornings with you a bit more peacefully, like we are now.”

As I spoke, I smoothly stroked her cheek. Maybe she agreed, because with a wry smile etched onto her face, she placed her own hand over the one I had against her cheek.

“Haha, I think I’ll end up having a hard time getting out of bed.”

“...Hey, what are you looking at? You’ve got to be tired of seeing me like this by now. ...Or maybe you’re conscious of me?”

That morning, when I returned to the living room after taking a shower, I was struck by an awfully ardent gaze. When I threw some teasing words asking if she was preoccupied by how the front of my shirt revealed my chest, she quickly turned her face away, looking mortified.

“Th-that’s not it. ...Uh, it’s just, I was thinking how you’ve become rugged while I wasn’t paying attention...”

“Isn’t it a bit late for this?”

“And when we were children, I was the taller one.”

“It’d be a problem if I was shorter than you at this age. I’d be pretty depressed.”

“That’s not what I meant... I had a dream of when we were kids.”

Now I understood; so that’s why she seemed strange. While feeling terribly let-down, I approached her and peered into her face.

“Don’t tell me you prefer the old me.”

“I won’t. Including... I do think that you’ve become a man, but you haven’t changed either.”

The important parts haven’t changed. The rest of her words took me by surprise. --At the same time, I felt such happiness that I couldn’t quite hide it, and a smile came to my face.

“...So you don’t deny that you’re conscious of me as a man, right?”

When, to hide my feelings, I asked her a question I knew the answer to, she again looked mortified.

“Of course I am, idiot.”

“Strangely, breakfasts that I eat with you seem to taste better than usual. ...I love you today as well.”

When I put my feelings into words while we were enjoying our after breakfast tea, her eyes went wide in surprise. Maybe she had come close to spitting her tea out because she had a small coughing fit.

“Wh-what? Why this all of a sudden?”

“I wanted to say it, so I said it; that’s all.

For some reason, she was glaring hard at me, as if on guard; I shrug at her. I can’t really talk, generally speaking, but isn’t there something wrong with being looked at suspiciously when you’ve tried to be honest about your feelings for once? I’m often told that my way of showing love is difficult to understand, so I put effort to fixing that daily, despite appearances. My brother often tells me that if I don’t want to break up with her, I should put in the effort to communicate my feelings.

“So? What about you?”

“Eh?”

“I gave you a passionate love confession this morning. It’s natural that you give me a response.”

“...Well, me too, of course.”

“Please say it properly.”

Her flustered face causes a mischievous feeling to well up inside of me, and a smile spontaneously comes to my face.

“...I love you too. Today, tomorrow, forever.”

At those words, delight and surprise assault me at the same time. Being surprised even though I’m the one who demanded she say it--being so delighted that it’s surprisingly, I’m twisted, like I thought. To gloss over her embarrassment, she looked down and drank her tea, and it took me several seconds to think of kissing those lips without giving her any warning.

“Mm~... We still...have time... So, alright? Sleep with me...? I want to sleep with you in my arms... for just a bit longer...”

While feeling fuzzy, like I was still dreaming, I embraced her body. I thought a gentle, soothing voice reached my ears, but it only pleasantly deepened my slumber.

“Hey... Hey. You’re still half-asleep, aren’t you...?”

“Mm...? Yep... I’m fine... I’m nooot half-asleep...”

“No, you totally are... That’s no good. You have to wake up now or you’ll be late.”

I feel someone gently pinching my cheek; my dim consciousness began to wake up. Considering I had a difficult time waking up, I woke up exceptionally faster than I usually did. There’d be no objections if I said that it was only due to the sensation of her smooth fingers touching my cheek.

“Yes, ma’aaam... I’m awake... Uhhh... But still, just a bit more...”

“Honestly... Alright, just a bit longer.”

Together with a sigh that contains her disbelief, I feel her head softly draw near my breast. In a corner of my still half-asleep head, I think, ‘Ah, what a waste.’ ‘I’ve actually got my beloved this close to me, but I’m not enjoying a moment like you’d have with a lover in a morning; unbelievable.

But the flowery smell of her hair, the warmth of her soft body. Engulfed by nothing but gentle things, I fall into a doze, my eyelids closing on their own.

“When we wake up... let me...”