Everything about Einzbern, the 'fate' of the Lesser Grail. The moment a portion of the Lesser Grail's functions was crudely released, the previously ignorant elementary schooler, Miss Illya, understood it all.
"No. This kind of thing, it's not allowed!" Irisviel frowned tightly, looking at Illya, whose eyes now glowed with a hint of the 'divinity' unique to the Lesser Grail, and grabbed [Illya]'s hand.
As an Einzbern, she knew better than anyone what would happen if Illya's functions as a Lesser Grail were activated.
That would lead the child down the same path as herself... This kind of thing, one of her was enough!
But the latter sighed and said:
"Mom, this is, and always has been, a part of Illya, isn't it?"
Indeed, the Kiritsugu and Irisviel from another world, in order to end the Holy Grail War and protect Illya, chose to seal the part of her that was the Lesser Grail. Although this was indeed out of goodwill, it also led to the 'past Illya' being in an extremely awkward situation.
Just as Chloe resentfully complained, she was created for the Holy Grail War, yet she was sealed, completely negating the meaning of her existence, even imprisoning her within the 'seal' all along.
Able to perceive everything outside, yet only able to watch from a bystander's perspective as her parents poured all the love they had once lavished on her onto another 'Illya'…
"This way, isn't it completely unfair to Illya?"
The girl's soft murmur fell upon Irisviel's ears, leaving her somewhat at a loss for a moment.
"Besides, what's more important should be... making a choice?"
"Mom, it's about time you had some opinions of your own."
Irisviel, struggling somewhat, happened to see Kiritsugu push open the door and enter. After glancing at '[Illya],' she instantly made up her mind. "Kiritsugu... let's withdraw from the Holy Grail War."
For Irisviel, an Einzbern homunculus, instilled with the fate of her family since birth, and also wanting to help Kiritsugu achieve his wish, just as '[Illya]' said, she actually had no opinions of her own.
Whether it was the fate of her family or the desire to help Kiritsugu achieve his wish, these were essentially just immature imitations, like a 'parrot learning to speak.' The former was because she was born that way, and the latter was because she found Kiritsugu's ideal indeed very moving, making her, as a homunculus, feel dazzled... However, was it really so?
Kiritsugu Emiya wanted to end the world's conflicts entirely because he had personally experienced all sorts of hardships.
But for Irisviel, even with magically instilled knowledge, the so-called 'hardships' were more like 'stories' that remained at the verbal stage. She only followed him because Kiritsugu wanted to do those things.
Although, considering her single-digit age and her nature as a homunculus, Irisviel's blind obedience was only natural.
But, like this, following her own will, voicing her own thoughts, that was undoubtedly what '[Illya]' had hoped to see all along. "..."
Kiritsugu remained silent.
"Kiritsugu... You..."
Seeing her husband's appearance, Irisviel seemed to realize something, bit her lip, and Kiritsugu lowered his head.
"Sorry... Irisviel."
The atmosphere changed slightly.
"...Is this the choice you've made? Kiritsugu?" [Illya] asked with a blank expression.
"Even though I've already told you—that Holy Grail cannot fulfill the vision you expect? You still insist on making such a choice? Kiritsugu Emiya?"
"...I can't just leave that thing alone."
Kiritsugu said so.
Honestly, after learning that the Holy Grail was tainted, he was somewhat desperate, even considering whether to abandon everything and elope with Irisviel and Illya. This thought was incredibly potent and tempting for a moment, almost making him decide. However, ultimately, his pursuit of that ideal made Kiritsugu give up all this and become even more determined to participate in the Holy Grail War.
After all, if everything '[Illya]' said was true, then as a champion of justice, he absolutely couldn't ignore the existence of the Black Grail.
He couldn't let others obtain that thing, and even if he himself could obtain it, he had to destroy it completely.
However, if he were to do so, it seemed he wouldn't be able to choose Irisviel, and might even have to become Illya's enemy—after all, only by completing the Holy Grail ritual would the Hole open and connect to the Lesser Grail. And as long as the Lesser Grail descended, Irisviel, as the vessel of the Lesser Grail, would automatically lose her functions.
But even so, he had to stop all that.
"Sigh..."
[Illya] sighed.
"Ano, I didn't want to say this, but people often try to measure others' determination through 'tests.' Although in my view, this kind of 'trial' is hard to avoid, attempting to test itself is a problem. For this reason, and also out of responsibility for this child, I concealed a part of it."
"But, if you're going to fight for the Holy Grail for such a reason, then it seems we can't continue like this."
"—The additional seven Servants who appeared unexpectedly, the meaning of their existence is precisely to 'purify' the tainted Holy Grail."
"Noble souls clashing against each other will wash away the Grail's defilement, returning everything to its origin."
"Having said that—do you understand? Even without Kiritsugu, the moment this Holy Grail War is completed, the All the World's Evils residing in the Hole will be eliminated."
The girl spoke calmly.
But—
Within these words, another truth was revealed to Kiritsugu Emiya.
That was.
The wish he longed for could indeed be realized through this Holy Grail.
That wish to end the world's conflicts, to become a champion of justice.
"This is the last time I'm persuading you. I don't really like doing this kind of thing, but... please don't disappoint this child, Kiritsugu... Dad." The silver-haired girl in a purple dress and purple hat had a hint of helplessness in her eyes.
Irisviel also pleaded:
"Kiritsugu... let's leave. I can accompany you to realize your ideal."
Although she was somewhat dissatisfied with Kiritsugu, Irisviel's feelings for this husband were still very strong.
Just like even if she became a Servant or something, she would still be willing to protect him.
A champion of justice. Even if he had to continue practicing this ideal in the future, just like the Kiritsugu and Irisviel from the other world, traveling globally, killing and burying, Irisviel had no objections.
It was merely a matter of running around.
But this Holy Grail War... Irisviel truly didn't want Kiritsugu to continue.
It was merely a matter of running around.
But this Holy Grail War… Irisviel truly didn't want Kiritsugu to continue.
"..."
Kiritsugu took a deep drag from his cigarette.
The solution for All the World's Evils basically negated his motivation as a champion of justice to intervene.
However, the integrity of the Holy Grail reawakened his commitment to his ideal.
Abandoning his ideal to choose his wife, to choose Illya... What he faced now was merely the temptation and desire brought by the Holy Grail.
....Ideal, or family.
He inexplicably thought of his childhood sweetheart, his father, and even his master... If he gave up now, wouldn't all the painful choices he had made in the past be sacrificed in vain? There were still more people waiting for him to save... A champion of justice...
...A champion of justice, huh...
Putting down his cigarette, his eyes showed no light, only emptiness.
"Sorry... Irisviel... Illya, I still want to try..."
To save more people, he could kill his own father.
For the people of a city, he could kill his beloved master.
To prevent the Black Grail's wish from coming true, he could kill his wife and daughter.
All just to become a "champion of justice."
"Is that so? Then I understand."
[Illya] nodded with a blank expression and slowly walked over to him.
The next moment—
"Slap—!"
After the crisp sound, a small, red handprint. The silver-haired girl's ruby-like, translucent eyes revealed a hint of 'coldness.'
"Although I have no opinion on your choice. This one was for Illya."
"You... you've disappointed this child."
Kiritsugu said nothing to this, only silently enduring the burning pain.
He was in great pain, yet he didn't regret it. After all, this man was such an existence. He would suffer, he would struggle, but in the end, with the ideal of a 'champion of justice,' he would advance, covered in scars.
However…
Completely undeserving of sympathy.
"...Leave this place, Kiritsugu."
Surprisingly, the one who spoke was little Illya. She bit her lip, looking as if she was about to cry, and issued an order to leave: "I don't want to see you for a while."
Kiritsugu said nothing. Although he was very hurt, he didn't say anything, only intending to leave with Irisviel.
However, his attempt to hold her hand was also avoided.
"Irisviel..."
"..." The usually gentle Irisviel leaned against the wall at this moment, her head lowered, her expression not very good, and said in a muffled voice: "Sorry, Kiritsugu, I also want to be quiet for a while." "Is that so."
"I understand."
Although he felt somewhat empty inside, Kiritsugu still nodded.
For some reason, he felt a little happy that Irisviel had made such a choice.
Although the man named Kiritsugu Emiya could indeed sacrifice everything for his ideal, his reluctance to sacrifice his wife and daughter was also genuine.
Like Irisviel, unconditionally giving everything for him, conversely made him feel even more guilty.
And now... although it was very hurtful for Kiritsugu personally, for him, who was already riddled with wounds, it was actually much better. Or perhaps, it was because he himself also felt that was the more correct choice...
However, he still couldn't let go of his ideal as a "champion of justice."
Just like the first day, the second night would not be so simple either.
The undercurrents were merely a prelude. The clash between Saber and Lancer could only be called foreplay.
Kiritsugu Emiya, having decided to continue participating in the Holy Grail War, couldn't possibly give up looking for opportunities. With Avalon's assistance, he, having quickly recovered from his injuries, would once again throw himself into battle.
After Kiritsugu left with Maiya Hisau, Irisviel remained in Illya's house.
"Sorry, Illya, Kiritsugu he..." Irisviel looked apologetically at the two Illyas present.
"It's fine. For me, it's nothing. In the end, it's just a personal choice—even if in my eyes, that person's choice is completely incorrect, and can't even be called self-pity."
"Rather, Irisviel, your choice surprised me a little."
"I thought you would still be running after Kiritsugu's coattails."
"Bang-"
Withdrawing her hand chop, Irisviel looked smilingly at '[Illya]' and little Illya, who were holding their heads.
"It's Mom! And it's not running after coattails... This is adult business!"
"I'm not Illya..."
"But I hit Illya—and since you're Illya now, you have to obediently call me Mom, the Illya from the other world too!" "I did call you... And it was Master who said it, why did you hit me..." Little Illya clutched her reddened forehead, tears welling up.
"This is called fair treatment."
"Being fair in a place where it's completely unnecessary."
"Encountered a terrible parent."
[Illya] sighed helplessly—Mr. Jiang Qiao had never suffered such a blow. Among the previous bodies, the only one where he almost met parents was when using '[Kiana],' and with Siegfried, he could easily subdue him just by showing his sweet little padded jacket side.
The others either didn't see their parents much, or had no parents at all... But now, using '[Illya],' he happened to bump into an 'unreasonable,' seemingly very mature, but actually very childish illegal wife.
The most undignified episode! Even after a showdown, still getting hit!
"Less nonsense... We're preparing to leave here tomorrow."
"That kind of thing is impossible... Illya is a Servant."
"Eh... Is that so! Then doesn't that mean we definitely have to fight the Holy Grail War... In that case, we should be with Kiritsugu, after all, more people mean more power, right?" Irisviel also instantly realized this. Although she was currently somewhat angry and annoyed by Kiritsugu's completely neglectful behavior, when it came to the upcoming Holy Grail War, she still had to act as a parent and consider how to get her child out safely.
"No way, this world's Kiritsugu is terrible." Little Illya looked disgusted and pursed her lips.
Undoubtedly, to have such an impact on the easily manageable little Illya, Mr. Kiritsugu, as a father, was indeed terrible to the extreme.
They couldn't get along, absolutely couldn't get along.
Even though little Illya's ideal was a very dreamy happy end—Kiritsugu Emiya's act of sacrificing his loved ones for his ideal was essentially completely incompatible with little Illya!
If not for the fact that he was her biological father, little Illya would have long since put him on the 'must eliminate' list, or the 'must undergo personality correction' list!
"Relax, with Master around, even without Kiritsugu, we can definitely win... Hmph!"
"Although I'm very happy you have such high expectations for me, at least have some awareness that 'you are the Servant'! If the Master solves all the enemies, then what use do I have for a parasite like you who only eats up rice!"
"Besides, there are a bunch of troublesome fellows among the enemies in this Holy Grail War."
[Illya] rolled her eyes somewhat unhappily, then sighed, glancing at the extremely ostentatious source of disturbance in the magic mirror that had made Kiritsugu take action.
The last new Seven Knight Servant, who had never shown up before, and even she herself had only discovered at this moment—
—Rider.