Difference between revisions of "Fate/Zero:Act 8 Part 1"

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Meat and wine line the table that is adorned by lines of shining candlesticks. The Erin nobles are gathered in the great banquet hall of the Midcuart, and this is the climax. However, the boasting of strength and the drinking contests are strictly forbidden today. The only thing that these uncultured warriors are drunk with is the fragrance of the graceful flower this evening.
 
   
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Yes, this is a feast to adore the flower. Grainne, the daughter of Cormac mac Airt, the High King of Ireland, is to be betrothed.
 
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Meat and wine adorn the table. Rows of brilliant and shining candlesticks.
   
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In the Midcuart large banquet hall, the Erin nobles have gathered, and now is the climax.
She is to be betrothed to the son of Cumhaill, Fionn mac Cumhaill, who received wisdom from the oil of the salmon of knowledge, the great warrior who controls the healing water. Unparalleled under the heavens, he is the head of a Fianna, a group of knights. His strength and fame could rival even that of the High King. In all the land, there should be no other marriage engagement as joyful as this.
 
   
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However, the ruffians' boasting of their strengths and their drinking contest are strictly forbidden on this day.
Accompanying this old warrior is his son, Oisin, who is also a poet, and his grandson, the warrior Oscar. And then, the mighty group of knights. The talented Cailte mac Ronain. Druid Diorruing. Goll mac Morna, the “Horror of the Battlefield”. Conan of the Gray Lashes. And finally, the one who surpasses even the greatest honor, Diarmuid Ua Dubhine of the love spot.
 
   
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These uncultured warriors are just drunk with the fragrance of the graceful flower this evening.
Each of them is a great warrior. Each of them adores and has sworn their unwavering loyalty to Fionn. They revere the great hero as their leader, entrusting their swords, weapons and lives to his. That is the honor of a knight, the true worth of warriors which is sung by the bards and passed down through the generations.
 
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Right, this is a feast to love the flower.
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Gráinne, the daughter of the High King of Ireland, Cormac mac Airt, is finally going to be betrothed.
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The person to whom she would be betrothed is Cumhaill's son, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Receiving intelligence from the oil of the salmon of knowledge, the great warrior who controls the healing water. Unparalleled under the heavens, he is the head of a Fianna, a group of knights. The warrior's strength and fame could even rival those of the High King. There should not be any other marriage engagement which is as joyful as this anywhere else.
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Accompanying the old warrior is his son, Oisín, who is also a poet; and also his grandchild, the warrior Oscar. And then, the almighty group of knights.
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The talented Caílte mac Rónáin. Druid Diorruing. “Horror of the Battlefield” Goll mac Morna. Conan of the Gray Lashes. And finally, the one which surpasses even the strongest honor, Diarmuid Ua Dubhine of the love spot.
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Each one of them is a great and no less inferior warrior. Amongst them, everyone adores and swear unwavering loyalty to Fionn. Revering the great hero as their leader, entrusting their swords, weapons and lives to that one life. This is a knight's honor. The true worth of warriors which is expressed by bards and handed down.
   
 
Yearning for that path.
 
Yearning for that path.
   
Walking down that path.
+
Going through that path.
   
They will still believe without a doubt, when they perish proudly on the battlefield ine day.
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Someday when they perish proudly in the battlefield, they would still believe without a doubt.
   
Until the banquet on that fateful night, when he encountered that flower…
+
Until the banquet on that fated night, when he happens to encounter that flower.
   
“In exchange for my love, accept this geis. My dear, annul this abominable marriage, no matter how you do it. Please take me away… to the ends of the earth!”
 
   
  +
“In exchange for my love, accept the geis. My dear, no matter how, annul this abominable marriage. Please take me away......to the ends of the earth!”
The eyes of the maiden flared with earnest love as she appealed to him, even as she shed her tears. This was something that would become the flames of purgatory that would scorch him to ashes. The hero had understood at that time.
 
   
And still, he had did not refused her.
 
   
  +
Appealing to him in tears, the eyes of the maiden were flaring with earnest love.
The weight of a geis that would test his honor, and the path he would follow as a loyal subject. Which was more precious, he thought. But no matter how many times he asked, struggled with himself, he could not arrive at an answer.
 
   
That is why the thing which drove him had nothing to do with his prode.
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That was something which would turn into the purgatory flames which would burn him to ashes......During that time, the hero was able to understand.
   
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The hero and the princess clasped hands, and together, they turned away from the glory of their respective futures. Thus, before long, he became a character in the Celtic legends which were passed down, and the curtains rose on the story of a tragic love…
 
  +
And yet, he still did not refuse.
   
  +
The weight of a geis which would test his honor, and the path of a loyal subject which he followed- as he thought, which one was more precious? No matter how many times he asked or struggled with himself, he did not arrive at an answer.
   
  +
That's why the thing which spurred him had to be a reason without any relation whatsoever with his pride.
Kayneth passed through that strange dreamscape as he woke from his sleep.
 
   
  +
The hero and the princess grasped hands, and together, turned away from the splendor of their futures.
It had been an ancient, distant scene that he had neither seen nor experienced. But it was not a mystery to him. Masters who have made a contract with their Servants are said to be able to occasionally catch a glimpse of the memory of a heroic spirit in the form of a dream.
 
   
  +
Thus, before long, he became someone in the Celtic legends which were passed down, and the curtains of the story of a tragic love were lifted up.
Kayneth would obviously be familiar with the legends surrounding the heroic spirit that he had summoned. But he had never thought that he would experience them to such an extent… the dream just now was unmistakably a scene from “The Legend of Diarmuid and Grainne”.
 
   
“But… why am I here?”
 
   
Still not fully awake, Kayneth looked around at his surroundings. He was lying in an empty room. The air, which carried the feeling of the dust in ruins, was filled by the cold air of a winter night. There were no signs of human activity or previous visits to this place; this cold place only held machinery.
 
   
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<center>※※※※※</center>
But this place was not unfamiliar to him. After the collapse of the Fuyuki Hyatt Hotel, this location, an abandoned factory outside the city, had become Kayneth’s temporary hiding place.
 
   
He tried to recollect his cloudy memories.
 
   
He had been in pursuit of Caster, and had followed his tracks to the Einzbern forest. Then, with the Servants battling behind him, he had tried to confront Saber’s master for a duel, on his own. He tried to recall the details, and then, humiliation and anger surged forth simultaneously, like water from a broken dam.
 
   
  +
Passing through that weird dream world, Kayneth woke up from his sleep.
He tried to clench his fist, in the throes of his uncontrollable rage, and that was when he finally realized it. Despite having woken from his sleep, the truth was that he had no feeling in his hands and legs at all.
 
   
  +
An ancient, distant scene which he had neither seen nor experienced. However, it was not something mysterious. Masters who signed a contract with their Servants, are said to be able to occasionally catch a glimpse of the memory of a heroic spirit in the form of a dream.
“Wh…”
 
   
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Kayneth writhed in agony, driven by bewilderment and fear. But his body did not move at all. He was facing upwards, on top of a simple bed. A belt bound his back and chest tightly. If he was merely unable to get up, he would have understood. What, then, was the reason behind his unresponsive arms and legs? He was only tied down at his torso. His limbs were free. Yet still, they could not move. It was as though his arms and legs did not exist.
 
  +
For Kayneth, of course he would be familiar with the legends associated with the heroic spirit he summoned. Although he had never thought that he could experience the spectacle to such an extent......the dream just now was unmistakably one of the scenes of “The Legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne”.
   
  +
“But......why am I here?”
“…Ah, it looks like you’ve woken up.”
 
   
  +
Not fully awake yet, Kayneth looked around his surrounding.
His beloved fiancee’s voice could be heard from somewhere beyond his field of vision. It seems Kayneth finally began to tire of it.
 
   
  +
He was lying at an empty room. The air which had a touch of but the dust in ruins, was dominated by the cold air of a winter night.
“Sola?! This – what on earth – w-why am I here?”
 
   
  +
Signs of human activity and previous visits to that place could not be found; a cold room with only machineries.
“Lancer carried you back. He rescued you from certain death. What’s the matter? You don’t remember at all?”
 
   
  +
It was not a place he did not recognize. After the collapse of Fuyuki Hyatt Hotel, this place had been Kayneth's temporary hiding place, the abandoned factory outside the city.
”I… was…”
 
   
  +
He tried to recollect his cloudy memory.
Shot. In the Einzbern castle. Just as he was about to kill that third-rate magus playing cheap tricks with his collection of toys…
 
   
  +
He was on the pursuit of Caster's tracks, and had struggled until the Einzbern forest. And then, with the battle of the Servants behind him, on his own, he tried to confront Saber's master for a duel......He tried to recollect the details, and simultaneously, humiliation and anger surged forth like a broken dam.
Yes, Volumen Hydrargyrum should have shielded him from his enemy’s bullets. He could still clearly remember that moment when he had been absolutely certain of his victory. However, his memory ended there. Some unknown, excruciating pain had struck him. Something had happened. And when he came to, he was on his back, in this place. He wasn’t even sure how much time had passed.
 
   
  +
At his uncontrollably violent fury, he tried to grasp his fist, and he finally realized. In spite of the fact that he had awakened from his sleep, the truth was that he had no senses in his hands and legs at all.
Sola placed her fingers on Kayneth’s arms, like a doctor palpating for injuries. However, he couldn’t feel them – he couldn’t feel anything in his body.
 
   
  +
“Wh......”
“It seems that the Magic Circuits throughout your entire body went berserk. Your internal organs were almost destroyed. The muscles and nerves throughout your body were damaged. It was a miracle you did not die instantly.”
 
   
  +
Driven by bewilderment and fear, Kayneth writhed in agony. But, his body did not move at all. From the top of a simple bed, he was facing upwards. His chest and back were tightly bound by a belt.
“…”
 
   
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For the time being, I’ve managed to restore your internal organs. However, there’s nothing I can do about your nerves. At this rate, even if you heal in time, don’t expect to be able to run or even stand. Besides…”
 
  +
If it was only that he could not get up, he understood. Yet, what did it mean by his unresponsive hands and legs?
   
  +
The part of him which was tied down was only his torso. There weren't any binds at his limbs. But still...they could not move. It was as if his arms and legs did not exist.
The despair grew in Kayneth as he continued listening to his fiancee’s diagnosis without interest. Self-injury caused by an overload and rampage of his own prana. For a magus, this was a fate that was both close to him and more fatal than anything else. But he knew what it meant, even if he felt that such an elementary mistake was beneath him.
 
   
  +
“...Looks like you have regained your consciousness huh.”
“…besides, Kayneth… your Magic Circuits are completely destroyed. You can never use magecraft again.”
 
   
  +
From somewhere beyond his field of vision, his beloved fiancee's voice could be heard. Looks like Kayneth finally started finding fault with that sound. <!--物音を聞き咎めて-->
“I… I…”
 
   
  +
“Sola!? This, what on earth......Wh-why I am here?”
Tears welled up in the eyes of the man who was once famed as the prodigy Lord El-Melloi. Why had such a fate befallen him? He did not understand at all. The world was supposed to bless him. As a genius, limitless splendor and a glorious future should have been his birthright.
 
   
  +
“Lancer carried you back. He rescued you from your predicament. What's the matter? You can't recall it at all?”
The principles of the world in which Kayneth lived crumbled, leaving no trace of them behind. Frightened by cruel reality and this senseless injustice visited upon him, he simply broke down in tears. Right now, Kayneth was like an infant who had understood the true meaning of fear.
 
   
  +
“I was......”
“Don’t cry, Kayneth. It is still too early to give up.”
 
   
  +
Shot. In the Einzbern castle, just as he was about to kill the make-believe ends and odds magus who pulled cheap tricks......
Sola caressed his face while whispering in a comforting voice. It was common for her affection toward her fiancé to be delayed, even when he needed it.
 
   
  +
Yet, he should have been shielded from his enemy's bullets by Volumen Hydrargyrum. He could clearly feel that moment when he was certain of his victory.
“The Holy Grail War is still going on. Kayneth, these are the fruits of your plans! As long as I am here, as the source of prana, the contract with Lancer can continue. We have not lost yet.”
 
   
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“…Sola?”
 
  +
However, his memory was interrupted there. Some unknown, excruciating pain had struck him- apparently, something had happened. <!-- そんな気がしなくもない--> When he came to, he was lying down on his back. He was not even sure how much time had passed.
   
  +
In the manner of a palpating doctor, she placed her fingers on Kayneth's arm. However, Kayneth's body senses were completely absent.
“If the Holy Grail is an omnipotent wish machine, it should be possible to completely restore your body, right? It’ll be fine if you win. If you remain in the war and obtain the Holy Grail, everything will be back to normal.”
 
   
  +
“There is evidence that the Magic Circuit in your whole body went berserk. Your internal organs were almost destroyed. Everywhere throughout your body, your muscles and nerves were damaged. It was a miracle that you did not die instantly.”
“…”
 
   
  +
“............”
Sola’s words should cheer him up, give him hope. The encouragement of her as his partner and fiancée should give him courage.
 
   
  +
“For the time being, I had only managed to restore your internal organs. There's nothing I can do about your nerves. At this rate, even if you heal as time passed, don't wish for recovery to the extent that you can stand and run. Besides that-”
And yet, why did this feeling of unease race through his heart like a draught?
 
   
  +
Listening disinterestedly to his fiancee's diagnosis, Kayneth was gradually tormented by despair.
Whether or not it was because she could sense his doubts, she was holding his right hand, smiling like a loving mother. The two remaining Command Spells still remained on its back, creeping up the base of his fingers.
 
   
  +
Self-injury because of the rampage of his prana. For a magus, an end which is the nearest to himself, and more fatal than anything else.
“That’s why, Kayneth… please hand these Command Spells to me. I will take over as Lancer’s Master to bring you the Holy Grail.”
 
  +
  +
Just because Kayneth felt that he was completely not associated with the making of such an elementary mistake, there was no reason for him not to know what that end meant.
  +
  +
“Besides that- Kayneth, your Magic Circuit was completely destroyed. You cannot use magecraft again.”
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“I......I......”
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Tears welled in the eyes of the man who was once reputed to be the prodigy Lord El-Melloi.
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Why did he receive such an ill treatment? He did not understand at all. The world was supposed to be blessing Kayneth. Unlimited future and splendor were supposed to be guaranteed for that genius.
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The principles of the world in which Kayneth trusted collapsed noisily, leaving no trace whatsoever.
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At this excessively cruel truth, at such incomprehensible unreasonableness, he simply became frightened and broke down in tears. The Kayneth right now was similar to an infant who had understood what fear is for the first time.
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“Don't cry, Kayneth. It is still too early to give up.”
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Whilst whispering in a comforting voice, Sola caressed his face. In times when he needed it, it is common for her display of affection towards her fiance to be slightly late.
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“The Holy Grail war is still going on. Kayneth, the fruits of your plans! As long as I, the source of prana, am here, the contract with lancer can still continue. We have not lost yet.”
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“......Sola?”
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“If the Holy Grail is an omnipotent wish granter, a complete recovery for your body should be entirely possible, right? It'll be great if you win. If you remain in the war and obtain the Holy Grail, everything will be back to normal.”
  +
  +
“............”
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Sora-Ui's words should cheer Kayneth up and give him hope. The encouragement of her as his partner and supporting fiancee ought to, above all else, give him courage.
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And yet- why did an indescribable uneasiness blow through Kayneth's heart like a draught?
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Whether or not it was because of her knowledge of his doubts, displaying the smile of an affectionate mother, she held Kayneth's right arm. At the back of his hand which was made impotent, there were still two Command Spells remaining, creeping on his fingers.
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“That's why, Kayneth......Please hand these Command Spells to me. I will take over Lancer as a Master. To bring you the Holy Grail.”
   
 
“N-no!”
 
“N-no!”
   
That reflexive response was probably born of his animal instinct. Having lost everything else, these two Command Spells were the last treasures he had. I must not let them go, his spirit screamed.
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His immediate response was probably because of his brute instinct. Having lost everything, these two Command Spells were the last mementoes he had- ''I must not let it go'', Kayneth's spirit was screaming that.
   
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Facing Kayneth who became afraid for no reason, in a way as if soothing a resentful child, Sola continued her words.
Sola continued speaking in soothing tones to the irrationally frightened Kayneth.
 
   
“Don’t you trust me? Although I don’t have a magic crest, I am still a magus of the Sophia-Ri family. Is it odd for me to carry out Lord El-Melloi’s duties as one who is going to marry into the Archibalds?
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“Don't you trust me? Although I don't have a magic crest, I am still a magus from the Sophia-Ri family. I who am going to marry to the Archibalds; for me to carry out Lord El-Melloi's duty, is there anything strange with it?
   
“No, but…”
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“No, but......”
   
  +
Its logic was resounding within him.
The logic was resounding within him. In this state, it would certainly be difficult just to go to the battleground now to oversee Lancer’s battles. With these injuries, he could not even protect himself. It would be just like the Einzberns to send an assassin or some other agent at the Master watching the battle between the Servants, and he would probably lose his life this time.
 
   
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Certainly, it was now hard for him to go to the battleground and watch over Lancer's battles. Now that things had come to such a pass, he could not even protect himself. Just like what the Einzberns would do, if they were to set an assassin or something like that towards the Master at the side of the battle between the Servants, he might really lose his life this time.
Sola’s rank as a magus is far below Kayneth’s. However, there were combatants in the war who should not have been capable of participating as Masters, such as Alexander’s summoner, Waver and the bloodthirsty murderer who had formed a contract with Caster. And where battle tactics were concerned, it was not entirely impossible even for Sola to win through the engagements.
 
   
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And the Command Spells which made a Servant submit to a Master were indispensable. But still…
 
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Sola's rank as a magus is severely inferior to Kayneth. However, Waver who summoned Alexander, and the bloodthirsty murderer who formed a contract with Caster; those whose participations as Masters were completely out of the question, were still in this Holy Grail war. As for battle tactics, even for Sola, it is not entirely impossible for her to win through the battles.
   
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And then, when it comes to using a Servant, Command Spells which make them submit to the Master are indispensable. But still...
He remembered the hot-eyed look on Sola's face when she was gazing at Lancer, late at night after the first battle had ended. It had been an intoxicated glance, as though she were dreaming. It was something she had never shown him, her fiancé, before.
 
   
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Kayneth remembered. The hot look Sola had whilst gazing at Lancer at the hotel late at night after his first battle ended. An intoxicated glance as if she was dreaming, something not shown to him, her fiance, before.
If she was merely fascinated by a handsome man, then that would still be excusable. Women were like that. As her husband, he could not resent her for her admiration for a man like that.
 
   
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If she was merely fascinated by a handsome man, then that is still excusable. It is just a small, problematic indisposition a woman has. Her admiration towards man <!-- Not sure here. その程度で目くじらを立てていては夫など務まらない --> to that extent was something which he, as her husband, could not help with.
Yet, Lancer was no ordinary “handsome man”…
 
   
  +
Yet, Lancer was said to be a case of “not just an ordinary handsome guy”.
“…Sola. Do you think Lancer would turn away from me and swear allegiance to you?”
 
   
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“......Sola. Do you think that Lancer would turn away from me and swear allegiance to you?”
Sola turned to Kayneth, who had quashed his reluctance to ask her that question, and nodded.
 
   
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Towards Kayneth who had killed his reluctance and asked, without any hesitation, Sola nodded.
“In the end, he is still a person who answered the call of the Holy Grail. His heart that seeks it is one with ours. Even if he had to change his Master, he would endure and accept it for his goal.”
 
   
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“He is still but someone who responded to the invitation of the Holy Grail. His heart which seeks the Holy Grail is together with us. Even if his Master is substituted, for the sake of his goal, he would endure and accept it.”
“That is… wrong,” Kayneth said within his heart. Sola may or may not have known, but the heroic spirit Diarmuid Ua Dubhine was hardly such a noble person.
 
   
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It was true that heroic spirits called by the Holy Grail as Servants would form all sorts of contracts in order to participate in the Holy Grail War. They were expected to have their own reasons for seeking the Holy Grail. Because they have wishes they have entrusted to the Grail, they submit to their Masters and charge out together to receive the Grail’s blessings.
 
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“That is......wrong.”
   
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Kayneth said within his heart. Sola may or may not know, but Diarmuid Ua Dubhine, the heroic spirit, is not such a commendable person.
Because of that, a Master would begin his address to the summoned heroic spirit that would be his Servant by asking his wish. Why he had responded to the summons, and what he hoped to gain from seeking the Grail. If these reasons were not made clear and agreeable to both parties, their relationship would not work out. This is because, if by any chance, their respective wishes ended up contradicting each other, it might result in a painful betrayal once they acquire the Holy Grail.
 
   
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Certainly, heroic spirits who are called by the Holy Grail as Servants, would form any contract in order to participate in the Holy Grail War. As heroic spirits or not, they are expected to have a reason for seeking the Holy Grail. Because they have wishes they have charged to the Holy Grail, they submit to their own Masters, and dash forward together to receive the blessings of the Holy Grail.
Naturally, Kayneth had asked Diarmuid about his wishes earlier on, as well as what he would do if they managed to obtain the Holy Grail. However, the heroic spirit did not answer.
 
   
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Because of that, a Servant's Master would face the summoned heroic spirit and start by asking his wish. What he wished for to seek the Holy Grail, why he had responded to his summon and appeared. As long as those reasons were not cleared up, their relationship would not work out. This is because, by any chance, if their respective wishes are totally contradictory, he may go through a painful betrayal once they acquire the Holy Grail.
No, that was incorrect. Diarmuid did not refuse to reply – rather, he had denied the question itself.
 
  +
  +
Naturally, Kayneth had already asked Diarmuid about his wishes earlier on. Along with or not whether he had wanted to do anything in the event that they managed to procure the Holy Grail.
  +
  +
Nevertheless, the heroic spirit did not answer.
  +
  +
No, that is not correct. Diarmuid did not refuse to reply. Just that he denied the question itself.
   
 
In other words, “he was not seeking the Holy Grail”.
 
In other words, “he was not seeking the Holy Grail”.
   
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Compensation was not necessary. His only wish was to dedicate his loyalty to the summoner who would be his Master in this life, to fulfil his honor as a knight.
 
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Repayments are not necessary. To merely devote his loyalty to his summoner who is his Master in this life, to fulfil his honor as a knight. That is his only wish.
   
Kayneth did not understand. It made no sense for a person famed as a heroic spirit to abandon his pride and be the familiar of a human being without some great reason. It would certainly not be “free service” or similar bad jokes. Yet, no matter how skillfully Kayneth tried to question Lancer, the Servant did not take back his previous answer.
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He could not understand. For a person who was renowned enough to be a heroic spirit to abandon his pride and be the familiar of a human being, it doesn't add up if he did not have a great reason as well. It did not turn out to be “free service” or other jokes. <!-- 無償奉公など笑い話にもなりはしない。 -->
   
  +
Yet, no matter how skillfully he tried to question him, stubbornly, Lancer did not take back his previous answer.
“If I can fulfil my honor as a knight, I will be content. I will cede the wishing machine, the Holy Grail, to my Master.”
 
   
  +
“If I can fulfill my honor as a knight, that would be good enough. I will cede the wishing machine, the Holy Grail to Master alone.”
Lancer had continued refusing the Holy Grail all this time, with that same persistence.
 
   
  +
All the time, with that persistence, Lancer continued to refuse the Holy Grail.
…and if Kayneth were to reflect on it, it is possible that since that time, he had begun to distrust the Servant he had contracted with. It is impossible for a Servant not to seek the Holy Grail. If that was the case, then Lancer was definitely lying. His true intentions were something else.
 
   
  +
...If he were to reflect on it, it is possible that since that time, he started to feel distrust towards the Servant he contracted with.
‘’But that’s fine as well’’, he thought. The Command Spells rested on Kayneth’s hands. With this absolute authority over Diarmuid in his possession, betrayal by his Servant would be impossible. Servants were tools, after all, no different from any ordinary machine. A tool could not hide malice in its heart. As long as it carried out its function, that would be good enough. That was Kayneth’s opinion until last night.
 
   
  +
It is impossible for a Servant not to seek the Holy Grail.
Nevertheless, Kayneth could not be so tolerant, seeing as Sola did not doubt Lancer at all. If he obeys Sola… if he believes Diarmuid’s words, then what drove him would not be the Holy Grail.
 
   
  +
If that's the case, Lancer's answer was definitely an obvious lie. His true intentions were definitely hidden.
He is a heroic spirit that must not be trusted. In the first place, that was what the stories in his time said. After all, wasn’t he the treacherous subordinate who stole his lord’s fiancé and fled…?
 
   
  +
''That's fine as well,'' he thought. On Kayneth hands are the Command Spells. As long as he has this absolute commanding authority, Diarmuid's betrayal is impossible. Servants are after all, just tools, no different from any ordinary machines. It is not a problem for something like a tool to have anything bad hidden within its heart. If it can carry out its functions perfectly, then that is good enough. That was Kayneth's decision until yesterday night.
“I won’t hand the Command Spells over,” Kayneth declared. “Command Spells and Magic Circuits are different forms of magecraft. I can still use the Spells. I am still Lancer’s Master!”
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 262==== -->
Sola sighed. The gentle smile of her face vanished as she did.
 
  +
Nevertheless, in front of Sola who did not doubt Lancer at all, Kayneth could not be as tolerating as before.
   
  +
If that guy abides by Sola...if he believes that guy's words...then unmistakably, he is driven by a wish different from the Holy Grail.
“Kayneth… you don’t understand, huh? We have to win, no matter what.”
 
   
  +
He is a heroic spirit which must not be trusted. To begin with, that was the case in the stories of his lifetime. Wasn't him the treacherous subordinate who stole his lord's fiance and fled......?
‘’Krak.’’ It was the sound of a dry twig being snapped. Sola had casually twisted off the little finger of the right hand she had been treating so gently just now. As expected, there was no pain. But the numbness only increased Kayneth’s fear. She could have twisted off the remaining four fingers, one by one, without encountering any resistance.’
 
   
  +
“The Command Spells......I'm not handing them over.”
“Hey, Kayneth. At my current level of spiritual healing, I can’t remove your Command Spells by force. I can only remove them without problem when the owner consents.”
 
   
  +
Plainly, Kayneth declared.
She said so without any expression, with that same gentle, calm voice, as though she were trying to persuade a stupid child.
 
   
  +
“Command Spells and Magic Circuits are different systems of magecraft. Now, I can still exercise it. I......right now, I am still Lancer's Master!”
“But if you don’t consent… then I’ll have no choice but to cut off the entire arm. What do you think?”
 
   
  +
''Huhh...'' Sola sighed deeply.
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 263==== -->
In the darkness, at the rear entrance of the abandoned factory, there was only the quiet thicket. Exposing herself to the cold night air, Sola called out to the formless sentry after waiting for the heat of her excitement to cool down.
 
  +
Along with that long sigh, the gentle smile on her face vanished.
   
  +
“Kayneth, you don't understand huh......Whatever the case, we must win.”
“Lancer, please come to me. I have something to say.”
 
   
  +
''Kruck'', The dry sound of a twig being stepped on could be heard.
Diarmuid immediately materializes beside her, in compliance to her call. Though his eyes are humbly downcast, the love spot below them emphasizes his presence, imbuing it with a bewitching quality. His lightweight armor, designed for ease of movement, only serves to show the confidence and pose of his body, which is tensed like a bird of prey’s.
 
   
  +
From Kayneth's right hand which she had been treating gently until now, Sola casually twisted his little finger off.
No matter how many times she’s seen him before, she still sighs. The core of her body heated up.
 
   
  +
As usual, there was no pain. However, that numbness caused Kayneth's fear to multiple. Just like that, without encountering any resistance, she could have easily twist off the remaining four fingers one by one.
“Is there anything abnormal outside?”
 
   
  +
“Hey, Kayneth. For my standard of spiritual healing techniques<!-- Any better ideas? 霊媒治療術-->, it is impossible for me to forcibly extract your Command Spell. Only when there is consent from the owner himself, I can remove THIS without any resistance.”
”Right now, this place is safe. I have occasionally felt the presence of what seem to be the remaining demons from Caster. But they still have not caught our scent for an attack. Lord Kayneth’s boundary field around this place has not fallen yet.”
 
   
  +
Saying that without any expression, only her gentle voice was like just now, unchanged. As if trying to persuade a dull-witted child, she continued to the end, calmly.
Sola felt relieved as she nodded. If Lancer had been concentrating so hard on his vigil, he should not have noticed what was happening inside the building.
 
   
  +
“If you don't consent no matter what......I cannot do anything else but to cut down this right arm. How about it?”
“Very well, Sola-sama. How is Lord Kayneth’s condition?”
 
   
”Not good. I have applied the usual treatment… but although his arms are recovering slowly, his legs are probably done for.”
 
   
Sola lowers her head gloomily. It would seem Lancer was still feeling responsible for Kayneth’s injury.
 
   
“If I had understood the situation more clearly… my Master would not have been brought to the brink of death right under my nose…”
 
   
“You were not aware of it. Kayneth reaped what he sowed. He was too eager to win the Grail War.”
 
   
  +
At the rear entrance of the abandoned factory, in the darkness, the thicket which had reverted back to its quietness, grew luxuriantly.
“No, but…”
 
   
  +
Exposing herself to the cold night air, after waiting for the heat of her excitement to cool down, Sola called out to the shapeless sentry.
Sola hardens her resolve toward the hesitating Lancer, and speaks the words in her heart.
 
   
  +
“Lancer, please come forth. I have something to say.”
“He is not suited to be your Master, Diarmuid.”
 
   
  +
Complying to her call, the heroic spirit, Diarmuid immediately materialized beside her.
Lancer is silent, staring at Sola’s face. Repressing her heart, which had already been ensorcelled by a mere glance at his face, she lifted the back of her right hand to show him. The Command Spells which were supposed to still be on Kayneth’s hand until just a while ago are distinctly etched there.
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 264==== -->
“Kayneth has renounced his participation in the battle, and given his authority as a Master to me. From tonight onwards, Lancer – you are ‘’my’’ Lancer.”
 
  +
Under the eyes which were facing down humbly, there was this love spot which further emphasized his existence bewitchingly. Prioritizing his ease of movements, his lightweight armor emphasizes more strongly the fearlessness of his body, which is tense like the birds of prey.
   
  +
No matter how many times she had seen him, she still let out a sigh. The core of her body heated up.
“…”
 
   
  +
“Are there anything abnormal outside?”
After looking down in silence for a while, he shook his head, as though he were otherwise engaged.
 
   
  +
“Right now, this place is safe. Occasionally, there is this presence which felt like the loitering demons which came from Caster. But they do not seem to have sniffed this place out and come to attack us. The boundary field Lord Kayneth set has not fallen apart yet.”
“I have sworn loyalty to Lord Kayneth as a knight. Sola-sama… I cannot consent to that request.”
 
   
  +
Nodding, Sola felt relieved inside her heart. If Lancer had been on the lookout so seriously, he should not have noticed the incident which had occurred inside the building.
“You… you can’t?!”
 
   
  +
“Right, Sola-sama. How is Lord Kayneth's condition?”
Sola is the one who is confused by this reaction, which has betrayed all her expectations.
 
   
  +
“Not good. I have applied the usual treatment, but......although his arms are recovering slowly, his legs are probably over.”
“From the start, it was ‘’my’’ prana which kept you in this world as a Servant, right? Now I even have the Command Spells! This time, I alone should be your true Master!”
 
   
  +
With a gloomy expression, Sola lowered her head. Looks like this scrupulous heroic spirit was still feeling responsible for Kayneth's injury.
“Receiving your prana and being bound by the Command Spells… these words are not related at all.”
 
   
  +
“If I had discerned the situation more carefully......my master would not have forced to the point of death right under my nose......”
Eyes downcast in apology, Lancer continues. “I am a knight before I am a Lancer.”
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 265==== -->
“…Am I not fit to be a Master, Diarmuid?”
 
  +
“You were not aware of it. Kayneth reaps what he sows. He probably wanted to win this Holy Grail war too much.”
   
  +
“No, but......”
“The two of them are different-“
 
   
  +
Towards the hesitating Lancer, Sola hardened her resolve, and let out the words within her heart.
“’’Look me in the eyes and say that!”’’
 
   
  +
“He is not appropriate to be your Master, Diarmuid.”
Her rebuke makes Lancer lift his face to meet hers. But those eyes, brimming with tears, were far beyond what Lancer had expected to see. More importantly, it was accompanied with an unpleasant sense of déjà vu.
 
   
  +
Lancer was silent, and stared fixedly at Sola's face. Pinning down her heart which was entranced by merely this straight look, she lifted up the back of her right hand and showed it to Lancer.
Once, there was a lady whom he had faced that had pleaded with him with tears like those.
 
   
  +
Distinctly etched onto it was two Command Spells which were supposed to still be on Kayneth's hand until just a while ago.
“…Lancer, fight with me. Protect me, support me, capture the Holy Grail with me-”
 
   
  +
“Kayneth has renounced his fighting, and hand over his authority as a Master to me. From tonight onwards, Lancer- you are my Lancer.”
“I cannot do that. If Lord Kayneth has renounced his desire to do battle, then I cannot wish for the Holy Grail as well.”
 
   
  +
“............”
Sola almost blurted out the words that she could not hold back, so strong were her feelings. After waiting for her throbbing heart to calm down, barely able to restrain herself, she continued stiffly.
 
   
  +
After being silent and looked down for a short while, as if already employed, he shook his head.
“If you persist in the capacity of Kayneth’s knight, Lancer, then you must struggle even harder to win the Grail. I have already told you of his condition. It would take a miracle to heal that body of his. Only the Holy Grail can grant that, right?”
 
   
  +
“I have sworn loyalty to Lord Kayneth as a knight. Sola-sama......I cannot consent to that request.”
“…”
 
   
  +
“No way!?”
Lancer fell silent again. This time, his silence was one of approval.
 
   
  +
At that reaction which betrayed her expectations, the one who was rather confused was Sola.
“If you feel responsible for his injury, if you want to fight for his honor, if you do not offer the Holy Grail to your Master…”
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 266==== -->
“…Sola-sama, as Lord Kayneth’s partner, you only seek the Holy Grail for Lord Kayneth. Is that correct?”
 
  +
“From the start, it is because of my prana that you are still a Servant in this present world right? And now, I even have as far as the Command Spells. This time, I alone should be your genuine contractor!”
   
  +
“Receiving your prana, being bound by the Command Spells; these words are not related at all.”
“O-of course.” Sola replies with a gulp, suddenly aware of Lancer’s quiet gaze.
 
   
  +
Casting down his eyes apologetically, Lancer continued quietly.
“Will you swear on it? That you have no ulterior motives?”
 
   
  +
“Above being a Lancer, I was a knight before this. There can only be a master to whom I would devote my loyalty. Sola-sama, please forgive me.”
She had wanted to burst into tears. She had wanted to scream in a thoroughly unladylike manner, clinging to this lovely man, giving voice to what was in her heart. But if she were to do so, he would probably refuse her point blank this time. She could not express her heart. At least, not now.
 
   
  +
“......Am I not fit to be a Master? Diarmuid.”
“-I swear. As Kayneth El-Melloi’s wife, I will offer the Holy Grail to my husband.”
 
   
  +
“This and that are different-”
After hearing that oath, Lancer nodded, his quiet expression finally relaxing. There was something there which was probably too faint to be called a smile, but nevertheless, Sola was over the moon. That was because at last, he had smiled to her.
 
   
  +
“Look into my eyes and speak!”
‘’That’s right, it doesn’t matter even if it’s a lie,’’ her hidden heart thinks again.
 
   
  +
At her reprimand, reluctantly, Lancer lifted his face up, and faced her directly. Those eyes which were brimming with tears was way beyond what Lancer had expected...moreover, it was accompanied by the most unpleasant déjà vu.
She did not care what she did, as long as she could preserve her ties with this man now. No matter how despicable the lie, she would speak it, for their sake. She would not let anyone reprove her for that. That’s right – she would never allow anyone to get in her way.
 
   
  +
Formerly, he had also faced a lady before who had pleaded with him with tears in such a manner.
He is not a human, but a spiritual being from another world, a temporary visitor. He was nothing more than a transient miracle brought forth by the Holy Grail. Yet, her feelings were unchanged.
 
   
  +
“......Lancer, fight with me. Protect me, support me, capture the Holy Grail with me.”
If she were to think back, ever since she had reached the age of reasoning, her heart had frozen. Sola, a child born into a family of magecraft that already had a legitimate heir, had not been brought up with the heart of a woman. She was a vessel for the blood of magecraft, refined repeatedly through the generations. She was worth nothing apart from that.
 
   
  +
“I cannot do that. If Lord Kayneth had renounced fighting, I cannot wish for the Holy Grail as well.”
In other words, ever since her birthing cries, she had had no other ‘’use’’ other than arranged marriage.
 
   
  +
Greatly agitated, Sola almost blurted the words which she could not hold back. Barely restraining herself, after waiting for her throbbing heart to calm down, she continued in a stiff voice.
She did not regret it. She did not question it. There was no choice for her to make. She had readily obeyed the arranged marriage that her parents had made for her. Her frozen soul had not felt any despair in having to call this man, that she was thoroughly uninterested in, her husband for the rest of her life.
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 267==== -->
However, it is different now. Before this, had she ever felt her heart beat so hotly, so strongly before?
 
  +
“If you are still persisting on being Kayneth's knight, Lancer, then you have to strive hard to win the Holy Grail all the more. I have already told you his condition just now. For that body to heal, the help of a miracle is absolutely necessary. Only the Holy Grail fits it, right?”
   
  +
“............”
Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri’s heart was no longer frozen. That was because she knew the warmth of a heart that was madly in love.
 
   
  +
Lancer felt silent again. However, this time his silence was affirming and acquiescent.
Even after Sola returned to her bedroom, Lancer remained alone outside, standing guard. Sleep was unnecessary for Servants. As long as they have an adequate prana supply from their Masters, weariness was not a concern for their bodies.
 
   
  +
“If you feel responsible for his injury, if you think of regaining Lord El-Melloi's dignity, if you do not proffer the Holy Grail to your Master...”
As a result, he had no way to forget his troubles by sleeping.
 
   
  +
“......Sola-sama, as Lord Kayneth's partner, you seek the Holy Grail only for Lord Kayneth. Is that right?”
Lancer sighed as he recalled Sola’s words, over and over again.
 
   
  +
“Th-that's, of course.”
That look of helpless abandon, which pleaded with him wholeheartedly, pitifully, was too similar to the look of his “wife” in the past.
 
   
  +
At Lancer's quiet gaze, Sola gulped and replied.
Princess Grainne. The one who had placed the geis of betrayal on him, who had made him fall from the status of a glorious hero to that of a mere refugee. Yet, Diarmuid had never resented her.
 
   
  +
“Can you please swear it? That you have no ulterior motives.”
Even if her passion had been born solely from her captivation by his Mystic Face, her choice to flee from the seat of Midcuart’s banquet was a decision that, as far as she was concerned, came at the risk of her life. The ties with her relatives, her pride as a princess, the promised glory of the future… Grainne had turned her back on everything and chose to walk down that road of love with Diarmuid. If it had begun because of the mystical power of his charm, the day when she would doubt his love would probably come. Nevertheless, Grainne continued this way of life with him, not caring if such a day would ever come.
 
   
  +
She had wanted to burst into tears if she could. Screaming in an unladylike manner, whilst clinging onto this lovely man, expressing what's in her heart.
Diarmuid was dragged into this disaster – this was what others saw. But Diarmuid himself never saw it that way. His heart ached more for his partner than it did for himself. He did not yield to the weight of the geis that tested his pride. There was reluctance. There were struggles. He was distressed by the perversion of his loyalty toward his lord, Fionn mac Cumhaill. In the end, he was attracted to the courage of Grainne, this woman who had believed in her feelings until the end, and he too, had loved her until the end.
 
   
  +
Still, if she were to do so, this haughty heroic spirit would probably refuse her point blank this time. She could not express her heart. At least not now.
Naturally, their path was full of hardships.
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 268==== -->
Driven by jealousy and resentment, Fionn Mac Cumhaill mobilized all his subordinates to pursue the fleeing pair, hunting them down like wild animals. While protecting the princess, Diarmuid resolved not to cross weapons with the knights of Fionn, for they had been his friends. However, he showed no such mercy to the foreign pursuers that had been assemble because of Fionn’s pact with them.
 
  +
“-I swear. As Kayneth El-Melloi's wife, I will offer the Holy Grail to my husband.”
   
  +
After taking that oath in a firm voice, Lancer finally relaxed his expression, and nodded quietly.
His fight with the giant Searban, his battle with the nine Garbs, his fight with Fionn’s nanny, the “Witch of the Millstone”… In the end, the tales of Diarmuid’s valor exceeded themselves with each telling, and he was forever cast as the one who had planned the flight with Princess Grainne. This was far too ironic a tale for one who had been known by others as the most noble subject.
 
  +
  +
That was something which was probably too faint to be called a smile. Nevertheless, Sola was over the moon. This is because at last, his expression which showed signs of a smile was directed towards her.
  +
  +
That's right, it didn't matter even if it was a lie—Sola thought about her hidden heart again.
  +
  +
If she could preserve her ties with this man now, no matter in what way, it didn't matter. For this sake, no matter how despicable the lie was, she would say it. She would not let anyone rebuke her for that. That's right, never- she would never allow anyone to hinder her.
  +
  +
He is not a human, but a spiritual being temporarily visiting from another world. A transient miracle brought forth by the Holy Grail. Yet, Sola's feelings did not change.
  +
  +
If she were to think back, ever since she had reached the age of reasoning, her heart had frozen. For Sola who was given birth to a family of magecraft who already had a legitimate child, she was not brought up with the feelings of a woman. <!-- Not sure about this: 女としての感情を養う意味などありはしなかったのだから-->
  +
  +
The magecraft's blood which was refined repeatedly throughout generations. A lady whose worth was nothing but that.
  +
  +
In other words, ever since the time the cry of the baby was heard, she had no other USAGE other than for the arranged marriage.
  +
  +
She did not feel regretful. She did not even harbor questions. There was no leeway for her to choose. She obeyed the arranged marriage her parents agreed upon quite willingly. Her frozen soul did not feel any lament towards having to call the man she was utterly uninterested in, husband, for the rest of her life.
  +
  +
<!-- ====Page 269==== -->
  +
However, it is different now.
  +
  +
Before this, has she ever heatedly felt her heart throbbing so rapidly before?
  +
  +
Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri's heart was no longer frozen. That is because she knew the warmth of her heart which was madly in love.
  +
  +
  +
  +
  +
  +
Even after Sola returned to her bedroom, Lancer was still remaining outside alone, standing guard. For Servants, sleep is not necessary. As long as they have enough supply of prana from their Masters, weariness is unrelated to their body.
  +
  +
Consequently, he had no way to forget his troubles by sleeping,
  +
  +
Recalling Sola's words again and again, Lancer let out a sigh.
  +
  +
That look which abandoned everything and pleaded with him wholeheartedly and pitifully, was too similar to the look of his “wife” in the past.
  +
  +
Princess Gráinne.
  +
  +
Imposing the geis of betrayal on him, the perpetrator who caused him to fall from the position of a glorious hero to that of a refugee. However, Diarmuid never resented her.
  +
  +
<!-- ====Page 270====-->
  +
Without any other reason, even if it were a passion which was solely due to captivation from the Mystic Face of the hero, her choice of running away from the seat of Micuart's banquet for this sake was a decision that, as far as the lady is concerned, was at the risk of her life.
  +
  +
The ties with her relatives, the pride of the princess, and also the promised glory of the future......Turning her back to everything, Gráinne chose the pathway of love with Diarmuid. If that beginning was because of the mystical force of his charm, the day when she would doubt her love would probably come. Nevertheless, without any fear towards such a future, Gráinne continued her way of life with love.
  +
  +
Diarmuid was dragged into this disaster; this is the view of others. Still, the person himself, Diarmuid, did not have such perception. Above his own suffering, he was the man who constantly felt more heartache at that of his partner.
  +
  +
At the weight of the geis which tested his pride, he did not even yield to it. There was reluctance. There were struggles as well. That was why he felt distressed at his perversion towards the ruler, Fionn mac. In the end, he grew attached to the courage of Gráinne, this woman, who believed in her feelings until the end; and loved her to the end.
  +
  +
Naturally, their pathway of love was full of hardships.
  +
  +
Driven by jealousy and resentment, Fionn mac Cumhaill mobilized everyone of his subordinates to pursue the two of them who had taken flight, and hunted them down like a wild beast. Whilst protecting the princess, Diarmuid resolved not to cross weapons with the knights under Fionn, with whom he was friends. However, towards the foreign pursuers who were assembled because of Fionn's pact with them, he did nothing but bare his fangs.
  +
  +
<!-- ====Page 271====-->
  +
His fight with the giant Searban, his fights with the nine Garbs, his fight with Fionn's nanny, “Witch of the Millstone”......The consequence was, Diarmuid's getting stuck at using his valor which surpassed the previous achievements established in the knight troupe, again and again; to formulate the flight with Princess Gráinne. As for him who was known by others as the most noble subject, that was too ironic an epic.
   
 
Loyalty? Love?
 
Loyalty? Love?
   
Even as he tore his enemies apart with his twin lances, so was his heart rent asunder, by the torment of his contradicting loyalty and geis, and by the meaningless death he wrought as his spears pierced through his enemies.
+
Whilst cutting up the enemies with both his lances, his heart was torn apart again. Though being tormented by the dilemma of his contradicting loyalty and geis, his refined, twin lances pierced through the previous enemies, meaninglessly bringing about deaths.
  +
  +
A lady and two men- Because of merely the sentiments and obstinacy, much blood was spilled.
  +
  +
At the end of the day, the one who was heartbroken after the futility of these sacrifice, was still Fionn. The old master recognized to Diarmuid and Gráinne's marriage, bestowed a proper title and territory, and welcomed him as a subject again.
  +
  +
The reconciliation Diarmuid wanted unceasingly. Yet, that ending was just the harbinger of the conclusive catastrophe.
  +
  +
<!-- ====Page 272====-->
  +
One day, Diarmuid who was hunting together with Fionn, received a deep wound from a wild boar's fangs. That was a mortal wound, but since Fionn was beside him, he was not afraid. That's because, with the records of countless miracles as a hero attached to him, Fionn could transform spring water scooped with his hands into a miracle drug.
  +
  +
Yet, in front of a subject on the verge of death, the thing which went to and fro in the old master's mind, was the bitter jealousy of the dispute for one woman.
  +
  +
The well from which spring water flowed out, was only nine steps away from the collapsed Diarmuid.
  +
  +
In order for Fionn to cure the knight's wound, he only had to walk nine steps and bring back the water. That alone would suffice. Nevertheless, in spite of such a short distance, water spilled from his hands twice.
  +
  +
And then at the third time he scooped the water, Diarmuid, the hero's breathing stopped.
   
  +
-Now, being invited to the present world again as a Servant, looking back at his end during those bygone days, Diarmuid had no sense of regret at all. He did not have any intention of cursing anyone. He wanted to reply to his wife's love. He could understand Fionn's anger as well. It was just that the twist of fate was way too cruel.
Much blood had been spilled from the sentiments and obstinacy of two men and a lady. And at the end of the day, the one who was hurt most after these futile sacrifices was still Fionn. The old man finally recognized Diarmuid and Grainne’s marriage, bestowed a proper title and lands on them, and welcomed him as a subject again. That had been the reconciliation that Diarmuid ahd always wanted. But that had just been the beginning.
 
   
  +
It was not just a life full of suffering and anguish only. The glass by which he drank with the king, and the whispers-containing lovers' talks as well, were left within him as irreplaceable memories. Although the end was tragic, Diarmuid did not consider being dissatisfied with God's will. This is because he and the others around him had earnestly lived their lives to the fullest.
One day, Diarmuid received a deep wound from a wild boar’s tusks while hunting with Fionn. Though it would have been mortal, Diarmuid was not afraid, This was because Fionn was beside him, Fionn, who was famous, among countless miracles attributed to him as a hero, for being able to transform spring water scooped up in his hands into a miraculous elixir.
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 273====-->
Yet, before his subject who lay at the verge of death, the thing that was foremost in the old lord’s mind was his bitter jealousy over the dispute for one woman.
 
  +
He did not deny the one life which had passed by him.
   
  +
Still, suppose that...
In order for Fionn to cure the knight’s wound, he had but to walk nine steps and bring back the water. That alone would have sufficed. Nevertheless, in spite of such a short distance, the water drained from between his fingers twice.
 
   
  +
He becomes a knight again, picks up his spears, and lives a second life......
And when Fionn scooped up the water for the third time, Diarmuid the hero breathed his last.
 
   
  +
This supposedly impossible miracle was borne within heroic spirit Diarmuid's heart.
Now, brought back to this world again as a Servant, looking back at his end in those bygone days, Diarmuid felt no regret. He had no desire to curse or blame anyone. He wanted to return his wife’s love. He could understand Fionn’s anger as well. It was simply because fate had been too cruel.
 
   
  +
His crushed former honor. His pride which could not be fulfilled. A chance to pick it up <!--拾い直す--> again. That was everything Diarmuid wished for.
It had not just been a life of suffering and anguish. The glass with which he had drank with the king, the whispers and the lovers’ words; they were all left within him as irreplaceable memories. Although his end had been a tragic one, Diarmuid was not unhappy with God’s will. That was because he and everyone around him had lived their lives as earnestly and fully as they could.
 
   
  +
A path of life with his long-cherished wishes, which did not come true in his previous life.
He did not deny that one lifetime which had passed him by.
 
   
  +
This time, surely, his path of faithfulness...
Still, imagine if…
 
   
  +
Together with a loyalty without any shadow of doubt, the honor of lifting up the victory to his master...
He became a knight again, picked up his spears, and lived another life…
 
   
  +
In short, there was absolutely no wish Lancer charged towards the Holy Grail. Receiving a master for a second time, during the times when he stood at the battlefield called “Fuyuki”, his wish was already half achieved.
This supposedly impossible miracle was born within the heart of the heroic spirit Diarmuid.
 
   
  +
And the other half would be accomplished when he attain victory. Bringing the Holy Grail back to his Master, the moment the fruits of his loyalty take shape, his everything would be fulfilled.
His shattered honor. His unfulfilled pride. A chance to take them back again – that was all Diarmuid wished for. A chance to fulfil all those long-cherished wishes, which he could not do in his prevous life.
 
   
  +
That was supposed to be only it. He was never supposed to have a wish beyond that.
This time, surely, his path of faithfulness…
 
   
  +
However, Diarmuid's path right now, was beginning to be shrouded with ominous dark clouds. In between his new ruler's time, the Mystic Face which he was burdened with, was trying to drive the wedge in again.
His loyalty, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the honor of winning victory for his master…
 
   
  +
<!-- ====Page 274====-->
In short, there was no wish that Lancer desired from the Holy Grail. His wish had already been half-achieved after receiving a master for the second time and standing at the battlefield called Fuyuki. The other half would be accomplished when he attained victory. Everything would be fulfilled when he brought the Holy Grail back to his Master and saw the fruits of his loyalty.
 
  +
If Sola could come to the realization that she was only foolishly entranced by the Mystic Face, the worst case scenario could be avoided.
   
  +
Yet, if she were to become the second Gráinne and cling onto him tightly, during that time, would he be able to shake off the woman's feelings?
That was supposed to be the whole of it. He was never supposed to desire anything beyond that.
 
   
  +
This was supposed to be a battle to compensate for his tragic fate. If that happens, he would never want to repeat the tragic fate.
However, ominous dark clouds were drawing themselves over Diarmuid’s path. This Mystic Face that he was burdened with was trying to drive a wedge between himself and his new master.
 
   
  +
But still, how should he do it?
If Sola realized that she had simply been mesmerized by his Mystic Face, the worst-case scenario could be avoided. But if she were to become the second Grainne and cling to him with all her life, would he be able to shake off her feelings? This was supposed to be a battle to atone for the tragedy of his life. If he could help it, he would never want to repeat that fate again.
 
   
  +
In the midst of the darkness of the still night, having no way to even discover the answer, Lancer just looked up to the moon in agony, doing nothing else.
But how would he do it?
 
   
In the still darkness of the night, without knowing how to even begin to answer that question, Lancer gazed up to the moon in silent agony.
 
   
 
<noinclude>
 
<noinclude>

Latest revision as of 14:51, 14 February 2018

Act 8

-122:18:42[edit]

Meat and wine adorn the table. Rows of brilliant and shining candlesticks.

In the Midcuart large banquet hall, the Erin nobles have gathered, and now is the climax.

However, the ruffians' boasting of their strengths and their drinking contest are strictly forbidden on this day.

These uncultured warriors are just drunk with the fragrance of the graceful flower this evening.

Right, this is a feast to love the flower.

Gráinne, the daughter of the High King of Ireland, Cormac mac Airt, is finally going to be betrothed.

The person to whom she would be betrothed is Cumhaill's son, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Receiving intelligence from the oil of the salmon of knowledge, the great warrior who controls the healing water. Unparalleled under the heavens, he is the head of a Fianna, a group of knights. The warrior's strength and fame could even rival those of the High King. There should not be any other marriage engagement which is as joyful as this anywhere else.

Accompanying the old warrior is his son, Oisín, who is also a poet; and also his grandchild, the warrior Oscar. And then, the almighty group of knights.

The talented Caílte mac Rónáin. Druid Diorruing. “Horror of the Battlefield” Goll mac Morna. Conan of the Gray Lashes. And finally, the one which surpasses even the strongest honor, Diarmuid Ua Dubhine of the love spot.

Each one of them is a great and no less inferior warrior. Amongst them, everyone adores and swear unwavering loyalty to Fionn. Revering the great hero as their leader, entrusting their swords, weapons and lives to that one life. This is a knight's honor. The true worth of warriors which is expressed by bards and handed down.

Yearning for that path.

Going through that path.

Someday when they perish proudly in the battlefield, they would still believe without a doubt.

Until the banquet on that fated night, when he happens to encounter that flower.


“In exchange for my love, accept the geis. My dear, no matter how, annul this abominable marriage. Please take me away......to the ends of the earth!”


Appealing to him in tears, the eyes of the maiden were flaring with earnest love.

That was something which would turn into the purgatory flames which would burn him to ashes......During that time, the hero was able to understand.

And yet, he still did not refuse.

The weight of a geis which would test his honor, and the path of a loyal subject which he followed- as he thought, which one was more precious? No matter how many times he asked or struggled with himself, he did not arrive at an answer.

That's why the thing which spurred him had to be a reason without any relation whatsoever with his pride.

The hero and the princess grasped hands, and together, turned away from the splendor of their futures.

Thus, before long, he became someone in the Celtic legends which were passed down, and the curtains of the story of a tragic love were lifted up.


※※※※※


Passing through that weird dream world, Kayneth woke up from his sleep.

An ancient, distant scene which he had neither seen nor experienced. However, it was not something mysterious. Masters who signed a contract with their Servants, are said to be able to occasionally catch a glimpse of the memory of a heroic spirit in the form of a dream.

For Kayneth, of course he would be familiar with the legends associated with the heroic spirit he summoned. Although he had never thought that he could experience the spectacle to such an extent......the dream just now was unmistakably one of the scenes of “The Legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne”.

“But......why am I here?”

Not fully awake yet, Kayneth looked around his surrounding.

He was lying at an empty room. The air which had a touch of but the dust in ruins, was dominated by the cold air of a winter night.

Signs of human activity and previous visits to that place could not be found; a cold room with only machineries.

It was not a place he did not recognize. After the collapse of Fuyuki Hyatt Hotel, this place had been Kayneth's temporary hiding place, the abandoned factory outside the city.

He tried to recollect his cloudy memory.

He was on the pursuit of Caster's tracks, and had struggled until the Einzbern forest. And then, with the battle of the Servants behind him, on his own, he tried to confront Saber's master for a duel......He tried to recollect the details, and simultaneously, humiliation and anger surged forth like a broken dam.

At his uncontrollably violent fury, he tried to grasp his fist, and he finally realized. In spite of the fact that he had awakened from his sleep, the truth was that he had no senses in his hands and legs at all.

“Wh......”

Driven by bewilderment and fear, Kayneth writhed in agony. But, his body did not move at all. From the top of a simple bed, he was facing upwards. His chest and back were tightly bound by a belt.

If it was only that he could not get up, he understood. Yet, what did it mean by his unresponsive hands and legs?

The part of him which was tied down was only his torso. There weren't any binds at his limbs. But still...they could not move. It was as if his arms and legs did not exist.

“...Looks like you have regained your consciousness huh.”

From somewhere beyond his field of vision, his beloved fiancee's voice could be heard. Looks like Kayneth finally started finding fault with that sound.

“Sola!? This, what on earth......Wh-why I am here?”

“Lancer carried you back. He rescued you from your predicament. What's the matter? You can't recall it at all?”

“I was......”

Shot. In the Einzbern castle, just as he was about to kill the make-believe ends and odds magus who pulled cheap tricks......

Yet, he should have been shielded from his enemy's bullets by Volumen Hydrargyrum. He could clearly feel that moment when he was certain of his victory.

However, his memory was interrupted there. Some unknown, excruciating pain had struck him- apparently, something had happened. When he came to, he was lying down on his back. He was not even sure how much time had passed.

In the manner of a palpating doctor, she placed her fingers on Kayneth's arm. However, Kayneth's body senses were completely absent.

“There is evidence that the Magic Circuit in your whole body went berserk. Your internal organs were almost destroyed. Everywhere throughout your body, your muscles and nerves were damaged. It was a miracle that you did not die instantly.”

“............”

“For the time being, I had only managed to restore your internal organs. There's nothing I can do about your nerves. At this rate, even if you heal as time passed, don't wish for recovery to the extent that you can stand and run. Besides that-”

Listening disinterestedly to his fiancee's diagnosis, Kayneth was gradually tormented by despair.

Self-injury because of the rampage of his prana. For a magus, an end which is the nearest to himself, and more fatal than anything else.

Just because Kayneth felt that he was completely not associated with the making of such an elementary mistake, there was no reason for him not to know what that end meant.

“Besides that- Kayneth, your Magic Circuit was completely destroyed. You cannot use magecraft again.”

“I......I......”

Tears welled in the eyes of the man who was once reputed to be the prodigy Lord El-Melloi.

Why did he receive such an ill treatment? He did not understand at all. The world was supposed to be blessing Kayneth. Unlimited future and splendor were supposed to be guaranteed for that genius.

The principles of the world in which Kayneth trusted collapsed noisily, leaving no trace whatsoever.

At this excessively cruel truth, at such incomprehensible unreasonableness, he simply became frightened and broke down in tears. The Kayneth right now was similar to an infant who had understood what fear is for the first time.

“Don't cry, Kayneth. It is still too early to give up.”

Whilst whispering in a comforting voice, Sola caressed his face. In times when he needed it, it is common for her display of affection towards her fiance to be slightly late.

“The Holy Grail war is still going on. Kayneth, the fruits of your plans! As long as I, the source of prana, am here, the contract with lancer can still continue. We have not lost yet.”

“......Sola?”

“If the Holy Grail is an omnipotent wish granter, a complete recovery for your body should be entirely possible, right? It'll be great if you win. If you remain in the war and obtain the Holy Grail, everything will be back to normal.”

“............”

Sora-Ui's words should cheer Kayneth up and give him hope. The encouragement of her as his partner and supporting fiancee ought to, above all else, give him courage.

And yet- why did an indescribable uneasiness blow through Kayneth's heart like a draught?

Whether or not it was because of her knowledge of his doubts, displaying the smile of an affectionate mother, she held Kayneth's right arm. At the back of his hand which was made impotent, there were still two Command Spells remaining, creeping on his fingers.

“That's why, Kayneth......Please hand these Command Spells to me. I will take over Lancer as a Master. To bring you the Holy Grail.”

“N-no!”

His immediate response was probably because of his brute instinct. Having lost everything, these two Command Spells were the last mementoes he had- I must not let it go, Kayneth's spirit was screaming that.

Facing Kayneth who became afraid for no reason, in a way as if soothing a resentful child, Sola continued her words.

“Don't you trust me? Although I don't have a magic crest, I am still a magus from the Sophia-Ri family. I who am going to marry to the Archibalds; for me to carry out Lord El-Melloi's duty, is there anything strange with it?”

“No, but......”

Its logic was resounding within him.

Certainly, it was now hard for him to go to the battleground and watch over Lancer's battles. Now that things had come to such a pass, he could not even protect himself. Just like what the Einzberns would do, if they were to set an assassin or something like that towards the Master at the side of the battle between the Servants, he might really lose his life this time.

Sola's rank as a magus is severely inferior to Kayneth. However, Waver who summoned Alexander, and the bloodthirsty murderer who formed a contract with Caster; those whose participations as Masters were completely out of the question, were still in this Holy Grail war. As for battle tactics, even for Sola, it is not entirely impossible for her to win through the battles.

And then, when it comes to using a Servant, Command Spells which make them submit to the Master are indispensable. But still...

Kayneth remembered. The hot look Sola had whilst gazing at Lancer at the hotel late at night after his first battle ended. An intoxicated glance as if she was dreaming, something not shown to him, her fiance, before.

If she was merely fascinated by a handsome man, then that is still excusable. It is just a small, problematic indisposition a woman has. Her admiration towards man to that extent was something which he, as her husband, could not help with.

Yet, Lancer was said to be a case of “not just an ordinary handsome guy”.

“......Sola. Do you think that Lancer would turn away from me and swear allegiance to you?”

Towards Kayneth who had killed his reluctance and asked, without any hesitation, Sola nodded.

“He is still but someone who responded to the invitation of the Holy Grail. His heart which seeks the Holy Grail is together with us. Even if his Master is substituted, for the sake of his goal, he would endure and accept it.”

“That is......wrong.”

Kayneth said within his heart. Sola may or may not know, but Diarmuid Ua Dubhine, the heroic spirit, is not such a commendable person.

Certainly, heroic spirits who are called by the Holy Grail as Servants, would form any contract in order to participate in the Holy Grail War. As heroic spirits or not, they are expected to have a reason for seeking the Holy Grail. Because they have wishes they have charged to the Holy Grail, they submit to their own Masters, and dash forward together to receive the blessings of the Holy Grail.

Because of that, a Servant's Master would face the summoned heroic spirit and start by asking his wish. What he wished for to seek the Holy Grail, why he had responded to his summon and appeared. As long as those reasons were not cleared up, their relationship would not work out. This is because, by any chance, if their respective wishes are totally contradictory, he may go through a painful betrayal once they acquire the Holy Grail.

Naturally, Kayneth had already asked Diarmuid about his wishes earlier on. Along with or not whether he had wanted to do anything in the event that they managed to procure the Holy Grail.

Nevertheless, the heroic spirit did not answer.

No, that is not correct. Diarmuid did not refuse to reply. Just that he denied the question itself.

In other words, “he was not seeking the Holy Grail”.

Repayments are not necessary. To merely devote his loyalty to his summoner who is his Master in this life, to fulfil his honor as a knight. That is his only wish.

He could not understand. For a person who was renowned enough to be a heroic spirit to abandon his pride and be the familiar of a human being, it doesn't add up if he did not have a great reason as well. It did not turn out to be “free service” or other jokes.

Yet, no matter how skillfully he tried to question him, stubbornly, Lancer did not take back his previous answer.

“If I can fulfill my honor as a knight, that would be good enough. I will cede the wishing machine, the Holy Grail to Master alone.”

All the time, with that persistence, Lancer continued to refuse the Holy Grail.

...If he were to reflect on it, it is possible that since that time, he started to feel distrust towards the Servant he contracted with.

It is impossible for a Servant not to seek the Holy Grail.

If that's the case, Lancer's answer was definitely an obvious lie. His true intentions were definitely hidden.

That's fine as well, he thought. On Kayneth hands are the Command Spells. As long as he has this absolute commanding authority, Diarmuid's betrayal is impossible. Servants are after all, just tools, no different from any ordinary machines. It is not a problem for something like a tool to have anything bad hidden within its heart. If it can carry out its functions perfectly, then that is good enough. That was Kayneth's decision until yesterday night.

Nevertheless, in front of Sola who did not doubt Lancer at all, Kayneth could not be as tolerating as before.

If that guy abides by Sola...if he believes that guy's words...then unmistakably, he is driven by a wish different from the Holy Grail.

He is a heroic spirit which must not be trusted. To begin with, that was the case in the stories of his lifetime. Wasn't him the treacherous subordinate who stole his lord's fiance and fled......?

“The Command Spells......I'm not handing them over.”

Plainly, Kayneth declared.

“Command Spells and Magic Circuits are different systems of magecraft. Now, I can still exercise it. I......right now, I am still Lancer's Master!”

Huhh... Sola sighed deeply.

Along with that long sigh, the gentle smile on her face vanished.

“Kayneth, you don't understand huh......Whatever the case, we must win.”

Kruck, The dry sound of a twig being stepped on could be heard.

From Kayneth's right hand which she had been treating gently until now, Sola casually twisted his little finger off.

As usual, there was no pain. However, that numbness caused Kayneth's fear to multiple. Just like that, without encountering any resistance, she could have easily twist off the remaining four fingers one by one.

“Hey, Kayneth. For my standard of spiritual healing techniques, it is impossible for me to forcibly extract your Command Spell. Only when there is consent from the owner himself, I can remove THIS without any resistance.”

Saying that without any expression, only her gentle voice was like just now, unchanged. As if trying to persuade a dull-witted child, she continued to the end, calmly.

“If you don't consent no matter what......I cannot do anything else but to cut down this right arm. How about it?”



At the rear entrance of the abandoned factory, in the darkness, the thicket which had reverted back to its quietness, grew luxuriantly.

Exposing herself to the cold night air, after waiting for the heat of her excitement to cool down, Sola called out to the shapeless sentry.

“Lancer, please come forth. I have something to say.”

Complying to her call, the heroic spirit, Diarmuid immediately materialized beside her.

Under the eyes which were facing down humbly, there was this love spot which further emphasized his existence bewitchingly. Prioritizing his ease of movements, his lightweight armor emphasizes more strongly the fearlessness of his body, which is tense like the birds of prey.

No matter how many times she had seen him, she still let out a sigh. The core of her body heated up.

“Are there anything abnormal outside?”

“Right now, this place is safe. Occasionally, there is this presence which felt like the loitering demons which came from Caster. But they do not seem to have sniffed this place out and come to attack us. The boundary field Lord Kayneth set has not fallen apart yet.”

Nodding, Sola felt relieved inside her heart. If Lancer had been on the lookout so seriously, he should not have noticed the incident which had occurred inside the building.

“Right, Sola-sama. How is Lord Kayneth's condition?”

“Not good. I have applied the usual treatment, but......although his arms are recovering slowly, his legs are probably over.”

With a gloomy expression, Sola lowered her head. Looks like this scrupulous heroic spirit was still feeling responsible for Kayneth's injury.

“If I had discerned the situation more carefully......my master would not have forced to the point of death right under my nose......”

“You were not aware of it. Kayneth reaps what he sows. He probably wanted to win this Holy Grail war too much.”

“No, but......”

Towards the hesitating Lancer, Sola hardened her resolve, and let out the words within her heart.

“He is not appropriate to be your Master, Diarmuid.”

Lancer was silent, and stared fixedly at Sola's face. Pinning down her heart which was entranced by merely this straight look, she lifted up the back of her right hand and showed it to Lancer.

Distinctly etched onto it was two Command Spells which were supposed to still be on Kayneth's hand until just a while ago.

“Kayneth has renounced his fighting, and hand over his authority as a Master to me. From tonight onwards, Lancer- you are my Lancer.”

“............”

After being silent and looked down for a short while, as if already employed, he shook his head.

“I have sworn loyalty to Lord Kayneth as a knight. Sola-sama......I cannot consent to that request.”

“No way!?”

At that reaction which betrayed her expectations, the one who was rather confused was Sola.

“From the start, it is because of my prana that you are still a Servant in this present world right? And now, I even have as far as the Command Spells. This time, I alone should be your genuine contractor!”

“Receiving your prana, being bound by the Command Spells; these words are not related at all.”

Casting down his eyes apologetically, Lancer continued quietly.

“Above being a Lancer, I was a knight before this. There can only be a master to whom I would devote my loyalty. Sola-sama, please forgive me.”

“......Am I not fit to be a Master? Diarmuid.”

“This and that are different-”

“Look into my eyes and speak!”

At her reprimand, reluctantly, Lancer lifted his face up, and faced her directly. Those eyes which were brimming with tears was way beyond what Lancer had expected...moreover, it was accompanied by the most unpleasant déjà vu.

Formerly, he had also faced a lady before who had pleaded with him with tears in such a manner.

“......Lancer, fight with me. Protect me, support me, capture the Holy Grail with me.”

“I cannot do that. If Lord Kayneth had renounced fighting, I cannot wish for the Holy Grail as well.”

Greatly agitated, Sola almost blurted the words which she could not hold back. Barely restraining herself, after waiting for her throbbing heart to calm down, she continued in a stiff voice.

“If you are still persisting on being Kayneth's knight, Lancer, then you have to strive hard to win the Holy Grail all the more. I have already told you his condition just now. For that body to heal, the help of a miracle is absolutely necessary. Only the Holy Grail fits it, right?”

“............”

Lancer felt silent again. However, this time his silence was affirming and acquiescent.

“If you feel responsible for his injury, if you think of regaining Lord El-Melloi's dignity, if you do not proffer the Holy Grail to your Master...”

“......Sola-sama, as Lord Kayneth's partner, you seek the Holy Grail only for Lord Kayneth. Is that right?”

“Th-that's, of course.”

At Lancer's quiet gaze, Sola gulped and replied.

“Can you please swear it? That you have no ulterior motives.”

She had wanted to burst into tears if she could. Screaming in an unladylike manner, whilst clinging onto this lovely man, expressing what's in her heart.

Still, if she were to do so, this haughty heroic spirit would probably refuse her point blank this time. She could not express her heart. At least not now.

“-I swear. As Kayneth El-Melloi's wife, I will offer the Holy Grail to my husband.”

After taking that oath in a firm voice, Lancer finally relaxed his expression, and nodded quietly.

That was something which was probably too faint to be called a smile. Nevertheless, Sola was over the moon. This is because at last, his expression which showed signs of a smile was directed towards her.

That's right, it didn't matter even if it was a lie—Sola thought about her hidden heart again.

If she could preserve her ties with this man now, no matter in what way, it didn't matter. For this sake, no matter how despicable the lie was, she would say it. She would not let anyone rebuke her for that. That's right, never- she would never allow anyone to hinder her.

He is not a human, but a spiritual being temporarily visiting from another world. A transient miracle brought forth by the Holy Grail. Yet, Sola's feelings did not change.

If she were to think back, ever since she had reached the age of reasoning, her heart had frozen. For Sola who was given birth to a family of magecraft who already had a legitimate child, she was not brought up with the feelings of a woman.

The magecraft's blood which was refined repeatedly throughout generations. A lady whose worth was nothing but that.

In other words, ever since the time the cry of the baby was heard, she had no other USAGE other than for the arranged marriage.

She did not feel regretful. She did not even harbor questions. There was no leeway for her to choose. She obeyed the arranged marriage her parents agreed upon quite willingly. Her frozen soul did not feel any lament towards having to call the man she was utterly uninterested in, husband, for the rest of her life.

However, it is different now.

Before this, has she ever heatedly felt her heart throbbing so rapidly before?

Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri's heart was no longer frozen. That is because she knew the warmth of her heart which was madly in love.



Even after Sola returned to her bedroom, Lancer was still remaining outside alone, standing guard. For Servants, sleep is not necessary. As long as they have enough supply of prana from their Masters, weariness is unrelated to their body.

Consequently, he had no way to forget his troubles by sleeping,

Recalling Sola's words again and again, Lancer let out a sigh.

That look which abandoned everything and pleaded with him wholeheartedly and pitifully, was too similar to the look of his “wife” in the past.

Princess Gráinne.

Imposing the geis of betrayal on him, the perpetrator who caused him to fall from the position of a glorious hero to that of a refugee. However, Diarmuid never resented her.

Without any other reason, even if it were a passion which was solely due to captivation from the Mystic Face of the hero, her choice of running away from the seat of Micuart's banquet for this sake was a decision that, as far as the lady is concerned, was at the risk of her life.

The ties with her relatives, the pride of the princess, and also the promised glory of the future......Turning her back to everything, Gráinne chose the pathway of love with Diarmuid. If that beginning was because of the mystical force of his charm, the day when she would doubt her love would probably come. Nevertheless, without any fear towards such a future, Gráinne continued her way of life with love.

Diarmuid was dragged into this disaster; this is the view of others. Still, the person himself, Diarmuid, did not have such perception. Above his own suffering, he was the man who constantly felt more heartache at that of his partner.

At the weight of the geis which tested his pride, he did not even yield to it. There was reluctance. There were struggles as well. That was why he felt distressed at his perversion towards the ruler, Fionn mac. In the end, he grew attached to the courage of Gráinne, this woman, who believed in her feelings until the end; and loved her to the end.

Naturally, their pathway of love was full of hardships.

Driven by jealousy and resentment, Fionn mac Cumhaill mobilized everyone of his subordinates to pursue the two of them who had taken flight, and hunted them down like a wild beast. Whilst protecting the princess, Diarmuid resolved not to cross weapons with the knights under Fionn, with whom he was friends. However, towards the foreign pursuers who were assembled because of Fionn's pact with them, he did nothing but bare his fangs.

His fight with the giant Searban, his fights with the nine Garbs, his fight with Fionn's nanny, “Witch of the Millstone”......The consequence was, Diarmuid's getting stuck at using his valor which surpassed the previous achievements established in the knight troupe, again and again; to formulate the flight with Princess Gráinne. As for him who was known by others as the most noble subject, that was too ironic an epic.

Loyalty? Love?

Whilst cutting up the enemies with both his lances, his heart was torn apart again. Though being tormented by the dilemma of his contradicting loyalty and geis, his refined, twin lances pierced through the previous enemies, meaninglessly bringing about deaths.

A lady and two men- Because of merely the sentiments and obstinacy, much blood was spilled.

At the end of the day, the one who was heartbroken after the futility of these sacrifice, was still Fionn. The old master recognized to Diarmuid and Gráinne's marriage, bestowed a proper title and territory, and welcomed him as a subject again.

The reconciliation Diarmuid wanted unceasingly. Yet, that ending was just the harbinger of the conclusive catastrophe.

One day, Diarmuid who was hunting together with Fionn, received a deep wound from a wild boar's fangs. That was a mortal wound, but since Fionn was beside him, he was not afraid. That's because, with the records of countless miracles as a hero attached to him, Fionn could transform spring water scooped with his hands into a miracle drug.

Yet, in front of a subject on the verge of death, the thing which went to and fro in the old master's mind, was the bitter jealousy of the dispute for one woman.

The well from which spring water flowed out, was only nine steps away from the collapsed Diarmuid.

In order for Fionn to cure the knight's wound, he only had to walk nine steps and bring back the water. That alone would suffice. Nevertheless, in spite of such a short distance, water spilled from his hands twice.

And then at the third time he scooped the water, Diarmuid, the hero's breathing stopped.

-Now, being invited to the present world again as a Servant, looking back at his end during those bygone days, Diarmuid had no sense of regret at all. He did not have any intention of cursing anyone. He wanted to reply to his wife's love. He could understand Fionn's anger as well. It was just that the twist of fate was way too cruel.

It was not just a life full of suffering and anguish only. The glass by which he drank with the king, and the whispers-containing lovers' talks as well, were left within him as irreplaceable memories. Although the end was tragic, Diarmuid did not consider being dissatisfied with God's will. This is because he and the others around him had earnestly lived their lives to the fullest.

He did not deny the one life which had passed by him.

Still, suppose that...

He becomes a knight again, picks up his spears, and lives a second life......

This supposedly impossible miracle was borne within heroic spirit Diarmuid's heart.

His crushed former honor. His pride which could not be fulfilled. A chance to pick it up again. That was everything Diarmuid wished for.

A path of life with his long-cherished wishes, which did not come true in his previous life.

This time, surely, his path of faithfulness...

Together with a loyalty without any shadow of doubt, the honor of lifting up the victory to his master...

In short, there was absolutely no wish Lancer charged towards the Holy Grail. Receiving a master for a second time, during the times when he stood at the battlefield called “Fuyuki”, his wish was already half achieved.

And the other half would be accomplished when he attain victory. Bringing the Holy Grail back to his Master, the moment the fruits of his loyalty take shape, his everything would be fulfilled.

That was supposed to be only it. He was never supposed to have a wish beyond that.

However, Diarmuid's path right now, was beginning to be shrouded with ominous dark clouds. In between his new ruler's time, the Mystic Face which he was burdened with, was trying to drive the wedge in again.

If Sola could come to the realization that she was only foolishly entranced by the Mystic Face, the worst case scenario could be avoided.

Yet, if she were to become the second Gráinne and cling onto him tightly, during that time, would he be able to shake off the woman's feelings?

This was supposed to be a battle to compensate for his tragic fate. If that happens, he would never want to repeat the tragic fate.

But still, how should he do it?

In the midst of the darkness of the still night, having no way to even discover the answer, Lancer just looked up to the moon in agony, doing nothing else.


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