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Chapter 50: Withdrawal, or Beginning?
🕑 Added 2025-05-19 11:10:33 +0000 UTCThe kings' banquet was over. The intruders had been defeated, so the remaining individuals naturally ought to depart.
"Let's go, little Master," Iskandar said.
"What?"
"Let's go?"
"Alright..."
Waver, who had just regained his senses, was still somewhat dazed. However, having witnessed Iskandar's immense power, Waver felt a certain apprehension toward this man before him.
After Waver boarded Iskandar's chariot, the King of Conquerors departed. Yet, as he left, Iskandar cast a glance at Artoria.
"Little girl, perhaps it's time to abandon that unrealistic dream of yours. You are no match for Arthur as you are now."
"What, you—"
Before Artoria could finish speaking, Iskandar drove the Gordius Wheel away, leaving behind only a trail of lightning.
"..."
Gilgamesh said nothing but looked at Arthur.
"Let's go."
"You go ahead. I'll wait a little longer," Arthur replied.
Gilgamesh glanced at Artoria, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes—jealousy.
The King of Heroes eventually left. Only Artoria remained, silently contemplating under the moonlight.
"Artoria, still thinking?"
Arthur walked to her side, gazing at her with deep affection.
"Yes. I was truly wrong. I am a failed king."
"No, no one said you failed. Your mistake was simply denying yourself. In my heart, you will always be a kind and great king."
Arthur's gentle voice hoped to offer Artoria some comfort. However, she raised her head and asked:
"Arthur, do you have a wish?"
"Yes."
"Even you, perfect as you are, have desires?"
"Of course."
Arthur recalled his reason for coming here.
"What I desire is to constantly improve my strength, hoping that in the future, I can prevent that world-destroying crisis."
"What crisis? Is there something even you cannot stop?"
"Indeed. That is the very reason I became Arthur."
Arthur was referring to his identity as Arthur Pendragon, but Artoria assumed he meant King Arthur.
"If only Britain could have had you as its king, how wonderful that would have been."
"You're denying yourself again."
Arthur gently placed his hand on Artoria's head, stroking her ahoge.
"Promise me, from now on, live for yourself, okay?"
"Impossible."
Artoria stepped away.
"Alright, it's getting late. I also need to take a good look at myself. Goodbye."
"Alright then, goodbye."
Arthur said no more. Today, Artoria truly needed some quiet time to herself.
She left without looking back. She was terrified that if she did, she would become lost in Arthur's tenderness and forget her mission.
Arthur watched her departing figure and shook his head.
"Still can't change her, huh?"
Yet, this kind of Artoria—the strong and courageous Saber—was the one he loved.
With a flash of light, Arthur vanished. The Einzbern castle returned to its tranquility, but tonight, it was likely destined not to remain peaceful for long.
---
Elsewhere, in a quiet room...
"What brings you here?"
Before a man, a mass of black shadow silently watched him.
Shadow?
No—it was more like black mud, simply observing him.
"Nothing much? Why did you abandon the Hassans?"
The black mud looked at Kirei Kotomine.
"It was the Master's command."
Kirei said nothing, as if the death of his Servant was of no consequence to him.
"Hahahaha, that response truly suits you."
"What exactly do you want, Angra Mainyu?!"
"Don't call me by that name. Though my shell is him, the current me is an amalgamation of evil spirits and All the World's Evil. Angra Mainyu is merely an outward form."
"Then, you source of all evil, stay away from me. I have no desire to see you."
Kirei Kotomine still clung to his mission.
Naturally, Angra Mainyu was unfazed by his attitude. Instead, it posed a question:
"What do you believe is the meaning of your life?"
"To dedicate my entire existence to justice, to the divine!!!"
Kirei stated firmly.
However, Angra Mainyu laughed—a truly amused sound.
"Do you even believe those words yourself?"
The rhetorical question caused Kirei to hesitate.
"As I said before, Kirei Kotomine, ally with me. We can cooperate, and in doing so, you might finally find meaning in your life."
"My life is none of your concern."
"Very well, shall we change the subject? Kirei Kotomine, what wish do you dream of fulfilling with the Holy Grail?"
As Angra Mainyu finished speaking, Kirei fell into contemplation.
"Dream? Wish?...
This was also a point of confusion for him. Why would the Holy Grail choose him?
"I... seem to have no wish."
Angra Mainyu shook its head.
"Impossible. The Holy Grail chooses those who possess a dream!"
"That is the principle, yet why was I chosen despite having no dream?"
"Is there something you doubt?"
Seeing Kirei's tense demeanor, Angra Mainyu smiled.
"In that case, Kirei Kotomine, why can't you become your own master and seek your own happiness? Hmm?"
"Nonsense!!"
Kirei's expression was stern.
"I am a servant of God! Seek happiness? How could I possibly do such a thing!"
"What's wrong with seeking happiness?" Angra Mainyu countered. "Doesn't God want you to live a better life?"
"Then I must become even more devout. It seems demons truly ought to be eliminated."
"Eliminate me? Then try it."
---
