Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

"What do you mean, how?"

"Doesn't Shirou have anything to say to me?"

Irisviel circled around in front of Shirou, then looked at him with an expectant expression.

The princess of Eindzbern wore a very elegant and gorgeous dress today.

The pure white fabric complemented her skin tone perfectly, reminiscent of a snow fairy.

The form-fitting cut accentuates Irisviel's tall, slender, and curvaceous figure, while the lower half is adorned with over-the-knee boots.

Her long, flowing silver hair and beautiful face gave her an air of aristocracy that seemed detached from modern society, drawing the attention of passersby.

Shirou turned his head away: "Hmm... Irisviel looks beautiful today."

"Whew, that's great!"

With an innocent and cheerful smile, Irisviel ran over and hugged the boy's arm.

"Being praised by Shirou makes all that time I spent agonizing in front of the mirror for an hour worthwhile, hehe."

Normally, Shirou would definitely complain: "So you were locking yourself in your room to figure out what to wear today? You made me wait so long!"

But he's not in the mood for that at all right now.

The soft touch on his arm and the pleasant scent in his nostrils made the boy absent-minded.

—From that day on, Shirou found himself beginning to view Irisviel through a woman's eyes.

Before this, he had always considered Irisviel a true and important family member, but now...

I know it's wrong, but... *sigh*

It's all the teacher's fault! They said those weird things!

"Let's go, Irisviel! We'll miss our flight if we don't hurry!"

"Ah, um... okay."

The two boarded a plane together bound for Germany.

Perhaps due to excessive excitement, Irisviel fell asleep shortly after boarding the plane.

Irisviel rested her head on Shirou's shoulder, revealing her completely unguarded sleeping face.

Shirou rested his chin on his hand, gazing thoughtfully out the window.

After a long flight of nearly twelve hours, the group arrived at the land where Winter City is located.

……

……

While still in Japan, Shirou asked his connections in Western Europe—specifically Father Kotomine—to arrange a private car for him.

Public transportation alone is not enough to access Einzbern's hermitage.

The person in charge of driving was Sera.

Because "Irisviel is forbidden from driving" is also one of the promises Shirou made with her.

Irisviel sat quietly in the back row, her excitement from before boarding gone.

This is of course.

Shirou knew very well that Irisviel still harbored fear of the Einzbern family.

That fear wasn't psychological; it was something etched into the soul and blood.

All the homunculi of Einzbern possess a certain degree of empathy, and their souls will eventually enter the Greater Grail.

Over the years, Irisviel has occasionally dreamt of being denounced as a traitor by the artificial beings back in her homeland.

Just how much determination and courage did she need to take this trip?

Shirou had no way of knowing.

Irisviel had no regrets about her impending death.

"Wanting Irisviel to live" is actually Shirou's one-sided selfishness—

However, she accepted Shirou's selfish wish, even at the cost of confronting those she had always wanted to avoid.

Shirou thought to himself, "I have to say something."

"Ellie."

"Hmm? What's wrong, Shirou?"

“If you don’t mind… just think of me as a replacement for Saber.”

Shirou said, "I will be your knight and protect your safety."

Irisviel was stunned.

Then she smiled happily: "Okay, for the time you're away from home, Shirou will be my knight!"

"Ah."

"It's not 'um,' is it?"

Irisviel pouted adorably: "If it were Saber, she would say, 'It's my pleasure, Your Highness'... Come on, Shirou, try saying it too."

"........."

How could I possibly say something so embarrassing!

Saber, how can you say such an embarrassing line so calmly? I really underestimated you...

"Shirou~~~"

Seeing that the boy was unwilling to speak, the silver-haired noblewoman began to whine and shake Shirou's wrist.

"I understand... Just tell me then."

Shirou's cheeks flushed slightly as he said, "I am honored... Your Highness, Princess."

"Wow! That's awesome! Shirou is so cute! I love him!"

Irisviel threw herself into Shirou's arms, but before it lasted even half a second, he quickly pushed her away.

"What's wrong?" Irisviel asked, somewhat disappointed.

Shirou avoided her gaze and stammered, "Physical contact... I'm not a child anymore."

Recently, you've caught up with Alice in height, so..."

Irisviel covered her lips with her hand and chuckled mischievously, "Hehehe... Could it be that you've finally realized your mother's charm as a woman and are feeling embarrassed?"

"------"

It was said right.

Irisviel blinked: "Uh... Shirou, why aren't you saying anything?"

"That's not true..."

Shirou's voice was low and his rebuttal was utterly unconvincing.

Even the pure and innocent princess noticed something was wrong.

"Well."

Irisviel scratched her cheek somewhat awkwardly: "Sorry... I think I've caused Shirou trouble again."

“It’s alright,” Shirou said.

The carriage returned to silence.

After that, the two remained silent the entire way.

After passing through a desolate village, the car arrived at the territory where the main city of Einzbern was located.

Ahead lies a forest; the rest of the journey will be on foot.

Shirou, Irisviel, and two android maids got out of the car.

"Are you alright? Is anything bothering you?" Shirou asked with concern.

"Hmm, I'm feeling pretty good today... Um, may I hold Shirou's hand?"

Because of what had just happened in the car, Irisviel was afraid of being rejected, and her beautiful red eyes revealed unease.

"Of course, my princess."

Seeing Shirou grasp her hand without hesitation, Irisviel felt her heart race slightly, and her cheeks flushed involuntarily.

After the four entered the snow-covered forest and walked for a while, Shirou suddenly stopped.

"Lysellet, protect the lady."

"Yes."

The android maid immediately shielded Irisviel behind her.

Then, more than a dozen figures emerged from the shadows of the trees.

They share the same physical characteristics as Irisviel.

With silver hair and red eyes, and a face so beautiful it seemed inhuman—it was the artificial human created by Einzbern.

Holding axes and halberds taller than themselves, they slowly surrounded the crowd with expressionless faces.

"Shirou...!"

Sera's voice came from behind.

"Ah, I know."

Shirou walked towards an open area in the forest, and after scanning the androids around, he deduced that they were probably the patrol team responsible for the forest barrier.

"As you can see, my companion does not want me to harm her fellow countrymen..."

"If possible, could you please lay down your weapons and murderous intent, and lead the way for us?"

"Einzbern's enemy - Shirou Amemiya".

An android called out Shirou's name.

"It seems I'm already quite infamous as the one who kidnapped Irisviel," Shirou thought to himself.

Although the androids were all expressionless like machines, their calm pupils were filled with a certain anger.

Battle is inevitable.

Shirou revealed a fearless smile.

"Understood, then I'll have to resort to a slightly more forceful approach, ladies."

Shirou spread his five fingers and grasped the "Blade of Chaos" that appeared from the void.

With his skill, controlling seven or eight people with the chain at the end of his blade shouldn't be a problem.

As for the rest, they were simply allowed to take a nap for the time being.

"..."

The androids stared at Shirou without saying a word.

No one rushed forward rashly.

Although they are not as good as Liselette, each of them possesses excellent combat skills.

Moreover, they also knew that the red-haired boy in front of them had defeated all his rivals for the Holy Grail with overwhelming power in that ritual several years ago.

"If you guys don't come, then I'll launch the attack."

Shirou took just one step forward, and the androids stirred, all tensely raising their weapons and getting into position.

Finally, one of the girls, unable to contain the oppressive atmosphere, launched the first attack.

She raised her giant axe high, and Asashiro charged forward, followed by the others.

but--

"Stop right now!"

The sound that echoed through the forest made the girls stop in their tracks.