Einzbern and Ancestor (II)

Thus, after the initial awkwardness, Jubstacheit also agreed with Artorius's words.

"We indeed have no need to compete with those barbarians. In the time to come, everything about the Einzbern family is at Your Majesty's command. We shall serve at your pleasure."

"No need to be so serious..." Artorius said in a relaxed tone. "This so-called Holy Grail War is nothing more than a game to me... even if I don't intervene, my foolish sister alone could crush those ignorant fools."

As if to complement Artorius's words, sounds of what seemed like a playful interaction between a girl and a little girl could be heard from downstairs.

The combination of these sounds with Artorius's speech made Jubstacheit feel somewhat absurd.

Of course, he would never oppose the words of his esteemed ancestor, but he couldn't help but ponder, 'The Emperor's sister... is that girl that got summoned alongside him the Holy Knight, Artoria, or the Crimson Knight, Mordred? Their bond seems to run deep, just like in the legends of historical accounts...'

However, Jubstacheit forced himself to stop thinking about it. He couldn't entertain such blasphemous thoughts.

Despite the Emperor's behavior being somewhat peculiar and unconventional, he was, after all, the Emperor. How could he have any inappropriate relationship with his own sister?

Besides, from observing the Emperor's interactions with the girl claiming to be a heroine? it was evident that the Emperor didn't have much fondness for her.

Of course, Jubstacheit was unaware that the person who had accompanied Artorius and almost broke his nose in the process wasn't Artoria he knew or Mordred, but someone who identified herself as the 'Mysterious Heroine X'.

"Anyway, you may go for now and await my orders..." Artorius said, squinting his eyes and burying the back of his head in the ample bosom of the maid. "I'll rest for a few days and then head to Fuyuki..."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Jubstacheit replied.

Although he had many questions to ask and much to say, Jubstacheit wisely sealed his lips and took his leave, watching Artorius, who seemed uninterested in engaging with him.

After Jubstacheit left, Artorius turned around and buried his face in the maid's bosom behind him, taking deep breaths of her sweet fragrance.

"Hmhm~ Your Majesty~"

After this act, the maids who had been massaging his shoulders or massaging his feet earlier gathered around, surrounding their Great Dragon Emperor with fervor. They showed their loyalty to their magnificent Emperor in their own ways.

For this, Artorius had purposely adjusted his appearance to that of the cute and attractive boy he once was instead of the awe-inspiring adult he naturally was. Making himself more approachable was a simple task for Artorius, who had mastered the Third Magic.

'Now, this is what I call living a life...' Artorius thought to himself.

He felt engulfed in a sea of pleasant scents and softness from all directions. It was like he had ascended to heaven. Right now, he felt somewhat blissful and free after the never-ending years of worrying about being an emperor. Taking a vacation after all his hard work wasn't bad after all.

===

At the same time...

"Goodbye, X."

"Goodbye, Illya."

The playful girl bid farewell to the adorable little girl she had just spent time with. X, seemingly in high spirits, skipped happily, her footsteps light and agile for her age, as she headed towards Artorius's room.

"I'm going to find Artorius now, Iri." She said joyfully to Iri.

"Sure, rest well, X..." Iri replied with a gentle smile, addressing her new friend.

This girl who claimed to be Mysterious Heroine X, was spirited and cute, making her very likable. Apart from Artorius, there was probably no one who wouldn't like this energetic girl.

"Oh, right!" Iri suddenly said, as she reached out to catch Illya, who was leaping into her arms, something crossed her mind, "At this time, Lord Ancestor might not be available to— never mind."

Her words were cut off midway, as the absent-minded X didn't even listen and happily ran away.

'I hope she won't have any psychological scars from this...' Iri couldn't help but think, worried for X.

After her worries, she had a little complaint for Artorius.

'Lord Ancestor can be quite...'

'No, I can't be disrespectful.'

She shook her head vigorously, dismissing the improper thoughts.

"Mom."

At that moment, Illya, whom she was holding in her arms, opened her eyes wide and looked at her expectantly. "Can I play with Big Sister X again tomorrow?"

"Of course, dear." Iri smiled, responding to Illya's question.

It was clear that her daughter also liked that energetic girl very much.

"Umu!"

Getting a positive answer, Illya beamed with happiness. As Iri turned around and entered the castle, Illya dozed off heavily on her way back to their room.

She seemed to have boundless energy during playtime but fell asleep quickly afterward, restoring her strength to continue having fun the next day. Children were such creatures.

Sleeping Illya was incredibly adorable, the kind of cuteness that even Artorius couldn't resist. Even the Mage Killer—Emiya Kiritsugu, who always wore a perpetually gloomy expression, couldn't help but show a gentle look after seeing his daughter.

"Illya..."

The loving wife, the adorable daughter, and their carefree life here. If he were an ordinary person, perhaps he wouldn't ask for anything more.

However, larger ambitions and grand wishes kept Kiritsugu restless.

"Kiritsugu."

Back in their room, Iri placed their daughter on the bed and then approached Kiritsugu's side.

The latter was busy with a laptop that looked entirely out of place in the Einzbern castle. On it were the profiles of the 'Masters' participating in the Holy Grail War this time.

"Today, Illya had a great time with X..." Iri said to him, "and there's nothing wrong with Lord Ancestor, Kiritsugu."

"Lord Ancestor..." At the mention of those words, Kiritsugu's eyes lost their spark, revealing clear fluctuations in his mood.

"To think I summon that troub—" He didn't finish his sentence, as Iri lightly tapped his back.

"You must show respect to Lord Ancestor."

Even though Iri was unhappy with Artorius's attitude towards X, Iri still leaned towards him in her outward expressions.

"I'm sorry, Iri."

He said so, but Kiritsugu still couldn't bring himself to respect that troublemaker, especially after seeing his carefree attitude.

'But... compared to the King of Knights, maybe this one isn't the worst.'

Kiritsugu couldn't help but ponder.

'The legendary ruler who established the Pendragon Dynasty, which ruled three-quarters of Earth for fifteen hundred years, and is considered the greatest ruler in history. The King of Earth and the King of Mankind... is such a 'card' good or bad?'