Chapter 82
In the outskirts of Fuyuki, hidden within the dense forest, stood the Einzbern Castle.
Upon returning, Illya locked herself in her room, refusing the care of Sella and Leysritt, saying she needed to be alone. Curled up on her princess bed, she hugged her knees and pondered deeply.
Without any clues, it was nearly impossible to see through the fog and uncover the truth. But once a clue appeared, everything changed.
Illya, being extremely smart, quickly deduced that Kiritsugu had indeed come to Germany to see her. The reason she was unaware must have been due to Acht, the eighth head of the Einzbern family, deliberately keeping it from her.
From Shirou's casual words about Kiritsugu's deteriorating health, she realized that despite his failing health, he never gave up. He dragged his sick body to Germany time and again, hoping to see her, only to be repeatedly turned away by Acht—because he had rejected the Grail and failed to fulfill the Einzbern's wish.
Kiritsugu...
Even until his last moment, he hoped to see me.
Realizing this truth, which had caused her so much pain and anguish for years, left Illya unsure of how to react.
Moreover, there was another troubling point: the "mother" who only she could see and who often accompanied her—who was she? And why did she conspire with Acht to deceive her?
Illya's mind was in turmoil, not knowing what or whom to believe. The Einzbern's ultimate goal—the realization of the Third Magic, Heaven's Feel, which would materialize souls and grant true immortality by freeing humans from their physical bodies—seemed almost within reach.
Wait!
Suddenly, another thought struck her. She raised her head, eyes wide, pupils trembling, and muttered softly.
"...The Third Holy Grail War... Angra Mainyu... Could it be... Could it be!!"
A wave of realization hit Illya. If her suspicions were correct, everything made sense!
The Grail had been tainted. Her "mother," who became the Lesser Grail in the Fourth Holy Grail War, had been corrupted. The Grail's functions and the wishes it granted were polluted. Kiritsugu, realizing this at the last moment, rejected the Grail and was cursed by it.
Understanding this, Illya bit her lip and clenched her small fists.
"...Such a cruel truth."
Eventually, Illya relaxed her hands and let them fall, finally understanding her true role as an Einzbern in this Holy Grail War.
—To win and see if she could sacrifice herself to purify the Grail, thus continuing the Einzbern's legacy.
If she succeeded in purifying the Grail, perhaps Acht would reactivate the workshop and continue his efforts until one day the Grail could truly fulfill the Einzbern's millennium-old wish.
(Note: If Illya sacrifices herself to purify the Grail in the Fifth War, Acht likely won't shut down immediately. With a chance of success, he might restart the workshop, preparing for the Sixth Holy Grail War sixty years later.)
Thinking this, Illya walked to the window.
The sunset was beautiful, much like herself.
Soon, it would set.
But before it did, she might witness sights unlike any she had seen before—like today at the amusement park and that "brother" who, despite not inheriting Kiritsugu's magic crest or being properly trained, was incredibly naive.
Due to her psychological maturity, Illya didn't lament her fate; she merely felt a sense of melancholy.
This also explains why in the HF route's Spring Song ending, Illya steps forward to sacrifice herself to purify the Grail. Partially for Shirou, but also due to her Einzbern heritage, which half-compelled her to uphold their wishes.
Not everyone could be like Shinji, who decisively ended his family's centuries-old legacy, breaking free from the cycle of tragedy.
Moreover, Shinji only appeared carefree. For the past decade, he had prepared diligently without any slack.
And now, he might face scrutiny from the Mage's Association.
Though Fuyuki was a remote area under the Tohsaka's management, the Mage's Association wouldn't ignore the departure of a centuries-old magus family and the handling of their magic crest and secrets.
In fact, Rin planned to report the Matou situation to the Association after this Holy Grail War, hoping they wouldn't interfere too much. However, this hope was likely in vain.
The Mage's Association wouldn't easily believe that all magic-related books and the magic crest were destroyed in a fire.
"Yes! I've decided! I'll visit Shirou again tomorrow!" Illya's face lit up with a sweet, innocent smile. "Oh, and Matou Shinji."
Thinking of Shinji, Illya remembered his words from last night, as he squatted and spoke to her.
["I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to say, if you feel lonely going to the amusement park alone, I can accompany you."]
Could it be that Matou Shinji pitied her fate as a vessel for the Grail?
Illya pondered, then smiled again.
"Even though we've only just met, he's a strange yet kind brother."
"Achoo!!"
Shinji, just arriving home, sneezed for no reason but didn't think much of it as he headed to his room.
As expected, Rider was gone.
Also missing were Shinji's bedsheets—his main reason for coming home early, given the conspicuous traces of their "battle." It wouldn't be good if Sakura saw them.
It was strange that Rider was so considerate, even opening the window to air the room, but Shinji didn't dwell on it. He replaced the bedding and began cleaning the house.
It took over an hour to clean the whole mansion. Without the maids, it was a tough job.
(Note: The Matou maids were dismissed the night Zouken was defeated. Given three years' wages, they left happily.)
Shinji started thinking about rehiring maids once things settled down. Cleaning such a large house alone with Sakura was too exhausting.
And it's definitely just about the cleaning! Not because he wanted to try being called "Master" by cute, sweet-smiling, wavy-haired maids every day!
Looking at Sakura's room, which he hadn't cleaned yet, Shinji decided against entering. He had no interest in invading a girl's privacy.
Seeing it was almost six o'clock, Shinji guessed Sakura would be home soon. He quickly shifted into his role as the household cook.