Chapter 96: Saber’s POV

Chapter 96: Saber's POV

~Artoria P. POV~

[Fuyuki City, restaurants]

This has been by far the toughest decision I have had to make since reappearing into the mortal world again for the Holy Grail War. I must protect Irisveil and observe for possible enemies within Fuyuki City.

It was endearing being with Irisveil's side happily allowing her to have the first time to truly enjoy life. I wouldn't know how to react as this was her first time experiencing the outside world for the first time in her life.

Isolated from everything. I can't fathom the idea. But meeting the Master of Caster wasn't what I was planning today…

… Much less having lunch with the young man. An enemy at that for the grail. I was about to deny such choices… till he mentioned it's all I can eat him paying for it…

… he knows my great weakness. This is the first I've ever met such a troubling foe.

But ultimately Irisveil bless her innocent soul agreed. And here we are enjoying the best Chinese food around Fuyuki City for all I can eat and enjoy to my heart's content. I accepted it too happily.

Curses! How could I the King of Knights allow myself to be taken this easily… nom… nom… truly his a devise man… nom…

Enjoying his own food Mash Bastion as he calls himself spoke to us in a calm tone chewing a piece of orange chicken and swallowing, "Gulp! Ah… now where was I? Oh, right how's your guy stay in Fuyuki City treating you both."

Using chopsticks devouring my 15th bowl of chow Mein with a variety of meat choices Irisveil smiled enjoying her meal in peace seemingly enjoying the friendly atmosphere, "Pretty good. I have to say mister Bastion I didn't expect this place to make good food. Although this is my first time being here though…"

He nodded as we continued eating as he spoke taking a sip of his drink in a happy tone, "I get the same feeling. At first, trying to figure out which takeout was good was hard. But I come to like this place for the food. Medea seems to like it. But she prefers my home-cooked food better."

Home-cooked food... I do believe that's always superior to fast food when it is made by the heart.

Upon devouring this delicious food and enjoying the moment Irisveil soon asked the big questions getting my attention in a curious tone, "So… is it true what Archer said? Are you a Divine Spirit donned in flesh?"

Right. Archer or rather Gilgamesh the King of Heroes did mention that in their conversation laughing in sudden outbursts according to Master and Irisveil reports.

I leaned back interested in the subject with the Master himself who managed to defeat the one Servant everyone was wary against as he shrugged explaining himself, "Uh… I'm not sure. I just happened to stumble into his domain by accident if I'm honest. It was only fair to greet the ruler."

I suppose that's an accurate assumption. But one doesn't greet and kill said ruler of a land with such an expression. Much less when said Ruler was Gilgamesh the King of Heroes.

Although a part of me is glad I don't have to face him. He has many titles to him one of them being the Servant Killer always having the weakness of the Heroic Spirit. In fact, him gone only eased everyone in the war being able to win.

Which makes my job a lot more difficult, but I will win the Holy Grail War to rewrite my history saving my homeland and Kingdom. But the Caster trick only meant that the Master of Caster Mash Bastion simply needed time to recover.

Soon enough Irisveil spoke in a confused tone about his earlier words to Archer everyone spying in a curious tone, "I see. But… what was it true that you do not need the Holy Grail then?"

Listening intently, I ponder what he said. He proclaimed to not want the Holy Grail and said to clean it of corruption.

At Irisveil's words, Mash sighed in an exhausted tone explaining himself and crossing his arms the situation in a tired voice, "Sigh… If I must. I'll explain it again. But before that, I guess we have more to talk about than you realize. Especially concerning the Grail and your husband's foolish wish for humanity's salvation from tragedy and conflict."

That seemed to alert Irisveil almost yelling as she demanded how he knew with Mash explaining in a calm tone sipping his soda beverage, "I will answer your questions. But before that how much do you know about the previous Holy Grail War?"

Irisviel narrowed her eyes and asked with suspicion in her voice, "What does that have to do with current events?"

He took in her answer and then said after a few moments in a serious tone gazing at both of us intently, "More than you can imagine. Do you at least know what your family tried to summon for their Servant in that War?"

I gazed at Irisviel as she shook her head in denial Mash sighed beginning to explain leaning his back and crossing his arms in an unamused expression, "Zoroastrianism's Angra Mainyu, a Divine Spirit that represents All The World's Evils the Extra Class Avenger. Thankfully, your family failed, now the headache of the issue is that once that Servant was instantly and the first to die off in the Third Holy Grail War, the evocation of the Grail failed due to circumstances of the time, which led to our current problem, the Grail got corrupted."

Irisviel remained neutral as I viewed his expression. He's earnest about the situation he's spouting.

Mash continued explaining the situation at hand of the Holy Grail having full conviction in his words and actions, "The Grail right now is no different than a womb waiting to give birth to Angra Mainyu and create hell on earth. Despite my intention not wanting it, I will not take the chance of someone taking it twisting their wish in some way to benefit itself and cause unimaginable harm to the world."

His words hold and speak truth. He hasn't lied once nor have his eyes deterred expressing his truth.

Irisviel remained neutral as she spoke finally saying her piece standing up and bowing lightly in a respectful tone, "Perhaps… or perhaps it's a lie. While you know this information why haven't you spoken up about it with everyone else? How else could I take your words of value even if you were a Divine Spirit the fact remains the Grail chose you to enter. That alone speaks volumes about having a desire wish for the Holy Grail War. If that's all we'll take our leave. Thank you for the meal, Mash."

Irisviel stood up leaving as I followed suit making the man frown, but a clear evident glint of sadness was shown in them. I could only frown at the action but it was just as Irisviel had said the Grail chose –

Before I could continue my thoughts Mash spoke interrupting them as Irisviel was out of earshot distance, "I didn't. I killed the Demon of Fuyuki before he could summon his Servant to terrorize or kill children. The Grail didn't allow me to enter. I FORCIBLY allowed myself in. Have a good day Artoria."

My mind briefly paused as he stood up and left vanishing without a trace leaving the money to pay for our meals. Has he read my mind?

A concerning idea to be certain. But then info suddenly flashed into my head about the topic of The Demon of Fuyuki thanks to the Holy Grail informing Servants. A murderer was to be a master before him.

That was a concerning notion. There was no way the Grail would allow someone like him to be a Master he was… too evil… unless… no it can't be right?

My eyes narrowed further at the notion of the Holy Grail being corrupted. Especially from the most unreliable of people in this Holy Grail War.

However, despite what Irisviel or others think I saw genuine honesty shine through his eyes discussing his plans. He truly wishes to save others but there lies another question in my mind.

How did he know my true name? I never showed or said it out loud, but he merely knew that was it.

This Holy Grail War is surely becoming complicated with each passing second. No matter what happens the situation simply escalates further into madness. But that's what to expect in the Holy Grail War.

Nothing is what we expected. Marching forward toward Irisviel I couldn't help but ask in a curious tone with the notion of the Grail becoming corrupted, "Miss Irisviel I couldn't help but ask this… what if his words hold any meaning."

Irisviel continued moving forward as I followed behind, she spoke in an honest tone speaking her mind truthfully placing her hand on her chest, "I'm not sure Saber… But why should I trust him though? I trust Kiritsugu and you to win. The enemy could be playing mind tricks on us with his words. If he truly wanted to purify the Grail, then he should've addressed this to the church where every Master could listen to the dire situation otherwise, we have nothing but his words on the matter."

… True. Closing my eyes first and foremost I'm a Knight. Not any Knight but the King of Knights as I must follow my Master's words.

But I must also uphold my code of chivalry against evil as well. I could only frown at this notion, but we haven't seen any proof of what Mash said to be even true. Merely accusations without any proof.

Despite sensing his genuine sincerity and honesty he had no proof. Only words but in the end, it could only be up to speculation of what must be done. Ultimately the only way to prove this is when the Grail manifests.

Only then will see where his words hold truth or lies. Master and I have the same goal to save the world using the Holy Grail but so does Mash Bastion probably ally however… why does it feel like my instincts are telling me it's the wrong course of action?

No. Shaking my head what ifs won't win us the War. My [Instinct] is telling me to ally but my Master and Irisviel spoke their piece as did my answer. We made our peace and will be taking the Grail.

Right now, Mash Bastion is the enemy we must overcome. Gesturing to his plead for assistance in purifying the Holy Grail we denied the only thing we could do now is move forward.

As this is the Holy Grail War, I have been summoned to participate in answering its call for battle. I'll do what it takes to win maintaining my code of honor as a Knight I promised them victory so victory I shall attain for them.