Chapter 164

In the cool morning air, Irisviel stared in terror at the unfamiliar man before her...

No! He wasn't a stranger!

Irisviel suddenly remembered—she had seen him on the streets the day she first arrived in Fuyuki!

Could it be that from that moment...

Irisviel was filled with fear, realizing, just like Maiya, that this man was the most dangerous enemy lurking in the shadows, unnoticed by anyone!

He had been waiting for an opportunity all along, watching the Holy Grail War closely. And... why was Assassin still alive?

What was this man's relationship with Kotomine Kirei? Was this a hidden trump card of Kirei's, or was Kirei merely a pawn for this man?

Shinji, seeing through Irisviel's thoughts, smiled warmly and spoke softly, "Don't worry, madam. I won't hurt you. Didn't I just say your husband will have the choice? The Holy Grail or..."

As he spoke, Shinji pulled out his phone from the system space, opened a recorded video, and showed it to Irisviel.

On the screen, Illya was puffing her cheeks as she ate what seemed like an omelette, while a hand reached out to pinch her cheek. Irisviel's eyes widened in shock!

"What are you doing? Hmph—!"

There was no mistaking it! That was her daughter! Absolutely her daughter! There was no doubt!

And the hand reaching for her daughter's cheek... was the same hand covering her mouth right now!

"Choosing between two women and your daughter..."

Seeing the man before her, smiling so sweetly, Irisviel felt he was a devil! A truly cold-blooded devil!

Although she didn't know how he had taken Illya from that place, as a mother, she couldn't think clearly anymore!

Her daughter was in this man's hands!

This deeply hidden devil!

As Irisviel struggled, Shinji spoke again, "Madam, aren't you curious about what choice that man will make? Especially after having to choose once already... I'm very interested in seeing it, so please, cooperate a little with me."

...

Afternoon, Matou Residence.

In the quiet basement, Shinji personally tended to Maiya, having already photographed her from various angles.

"By the way, the blood signal you left at the last moment—I've erased all of it."

Hearing this, Maiya, restrained on the operating table, lost all hope, cursing herself for not paying more attention to this man.

If she had, maybe she wouldn't have fallen into this situation.

"Shinji, this is..."

Following Shinji's instructions, Yae, who had sent Sakura and the other little girl away, entered the basement.

"Nothing much, just another prop in this Holy Grail War. Whether we have it or not doesn't matter, but it adds a bit of fun. You will guard tonight, Miss Yae."

"You want me to...?" Yae was confused.

"Yes, the Holy Grail War will end tonight. Remember, don't let her die. You don't need to feed or give her water. If she recovers enough to move, you won't be her match. This woman won't show any mercy."

"The Holy Grail War... ends tonight?!" Yae was shocked, "What about Tohsaka Tokiomi..."

"Don't think about it. Don't let it bother you."

Shinji gently patted Yae's shoulder, looking into her eyes seriously, "You should realize that his fate isn't what's most important to you. Your hatred for him means nothing. If you want to protect the future of that woman and her child, don't let twisted hatred blind you."

After a night of reflection, Yae understood this but still felt an urge to confront the man.

Understanding Yae's thoughts, Shinji continued, "You know, even if you question him, you won't get the answers you want. The thinking and values of normal people and magi are entirely different. Why trouble yourself?"

"I..."

Seeing Yae's conflicted expression, Shinji sighed, "And there's no point in worrying now. He's already dead."

"What... what?!" Yae stared at Shinji in shock, "Tohsaka Tokiomi is dead?!"

At that moment, Yae didn't feel the satisfaction of avenging herself, only deep regret at not confronting him one last time and... concern for Aoi.

Aoi loved that man deeply. Even though they were forced apart from their daughter, she still loved him. Yae knew this deep down, even if he didn't want to admit it.

"That bastard! He just left... just abandoned Aoi, Rin, and Sakura! What a... what a selfish bastard!"

Seeing Yae clench her fists in anger, Shinji reminded her, "The widow probably doesn't know yet. She'll find out after the Holy Grail War ends. Today is the last day. Don't do anything noticeable or suspicious."

Yae clenched her fists and, after a long silence, asked in a low voice, "Did you do it, Shinji?"

"Don't be silly. I don't like unnecessary killing. Besides, shouldn't you suspect someone else? That priest who approached you..."

"That priest...!" Yae suddenly realized, staring blankly at Shinji, "But why would he... do that?"

"Pursuit of pleasure, maybe. Don't worry about it. Just watch this woman. Don't let her recover or commit suicide. I'll be back."

Just as Shinji finished, he received a message from Zayd.

'Master, Saber's Master has discovered the intrusion at the Great Hole and has summoned Saber back. They are now both at Ryuudou Temple.'

"I see. Keep an eye on them."

'Why didn't we take the vessel too? We had the chance. I don't understand, Master.'

"Taking it now is meaningless. And..." Shinji looked at a small transparent bottle he had placed nearby, "I've already got what I wanted."

If one looked closely, they could see a tiny stream of air flowing within the sealed bottle, occasionally emitting a faint glow.

...

At Ryuudou Temple, Kiritsugu silently assembled his gun, his wife's breathing having stopped, leaving only her body as the vessel. His partner was missing, but the bloodstains at the scene suggested the worst.

At a time like this, even if Kiritsugu couldn't remain calm, he had to find a way to compose himself!

If he didn't, he would be led by the enemy.

Saber continued suggesting he look for Maiya, but he knew it was pointless. And if it were Maiya, she wouldn't want him to do that.

This enemy was clearly trying to break him psychologically! He had to bury his emotions deeply and show no weakness!

Only then could he win the Grail and perform a true miracle.

"Stay here and guard Irisviel's body in the Great Hole."

This was Kiritsugu's only instruction to Saber before leaving Ryuudou Temple.

...

At dusk, Kiritsugu, still determined to investigate, chose Tohsaka Mansion first.

After careful inspection and finding the barriers gone, he decided to venture inside.

Upon entering, Kiritsugu quickly discovered Tohsaka Tokiomi's death from the previous night.

Based on his experience and analysis, it could only be the work of one person. The killer had obtained a new Servant and re-entered the Holy Grail War.

He suspected the same person was responsible for what happened to Maiya and Irisviel, not Iskandar or the apprentice magus.

Knowing what he had to do, Kiritsugu decided to return to the Great Hole and wait.

The enemy's provocation clearly indicated a desire for a one-on-one confrontation. He just had to wait.

At the trap-laden Ryuudou Temple, his chances of winning were highest.

The matter of Rider didn't concern him. Even if Rider found Ryuudou Temple, with its natural barriers and his traps, leaving Saber to guard and himself sniping in secret, he could ensure victory.

As for Kotomine Kirei, now with Archer, the same reasoning applied. Their duel was inevitable.

Choosing the best defensive position was necessary.

...

At Matou Mansion, Shinji watched Kiritsugu pass by in a hurry from a third-floor window, feeling a bit regretful.

If only he had suspected Matou, things might have turned out differently.

But he didn't.

Seeing the night approaching, Shinji knew the Holy Grail War would end tonight, and it was time to prepare for tonight and the future.

...

In the New Town, at the church.

"What's wrong, Kirei? Did you find it?"

Kirei nodded, putting down the phone. "Yes, they've moved to Ryuudou Temple. That man is truly unpredictable."

"In that case, you might need to pay a visit," the golden-haired young man said with interest.

Kirei didn't mind, smiling, "No problem. Occasionally being a seeker is fine, especially since I'm genuinely seeking answers this time."

"Ah, I see... Well, be careful. I'll go entertain Rider. Don't die, Kirei."

...

After confirming with Zayd that Kiritsugu had returned to the Great Hole and Rider had been slain by Gilgamesh's EA, Shinji, who had returned to the hotel two hours earlier, felt a pang of regret for the King of Conquerors.

Even with Ionioi Hetairoi, he couldn't defeat a serious Gilgamesh.

Knowing that Gilgamesh spared Waver, Shinji immediately sent Zayd to Ryuudou Temple to monitor the situation.

Timing was crucial. Lancer had to appear at just the right moment, neither too early nor too late. It had to be perfect...