Trust of Master and Servant

A few minutes later, after handling X.

"Sniper rifles, automatic rifles, submachine guns, various types of grenades, Kevlar bulletproof jackets... Mm-hmm... I see... I'm starting to get why they called you the Mage Killer."

In Kiritsugu's room, Artorius grinned and commented while watching his justice-obsessed partner busily organizing his weapons and equipment.

"..."

Sitting across from Artorius, Kiritsugu, after bowing in respect, fell into silence and didn't say a word. He wore an expression that seemed lost as if he hadn't quite grasped Artorius's words.

If Jubstacheit were here at this moment, perhaps he would have a better understanding.

Having experienced one Holy Grail War and witnessed other Servants, he would undoubtedly be amazed by Artorius's vast knowledge.

Although the Holy Grail system provided Servants with modern knowledge, it only taught them 'what these things are and how to use them,' without explaining the underlying principles. It was a case of knowing the result but not the reason or process.

Just like in the original story where Artoria once said—"I'm good at riding, so I can drive." Which amused Iri.

It felt similar to the African tribal uncle with an automatic rifle. They knew what a gun was and how to use it, but they treated it more as a 'mysterious artifact' than a mechanical creation. They believed that the accuracy of firearms depended more on prayers and beliefs than aiming and training.

Artorius was different. He genuinely knew about these things and knew how to use them, even understanding the underlying principles.

His way of thinking was not ancient; it was modern. That was the biggest difference between him and the other participating Servants. At the same time, it was a small flaw deliberately shown by Artorius to test Kiritsugu.

He was testing whether this future Counter Force Guardian was reliable.

Despite being somewhat lacking in spiritual and mental aspects, Kiritsugu was at least commendable and somewhat competent. Expanding the intelligence network controlled by the Einzbern while on vacation seemed like a good idea.

However...

Kiritsugu: "..."

"So, are you ready to go to Fuyuki City and win the Holy Grail War?"

Kiritsugu: "..."

"What's your plan? What tactics will you use? And the intelligence gathering..."

Kiritsugu: "..."

Artorius asked several questions in succession, bringing up several topics. However, the Mage Killer only lowered his head, silently resisting and protesting.

This made Artorius furrow his brow.

"Kiritsugu..."

Seeing this scene unfold, Iri, who was by their side, opened her mouth, intending to say something to ease the tension.

But before that...

"Your Majesty." Kiritsugu finally spoke up, "Before that, may I ask you a question?"

"Kiritsugu...?" Iri was confused.

"Of course, you can." Although Artorius's opinion of this man had diminished, he maintained a smile on his face. "You're the son-in-law of the Einzbern family, and Iri is like my child. Just like her, you can call me Ancestor."

"..."

Although Artorius had a gentle smile and sincere eyes, Kiritsugu still felt that the guy across from him was taking advantage of him.

'Even though you are a figure from fifteen centuries ago, it doesn't mean you've truly lived for fifteen hundred years. As a Servant, you only represent one aspect of the Heroic Spirit. The way you're reacting now should reflect how the Dragon Emperor was when he was around twenty. However...'

"Yes, Lord Ancestor."

After contemplating, in the end, Kiritsugu gave in.

"My question is simple... what wish do you want to fulfill with the Holy Grail?"

Every Servant summoned by the Holy Grail had a wish they wanted to realize. At least that was the case with most Servants.

This was what Kiritsugu wanted to know.

He hoped to use this to investigate the true potential of this 'trump card of trump cards' in his hand. Whether he could be trusted and used.

As for Artorius's initial claim of—"I'm here on vacation" and the decadent lifestyle he led in the Einzbern castle, Kiritsugu saw it as a facade.

He knew better. Though he hadn't even finished middle school, he still took the time to study the Pendragon Dynasty history thoroughly in preparation for summoning the 'King of Knights.'

From the first head and starting point of the Pendragon Dynasty, 'Old King Uther', until the current Earth Federation's nominal head, Artorius LXXV. This meticulous and serious Mage Killer had studied them all. {T/N: LXXV in Roman numerals means 75.}

Among them, the most significant figure was the first emperor of the empire, Artorius I.

In history, he was renowned for his diligent governance and love for the people. He reviewed over three million letters and documents every day, worked for more than eighteen hours each day, and persisted until he was 120 years old.

Such a hardworking and dedicated individual was hard to compare with the current lecherous brat who seemed to have sunk into a pool of cosmetics.

He bore some resemblance to Artorius XXXVII or Artorius XLIV, those debauched and indulgent rulers. {T/N: 37 and 44.}

'Could it be a summoning error, and I ended up summoning one of those two? But that doesn't seem right. This Servant's strength and characteristics make it unlikely for him to be an incompetent ruler, right...?'

Little did Kiritsugu know that from Artorius II to Artorius LXXV, they were all just disguised puppets of the figure before him. Despite his initial impression and ingrained prejudices, he couldn't help but wonder if his preconceived notions were indeed accurate.

With earnest curiosity, Kiritsugu gazed at Artorius, awaiting his response.

'The mutual trust and cooperation between a Servant and Master are crucial.' Artorius thought to himself.

He originally believed Kiritsugu could get along better with him than with Artoria in the original story of Fate/Zero, but it seemed that the situation was even worse.

"It seems I won't put your mind at ease unless I clarify things a bit, Kiritsugu..." Artorius spoke with ease. "I need the Holy Grail to achieve a certain goal for the Empire."

As he said that, a chilling light flickered in Artorius's eyes like frost.

"As for what it specifically entails, you'll naturally be informed once your confidentiality clearance reaches the level of a governor. Is this enough to put your mind at ease, Kiritsugu?"