Chapter 69: Nature

The Fuyuki Church at night was even quieter than usual. After Father Risei had finished his usual business, he was checking the situation inside the church when he noticed his son, Kirei, returning from outside.

Father Risei didn't find it strange at all that Kirei had been out. Although the Holy Grail War had temporarily come to a halt due to some abnormal circumstances, and a temporary ceasefire agreement had been reached with the mutual approval of all parties, this didn't mean Kirei had to stop assisting Tohsaka Tokiomi in gathering intelligence. After all, it was just a verbal agreement and had no binding force. Moreover, there was a Master who hadn't participated in the armistice negotiations at all and had no obligation to align with the other camps.

"You're back, Kirei," Father Risei greeted him.

Although Kirei looked a bit tired, as if he had just returned from a long journey, there were no signs of fighting on him, and even his robes were unwrinkled. Naturally, the old priest didn't think much of it.

"I just came back from the Einzbern forest," Kirei responded with a nod, then continued. "As expected, Tatsuya Suzuki and his Servants launched an attack on Einzbern and Saber."

Father Risei wasn't surprised but instead nodded in understanding. "So, in order to prevent the plan to purify the Greater Holy Grail from being thwarted, you decided to strike first."

"It looks that way," Kirei agreed.

Father Risei turned and walked toward his office in the church's basement. "What was the result? You came back so soon. Was Saber killed by Berserker?"

"Father, do you think Tatsuya Suzuki is certain to win?" Kirei asked.

"Given the current situation in the Holy Grail War, even Keyneth from the Clock Tower was killed. I'd say Tatsuya is probably the greatest threat in this war," Father Risei replied. "But fortunately, the Greater Holy Grail has already encountered problems, and there's no longer a need for a life-and-death battle. In some ways, that's a blessing."

As the Church's overseer, after reporting the situation to his superiors, Father Risei had only been tasked with continuing to monitor the remaining progress, witnessing the purification of the Greater Holy Grail, and the cessation of the Holy Grail War. It could be considered a relatively easy job.

"Thank you for your hard work thus far. When everything is finished, you should take a break and have a good rest," Father Risei turned around and said kindly to his son. "I've arranged everything for you."

He had originally intended for Kirei to visit Claudia's grave after the matter was settled, but he held back, thinking it would be better to let Kirei decide on that himself.

"Yes," Kirei said expressionlessly. "Thank you, Father, for your arrangements."

The old priest was very satisfied and proud of this. His son always kept the Lord's teachings in mind and was not keen on pleasure. In the future, Kirei would surely become the Church's most outstanding member, walking a path better than his own.

"So, what was the outcome?" Father Risei did not forget the key point.

Although he personally favored Tatsuya to win, he knew that unexpected events could always occur. In any case, it was necessary to confirm and record the outcome, and then discuss the next steps with Tohsaka Tokiomi.

"No, there wasn't a clear winner. The battle was interrupted by external reasons," Kirei said.

Father Risei was slightly surprised. "Interrupted?"

"Yes."

"Have you confirmed the details?" Father Risei asked as he naturally opened the door to his office.

"I was close enough to confirm them."

From beginning to end, Father Risei had never been wary of his son. Kotomine Kirei was exceptional—calm, serious, and disciplined—everything one would expect of a saint. Because of this, Father Risei didn't overthink the fact that Kirei was standing unusually close to him.

The old priest, who had once been a combatant, should have realized that this was an extremely dangerous distance. Even someone without combat training could inflict serious harm from such a range. And Kirei, who had been hardened through countless tough missions, was far more dangerous.

"I want to know...what kind of existence am I to you, Father?"

After entering the room, Kirei asked from behind. The old priest was surprised by the question. He couldn't help but stop and think on the spot. In truth, there had been few in-depth exchanges between father and son. It was rare for the naturally intelligent Kirei to ask such a question, which made Father Risei feel indescribably relieved.

"My proud son, there is nothing more to say." Risei gave a direct and unambiguous answer. "I think you are a role model for many people. From a father's perspective, your love for the Lord is genuine. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you overcome them with an indomitable spirit and open up a path as a seeker. I am proud of you..."

At this point, Father Risei wondered if he had praised his son too much. After all, the Lord's teachings often emphasize not paying too much attention to vain praise. He was about to turn around and ask Kirei if he was satisfied, but found himself suddenly unable to move.

Three sharp, slender blades pierced through Father Risei's chest from behind, piercing his heart and lungs simultaneously, fully demonstrating Kirei's killing skills. It was the "Black Key," the favorite weapon of the Church's agents, effective in both close combat and long-range containment. When enchanted with a special spell, it could even temporarily paralyze the target.

This was exactly what Kirei had done. Simply piercing his father's heart wasn't enough. Given that Father Risei had once served as an agent in his youth, Kirei wouldn't let his guard down until his father was truly dead.

What had just happened? Why did Kirei do this? Instead of anger, endless confusion flooded the old priest's mind as blood filled his throat with each breath.

Whoosh—

The sword was pulled away, and Father Risei collapsed to his knees, helplessly lying on the ground, where he stopped breathing. In mere moments, a pool of blood formed beneath him.

As Kirei looked at his father, who had died confused and unwilling, a smile of joy unconsciously appeared on his face. The commonality between his father and that woman was that they both deeply loved Kirei. As a result, they both misunderstood his true nature.

But compared to the feeling of killing his wife in the illusion, killing his father with his own hands—and inflicting pain and confusion on the old man—brought Kirei an unparalleled sense of happiness.

The soul seeks pleasure as the beast seeks the taste of blood.

No one could have predicted what the "Garden of Disappointment" would awaken.

_______

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