Chapter 34: The Entanglement of Fate
Words : 708
Updated : Sep 12th, 2025
Danger.
Extreme danger.
That was Artoria's first reaction.
This was not just baseless speculation. She possessed a unique skill called "Instinct," ranked at A, which allowed her to momentarily glimpse into the future.
Just now, she had glimpsed a possible future where she was impaled by countless blades.
Though the probability of such an event was minimal, it still proved that this young man before her possessed the power to kill her.
But soon, Saber realized her vigilance was unnecessary.
After a brief moment of shock, Irisviel quickly revealed a delighted smile.
"Shirou! I didn't expect to run into you here. Illya really misses you."
Shirou?
Saber stiffened, then quickly turned her head.
Red hair, brown eyes, and eyebrows that curved at the ends like lightning.
But the illusion soon faded. The young man standing before her had white hair and dazzling golden eyes.
Strange...
The handsome knight frowned, sensing both familiarity and incongruity.
Meanwhile, Miyu, who had returned to Sakatsuki's side, looked up and secretly observed her brother.
"...Shirou?"
That name again. But no matter how hard she tried, Miyu couldn't recall anything.
Yet it felt so familiar.
More than once, she had been troubled by the gaps in her memory.
Fate was a fascinating yet cruel force, bringing together individuals whose destinies were intertwined while simultaneously severing their recognition of one another. It maliciously awaited their belated realization, leading them towards inevitable tragedy.
But this time, an otherworldly soul stood above it all, overlooking the intricate web of fate, seeing every thread clearly.
"Hello, Irisviel, Master of the Einzbern family."
Sakatsuki deliberately used a formal, unfamiliar title. He removed his left hand glove and extended his hand toward her.
The three Command Spells on his hand glowed like burning flames.
"As a fellow participant in the Holy Grail War, I, Sakatsuki, greet you."
Irisviel instinctively reached out. It wasn't until Sakatsuki let go that she finally processed what had happened.
"So... 'Shirou' is...?"
"Just a name I used on a whim. Don't mind it."
Sakatsuki suppressed the turmoil in his heart and replied casually.
"Oh..."
Irisviel nodded in half-understanding.
"Kiritsugu told me long ago that you might join the Holy Grail War, but I didn't expect to meet you so soon."
Hand in hand with Miyu, she walked ahead, her laughter bright and carefree.
There were certainly many cities in the world with even more breathtaking nightscapes than Fuyuki.
But to Irisviel, this was her first time seeing such a view—this first, precious experience.
"It's so beautiful..."
Moved, she murmured words that reached Miyu's ears.
Miyu looked up at this woman, who appeared to be an adult yet had the innocent heart of a child.
And unconsciously, memories stirred within her.
Because of the Holy Grail's rules, much of her past had been sealed away.
Yet even so, Miyu clearly remembered the years she had spent confined, unable to step outside.
She still recalled the loneliness and sorrow of that isolation.
Which was why she understood, more than anyone, how precious Irisviel's feelings were.
Squeezing the hand in hers, Miyu suddenly stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed Irisviel's cheek.
"Let's go have fun, Irisviel."
She wasn't sure why she did it.
But somehow, it felt like something she had long wanted to do.
"!!!"
Irisviel's eyes widened in silent surprise. Then, she covered her mouth and giggled.
"Alright! Where do you want to go, Miyu?"
Miyu thought for a moment.
She glanced back at Sakatsuki, who was walking side by side with Saber.
Seeing how their dark suits matched so well, she pouted slightly.
"First, a clothing store."
***
Moments later, Sakatsuki emerged, now dressed in a traditional kimono alongside Miyu, who also wore one.
Seeing Saber's bewildered expression and Irisviel's amused smile, he couldn't help but feel that something was off.
Was there something wrong with his previous suit?
But in the next instant, the expressions of everyone present suddenly changed.
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? ???? Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
????patreon.com/aarvan????
Thanks for being awesome! ❤️
Comments (0)