I'm really not a top magician

"In short, Irisviel, you don't have to worry about anything. It's true that I'll feel more at ease with your cover, but there are not many enemies now. Even if I act alone, I am completely confident of victory." Saber said.

"Saber, if you really act alone, then I won't be worried."

When Saber realized the true meaning of Irisviel's words, she couldn't help but feel a bitter taste rising in her throat.

Yes, she wasn't acting alone. The Master, who had formed a contract with Saber as her Servant, was still on the same battlefield.

"Saber, can you treat Kiritsugu as a companion and fight alongside him from now on?" Irisviel asked.

"I have no objection to becoming his sword." In order not to make Irisviel sad, Saber said without hesitation.

Although she didn't quite approve of Emiya Kiritsugu's method, such extreme measures were feasible in the face of the Holy Grail War. As King Arthur, she also understood this.

In fact, Saber has always understood.

After all, she was like this before.

For Britain, she always makes rational choices.

Save the big villages and abandon the small ones,

All choices are made to better ensure the continuation of Britain.

But why was she resisting what Emiya Kiritsugu was doing at this moment?

Because Saber regretted it.

She regretted making such a decision, hated the attitude of the king who was called "not understanding human hearts", and because of her love for the king, she also hated Emiya Kiritsugu.

In fact, since the King's Banquet, Saber has been thinking about what Aika Sajo said in her mind.

"do not regret."

"Your decision is the best solution you can make at that time."

In fact, what Sajo Aika said was right. The person who couldn't let go was actually Saber herself.

But Saber thought about what happened yesterday. Could the master-servant relationship between her and Emiya Kiritsugu really continue?

Irisviel didn't know what Saber was thinking at the moment, but after hearing this answer, she nodded. She could only nod. Despite such a huge difference in their philosophies, Saber still trusted Emiya Kiritsugu, which was a blessing. But on the other hand, she also knew that Saber was now desperately expecting Kiritsugu to trust her to the very least, something Kiritsugu simply couldn't do. The meaning of true victory, for the King of Knights and the Magician Killer, was worlds apart.

Until victory is achieved, with unyielding will and the perseverance to regroup no matter how many times you fail

A thorough consideration to eliminate all possible causes of failure

Although the purpose of the two is the same, the process is fatally different.

“The Holy Grail is equivalent to myself to me. From the moment I was born, I have been carrying the vessel that can bring it down.” Irisviel added.

Saber nodded: "I heard that your mission is to be the guardian of the weapon."

However, Saber worked with her 24/7, yet she still didn't know how or where she had hidden the Holy Grail Vessel. Since they trusted each other, there was no need for her to ask. Once Saber had triumphed in all battles, she would simply take the Vessel from her.

"So, no matter what happens, I hope my baby can be handed over to the people I love, Kiritsugu, and you, Saber." Irisviel said like praying.

Saber nodded resolutely: "When I was first summoned, I swore to protect you and to win the final victory. I do not intend to break this oath."

Irisviel could only smile ambiguously and nod.

To achieve the original goal of the Three Founding Families and reach the Root, they must use the Command Seals to command Saber, having defeated all the Servants, to commit suicide, sacrificing all seven Heroic Spirits to the Holy Grail to end the war. However, Irisviel and Kiritsugu's wishes for the Holy Grail were not of this kind. While the desire to transform the world, ending all conflict, might seem immense, it ultimately fell within the realm of miracles. The resulting changes would, at best, only occur within the inner world, a far simpler task than targeting the outer world of the Origin Vortex. However, if they merely desired to achieve a miracle in the real world, they wouldn't need the ancient Winter Saint herself to fully awaken the Greater Holy Grail. Simply defeating the remaining six hostile Servants would replenish the magical power necessary for Kiritsugu and Saber to fulfill their wishes.

But as the two of them were going through a brutal battle for survival, what Irisviel was worried about more than the strength of the enemy was the discord between Kiritsugu and Saber.

Chapter 332: Irisviel's Gradually Collapsed Part

Because their ways of life and beliefs were completely at odds, conflict between the two was inevitable. Therefore, Irisviel felt she had to do her best to ease the conflict. However, as to whether she could do so, there was no hope.

Because, Irisviel's body has already...

“Someone’s presence is approaching, Irisviel!”

Saber's face was full of vigilance.

Afterwards, Irisviel also sensed the visitor from the reaction of the barrier set up in the courtyard.

“Ah, it’s okay. This aura belongs to Maiya.”

After gently knocking on the warehouse door, it was indeed Hisau Maiya herself who came in. As usual, she didn't greet or beat around the bush, but got straight to the point.

"Kiritsugu had his familiar bring a letter, ma'am. It's for you."

"A familiar?"

Kiritsugu's action surprised Irisviel. Ever since Irisviel evacuated Einzbern Castle, Kiritsugu had transformed it into a dangerous trap house to trick other unsuspecting Masters. Therefore, no one should have noticed this house at the moment.

Could it be that Kiritsugu was using a familiar to prevent others from noticing his presence and to reduce the risk of being discovered?

Thinking of this, Alice couldn't help but worry about the situation of the Holy Grail War.

However, after seeing the letter, Artoria was stunned. She probably thought of what Kiritsugu Emiya would say.

“I understand. Where is the letter?” Irisviel asked.

"At this."

Irisviel took the letter from Maiya and began to read. The original text was a code designed by Emiya Kiritsugu, but after Maiya deciphered it, a very simple sentence appeared before Irisviel.

"Send Saber out to meet the enemy."

Irisviel was a little surprised. Kiritsugu's words were too simple, and she didn't quite understand.

"What does Kiritsugu mean?" Irisviel asked.

"He said that Lancer and Rider are the only two left in the Holy Grail War. And both of them are seriously injured now. It's the best time for Saber to fight." Maiya said.

Irisviel nodded.

If things really develop as Kiritsugu said, Saber's attack at this moment is definitely the best choice.

"Then Saber, it's up to you from now on." Irisviel turned to Saber and said seriously.

"Don't worry, Irisviel, I will defeat them."

Saber said with mock seriousness.

In fact, when Saber saw the content of Emiya Kiritsugu's letter, she understood what he meant.

The so-called letting Saber attack and defeat the enemy actually means letting Saber take the initiative to stay away from Irisviel.

"So Kiritsugu really lost the Command Seal?" Saber guessed secretly in her heart.

In fact, Saber understood Kiritsugu's order.

With his Command Seals taken away by the enemy, Emiya Kiritsugu is unsure whether Saber will really take the opportunity to assassinate Irisviel. Even if Saber maintains the chivalrous virtues of King Arthur, the enemy will not maintain such morals. What if they directly use the Command Seals to order Saber to seize Irisviel?

Even if the enemy really had no such intention, Lisviel was still Emiya Kiritsugu's wife, and it wasn't an exaggeration to keep the danger away from her.

Moreover, using the seemingly more imposing and gentle words such as "let Saber take the initiative" can also confuse Irisviel. At least as the person with the deepest feelings for Saber, she will not be inexplicably worried when she knows the truth about Kiritsugu losing the Command Seal.

Since the final order has been issued, Saber has nothing to say. She has long since sworn to protect Irisviel, so she will carry out this order.

"By the way, Saber. You have a mission today as well."

Saber was about to leave when she was suddenly stopped by Maiya.

"Oh?"

"Kiritsugu's orders are all written in this letter."

Maiya handed another unopened letter to Saber.

Although Maiya discovered that Kiritsugu Emiya had one of his hands cut off when she met him, the latter did not tell her that Saber's Command Seal had been taken away. Therefore, Maiya was a little curious about Kiritsugu's arrangements.

The same goes for Saber. After opening the letter, there is also a very simple sentence written on it.

"Meet at Fuyuki Civic Center"

Saber immediately became interested when he saw it.

After bidding Irisviel a final farewell, she quickly left the warehouse.

Maiya watched Saber leave with an expressionless face, but inwardly, she sighed at how Saber looked like just an ordinary girl, completely different from the Knight King Artoria. Normally, Saber looked just a petite, slightly older girl, and no one would believe she was the king who had made such great achievements during those war-torn years.

Maiya rarely expressed such meaningless sentiments about matters other than missions.

Just as she was about to say something to herself, which was rare, she heard something fall down beside her.

She turned around and saw Irisviel, who had been sitting in the magic circle just now, lying on the ground again. Her condition was unusual, her pale face was dripping with sweat and her breathing was painful and rapid.

"Husband, what's wrong, ma'am?"

Maiya hurriedly stepped forward to hug her, feeling that the slender body in his arms was extremely hot.

"Saber didn't see it?"

Irisviel asked bitterly, there was no timidity or embarrassment in her tone. She didn't seem to have any doubts about the sudden abnormality in her body.

"Madam, how is your health?"

“Hehe, Maiya’s panic is really cute…”

"What are you talking about? Now is not the time to talk about this. I'll call Saber and Kiritsugu over right away. Please stay awake!"

Just as Maiya was about to stand up, Irisviel reached out and held her shoulders.

"This isn't abnormal; it was predetermined long ago. The fact that I can still exist as a human being is a miracle."

Realizing that there was something in her words, Maiya calmed down her emotions, and although she was nervous, she regained her usual calmness.

"Has Kiritsugu also known about this?"

Irisviel nodded, but added softly, "But... Saber doesn't know. She still has an important battle to face and can't let her worry about other things."

Sighing deeply, Maiya let Irisviel's body lie quietly on her back in the magic circle again. She knew that this was the position where she, as an android, could fully rest.

"Should I pretend to be ignorant of this matter?"

“No, Maiya, I still have something to tell you….Okay?”

Maiya nodded, stood up, and looked outside the warehouse.

After confirming that Saber had completely left, she quietly closed the door and returned to Irisviel's side.

"Okay, now Saber can't hear you."

Irisviel nodded, adjusted her rapid breathing, and then spoke calmly.

"You know I was designed as a homunculus for the Holy Grail War."

"Yes."

"My mission as the Guardian of the Vessel is to manage and transport the Vessel prepared for the Holy Grail's arrival. Actually, this statement is incorrect. In the last Holy Grail War, Grandpa Ahad not only lost his Servant, but the precious Vessel of the Holy Grail was also broken in the chaos of battle. In the third war, the Vessel was destroyed before a winner was determined, rendering the war ineffective. At that time, Grandpa began to reflect and decided to package the Vessel this time in a humanoid form with self-control."

The calm tone seemed to be leisurely describing things that had nothing to do with him. Because she saw everything, she decided to tell everything about her body.

"That's me. The vessel itself is endowed with survival instincts. In order to be able to avoid various dangers on its own, my grandfather transformed the vessel into Irisviel."

"How could that be, you!"

Maiya's heart is not as cold as stone. The shock of the truth shocked her.

"Four servants have already died, and the battle will soon be over. As time passes, the organ functions within me will begin to strain this superfluous exterior. I will surely gradually become unable to move, until, Maiya, I will not even be able to talk to you like this."

Maiya bit her lower lip and remained silent for a moment, but new problems had arisen in the Holy Grail War, and Kiritsugu had asked her not to tell Irisviel.

“Does Kiritsugu really know everything? Does he know what kind of condition you are in right now?” Maiya repeated the previous question.

"Yes, that's why he gave me Saber's scabbard. Do you know its effect?"

"I heard that it has the ability to stop aging and unlimited healing."

"It's what stopped my shell from falling off. I thought I was going to die soon, but thanks to it, I've been able to maintain my human appearance and behavior until now. And, if I distance myself from Saber like I am now, the situation will suddenly worsen..."

She could no longer get up. Facing Irisviel who seemed to be in a dying state, Maiya not only lowered her eyes.

"If Saber were present, Maiya couldn't imagine how she would react. As a role model of knighthood, the girl would be more distressed by the suffering of others than her own. If she knew that the victory she longed for must be based on Irisviel's sacrifice, I wonder if she would still be able to grasp the sword as tightly as before."

“Why tell me?” Maiya asked.

Irisviel smiled calmly and said, "Kusu Maiya, you are the only one who won't pity me. You will definitely agree with me. This is what I think."

Maiya stared at her smile in silence, and then nodded quietly.

"Madam, I thought you were an unapproachable person."

"Can you understand me if this is not the case?"

"Yes."