Tohsaka Tokiomi ultimately slunk away in defeat. Kariya had noted the "coldness" in his departing gaze.
In this war, if his own daughter became an obstacle, he would remove her all the same.
For the Root, no price was too high and no sacrifice too great. Such was Tokiomi's obsession as a magus.
"Berserker, are you sure this is alright?"
Approaching the Servant still tending the garden, Kariya spoke in a low voice.
[Don't worry. It will end soon.]
"But... if you win--"
The drawing board appeared. Clear, bold characters. Kariya scratched his head, understanding the predicament.
Being bound to this world permanently wasn't something Berserker wanted.
[That's why there must be one more battle.]
[If it's Rider, I can peacefully hand him the victory.]
[He is also a king who would sacrifice everything for others and for the world.]
This wasn't a superficial judgment but knowledge gleaned through the "Echo of Beyond" -- the ability to witness the past.
He'd long since learned Rider's full history.
Previously, with Saber and Assassin still in play, too many "candidates" remained viable, making it impossible to choose.
But now, with only Archer and Rider left, the choice was clear. Between those two, only Rider would guarantee Sakura's survival.
Archer was far too capricious to be trusted with a child's safety.
Rider, however, would never commit an act of "scorched earth." The Emperor who loved his sister above all would not harm Sakura.
Especially since she was a six-year-old girl.
Direct negotiation with Rider would only breed suspicion. Better to let events unfold naturally -- fight Archer, then find an opportunity to pass the Dragon Ball to Rider.
The "script" was already written in his mind. A version that Rider's sharp intellect would easily interpret.
All that remained was waiting for Archer to make his move.
SLAM!
Back home, the memory of his humiliation left Tokiomi seething quietly.
So close to his lifelong dream, and his own daughter stood in the way.
If he'd known this would happen, he should have kept Sakura and sent his elder daughter Rin to the Matou family instead.
A crisis at the worst possible moment. Truly the greatest blunder of his career.
"Hmm?"
Mid-brooding, a familiar-relayed message arrived.
"Risei?"
"The Church has finally completed its cleanup. Given the timing, Archer will likely make his move soon."
Listening to the familiar voice, Tokiomi didn't disagree.
That "King" had been quiet lately, but he wouldn't remain idle forever. The injuries from the extermination were severe, but recovery shouldn't take more than a week.
"Leave Rider alone. Archer can dispatch him at any time."
"But the battle with Berserker is paramount."
"In that case, you'll certainly need the bounty Command Spells."
The implication was clear. Tokiomi's furrowed brow began to relax.
To maintain an advantage in the upcoming confrontation, Command Spells were essential.
"Come by today. The Church is currently announcing continued cleanup operations -- no outsiders."
Tokiomi understood the subtext perfectly.
Away from the remaining Masters' eyes, Risei intended to discreetly transfer the extermination bounty's Command Spells, giving Tokiomi an edge.
"Understood. I'll be there shortly."
Ending the call, Tokiomi strode toward his chambers.
"Sakura, Rider's Master -- none of you understand who truly controls this war."
That familiar arrogance. Tokiomi smirked.
A young man and a child, thinking they could compete with the head of a prestigious magus family?
How utterly naive.
"Archer, have you come to kill me?"
At those words, Gilgamesh regarded the "acquaintance" before him and snorted with contempt.
"Lost your Master and your fighting spirit along with him?"
"How pitiable."
That distinctive ahoge bobbed atop the figure's head.
Saber. Artoria.
After defeating Kenshin and recovering the scabbard, she'd learned of Kiritsugu's death and understood her situation.
Strangely, she hadn't disappeared. Avalon's properties were sustaining her existence in the physical world.
In the end, she had chosen to withdraw. Not from the war mechanically, but voluntarily. She'd hidden herself away.
Yet today, Archer had found her.
Drawing Excalibur from beneath a plain outfit, Saber showed no concern.
With both sword and scabbard, she was no longer the same Servant. She could face Archer or Berserker without yielding.
"Fool. The King merely detected a hidden rat and came to investigate. I expected the fake king, not you."
"Judging by your state, you're sustaining yourself through Avalon's unique properties."
"Well, no matter. Toying with you at the end might prove amusing."
"Hahahaha!!"
His mood lifting, Gilgamesh laughed in his usual manner.
"Hmph. You think you've already won?"
"Neither Rider nor Berserker is an opponent you can dismiss easily."
Watching him turn to leave, Saber's voice dripped with scorn.
"The British pretender-king can pipe down. Berserker is somewhat troublesome, but..."
"The King will prevail!"
That absolute confidence again. It reminded Saber of the raw power backing his arrogance.
Setting personality aside, there was no denying his combat prowess.
"And your willingness to stand down -- is it because of Rider?"
"Does his wish matter that much to you?"
"That's none of your business! I simply, as a fellow king, wish to see him carry the day."
"At least over the likes of you!"
She snapped back without grace.
Fellow rulers of Britain. She naturally hoped Rider would go all the way.
Her own wish had been fulfilled. That was precisely why she'd withdrawn after Kiritsugu's death.
Otherwise, armed with Excalibur and Avalon, she absolutely had the power to intervene.
"I thought you had something profound to say, but it's merely British solidarity?"
"How pathetic."
"A powerless, masterless nobody barely qualifies as a king."
"Once I've disposed of Berserker, I'll make sure you see Rider's miserable end firsthand."
He vanished. Saber sheathed her blade.
"A king who could lead Britain to resurgence is no 'powerless nobody.'"
"Archer, sooner or later, your arrogance will be your undoing!"
"Ah, there you are."
"I... still feel deeply regretful about Kirei."
"Don't. He served his purpose."
At the church entrance, Tokiomi exchanged pleasantries with Risei.
"Only two opponents remain. With Archer's strength, there shouldn't be an issue."
"Indeed, as you say."
Led gently inside, Tokiomi stood before the altar and extended his right hand.
"Actually, before I grant the Command Spells, allow me to introduce a certain individual."
"Hmm?"
The reverence in Risei's tone made Tokiomi frown.
"An individual?"
Tap...
Soft footsteps. Tokiomi's gaze found the approaching figure.
His pupils constricted, then dilated.
Why was he here?!
"You--!"
That cold, flat voice announced the verdict.
"Checkmate."
[Translated and Rewritten by Shika_Kagura]