The main castle of the Einzbern family is located in a mountainous region near the Rhine River in Germany. The forests surrounding the castle are fortified with displacement and exploration barriers. Without guidance, it is difficult for ordinary magi to approach the area.
Few people have visited Einzbern Castle over the years, but today, they have a guest.
The Einzbern patriarch, Jubstacheit von Einzbern, arrived at the castle garden early, waiting for someone to appear.
SWISH
A white light appeared in the air above the garden and descended instantly.
BANG
As the white light struck, the ground cracked immediately, and tremors were clearly felt throughout the castle.
Jubstacheit's pupils shrank slightly at the display of amazing power. Having participated in the Third Holy Grail War, his knowledge allowed him to recognize that this power already surpassed that of most Heroic Spirits.
If Haruto knew what Jubstacheit was thinking at this moment, he would likely be disdainful. Heroic Spirits? Even if he were to compete with those champions, he wouldn't be outmatched at all.
Jubstacheit saw a handsome young man with black hair and eyes like stars walking out of the smoke.
"Welcome, Lord Haruto." Jubstacheit placed one hand over his chest and bowed slightly.
He did not dare to show any disrespect in front of Haruto, let alone consider the relationship between Haruto and Zelretch. From the moment he realized that the dazzling light from six months ago—with energy as vast as the universe—belonged to Haruto, he knew that victory in this Holy Grail War was already decided.
And the Third Magic, the wish of his heart, would finally be realized.
"Alright, Jubstacheit, I'll get straight to the point. I want to reproduce the Third Magic. You will cooperate with me. From now on, the entire Einzbern family will obey my orders."
"Yes! From this moment on, you are the sole master of the Einzbern family. The entire family will follow your lead." Jubstacheit adjusted the central control program and issued the command; now, all homunculi would follow Haruto's instructions.
"Good. Let me tell you one more thing. The Angra Mainyu you summoned in the last Holy Grail War has polluted the Grail. Therefore, even if you obtain it, you may not be able to realize the Third Magic." Seeing how cooperative he was, Haruto spoke bluntly.
"How could that be..." Jubstacheit murmured in disbelief. "Is there no other way?" he asked cautiously. Since Haruto mentioned it, he must have a solution.
The corners of Haruto's mouth twitched into a slight smirk. "Of course. In fact, I have many ways. I can create another Holy Grail myself, or simply purify the current one."
Haruto spoke confidently. With a "cheat" ability like [Thousands of Magic], which allowed him to master all techniques in the world, creating a Holy Grail was not a difficult task.
Furthermore, he possessed [Energy Absorption]. While it was a super-ability from the "Black Superman" rank capable of absorbing starlight and radiation, after being strengthened, Haruto's version was no longer limited to stars. As long as it was a form of energy, he could absorb it.
The Grail's pollution? The "All the World's Evil"? He could just inhale it and be done with it. As for being corrupted by that evil? He couldn't even be assimilated by the Root itself, so why would he fear a little bit of worldly malice?
Hearing that Haruto could directly construct a Holy Grail, Jubstacheit ignored the mention of purification and exclaimed in horror: "That... can you truly do such a thing?"
Jubstacheit spoke in surprise, though secretly relieved. He had made the right choice by bringing Haruto into the Einzbern fold.
"Alright, there's no use talking about this now. Take me to see Irisviel." Haruto waved his hand impatiently.
He couldn't wait to meet the beautiful lady. Now, she was his own wife, not someone else's. Just thinking about it made him feel a bit excited.
"Yes, Lord Haruto," Jubstacheit said respectfully, leading Haruto into the castle.
When they reached Irisviel's room and opened the door, Haruto saw a girl sitting by the window. She had long, snow-white hair and a delicate face like a fine doll, set with eyes like rubies. Irisviel looked like a goddess descended to the world.
Haruto gazed at the ethereal Irisviel for several seconds.
Jubstacheit silently observed Haruto's reaction before speaking to Irisviel. "Irisviel, come meet your new master, Lord Haruto, who is also your husband."
Irisviel noticed their presence. "I am sorry, Lord Haruto. My name is Irisviel."
Her voice was pleasant, but her empty eyes made it seem as though this world-defying beauty was merely an exquisite doll.
Haruto frowned, looking at her vacant gaze, and couldn't help but feel a pang of pity. Such was the fate of a Lesser Grail vessel—to be treated as nothing more than a tool.
"Tsk, Jubstacheit, I really feel like punching you right now," Haruto said bluntly.
Jubstacheit said nothing, though sweat beaded on his forehead. Two punches? He would likely be obliterated by just one.
Irisviel met Haruto's gaze, sensing a different emotion within his star-like eyes. She didn't understand what it was, only that she wanted more of it. She reached out her hand toward him.
Seeing this, Haruto caught her jade-like hand, holding her snow-white, delicate fingers. They were incredibly soft and smooth.
"Lord Haruto, I..." Irisviel suddenly realized it might be rude to initiate contact with her master and tried to pull back.
But as soon as she let go, her heart felt empty and a little reluctant.
Seeing her reaction, Haruto understood and smiled.
"You don't need to call me Lord Haruto. Just call me Haru, or husband. After all, I am your husband."
He then pulled Irisviel into his arms and hugged her.
Jubstacheit, being sensible, had already slipped out of the room. He was afraid that Haruto might suddenly lose his temper or decide to take things further with Irisviel right then and there.
Feeling Haruto's warm embrace, Irisviel felt incredibly at ease, developing an intense attachment to him in her heart. Even if she knew the purpose for which she was created, the "doll's" heart was filled the moment she looked into his eyes.
"Husband? Husband... what is that?" Irisviel asked blankly.
"Want to know?" Haruto patted her head.
"Yes! Can Haru tell me?"
"Alright, I will teach you. And I will protect you, Irisviel," Haruto said seriously.
He kissed her on the forehead.
Irisviel didn't understand the gesture and asked curiously, "Haru, what was that just now?"
"It's a kiss—an intimate gesture for someone you love," Haruto smiled.
Irisviel looked at Haruto's smile. "Haru, it is so beautiful... but I still don't quite understand."
"It doesn't matter. I will teach you everything. I will stay by your side for the rest of your life to teach you."