บท 539: Chapter 539: Arranging Final Affairs
Of course, Shinji wanted to gather all the Servants, make thorough preparations, and storm the Hanging Gardens together, overwhelming Amakusa Shirou Tokisada with sheer numbers. But that was just a beautiful dream.
With the Lesser Grail, which served as the key, lost, Amakusa Shirou's plan to destroy the world using the Greater Grail had fallen through. The other Masters and Servants had lost their chance to fulfill their wishes.
Only two might accompany him—Artoria, his Servant and bearer of the mission of Counter Force, and Jeanne d'Arc, who as the Ruler, intended to punish the culprit.
Though Jeanne still retained her privileges, with the Holy Grail War now interrupted, she would not use her authority to forcibly command the Servants.
Moreover, even if convinced to use her authority, it wouldn't have any substantial effect. She only had one command left, while the other Masters still had more than two Command Spells each, which could completely counteract it, potentially straining the currently good relationships.
Since he couldn't force it, Shinji decided to go with the flow, arranging everything and everyone he cared about before heading to the battlefield without any lingering concerns.
Yes, everything Shinji had done up to this point was about arranging final affairs.
As a Servant, he had the responsibility to fulfill his Master's wish. So, he would help her heal her legs.
As a Servant, he had the duty to protect his Master. Therefore, in the event of his departure and inability to fulfill his duty, he arranged a substitute.
Fiore trusted him greatly, treating him more like a friend than a Servant, even risking her safety to accompany him. He couldn't let her take any further risks.
Moreover, to make up for his previous deception and to ensure she lived better, Shinji would leave her some useful items.
In addition to Fiore, he would also give certain rewards to those who genuinely cared for him and the Servants.
"Caules, the gap between you and Fiore isn't as big as you think. It's just that you're not suited for the family's traditional Spirit Evocation magecraft. Your highest compatibility is actually with magecraft related to electricity."
"Electricity?"
"Yes."
"How do you know this?"
"Consider it a special ability of mine."
Because of my arrival, I disrupted a fate that should have been yours, the existence with which you have the highest compatibility. (He's talking about the original black Berserker, Fran-chan)
"Well, the Yggdmillennia family has an abundance of old magical traditions. You can pick one related to it and give it a try. It won't take much of your time, so why not?"
"Ah, okay."
"When you try, consult Teacher Chiron often. Although his magical abilities are restricted by his class, his experience and insight remain. His guidance will make your learning and innovation much more effective."
"Assassin, you, I..."
Because he had previously hindered his sister's actions, Caules thought Shinji would hold a grudge. He never expected Shinji to be so considerate.
"Alright, don't make that face. I'm not doing this entirely for you. The better you are, the better you can support Fiore."
As Shinji spoke, he moved closer to Caules, finally whispering into his ear so that only the two of them could hear.
"Both you and I are well aware that Fiore is actually very soft-hearted and not suited to be a magus. But she genuinely loves magecraft, so I'll have to ask you to handle some of the dirty work."
"I understand."
"You're more suited to be the head of the family than your sister. If you could switch places... well, never mind, it's not my place to say. As long as you understand."
The most emotionally intelligent Master of the Yggdmillennia clan opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Shinji patted him on the shoulder and walked toward Chiron, bowing deeply.
"Teacher, with your wisdom, you probably already know what I want to say and do, so I won't waste words. I leave everything in your hands."
Unlike Atalanta, who has a clear wish, or Achilles, who wants to help Atalanta, Chiron is wiser and more desireless. For someone like him, Shinji couldn't think of any way to compel Chiron other than sincerely asking for his help.
"Guiding lost souls is a teacher's duty."
After a moment of silence, Chiron nodded in agreement.
Without Darnic, the Yggdmillennia clan severely lacks someone to act as their brains. With Chiron's promise, the last gap was filled.
Shinji bowed again and moved on to the next person, Mordred.
They didn't have much interaction, but for Artoria's sake, it was best to clarify some things.
"Mordred, what's your wish?"
"What, are you going to try to question my wish like you did to Archer?"
Mordred grinned, provocatively showing a few teeth.
"So what if I am?"
"Then you'll be disappointed. My wish is to pull the Sword in the Stone for the right to be king."
"Huh?"
Artoria was startled by Mordred's wish and was about to say something when Shinji cut in.
"Give it up. You can't pull it out."
"What nonsense are you talking about? As someone who inherited King Arthur's bloodline, there's no way I can't pull it out."
Mordred's eyes narrowed.
"Or are you saying I don't have the qualifications of a king?"
Shinji shook his head. "It has nothing to do with bloodline or the qualifications of a king."
"Then what does it have to do with?"
"It has to do with Merlin. That sword can only be pulled out by Artoria. If I'm not mistaken, Merlin set it up that way when he prepared the Sword in the Stone'= test. No matter how great a king you are, it won't work—am I right, Artoria?"
Although Shinji's theory about the selection ritual was his conjecture, it was not a random guess. Based on his understanding of Merlin and analysis of that particular era, this answer was very likely true.
Sure enough, Artoria admitted Shinji's claim:
"It's true. I only confirmed this with Merlin a long time later."
"Tch, that old trickster who loves playing tricks. If I ever get the chance, I'll cut him down," Mordred said, pouting.
"Uh, Saber," Kairi looked at his servant strangely, "you don't seem to be upset at all?"
Mordred jumped up: "Huh? Are your eyes broken, Master? How could I not be upset?"
"But you don't look—"
"Master, look closely!"
Mordred leaned in, only to be intercepted by Shinji's hand between them.
"Alright, enough pretending. The reason you're not upset is that your wish isn't really to pull out the Sword in the Stone and become the king of Britain."
"Then what do you think my wish is?"
"You want me to say it?"
Shinji's expression was playful.
Mordred gritted her teeth.
"Say it, or I'll cut you down!"
"I might not describe it accurately, as I don't understand the thoughts of fools. But if I had to say, it's probably to pick up everything Artoria lost in becoming a king, waiting for the day she can lay down her burdens and show a smile as a human, not a king."
"!!!"
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