Chapter 40: Plotting an Alliance

My name is Illya.

……I hate big guys!

136:31:14

While I was using Rin’s vessel to cause trouble for Kiritsugu, Illya’s vessel was currently traveling in spirit form toward Kayneth’s new stronghold. Although the Lord’s concealment magecraft was quite impressive, it could naturally never deceive me, as I am one with the Root. If he were to ask later how I discovered his base, I would simply fob him off by saying, "I am a Caster; I am very proficient at gathering intelligence."

As for the purpose of my visit... one should know that, besides Tohsaka Tokiomi and Kotomine Risei, the direct participants, I am likely the only one who truly understands the specific reasons behind this rule adjustment.

First, what the old priest said—that the Holy Grail can be summoned if any two of the three factions are eliminated—is true. This is because there are two extra Heroic Spirits in total, yet the condition for the Holy Grail’s appearance remains the defeat of six spirits. Therefore, if two factions are completely wiped out, the Grail will appear directly, and the victorious faction will naturally no longer need to fight amongst themselves.

However, this is merely the surface-level reason and the ideal scenario. In reality, during a chaotic battle, even the ultimate victor cannot guarantee that their own Heroic Spirit will not be defeated. Once six spirits have been defeated in total and the Grail appears, to whom does it actually belong?

Naturally, it belongs to Emiya Kiritsugu.

Because the woman sent by the Einzberns is both the vessel of the Holy Grail and a Master, the Grail will manifest through her. Unless Kiritsugu is eliminated beforehand or another faction captures Irisviel, Kiritsugu will directly obtain the Grail.

Therefore, if one thinks carefully about it, this rule is overwhelmingly disadvantageous to the Saber faction. The remaining two parties are highly likely to reach a temporary alliance to defeat Kiritsugu, seize Irisviel, and then battle it out over who gets to keep her.

During this process, Irisviel’s own will would be irrelevant—or rather, it is questionable whether she would even retain a sense of self once separated from Kiritsugu. She might, in her despair, become just like those "predecessors" of hers: a vessel for the Grail with no self-identity.

This is the truth behind the scheme plotted by Kotomine Risei and Tohsaka Tokiomi: first, announce a rule that is extremely disadvantageous to the Einzberns; then, wait for the Kayneth faction to realize the implications or inform them via an envoy; and finally, use the return of the Berserker’s chariot or other promises as leverage to form a temporary alliance with the Kayneth faction through binding vows, or simply have them stand by while the Einzberns are under attack.

When these things happen, the Einzberns would have no way to stop it other than preparing for battle, eventually being forced to face the Tohsaka faction's attack alone—or even a joint assault including the Kayneth faction—which would essentially mean their elimination.

If their plan succeeds, it will be a huge problem. Not to mention whether Masters might be accidentally caught in the crossfire of such a "two tigers fighting" scenario, the mere fact that Kiritsugu focuses specifically on killing Masters is a major issue. However, there is one advantage now: Gilgamesh’s obsession with Saber has disrupted Tokiomi’s plans, forcing him to rush an attack on Einzbern Castle without having reached an agreement with Kayneth.

And what I am about to do is take this opportunity to completely ruin their layout.

—By forming an alliance with Kayneth first.

136:27:23

The complex mountainous terrain and dense forests in the south of Fuyuki were not slated for development as they lacked commercial value, so when I materialized in the woods, I caused little disturbance beyond startling a few birds.

As a Servant from the Root, Illya could appear directly inside Kayneth’s new base, but that would be equivalent to declaring war without warning, and they likely wouldn't listen to my explanations.

Therefore, I actively emitted magical fluctuations outside the detection range of their defensive barrier and, maintaining my physical form, floated toward the floating fortress and the old Western-style mansion at a speed that would not provoke alarm.

【Although your assessment of the situation and Tokiomi’s plan is very accurate, how do you intend to persuade Kayneth to form an alliance? How is your eloquence?】

'To the extent of having read "Speech and Eloquence" cover to cover?'

【You’re overconfident...】

'Oh, and "The Actor’s Self-Cultivation," too.'

【That...】

'Shut up and don't interrupt my train of thought!'

【Alert: Rider is approaching rapidly.】

As the system sister gave the warning, I felt a surge of magical power as hot and vast as the scorching sun in the desert. Wow, Weber has to face this every day? That must be exhausting.

As for the Great King, he is quite difficult to hoodwink. If it were Lancer, a line like "You have no right to make decisions for your lord, take me to see Kayneth" might have worked, but it’s hard to reason with Iskandar.

Boom—

"Yo! You look like a little girl, Caster. What are you doing here?"

It’s Caster, who looks like a little girl!

The burly man, draped in a crimson cloak, wearing dark red chest armor, and sporting flaming red hair and a beard, descended from the sky riding a tall black horse. His path of descent crashed through five or six trees with a loud crackling sound.

Bucephalus, Iskandar’s backup mount besides the Gordius Wheel. Although it lacked the thunderous protection of the Divine Chariot, its impact force seemed quite impressive. But for such a big guy to ride such a big horse—it was more than three times my height!

Realizing that simply tilting my head wasn't enough, I floated up to be at eye level with Rider.

"I’m here to help you take back the Gordius Wheel," I said, looking at Iskandar, who remained unmoved by this suggestion. I continued, "And don't you want a body in the current world? I can help you create one."

By stating his wish for the modern world directly, he had to say something now, right?

Rider did not respond, only stroked his chin and looked me up and down.

Wh-what are you doing? I wore the Dress of Heaven specifically to look serious. Is it really that strange?

"Although I heard your Master was taken hostage by Saber’s Master to coerce you, it clearly looks like you’ve formed an alliance now," Rider said, raising his thick red eyebrows.

"That's right. I’m here to seek cooperation, and what I just said is the condition I offer you." While Emperor Iskandar looked rough and bold, if anyone took him for a fool, they were the ones who were foolish. But I wasn't planning on playing games this time; the situation didn't allow for it.

"Hmm... just for me? Looks like you have other conditions prepared to persuade others, too," Rider nodded.

"That’s exactly it. If you’re worried about me being a threat to them, you can have them come here to talk—"

I was just about to recite my prepared script when I suddenly felt my body go light.

After a dizzying spin, I found myself dumped onto the back of that large black horse, and Iskandar’s voice boomed like thunder behind me: "We'll talk inside. We aren't so cowardly as to fear a little girl, haha!"

【Hey, Alaya, Rider grabbed you by the collar and hauled you onto the horse.】

'I know! What about my automatic defensive magecraft?'

【It doesn't seem to have triggered... because he harbors absolutely no malice toward you...】

"D-damn it..." Having never ridden a horse, I swayed twice before scrambling to hug the horse’s neck, turning my head to glare at Iskandar: "Is this how the great King of Conquerors invites guests?"

"Haha, sorry, I'm used to hauling people around." Rider’s large face showed no sign of apology. "Once you help me take back my chariot, I’ll take you for a flight."

You must be talking about Weber! Besides, take me for another flight?

Before I could process the meaning of those words, the Great King squeezed his legs and drove Bucephalus into the sky.

Someone once said that if you aren't afraid of heights, it’s because you haven't flown high enough. As a Caster who could almost fly out of the atmosphere, I would have scoffed at this statement, but now, looking down at the tall forest that had turned into mere shrubbery, I had to complete the thought—if you aren't afraid no matter how high you fly, it’s because you haven't been carried by a guy who flies unsteadily and might drop you at any moment.

What is with this horse swaying and jolting left and right!

The wind pressure from the high-speed flight made the Great King’s cloak billow like a standard. Accompanied by the noble black horse and his heroic laughter, he finally landed in the courtyard of the magecraft workshop Kayneth had newly commissioned.

If the person being blown by the wind in front of him wasn't me, I would definitely have applauded his dashing and heroic style. But now, my legs were jelly, and I could only cling tightly to the horse’s neck and refuse to let go.

"Uh, Rider?" I sensed another spiritual presence approaching; judging by the voice, it was Lancer: "Is this... a prisoner?"

You're the prisoner! Even those two spears of yours are prisoners!

I quickly smoothed my hair and clothes, adjusted my crown, and hopped down.

"Greetings, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. My name is Lizlei Justeaze von Einzbern. I have manifested in this war as a Caster. I have come here unannounced to discuss some matters with your lord. May I ask you to introduce me?" I recited the script I had written long ago in one breath. At least Lancer wasn't as unhinged as Rider; he could communicate normally... I hoped.

Diarmuid, dressed in green tight-fitting leather armor, didn't answer. He just looked at me with a slightly strange expression, but that gaze didn't seem like suspicion. What was it—

【Ah, Alaya, watch out behind you—】

*Pop.* Everything went black before my eyes. Behind me came Rider’s hearty laughter: "Little girl, are you a queen from somewhere? But this crown doesn't suit you at all!"

That guy had flicked my crown, causing it to slide forward and cover my eyes—is this how you treat a guest!

I straightened my crown and turned around to glare fiercely at Iskandar.

"That look is more like a little girl. That feigned maturity doesn't suit you." Rider had no intention of apologizing or explaining. He gripped the reins of the black horse and took off instantly, leaving only one sentence behind: "She’s here to form an alliance. Take her to see your lord."

Hmph... just you wait! See if I don't make the body you wish for exactly one meter four!

"Hmm, Miss Caster, right? Please follow me." Lancer, unflustered, bowed slightly and led the way.

As expected, Lancer is the coolest~