Tribute to the Demon King

"Don't panic...Irisviel."

Archer's voice came from the darkness, his voice was steady and indifferent, giving Irisviel comfort and confidence: "It was Kiritsugu who ordered me to come here. You know him too, since that's the case, he must have found a substitute." My other options."

This is indeed the case.

Irisviel agreed with a sigh of relief.

Anyone can make mistakes because of feelings... Only that man can't.

It is true that Kiritsugu would be happy because of other people's happy smiles, and would also be sad because of other people's wailing voices.While pursuing his own ideal of saving the world, he also has something he cherishes.

However, when these lives he cherished, and countless other lives he has never met before, are placed on the left and right sides of the balance at the same time...he will never make a mistake.

He lost everything for the ideal he pursued.So far, he has been forced to make the decision to abandon the one he loves more than once.

Even Irisviel herself was already ready to dedicate herself to Kiritsugu and their common ideal.

"With you by Kiritsugu's side, I won't worry at all."

Irisviel smiled softly, staring at the nothingness-like darkness.

Even if she doesn't use her eyes to confirm, she must believe that the trustworthy heroic spirit is watching her quietly.

"Because, you and Kiritsugu are so much alike. I've never met anyone who can cooperate with Kiritsugu seamlessly the first time we meet. You look like father and son."

"...does it look alike?"

Archer's tone rose slightly.Because she couldn't see his face, Irisviel didn't know how he was feeling at the moment.

But she smiled slightly, revealing a motherly smile: "It's very similar... But as far as it looks, you are much more mature than Kiritsugu."

Hearing this, Archer was silent for a while.

Somewhat surprised, he couldn't help asking: "...Did you say the wrong thing, Irisviel?"

"No, no."

Irisviel said with some embarrassment: "Actually, actually, I don't really understand Kiritsugu's ideals."

"……what?"

Archer was genuinely surprised this time.

The person who dedicated his life to Kiritsugu's ideals may be one of the very few people who agree with Kiritsugu... but actually they don't understand Kiritsugu at all?

"It's just pretending to understand, probably like this, just to be able to be with the one I love. Looking back now, the ideals in my heart are all things Kiritsugu taught me. That's right. , keep it a secret from Kiritsugu."

Irisviel said relaxedly: "No matter what time it is, I will tell him that I firmly believe that he is right. For his ideals, I can even sacrifice my own life."

It was an incredible feeling for her.Words that would never be said in front of her husband, were actually said in front of this person.Even though it was only the first time they met, Irisviel felt an inexplicable intimacy, just like looking at Illya.

"It's...is that so?"

After a long time, Archer sighed and exhaled: "Sure enough, Kiritsugu can't let Kiritsugu know about this."

"Isn't it? That's why, Kiritsugu is always too gentle. Even though he knows that he will lose the other party one day, he is still not stingy with his love..."

Even through the thick darkness, Archer can feel the deep love from Irisviel: "So——I pretended to share the same ideals with him. If I share the same ideals with him, and If she sacrificed her life for that ideal—compared to a woman who simply sacrificed for her husband, wouldn't it be less of a burden for Kiritsugu?"

"..."

For a moment, Archer was speechless.

He finally realized what it was that changed Kiritsugu.

"Your ideal is to become a partner of justice, Archer."

Across the border of darkness, Irisviel stared directly at Archer.

"Who would?"

Reflexively, Archer sneered at this question: "I want to change the world by saying some beautiful words... Immature self can still be saved, but immature thoughts are really unbearable. Saying these innocent words, repeating useless words in vain That guy is disgusting. It's your own good to throw that naive thought away."

"Knew it."

As if hearing something interesting, Irisviel chuckled softly: "You and Kiritsugu are really similar."

As expected, as expected, Archer cursed.

But what Irisviel said next caught his attention—

"You, like Kiritsugu, are too gentle."

Irisviel explained softly: "Trust me, Archer. No matter what the situation is, there is nothing wrong with saving the world. If you think that your past self is wrong and want to deny yourself, it is simply sinful self-deception."

"..."

For a moment Archer was speechless.

As if piercing through the soul, Irisviel said in a weak voice: "I think saving the world is not just about erasing the sorrow. It should be to prevent myself from repeating the same tragic fate in the past. Mourning the pain and sacrifices of the past—with that awareness and new hope, and then a new world without sorrow can be created."

"...These words of yours should have been told to Kiritsugu earlier."

Red A was silent for a long time before sighing softly.

If that's the case, maybe he's redeemed by now.

"So... do you have your own wish, Irisviel?"