ritualized | IC INBOX

[She cups her hands and holds them out, letting the carving nest there.]

Ah, how pretty! [She draws her thumb delicately along the wings, feeling the carving.] The craftwork is so beautiful. [It's amazing how much it looks like the familiar of her own creation, even made by someone who's never seen it.]

This man, Magnus, he was also brought here?

[ She nods, pleased at Irisviel's reaction, though seemingly still unable to relax. ] Him, and many others. Whatever magic is at work here, I do not think we were targeted for our former roles. I have seen no other Servants, nor encountered anyone who identified me as such.

[ To not run into another Master or Servant is unthinkable, if the Grail were involved in any way. While their appearance here is no coincidence, the reason behind it is less obvious. ]

... However, the man who leads the city guard is a knight of my homeland. He has explained much to me... and, for as long as I am here, I have chosen to join them. My duty to you will come first, but I wish to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I was a knight before I was ever a Servant.

[Irisviel sighs, some tension leaving her shoulders with the relieved breath. In this apartment, they are not particularly well-hidden; someone would have come for them by now if they were coming at all.]

I suspected as much. I can't feel anything that suggests otherwise. [Closing her hands around the bird until it disappears within them, Irisviel lets her face brighten at Saber's news. Like her, she has always been purpose-driven.]

That's wonderful. You are lucky to have found another Briton all the way here. I'm glad...you've found a duty that means something to you.

No. I found my duty when you arrived here. This is an extension of that.

[ She meant what she said — that her oath to Irisviel will come first. A second chance does not negate her past failures, but perhaps this is a chance to right them in some small way. If there is ever a conflict as large as those Henry spoke of, it will be Irisviel's side she finds herself at. Even so: ]

But I cannot be by your side at all times. Certainly not now, when I will have other matters to attend to. [ Her voice firms, resolute. ] Irisviel, if you would — please form a contract with me. At the moment, my existence in this world is not entirely stable, and I would rather not entrust myself to these... gods, whatever they are. If ever you find yourself in danger, simply call for me, and I will answer.

[Everything that Irisviel was meant to do has been done already or is otherwise lost to her now. Even if Saber's determination to obtain the grail is on hold for now, she has skills that can be used in this situation. She will be a majestic guard.

Sometimes she takes things too seriously, but this is a seriousness that Irisviel can understand, and she mirrors it in tone.]

I don't want you to disappear and... [she hesitates.] And lose your chance to leave that cycle. I should be able to sustain you as necessary.

Yes. I can afford no risks until I achieve my goal.

[ Of course, Irisviel doesn't know that her wish has changed. But to Saber, there is no longer any difference between I want to save Britain and I should never have been king — the second will surely grant the first, too, in time. A better king could save the country where she could not. ]

Then, if you agree: let us forge the contract. There is no Grail here, but I am still a Servant, and you are still a magus... the process should be largely the same.

For the better, maybe. [She wasn't meant to be a Master in that war in the first place, and the Grail was...is...

They have enough things to worry about here as-is. She extends her hand, palm up, and begins to speak, her voice becoming fuller, more powerful.]

Then, Saber-class servant. Heed my words.

Thy body shall be under my command. They sword shall control my destiny. If thou wouldst obey this mind and this reason, obey me! Then I shall entrust my fate to your sword!

—I will accept your oath under the name of Saber.

[ There's no hesitation. The moment Irisviel finishes her part of the chant, Saber extends her own hand, resting her gloved fingers atop Irisviel's. ]

I shall accept you as my Master, Irisviel!

[ Whatever limited sustenance she was receiving from the gods is nothing compared to what Irisviel can offer her. The rush of prana through her body feels like an electric shock, and an almost visible ripple passes through the air around her. Even Kiritsugu was never a proper magus; the difference between him and his wife is night and day. If Irisviel had been her Master from the start, she thinks, she would have surely won the war without any complications. Her heart would not have been crushed...

... and yet Irisviel would have died all the same. Pushing the thought down, she forces herself to smile. ]

It is done. [ She confirms, not that Irisviel needs to be told. ] Thank you, Irisviel. I am honoured to serve you, as both knight and Servant.

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