"What did you say? Alright, I understand."
In Fuyuki City's church, an elderly priest hung up the phone. An old friend had shared critical news.
"What's wrong, Father?"
A young priest emerged from the church's lounge, his stern face framing eyes as still as stagnant water.
"I'm furious. My friend just called—your daughter, Caren, has manifested stigmata. But that fool John refuses her baptism, planning to send her to a Cistercian monastery. When I called him out, he tried to lie, saying the Church forbids her baptism. Anyone with stigmata can be baptized, regardless of status. Whether she's used as a weapon is the Church's call, but baptism is mandatory to make her another saintly candidate for our Kotomine family."
The old man, Kotomine Risei, overseer of Fuyuki's church and this Holy Grail War, seethed, his chest heaving with anger.
"Caren…"
The young priest, Kotomine Kirei, drifted into memory. The name was his daughter's. He recalled his wife's actions years ago and how, after her death, he'd left Caren at the Church. Eight years had passed, and now her name resurfaced.
"Kirei, go to the Cistercian monastery yourself and bring her back. After her baptism, we'll discuss further."
Risei fixed his son with a stern gaze.
He cared little for Caren's fate, driven by faith. His anger stemmed from someone trying to erase a Kotomine saint.
Kirei hesitated. "Father, if I go… what about Master?"
"No issue. It's just a few days. The Tohsaka head won't mind. I'll explain myself."
Their "Master" and "Tohsaka head" was Tohsaka Tokiomi, head of the Tohsaka family—one of the Three Families providing the Holy Grail War's venue, nicknamed "the man who carries the world's burdens."
Months ago, Command Spells appeared on Kirei's hand, marking him as a Holy Grail War participant. Confused and under his father's urging, he became Tokiomi's apprentice to aid in securing the Grail.
"Understood, Father. I'll leave immediately."
"Good. Hurry back."
Kirei nodded and headed for the door.
…
Osaka Airport, south of the city. A plane from Germany had just landed.
"This is Fuyuki? It's warmer than back there!"
A young woman in pure white stepped out—white fur hat, white coat, white knee-length skirt. Her snow-white skin and silver hair made her a fairy-tale Snow White, perfectly suited to the winter season.
In her arms, a one- or two-year-old child gazed around with bright eyes, smiling happily.
"Illya likes it here too! Let's settle here for now, okay, Illya?"
The woman smiled gently at the toddler, then looked up at the soft afternoon sunlight, her face relaxed.
Behind her followed a petite boy. His golden hair was tied up simply, and his sleek black suit exuded a sharp, spirited air, complementing the smiling white-clad woman.
If she was a fairy-tale princess, he was her knight.
The only dissonance was his thin suit—too light for winter, risking a cold.
But knowing his identity, no one would worry.
The trio was Irisviel, Saber Artoria, and Illya.
"Madam, we've got everything!"
As they spoke, two silver-haired women, resembling Irisviel by seventy percent but distinct, approached with luggage.
"Thank you, Sella, Liz! Let's explore and find… a suitable place to stay!"
Irisviel had come for the Holy Grail War, but bringing Illya to such a brutal conflict was too dangerous. Against ruthless magi, she lacked confidence in protecting her. If Illya were harmed, or worse… Irisviel couldn't bear the thought.
Her priority was finding a safe place for Illya.
Osaka, far from Fuyuki and a major city, was ideal.
They'd settle here temporarily, deciding next steps after the war.
Why still join the Holy Grail War? To end the Einzbern family's fate. Ignoring it would trap them eventually. And Artoria had her own wish to fulfill—Irisviel couldn't ignore that.
Einzbern homunculi possessed captivating beauty. Despite their modest attire, such allure drew eyes wherever they went.
When a stunning woman, an equally striking boy (or girl), and two beautiful foreign maids walked together, their presence was explosive.
They drew stares like celebrities. If not for the boy's icy aura and piercing gaze, people would've approached for autographs.
Money can't buy everything, but it erases most daily troubles—like finding a place to stay.
With her approachable wealth, Irisviel soon bought a two-story house as their temporary home.
After settling in, Irisviel, who'd never seen the outside world, couldn't stay still.
"Saber, look, a plush toy!"
The snow-white princess, holding her toddler, pulled the serious knight into exploring the vibrant city.
***
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