Synopsis: Endless Shuttle

"This...isn't the case."

Saber didn't go to answer Irisviel's words, just perfunctory, looking at the street outside the airport in the distance.

"Irisviel, please be careful next time. In this war, there are heroes from the past and present, and magicians who will do anything for their own purposes. Please don't leave my side."

"Uh-huh!"

Irisviel nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, and said happily.

"This kind of feeling is like a knight and a princess!"

Those words of nostalgia... Saber quietly lowered his gaze and nodded.Then she bent her thin elbow and pointed at Irisviel.

"It just so happens, Irisviel, it's rare to come out once, do you want to go to this country? Maybe there will be some unexpected surprises."

"Ugh!?"

Irisviel's eyes widened and she looked at Saber in disbelief.

"Saber, how do you know what I'm thinking?"

"...Any guess." Saber tilted her head. "After all, Irisviel has lived in that castle since she was a child, so it's natural to want to see the outside world, right?"

"Huh? Did I say anything about me?"

Irisviel nodded her lips in confusion, but then showed a sweet smile and put her fair little hand in Saber's.

"Well, since it's an invitation from the King of Knights, I'll be respectful and not obey me?"

Just like that, while chatting, the two walked out of the airport and went straight towards the commercial street of Fuyuki City.

...Irisviel, only now, you don't have to think about anything, just enjoy it to the fullest.

Sitting in the back seat of the car, Saber closed his eyes in pain.

-

"...Saber, let's go see the sea next."

After an afternoon's 'date', Irisviel proposed to Saber with an expression of excitement she couldn't hide.

"What is the sea..."

Saber whispered. "The first battle is coming soon..."

"?"

"Nothing Irisvier, since you want to see the sea, let's go." Putting on a perfect smile again, Saber agreed to Irisviel's proposal.

As long as you walk across the Fuyuki Bridge that spans the Mito River, you will see a large seaside park.

It was late at night, and only the two of them walked slowly along the silent path.The north wind from the sea blew directly without any obstruction, blowing Irisviel's long silver hair, which danced like the tail of a meteor.Because of the sea breeze here in winter, even couples who are dating are reluctant to approach.

And Irisviel, who saw the sea for the first time, didn't care because she was used to the cold.

"Here, it should be here at dawn."

There is only icy darkness in the sea. Saber looked at the sea like this, although it was not the first time, she said regretfully.

"No, the sea at night is also beautiful. It's like a mirror of the night sky." Irisviel, who was staring at the horizon, replied immediately.

Listening to the heavy sound of the waves, Irisviel gradually revealed a smile on her face.

Perhaps it was because she had a great time playing that day, and a faint blush appeared on her snow-white cheeks.Looking at her like this, no one would have thought that she was married and had children.Her smile was so innocent, as if she was still a teenage girl.

"It turns out that you are walking in a strange city together with the knight. It is such a happy thing."

"I wonder if my fake knight's performance is qualified?"

Forced to smile, Saber said what she had said before, her heart was indeed in uncontrollable pain.

"Qualified and impeccable. Saber, you are the most perfect knight in the world today."

Perfect... even if the incompetent knight didn't protect you in the end, can you call it perfect?

"It is my pleasure. Her Royal Highness."

Facing the sincere girl in black, Irisviel seemed a little shy and turned her face to the sea, but she, who was very sensitive to emotions, caught the sadness in Saber's eyes in that instant.

"...Hey, Saber, can I ask you a question?"

"Excuse me."

"Why...you seem to be very... painful since you came to this world?" Irisviel carefully searched for adjectives.

"Kiritsugu's side too. I always feel that Saber's words are very few, and you often show a painful expression. Is there something wrong with the magic that makes you feel uncomfortable?"

"Ah, that one."

Saber was surprised.Immediately, he adjusted his expression and did not look into Irisviel's eyes.

"I'm just thinking about some things from the past, there's nothing worth caring about."

"Is that so..." Irisviel nodded and smiled comfortingly. "It's better for people not to indulge in the past, so there will be hope, right?"

"Indeed it is."

Saber nodded, and even though she didn't agree, she subconsciously didn't want to refute Irisviel's words.