Shinji Matou at Your Service

Those familiar with the Heroic King Gilgamesh knew that such an attitude was already a great mercy. Even Tohsaka Tokiomi, his previous master, had to be cautious around him. A slight displeasure would result in harsh reprimands. There was no way he would allow Rin to mock him openly without showing any anger.

Yet, Rin showed no appreciation for this. Instead, she looked at him as if he were an idiot.

"Shining for you? You're insufferable, you narcissist."

"There's no helping it."

Rather than feeling ashamed by Rin's mockery, Gilgamesh was proud.

"In my presence, everything in this world appears dim."

"Oh? I seem to recall you had a close friend. Did he appear dim in front of you too?"

"Enkidu was my dearest friend, akin to myself. In Uruk, even children know this truth. However, for today's worthless mortals, I have little hope."

"Right, right, you're always right. Now, in the past, in the future, always right!"

Rin's words echoed a line from a 1970s foreign film. The original quote was, "Mussolini, always right, now right, in the future right, always right!"

Gilgamesh, unaware of the reference, took Rin's tone as praise, despite sensing something was off.

"You understand well. Witnessing the King's radiance is the greatest joy this world has to offer. Gaze upon me to your heart's content. I permit it, even until the end of the world."

"No way... He's hopeless," Rin said, almost at the end of her patience.

"Enough of this idle talk. You summoned me, not Tokiomi. That means he is no longer with us, correct?"

"Yes."

Mentioning her father caused a distinct sadness to cross Rin's face.

"When did he die? How did it happen?"

"Five years ago. He got sick. After the last Holy Grail War, his health declined. He grew weaker and weaker... My mother and I tried everything, but we couldn't find the cause or cure."

"I see. Though he was not the most capable of servants, allow me to offer my condolences."

Gilgamesh closed his eyes in silence for about a minute.

"Since I didn't see the war through to the end, I don't know what caused his illness. However, if it was related to the Holy Grail War, then I, as the king, bear some responsibility. That woman over there—is she your mother? I remember seeing her photo on Tokiomi's desk."

"Aoi Tohsaka," Aoi responded with a formal Japanese bow.

"Excellent. Tokiomi's wife should indeed carry herself with such dignity." Gilgamesh nodded in approval.

"From now on, I will protect you and your daughter. In the name of the Heroic King Gilgamesh, no one will harm you."

"Thank you, my king." Aoi bowed again.

Rin, however, rolled her eyes in displeasure.

"King? This is just what a Servant is supposed to do."

"No need for thanks."

Gilgamesh ignored Rin's comment, turning his gaze toward a man standing in the corner of the room.

"Isn't this the master of that mad dog? Do you dare to show yourself here? You have quite the nerve."

The cold, murderous aura from Gilgamesh engulfed Kariya, causing him physical pain. But despite the agony, Kariya refused to yield, standing tall and meeting the king's gaze.

"It's been a while, Heroic King of Babylon."

At that moment, memories of the most exhilarating battle of his life flooded Kariya's mind, reminding him of the knight who had shared in his suffering.

"And where is that mad dog? Not here, I see. So, you're not standing before me as a Master. Who gave you the courage to look at me with such defiance? A mongrel should know its place!"

The moment the word mongrel left Gilgamesh's mouth, Kariya felt as if his body had been hit by a violent force, causing blood to seep from his nose and mouth. Yet, he remained standing tall, refusing to bow. He represented not just himself, but the knight, Lancelot, who had fought for him.

"Kariya!"

"Uncle Kariya!"

Aoi and Rin both cried out in unison, their concern obvious. This reaction caught Gilgamesh's attention.

"Your reactions... interesting, quite interesting. This man was one of the Masters in the previous Holy Grail War, and Tokiomi's enemy. I died at the hands of his Servant. Knowing this, you still defend him?"

"We've known about this for a long time."

Rin stepped between Gilgamesh and Kariya.

"Neither Father nor Uncle Kariya hid the truth from us. Father entrusted my mother and me to Uncle Kariya before he passed."

"Oh? Tokiomi made such a decision? It seems that stiff brain of his finally gained some flexibility," Gilgamesh remarked with slight surprise, quickly shifting to a smile.

"Very well. Since Tokiomi himself didn't mind, I won't interfere. I'll spare you for now. Just make sure you fulfill your duty to care for them and don't overstep your bounds. That strategy you used against me wasn't your doing, and Lancelot certainly didn't think it up either. Someone else was behind it."

Kariya opened his mouth slightly, but before he could speak, Gilgamesh continued.

"There's no need to answer. I already know. Is that person still here? Will they show up this time?"

Kariya didn't move his lips this time, wearing a mask of stoicism, though it did little to hide anything from Gilgamesh.

"Good. It seems this Holy Grail War won't be boring after all. Tell that hidden fool—whatever tricks they want to play, let them. No matter what they try, I will crush them and emerge victorious."

The Heroic King's words carried undeniable authority, and his pride shone so brightly that for a moment, Kariya almost doubted his victory from ten years ago, as if it were a dream.

Could his nephew defeat such a powerful being?

Ten years ago, neither Tokiomi nor Gilgamesh had taken Kariya and Lancelot seriously, which gave him a slim chance of victory. Even so, the result was mutual destruction.

Now, he had prepared himself, but if Shinji used the same tactics as before, there would be no chance of winning.

No, he had to warn Shinji immediately. But—could this be Gilgamesh's trap? Was he waiting for me to act?

And what about Aoi and Rin? How would they see me if I did this?

Damn it, what should I do?

At that moment, Kariya fully understood the weight of the word strongest. It was a pressure he hadn't felt ten years ago.

The subtle shifts in Kariya's expression didn't escape Gilgamesh's notice. The Heroic King's crimson eyes gleamed with amusement, intrigued by the man's torment.