This Is My Holy Grail War [41]

Kirei Kotomine’s attempt to recall Assassin had failed. In truth, he still had two Command Spells at his disposal. Contrary to Assassin’s predictions, Kirei had violated the rules of the Holy Grail War by obtaining an additional Command Spell from his father, Risei Kotomine.

Because of this extra Command Spell, Kirei decided Assassin still held value and didn’t need to be discarded so early. He spent one Command Spell in an effort to summon Assassin away from Archer’s presence.

Assassin alive was far more valuable than dead. Even with only one Command Spell remaining, it could still be used to issue a forced order.

But the unexpected happened—Archer possessed a Noble Phantasm capable of locking space itself!

Just as both Tokiomi Tohsaka and Kirei had resigned themselves to the idea that Assassin would perish, Rider—the very one who had previously aided Assassin—appeared once again to turn the tide.

Rider not only revealed his true identity but also showed no fear when faced with the myriad treasures from Archer’s [Gate of Babylon].

Iskandar, the King of Conquerors… one of the most renowned kings in the world.

Tokiomi Tohsaka deduced that Rider’s trump card wasn’t merely his chariot. Up to this point in the Holy Grail War, Rider appeared to be the only one capable of threatening Archer, Gilgamesh.

Determining Rider’s trump card wouldn’t be difficult—all they had to do was command Kirei to use his last Command Spell, forcing Assassin to risk their life in the attempt.

Coincidentally, Assassin and Rider were in the same location. This was the perfect opportunity to test Rider’s Noble Phantasm.

If Rider’s abilities extended no further than the chariot, then Assassin could simply kill him in close quarters.

That was Tokiomi’s original plan. However, both Archer and Rider had unexpectedly shown a keen interest in Assassin.

What to do?

Issuing such an order would undoubtedly damage Tokiomi’s relationship with Archer.

On the other hand, Kirei only had one Command Spell left. And Assassin’s loyalty to their Master was questionable at best. The final safeguard could only accomplish a single task.

What’s worse, Assassin had no idea Kirei still possessed a Command Spell. This meant the moment Assassin used Kirei’s mana to replenish their strength, they’d likely turn on him immediately after.

Should Kirei retrieve another Command Spell from Risei? Such actions would no longer remain hidden and would undoubtedly make him the target of everyone.

Perhaps ordering Assassin to commit suicide was the only option? No, that would also affect relations with the King of Heroes.

But leaving things as they were meant Assassin remained a ticking time bomb.

For Tokiomi, maintaining his relationship with Gilgamesh was paramount.

If the consequences of Assassin’s betrayal were limited to Kirei’s death, Tokiomi might have taken that risk, unwilling to provoke Archer’s wrath. For the Tohsaka family, the pursuit of the Root was a long-cherished aspiration. The death of an ally, while regrettable, wouldn’t deter Tokiomi from his path.

However, if Assassin succeeded in betraying Kirei, they would surely escape and seek a new Master who could lead them to victory.

Tokiomi had been weighing the pros and cons, struggling internally. What was supposed to be an ally had turned into a dangerous liability.

No. If Assassin betrays us and allies with another Servant, Archer’s threats won’t just come from Rider! Tokiomi knew that if someone like Kiritsugu Emiya, with his ruthless methods, gained control of Assassin, it would spell disaster.

Tokiomi’s mindset as a magus was entirely different from that of a Heroic Spirit. He couldn’t fathom a hero willingly sacrificing their life for a dream.

Rationally weighing the risks, Tokiomi concluded that Assassin alive posed far greater dangers than benefits.

If I cannot control Assassin and forcing their suicide risks alienating Archer, then let them fulfill one final purpose.

As the three Servants shared drinks and camaraderie, Tokiomi had already made his decision. He issued his command to Kirei.

—

At sunrise, under the soft light of dawn, Gilgamesh shared wine from his treasury.

The three Servants sat together on the ground, pouring drinks for one another.

Assassin lifted the ornate golden goblet, watching the amber liquid shimmer under the sunlight.

The liquid flowed smoothly over her lips and tongue—sweet, mellow, with a delicate, elegant fragrance.

It was truly exquisite, but Assassin had no time to savor it further.

Suddenly, she stood up. Kirei had used another Command Spell!

All three Command Spells have been used. Where did this last one come from? The thought barely crossed her mind before realization dawned. Kirei’s actions at the church, risking exposure to transfer Command Spells—so that was the reason.

This was Kirei’s final Command Spell.

The order: Sacrifice your life to test Rider’s Noble Phantasm.

Unarmed, with her mana only recently replenished, Assassin had no choice under the compulsion of the Command Spell.

“Unleash your Reality Marble, Rider…” Assassin knew of Rider’s Noble Phantasm, though others didn’t. Bound by the Command Spell, there was no room to resist.

Not to attack, but to collide head-on with the Noble Phantasm!

“Oh? How do you know of my trump card?” Rider’s voice carried a mix of surprise and curiosity as Assassin advanced. “This king has yet to reveal it even once.”

“I’ve known everyone’s Noble Phantasms from the beginning, everyone’s True Names. Ha!” Assassin laughed bitterly. “It’s a shame my Master isn’t someone I can trust!”

“Come now, Rider, show me your army—or I might just have to kill you…” Assassin’s tone suddenly turned sharp. “Even a broken sword hilt can still kill.”

Kill the King of Conquerors? What a joke. Assassin had known from the start that this was impossible.

Kirei, you traitor! From the very beginning, you betrayed me!

Her mind seethed with fury as Kirei’s voice echoed in her head: No, you betrayed me! I sought victory, and you—

No, you betrayed yourself! Assassin roared internally.

As the desert sands began to rise, Assassin recognized the end had come. Her earlier taunts had been a last, desperate gamble—hoping Kirei might use another Command Spell to countermand the first. But Kirei had no such option.

Meanwhile, Archer continued to sip his wine, unfazed. His grip on the goblet tightened imperceptibly, the golden vessel nearly cracking under the pressure of his hand.

—

T/N: FUCK YOU, DAMN PRIEST!

This is a fan translation of 这是我的圣杯之战 by 向希望祈祷. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!