As a Father

Then, she took out a scroll, and the other symbols on it, which she hadn't looked at for two days, suddenly appeared.

"Seven in total, does that mean all the Servant in the Holy Grail War have been summoned?"

Reines examined the ritual scroll provided by Aozaki Touko, nodded thoughtfully, then picked up the cup of black tea on the tea table, took a sip, and asked:

"So... what do you think now, Sakura? I remember your sister was also in this Holy Grail War, wasn't she?"

"Sister..."

Upon hearing Reines's question, Sakura immediately thought of her somewhat absent-minded older sister, and her expression turned somewhat helpless.

"Looks like we'll have to eliminate the older sister too, and Luvia as well, she needs to be eliminated as well."

Sakura didn't hesitate and directly expressed her thoughts.

"I see... that's what I thought too."

Hearing this, Reines nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Sakura again and asked curiously, "But is this really okay? Isn't that your own sister? I thought you would have other ideas, like going easy on her or something."

"I won't,"

Hearing Reines's question, Sakura shook her head, then replied firmly, "If it were a normal matter, I could indeed give in to my sister, but on something like this, I definitely won't back down, after all," it concerns Rovey...

"Besides, the Holy Grail War is just a simple extracurricular activity for my sister. Even if she fails, it won't have much of an impact except for being punished by Aoko Sister. So I definitely won't hold back this time."

"Well, seeing that you think that way, I'm relieved. But before that, is your Servant really alright? After all, that black skeleton swordsman exudes a rather ominous aura no matter how you look at it. Is he really alright?"

Suddenly, Reines changed the subject, looking at Sakura in front of her with a serious expression, and said:

"Sakura, if anything seems amiss, I hope you won't force yourself. Just withdraw from the Holy Grail War. I can't let you be in danger no matter what..."

"Miss Reines, please rest assured, I'm really not a child anymore. Grandpa Assassin definitely meant no harm."

Sakura said with a hint of helplessness.

Even now, she still feels helpless in the face of Reines's care, or rather, her maternal love.

"What... did you just call me?"

Upon hearing her words, Reines's expression changed slightly. She then narrowed her eyes and looked at Sakura. "Your way of addressing me sounds a little distant. Are you lacking my affection? What should you call me again?"

"Mother..."

Faced with this overwhelming intimidation, Sakura had no choice but to lower her head once again in despair.

Of course, this wasn't because she was afraid of Reines, nor because Reines would bully her; it was simply because if she didn't do this, things would definitely get very complicated.

From childhood, even though she was a year older Reines, Reines always acted as her mother and took meticulous care of her in every way. During the time she was away from her sister, Reines completely took on the role of Rin Tohsaka. Although she always said that Reines was her adoptive mother by seniority, she was actually more like her older sister.

Because they grew up together, Sakura couldn't do anything about Reines.

She could tease Kenneth occasionally, but with Reines, she felt utterly powerless. She simply couldn't bring herself to rebel against someone a year younger than her, yet who evoked feelings of both a mother and an older sister, and she was even more afraid of hurting her feelings.

The same applies to Aozaki Touko.

She forced herself to call her mother and even wanted to raise her with her side.

As a result, Reines, in order to keep her position as the main wife, clung to Sakura and refused to let go. Kenneth, also afraid that his hard-won grand-disciple would be kidnapped, also refused to allow it, which is why he stayed.

Even if Aozaki Touko hadn't said it, Sakura could probably guess that part of the reason Aoko took her older sister as a disciple was to build a good relationship with her.

Not to mention the other yandere Sajyou Manaka.

Her sudden appearance and inexplicable declaration that she and Rovey were a couple drew hostility from Reines and Aoko. However, her strength was too great; Aiwass even commented that she had reached the Root, resulting in the two of them Manaka Sajyou. If it weren't for Aiwass's supervision and guidance, no one could have predicted what she would do.

Although she seemed much more normal afterward, Sakura still felt she was terrifying. After all, sneaking into her room every night and hugging her while she slept was hardly a pleasant experience.

When Aiwass left, everyone's attention was on Manaka Sajyou. They were afraid that without the supervisor, this troublemaker would cause some big trouble.

But surprisingly, she really didn't do anything.

He simply lived quietly with them for a few years, and then suddenly left with Aoko, and the two of them never reappeared for a long time.

The only time she contacted me was when she sent me an invitation to the Holy Grail War, telling Sakura and Reines to enjoy themselves and that she would definitely bring Rovey back this time.

This clearly shows that she and Aoko are definitely together and plotting something.

Although Sakura wasn't entirely sure, she still held onto hope for their plan; as long as they could bring him back, it would all be worth it.

Thinking this, Sakura clenched her fist, then looked at Reines with a determined gaze.

"Please rest assured, I will never give up or waver no matter what. I will fight together, win the victory, and bring Rovey back!"

"Sakura... Mmm, that's great! That's great!"

After a moment's hesitation, Reines hugged Sakura's neck and affectionately rubbed her head, her eyes filled with joy and tenderness, making Sakura feel a little breathless.

Is this what motherly love is?

It feels so heavy...

"So, what is Gray doing?"

After chatting for a while, Reines suddenly remembered the existence of a certain confused Little Grey.

"Sister Gray is probably running a bath for us. She says everyone has been working so hard and should take a good bath and rest."

"Taking a bath... doesn't that mean..."

Upon hearing Sakura's answer, a strange smile suddenly appeared on Reines's face.

Sakura, who already had a bit of a mischievous streak, immediately understood Reines's intention upon seeing this expression.

She was well aware that, besides Rovey and herself, Reines' favorite thing was teasing Gray, and she herself enjoyed seeing Gray's embarrassed state.

And so...

In the bathroom, Gray had just finished preparing the bathwater for everyone, breathed a sigh of relief and was about to go out to call Reines and Sakura in to take a bath when...

"Whoa!"

Suddenly, she felt a very strange sensation in her chest.

The next moment, Reines's strange voice suddenly came from behind.

"No need to go looking for us, let's all take a bath together today, Gray."

"Huh? Huh?!"

"Wait, wait a minute, I haven't taken my clothes off yet!"

Feeling the force pushing from behind, Gray couldn't help but gasp. The next moment, she felt her foot slip, her body involuntarily leaning forward, and then...

Thump!

Gray's entire body was completely submerged in the pool, and soon only the bubbling sounds of "glug, glug~" could be heard coming from her mouth.

Chapter 380 As a Father

Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong!!

Early in the morning, the doorbell rang one after another. Emiya Kiritsugu, who had just been busy all night, groggily got up from his workbench.

Around the same time, Illya, who had been taken out to buy breakfast by the black giant, returned happily, humming a little tune.

Upon sensing Rovey's presence, the black giant, who had been smiling all along, pulled Illya to his side. His expression suddenly turned serious, his body tensed, and he stared intently at the direction of his house, seemingly considering whether to fire an arrow to warn the other party.

However, remembering that his Master, Emiya Kiritsugu, was also there, he worried that his arrow might accidentally injure his Master. So he did not fire, but instead pulled out a huge lion skin from somewhere and wrapped it around his body, ready to fight at any moment.

A little while later, while Emiya Kiritsugu was still sleeping...

"Oh, it's big brother!"

A small, snow-white head curiously peered at Rovey standing at her doorstep. Upon recognizing the person, Illya let out a surprised exclamation.

"It's Illya, we meet again."

Upon seeing Illya, Rovey smiled at her and greeted her. Then, he looked up at the tall, dark giant standing next to Illya, whose stature resembled an iron tower, and his expression became somewhat strange.

"Hercules... Not bad. It seems that Emiya Kiritsugu did indeed successfully summon you using the Sacred Relic I gave him. This time, you have successfully returned to your Master's side, and in the strongest class, right, Archer?"

"Is this the Sacred Relic you gave to your Master?"

Upon hearing Rovey's words, Hercules, or rather Heracles, did indeed show less wariness in his eyes, because he had also heard from Emiya Kiritsugu about the other party summoning him.

The Sacred Relic was a gift from one of his friends.

Hercules was also grateful for this, because without Rovey's gift, it would have been difficult for him to return to Illya's side and protect her. Moreover, since Emiya Kiritsugu said he was his friend, it meant that he was not their enemy, which was good news.

"Illya, these are some gifts for your father. Would you like to try some?"

As he spoke, Rovey handed an apple from his bag directly to Illya.

"Okay, thank you, big brother."

Illya happily accepted the apple, then asked curiously.

"Um... big brother, are you here to see Kiritsugu?"

No, I came to find you.

"Looking for me?"

Illya looked puzzled for a moment, then brightened up again and said, "Did you come to play with me, big brother?"

"No, I'm here to help you with a problem..."

"On my body?"

Illya slowly opened her eyes wide.

"He's here to help you with your ID card and school registration. Don't worry about him."

Just then, Emiya Kiritsugu suddenly pushed open the door and came out.

He reassured Illya, then made a shushing gesture towards Rovey.

"So I couldn't say that before?"

Seeing his expression, Rovey felt a little helpless. He then reached out and patted Illya's head, muttering to himself, "While I understand your protective instincts, some things are better left unsaid. It would be better to let the person involved know as well..."

"It's none of your business."

Emiya Kiritsugu pondered for a moment, then activated his signature Magecraft.

Time Alter, double speed!

With a strange fluctuation in time, in the next instant, Emiya Kiritsugu, who was standing at the door, suddenly sped up and arrived right between Rovey and Illya. He then picked up Illya and handed her to Hercules, asking him to take Illya back first.

Seeing this, Rovey felt somewhat helpless. He sighed slightly and said, "It doesn't have to be like this. Although I understand your desire to protect your daughter, there's no need to be so wary of me. It was just a suggestion."

Upon hearing even the slightest hint of trouble, Emiya Kiritsugu unceremoniously sent Illya away, and even activated the Time Alter: Double Speed, leaving Hercules to watch over her.

This attitude of treating me like a thief is truly heartbreaking.

I'm not Orochimaru, and I have absolutely no bad habit of kidnapping children.

"Alright, Illya, go eat your breakfast. Let Archer play with you for a while; Daddy and he have other things to do."

Emiya Kiritsugu remained vigilant, clearly intending to keep Illya completely from knowing about her and her mother's situation, or the fate they bore, not even the slightest hint of it.

"Okay, then I won't bother you anymore, Dad and big brother."

After Illya led Archer away, Rovey looked at Emiya Kiritsugu with a helpless expression.

"Is this really the right thing to do? Although you've protected her very well, Illya is already a teenager by biological age. Are you just going to leave her in a daze, completely oblivious?"

"I have no other choice."

Emiya Kiritsugu shook his head, then pondered for a moment and said, "Illya is my daughter, and I will do anything to protect her. I don't want her to be exposed to those painful past events. As for her mother, I told her that her mother passed away from illness shortly after giving birth to her, and that she and Maiya are living well now, so it's okay. I believe Irisviel would also want to see a happy Illya."

"... They really went to great lengths."

Upon hearing this, Rovey nodded. "You've become a good father, Emiya Kiritsugu. Aren't you going to be a champion of justice anymore?"

"... Don't mention that."

Upon hearing this, Emiya Kiritsugu's face darkened. "Speaking of which, why are you here again? The Holy Grail War has already begun, don't you know that? Visiting at this time is dangerous, isn't it?"

"You mean... they're in danger, right?"

Rovey said quietly, "You know me. I have absolutely no interest in the Holy Grail. I have no intention of playing house with you in this Holy Grail War. After all, I provided all your Sacred Relic. Even the great heroes of Greece, if they were only in Servant form, would not be a match for me. You should know that very well, right? After all, you witnessed the War of Myths."

"... I know, that's why I feel so complicated about your existence."

"There's nothing to worry about. If I really wanted to eliminate the other Servant, you couldn't stop me."

As he spoke, Rovey took an apple out of his bag and began to eat it casually.