But if Irisviel encountered the same thing, Shirou would have to conquer cancer for her.
By the time his discussion with Makiri ended, it was already deep into the night.
Shirou spread out his futon on the tatami, turned off the lights, and lay down.
Staring at the familiar ceiling, the boy murmured.
"How long are you planning to peek? ...Come out. You're there, aren't you?"
At those words, an unparalleled beauty wrapped in multicolored flowers appeared in the Japanese-style room in the dead of night.
"Good evening, my Arthur."
The female magus—Lady Avalon, whose long hair shimmered with a dazzling rainbow radiance—sat upright beside the boy's bed and reached toward his forehead.
Shirou took her hand and cast her a pleading look. "Help me, teacher."
As expected, this was still the person he trusted most.
If even Lady Avalon couldn't save Irisviel, then Shirou could assert that no one in this world would be able to save her.
"Oh my, Shirou actually took the initiative to ask me for help... You haven't done that since the Holy Grail War ended, have you? How nostalgic."
Lady Avalon said with a delighted expression, "Irisviel is truly that important and special to you, Shirou. I'm even a little jealous.
"Well, I'll help you, I'll help you! Your hand hurts. You're going to crush it!"
Shirou immediately let go. The silver-haired sage rubbed the back of her hand with tears in her eyes and said mournfully, "Ugh, you know I could never refuse you..."
Shirou hurriedly sat up on the bed and straightened his posture. "Thank you, teacher."
"Don't thank me. I can't extend her life, either.
"All I can do is guide you along the path ahead, Arthur."
"Yes."
Shirou respectfully nodded. Lady Avalon spoke with a solemn expression.
"I'll tell you