The Enemy That Must Be Defeated! (Continued)

"I understand. I'll be the one to defeat him."

Sieg lowered the flag, holding Theresa, who was no longer possessed by Jeanne d'Arc.

She'd really said something outrageous.

Sieg struggled to catch her breath, keeping herself from passing out from the pain that had just exceeded her body's limits.

She didn't know why she had said such a thing. She only knew that, in that moment, she had thought she had to agree to it, had to defeat Amakusa Shirou.

Clang—

The sound of a sword being drawn from its sheath forced her to turn around.

She saw Amakusa Shirou already walking toward her with his sword in hand.

With the Holy Grail in his possession, even someone as powerful as Ruler could not win. She truly had no confidence in defeating him. But Ruler had placed such faith in her—what right did she have to defeat Amakusa Shirou?

As a homunculus?

Homunculi were clearly products of alchemy. Why could she defeat her opponent?

"Defective product, you're next. I can give you a little time to reminisce about the days you spent with Ruler. I'll even allow you to strike first."

Amakusa Shirou drew his sword and pointed it at her.

Sieg gritted her teeth with difficulty.

"Amakusa Shirou, I want to make one request. If I die, please don't hurt her."

"No problem." Amakusa Shirou gave his promise without hesitation.

"Thank you." Sieg gripped the sword in her hand. "But I'm sorry—I'll defeat you!"

"You think you can kill me?" Amakusa Shirou took his opening stance. His gaze at Sieg held considerable anger, though even he did not understand where it came from.

"Not kill you," Sieg retorted. "Defeat you. We have no irreconcilable grudge. I'm defeating you only because of my promise to Ruler, and... because you're wrong."