"I say, Saber, do you like the sea?"
On the moonlit shore, Irisviel walked barefoot across the sand. With her back to Anno, who was responsible for guarding her, she asked him that question.
"My feelings are mixed."
Anno remained at a safe yet courteous distance behind her, gazing at Irisviel's back as he answered in a deep voice.
"But not because the scenery isn't beautiful."
Irisviel stopped, and Anno stopped as well. Together, they looked out at the profound sea beneath the night sky, the drifting moonlight, and the foam upon the waves.
"In my country, our enemies would invade from the sea. That is why I do not hold any particular fondness for it. As for why I like the sea... it has something to do with a friend of mine."
"I see. A friend, then."
With her hands behind her back, Irisviel smiled faintly. Her white bare feet left a trail of footprints across the sand.
"Thank you for today, Saber. No matter what, being able to spend a whole day properly enjoying myself in this country—in this world—has already made me very satisfied."
"The honor is mine, Madam."
Anno bowed slightly, his manners impeccable.
"However, compared to me, perhaps it would have been better for Kiritsugu to accompany you on your outing."
"Though... for that man, it would not become a pleasant memory."
"...Yes."
At that, Irisviel could only reveal a somewhat bitter smile.
She knew, Kiritsugu.
The man she loved was someone for whom happiness was suffering.
Suddenly, Anno narrowed his eyes and looked in a certain direction.
He raised a hand and caught a fallen leaf. Pouring magical energy into it, Anno hurled the leaf toward that direction.
Whoosh—
Squelch—
Within the woods by the shore, a familiar being used for surveillance was instantly