"So, are you planning to take my proposal back to your teacher, or are you going to agree to it?"
Kirei Kotomine did not answer immediately. He merely sat there calmly, meeting Matou Kariya's gaze. He neither agreed nor refused, simply watching him.
"Hesitation is an answer in itself, Kirei Kotomine."
Matou Kariya appeared just as calm.
"Matou Kariya, all I can say is that you have misjudged me."
Shaking his head, Kirei Kotomine finally spoke.
"I have no wish that needs to be fulfilled by the Holy Grail."
".Are you joking?"
Matou Kariya looked at Kirei Kotomine speechlessly.
"No matter what you say, that is the truth, Matou Kariya." Kirei Kotomine spread his hands, looking entirely at ease.
"I do not know why I was chosen as a Master in this Holy Grail War, but fundamentally speaking, I have no wish that requires the Holy Grail to fulfill."
"Even if I did, the Holy Grail could not grant my wish."
"Furthermore, my teacher and I have always shared the same position, so... in this Holy Grail War, we will be enemies no matter what."
"And yet you appeared before me so openly, Matou Kariya. You know Assassin's abilities, don't you?"
"It doesn't matter. Even if you refuse, I have a backup plan. Caster and I will survive."
Faced with Kirei Kotomine's aggressive attitude, Matou Kariya instead regained his composure. He picked up the espresso before him and took a sip.
"At its core, this is a choice between us. The Holy Grail War is supposed to be conducted in secret, and you belong to the Holy Church. You would never make a move here, would you?"
Setting the coffee back down, Matou Kariya opened his arms and said with a smile.
".I see. How devious, Matou Kariya. So that