"Assassin, before we talk about me, I have a question I want to ask you."
Kirei Kotomine crossed his legs like Sakumura, the corners of his mouth unconsciously lifting slightly.
"Oh?"
Sakumura was already a little tipsy, but he did not seem inclined to keep drinking. He looked at Kirei Kotomine with interest and rubbed his hands together.
"A question? For me?"
"Then—what do you want to ask?"
"About your life."
"In my dreams, I saw your life, Assassin Sakumura."
"But after seeing your life, one enormous question has lingered in my mind ever since."
"Your life was painful, wasn't it?"
He looked into Sakumura's eyes. Though he was asking a question, his tone was certain.
Sakumura fell silent.
Though he had not intended to drink any more, he poured himself another bowl of sake.
"Although I don't care about other people's opinions of me, you're right."
"Titles like Eagles of Restoration and Feather Demon Slash are nothing but empty fame."
"Beneath that honor was nothing more than that sort of life. Heh."
Sakumura smiled indifferently and took a sip of sake.
He did not dislike being drunk, but if he wished, he would not become drunk.
"So, what is it? What thoughts did my painful life give you?"
He glanced at Kirei Kotomine.
If his life could give his Master something to think about, that would not be such a bad outcome.
"The question doesn't end with me, Sakumura."
"It lies with you."
Kirei Kotomine had worn a smile ever since this conversation began.
"Me?"
Sakumura pointed at himself.
"Why, after experiencing that kind of life, could you still live in this world with a smile, as you do now?"
"You chose to end your life upon a cliff, yet you were still summoned. And after being summoned, you