Emiya Kiritsugu narrowed his eyes at Anno.
"What exactly are you thinking?"
There was a trace of coldness in his voice.
He was referring to Hinako Akuta next door.
Emiya Kiritsugu was not someone who trusted others.
The pain brought upon him by trusting others had been far too great. It was precisely that pain, time and time again, that had made Emiya Kiritsugu into someone unwilling to trust anyone.
"I know you may be dissatisfied, but Kiritsugu, Iri needs someone to take care of her."
"She can no longer get up. The Holy Grail War is still ongoing, and she does not have much time left."
Anno's expression did not change much.
When he had gone looking for Hinako Akuta, he had already anticipated Emiya Kiritsugu's reaction.
Emiya Kiritsugu's gaze wavered slightly, but it quickly turned cold again.
"I don't think that woman is trustworthy."
No one would willingly give themselves for someone else.
Emiya Kiritsugu had always believed that.
"Please rest assured about that."
Anno gave a slight bow.
"I have already paid the price."
"In my own name."
"You—"
Emiya Kiritsugu wanted to say something else, but—he realized he had nothing to say.
Could he really refuse to let anyone care for Iri?
Iri could no longer move. Food, clothing, shelter, and travel were all problems. She truly needed someone to care for her, but... no one could.
Maiya Hisau still had many duties to shoulder. Saber was their only means of confronting Servants head-on, and he himself needed to remain active outside.
For the sake of victory in the Holy Grail War.
But...
Letting someone else care for Iri was indeed dangerous.
He could not rest easy entrusting one of the only two people he cared about to a stranger.
"I know what you're afraid of,