"Ah, thank you, Miss Akuta."
Late at night, Irisviel woke up. The first thing she saw was Hinako Akuta sitting not far away, holding a book and reading by the faint candlelight.
Miss Hinako Akuta was the neighbor from the next courtyard. While Maiya Hisau and Saber had gone out with Kiritsugu, Miss Akuta had been left to look after Irisviel.
And protect her.
Anno had vaguely revealed to Emiya Kiritsugu that Hinako Akuta was no ordinary person. Though still confused, Emiya Kiritsugu agreed, but he still met with Hinako Akuta alone and spoke with her for a long time. No one besides Emiya Kiritsugu and Hinako Akuta knew what they discussed.
In any case, the final result was Hinako Akuta sitting here with a book in her arms, reading while looking after the immobile Irisviel.
"It's nothing. This is merely a deal between Anno, Mr. Emiya, and me. There's no need to thank me."
Hinako Akuta's eyes were fixed on the book, yet she did not seem to actually be reading.
But neither were her eyes resting on Irisviel.
"No, I still have to thank you."
"To meet new people at the end of my life... it's truly wonderful."
At last, Hinako Akuta lifted her gaze slightly and turned it toward Irisviel.
She narrowed her eyes behind her glasses.
What a pitiful homunculus.
But...
"Do you really think this is wonderful?"
Hinako Akuta rose, walked over to Irisviel's side, and sat down.
"Ah, I really do."
"Ever since long ago, I've wanted to talk with more people."
"After all, I could only live inside the castle before."
Irisviel sighed in a frail voice.
Hinako Akuta closed her book for the moment and looked at Irisviel.
"I was completely unable to come into contact with the outside world."
Was that