Kirei Kotomine walked out of the basement and returned to the living room. Outside, he saw two little girls struggling with oversized suitcases, their small hands barely able to grasp the handles.
"Hello, Rin. Hello, Sakura," Kirei greeted calmly.
The two girls immediately stopped wrestling with their luggage and turned to look at him, their big, curious eyes locking onto him. Rin, in particular, had always been suspicious of Kirei.
"...Hello, Kirei," Rin replied, her voice dignified despite her young age.
Although they were still just children, both girls carried themselves with the grace of their mother, Tohsaka Aoi. It was clear they were raised as proper young ladies of the esteemed Tohsaka family. Well… Rin at least tried to act the part.
"Are you leaving? That luggage looks heavy," Kirei observed.
"Yes, that's right," Rin answered, crossing her arms. "We're going to stay at one of our family's secondary houses, away from the city center. Father said it's safer."
Of course, the Holy Grail War had begun, and Tokiomi Tohsaka, being the responsible father that he was, decided to send his family away to safety. A rare thoughtful move from him, Arthur noted.
But Rin was clearly not pleased. Unlike Sakura, who quietly accepted the decision, Rin pouted, her cheeks puffed up in protest. Maybe one day she'd become a refined lady, but for now, she was still a sulky little girl. Well, considering her age, it was forgivable.
"Kirei, will you fight alongside my father to the end?" she suddenly asked.
"Yes. As his student, it is my duty," Kirei responded without hesitation.
Rin, despite her young age, understood the nature of magus families. She knew she and Sakura had to leave, but that meant leaving Kirei behind as well. And considering that Kirei was her father's chosen apprentice, it irritated her to no end.
"Kirei, can I trust you?" Rin narrowed her eyes. "Will you protect my father no matter what?"
"Sister," Sakura tugged on Rin's sleeve, quietly reminding her to mind her words.
Kirei remained silent for a moment before replying, "I'm afraid I can't give you an easy answer. If I could promise such a thing so lightly, you wouldn't need to leave in the first place, would you?"
Rin's face scrunched up in frustration.
"Hmph! I still don't like you very much."
Kirei, as always, was unaffected.
"Rin, you shouldn't say such things so bluntly in front of others. It reflects poorly on your family's education," he advised.
"My family education is excellent, thank you very much!" Rin huffed, cheeks turning red with embarrassment.
She glared at Kirei and then declared, "Listen to me, Kirei Kotomine! If anything happens to my father because of you, I will never forgive you!"
At that moment, Aoi Tohsaka appeared. Perhaps she'd noticed the girls were taking too long and came to check on them.
"Rin, why are you being so loud and disrespectful?"
"Ah—! No, I just—!" Rin stammered.
"It's fine, ma'am," Kirei said with a small smile. "She was just giving me a little… motivation."
Rin, still fuming, turned away with a "Hmph!"
"I'll help you carry your suitcase, Rin. It's too heavy for you," Kirei offered.
"No! I don't need your help!" Rin protested, trying once more to lift the massive suitcase… only to immediately regret it.
The suitcase refused to budge, and after a few moments of struggling, Rin plopped onto the ground, glaring at Kirei as if it were somehow his fault.
"Alright, alright, let me help," another voice chimed in.
Arthur had emerged from downstairs, extending a hand.
"I don't need your help either!" Rin pouted, flipping her ponytails defiantly—but she did shuffle slightly to the side, allowing space for him to grab the suitcase.
Arthur chuckled. "Such a proud little one." He picked up the suitcase effortlessly.
Aoi approached and respectfully bowed. "King, I hope you can assist my husband. He truly wishes to see his dream fulfilled."
Arthur nodded. "I will. Don't worry."
Then, he crouched down and gently patted Rin's head.
"Little one, one day, your family will be in your hands. Protect them well."
"Of course I will!" Rin declared, clenching her fists with confidence.
Arthur smiled approvingly, then suddenly—
A surge of magical energy radiated around him. The golden aura illuminated the surroundings, and in an instant, a legendary sword materialized in his hand.
This was—!
The powerful presence immediately drew attention. Tokiomi Tohsaka rushed outside, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld the sight before him.
"T-That sword…! Could it be—?!"
There was no mistaking it. The invincible holy sword, the legendary Excalibur!
Arthur raised the sword high and began chanting:
"The crown beneath the light—
As radiant as the dawn!
The blade in my hand—
Refined by the knight's oath!
Turn to gold—
Repeat the eight virtues of chivalry,
And remember the knight's declaration!"
As the incantation echoed, a red magic circle spread across the ground.
"Come forth! My loyal knight—Bedivere!"
A dazzling burst of light erupted, and within moments, a figure emerged.
The woman who stood there was an elegant, silver-haired knight—one of Arthur's most loyal retainers.
Bedivere knelt, placing a hand over her heart. "My king, I answer your call."
Arthur nodded, satisfied. In terms of loyalty, Bedivere and Gawain stood on equal footing. However, Bedivere had always been the one who cared most for Arthur's well-being. It was only natural that Arthur chose him.
Tokiomi Tohsaka, still frozen in disbelief, could only mutter:
"Excalibur… and now… a knight of the Round Table…?!"
His mind raced. Just how strong was Arthur, truly?
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