That was something that happened years ago, yet Alaric remembered it vividly. Despite some twists and turns, he could never forget Lion King's face, nor the embrace at the end of the world—
There were many reasons, but above all, Alaric desired to live.
Carrying the blessing of the Lion King, Alaric would not stop moving forward, pressing onward toward the future.
Gazing at the king before him, Alaric smiled and said,
"It was you who gave me the motivation to keep going. Even though those experiences happened in another world, no matter what, Artoria will always be the king I serve and admire.
"So, I will not stop, my king—"
"...I see—"
At that moment, Artoria understood Alaric's motives and origins, yet her expression did not change. As a Servant summoned into this world, she had only one purpose—
To claim the Holy Grail and fulfill her tragic wish.
Even if her opponents included former friends and vassals, that would not change.
If her conviction wavered, how could she fight?
Seeing the unwavering determination in Artoria's eyes, Alaric smiled faintly.
Of course, he understood. The King of Knights, Artoria, was a ruler who had fought to create an ideal kingdom for countless people. Even now, she sought to correct her past mistakes by vying for the Holy Grail.
A king who bore such a tragic wish would not falter.
The Magus of Flowers, Merlin, who understood this as well, could only shake his head—these two were both so stubborn that there was no reason with them.
Even so, Alaric did not feel troubled. With the greatest obstacle, Gilgamesh, gone, he had absolute confidence in taking Irisviel von Einzbern away.
"Since we are now enemies, allow me to address you as Saber."
Clearing his throat, Alaric smiled and said:
"Saber, do you have the confidence to fight me while also protecting Kiritsugu Emiya? As far as I know, he is your Master, isn't he? If your Master dies, how long can you remain?"
Irisviel von Einzbern and Kiritsugu Emiya were both at the coastal harbor—two people whom Saber was obliged to protect.
But two hands could not fend off four attacks. Especially when Alaric deliberately targeted them, Saber could not possibly safeguard both.
The moment those words were spoken, not only did Artoria's expression change slightly, but even Irisviel and the distant Kiritsugu immediately understood their predicament—
Absolute danger!
Irisviel had unwavering faith in Kiritsugu, but Kiritsugu himself, having failed in his ambush and already planning to retreat with his assistant, was now sweating coldly.
Earlier, if not for Saber's intervention, Alaric's shot would have struck him.
And if it had hit—
At best, he would be gravely injured. At worst, he would not have survived.
Yet that attack had been nothing more than a casual strike from Alaric, completely incomparable to the firepower he had used when facing the King of Heroes earlier.
That Holy Judgment Gate still hung high in the sky, locked onto him like the Sword of Damocles, its judgment poised to descend at any moment.
"Do you still consider yourself a knight?"
Seeing that Alaric was using Kiritsugu and Irisviel as leverage, Artoria immediately rebuked him:
"Such disgraceful tactics—"
"Do you think so?"
Hearing Artoria call his methods disgraceful, Alaric recalled his days in the Holy City—compared to back then, this hardly seemed underhanded at all.
Thinking this, Alaric decided not to waste more words with Artoria and slowly tightened his grip on his Holy Lance.
Tonight would soon pass. The coming day was the Day of Advent.
Just as the tension reached its peak and both sides were about to clash again—
The sound of rolling wheels echoed through the air, followed by a bold, hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Knight, are you going to draw your sword against your king?"
Riding in on the Gordias Wheel, the one at the reins was none other than the King of Conquerors, Iskandar.
With a broad, confident grin, Iskandar positioned himself between Alaric and Artoria, shattering the frozen atmosphere.
The only odd one out was Waver, who looked both anxious and conflicted, unsure how to start a conversation with Liye.
"King of Conquerors—"
Alaric's expression remained unchanged as he glanced at the towering figure.
Iskandar's decision to step onto the battlefield at this moment made it obvious what he intended to do.
"Stand down, knight."
Iskandar gazed at Alaric and Merlin, saying,
"To raise your blade against your king is not the duty of a vassal. A knight's pure sword should not be tainted. If you insist on soiling this honor and purity, then I will have no choice but to join Saber in eliminating you.
"Even with your level of magic, you can't possibly withstand the combined might of Saber and me."
"And you, Caster—why do you just stand there watching while your Master strays from the path? As a Servant, you should have the courage to correct his mistakes."
Not only did Iskandar reprimand Alaric, but he also directed his criticism at Merlin, who had been watching from the sidelines.
"Eh?"
Merlin blinked in surprise before shrugging helplessly.
"Ahhh, well, there's not much I can do. If things get too extreme, it won't be good for anyone."
"Rider, Merlin—"
Watching this scene, Artoria immediately realized that, at least at this moment, Iskandar was standing on her side.
Taking on two enemies at once was not a wise move, but right now, she needed this power to confront Alaric and save Irisviel and Kiritsugu!
"I know, King of Conquerors, Iskandar."
Hearing this, Alaric remained unfazed as he stared at Iskandar and his Master, Waver.
"Aside from using the Gordias Wheel, your trump card is the Reality Marble, Ionian Hetairoi, am I right?"
"A Reality Marble capable of summoning your entire army from when you were alive—truly formidable. But how much mana do you have to sustain it?"
"Waver's mana certainly isn't enough to support you. Do you have the confidence to fight me to the death here? Just for Saber and Irisviel von Einzbern, who should be your enemies?"
"Eh?"
Iskandar's eyes widened as if he couldn't understand how Alaric knew everything about his abilities and Noble Phantasms—even down to his mana consumption.
"Rider?"
Seeing his Servant remain silent, Waver realized that everything Alaric had said was true.
This left him both shaken and astonished at Alaric's capabilities.
Just how far did his talents extend?
Alaric continued,
"How about this—I won't do anything to Irisviel von Einzbern. I just want to invite her for a little chat.
"I can guarantee her life and safety. You have nothing to worry about."