At dawn, the little girl opened her eyes, gazing at the unchanging white world outside the window.
She was born in this place. She was the princess of this cold city.
She had parents who loved her. When the weather was fine, Kiritsugu would take her to play in the forest, and her mother would prepare snacks and meals in the castle, waiting for the father and daughter to return.
"Living happily ever after"—this was a phrase she had learned from books Kiritsugu brought back from the outside world. In those books, after experiencing all sorts of adventures, the protagonists always end their stories with such words. It seemed that all efforts would be rewarded, and every journey would reach its shining star.
So, why did Papa and Mama look so sad? Why did Kiritsugu cry when looking at Mama?
Her body ached. When would the adjustments be over? Grandpa Acht's expression is so scary…
Though she didn't fully understand the meaning of life yet, little Illya had already vaguely sensed her fate.
If nothing changed, she would grow up in this cold castle like her mother, waiting for the day she would be 'used.'
By then, would someone as reliable as Papa Kiritsugu be there to protect me?
It still feels a bit scary.
Fixing her gaze on a certain part of the forest outside the window, Illya suddenly smiled expectantly, jumped off the now empty bed, put on her snow boots, and ran towards a certain place.
But this monotonous life had begun to change with the arrival of one person.
Just as the forest outside, after a brief period of clear skies, had gained a few patches of fresh new green.
Einzbern Winter Castle, Front Courtyard.
[004: Irisviel von Einzbern]
[Character Information: Created by the Einzbern family for the Fourth Holy Grail War, she is the wife of Kiritsugu Emiya. Although an artificial human, she gained emotions because of Kiritsugu. She deeply loves and trusts her husband Kiritsugu, supporting his ideals even if it means her demise.]
[Hidden Information: Locked.]
[Record Conditions (0/1)]:
[•Gain Irisviel's approval (Incomplete).]
[•Additional Condition: Protect Irisviel von Einzbern (Not accepted).]
Flipping through the 250-page manual, Sakatsuki, with the same dead-fish eyes as Kiritsugu, glanced at the panel displayed on his retina, then at the strands of silver hair peeking from behind the door. He held back and finally sighed in resignation.
"Madam, you're making it hard for me to concentrate."
Seemingly surprised at being discovered, a small gasp came from behind the door, followed by the woman dressed in a beautiful gown stepping out. Covering her face, she bashfully said.
"Sorry, I was just curious…"
Curious? Curious about what?
Lowering his head, Satsuki looked at the dual-wheeled beast before him
Kawasaki Ninja H2R—that was the beast's name, the reward from the [Fate Compendium] after Satsuki was hit by the Origin Bullet and fulfilled the hidden condition.
Equipped with a 1000 CC inline four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled engine, it boasted a maximum power of 310 horsepower, reaching 326 horsepower under ram air, with a peak torque of 165 Nm. Its unique supercharged centrifugal compressor spun at 130,000 RPM, pumping over 200 litres of air per second into the engine, creating a pressure of up to 2.4 atmospheres without needing an intercooler.
With technology decades ahead of its time and top-notch aerodynamic design, this monstrous speed exceeded that of Formula 1 cars and even jetliners and fighter jets on the Osman Gazi Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey—earning the title of Land Aircraft.
Admittedly, although Satsuki understood the many oddities of the [Fate Compendium], getting a motorcycle from decades in the future was still beyond his expectations. After a brief shock, he quickly embraced it.
Look at that slanted carbon fibre wing! The high-rigidity carbon fiber fairing! The matte grey body is accented with green stripes! This is the essence of a man's dreams!
It wasn't just Sakatsuki who was captivated by this motorcycle; a certain lady passing by was equally entranced.
Watching the woman, with her hands covering her face in feigned shyness but her crimson eyes fixed on the motorcycle, Satsuki's mouth twitched as he suddenly recalled another nickname of this lady: Queen of Fuyuki's Roads.
Though a mechanical novice, she enjoyed driving the luxury car Kiritsugu had given her through the Einzbern estate's forest. Despite her excellent skills, she had no concept of speed limits or basic traffic rules, even performing perfect drifts on the mountain roads, and treating sports cars like cherished toys.
It seemed the Einzbern family's isolated environment could foster both the innocent devil that Illya would become and the innocent lady standing before him… though Illya is still a little angel for now.
A sigh from either Satsuki or Shirou echoed in his heart, as the young man cleared his throat and casually invited.
"By the way, Madam, I heard you have a luxury car. How about a race? There's still some time before my check-up."
Irisviel's crimson eyes lit up, her excitement evident as she clenched her fists.
"Though I'm not sure why you call me Madam, if it's a race, I won't lose!"
Sakatsuki bowed flawlessly, a mischievous grin hidden in the shadows.
If a certain assassin lurking under the eaves saw this, he would undoubtedly turn and flee.
Unfortunately, by the time Kiritsugu realized it, he was already standing before Irisviel.
"Well, as a knight who silently protects his love would be delighted to join Lady Irisviel in battle, right?"
Using displacement magic, Satsuki grinned mischievously at the surprised Kiritsugu and the expectant Irisviel.
Even Saber was terrified of her racing skills; one can only imagine what Papa Kiritsugu might feel.
"Brother Shirou! Daddy and Mommy, you're playing games without me! I'm angry!"
A small figure huffed, clinging to Satsuki like a koala.
"I want to play too, big brother, you promised!"
Now, Satsuki couldn't laugh anymore.
"Even Illya's joining? No way, Mom doesn't want to lose!"
Irisviel turned her gaze towards Kiritsugu turning pleadingly coquettish.
Kiritsugu's mouth twitched, his gaze darting around until it met Satsuki's, who was being pestered by Illya.
The two men, sharing the same plight, had eerily similar expressions of joy.
Einzbern Forest, Entrance
A luxury car and a racing motorcycle stood side by side, their engines growling like beasts ready to pounce.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz, Irisviel, in the driver's seat, rolled down the window, waving with a smile, while Kiritsugu in the passenger seat silently adjusted his seatbelt over and over again…
"Illya do her best. Mom won't go easy on you!"
"Illya doesn't need Mom to go easy! Brother Shirou is the best!"
Seated in the back, the little girl shouted. A blue magical strap was tied around her waist, connecting her to Sakatsuki, to prevent her from being blown away by the wind pressure.
Momentarily stunned by Illya's words, Sakatsuki quickly donned his helmet, laughing loudly.
"Of course, right, Kiritsugu?"
Rolling up the window, Irisviel took a deep breath, a rare, unladylike, excited smile on her face.
"Contestants, prepare!"
With dark circles under his eyes, Acht, who Sakatsuki had forcibly dragged along, waved the flag viciously.
"The first Einzbern Racing Competition begins!"
Turning the throttle, gripping the clutch, and shifting gears, the motorcycle beneath Sakatsuki roared. Amidst Sakatsuki's excited shout, the 1000 CC engine unleashed its 310-horsepower might, violently propelling the beast forward!