Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover-Chapter 122: [] The King’s Path—Dominance and Conquest

"The Holy Sword of the Stars?"

Ignoring Saber's question, Gilgamesh cast a sidelong glance at Sakatsuki.

"Do you think my treasury lacks a mere sword forged by a planet?"

"No, this is different, King of Heroes."

The young man replied.

"You should know better than anyone that the worth of a sword is never judged by its origin or craftsmanship, but rather by the legend carved by the one who wields it."

"So you mean, 'appointing the capable, regardless of their origins'?"

Iskandar interjected.

"Hearing a famous saying from ancient China coming from the mouth of the King of Conquerors... that's quite the dissonance."

Sakatsuki chuckled helplessly.

"But yes, that is exactly my point."

At this moment, the discussion had already shifted beyond swords—the kings present understood this well. That was why Gilgamesh merely scoffed, making no effort to refute.

"Well then, let's return to the main topic."

The host of the banquet, Iskandar, raised his goblet and addressed Archer.

"Archer, the finest wine should indeed be served in the most exquisite cup—but as it happens, the Holy Grail is not a mere goblet."

"This is a debate to determine who is most worthy of obtaining the Holy Grail. Before we proceed, let's hear what grand wish you entrust to it. Otherwise, there's no point in discussing further. Speak, Archer. As a king, what grand reasoning can you provide that would convince both of us?"

"You mongrel, don't get ahead of yourself. Besides, this has already deviated from the premise of 'competing' for the Grail."

"Hmm?"

Seeing Rider furrow his brows, Archer let out a sigh, as if he found this utterly tedious.

"If you must know, the Holy Grail originally belonged to me. All treasures in this world come from my treasury. Though time has passed, and some things have been lost, those treasures still rightfully belong to me."

"So, you once possessed the Holy Grail? Then you must also know what it truly is?"

"I don't know."

Archer flatly denied Rider's assumption.

"Don't judge me by the standards of a mongrel. The number of treasures in my possession far exceeds what I could ever keep track of. But if something is deemed a 'treasure,' then it is undoubtedly part of my wealth. To think you can take my belongings without permission—such thieves must be put in their place."

These words sounded like the ramblings of a madman. But when one considered the identity of the speaker—the possessor of the "Gate of Babylon," the most ancient King of Heroes—such seemingly absurd claims were no longer so unbelievable.

"Does wine taste better when served in the Holy Grail?"

Sakatsuki asked as if he had already known the truth.

"A foolish question. You knew the answer already, didn't you? It always carries the stench of blood."

Gilgamesh shot him a glance.

"But in your case, the Grail probably isn't even fit to serve wine, is it?"

"Well, the nature is different, after all. And besides, compared to the Greater Holy Grail of Fuyuki, that one was a true treasure meant to guide humanity's future—though I was never satisfied with the wish it granted."

"You didn't attempt to change it?"

"I respected her will at first. But now, the journey has reached its end."

"So you've come here for that?"

"Yes, that's why I'm here."

At these words, the white-haired youth's usually calm gaze rippled with subtle waves.

"After all, 'my' chances are running out."

"Ahem, you two! Stop veering off-topic mid-conversation!"

Iskandar, growing increasingly perplexed, knocked his goblet against the table, forcibly cutting into their cryptic exchange.

"This banquet isn't just for you two, Archer and Sakatsuki!"

"Tch... Is even the finest wine not enough to shut your mouth, mongrel?"

The King of Heroes shot Iskandar an irritated glance, clearly displeased at having his amusement interrupted. However, the red-haired giant merely shrugged nonchalantly.

"So, Archer, if we gain your approval, we can obtain the Grail?"

"That's right. But I see no reason to bestow my treasure upon mongrels like you."

"You... don't tell me you're just a miser?"

Iskandar smirked. Such an expression on a man of his stature was oddly amusing.

"Fool. Only my subjects and people are worthy of receiving my grace."

Archer sneered.

"So, Rider, if you are willing to submit to me, then I can bestow upon you a goblet or two at any time."

"...Yeah, that's absolutely impossible."

Rider laughed at the very thought.

"But Archer, you're not actually hoarding the Holy Grail, are you?"

"Of course not. But those who seek to steal my treasures must be punished accordingly. It is a matter of principle."

"So, Archer..."

Rider emptied his goblet before continuing.

"... does this hold some deeper meaning or reason?"

"It is law."

Archer answered immediately.

"The law that I, as a king, have decreed."

"A perfect response."

Rider acknowledged with a deep sigh.

"To uphold and enforce one's law is the duty of a king. However, I still desire the Holy Grail. If I want it, I shall take it. Because I—Iskandar—am the King of Conquerors!"

"Then there's no helping it. You break the law, I administer punishment. No room for negotiation."

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"Indeed, then we must cross swords."

Archer's stance was resolute, while Rider's expression became refreshingly straightforward. Though their philosophies were incompatible, the acknowledgement of their opposition was, in itself, a form of mutual recognition.

"Still, Archer, let's finish this wine first. There will be plenty of opportunities to fight later."

"Naturally. Or were you planning on wasting the fine wine I have graciously provided?"

"Don't be ridiculous. How could I let such a top-tier wine go to waste?"

All the while, Saber silently observed Archer and Rider as they built a relationship that teetered between camaraderie and enmity. Finally, she spoke up.

"King of Conquerors, even after acknowledging that the Holy Grail rightfully belongs to another, you still wish to seize it by force? What do you seek from the Grail to make you go this far?"

At Saber's question, Rider's eyes wandered, as if embarrassed. Though it was hard to tell through his rugged features, his shifty gaze and the way he downed another drink suggested he was well aware of how absurd his wish sounded.

"To gain a physical body."

"Huh?"

Archer and Saber were both taken aback. But the loudest reaction came from Rider's Master—Waver.

Shocked beyond reason, Waver ran up behind Rider and feebly pounded his fists against the giant's shoulder.

"Wasn't your wish to conquer the world?!"

Thud!

With a crisp flick to the forehead, Waver was sent flying into the grass, twitching. Irisviel, watching the bizarre display, was left dumbfounded.

"Fool, what meaning would there be in letting a mere cup conquer the world for me? Conquest is a dream I must achieve myself. The Holy Grail is only the first step."

Turning away from the groaning Waver, Rider finally voiced his true desire.

"Mongrel, you would challenge me over something so trivial?"

Even Archer seemed surprised. But Rider remained steadfast.

"Though we Servants exist in this world through magical energy, we are not truly alive. I want to be reborn into this world as a living being—to take root in this land and challenge the world with my own body. That is the essence of conquest!"

Clenching his massive fist, he looked down at his hand and murmured.

"To act, to step forward, to realize my ambition... this is my path of dominion!"

"Haha..."

Archer, having listened quietly, let out a soft chuckle—whether in mockery or in sighing admiration was unclear. The expression at the corner of his lips was unlike any he had shown before. If one had to describe it, it was closer to a smile, yet Archer had only ever displayed scorn in the past. This expression, with its eerie undertone, sent a chill down one's spine.

"I've decided—Rider, I will personally kill you."

Noticing the shift in Archer's tone, Iskandar laughed heartily.

"I suppose there's no need for reminders at this point. I, too, would love to plunder all the treasures within your vault. Be on your guard."

The two kings, engaged in their lively exchange, seemed oblivious to the fact that aside from Sakatsuki, who had been silently observing, there was another ruler present at the banquet. Yet, unlike them, this king had not once smiled throughout the entire conversation.

Saber had joined the banquet under the belief that it was a discourse on the philosophy of kingship. However, as Rider and Archer clashed in debate, she found no opportunity to speak. To her, their arguments bore no resemblance to the ideals she upheld as the King of Knights.

Nothing but personal ambition—

That was not the righteous path of a king. Saber, who regarded purity and integrity as her creed, saw both Archer's and Rider's perspectives as nothing more than the mindset of tyrants.

Though both Archer and Rider were formidable opponents, Saber now felt an unshakable determination rising within her once again.

She could not lose to them. She would never hand over the Holy Grail. Archer's words were absurd to begin with. As for Rider's wish, while Saber acknowledged his warrior's honour, his desire was ultimately born from personal craving. Compared to them, she was confident that the wish buried deep within her heart held far greater significance.

However, just as she raised her eyes, preparing to speak, Sakatsuki suddenly stood up, interrupting the conversation.

"Apologies, everyone, but I have something to attend to and must take my leave for now."

"Oh? And what exactly are you up to, chef?"

Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips.

Sakatsuki responded with perfect composure.

"Though I regret interrupting the banquet of such esteemed kings, I must go and retrieve my dear Servant—Miyu."

"Oh, so that little girl's true name is 'Miyu'? That name certainly fits the style of this place."

Since Sakatsuki had shown the sincerity of revealing a true name, Rider saw no reason to pry further. Instead, he simply waved a hand.

"Then go ahead. We'll be waiting for your return."

With that, the white-haired, golden-eyed young man gave the three kings a deep bow, turned, and stepped into the wall beside him, vanishing from sight.

***

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