Night had fallen over Fuyuki City, and the church was quieter than usual. After completing his usual duties, Risei Kotomine began his routine inspection of the chapel and happened to see his son Kirei returning from outside.
He wasn't surprised by Kirei's outing.
Although the Holy Grail War had been temporarily suspended due to unusual developments, with all parties agreeing to a truce, that didn't mean Kirei had to stop assisting Tokiomi Tohsaka with intelligence gathering.
After all, it was only a verbal agreement—there was no binding force behind it. Besides, one Master hadn't even taken part in the truce discussions and was under no obligation to align with the other factions.
"You're back, Kirei," Father Risei greeted him.
Though Kirei looked slightly travel-worn, as if he had just returned from afar, there were no signs of battle on him. His robes were spotless, not even wrinkled. The old priest thought nothing of it.
"I just came back from the Einzbern forest," Kirei nodded, then added, "As expected, Tenkei Shiomi and his Servant launched an assault on Einzbern and Saber."
Father Risei showed no surprise, merely offering a knowing smile. "So they really struck first to keep their plan to purify the Greater Grail from being anticipated?"
"That appears to be the case," Kirei agreed.
Father Risei turned and headed toward the church's basement office. "So what happened? You're back so quickly—did Berserker already take down Saber?"
"Father, do you really think Tenkei Shiomi is guaranteed to win?" Kirei asked.
"Based on how the war has gone so far, even Kayneth from the Clock Tower is dead. That man is likely the most formidable contender in this Holy Grail War," Risei said. "But with the Greater Grail already malfunctioning, we may not need any more bloodshed. In a sense, that's a blessing."
As the Holy Church's Overseer, Risei had reported the situation to his superiors. His current orders were simply to continue monitoring the developments and witness the purification of the Greater Grail and the conclusion of the Holy Grail War.
It was, all things considered, an easy task.
"You've worked hard so far. Once everything's over, take a break and get some rest," Father Risei said warmly, turning back to Kirei. "I've already made the arrangements for you."
He had wanted to suggest that Kirei visit Claudia's grave after everything was settled, but in the end, he kept it to himself. It was better to let Kirei make that decision on his own.
"Yes," Kirei responded without expression. "Thank you for your arrangements, Father."
That answer left the old priest both pleased and proud.
His son was devout, composed, and disciplined—truly worthy of being called a saint. Risei believed he would go on to become one of the Church's finest, walking a path far greater than his own.
"So, what was the outcome?" Father Risei didn't forget the most important part.
Although he personally leaned toward a Shiomi victory, there was always the chance of an unexpected twist.
Either way, he needed to verify and record the result, then discuss the next steps with Tokiomi Tohsaka.
"There was no conclusion. The battle was interrupted by external interference," Kirei said.
Risei was slightly taken aback. "Interrupted?"
"Yes."
"Were you able to confirm the details?" Risei asked as he opened the door to his office, the question coming naturally.
"I was close enough to witness the full picture."
From beginning to end, Risei held not the slightest suspicion toward his son.
To him, Kirei Kotomine was capable, composed, and devout—an ideal priest-in-training.
So he thought nothing of it, even as Kirei stepped too close.
As a former combatant, the old priest should have recognized that this was a dangerously short distance.
Even someone untrained could do serious harm at such range—let alone Kirei, forged through countless harsh missions and deadly assignments.
"I want to know... What do I mean to you?"
Kirei's voice came from behind as he stepped into the room.
Caught off guard by the question, the old priest halted, pausing to reflect.
There had been few moments of deep conversation between them. For Kirei, sharp and composed by nature, to ask something so personal was rare—and it brought Risei a quiet, indescribable sense of warmth.
"My dear son. There's nothing more to say than that," Risei answered plainly and without hesitation. "I believe you're a model for many. In a father's eyes, your devotion to the Lord has never wavered. You endure every hardship with unwavering resolve and carve your own path forward. That spirit... it fills me with pride."
He paused, suddenly wondering if he'd gone too far. After all, the Lord's teachings caution against indulging in hollow praise.
He turned, intending to ask if Kirei was satisfied with his answer—but his body froze before he could.
Three thin, razor-sharp blades had pierced through his back, driving cleanly through his heart and lungs. The precision left no doubt—it was a flawless kill.
They were the Black Keys, the signature weapon of the Executors of the Holy Church, equally effective in close combat and at a distance.
And if imbued with special incantations, they could even paralyze a target temporarily.
Kirei had done just that. Piercing the heart alone wasn't enough.
Even as he lay dying, Risei—once an Executor himself—wouldn't be underestimated. Kirei wouldn't lower his guard until it was over.
What's happening?
Why would Kirei do this?
There was no anger in Risei's fading thoughts—only a tidal wave of confusion. Blood gurgled from his throat as he struggled to breathe.
Whoosh—
The blades were withdrawn.
His strength gone, Risei Kotomine collapsed to his knees, then crumpled forward onto the floor. He stopped breathing as a pool of blood spread rapidly beneath him.
Kirei looked down at his father, whose final moments were clouded in confusion and disbelief, and smiled with unrestrained joy.
The thing his father and that woman had in common was their love for him.
And both had misunderstood the core of who Kirei truly was.
But unlike the illusion where he had killed his wife, the act of ending his father's life with his own hands—inflicting pain and bewilderment—filled Kirei with pure delight.
The soul seeks pleasure, just as beasts are drawn to the scent of blood.
No one could have foreseen what the Garden of Lost Will had awakened.