Fate/Ultimate Antagonist

[42] Pledging Allegiance to the King Named Me

"Long time no see, Artoria..."

His gentle words were like a breeze caressing the face.

Artoria's golden hair swayed slightly in the radiant sunlight.

The sun seemed to freeze in stillness.

Silent and tranquil.

Even though it was the bright noon of a sunny day, it felt as freezing as the deep winter.

The silver-haired youth standing in the square smiled, and the surrounding atmosphere was as silent as death.

Only the deep green eyes of the golden-haired girl trembled, and her delicate lips quivered.

"Sir..."

She muttered this title in a daze.

Anyone could hear the tremor in her voice.

It was like a vibration of heartstrings, producing a dull hum.

For a long time, the resonance lingered.

Her thoughts struggled to the end.

Artoria still couldn't bring herself to call that name.

Was it still unbelievable?

Or was she afraid that after shouting that name, just like the countless nights of shattered illusions in these days, it would awaken her again from the dream?

"...So, this is not a dream."

As if seeing through all her thoughts.

That person, he said with a smiling expression.

"You have grown into a very outstanding person, Artoria."

"Your journey has been tough."

As the words fell silent.

The lingering sound seemed to echo in the wind.

Alvin raised his hand.

Instead of his fingertips, a gentle breeze gently touched the girl's cheek.

This familiar touch.

It made Artoria's heart, for a moment, return to that swaying wheat field.

She was waiting like this.

Waiting in the clear sunlight.

Waiting for such a person to come to her, punctually, keeping the appointment, gently caressing her cheek.

He was there.

He really was there.

...It wasn't an illusion.

The moment she realized this.

Her heart rippled slightly.

"Did you deceive me?"

"Never."

No need for any extra words.

No need for any unnecessary expressions.

Her eyes asked like this, and his eyes answered like this.

Knowing his intentions.

It was as if, in the abyss called numbness, he suddenly glimpsed a dazzling light.

So...

Unable to stop, those accumulated bitter feelings overflowed.

Unable to stop, the surging bitterness flooded like a tide.

All the strong, indifferent determination.

All the masked disguises and lies.

All the silent and sorrowful emotions throughout the journey that had no one to confide in.