₊ 𖦹﹕𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦！(🩸)

⩩ ┊❝ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐕 ❞

第四章 . . . 000
@/mxtsuro | AO3 & Wattpad
Myrddin Emrys © 2025

﹒ ◠ METEMPSYCHOSIS ⊹ ﹒
— " reincarnation " !
In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams, that is where you and I shall meet.
★ . Lewis Carroll » +

೯⠀⁺ ⠀ 𖥻 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐕 ⠀ᰋ
── ★ ˙ a solitary, crimson rose, its petals torn and scattered, lay at the foot of the ancient oak, a reflection of the chalice's shattered heart  ̟ !!

Fuyuki City
9th of September 2004, 8:30 AM

           The dense forest surrounding the Einzbern's villa was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the cool mountain breeze. The sun barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows on the winding path the group had been following for what felt like hours. The terrain had grown steeper the closer they got, the trees standing like sentinels, towering over them with ancient wisdom. Finally, the looming structure of Illyasviel’s villa came into view---a massive, fortress-like mansion nestled against the backdrop of the mountains, with wide, imposing walls that seemed to rise endlessly toward the sky.

           The atmosphere was heavy as they stopped a few meters from the villa’s front gate. Romani, standing slightly apart from the others, cradled Galateya close to his chest. His golden eyes, hidden beneath the shadow of his hood, scanned the surroundings with a cautious intensity. The air was thick with something more than just mountain chill. It was as though the villa itself breathed with an ancient presence, and the traveler could feel it pressing down on him---a warning, perhaps, or a subtle hostility that made his instincts scream to be on guard.

          “Feels like we have stepped into someone’s trap,” Shirou muttered, his eyes narrowing as he took in the massive gates in front of them. The iron bars were intricately designed, adorned with arcane symbols and runes that pulsed faintly. Behind them, the grand villa stood, silent and watchful.

          Rin, standing beside him, crossed her arms, her eyes sharp. “Illya's not one to play games---at least, not without an agenda. We are here because we want to make sure she is alright. That much is clear.”

          Romani adjusted his hold on the frail three-year-old in his arms, feeling the weight of her small body against him. Galateya’s silver hair shimmered faintly in the muted light, her blue eyes wide and alert despite her earlier silence. She clung to him tightly, her small hands fisting the fabric of his cloak as though sensing the tension in the air.

           Something was definitely off, Romani thought. The closer they got to the villa, the heavier the atmosphere seemed to become. His instincts, honed by years of traveling and his own enigmatic experiences, screamed at him to remain vigilant. The traveler had learned long ago to trust those instincts, and now, they were telling him that something was very wrong.

          “We should be careful,” Romani said quietly, his voice low but clear. “The air feels unnatural. Like it is watching us.”

          Shirou and Rin exchanged glances, both sensing the unease in his tone, but neither said anything in response. They had their own concerns about stepping into Illyasviel’s territory, but they also knew that retreat was not an option. Whatever was waiting for them behind those walls, they had to face it. As they approached the front gates, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the stillness. From the shadowed path leading deeper into the estate, two figures appeared---both women, dressed in the formal uniforms of maids, their movements graceful yet unnaturally precise. Their faces were cold and emotionless, like porcelain dolls brought to life. One had a stern expression, while the other remained passive, her features blank.