Einzbern Castle.
Artoria felt chills run down her spine. She looked around as if someone had called her but found no one. However, she felt something else. Green eyes looked at the hand that was pierced by the cursed spear during her first encounter with Lancer. She could feel her hand responding to her as if it was never wounded to begin with. For a brief moment, Saber felt pleased to be able to fight properly again but soon realization had come to her. If the curse was lifted from her did it mean that Lancer has fallen?
While the King of Knights was busy thinking about what happened to her last opponent, the Demon Emperor looked around in awe.
'So this is what this world's magic is capable of.' Lelouch thought to himself as he glanced at what seemed like an endless desert. He had been in C's world before and saw things that a normal human mind wouldn't be able to comprehend but he had to admit that something like Rider's noble phantasm could amaze him. "What is this place?"
"A Reality Marble," answered Irisviel as she stood behind Saber. "A mental image materialized into the real world."
Lelouch looked at Iskandar and couldn't help but feel intrigued. A representation of a person's inner mental world in physical form. The desert was an interesting choice but he concluded that it might have something to do with Rider's battles in the past.
"My glorious armies once rode across these sands. A place where all heroes who stood with me through joy and sorrow."
Everyone heard a sound as an ancient army made its way towards. Lelouch looked wide, amazed eyes at how far this Reality Marble could go to manifest all of it. Counting how many of Rider's forces is there was pointless since no one could see the end of them.
"Amazing." The Demon Emperor commented as he looked at Rider who mounted a giant horse. Such a marvellous ability to create your own battlefield with your armies at your command. '...Fighting against it will require either something of similar abilities or something that will be able to wipe out the majority of Rider's forces.' Killing Rider theoretically should destroy this place as well.
"A King should live a grand life and embody his people's image of admiration! He who is worthy of all heroes' envy and who leads their way, that is a King! Therefore a King is not alone! For his will equals all who followed his ultimate glory combined!" As Rider shouted, all his friends and soldiers yelled in agreement. Iskandar smiled with pride as he looked at his people before turning his gaze to his current enemy. "Now, Assassins. Should we begin?"
The masked servants that a few moments before were surrounding the group and ready to attack now were without their advantage in an open field. Lelouch could see it end only one way.
"Annihilate them!"
As their King commanded, hundreds if not thousands of warriors charged forward with a battle cry. The Assassins seeing no hope didn't even try to fight back, preferring to run in any direction. However, all of them met the same destiny, only difference was being killed by a warrior or his King. The battle, no, the massacre was quick. As Rider let out one last battle cry, everything was over.
Lelouch looked around. Gilgamesh was sitting at his position, not moving or showing any reaction. Saber was protecting her master in case Rider decided to use the advantage while he could. Avenger was standing next to Lelouch, thinking the same thing as Saber but the Demon Emperor doubted Iskandar would attack them right now. Fighting three servants while your own master next to them isn't a good strategy.
His theory would appear corrected as soon as the same light covered them before appearing again. This time returning them to the real world. The Four Kings stood in the middle of the garden. Iskandar lowered his head and with disappointment said.
"I expected more from it. We said enough for one night." as he stood up and turned away, he added, "Avenger, I hope to fight soon."
"Hoh, so eager to die, aren't you?" Avenger taunted but smiled. "Very well, I will be the one to end your life in this war, King of Conquerors." Lelouch could feel that she was looking for an opportunity to defeat Rider.
'She said she will take his title. I suppose that's another motivation to fight him. Although we will need to prepare for his noble phantasm.' Avenger was powerful, especially in her home county but Rider's noble phantasm was still something to be wary about. Before Iskandar could leave, Artoria called him.
"Wait, Rider. I'm not finished."
"Be silent, Saber. Tonight I wanted to drink with fellow Kings. However, now I see that only Archer and Avenger can be called as such...What Avenger said earlier is true. Because you can't get over your failure you are stuck in the past. I would recommend accepting your past and move on before it swallows you completely." As Rider finished, both he and Waver went away.
Gilgamesh stood up and looked at his fellow blonde servant with a sadistic smile. "Don't listen to him, Saber. Follow your wish, the journey with all of its pain and suffering would be amusing to watch." Artoria glared at him but before she could say anything, Archer turned to Avenger and her Master. "This night wasn't as terrible as I thought. I found new entertainment, so Lelouch, don't die until I will allow it."
As Gilgamesh disappeared, Avenger spat in the place where he just stood. "Arrogant bastard."
Lelouch smiled at the man's antics before turning to the owner of the castle.
"I suppose it is time for us to leave as well. Don't worry, we will find an exit on our own. Thanks for your hospitality, Master of Saber." Lelouch slightly bowed before making his way out, Avenger next to him. However, before he could go far away Saber called his name.
"Lelouch, if you were in my place would you wish for the same thing?"
This stopped the former Revolutionary as he turned back and stared at Artoria with uncertainty in his eyes. Avenger too stopped, concerned how her master would answer. Lelouch was silent for a second before answering.
"No. Saber, you fail to see what your reign was able to achieve. You might not agree with it but your rule changed the fate of many people. I would never be able to get rid of that."
With those words, Lelouch turned away and left Einzbern Castle, leaving the King of Knights with her ghosts of the past. As both he and Avenger were making their way out of the forest. The walk was silent for time being but as they went far away from Castle, his servant said.
"...I'm glad that you didn't share Saber's view."
Lelouch glanced at her. "It wouldn't matter even if I did. My former life is forever sealed for me. There was no returning for me." And even if there was, he didn't know if he should have returned or not. "What happened tonight was unexpected, to say the least."
"I knew it would lead to this." Avenger sighed. "I suppose it is the moment when we talk about ourselves. Wouldn't you agree, your Majesty?" Lelouch smirked.
"Of course, my Daimyo."