"So, a mere Servant intends to preach to me?"
For a moment, Kirei Kotomine had the urge to stand up and leave immediately. Yet it felt as though he had been glued to the sofa. Looking at Gilgamesh, he asked with obvious displeasure.
"Oh?"
The approachable air around Gilgamesh instantly vanished, replaced by his usual cold arrogance. Narrowing his eyes, he snapped,
"Don't mistake my generosity, mongrel."
"Do you have any idea who it is that's speaking to you?"
"The mysteries of the world, the wisdom of the gods, and the treasures of mankind—all are gathered within me."
"These are the words of the King of Heroes, who has indulged in every luxury and every delight this world has to offer."
"You should be grateful enough to listen."
"..."
Kirei showed neither fear nor defiance.
"Kirei, you ought to learn what true enjoyment is."
"Start by opening your eyes to the world beyond your narrow perspective."
Gilgamesh finally revealed his true intention.
"So, why not begin by entertaining me?"
"I don't have time to waste on idle amusement," Kirei replied flatly.
"Come now, don't be so rigid."
Gilgamesh reached into the Gate of Babylon and produced a bottle of mysterious liquor that radiated divine spiritual energy.
He poured himself a glass before taking out another goblet for Kirei and filling it as well.
It was worth noting that even the two wine goblets themselves qualified as Noble Phantasms.
Any drink poured into them would forever retain its perfect flavor and quality, never spoiling, deteriorating, or losing its spiritual potency.
"Go ahead."
"In my era, this was a heavenly vintage reserved exclusively for the gods."
"It is far more interesting than the ordinary wines you humans drink."
"For a normal person..."
"One sip alone would be enough to extend their lifespan and restore their youth."
"Oh?"
Kirei raised an eyebrow with genuine curiosity and took a small sip.
"...!"
The faintly luminous liquor flowed across his tongue and down his throat.
His eyes widened instantly.
An indescribable freshness washed over his very soul.
Yet that sensation was merely a trivial side effect.
The true miracle was that his entire body had been restored to its absolute peak condition.
After the refreshing feeling subsided...
Kirei stared blankly at his own hand.
The calluses formed from years of sword training slowly faded away.
His weathered complexion gradually returned to the healthy tone most suited to his body.
His muscles and internal organs likewise underwent subtle yet unmistakable improvements.
Stronger.
More resilient.
More perfectly balanced.
Even several partially blocked Magic Circuits began to clear.
Gilgamesh watched Kirei's reaction with evident satisfaction before continuing as though nothing unusual had happened.
"The amusement I spoke of need only occupy the spare moments left over from the work Tokiomi has assigned you."
"Speaking of which..."
"Kirei."
"Your duty is to have Assassin monitor the other five Masters, correct?"
"...Yes."
Still distracted by the miraculous changes within his body, Kirei answered absentmindedly.
"Don't merely investigate their intentions or strategies."
"I want you to uncover their motivations as well."
"And report them to me."
His calm tone left no room for refusal.
"...What possible purpose does that serve?"
"If it's only a matter of instructing Assassin, then it can certainly be done."
"But Berserker and his Master's identities and base of operations remain completely unknown."
Kirei frowned.
"Berserker is nothing more than a puppet."
"He isn't worth worrying about."
"He'll reveal himself eventually."
"And when he does..."
"I'll destroy him."
Beginning with his little finger, Gilgamesh slowly clenched his hand into a fist.
"...A puppet?"
Kirei became even more puzzled.
But Gilgamesh, amused by his own secret, offered no further explanation.
"I told you before, Kirei."
"I find humanity's karma fascinating."
"Among these Masters, there should be one or two interesting individuals."
"At the very least..."
"They're bound to be more interesting than Tokiomi."
"What about Saber?"
Kirei asked.
He was particularly curious about Gilgamesh's opinion of the Servant he regarded as his greatest rival.
"He does possess a measure of strength."
"If he can truly unleash the full power of that Holy Sword..."
"Even I would have to treat him seriously."
"But no more than that."
"My treasury contains countless Noble Phantasms."
"There will always be one perfectly suited to dealing with him."
Gilgamesh declared confidently.
He had already begun to grasp Saber's true nature.
Because of that, he had no fear of being caught off guard.
"I understand."
Kirei's expression remained as emotionless as ever.
"Gilgamesh, I can agree to your request."
"But gathering that information will take time."
"And perhaps..."
"You'll soon have the opportunity to ask them yourself."
"Oh?"
"Go on."
Interest once again appeared in Gilgamesh's crimson eyes.
"In order to eliminate the threat posed by Caster..."
"Master Tokiomi intends to invite all the remaining Masters and Servants to the Tohsaka Mansion for a meeting to discuss the matter."
"Berserker and his Master are unlikely to appear, since we have no way to contact them."
"But both Saber and Rider's factions have already accepted the invitation."
"When the time comes..."
"You can ask Saber and Rider those questions yourself."
"After all..."
"Each of you is a king who ruled in your own respective age."
"I see..."
Gilgamesh smiled.
"Now that sounds interesting."
Then he laughed proudly.
"However..."
"Throughout heaven and earth..."
"The only one worthy of calling himself King..."
"...is I, Gilgamesh!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Amid his arrogant laughter, Gilgamesh's body dissolved into Spirit Form and vanished.
The Noble Phantasm goblet disappeared with him.
However...
He intentionally left behind the half-finished bottle of divine wine, along with the unused Noble Phantasm goblet meant for Kirei.
Rather than forgetting them...
It was more accurate to say that the King of Heroes had bestowed them upon him as a reward.
After Gilgamesh departed, Kirei finally let out a long, relieved sigh.
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