In fact, even before Shirou and the others visited the Einzbern, Acht had already laid out a plan for the family's future.
At the beginning, he had indeed said something tragic, "If the Fourth Holy Grail War fails as well, I will cut off the City of Winter's energy supply and let the history of the Einzbern be buried in the blizzard."
But this time, the Einzbern had come closer to Heaven's Feel than ever before. If Irisviel had not betrayed them...
Looking at the Greater Grail that had practically been within his grasp, Acht changed his mind. He decided to try again.
And so, he devised a five-hundred-year plan. It would begin with selecting a Spiritual Land and allies outside Fuyuki, then creating a new Greater Grail to fulfill the thousand-year dearest wish.
Unfortunately, Irisviel tore that plan to pieces before even the first step could be put into motion.
And not only Irisviel. The lower-ranking Homunculi of the Einzbern did as well.
Influenced by Irisviel, they began to question the Grand Order that had continued for two thousand years.
As a result, the Homunculi decided to support Irisviel as the new head of the family.
With the ascension of the ninth head, the plan to build a new Holy Grail and the goal of pursuing the Third Magic were both abandoned.
Irisviel set a brand-new goal, a new wish, for the Einzbern.
The evolution of artificial lifeforms.
She was determined to free the Einzbern from the curse of their short lifespans, so that future artificial lifeforms could have complete lives, just like true humans.
When Irisviel stood at the altar of the chapel and finished delivering her speech titled "I Have a Dream" in front of hundreds of Homunculi.
The area fell silent. Every artificial lifeform remained expressionless, and no one could tell what they were thinking.
But soon, applause rang through the quiet chapel.
Shirou looked over in surprise and saw the Homunculus girl he had "repaired" a few days earlier. She was silently clapping her hands.
Before long, more Homunculi joined in.
Seeing the number of supporters below gradually grow, Irisviel smiled in relief.
"Hehe... This might be an even more reckless dream than manifesting Heaven's Feel."
"If it's you, Irisviel, then I'm sure you can do it," Shirou said.
The silver-haired Homunculus shook her head, her expression deeply moved. "No. If I were alone, I could never do anything at all.
It's because you're here... because of your support and encouragement, Shirou, that I was able to come this far."
Shirou felt a sting at the corner of his eyes. "Iri..."
Irisviel smiled. "So, Shirou, you'll keep supporting me from now on too, won't you?"
"Yeah, of course." Shirou answered without hesitation.
...
Although Irisviel had become the head of the Einzbern, she could not immediately take any real action.
The reason, of course, was that her physical functions had already reached their limit.
Now, Irisviel spent more than twelve hours a day immersed in preservation fluid. Only that allowed her to maintain even the most basic activity.
But that was not a long-term solution.
Just as Acht had said, Irisviel's life could not be extended through Einzbern technology.
Watching her devote her energy to family affairs every day, Shirou began to wonder whether he had made a mistake.
Iri said she had found the will and reason to live, but... how was she supposed to receive treatment like this?
Maybe I shouldn't have brought her here after all, Shirou thought regretfully.
This could not go on. He had to talk to Irisviel properly.
Shirou walked toward the silver-haired Homunculus, whose back was turned to him.
"Iri."
"Shirou-san."
Several Homunculus girls called out to the boy.
"Uh, what is it?"
Having missed his chance to speak with Irisviel, Shirou helplessly watched her leave his line of sight.
One Homunculus girl said, "Could you teach us martial arts?"
Shirou thought for a moment before saying, "Mm, I should be free this afternoon..."
Another Homunculus walked up to the boy.
"Shirou-san, could you please check my arm?"
More Homunculi surrounded him.
"Shirou-san, the light in the hallway is broken."
"Shirou-san, could you come to the bathroom?"
"Shirou-san..."
It seemed Irisviel was not the only busy person in the Einzbern Castle. Shirou himself was so busy he could not get away at all.
"Hahaha... Everyone, don't crowd. Line up properly, and I'll help you one at a time."
The boy smiled cheerfully. Being surrounded by silver-haired beautiful girls really did feel nice.
"Shirou-sama, you look very happy. How popular you are."
Sweating all over, Shirou turned around and found Sella staring at him as if she were looking at something filthy.
"N-No, that's not it, Sella..."
"Let's go, Liz."
Sella snorted coldly and stepped away. Leysritt waved cutely at Shirou, then followed after her.
He had thought it would be hard to find a chance to talk to Irisviel, but the opportunity came to him on its own.
That afternoon, Sella came to find Shirou and told him Irisviel had invited him to dinner, with plans to discuss the future.
Ever since becoming the family head, Irisviel had moved from her original room to the head's chambers, which were several times larger.
When it came to dinner, however, things were not much different from before. Irisviel still had the maids bring her meal to her room.
Only Sella and Leysritt would be present, and neither of them were outsiders.
With this rare chance for a private conversation, Shirou decided that even if he had to be stern, he would make things clear to Irisviel.
If Iri can't guarantee her treatment from now on, then I can't agree to her continuing as the head of the Einzbern.
For Shirou, Irisviel's life came first. It could not be delayed because of work.
When evening arrived, Shirou came to Irisviel's door.
He slapped his cheeks hard, making his expression look a little more severe and serious, then knocked.
"Come in."
Inside the room, Irisviel and the two maids were already waiting at the dining table.
"Shirou, you're here. Please sit down first."
"Ah... all right."
Shirou sat down stiffly, and Sella and Leysritt began serving the meal.
Unlike the German food served in the dining hall, smoked meat, sausages, and the like, the table was filled with French cuisine that looked extremely expensive at a glance.
They had just finished the appetizer when Leysritt brought over a bottle of red wine.
"?"
Shirou frowned slightly, but the Homunculus maid poured the red wine into the stemmed glass before him as if it were perfectly natural.
"Um, Iri..."
"This is from the Einzbern's collection. It's a rare chance, Shirou, so you should try some too."
As Irisviel spoke, she raised the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Her movements were exceptionally elegant, with a touch of alluring charm.
"..."
Shirou was still somewhat hesitant.
Sella spoke. "In this country, even minors may drink in moderation with a guardian's permission."
Is that true?
Shirou was not sure what German law said, though it did seem to be that way in England.
No, could the Einzbern's private land even be considered German territory?
It would be awkward to keep hesitating, so Shirou lifted his glass.
Irisviel stood up, happily eager to clink glasses with him.
"All right, then. Let's have a toast."
"Mm, cheers."
Shirou drained the bewitching red liquid in one gulp.
It really does taste better, he quietly thought.
"Iri, is that one of your old dresses? I've never seen it before. It feels fresh."
"That's right. It's something I wore before I left home. What do you think?"
"You look beautiful no matter what you wear."
"Hehe... Thank you, Shirou."
As they enjoyed dinner, the two of them chatted about small, harmless things, just as they had back at their home in Fuyuki.
Because of everything happening with Irisviel lately, Shirou's nerves had been stretched tight, but now he finally felt as if they had returned to everyday life.
"But... after all these years, this dress feels a little tight now."
"It's tight?"
"Mm... especially around the chest. It's a little hard to breathe."
As she spoke, she used the tip of her ring finger to tug the fabric at her chest outward.
The dress had already been quite daring to begin with, exposing a wide expanse of snowy white skin beneath her collarbone. Once she pulled at it, Shirou could even glimpse the deep, full, pale valley beneath...
"Shirou? What's wrong? Your face looks very red."
"Ngh!"
Shirou jolted and hurriedly looked away, explaining that his face was red because of the alcohol.
"I see. Shirou is so cute♡"
Irisviel hid her mouth and giggled, looking very pleased.
Shirou shook his head, trying to drive the impure thoughts from his mind.
Something really had been wrong with him lately.
No. If this kept up, he would waste this rare chance to be alone with her.
"Um, Iri..."
"Listen, Shirou..."
The two of them happened to speak at the same time.
"..."
Shirou fell silent for a moment and let Irisviel speak first.
The silver-haired Homunculus nodded, then spoke.
"I heard everything you and Avalon-san talked about that night."
"Hm?"
Shirou blinked in confusion. What conversation...? Ah!?!?
"There is only one method that can truly extend Irisviel's life, and that is for her to become a real mother."
"As long as Irisviel gives birth to a child... she can continue living as a human."
"Test-tube methods won't work. She has to conceive naturally, like a human."
"As for the man, that has already been decided. It's you, Shirou."
"It has to be you. It has to be your child. You have to make Irisviel carry your child."
Shirou: "..."
Irisviel had heard?
No, but...
Shirou looked at Irisviel.
A faint blush colored her beautiful face. That charming flush was not from the alcohol, but from having spoken such embarrassing words.
Indeed, Irisviel's room was right next to Shirou's Japanese-style room. It would not be strange for her to have overheard a conversation late at night...
"Mm."
Shirou was stunned for several seconds before he finally came back to himself and began to refute her.
"Iri, I'm sorry... I made you worry over something unnecessary.
You don't need to take Professor's words seriously. That person has no credibility at all.
She's probably the least reliable person in the world. If you believe her, you'll definitely regret it!"
"No. I don't think so. I believe Avalon-san's method... is worth trying."
"Huh?" Shirou froze.
"Wait... Iri, do you understand what you're saying?"
"Of course."
Irisviel said calmly, "I know Shirou must feel very conflicted inside, and very lost.
But this is the only method left now... This is all we can do.
If you're worried about me, then there's no need. I'm completely fine with it.
If you can't make the decision, then I'll decide for you."
After a brief pause, Irisviel murmured with a shy expression.
"Shirou, let me carry your..."
"Smack!"
Shirou could not listen any longer. He slammed a hand on the table and stood up.
"Don't make such a stupid joke, Iri."
His words were harsh, but his voice was almost pleading. Please, tell me you're joking, all right?
But Irisviel's serious expression did not look like a joke at all.
"..."
In his despair, Shirou suddenly understood something.
Could Iri think that a man and a woman can get pregnant just by kissing?
Yes, that had to be it. There could not be any other possibility...
"Let's do it, Shirou."
The boy's last hope was shattered with ease.
Irisviel knew perfectly well what that act meant, and still made that decision.
She walked up to Shirou.
"To me right now, Shirou is everything in this world. You're my reason to keep living."
As she spoke, Irisviel reached toward Shirou.
"..."
Wherever she touched him, Shirou felt as if heat spread through his skin, and his thoughts gradually grew thick and hazy.
"Sella! Leysritt!"
He called loudly for the maids, only to find that the two of them had left the room at some point without him noticing.
Now he finally understood that he had fallen into a trap.
"Shirou..."
Irisviel opened her arms and embraced the boy.
Shirou's thoughts grew even more chaotic.
"Stop... Iri..."
The boy clenched his teeth. Why was this happening?
He felt as if every Magic Circuit in his body had been set alight.
Just being held in Irisviel's arms was enough to push Shirou's reason to the brink.
He wanted nothing more than to press the beauty before him to the floor and do whatever he wanted.
From the corner of his eye, Shirou happened to see the red wine on the table.
"Don't tell me... Iri, you."
"Oh my, you noticed."
Irisviel sighed regretfully, then explained, "You guessed right. I put a little special aphrodisiac in the wine."
Shirou's mouth fell open. "What did you do!?"
"I couldn't help it. If I didn't do this... Shirou would definitely refuse me."
Irisviel gazed at the boy with damp eyes, giving him a playful, seductive smile.
"I drank plenty of the aphrodisiac-laced wine myself, so that makes us even, right♡"