The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

After Haid finished explaining what the Holy Grail was, Yoru couldn't help but feel tempted. Given the current situation, using the Holy Grail—a so-called omnipotent vessel—to wish himself back to Orario seemed like the best option.

Aside from that, Yoru really couldn't think of any other way to return. As for the "Second Magician" Haid had mentioned—setting aside whether they could even find him—why would someone that powerful help a stranger for no reason? Someone capable of freely traversing worlds surely wouldn't be easy to persuade.

Even if that person did agree to help, there was no guarantee it would actually lead Yoru back to his own world.

After all, no one knew how far this world was from Orario.

The one thing that concerned Yoru was… whether the Holy Grail truly had the miraculous power Haid claimed—could it really grant any wish?

But he had no better options. All he could do was fight for the Grail.

"When does this Holy Grail War start... and what do I need to do? Also, if the Grail really can grant any wish, why don't you fight for it yourself instead of offering the chance to an outsider like me?"

Yoru looked at Haid, puzzled. Haid simply shook his head and replied:

"I've lived far too long. Although my mana reserves are still vast, my decaying soul wouldn't be able to attract a powerful Servant. The reason I still cling to the Holy Grail War... perhaps it's pride. I can't stand the fact that despite being one of the Three Founding Families, the Einzbern family has never won a single war."

"It's been nearly two hundred years, and the Einzbern family hasn't claimed a single victory. Isn't that tragic? All I want is one win for our family. Just once—before this dying life fades—I want to see the Holy Grail descend into the hands of the Einzberns with my own eyes!"

Haid grew more and more impassioned as he spoke. Somehow, the elderly man summoned a new surge of strength. He stepped closer to Yoru, and in his once-cloudy eyes, a fiery light burned with determination.

Yoru recognized that light well. Back in Orario, adventurers who fought to the death for their Familia's honor bore the same look in their eyes.

For the pride of the family, huh…

Indeed, a family that had survived for thousands of years—yet couldn't even fulfill this one dream.

"I understand. I'll help you claim the Holy Grail—in the name of the Einzbern family."

Yoru said resolutely. But Haid shook his head again.

"That won't do. You saying you're fighting for the Einzbern family isn't enough—other magi wouldn't recognize you as our Master. That's why I want you to marry my granddaughter, Irisviel, and join the Einzbern family as our son-in-law."

As Haid spoke, Irisviel lowered her head shyly, while a conflicted expression appeared on Yoru's face.

He didn't fully grasp what "joining a family" entailed, but marrying another woman—that was something he couldn't accept. After all, the woman he loved was Riveria.

"But… I already have someone I love in another world."

"Ah, come on, a real man having three or four wives is totally normal, isn't it? With your strength, there's no way you'd only have one woman."

Seeing Yoru hesitate, Haid waved the concern away casually.

"Then it's settled. I'll arrange your wedding with Irisviel soon. Alright, Irisviel, let's leave your future husband to rest."

"Yes, Grandfather."

With a quiet sigh barely audible, Irisviel bowed slightly and offered Yoru a gentle smile before leaving.

"Then, I'll take my leave for now, Mr. Yoru. If you need anything, just call for a maid."

"Are… are you being forced into this?"

Just as Irisviel was about to leave, Yoru's sudden question made her body tremble slightly.

"N-not at all… I'm simply following Grandfather's wishes."

"Then… do you want to marry me?"

Yoru asked again. Irisviel didn't turn around—because if she did, he would see the bitter expression on her face.

"Of course. A young and powerful mage like you, Mr. Yoru, would surely be popular with many girls. I'm very satisfied with Grandfather's arrangement."

"I see… You may go then, Miss Irisviel."

Yoru could hear the forced tone in her voice, but he didn't press further. He remained silent.

"Then, until later. Please rest well, Mr. Yoru."

With that polite farewell, Irisviel quickly left the room, leaving Yoru sitting alone on the bed in a daze.

"The Holy Grail War, huh…"

He sighed heavily. According to Haid, the Grail War wouldn't start for another ten years. That meant he'd have to live in this world for at least a decade—and spend that time married to a woman who wasn't Riveria.

It wasn't that he disliked Irisviel. On the contrary, in her, Yoru saw something similar to Riveria. Something intoxicating—like a poppy flower—that lured him in.

He didn't understand this strange feeling entirely. But he couldn't suppress the desire to have her.

"I really am being unfair to Riveria…"

A bitter smile formed on his lips. Even though he'd told Haid he already had someone he loved, he'd said it with hesitation. In truth, he'd nearly accepted the proposal to marry Irisviel right on the spot.

"But it can't be helped… Riveria will forgive me, won't she?"

His voice was unsure. Though guilt still lingered in his heart, he had already made up his mind—he would marry Irisviel.

But… there was still one issue left unresolved: Irisviel's true feelings.

Up until now, Yoru hadn't doubted Haid. But that brief exchange with Irisviel had exposed many subtle truths.

It seemed… there was something off about Haid…

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