[T/N: Mass update: 5/5]
Roland stared at Illya, mesmerized, his gaze locked on her pupils. Unlike the lingering trace of 'wrath' he had left in Matou Kariya, the demonic energy within Illya had already taken on a distinct form. Within the dark purple halo, a breath of admiration and attachment shimmered.
She shared the same snow-white hair and crimson eyes as her mother, her small hands delicate and cute, her features almost carved from the same mold.
"Father, Illya missed you so much…"
Roland gently stroked her little head, checking her physical condition. Unlike the devil dragon from the original account, Illya's state was unusual.
The Holy Lord was the last dragon, the sole fire demon. Even though the little demon dragon claimed him as a parent, the righteous side harbored doubts based on its appearance. Once its fire demon energy was extracted, its combat strength fell sharply.
From Roland's current perspective, the demon dragon's existence was far from perfect, but still acceptable. After all, its body was naturally compatible with fire demon energy, like silver conducting electricity.
Illya, however, was different. She had been artificially created with human technology, sustained by magic energy, and incubated in a specialized container. She retained her physical form while fully harnessing the power of infernal magic, and her body was incredibly adaptable.
Even the usual limitation of an artificial human's lifespan had been overcome. The only drawback was that her growth would eventually plateau.
"Before Father returned, Illya behaved very well. She looked forward to Father picking me up every day. Mom refused to bring me here, she only agreed after Great-Grandfather approved."
"If it weren't for that, I would have seen Father a few days ago!" Illya's face puffed up in indignation as she recalled her mother's stubbornness.
Roland laughed, stroking her head. "It's not too late now. We have plenty of time together. Let's start by getting to know each other."
Thanks to Rin and Sakura, Roland was now quite adept at interacting with little girls. Illya's scattered demonic energy naturally gravitated toward her, and the obedience coded into her artificial design only reinforced it.
"What do you like, Illya?"
"Flames!"
"Why?" Roland asked, surprised. As a fire demon, he had never been tied to magma. He preferred grand palaces, yet Illya's preference was clear.
Illya lifted her head proudly. "Because it's versatile! If you're cold, fire warms you. If you're tired, eating some fire refreshes you. If you get dirty, you can burn it clean. You can even throw annoying people into the fire,they'll quiet down eventually."
[T/N: Somehow I doubt that's not Roland's blood daughter]
Roland chuckled. "Looks like I'll have to teach you a lot from now on. Einzbern has a serious problem with their education."
Watching this heartwarming father-daughter moment, Irisviel opened her mouth but found herself unable to speak.
It was incredible. The father Illya mentioned had always seemed like a demon poised to ruin their happiness. Yet now, Irisviel felt only warmth and sweetness.
As if guided by an unseen force, she reached for Roland's hand, whispering softly.
"Okay, Illya, we'll talk to Dad tomorrow." She inhaled deeply, suppressing all else, leaving only her motherly love. "Afterward, I may have to leave for a while to carry out Father's plan. Though the separation may be long, you must stay home, and Father will come to care for you later."
Unseen by Illya, the hand holding Roland's trembled slightly, her words a silent entrustment of her child to him.
She had resolved that if her role as the Lesser Holy Grail ended with her, Roland wouldn't have to chase the next Holy Grail. Illya's fate could be avoided, and with such a powerful father, she could still have ordinary happiness.
Illya nodded, not fully understanding. "Father and Mother are going to fight, right? It might take some time, but Mother will come back, right? Otherwise, I'll be lonely."
Irisviel fixed her red eyes on her daughter, trying to summon her usual gentle smile. But sadness had already risen in her chest. She instinctively covered her face and turned away, hiding the tears spilling between her fingers.
Another voice answered for her.
"Of course, Mother will come back to you."
"Father, will you promise?"
"There aren't many in this world I'd make a promise to, my dear, but for you, Illya, even the former owner of that power would grant me this small leniency."
Roland's eyes narrowed slightly, his words imbued with unwavering conviction. He set Illya down, waving gently as her figure disappeared into the gate.
"Huh?"
Irisviel hadn't yet processed Roland's words. "If you don't sacrifice me, you won't obtain the Holy Grail!"
"That assuming the Greater Holy Grail still exists. But I said long ago I would eventually destroy that broken cup," Roland said, standing. "Besides, who gave you the right to make decisions? You don't belong to Einzbern, you belong to me, Roland! Do you understand now?"
Irisviel finally lifted her head, eyes fixed on Roland. Slowly, she spoke, her voice obedient but heart buring with a new emotion without any interference.
"Yes, Lord Roland."
Roland laughed heartily and hugged her tenderly.
"After this battle is over, hand over Saber's contract to me. But until then, I'll deal with the idiot who came to my door myself."
At some point, Roland had once again taken hold of the four-headed dragon sculpture's tracking device. A scorching light already shone in one direction.
——
"Are they still fighting?"
"Yes, Master."
Danic met Lancer's calm gaze, his hesitation gone.
"Though I don't know why Berserker's Master is targeting Saber, this is a perfect opportunity."
Enkidu's exceptional senses gave Darnic the upper hand. The forested battlefield suited him perfectly. Trees responded to his will, swaying, growing, and sprouting dense leaves, hiding their presence from barriers and prying eyes.
"Attacking now, the Einzberns won't react in time. We can take Saber, and possibly Berserker's Master too."
Darnic clenched the cold talisman at his chest, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
"I just happen to have a new body. The talisman and body combination is still a bit unstable, but enough to devour the souls of both Masters."
Full of confidence, Danic led the way toward Einzbern City, its outline now visible.
Whether by sneak attack or a dishonorable two-on-one fight, the advantage was unmistakably his.
"Lancer, let's go!"
[T/N: Same rule for next week guys. Send PS for 5 chapter Mass uodate]