Guarded heart

“Great job! You have successfully seduced your rich boss!” Taiga announced.

That was not what Irisviel wanted to hear when she told Taiga about her plans for the night.

“Mama, what does seduce mean?” Illya stopped messing with Taiga’s hair while they waited for Irisviel to change.

That’s exactly why she shouldn’t have told her anything!

“I’ll tell you when you grow up, Illya!” Irisviel came out wearing a red dress that reached her knees. The dress had flower decorations on the shoulders.

Her hair was decorated with a rose pin. She considered removing it, because she didn’t want to catch anyone’s attention by adding accessories.

“Taiga! Don’t say such things in front of Illya!”

“Never mind that! You look beautiful! Right, Illya?”

“It’s true, Mama!” Illyasviel left the brush stuck in Taiga’s hair and ran to Irisviel, checking her dress. “Can I go too?

“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Irisviel poked her nose. “This is for work. I’ll take somewhere nice next time!”

“Aw… But I want to go! I’m always stuck with grownups! It’s boring!”

“Gah! Illyasviel, how could you…?” Taiga clutched her chest, betrayed by the child’s cruel words. “Well, good news! I picked a babysitter for you today because I have a date!”

“Eh? You didn’t tell me!” Irisviel frowned. “Someone I know?”

“Teehee.”

“Don’t ‘Teehee’ me.”

“She’s lying, she’s probably going to drink alone at home and pretend she’s on a date with some cute guy on TV.” Illyasviel’s powerful strikes won’t stop coming.

“CRUEL! I DO HAVE A DATE!”

“Liar!”

Irisviel didn’t know if she should be amused or be worried that her daughter was turning into a bully.

“Irisviel! Your daughter has no manners!”

“The door is ringing.” Illyasviel stuck out her nose at Taiga and ran to open the door. Irisviel held back her laughter and followed her daughter, leaving the miserable Taiga behind them.

“Who is it?” Illyasviel asked before opening the door.

“Hello. I’m the babysitter.” Illya opened the door, and Irisviel’s eyes widened.

“Eh?”

“Eh…”

Shirou was the babysitter.

“You…” Irisviel frowned. “I thought you worked for the restaurant-”

“I have multiple jobs.” Shirou sighed. Why did he keep running into these people? “Uh.. Fujinee told me that I would babysit a young girl. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable so I brought a friend with me.” He stepped aside, revealing a girl dressed in a red sweater and a miniskirt.

“Hello.” She waved her hand. “I’m Rin Tohsaka. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Ah, that’s reassuring. I’m Irisviel von Einzbern…” Irisviel froze. Tohsaka? TOHSAKA?! Tokiomi Tohsaka’s daughter is going to babysit HER daughter?

If she remembered correctly, Tokiomi is on the company’s blacklist. Artoria’s instructions are to never accept any calls or offers from him.

Yikes.

“I don’t want this girl to babysit me, she’s ugly.” Illya kicked Rin’s leg and ran inside.

“W-Why you?!” Shirou firmly held her back. “Please enjoy your night.” He was already stressed.

Before Irisviel could say anything, she saw a car stopping in front of her house.

Artoria stepped out of it, dressed in a suit and looking dashing as usual.

Irisviel blushed. Artoria always looked handsome at work, but Irisviel still felt a little nervous about going to a party with her.

It was a work party, but it still made her heart race.

“Hello, Irisviel.” Artoria smiled. Her smiles were always small, yet full of warmth, and Irisviel almost lost her voice looking at it.

“Hello.” Irisviel tucked her hair behind her ear. “Should we get going?”

“Of course.” Artoria paused at the sight behind Irisviel. “Tohsaka Rin?” She asked, then raised an eyebrow at Shirou, who was trying -and failing- to hide his face.

“I figured you wouldn’t go to the party, considering your terrible relationship with my father.” Rin shook hands with her. Irisviel expected a tense greeting, so she was pleasantly surprised.

“Believe me, I’d rather be anywhere else but it’s my sister’s event.” Artoria sighed. “How come you left?”

“I couldn’t watch him continue to create a rift between me and Sakura through his favoritism and perfectionism.” Rin gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. “Well, you’re better off not hearing that story. What happened between you and Guinevere?”

Artoria stiffened, and Irisviel stared at them curiously.

“Nothing happened. Please try not to drive her insane, and… since you’re with her at the moment, please look after her.” Artoria said with a neutral voice.

“Will try. But I think it’s better if you two have a long talk.”

“We’ll discuss this another time.”

Artoria turned to Irisviel. “Shall we?”

Irisviel nodded, and Rin sighed. She seemed disappointed.

Guinevere? That name sounded familiar, but right now nothing would come to her mind. Irisviel gave up on thinking about it. If she was someone important, then surely she would remember sooner or later.

But Artoria’s reaction to her name being brought up picked her curiosity.

“It will unfortunately be a boring party full of press and stuck-up people. Please forgive me.” Artoria smiled at her as she started driving. “I do not find those parties enjoyable. While I must discuss business, I would rather do it behind closed doors.”

“I’m sure I won’t find it so bad. I haven’t gone to many parties in my life.” Irisviel chuckled.

“What kind of parties have you gone to, before?” Artoria glanced at her, before returning her eyes to the road.

Irisviel froze and then cleared her throat. “Just small house parties.”

“I see. That sounds enjoyable.”

“Yes.” Irisviel frowned and leaned back into her seat. She avoided saying anything else.

The two sat quietly for a while. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. It was a peaceful ride, and Irisviel found herself staring out the window, watching the people and cars passing them by.

It was nice. It was nice seeing so many people, so much life

Irisviel didn’t want to think back at her old life and remember the snow and the constant cold and those walls that trapped her and suffocated her.

She didn’t want to think of her grandfather.

Her hands rested on her lap, and although she wanted to clutch her dress in her fists, she forced herself not to show any sign of discomfort.

“I didn’t expect you to be on good terms with Tokiomi Tohsaka’s daughter,” Irisviel said. She felt that changing the subject would be the best course of action. That way she could distract herself, and make sure the ride didn’t become awkward. “Seeing how we have him blacklisted and all.”

“He’s a terrible man. He doesn’t deserve his daughters.” Artoria answered. “Unlike Sakura, Rin can be a handful though, but she is a good kid. Your daughter is in safe hands tonight.”

“That puts me at ease.” Irisviel chuckled. “Is anyone I know going to be at the party?”

“Well, you’ve met Gilgamesh and Enkidu, but Gilgamesh finds these events to be a waste of time, so he’ll send Siduri instead.”

“Oh thank God.” They both sighed with relief.

“Morgan will of course be there as well, just try to avoid her.” Artoria glanced at her. “she hadn’t done anything while I was away, right?”

“She asked about you, that’s it.” Irisviel said. She considered asking Artoria about their bad relationship, then decided against it.

She didn’t want anyone asking her personal questions, so the least she could do is apply that to others as well.

Artoria’s relationship with her sister might be a sore subject.

“We’re here,” Artoria announced. “Let’s park somewhere far. Most of the press will be inside the building, but some of them love to ambush you when you’re trying to get in.”

Artoria parked the car and then walked the other way around to open Irisviel’s door.

She smiled softly and reached her hand out for her. “May I?”

That’s a shot to the heart!

Irisviel’s brain might have short-circuited for a second. Her boss was like a dashing knight tending to a princess.

“My, thank you!” Irisviel smiled and took her hand. She was sure she was blushing, but at least she kept her composure.

Artoria’s smile then disappeared, and she returned to her professional self.

“Most discussions here will be pointless for us. Please try to enjoy yourself but also act like you’re at your desk.” Artoria instructed her. “Treat this as another job.”

“Yes.” Irisviel nodded.

She didn’t need instructions, but she appreciated Artoria’s advice.

After all… this all looked too familiar to her.

-Guarded heart-

It was exactly what Irisviel expected.

A bunch of rich people who don’t want to be there, but show up anyway for the sake of their public image.

Establishing work relationships, lying to the press, putting on fake masks…

It’s exhausting to look at.

And too familiar.

“Glad to see you made it, my dear sister.” Morgan was the first to greet them. 

“I showed up like you asked. Can you leave me alone now?” Artoria sighed and looked away from Morgan

“There’s someone else you should worry about.” Morgan scoffed. “Don’t look to your right.”

Artoria looked to the right.

“I literally said don’t do that.”

For once, Artoria wished she had listened to Morgan. To her right was Tokiomi, who’s been waiting for an opportunity to corner her.

Morgan left the scene, like a traitor.

“Oh my. I didn’t expect to see you here, Artoria.” Tokiomi shook her hand and smiled. “You were never fond of these events.”

“Indeed. They are a waste of time.” Artoria tried to sound as polite as possible. Irisviel noticed and tried to break the tension.

“Hello, Mr Tohsaka. It is nice to meet you.” Irisviel introduced herself and gave Artoria an apologetic smile for intervening without permission. “I’m her new secretary.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I heard you have trouble finding secretaries.” Tokiomi turned to Artoria again. “If your new one quits like the rest, then I could lend you mine. That is if you’d accept working together again.”

“I will not make any deals with you again.” Artoria could almost laugh at the absurdity of the situation. “You have been losing your place in the market, and your company has gathered a bad reputation lately. Talk about overworking your employees, amongst other things.”

“Those are all rumors. Are you sure you aren’t doing this because of personal reasons?”

“If I may intervene.” Irisviel noticed a woman walking towards them. A woman with beautiful green eyes and long brown hair, wearing a long dress that matched her eyes. “Artoria is as professional as they come. She would not let her personal life affect her work.” The woman’s eyes turned to Artoria. “However, I assure you that those are just rumors without proof. We have many enemies, so I ask you not to believe such talk.”

“Thank you, Guinevere.” Tokiomi gave her a nod of approval. “Consider visiting us so we can talk things through. You may examine all the issues that bother you. I assure you that working with us will not hurt your reputation. I feel safer having the best bodyguards around.”

Irisviel turned to Artoria, only to find her expression unreadable.

“Excuse me, I have some things to discuss with some of my clients here.” Artoria turned away.

Tokiomi kept smiling, but it seemed like he was getting tense. He walked away as well, but the woman remained.

“My name is Guinevere. It is nice to meet you, Irisviel.” Guinevere gave her a welcoming smile, but now that she wasn’t acting professional, a hint of exhaustion seemed to slip through her voice and body language. Her posture seemed to slouch slightly. “Artoria is probably upset that she saw me. Please look out for her.”

“Upset? Why would she be upset?” Irisviel still couldn’t connect the dots.

“I’m her cheating ex-wife,” Guinevere said it so casually as if she didn’t just drop a bomb on her.

THAT’S IT.

That’s the detail Irisviel kept forgetting! Her boss’ ex-wife! You’d think that she’d remember someone so important!

But her brain classified her as an ‘unimportant detail’ when she was gathering information for her interview because she didn’t have enough time and panicked.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Huh?”

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The two stood by the buffet. Irisviel felt awkward while Guinevere was recovering from a laughing fit. She wiped tears from her eyes and sighed.

“Oh, I shouldn’t have said anything. At least you would’ve thought better of me.” Guinevere took a drink from one of the servers and looked back at her. “You should’ve seen your face.”

“It’s a dumb mistake on my part.” Irisviel politely denied the server. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Guinevere shook her head and smiled. “The fact you don’t recognize me is a relief. It was… quite the scandal for a while.”

Irisviel could only imagine. It must have been tough and humiliating for her.

But that begs the question…

“I’m sorry if I’m intruding, but how did the press even find out?” She asked.

Guinevere clicked her tongue and took a sip. Her eyes moved to Morgan who was talking to some journalists, and dragging Artoria along with her.

“What do you think of Morgan?” Guinevere asked out of the blue. Irisviel followed her line of sight.

“Oh, I’m not sure. I haven’t had trouble with her so far, but everyone seems uneasy around her.”

“I must say, I’m impressed that Morgan does not faze you. She gives me the creeps.” Guinevere’s eyes focused back on her drink. “She’s a nightmare. You just didn’t anger her enough.” She then carefully eyed Morgan to make sure she didn’t head their way. “My advice to you? Stay on her good side, and never ask questions.”

“I’m already doing that, but thank you.” Irisviel smiled politely.

“She’s like a black hole that swallows everything in its way. She’s been that way ever since I met her.” She took the last sip of her drink and put the glass away. “Make sure she doesn’t swallow you as well.”

That’s… ominous.

“It’s good to see you, Guinevere.” Siduri spotted them and joined them. She gave them a warm smile. “Irisviel! How are you tonight?”

“I’m good, thank you!” Irisviel smiled back.

“Your creepy boss isn’t around tonight?” Guinevere asked, then frowned and leaned forward. “Is that Ishtar? Didn’t she get blown up?”

“Well, no. She’s unhappy with what happened though.” Siduri looked back at Ishtar.

Unhappy isn’t the way to describe her.

Ishtar carried herself well amongst the crowd. She looked graceful and smiled. This was unlike the last time Irisviel saw her. She looked like a completely different person.

“She must have wanted to take all of her anger on Gilgamesh, but he’s not here,” Guinevere said.

Irisviel tuned out their conversation and stared at where Artoria and Morgan were. It’s no secret that Artoria didn’t like being around her sister, and yet she seemed unfazed standing next to her in front of everyone.

She supposed that’s only natural.

“…Excuse me, I have to go for now.” Irisviel gave them a polite smile and walked away. She wasn’t sure what prompted her to do so, but she made her way towards Artoria and placed a hand on her arm to get her attention.

“Yes, Irisviel?” Artoria turned to her, while Morgan glared.

“Can’t you see we’re busy?”

“I’m sorry, but we must attend to some matters.” Irisviel smiled and pulled Artoria away with her. “I saw Ishtar earlier, so I thought this might be a good opportunity to talk to her.”

“Ah. That’s right. I wasn’t there when she showed up.” Artoria nodded. Upon closer inspection, Irisviel could see that she seemed tense. “I’m not sure why she’s coming after me and not Gilgamesh.”

“Perhaps she’s going to ask for your help to get back at him?” Irisviel giggled. That whole event was a mess, but it was entertaining. It’s unfortunate that she didn’t see all the chaos in person.

“In that case, I’ll gladly help her.”

“I never took you for someone partaking in pranks, Artoria.” Irisviel teased if only to make her feel more at ease.

Artoria chuckled.

“I’m not, but even my tolerance has a limit, and Gilgamesh exceeded them too long ago.”

“I can imagine.” Irisviel chuckled. “You know, I think this party would have been nicer if everyone was around.”

“True, although I have never been the party type. I’d rather spend that time working.” Artoria smiled as they walked together.

“A vacation would be nice! Working all the time will wear you out, you know?”

“That’s what everyone says.”

“And they’re right. This might just be the advice of a mere secretary, but please take care of yourself.” Irisviel said, and Artoria gave her a gentle smile.

“Please. Don’t sell yourself short, you are more than a ‘mere’ secretary.”

Woah.

Irisviel’s words died in her throat. Did her heart just skip a beat?

It totally did.

“Ah. If it isn’t Artoria Pendragon.” Ishtar noticed them approaching her. “Enjoying the party? I’m getting bored waiting for the show to start.”

“You have an eye for fashion, I can imagine how boring it is to have to wait.” Artoria said, putting back her professional mask again. “Where is Ereshkigal?” She asked while looking around.

“Refused to come with me.” Ishtar waved her hand dismissively. “Events stress her out.”

Irisviel could relate to that.

At that point, she started to mute out everything around her. She’d listen to anything work-related, but other than that, she stood back while Artoria talked to others.

Most of the night started to blur together.

That is until she saw someone staring at her from a distance and then walked away.

Irisviel frowned. She suddenly felt like she was being watched.

Maybe not.

Maybe it was someone who simply caught her eye since it wasn’t a face she recognized.

“Are you alright, Irisviel?” Artoria moved closer to her.

“Yes! I just…” Irisviel glanced around and checked her phone. “I don’t usually stay this away from Illya… is it alright if I go home?”

Artoria frowned and glanced at the models showcasing Morgan’s latest works. “Well, can you wait a little? I can’t leave yet while the show is going, but I can drive you home in a bit.”

Irisviel shook her head. “There’s no need to. I can go home on my own.”

“Are you sure about this? If you can’t wait anymore, I’ll leave with you.” Artoria insisted.

“I’ll drive her.” A new challenger appears! And it’s… Guinevere.

Artoria and Irisviel stared in surprise.

“...Are you sober?” Artoria eyed her suspiciously.

“Oh my God. I got drunk one time and you-” Guinevere bit her tongue instead of continuing with her lie. “I’m sober. I swear.”

“Assuming you’re telling the truth,” Artoria said and Guinevere rolled her eyes. “Why?”

“Just making friends. And I’m tired of this party so I’m driving home anyway.”

“Will Tohsaka be fine with you leaving before him?”

“Yeah, whatever.” Guinevere waved her hand dismissively. “I successfully avoided Morgan the whole night and I’d like to end it this way.”

“I’m fine with this. Thank you for offering.” Irisviel understood the feeling. Anywhere Morgan goes, drama follows.

“Oh. Rin is keeping an eye on Irisviel’s daughter. You might want to pick her up.” Artoria spoke with a hint of amusement, and Guinevere scowled and turned to Irisviel.

“You can keep her. I’m not driving that devil home.”

“...Devil?”

“She breaks anything she touches, she broke my laptop twice, please keep her.”

Irisviel turned to Artoria and shrugged with a smile. “Well, I guess I have my ride, so goodnight?”

Artoria sighed. “Goodnight.” She gave Guinevere a look. “Drive safely.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Guinevere sighed and turned away.

Irisviel followed her, but not before throwing one last glance at Artroria.

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The drive was quiet, with Guinevere occasionally tapping her finger on the wheel.

Irisviel felt uneasy. Guinevere looked like she wanted to say something, but Irisviel had no idea what. She noticed the few glances the woman kept throwing at her.

“So, I’d like to thank you for the-”

“Your name is Irisviel von Einzbern.” Guinevere finally talked. “Emiya is your husband’s name. He was murdered.”

Irisviel froze.

“Yes. My husband passed away so suddenly.” Irisviel spoke carefully. Her hand remained close to the door’s handle. “Why do you know that?”

“My boss loves to collect information on others. Use it as dirt to get them to work with him.” Guinevere took a turn to avoid the traffic lights. “Don’t worry. I kept all the info to myself.”

“...Is that why you approached me at the party?” Irisviel should’ve suspected it. Now she didn’t know what to do, she couldn’t just jump out of the car. Guinevere must have expected her to do so, and that was why she took the turn. “What do you want?”

“Honestly I’d rather keep it to myself. If you can’t tell already, I hate my boss. I’m only staying with him for a reason. And I’m not exactly worried about what you might do. You’re a single mother, you wouldn’t risk doing anything that might endanger your daughter, and honestly, I’d rather not put you in a difficult position, you seem to have a lot on your plate.”

“What are you trying to say?” Irisviel’s breaths quickened. She could feel her hand shaking.

“I’m trying to say that what I’m worried about is your family. The Einzberns are rich and powerful, and while the rumors and allegations were never confirmed, the fact there are rumors about them taking part in human trafficking is enough for me to be scared.” Guinevere stopped the car and turned to Irisviel. This was Irisviel’s chance to run away, but she wanted to hear what Guinevere had to say. She was sweating at the mere mention of her family, and now, this calm life she was building might fall apart. “I’m scared for Artoria, and… while you’re a stranger to me, I can’t help but worry about you as well.”

That took Irisviel off guard. “W-what?”

“Your husband was murdered. You ran off to another country, and you’re trying to make a living despite you basically being a princess.” Guinevere leaned back into her seat. “Irisviel, did you run away from them?”

“...I’d like to leave now.” Irisviel struggled to remove her seatbelt.

“I can help you.”

“I don’t need help.” Irisviel removed it and left the car.

Guinevere undid her belt and left her seat to follow her, but then hesitated for a moment.

She sighed and rested her head in her hand. “I messed up.” She watched Irisviel until she disappeared out of her view.

If Guinevere’s score with Artoria was low already, it probably got even lower now.

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This can’t be real.

It shouldn’t be real.

That’s the only thing on Irisviel’s mind on her way home.

She thought that coming here would mean she’d have a fresh start.

Instead, she was reminded of Kiritsugu’s death, and her dark past.

Her family’s shadow continued to loom over her.

The reason she was almost run over by Artoria in the first place was because she became paranoid and thought someone was following her.

Everything she and Kiritsugu did was to ensure Illya would have a peaceful life.

That’s all that matters.

Irisviel stood before her house and waited for a while, allowing her heartbeats and her quickened breaths to steady.

She unlocked the door and took a step inside.

“Mama!” Illya ran towards her and hugged her, and that was enough for Irisviel’s anxiety to melt away.

“Illya, did you have fun with your babysitters?”

Irisviel’s question was answered with the sight of Rin and Shirou tied up in the living room and unconscious.

Oh my.

“...I think you had too much fun.” Irisviel stared at them, slightly concerned. “Sweetie, how about you go prepare for bed while I take care of them? I’ll tell you a story before you sleep.”

“Okay!”

She watched her leave and let out a sigh.

Now, what to do with her victims?

First she’d need to untie them, wake them up, then apologize.

Illya even drew things on their faces, which made her chuckle.

Before she could do any of that, her phone started to ring, causing her to jump.

She checked her purse and picked up her phone.

Artoria was calling her.

Irisviel stared at her name and hesitated.

“...” With a deep sigh, she put her phone back in her purse and let it ring.