London, England.
The luxurious El-Melloi estate.
Kayneth was buried in a stack of documents, overwhelmed by recent chaos.
The Holy Grail War was a mess too heavy to resolve quickly. The Holy Church, and the Mage's Association's other branches—Atlas Institute and the Wandering Sea—were all interested. Settling it would require aligning with other aristocratic families.
His professor, Lord Eulyphis of Spiritual Evocation, was intrigued upon learning that Matou Zouken had realized the dream of Heroic Spirit summoning centuries ago, diving into Zouken's old Clock Tower notes.
Barthomeloi, the Clock Tower's uncrowned king, found the Grail War interesting but not compelling, confident that Servants held little sway in the era of modern magi.
The Animusphere faction, however, was keenly interested. Just a day ago, Marisbury Animusphere, Lord of Astromancy, visited to inquire about the Grail War's details, intent on deeper study.
Kayneth, still shaken from nearly losing his life in Fuyuki, had no interest in Servants or the Grail. His priorities were clear: marry his fiancée, arrange Roy's engagement, and develop the El-Melloi faction's five-year plan to achieve his dream of three Grand-ranked magi. From his generation, he'd make the faction gloriously dominant.
Thus, after Roy's rank-up exam, Kayneth would focus on perfecting his Moon Spirit Marrow, pushing it to its limits to reach Grand rank. Roy would complete the Sanctuary Formula, securing his own Grand rank. Together, they'd dominate, shocking the democratic and neutral factions, even Barthomeloi and Eulyphis.
Other matters could be left to others. After everything, Kayneth realized he didn't need to chase accolades. Becoming Grand, with Roy following, was proof enough.
And…
How had he missed Waver Velvet's talent for paperwork? Though lacking in magical prowess, Waver was precise and efficient—perfect for administrative work.
Still rough, but practice would refine him. While Kayneth secluded himself for research, Waver could hone his skills. Perfect timing.
After recognizing Waver's potential and trustworthiness, Kayneth promoted him alongside Reines, elevating him from student to disciple, office assistant, and secretary with top benefits and access to his office and family. This leap in status left Waver's former bullies envious.
Unbeknownst to Waver, Kayneth planned to dump all his seclusion paperwork on him. The stack of sensitive documents, meant for a Lord, would likely overwhelm him. He'd probably fear being silenced for knowing too much.
But Kayneth saw it as fulfilling Waver's desire for recognition. He acknowledged Waver's talent and gave him a stage to shine, not as petty revenge for stealing a relic—definitely not.
As a Lord, Kayneth wanted Waver to experience the burden of paperwork firsthand.
After assigning Waver the Grail War report, Kayneth tackled other priorities: reporting to his fiancée and professor, finding Roy a suitable fiancée, and drafting a magical contract on ancient parchment in Latin.
Though Roy and Aozaki Touko had agreed on her role as an external consultant, with Roy providing funds and materials, Kayneth didn't fully trust the elusive woman.
On his return, he discussed it with Eulyphis and Barthomeloi. They were skeptical, finding it surreal that Kayneth, a proper Lord, not only avoided conflict with a Grand-ranked fugitive but recruited her.
Barthomeloi deemed the Sealing Designation trivial to lift with the aristocratic factions' support. The democratic and neutral factions couldn't interfere. The only question was Touko's commitment.
No fools, they wouldn't lift the designation until Touko joined the aristocratic faction as an El-Melloi and Crowley consultant, bringing a Grand-ranked asset to their side. In exchange, Eulyphis and Barthomeloi would share access to Touko's research, splitting the monopoly among the three families, leaving other factions envious.
Kayneth begrudged their cunning but had no choice. Even among allies, magi prioritized profit over sentiment, though his feelings for Roy and Sola were an exception.
With terms settled, Kayneth drafted a binding magical contract. Once signed, Touko's Sealing Designation would be lifted, granting her resources and autonomy. He suspected she'd stick close to Roy.
It was a pity Touko was a disowned Aozaki heir, lacking a true magical crest. Her current crest, a specialized alchemical model crafted by Roy, was disposable. Kayneth adjusted the contract, bypassing crest-binding curses and incorporating a soul-based ritual tailored for Touko.
"Done…"
Admiring his overnight work, Kayneth grinned, stroking his hair. Only a genius like him could refine such a complex contract in a night. Other magi couldn't compare.
"Now, if Roy gets Touko to sign, it's settled…"
As he considered additional terms, a loud bang interrupted him. The door to his workshop was flung open without warning, nearly ruining his contract.
"That brat!"
Only a handful could enter his workshop unannounced, and only one would do so so brazenly: Roy, who raided his resources whenever low.
"Hmph!"
Snorting, Kayneth set down his pen, grabbed the contract, and stormed out.
…
Soon after.
"Demand an explanation? What's this got to do with us? The massive destruction was caused by Tohsaka Tokiomi, Matou Zouken, and Emiya Kiritsugu—the so-called Three Families. We—me, Waver, and you, professor—are legitimate Clock Tower magi with proper credentials. We were duped into joining that cursed war and nearly died. We're the 'innocent' ones!"
"??"
Roy's theatrical performance left Kayneth's expression increasingly odd.
"So, I think the Fuyuki Three Great Families who held the ritual and the Holy Church for its lax oversight should owe us an explanation. That's what we should tell the Church."
The Holy Church, a global Christian organization centered in Western Europe, was home to executors like Kotomine Kirei. Ostensibly about God's love and charity, it harbored a secret arm dedicated to hunting heretics. Unlike mainstream churches, it was an armed force with an extremist ideology, rejecting all non-demonic heretics—those who defied divine truth or disrupted world order. Magi, Dead Apostles, and non-human entities were all targets.
Normally, executors ignored magi unless they caused trouble publicly. But Dead Apostles or phantasmic creatures faced ruthless extermination, even at the cost of secrecy.
"Brilliant! You're right. We joined the Grail War legitimately, unaware of its depths. The culprits are the Einzberns, Tohsakas, and Matous. They owe the explanation. The Church has the gall to question me when their executor competed? They should chase the Three Families, not me—a Lord who withdrew early with traceable movements in Mifune City."
Roy's argument enlightened Kayneth, clarifying his thoughts. He'd received letters demanding he assist their investigations. He'd scoffed—visit the Church? He'd be tried as a heretic!
He'd planned to discuss hiding with Roy until Barthomeloi and Eulyphis handled it. But Roy's bold stance—that the Three Families and Church were at fault—shifted the blame. Kirei's participation nullified the Church's moral high ground.
"It's their problem, Tokiomi's fault!"
Kayneth's frown eased. Clapping on his leather sofa, he agreed fully. He'd draft a letter detailing Kirei and Gilgamesh's actions to throw back at them.
Roy lounged, smirking playfully. While not as sadistic as Gilgamesh, seeing the Church squirm was satisfying.
"Anyway, I used the Grail to resolve the aftermath. Except for the worst offenders, everything—people, buildings—was restored. It's easy to cover up: gas leaks, pipeline explosions causing hallucinations. Plenty of excuses."
Roy shrugged. "They just want leverage over the Clock Tower for benefits or to humiliate us with headlines like 'Clock Tower Lord repents at the Church.' The Church preaches mercy but breeds fanatics and Dead Apostle ancestors. They'd even brand each other heretics over scriptural disputes. They're no better than the Clock Tower's rot—just a cross-worshipping cult in a godless age."
Roy sipped tea Reines had prepared, pulling her to sit beside him to ease her formality, then continued railing against the Church with Kayneth.
Reines, overwhelmed by Roy's scathing critique, was stunned. He didn't just criticize the Church but the Clock Tower too—in front of Kayneth, a staunch aristocrat.
'Roy, are you that bold? Won't Uncle get mad?'
'I need to intercede for him later.'
Shocked but protective, Reines edged closer, clutching Roy's sleeve, ready to plead his case.
"Hmph, exactly. The Church discriminates against magi, but are they any better? The Clock Tower's corrupt enough, but they're no different with their fractured doctrines," Kayneth sneered, unoffended.
As a Lord, he knew the Clock Tower's flaws and agreed with Roy. He couldn't say such things publicly, but with his heir and future wife, it was fine.
Noticing Reines's concern for Roy, Kayneth chuckled, his mood lifting. He'd worried about their age gap, but their quick bonding—holding hands within hours—was impressive.
"Well done!" he thought, marveling at Roy's charm, surpassing his own with Sola.
Absorbing Roy into the Archisorte branch was now Kayneth's top priority.
Beaming, he gave Roy and Reines an approving, suggestive look.
"Youthful vigor…"
Roy, misinterpreting it as approval of his plan, nodded. Reines, aware of Kayneth's intentions, blushed and snuggled closer to Roy.
Kayneth then probed Roy about the Grail War's conclusion. He'd seen Scathach and Gilgamesh's cataclysmic battle but was knocked out by Touko and missed the end. Now, he asked who won.
With Matou Zouken dead, Kayneth and Waver out, only Kirei, Kiritsugu, and Roy remained. One had won and wished for restoration.
Neither Kirei nor Kiritsugu seemed likely to make such a wish, so…
The victor was obvious.
Roy admitted he won and made the restorative wish, asking Kayneth if it was right.
"…"
Kayneth didn't answer. The resolution hinged on Roy's wish; without it, the fallout would've been catastrophic. Forgoing the omnipotent Grail for revival was arguably foolish, but its resolve was immeasurable.
Was it noble or stupid?
Kayneth didn't know and didn't ask. Only a fool would.
As the Grail War's victor, Roy's choice was his own. He'd done enough for everyone.
"I don't know, but…" Kayneth stood, shaking his head, his gaze warm with pride. "Roy Crowley, my greatest disciple, I'll always be proud of you."
Gone was his usual sharpness; he spoke like a father, a professor overjoyed by his student's success.
"Uncle…"
Reines was stunned, but Roy nodded casually. "Of course. I'm your disciple, so I have to make you proud, right?"
"Hmph, you brat. Proud, yes, but you've given me more heart attacks!"
They shared a knowing smile, their bond forged through trials concluding in laughter.
With other matters to attend, Kayneth handed Roy the contract for Touko and dismissed him. When Roy offered to take Reines to his home, Kayneth was thrilled.
He'd planned to send Reines and Sakura later, but with Sakura shopping with Sola, he agreed to let Reines go now to bond with Roy.
Satisfied, Kayneth sent them off in his car, their luggage to follow. "No need to rush back—settle in."
"Adjust well, Roy," Kayneth added before they left. "Soon, we'll arrange your rank-up exam and ritual. You've slacked off; don't disappoint me, Eulyphis, or Barthomeloi. Show us something spectacular."
'Rank-up to Grand?' Roy chuckled.
He'd nearly forgotten he was still Fes-ranked.
But that was secondary. He just wanted to get home. His assistant was probably furious after his long absence.
"See you soon, professor."
Roy nodded, bid Kayneth farewell, scooped up Reines, and boarded the car, leaving swiftly.
"That brat… only remembers me when he needs funds or materials," Kayneth muttered, his heart racing.
But seeing Roy and Reines, and with Sakura as a talented apprentice, he smirked triumphantly.
No matter. They'd soon be family.
Only Roy could plunder his resources so freely. As his heir, Kayneth didn't mind—his future was Roy's too.
Funds, materials, prestige—the El-Melloi had plenty. Trading them for Roy, Sakura, and a stronger bloodline was a steal.
***
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