Fuyuki City.
It was late in the evening.
In the far corner of the city, inside the abandoned building, the western magus grunted as he looked over his belongings. Almost everything Kayneth brought with him to Japan was lost during the blasted explosion of the Hyatt Hotel. The future head of the El-Melloi family lost many of his personal Mystic Codes. He no longer had the tools he prepared specifically for winning the Holy Grail War.
That included his own Servant.
It was the most devastating blow. Not because Kayneth cared about Lancer. Quite the opposite. He despised the male Servant because of his curse's effects on Sola-Ui.
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, or Diarmuid of the Love Spot. Had the curse been able to affect the Master of Saber, or maybe even just Saber or Avenger herself, it would've been fine. In fact, it would've been a great advantage for his Servant to be able to woo others to their side.
Yet instead, the nobleman magus had been given the misfortune of the accursed mark only having the nasty effect of turning his beloved fiancé against him. Even now, after Lancer had long passed.
'Keh… even to the end… Useless mutt.' But while Lancer's death appeased Kayneth' s irritation of the fact, it also complicated his position. 'I don't have a servant. Normally, continuing fighting in such a situation would have been foolish. But… But I cannot admit defeat! Not like this!'
There were many reasons why Kayneth couldn't just leave war like this. Besmirching his family's name for one. It would forever tarnish the long-lived name of the Archibald family. Not to mention, he wouldn't ever be able to endure the shame for the rest of his life.
Right now his chances of winning this war were low. Worse still was the lower chances to survive the accursed ritual!
Dying during the Grail War was one thing. It was expected and a valiant outcome for participants who struggled to the end. But that was if one was willing to die for such an honour!
But… admitting one's defeat was a different matter…
Clock Tower inner politics were brutal and had no place for mercy. Many people, including those within his own family, would like to see the rising star of the El-Melloi family fall from grace. If he returned to London with empty hands, it would lead to a lot of problems. As the future head of the El-Melloi family and the Lord of Mineralogy Department in Clock Tower, he had many enemies. Even amongst his own blood.
If he didn't die here, he was certain they would use his defeat in the Grail War as an opportunity to destroy his reputation and position within the Moonlit world.
Death or dishonour. Either path would be the end of him.
'And then there is Waver Velvet! Losing to other first-rate magi is something that can be understood, but surrendering while my own student continued to fight… That is the worst possibility!' No one will forgive it. Kayneth certainly wouldn't. He could not allow Waver to survive, much less win this war.
For the sake of his reputation, his student must be silenced no matter the cost. However, he still had a good chance to return to London with victory.
The Magus Killer, Kiritsugu Emiya was an infamous individual, more so in the magic community. Feared and hated, every magus knew of him. Should Kayneth be the one to slay him, no one will question his defeat in the long run then. In fact, it might win him favours among other lords within Clock Tower.
The Magus Killer made many enemies within their organization. And though most would never comment on their hiring the man to remove dangerous individuals, many will be openly thankful if he was removed. Not to mention, the prestige he will gain for defeating the magus representative of the Einzbern family.
The secretive German magi clan believed they were superior to everyone else, always hiding away inside their forest. If he managed to defeat both Emiya and Einzbern, it would secure Kayneth' s position. Not that of absolute victory, but a compromise he could accept, nonetheless.
After all, Lelouch was planning to take care of Saber. With the backup of Avenger and Berserker, the blonde magus won't have issues killing the homunculus Master or her lap dogs on his own.
As of now, his best option was to trust his 'ally', Lelouch Lamperouge, and that disrespectful tyrant of woman. With their potential accomplice from the Matou family, they were in a strong position of three Masters and two Servants against a single Master-Servant pair and a couple of mutts considered a disgrace to magi the world over.
Currently, the former Master of Lancer was confident in his position. And while Kayneth didn't have Servant anymore, he was an experienced magus and prodigy. Neither Lamperouge nor Matou master were first-rate magi. And their servants certainly didn't compare to him in this field. Not by a long shot.
For now, his service as the only actually trained magus in their group was his biggest leverage. But Kayneth understood that was his only use for both of his allies. Without a Servant, there was little else he had up his sleeve. However, what concerned him, even more, was the fact that, without Lancer, he didn't have anyone capable of protecting him from the other Servants. Especially those of his 'allies'.
Kayneth wasn't a fool.
Being a magus was and always will be a dangerous life. This war only exemplified that fact. Lamperouge himself said that their alliance won't last until the end of the war. Only until Saber, Archer and Caster were dead. After that, they would revert to being enemies. But now he was without a Servant, and that raised a natural question.
'How is he supposed to win this war when he no longer can protect himself or Sola-Ui–?' His thoughts were interrupted when he felt something. 'Hm? This is…'
His senses sharpened. Someone had entered his boundary field.
As a first-rate magus, the first thing Kayneth knew to do was to set up several boundary fields around their current base of operation. Of course, none of it could've compared to the fortress that was the bombed hotel. Among the many barriers was a simple alarm system that would notify its creator when someone without authorization entered the magi' s territory.
Kayneth froze, this wasn't Lelouch or his Servant Avenger. Those two had permission to enter his domain and therefore the boundary field wouldn't so much as react to them with an alarm. This meant that it was an outsider.
An enemy.
The first thing Kayneth did was to turn towards the room that housed the resting Matou magus. If this was an enemy Servant, he'd have no choice but to rely on the master of Berserker for his and his fiancé's protection.
However, before he could take a step forward to inform his guest, said dear fiancé Sola entered the room.
"A priest has come."
***
ei silently waited before the largest of the old, ruined buildings.
He didn't need to enter further. Just being within the border of the boundary field had to be enough to alert its creator. Especially for someone as prestigious as Lord El-Melloi of the Clock Tower. It didn't take long before the Servant-less Master made his appearance.
Kayneth stopped a few meters away. Expression kept polite and noble, despite the dilapidated state of his new base. From where he stood, it didn't seem like the magus had prepared any form of protection, much less call for his deceased Servant. But Kirei remembered the events from the last battle.
The western magus was still in possession of quite the formidable Mystic Code. Not even a novice like Kirei would dare underestimate the perfect defence that could be created by a mass of mercury under the control of a high-ranking mage. A cursory glance of the area was enough for the Executioner to notice the light glow of silver liquid moving among the grass. Slowly, they made their way to form a perimeter around Kirei.
The young priest slightly smiled and raised his hands at their expected apprehension. He knew better to show that he had no ill intentions behind this sudden visit. At least, not right now.
"Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, pardon for the disturbance on this fine evening, however, I came here as a messenger. Not as a combatant."
Kayneth' s expression shifted slightly but didn't give away much in the way of his thoughts. As expected of an esteemed member of the Mage Association. "Messenger? From whom could it be and why would a former Master as yourself be the one to deliver it? Might it be from your father, the supervisor?"
"I think we both know that my father is no longer among the living. And I have a good guess who was behind this sudden murder." Kirei smirked when Kayneth tensed. Perhaps, his earlier assessment of the man's composure was false. "Just for clarity' s sake, I must confirm. You, like all the other Masters, are well-aware that the supervisor is a neutral party in this war."
"Hm. Of course, I do." The smile returned but widened slightly. "And perhaps, if the old priest played by the rules he enforced, he would've survived."
Kirei didn't let slip anything. But he couldn't help but ask. "Whatever could you—"
"Don't play games with me, Executioner! We know that both you and your dear father were supporting the Tohsakas!" Kayneth pointed his finger at Kirei. As if it was a signal, his signature Volumen Hydrargyrum formed a defensive perimeter around its creator, ready to react to any form of attack. "Don't even think about playing dumb! I might not have a Servant, but I, Lord El Melloi Archibald, am still a Lord from the Clock Tower—!"
"You misunderstand me, Milord Archibald." Kirei's neutral, almost uncaring tone caught the magus ire, but he pressed before he could be interrupted himself. "Be relieved, for I have no intentions in avenging my father. Nor did I come here to punish you for breaking the rules. After all, as you say, we did not follow them either. Please, calm down and let me speak."
Kayneth's confusion lasted for only a second. His guard was still up.
"Hmph. If you didn't come for that, then what is it that you want, priest?"
"As I said, I' m just a messenger tonight. My teacher, Tohsaka Tokiomi, desires to speak with the man currently in your care."
The blonde magus didn't react, but Kirei could sense the air about him. He was nervous. "You speak of the Master of the Matou?"
The man of God nodded. "It took me some time to ascertain the location of Matou Kariya as he hadn't returned to his apartment and didn't visit his home. It only dawned upon me recently that another Master must have been helping him. Though unexpected, it wasn't hard to guess who. If you don't mind me saying, your ally, Lelouch Lamperouge… He is quite an… unusual magus."
Kirei smirked and gleaned more anxiety from the man before him. Kayneth still said nothing, but anyone could tell. Even the most prestigious magus participating in the Grail War was just as perturbed about the boy as the rest of them.
No matter. That wasn't what he came for anyway. "Moving on. I came only to pass the letter from my teacher, nothing more."
"And why would the Tohsaka want to chat with the man who almost killed their Master?" it seemed out of the blue to ask, but Kirei couldn't fault the man for digging. He was aware the Lord of the Clock Tower needed as many allies as he could get, having lost his only one.
"Family Matters, I believe. An unexpected matter had appeared. Something that involves both Matou and Tohsaka clans."
The magus' frustrated curiosity was masked with slight irritation.
"And this matter is about—?"
"Classified," Kirei replied. A small smile formed when he registered the grimace on Kayneth' s face. "Pardon me, as I was not privy to the details. And even if I were to know, I'm afraid it has nothing to do with either you or the Master of Avenger. I would politely ask that you stay out of this."
"Hoh? Do tell, why should I? As far as I stand, Matou' s Master is currently my guest and is enjoying my hospitality. This invitation sounds suspicious, so pardon me as well," the mercury pools all rippled and started to bubble. Like they were readying for an attack, or it was an attempt at intimidation. "However, as a kind host, I wouldn't want any harm to endanger the life of my guest. Besides, even if I were to pass on your message, it isn't sealed in stone that he would accept. My, he might prefer to refuse such talks with the Tohsaka being, oh, I don't know, these two not having the best of relationships."
"That is true…" Kirei nodded but wasn't at all perturbed by the stubborn nobleman. "And that' s why my teacher asked me to pass this as well."
Pulling out a scroll, he threw it before Kayneth. Volumen Hydrargyrum's defensive form shot out a silver tentacle that caught it midair. It then tenderly undid the seal and revealed its contents to its creator from a safe distance before bringing it closer when it was clear it wasn't a trap.
Kayneth' s façade of composure slowly vanished as he continued to read it. The man's eyes were as wide as marbles by the time he was done.
"This is—?!"
"Indeed. My teacher has signed a Self-Geis Scroll."
Geis, the Holy Oath, one of the worst curses in magecraft. For those who aren't magi, it was nothing but meaningless scribbles and intricate patterns on a high-quality calfskin parchment. But to any mage, it is a curse. One that directly binds the Magic Crest of the target and signer to fulfil the terms and conditions of the agreement written within.
As the signature of the declarer is signed in blood and infused with Magical Energy, it is bound both by blood and soul. This contract… not only was it absolute, but it also couldn't ever theoretically be erased, resisted, or lifted… even after one has fulfilled the agreement within or if the signer dies. Truly, an eternal binding contract.
Though not a true magus by any sense of the word, Kirei was aware it was a very dangerous magecraft made for a society where treachery and betrayal was a common occurrence. Even the most distrustful of magi needed something that offered the maximal concession.
One in which betrayal was never going to be an option.
Kayneth quickly let go of the scroll. Kirei would've thought the man a bit too superstitious, knowing that some considered even holding one as a bad omen. But as a priest, he couldn't be one to talk, no? The scroll was caught and delivered back to him by another silver tentacle. Apparently, the magus drew the superstitious line at Volumen Hydrargyrum.
Meeting gazes with the mass of mercury's creator, this time, Kayneth showed more polite concern. Albeit forced, but concern, still.
"I see that Tohsaka doesn't play around. Self-Geis… Hmph, by the Root, I would say it is both insanity and foolishness combined into one."
"My teacher simply acts as he sees fit. It is not in my position to comment." Kirei had to stifle a chuckle there. Not that Tokiomi was in any position to say anything either. Taking a bow, he hid the nasty grin that was overtaking his lower face. "This contract is hereby signed by and with the blood of my teacher. By its terms, I reiterate that it guarantees the safety of Matou Kariya, Master of Berserker. My teacher, Tohsaka Tokiomi, swears an oath that neither his Servant nor himself will harm Matou Kariya in any way." Managing to reign in his mirth, the priest raised his head to meet the magus' gaze once more. "So long as he will be willing for a peaceful conversation, of course."
Kayneth quickly noticed the loophole. "However, it says nothing about you."
"While that may be true, I' m sure you know that there is little I can do against a Servant." Not by himself anyway. "Let alone, someone as dangerous as Berserker."
Kayneth' s expression was one of careful contemplation. To him, it may as well be a good chance to get rid of Archer. Lamperouge and Avenger would no doubt think the same as well had they been present. It was as best an opportunity as they could ask to deal with their biggest obstacle in this war. Kirei was aware of it as much as Lord Archibald was.
The question now was 'how much does he think I realize this as well?'
"You must realize that while I don't mind staying out of this, my other ally will have his own ideas on the matter."
The magi' s answer was broad and open to interpretation. Kirei answered back. "Hmm, in that case, I have something else that might occupy young Lamperouge and his Servant," Kirei said, tossing another paper, this time it was non-magical. Kayneth' s mercury tentacles captured it just like the earlier scroll.
"And what may this be?"
"The address of Emiya Kiritsugu' s new base of operation," Kirei replied, failing to notice the light in Kayneth' s eyes. "Consider this as payment for your cooperation. My teacher merely asks for one night to speak with Matou Kariya. Surely, the Magus Killer will be of some interest compared to a family issue with him being a bigger fish to slay for your community."
"Hm. Is that so?" There was something slightly odd about Kayneth' s suddenly indifferent tone, but Kirei couldn't place it. But the man's follow up was something Kirei knew to respond against. "In that case, would you care to tell me what exactly is stopping us from going after your teacher first, then later visiting the Magus Killer with this address you so kindly provided for us?"
"You would be fighting the King of Heroes who, may I remind you, doesn't like it when others disrespect his hospitality. While the Master of Avenger and Matou Kariya might have Servants ready to protect them from the wrath of his Highness, could the same be said of yourself, Lord El-Melloi?" A small mischievous smile appeared on Kirei's face when he caught the insulted smirk of the mage. "You no longer have a Servant to fight for you and I highly doubt other Servants would prioritize your life above their Masters. I trust you wouldn't try anything ridiculous while at a disadvantage. Someone of your calibre should very well know their place in this matter."
Even if they attack, it doesn't mean everything will go as they want. Archer was powerful and wouldn't go down without a fight. Well aware of the haughty king's personality, if they tried, they would die trying.
Lelouch and Kariya had Servants to protect them but Kayneth didn't. Gilgamesh didn't even need to shoot one of his weapons at him, merely draw his gaze. The western magus would be done for, either by Tokiomi if he was still capable, or him if it came down to it. On the other hand, both the Magus Killer and Saber would be an easier target compared to Archer.
"Besides, who knows if you will have such a chance to strike at Emiya again? The Magus Killer is a very careful person. Next time, neither he nor Einzbern might be there. Especially if someone would alert them about a possible attack."
"Tch." Kayneth clicked his tongue.
With this, it was clear. Tohsaka Tokiomi, or so it would appear, preferred that no one would interrupt them. Insinuating that it'd be more difficult to find and hunt down Emiya would also imply that the Tohsaka wouldn't be so. With the necessity of going after Tokiomi and Kirei himself later, planting this seed was sure to make it an appealing bait.
"Very well, I will pass on your message."
Kirei appreciated it, truly. "Thank you, Lord El-Melloi. Still, it pains me to see such proud magus be reduced to assistant."
"What did you just say?!"
It was a jab at insecurities. And he was glad he was right on the mark. "Apologies. I was just thinking about your situation. Without a Servant, at the mercy of your ally who I understand to be just a boy with quite a powerful Servant of his own. Apart from your extensive experience in magecraft, I cannot seem to pick up why they would ally with you. More so when you are less capable in a fight against other Servants." Kirei was sure his small smirk rubbed Kayneth the wrong way. It is practically shown in the way the man's temple started bulging with veins. "It is difficult to imagine how you might get out of your situation alive. Well… you have my condolences. And my prayers—"
"You'd do well to hold your tongue, knave! I might not be in the best position at the moment, but I am still one of the Clock Tower Lords! This temporary setback… It will not stop me!"
"Forgive my careless remarks." Kirei politely nodded, noting the man's lacking self-control. "Your confidence in the matter is… inspiring to say the least. However, Lord El-Melloi, even you must realize when it is important to have an alternative, an escape strategy if you will."
"You dare—!" Kayneth seemed about ready to snap, but he stopped. The look on his face was exactly what Kirei wanted. "Wait… There is another reason why you come here, is it not? I doubt a priest such as yourself would dare mouth off so much for a mere delivery."
Said priest smiled. "For someone of your talents to die in this war will be a tragedy. Let's just say that, as a member of the Church, it is still within my duties to help Masters without a Servant of their own. I and my master understood why it is important to have a good relationship with someone like you. And that is why…" Kirei pulled out a second Self-Geis Scroll and immediately tossed it over. "We decided to extend a helping hand. However, be warned that our assistance only extends to you. Regrettably, the young Master of Avenger is not permitted such a privilege for his status as a novice mage can't be outweighed by a Lord such as yourself."
Kayneth took the second cursed scroll to read. Once he finished, the blonde magus made to momentarily consider the offer. From the stare he directed at Kirei, the man knew Archibald was aware of what this offer would mean for them in the near future.
Divide and conquer. A strategy is as old as time. But despite the backstabbing nature of it, it was nevertheless effective. Still, would the man do what the contract asked of him?
But of course! After all, magi were treacherous creatures, to begin with. If they hadn't been, why else would someone develop the means of a binding contract?
The Servant-less Master smiled. Undoubtedly, he was thinking to himself on how to impart upon the young Lamperouge a most important lesson every first-rate magi like Kayneth knew and believed wholeheartedly. Even if it will be the last thing he will learn.
"Intriguing. Ahahahahah!" The western magus let out a short laugh before slowly walking away from the priest. "Return to your lord, Executioner. Tell him we have a deal."
Kirei bowed feigned respect for the Lord that his away in the ruins. Things were coming along nicely.
As both Kayneth and Kirei departed from their exchange for the evening, neither noticed the familiar that was floating above them in the air.