My First Meeting with Reines

'It's time to keep getting stronger, and... he'll never go back to that wretched place in the Far East, a place teeming with demons and monsters. Anyway, he's already dismantled the Greater Grail, and the Fifth Holy Grail War is over. Now, if he can't afford to mess with them, can't he at least avoid them?'

He didn't have the arrogance of a time traveler, who would revel in his heart at the sight of a beautiful woman, arrogantly believing that only he could bring her happiness.

However, although Rovey did not speak, Root Shiki, who was about to leave, seemed to have sensed Rovey's thoughts at that moment.

"By the way, we'll meet again."

Leaving behind a light, airy remark, he turned and gave Rovey a smile. Then, the figure that appeared like pristine white snow vanished, and Rovey's gaze lost its target at the last moment; the aura of the Root completely dissipated. Immediately afterward, as he walked out of the bamboo forest in some unknown direction, a gaze from an unknown source locked onto Rovey. It raised a finger and responded with a powerful Magecraft, Golden System Magecraft instantly enveloping its body to show its stance. After a while, seemingly confirming that Rovey showed no abnormalities, the gaze disappeared, and the world returned to complete peace.

'Damn it, because of the appearance of the Root, the Counter Force's gaze is also on us. Are you guys never going to stop?'

Rovey cursed inwardly, then, recalling that he had just received a message from the Root saying that they would meet again, he simply stopped pretending and directly raised his middle finger at the world that had almost sent Grand Rank Hassan to kill him, making a universal friendly gesture, and then sneered with extreme disdain.

What does Guan the Root want him to do?

With his power level, he wouldn't be afraid of another Holy Grail War. The small stage of "Kara no Kyoukai" would be nothing to him. If he were to actually fight in "Kara no Kyoukai," he could totally be the final boss. That fallen monk Araya Souren, whose overall skill level is even lower than Aozaki Touko's, would be completely crushed by him. He could even take over his resurrection points!

It's alright, it's alright...

Knowing he couldn't escape it, Rovey could only console himself with this thought for the time being. However, it seemed that he was now entangled in even more troubles.

Then, looking at the deserted road in front of him, and glancing back at the bamboo forest that had disappeared behind him, he fell into deep thought once again, his mind which had just calmed down.

"... Pick-up service but no drop-off? Where am I supposed to be? Holy crap! Am I still in China?!"

On the other side, in the Mifune City, which is three cities away from Rovey.

Inside the hotel, Aozaki Touko was staring blankly at Kenneth, whose face was serious.

"Miss Aozaki, where is my apprentice? Where did you take my apprentice?"

Looking at the empty space beside Aozaki Touko, Kenneth suppressed the anger he felt from being knocked down by her punch, dragged to the hotel, and tied up earlier, and then asked her, "Where is Rovey? Didn't you say he came back with you?"

"Um, Lord El-Melloi... this is a complicated matter, in short, I don't know either?"

Faced with Kenneth's persistent questioning, Aozaki Touko looked completely bewildered.

Because she never realized when Rovey disappeared. From the moment they left Fuyuki City together on the train, to taking a taxi to the nearest street, and walking side by side to the hotel, Rovey had been by her side the whole way, and then...

Without sensing any magic or noticing anything amiss, Rovey simply vanished. Even more terrifying, she seemed to be under Suggestion Magecraft, completely oblivious to everything, and walked right back without noticing anything unusual. It wasn't until she saw Kenneth's lemon-faced, Aozaki Touko snapped out of her daze and suddenly realized, "Where is Rovey?!"

"So... what exactly happened?"

Seeing Aozaki Touko's equally surprised expression, Kenneth sighed. Although his heart was filled with complex emotions, and he wished he could just yell at her like he did in the classroom, he hesitated when he saw that it was Aozaki Touko.

A Grand Rank Puppet Master like herself was a level above her, a Color-rank Puppeteer, and far superior in both strength and achievements. Therefore, Kenneth couldn't possibly retaliate against her; that would be utterly provocative. Moreover, she had recently saved his and Weber's lives. So, no matter how complex his feelings were, he could only suppress his anger and calmly continue questioning Aoko about Rovey's whereabouts.

However, no matter how hard they racked their brains, they couldn't figure out how Rovey had disappeared right under their noses without leaving a trace.

Kenneth's heart, which had just settled down, was once again gripped with anxiety.

Fortunately, the two didn't wander around aimlessly for too long. Just as they were about to go out to look for someone, Rovey was in some unknown city, called Kenneth from a public phone booth, which ended the farce.

He said that he suddenly remembered that he had some things to do, so he couldn't go back to Mifune City for the time being. He asked Kenneth to take Weber and the others back to Britain first, and he would fly back from another city immediately.

He also mentioned to Kenneth on the phone that he had hired Aoko as Crowley —no, in Kenneth's view, as an external advisor to the El-Melloi Faction! He hoped that Kenneth could help Aoko resolve the Sealing Designation, and explained that he had lost a Mana Reactor and was giving away a Mana Furnace. However, the rest of the Mystic Codes had been recovered intact and could be handed over when he returned to London.

As Rovey had expected, although Kenneth's expression clearly showed some pain when he heard about the loss of one Mana Reactor and the giving away of Mana Reactor, the thought that he and his student were both unharmed and that they had even gained an excellent grand-disciple made the situation seem less unbearable. He could simply consider it a loss to avert disaster.

Furthermore, he didn't care about the El-Melloi Faction's furnace at all. It was just a former Supreme Mystic Supreme Mystic Code, which he had long since discarded. At best, it was just a large, portable source of magical energy. Now, the only Supreme Mystic Code from the El-Melloi Faction was his invincible Volumen Hydrargyrum. As for the Lord Mana Reactor he had given away, it was nothing special. Although he had to pay 100 million pounds, it was more than enough as compensation for hiring Grand Puppet Master to save his and his student's lives. As long as they were alive, it wasn't a loss.

And...

He still had no idea what the relationship was between Rovey and Aozaki Touko. How could he have managed to bind this woman, who was known for her unconventional style and was from the same generation as him, and even invite her to work in his family? This was something he just couldn't understand.

Back then, you should know that before Aozaki Touko reached the Grand Rank, many Mage Families had already invited her, but she didn't accept any of them. Her family was one of them at the time. It's really unexpected that the Grand Puppet Master, Miss Aozaki, would actually accept her apprentice's invitation.

To become an outside advisor to the Crowley Family... no, I should say El-Melloi!

Great, another huge profit.

Even Kenneth didn't expect to gain a Grand Rank- level assistant on this trip.

This time, not only did they survive the incredibly dangerous and bizarre Holy Grail War, but they also gained a great deal. That's already a huge victory, right? Compared to those idiots like Emiya Kiritsugu, Tokiomi Tohsaka, and Matou Sōken, who either died or fought each other, his decision to retire at the peak of his career was incredibly wise.

As for the Sealing Designation that Rovey mentioned?

It's a joke. To put it bluntly, that thing is just a bunch of old idiots using the guise of protecting the mysterious, but in reality, it's a persecution activity similar to a heretical trial, devised by a bunch of old idiots.

There are plenty of geniuses in the Lord lineage, so why aren't they being judged? I myself am a prodigy in the demonic path, almost destined for the [Grand Rank], so why aren't they here to deal with me?

Is it that they don't want to? No, it's that they dare not!

With the Aristocratic Faction united and several Lord families centered around Barthomeloi, who would dare to seal their people? Therefore, the idea of resolving the issue of Sealing Designation was a joke in Kenneth's eyes.

All he had to do was write a letter to his teacher and Lord Barthomeloi when he got back, and the matter would be resolved immediately.

Regardless, he was determined to have Aozaki Touko as an ally. Getting her to join the Aristocratic Faction would be a huge boost to his prestige. Once he and Rovey reached the [Grand Rank], the Aristocratic Faction would gain three more Grand Rank's worth of influence, forcing everyone else to bow down. His era had truly arrived.

Not only are he and Rovey young, but they also have the genius Sakura as their successor. Add to that Aozaki Touko, and they'll have a three- Grand Rank? No, he wants a four- Grand Rank! He'll sweep aside all other schools and become the biggest academic power in the Clock Tower! Then, El-Melloi, the bottom-ranked of the four major Aristocratic Faction banners, will transform into the Clock Tower's leader, the Union Jack! Even the king of Aristocratic Faction, Barthomeloi, will have to fear El-Melloi.

Thinking of this, a smug smile unconsciously crept onto Kenneth's face.

"What kind of face is that...?"

Seeing the lewd expression on Lemon Head, Aozaki Touko felt a chill. Kenneth noticed this expression and realized that he had lost his composure. He coughed twice before looking back at Aozaki Touko sitting opposite him.

"Miss Aozaki, I already know about the deal between you and my student. First of all, as the leader of the El-Melloi Faction, I sincerely welcome you to join El-Melloi and the Aristocratic Faction. As for your Sealing Designation, I will discuss it with Lord Barthomeloi when I get back, so you can rest assured."

"Huh? Isn't it the Crowley Family? How come it's El-Melloi again..." Upon hearing Kenneth's words, Aozaki Touko's expression froze slightly. She felt that this Lemon Head seemed to be up to something.

"Ahem, you don't need to worry about that. I've always been Rovey as my successor, especially after his parents passed away. Isn't it often said that a teacher is like a father? As his teacher, that bastard will soon be family with me, and he will also inherit the position of the next school leader, the Lord. So, whether it's the Crowley Family or the El-Melloi Faction, they're actually the same."

Kenneth answered without hesitation.

After experiencing all of this, he became even more determined to keep Rovey by his side and reach the Grand Rank as soon as possible, so there was absolutely no way this kid could escape the idea of marrying into the family.

Not long ago, he had asked his family to find a talented and suitable candidate from among the branch families to be his future wife. Her name was Reines El-Melloi Archizorti.

Although she is indeed a bit young now, that doesn't matter. Let's get engaged first, and if necessary, we can wait another seven or eight years before getting married and having children. Anyway, Rovey is young, and he will only be thirty years old by then.

In the world of Magus, age is not important. For the sake of outstanding offspring, it is not uncommon to cross age, race, or gender boundaries. He does not feel that there is anything wrong with him.

As for Reines, wouldn't it be too much of a burden for her to suddenly be offered a promotion to the main family and a marriage proposal?

What a joke! Kenneth didn't feel embarrassed in the slightest.

A girl from a branch family, since she comes from a powerful demonic family, would probably be sent out for a marriage alliance even if he didn't promote her. He not only promoted her to the main family, but also entrusted her with the care of his most prized student, a genius who is almost certain to reach the [Grand Rank]. What's there to feel wronged about?!

On the contrary, when Reines' parents heard that their daughter was to be promoted to the main house and be engaged to Kenneth's disciple and the future leader of El-Melloi, they were already too excited to express themselves.

"Lord El-Melloi, you wouldn't be thinking of..."

Upon hearing Kenneth's answer, Aozaki Touko's eyes widened slightly, clearly indicating that she had thought of something.

"Yes, that's right. I've found a suitable candidate for that kid. I'll make arrangements when we get back. In about ten years, once he becomes Grand Rank, there won't be any problem for him to inherit my position."

"As expected... that kid is really popular."

Upon hearing Kenneth's answer, Aozaki Touko's expression became somewhat complicated.

"So let's make this clear beforehand: neither Crowley nor El-Melloi will completely sell out my freedom, and neither of you has the right to force me to do anything dangerous or disrespectful to me."

Upon hearing Kenneth's reply, Aozaki Touko sighed and then stopped dwelling on the matter, instead bringing up the topic ahead of time.

"Don't worry, Miss Aozaki, we won't restrict your personal freedom. You can go wherever you want. However, the El-Melloi Faction has the right of first refusal to acquire your research results."

Kenneth quickly added.

He never intended to use Aozaki Touko as a laborer; after all, she was a true Grand Rank, and as a genius himself, he respected geniuses.

All that's needed is for the other party to state their position and act at the right time, and that's perfectly sufficient.

And...

Kenneth doesn't know if it's just his imagination, but he always feels that the relationship between Aozaki Touko and Rovey seems to be very good, and also very complicated.

This also subtly gave him a sense of crisis, forcing Kenneth to speed up his previous arrangements and get things settled before he could feel at ease.

After this was over, he had already figured out his future plans.

Upon returning, he planned to have Weber, who, despite lacking magical talent, seemed to possess other abilities, take on some clerical work, guiding his talents in the right direction. Though reluctant to admit it, the boy was indeed very talented in theory, even surprising him; barring unforeseen circumstances, he should have a chance to inherit his teaching position in the future. Therefore, Kenneth groomed him to be a key assistant to the future leader of the El-Melloi Faction, continuing to shine in his role (working overtime). As for Rovey, he continued his research in magic, preparing to succeed him at any time; in the future, he would become the face of himself and the entire school.

Once he delegates his work, he'll have more free time. At that point, either staying home to retire or taking his wife on a honeymoon would be a good option.

Thinking about it this way, his future can be described as bright.

Kenneth glanced at the clock behind him and realized that it was almost time for the plane to take off.

They had originally bought tickets for five people to leave with Rovey, but now it seems they'll have to go back first. But as long as they know the kid is alright, that's fine; he'll be going back soon anyway.

If I go back first, I can arrange a surprise for him that I've prepared, which is a good development.

Thinking this, Kenneth tidied his clothes, then went out and called Weber, who was upstairs giving Sakura a basic magic lesson, and asked him to take Sakura with him and leave. They were going back to London this time.

"So, Miss Aozaki, are you really not planning to come with us?"

At the hotel entrance, Kenneth, who was about to leave, asked Aozaki Touko a question.

"No, Lord El- El-Melloi, I still have Magic Workshop and many costumes to pack in the Mifune City. I will go to the Clock Tower after I have packed them up."

"I see... alright then."

Kenneth nodded upon hearing Aozaki Touko's answer, and then did not press the matter further.

He turned around, gesturing for Weber was carrying luggage behind him, to hurry up and catch up. Then, he took Sakura's hand in one hand and said his final goodbye to Aozaki Touko.

"Well then, I look forward to seeing you again soon, Miss Aozaki."

"If my student comes back here, please tell him that I've gone back first, and that I've prepared a surprise for him in London, so he should hurry back."

"I understand. Have a safe journey, Lord El- El-Melloi."

"Yes, you too, Miss Aozaki."

Upon hearing Kenneth's instructions, Aozaki Touko nodded slightly and agreed.

The two then parted ways at the intersection before Kenneth got into the car.

As the taxi drove away, Aozaki Touko kept replaying Kenneth's words about finding that guy a wife in her mind, and for a moment she felt a little complicated.

"... Seriously, what am I wallowing in self-pity for? What does it matter to me who that guy marries?"

Shaking her head, Aozaki Touko quickly banished the random thoughts from her mind.

"Clean up the Magic Workshop, hire planes for transport, search for Asagami Fujino... Wow, information about Jewel-Grade Mystic Eyes, interesting, really interesting. How come I didn't discover this before? This small Mifune City actually hides so many mysteries. I wonder where that guy got his information from."

"But what does all this have to do with me?! Great, I've reaped so much, I'm a rich man now. Forget about Kenneth's instructions and Rovey's mission, it's shopping time!!"

Humming a little tune, feeling extremely happy, Aozaki Touko turned around and rushed into the nearest shopping street.

Chapter 102 First Encounter with Reines

—What is the Mage's Association?

As its name suggests, the so-called Mage's Association is actually a group of magicians who treat Magecraft and the way of magic as a discipline. They are a group of Magus who study Magecraft and explore the way of magic. Therefore, they spontaneously formed a mysterious organization in order to better explore the subject. This is the essence of the Mage's Association.

The special departments that make up the Mage's Association are divided into three organizations by the Magus within it due to differences in their pursuits, directions of exploration, and certain theoretical values.

Firstly, there is the Atlas Institute, which has always existed beneath the Nikola Tesla Mountains in Egypt. Unlike ordinary Magus, it is a sanctuary for Alchemy, gathering special talents who are proficient in Alchemy Magecraft or research-oriented Magecraft. In that mysterious area known as the Giant's Cellar, countless legendary Mystic Code that defy the laws of the times and transcend academic common sense have been successfully created. The most representative works are the so-called Seven World-Destroying Weapons, whose fame is undeniable.

Because they were from the Clock Tower, a lineage of Alchemy Magecraft known to the outside world, the Atlas Institute had sent envoys to invite the Crowley Family to the Giant's Cellar.

Unfortunately, while the Crowley Family is Alchemy Magecraft family, their lineage is not entirely based on Alchemy, nor is it traditional forging of magical artifacts. Their true heritage comes from a great master named Aleister Crowley, through the * Law Book *. Within its contents, Alchemy is merely a deliberate, overt aid and disguise; the true essence lies in the countless timeless and illogical spells recorded within the Law Book.

Therefore, his family declined the invitation from the Atlas Institute and continued to reside in London to continue their studies.

The four Guardian Angel summoned by Rovey using Angel Summoning are masterpieces that blend Alchemy with the contents of the Law Book. Even his own Hallcraft and the Silver Star were mentioned by that genius; he simply transformed the theory into reality, reproduced and extended it, making it his own unique spell.

However, because no one in the Crowley Family had ever thoroughly studied the Law Book, it was even more difficult to comprehend its mysteries. Those who attempted to forcibly study this book ended up either dead or insane, which was the fate of the original owner of this body.

Therefore, the outside world's understanding of the Crowley Patriarch is limited to Alchemy, rather than Angel Summoning Law Book, or the Magecraft of the Golden System.

As for how he was able to learn Aleister's Magecraft, don't ask...

If you really have to ask, then he doesn't know either. He's not clear about this thing, but the mental damage inside doesn't affect his mind.

In layman's terms, in the Type-Moon World, aliens are the bosses. Earth's Magecraft has no effect on these outsiders; on the contrary, they can easily control them, just like Scáthach's primordial Rune.

Aozaki Touko had built a foundation in replicating Rune Magic, and then studied Scáthach's Primordial Runes. Even after all this time, she had only mastered about three runes. She spent a whole day and night memorizing all the primordial Rune. And she felt that this stuff seemed much easier to learn than the Law Book; at least she didn't have to decipher the meaning of each code.

Whether he actually needs it or not is another matter, but he has definitely mastered it to a basic level. In particular, he is extremely proficient in using the Purification, Magic, and Curse Scrolls, and has even started to speed up the Purification Holy Grail. This has left Scáthach, who has lived for so many years, completely stunned.