An Unexpected Partner

Rovey shrugged and continued, "They simply want to extract some benefits from the Clock Tower and have an excuse to report back. If they can actually trick us into going there, that would be even better. Then they can spread the word that ' the Clock Tower's Magus and Lord personally came to the church to atone for their sins to the Almighty Lord,' damaging the Clock Tower's reputation. The so-called the Church, constantly waving the Lord's banner, claiming fairness and mercy, but if that were truly the case, would there be so many lunatics or the Dead Apostle Ancestor within it? I know exactly what they're up to. They can even condemn each other as heretics and start trials because of different interpretations of the Bible. Where is the so-called mercy and justice? They're all a bunch of extremists."

"It's not much better than the Clock Tower's rotten and chaotic interior. It's just... a mere Christianity. In this age where gods no longer exist, don't be too arrogant."

Rovey picked up the white porcelain cup and took a sip of the black tea that Reines had personally brewed for the two of them. He then pulled Reines to his side, indicating that she didn't need to be so reserved and could just sit down. Then, with a look of disgust, he continued to discuss the matter with Kenneth.

However, this matter was a bit beyond what Reines could handle, especially after hearing Rovey's sharp and incisive comments. Her small eyes were filled with shock. Because Rovey had not only criticized the Church, but also the Clock Tower, and he had done so in front of Kenneth, the Clock Tower's Lord, who valued Aristocratic Faction the most.

'No, brother, are you really that brave? Rumoring about the Clock Tower like that, won't Uncle be angry?'

"No, no, I must stop my uncle and plead for my brother."

Reines was shocked by Rovey's astonishing words, but even so, she instinctively moved closer to Rovey, gripping his sleeve tightly, ready to plead with Kenneth on his behalf at any moment.

"Hmph, who can argue with that? The so-called church discriminates against Magus, but how are they any better than Magus themselves? The Clock Tower is chaotic and rotten enough, but aren't those guys just as bad? They've divided the Bible into several doctrines, so what right do they have to criticize us?"

However, Kenneth didn't refute Rovey's outrageous words at all; instead, he gave a disdainful sneer.

As a Lord of the Mineralogy Department, how could he not know the extent of the Clock Tower's decay? He also quite agreed with Rovey's sharp assessment.

However, he couldn't say it due to his status, but it wouldn't hurt to say it to his heir and the junior he had promoted, who was also the other party's future wife.

And...

Noticing Reines's tense and worried expression about Rovey, Kenneth couldn't help but laugh, and his mood inexplicably improved.

I was initially worried that the two of them might be resistant because of their age difference, but it seems they get along quite well now.

How long has it been? In about two hours, they were walking in hand-in-hand, and Reines was even starting to worry about and care for Rovey. This speed of progress even made Kenneth inwardly exclaim, 'Well done!!'

How come he never noticed before that he, a student who spent all his time in the Magic Workshop, had such talent? This progress is so much faster than what he and Sola-Ui went through...

For Kenneth now, nothing is more important than bringing Rovey into Archibald and forming a new branch of the main family.

Therefore, Kenneth, who was very satisfied, gave Rovey and Reines opposite him a very pleased look and a suggestive expression.

"Young people, how youthful they are..."

Thinking that Kenneth was extremely satisfied with his proposal and was expressing his approval, Rovey nodded slightly. Meanwhile, Reines, who knew everything, blushed bright red after seeing Kenneth's teasing expression, and then continued to nestle obediently beside Rovey.

Kenneth then personally inquired about Rovey inside story of the Holy Grail War that occurred after he left.

That night, when he saw on the news that Scáthach and Gilgamesh were fighting a cataclysmic battle, the heavens and earth trembled, mountains crumbled, and everything shook. He was thinking of going back to find Rovey, but before he could even set off, Aozaki Touko knocked him unconscious and dumped him in a hotel. When he woke up, it was all over. However, at the time, he was only worried about whether Rovey was alright and didn't pay attention to the details. Now, he realized what had happened and wanted to ask who had won that Holy Grail War.

Finally, with Matou Zouken's death and the departure of himself and Weber, only Kirei Kotomine, Emiya Kiritsugu, and Rovey remained. In other words, one of them emerged victorious and made a wish for everything to be restored, cleaning up the mess.

Based on his understanding of Emiya Kiritsugu and Kirei Kotomine, those two couldn't possibly have that kind of awareness, so...

The winner is quite obvious.

Then, Rovey didn't hide anything and directly admitted that he had won, and made a wish to restore everything.

He turned to Kenneth and asked if his actions were correct in Kenneth's eyes.

"..."

Kenneth did not answer Rovey's question.

Because he knew very well that the reason this matter could be handled so simply and properly was based on Rovey's wish; otherwise, the matter would never have been suppressed so easily.

Giving up the readily available all-powerful wish-granting machine in order to resurrect all the dead people and things could even be described as foolish, but the courage and enlightenment hidden behind it are equally immeasurable.

Is this behavior noble or foolish?

He didn't know, but Kenneth didn't choose to ask for an answer.

Because only the person who asked is the real fool.

According to the rules of the Holy Grail War, Rovey was the final victor. How the Holy Grail War Holy Grail is used is Rovey's own business. He has done everything in his power to help himself and everyone else, so—

"I don't know, but..."

In response to Rovey's question, Kenneth stood up and shook his head, then spoke very frankly. However, at that moment, a hint of relief and affection appeared in his eyes as he looked at Rovey and Reines beside him.

"Rovey Crowley, my most outstanding student, as your teacher, I will always be proud of you."

Gone were his usual sharp tongue and overt arrogance. At this moment, Kenneth resembled a kind father or a teacher pleased to see his disciple's progress, revealing his most genuine expression—a rare occurrence.

"Uncle..."

This scene shocked Reines, but Rovey simply nodded and replied without any politeness, "Of course, after all, I am Professor Kenneth's disciple, so naturally I should make you feel gratified, shouldn't I?"

"Hmph, brat, while I feel relieved, I'm mostly still feeling the heart attack you gave me, okay?"

They exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly, and the reunion of master and apprentice, who had gone through thick and thin together, ended in laughter.

Kenneth had other things to attend to, so after handing the contract to Rovey so he could sign it with Aozaki Touko, he sent Rovey away.

Before leaving, Rovey surprisingly suggested that he and Reines could stay at his house for a while. Kenneth couldn't have been happier.

Kenneth had originally planned to take Reines and Sakura back together in a few days. However, Sakura is currently shopping in London with her fiancée. He had originally planned to go with her, but he's been too busy lately to find the time.

However, it's not a big problem. Sola-Ui will come back to him tomorrow anyway, and then he can send Sakura back. In any case, let Reines and Rovey go back first. Getting to know each other and cultivating their relationship is a very important thing before the engagement.

Kenneth was very satisfied with his arrangements and development, and he even sent his own car to take the two of them away. As for Reines's luggage and other belongings, he would have them transported there soon.

There's no need to rush back, or rather, it's best not to come back at all. Just settle down here.

"Well then, when you get back, get yourself in good shape, Rovey. I'll be rescheduling your advancement exam and ceremony soon. You need to make up for what you've been neglecting. Yulifis, Barthomeloi, and I will all be there as spectators. You'd better deliver something truly amazing. In short—don't let me down, Rovey."

Before getting into the car, Kenneth made a point of reminding him of this again.

'The ascension ceremony... is it a direct path to Grand Rank?'

Rovey was both amused and exasperated by his instructions.

He had almost forgotten that he was still just a Festival Rank.

However, none of that mattered anymore. More than the so-called advancement ceremony, he wanted to go home and see his family. His assistant must be furious by now that he'd been missing for so long.

"Well then, see you soon, Mr. Kenneth."

Rovey nodded, then called out goodbye to Kenneth, picked up Reines, got into the car, and drove away.

His movements were swift and decisive, as if he had never intended to come here at all.

"That bastard... he only remembers me when he's short of money and materials, doesn't he?"

Watching Rovey's actions, Kenneth immediately felt his heart racing again.

However, thinking of the situation of Rovey and Reines, and the fact that he now had an excellent grand-disciple by his side, a victor's smile appeared on his face.

It doesn't matter, we'll all be family soon anyway.

Otherwise, how could a Lord /Lord so easily take advantage of someone?

Only Rovey would dare to plunder so freely in his house.

Kenneth had no need to be wary of this heir, since his future was already in the man's hands.

The El-Melloi Faction has an abundance of funding, materials, and reputation.

In exchange for these things, we can gain Rovey, Ying, such great future support, and even better bloodline improvements.

No matter how you look at it, he's the one who profits more.

Chapter 105 An Unexpected Partner

As dusk fell, in a rather remote location in the suburbs of London.

One of them is a large European-style manor house that is completely surrounded by mountains and hills.

This is the home where Rovey lived, which is also the residence of the Crowley Family.

Although the Crowley Family is considered a relatively well-known family in the Clock Tower, they are far inferior to the Lord families in terms of wealth and prestige. Therefore, even though they can establish themselves in London, they cannot achieve the same level of support as older noble families like Archibald, Yulifis, Barthomeloi, who possess multiple Leyline and a vast family estate.

They could only build their family settlement on a piece of land relatively far from the Clock Tower, and they controlled a high-quality Ley Line of normal size and a small branch Ley Line. This was the foundation of the family's existence, apart from Alchemy.

After all, a Ley Line in the London area, in terms of its nature, location, and quality, is far Far East to any Ley Line in the Far East. Rather, it's more accurate to say that any Mage Families that can establish itself in London is exceptional; it's simply wishful thinking to expect to have a family without enough high-ranking Magus or outstanding inherited Magecraft.

Even within the Crowley Family, generations of Magus have been unable to fully comprehend the contents of the Law Book, yet through generations of accumulated knowledge, they have still managed to produce several Pride Magus. For example, his parents were both highly respected Noble Ladies, and were among the most famous Alchemy in the world, second only to the Atlas Institute Pride.

Originally, due to the deaths of two high-ranking Magus, even with the inherited Source Mark, this family would inevitably decline, typically ending up with its resources being divided among other families and then driven out of London. Even more ruthless individuals have already set their sights on the Source Mark in Rovey's possession, intending to completely annihilate the family and make it their own.

However, because the Crowley Family's system is so unique, with a clear dividing line between Alchemy and Magecraft, plundering it is not something that can be done easily, and even if one obtains the Magecraft, they may not be able to use it immediately. Therefore, many people cannot rush into taking action.

The deaths of two high-ranking [Pride] Magus would indeed have a significant impact, but not enough to wipe them out in one fell swoop. Because of their family's good relationship with the Mineralogy Department and El-Melloi, and the current head of the Lord Archibald Family's attitude towards the lineage, after Kenneth expressed his protective stance, few Magus dared to challenge the monarchical family for Alchemy they weren't even sure they could inherit. At most, they only managed to seize most of the Crowley Family's assets in Britain, causing them some financial strain.

Later, Rovey frequently visited Kenneth's house to freeload, and when buying things, he always used Kenneth's card, which gradually filled the gap.

These disturbances only truly subsided after he rose from the position of [Cause] to [Festival Rank] and was taken in by Kenneth as his personal disciple. Otherwise, those despicable ravenous dogs would certainly still be eyeing the Crowley Family covetously and would never have given up so easily.

It was precisely because Rovey had received so much kindness from Kenneth during that period—Kenneth, as his mentor, had shielded him from most of the prying eyes, thus preserving his foundation and allowing him to continue his clandestine development until he reached his current state—that Rovey sought to save Kenneth, doing everything in his power to prevent his death and ensure his survival.

Now Kenneth's fate has changed. After this, he will probably stay in London obediently and won't participate in any Magecraft rituals he doesn't understand anymore. I can finally rest assured.

As for the [Hallcraft], he will soon write it down in a handbook and give it to Kenneth as a reward for his long-term care.

Even the Crowley Family, the so-called legacy, is no longer so important after all that has been accomplished; Rovey could simply give it to Kenneth.

Kenneth took Reines back to her family home in his limousine.

Ignoring the greeting from a completely unfamiliar maid at the door, Rovey led her directly to his room, study, and Magic Workshop for a tour, familiarizing her with the layout.

He then summoned a reasonably trustworthy butler and instructed him to take Reines to a room she liked and settle in. As for the workshop key, after packing away some unsuitable or extremely dangerous magic books, Rovey casually tossed it to her, allowing her to browse his notes and the information in the magic books. She could use anything in the workshop if she wanted to conduct experiments. He had other things to attend to, and Hallcraft was undoubtedly a pipe dream for a beginner; he wanted her to build a solid foundation here first, prioritizing learning Magecraft she liked.

As a member of a large, ninth-generation Mage Families, Reines had naturally already completed her basic magical studies at home. After she collected the dangerous materials from King Solomon's scriptures, Demon Summoning, the Silver Star, the Necronomicon, and the Law Book, only basic mineral science, Alchemy Magecraft, Magecraft, tarot cards, and some mythological texts and storybooks about King Arthur, the King of Heroes, the King of Conquerors, and Christianity remained. Therefore, she could freely peruse the magical books without any problems.

Upon hearing that she could freely enter and leave Rovey's study and workshop, Reines was flattered and surprised, her small eyes filled with astonishment as she looked at Rovey. After all, what kind of Magus would hand over the key to their Magic Workshop on the very first day they met? The Magic Workshop was arguably Magus's most important area. It stored their research results and countless secrets, and it was absolutely forbidden for outsiders to enter. Only truly trusted people, close friends, descendants, and lovers were allowed to enter. Reines never imagined that she could enter Rovey's Magic Workshop so soon after meeting him. Didn't this mean—

He trusts her deeply, cares about her a lot, and has already considered her an important person!

Thinking of this, Reines's face involuntarily flushed with a "whoosh!" Especially after seeing so many magic books that she had no right to touch at home, her gaze was completely drawn to them.

People who aren't family don't enter the same door.

Finally, with Rovey's encouragement and permission, she bravely chose a handwritten mage manual about the control and application of fluids, specifically 'wind and water'. This book was an El-Melloi tome given to Rovey by Kenneth, written by Kenneth himself to help his chosen student master the Volumen Hydrargyrum. He had given Rovey a handwritten copy to study, but Rovey barely looked at it; it had been gathering dust on the bookshelf. He even used the Volumen Hydrargyrum only as a supplementary Mystic Code to conceal his true spells or for emergencies.

Rovey wasn't too surprised by her choice. After all, it was normal for the Kenneth family to be interested in Volumen Hydrargyrum. He also thought Reines made a good choice, since Volumen Hydrargyrum was indeed an outstanding costume.

"... Brother."

Then, under Reines's surprised and expectant gaze, Rovey handed the book, along with the vials of Volumen Hydrargyrum that Kenneth had given him, to Reines, telling her to study them at her leisure in her room. If she got hungry, she could ask the butler; if she got sleepy, she could just sleep. His room was quite large and clean; he'd hardly ever stayed there. He had to leave for a while because he had something to attend to.

Reines was deeply moved to receive so many things from Rovey that she had never dared to hope for before. She behaved very well and did not bother or continue to pester Rovey. Instead, she chose to quietly read books in his room.

"Well then, see you tonight, Reines."

"Yes, elder brother."

Although he could tell that Reines was still a little reserved around him, Rovey didn't intend to correct her. Perhaps it was just because she wasn't familiar with him yet, so he figured she would get used to it naturally once she stayed here longer.

So after explaining everything, Rovey waved to her and quickly left, as he had very important things to do.

After all, the butler had just delivered a letter to him when he returned; that letter was left by his partner.

The gist of it is. "If that damn Crowley comes back, he'd better get his ass over here right now. What kind of nonsense is it to run off alone to participate in the Holy Grail War, leaving me the first person underground to research rituals? Come back here immediately!!"

Even through words, Rovey could imagine his partner's anger at that moment. In addition, he knew that he was in the wrong this time, so he didn't dare to delay any longer. After settling Reines in, he set off directly to his secret base in his forbidden area to find his long-lost partner.

"Hehehe... Brother, brother... Big brother..."

Watching Rovey's figure gradually disappear into the distance until he was gone, Reines, sitting on the bed, breathed a slight sigh of relief. Her previous elegance and nobility vanished, replaced by a genuine smile that had nothing to do with elegance.

"That's wonderful, elder brother..."

She lay on the bed, covering her smiling face with a pillow, trying her best to maintain the elegance her uncle had reminded her of, but even with her best efforts, the smile on her face was still hard to control.

Finally, she reached out her little hand and pinched her face until it hurt so much that tears came to her eyes, proving that this was not a dream. Only then did Reines let out a long sigh of relief.

'At least it's not a dream...'

After all, she wouldn't even dare to imagine such a thing, not even in her dreams.

'If this is truly a dream, please never let you wake up, because this dream is just too beautiful...'

After laughing for a while, Reines suddenly realized, 'This won't do. I have to be elegant and proper. I can't let my brother—no, my husband—laugh at me, and I certainly can't embarrass him.' So she calmed herself down and regained her composure.

Only...

"Hehehehe... No, I can't control it at all."

After trying it for a while, she suddenly couldn't help but laugh because of the happiness beside her. Then, her petite body lay comfortably on Rovey's bed, looking at the chandelier specially arranged in the shape of Silver Star above her head. She held the newborn in one hand and slowly stretched out her white little hand.

"It's my brother's scent... mysterious, reassuring, and warm..." Reines murmured softly. (In reality, Rovey slept in the forbidden area with his partner every day and rarely returned to this room to rest.)