Heading to the Witch's Lair (Part 2)

That was the longing of a caged bird for the vast sky outside, accompanied by much fear.

She suddenly felt a little scared. How would she survive alone after she left, knowing nothing? Although Rovey had promised to arrange for most of the Gravekeeper to live in a family settlement, she could live with her family.

However, Gray imagined that when everyone no longer needed to resurrect King Arthur and lift the curse, she would not seem so important anymore, and the Shrine Maiden of King Arthur would have no reason to exist. Rather, it would be more accurate to say that if she continued to appear with that face at that time, she would only cause trouble for everyone and make them continue to recall that sad experience.

So Gray lowered her head, her eyes filled with disappointment. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to adapt to her new life after leaving. And being suddenly separated from her original life, she would inevitably feel anxious and lost about the future.

Rovey had actually anticipated this situation and had already made arrangements and preparations. Rather, he never intended for Gray to return to the Gravekeeper and live her usual life.

Not only would that not bring Gray true happiness, but Gray, possessing the appearance of King Arthur and wielding the Spear of Longinus, would undoubtedly attract the attention of certain individuals with ulterior motives if she lived outside. Therefore, she must be well protected, and keeping her by one's side is undoubtedly the best protection.

Leaving aside the fact that his family is backed by two Lords, the Underground Demon God Pillars —including Lev and the Grand Puppet Master —are all extremely influential figures. Add to that his status after completing the rank exam, and he'll be a truly legendary figure. Anyone who dares to cause trouble for his family is truly asking for trouble. He doesn't even need to lift a finger; the Aristocratic Faction and those trying to curry favor with him will preemptively strike, giving those rats a small shock.

Seeing Gray's worry, Rovey patted Gray head and jokingly asked, "Hmm, didn't Gray say she wanted to repay me? Since Gray doesn't know how to repay me, why don't you come work at my house? My house happens to be short of a clever and capable maid like Gray to take care of those two little devils who like to cause me trouble."

"Go, go to... big brother's house? No, that won't do... I'm too clumsy to take good care of others."

Gray was very surprised by Rovey's invitation, and at the same time she was a little incredulous. She quickly waved her hand, and her tone became nervous.

Although she really wanted to go, she was afraid that her clumsiness would cause Rovey trouble...

However, Rovey simply patted her on the shoulder and continued to offer words of comfort.

"It's okay. My house is big and spacious, so there won't be any problems even if Gray comes along. Besides, Gray is like a newly hatched bird, and she has a lot to learn. In short, just take it slow. As long as you're willing to keep learning, you'll adapt sooner or later."

"And... do you remember the Clock Tower I told you about? At that time, you can also go there to study with the two peers I mentioned. You will learn a lot there and may make many new friends. No one there will care about your appearance. You don't have to be King Arthur's Shrine Maiden, but can live for yourself as Gray."

"No, not Shrine Maiden of King Arthur, but someone who lives for herself... Is such a thing really possible?"

Upon hearing Rovey's description, Gray's eyes welled up with tears, her gaze filled with longing.

Because that was the life she had always longed for.

Not for others, but to live for myself.

When Gray heard that King Arthur had abandoned Britannia and chosen to live for himself, she also longed for him, but she was also somewhat afraid and confused. Now that she heard that she could really do it, she was naturally incredulous and moved.

Rovey made a commitment to this.

Gray can then work as a maid at his house. Her job will be to occasionally take care of the two girls her age, take them to school, and find suitable teachers (Weber, who is about to pass his Level 3 Instructor exam) and guardians (Kenneth, who is obsessed with achieving a multi- Grand Rank and will be overjoyed) for the three of them. All you need to do is enjoy your new life.

If one day Gray feels she no longer needs protection, has truly grown up, is able to take care of herself, has her own new dreams, and can leave the Crowley Family at any time to travel or live her own life.

Upon hearing this condition, which seemed to be an employment arrangement but was actually a way to take care of and help her, Gray was so moved that she burst into tears. She then threw herself into Rovey's arms and cried, and without any doubt, she chose to accept this kind gesture.

In response, Kay exclaimed, "Buhou!" and, wanting to stop this guy from adding fuel to the fire, he spread rumors to try and bring Gray to her senses. This kid already has the style of Merlin back in the day, and his tone was extremely displeased. "It's such a familiar scene. I always feel like we're being led by the nose by this kid and acting according to his ideas."

"Gray, listen to me, this guy definitely has ulterior motives towards you. He's probably just trying to seduce you! I should have known better. Anyone who can be friends with Merlin is either a psychopath or a monster. You have to be careful, don't fall for his spell... Waaah~"

" —Kay!!"

Upon hearing this clearly inappropriate description, Gray's cheeks suddenly flushed red, and she angrily called out Kay's name, after which Kay was physically rendered speechless.

And this time, it wasn't even Rovey who intervened. Gray was also furious to see Kay still harboring such prejudice against Rovey, her benefactor, even in this situation. She shoved Kay into the birdcage and used a bandage Projection by Rovey to temporarily shut his mouth. This infuriated Kay exclaimed, "Gray's siding with outsiders and ignoring you! Do whatever you want!" He then closed his eyes, so angry he went into hibernation. Rovey watched helplessly. However, he was also extremely displeased with Kay's earlier slander.

Although he wasn't actually angry or bothered, he still decided in his heart to start a new research project when he got back, in order to expand his research. Even if Kay wasn't the real Anchor of the Planet, it was still a mythical artifact forged by Witch, and the technology inside was very valuable for research. He could have Tzvia disassemble it and study it when he got back, and he believed that Tsbia would definitely be very interested, given her personality. And watching it being disassembled would undoubtedly be extremely satisfying for him.

Sitting on the steps next to the church, Loewy talked with Gray for a long time about the future. After confirming that he had successfully brought her home, Rovey felt an extremely satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Well, not only have I done another great deed, but this time I've also gained a little angel by my side. The days ahead are getting better and better, and there's more and more hope for the future...

He couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

After they finished talking, the two leaned against the steps and gazed at the night sky together. Gray's face was filled with a happy smile, still looking forward to her future life and the new friends that Rovey had mentioned.

As for Rovey, he began to ponder what Tzvia had told him.

To resolve the Logos React issue and find Lev, go to the church's basement; there's a direct passage there.

This was a suggestion made by Tzvia.

That was also the route he initially took to set up Logos React, and it was also the route Lev took, so going that way was the right way to go.

"The basement..."

Sitting on the steps at the church entrance, Rovey glanced at the closed church behind him, lost in thought.

Although Tzvia said that having a Magus go to a church and tell the Executor to enter the forbidden area was already quite abstract, Rovey initially genuinely intended to do so. He was even prepared to tell them that if they insisted on disagreeing, he would beat them until they agreed. However, the fat priest and the nun were incredibly fast; their figures had long since vanished from the church. When he entered, the entire church was empty, and the Madonna Statue of the Virgin Mary was still staring at him. The thought of Morgan being right at his feet sent chills down Rovey's spine.

After the coordinates provided by the other party were turned off, and after searching for a while without success, Rovey came out to rest for a while, and then asked Gray, "Gray, do you know how to get into the church's basement?"

"No..."

Gray shook her head.

"I didn't know, or rather, I didn't know there was a basement beneath the church before this. Now that Priest Fernand is not here, it should only be my master who knows—"

"Hmm? Is there something you need from me?"

Gray had only spoken halfway when a familiar voice suddenly rang out behind them. This made Rovey raise an eyebrow and turn around to greet him, "Hey, old man, you're finally back."

"I thought you had long forgotten about me. After all, you not only crammed me into the storage room for one night, but you didn't even prepare a single meal for me. In any case, your hospitality is truly unforgettable."

"... Didn't you eat?"

Hearing Rovey's veiled sarcasm, Belsack's expression turned somewhat strange.

But after careful consideration, he suddenly realized that he had indeed left in a hurry last night, and had only arranged for Gray to be in charge of receiving guests, seemingly having completely forgotten about Rovey's meals. He looked at Rovey and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"Sorry, I forgot about you... But at your age, missing a day shouldn't be a problem. I'll take you out to eat when we get back."

Rovey: "... You really have forgotten."

"Master!"

Upon seeing the old man appear, Gray called out his name.

"Good evening, Gray."

His attitude towards Grebel Sack was noticeably more amiable than when he was with Rowe. He said calmly, "What are you doing here with this kid? And so close at that? I just happened to be passing by and saw you. And I think I just heard you mention me, so what exactly happened?"

"Well, that's a long story..."

Rovey stroked his chin, pretending to ponder, and said, "However, this matter should also be important to you, so let Gray explain it to you."

"Important to me?" Belsack's eyes showed a slight hint of suspicion, then he looked at Gray and asked, "What exactly happened?"

"Um... Master, actually, it's like this: first, there was the matter of the village, and then there was the matter of the church's basement—"

"Um?!"

Before Gray could finish speaking, Belsack's aged eyes sharpened immediately upon hearing the unpleasant words "village" and "basement," and a terrifying aura involuntarily emanated from his entire body, causing Gray's delicate body to tremble involuntarily.

"Gray, you..."

But before he could say anything, Rovey, who was sitting on the steps next to Gray, stood up and came directly to his side, placing a hand on Belsack's shoulder, his eyes flashing with a faint blue light—a sign of magic in motion.

In short, an incredibly terrifying power, carrying the authority of the Earth Angel Uriel, was transmitted through his palm to Belsack's shoulder, forcibly controlling the oppressive feeling on his body, causing Belsack's tall body to tremble involuntarily.

"Don't get so worked up... Grandma, I know that place is forbidden territory for you, and even I shouldn't know this secret. But this matter actually has nothing to do with Gray. Can you calm down and listen to what I have to say?"

"You know, I've been left out all day without eating anything, and I'm actually pretty annoyed right now..."

Rovey replied calmly.

Although it was just a simple statement, anyone could hear the threat implied in the words.

And as his voice continued to fall, the Volumen Hydrargyrum hidden in the thermos quietly peeked out and, like a venomous snake, bound Belsack's leg, just as had happened last night.

"..."

Feeling the immense pressure on his shoulders and the icy touch on his legs, Belsack was slightly startled. He then glanced meaningfully at the smiling Rovey behind him, let out a helpless sigh, and could only let Gray continue speaking.

"—Hahaha! Old man, I never thought you'd be suppressed one day."

Seeing Belsack being suppressed, Kay, who had just broken free from the Projection tape, let out a loud laugh.

"Kay!"

This scene made Gray shout anxiously.

Finally, at Gray's request, Rovey raised his finger ahead of time and released Belsack. However, some things were indeed inconvenient to discuss here, so the group pushed open the church doors and went inside. With Fernand absent, this was indeed a very good place to talk.

Squeak—!

The group entered one by one. Belsack then closed the door, and after confirming no one was eavesdropping, he sat back down on the bench. He looked at the trembling Gray and the nonchalant Rovey with a somber gaze, and asked in a low voice, "What exactly happened? How much do you know about the basement and the Gravekeeper Village? Who told you these things?"

"It's that Magus in the windmill. He left behind related images and communications. His name is Tzvia. His full name is too long, I don't remember it."

In response to his question, Rovey answered Gray's question very frankly, "As for the mess in your village, I know more about it than you do. It's not a secret at all. Isn't it just that they intend to use Gray as a vessel for one of the three elements in order to resurrect her? There's a machine in the basement simulating the spirit. What they're missing now is King Arthur's soul."

Upon hearing this, Belsack's face darkened. He glanced at Gray, who had remained silent, and sighed inwardly. He then turned to Rovey and said in a deep voice, "You Magus are truly a bunch of loose tongues, finding out about these things in such a short time. So, what do you want to say to me? This is a ritual performed a thousand years ago, carrying everyone's hopes; it's impossible to stop. Magus, do you have any instructions?"

"If there's nothing else, then leave once you find your tomb raider companion, and never come back."

"So you're also determined to sacrifice Gray?" Rovey's tone grew increasingly cold.

"This has nothing to do with you. Some things are beyond our control. If we want to lift the curse, we have no choice but to..."

Similarly, Belsack's voice became unusually loud, and his aged eyes and tone were no longer as unwavering as before.

"We have to sacrifice others? Ha, you must be joking. This is just another example of this twisted logic."

Without hesitation, Rovey scoffed, "Not to mention that you are simply incapable of doing this, even if you did complete the ritual, you would all be held accountable when Artoria returns."

"You bastard..."

"Shut your mouth and listen to me finish what I have to say."

"Compared to you bunch of fools who call themselves the guardians of King Arthur's tomb, my relationship with King Arthur is far closer than you think. I have seen the real King Arthur with my own eyes."

"..."

At this point, Rovey pressed his hand on the table and looked at Belsack. "I met King Arthur during the Fourth Holy Grail War and formed a very deep friendship with her, so we both know each other's thoughts. Therefore, I can be sure that what you are doing now is not what she would want to see, and as her friend, I will not allow you to defile her like this."

"And do you know what? Gravekeeper, you've already failed. The key to breaking the curse is no longer resurrecting King Arthur, but me."

"What did you say?"

Belsack stared into Rovey's eyes. "What does this mean?"

"Literally, all you need to know is that King Arthur can absolutely not be resurrected now. Because she never died, and right now, I'm the only one in the whole world who can help you break the curse."

"It's that simple," Rovey said calmly.

"—!!"

It was obvious that the amount of information contained in those few short sentences was so enormous that Belsack's original body trembled.

King Arthur did not die...

And he can lift the curse.

Although it's unclear how Rovey managed to do it, this one reason alone is more than enough for him to get involved in the village's affairs.

Belsack looked at Gray, who nodded slightly in her defense of Rovey. Then she took a golden cup from her pocket and gently placed it on the table.

—The Holy Grail.

"!!!"

Without much explanation or words, everything became clear the moment this thing appeared.

Last night, the scene when he saw the Holy Grail was too far away, and there was a barrier between them, so he couldn't see its true nature at all.

At this moment, after seeing the perfect Heaven's Feel with his own eyes, his gaze was completely drawn to this golden cup.

Sacred, great, noble...

'It's absolutely gorgeous...'

Belsack couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, while simultaneously becoming certain that this item could lift the curse.

Now that we can confirm this, that's enough, since this is their greatest wish.

"I never expected this... Not only Avalon, but even the Holy Grail that Galahad found has appeared? It really is fate..."

Belsack sighed, then stood up and walked toward the back door of the church.

"In that case, I have no reason to stop you. On the contrary, the entire village of Gravekeeper should serve you. Come with me. The previous secret passage should have been locked by Fernand after the invasion. But I know a new secret passage that still leads there."

"You just believe it like that? Don't you want to check if the Holy Grail is real or not?" Rovey asked curiously.

"It's meaningless... Even though I'm not a traditional Magus, I can still see the power accumulated in this golden cup. It can definitely save everything."

Belsack shook his head, then said seriously, "So no matter what happens, I can only trust you now."

"That was a wise decision."