Prelude to the End

[Great! Really? Where are you? I'll go back right now.]

However, although Reines received this extremely important news from Lionheart King, because the Holy Grail War was in progress, Reines was worried that it was a trap carefully set by other groups, so she did not act rashly. After all, there was still no news about the most mysterious and unpredictable Caster, so she did not let Sakura return and planned to find out everything before they could reunite.

If it really is Rovey has returned, that would be for the best. But if it's just some trick played by someone else, then since they dared to make such a joke about the person she cherishes most, Reines believes that the other party must have already planned how to die a quick and painless death.

Little did Reines know that while she was considering the truth, Sakura already knew, and that it was also her wish.

"Has your wish come true?"

Upon hearing Sakura's words, Matou Kariya said with some surprise.

"Yes, it's already been achieved, so this Holy Grail War has nothing to do with me anymore."

Sakura nodded gently; at this moment, her heart was completely calm.

Her greatest wish has been fulfilled, and there is no need for the Holy Grail War to continue. I believe Reines feels the same way. Now that things have come to this, the two of them can withdraw.

As for the Holy Grail, Reines probably has no other desires, just like me.

Um...

That's not necessarily the case.

Although their wishes have now been fulfilled, Reines may still have her own ideas, such as obtaining the Holy Grail, then wishing to marry her Rovey, and becoming her mother before her sister Aoko.

Thinking of this, a rare look of annoyance appeared on Sakura's face, especially when she recalled what Rovey had told her yesterday about the stepmother he had found for her in another world, and Miss Merry from the Tohsaka Family, who made no attempt to hide it and even said that even if she wasn't suitable to be a wife, she could still be a mistress.

Sakura could easily foresee how Reines and Aoko would react upon hearing the news; the situation would undoubtedly spiral out of control once again.

After much deliberation, she decided that she should not go back for the time being, but instead stay with Matou Kariya to avoid trouble.

Although she really wanted to be with Rovey, the thought of Reines and Aoko's future behavior gave her a strange sense of fear and headache.

Sure enough, when parents argue, it's always the children who suffer the most.

However, speaking of Aoko...

Even Sakura couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Aoko Sister, didn't Manaka Sajyou say she'd wait for them in Fuyuki City? She just wanted them to gradually progress to the final stages of the Holy Grail War and enjoy the event. But it's been so long and there's still no news.

She had initially thought that Aoko would end up with her sister, but Rin Tohsaka was unaware of the situation.

This puzzled Sakura, and a sense of foreboding rose in her heart as well.

Given Aoko and Manaka Sajyou's personalities, it's fine if they bicker and argue, but if they suddenly become quiet and behave abnormally, it doesn't mean they're changing their ways; it means they're up to something big.

Sakura genuinely felt that Aoko might be up to something big.

Thinking of Aoko's personality and her methods, Sakura couldn't help but shudder.

However, recalling Rovey's figure, she wasn't actually worried.

After all, no matter what trouble Aoko and Manaka Sajyou cause, it's always for Rovey's sake. And now that he's back, even if they cause trouble, Rovey will definitely be able to handle it.

That person, no matter when or where, was always her great hero.

Thinking this, Sakura and Matou Kariya sat down again and continued chatting about their lives over the years, as if the outside world had nothing to do with them.

Only Shinji Matou to the side, was puzzled; he genuinely envied those who had access to the demonic path.

So he pulled his father aside and asked him.

Could I inherit the Matou Family's magic arts? Although they were said to have been burned to the ground a long time ago, surely some remnants remain?

Even if it's just a little bit, he wants to learn it, and then he'll find a way to make up for and revitalize the Matou Family.

However, upon hearing his lofty ambitions, especially his desire to revive the Matou Family's magic, Byakuya Matou and Matou Kariya beside him, changed their expressions and then exchanged a glance.

Immediately afterwards.

"Kariya, close the door for me."

Byakuya Matou picked up a feather duster and then spoke to his brother.

Meanwhile, Matou Kariya quickly closed the door and thoughtfully sealed the window. He then picked up a feather duster and stood with Byakuya Matou. The two of them looked at Shinji Matou, their faces dark.

"What, what did you do?"

Upon witnessing the behavior of these two, Shinji Matou felt a sense of foreboding.

"It's nothing, I'm just helping you correct that wrong mindset."

"Shinji, just go and drown your unrealistic ideals!"

Accompanied by a rhythmic tapping.

That night, after so many years, the Matou Family mansion was once again filled with a sound comparable to the wailing of a demon.

Furthermore, Shinji Matou witnessed firsthand what hell truly meant.

--

"Um... let's make this clear first!"

At the Tohsaka Family, Rin Tohsaka silently picked up a bag full of jewels from the table, and after a moment of silence, suddenly stood up.

"No matter how much money you offer me, I will never admit defeat in the Holy Grail War!"

"Yeah?"

Luvia calmly sipped her tea, then tossed two more packets of jewels.

"..."

At this moment, Rin Tohsaka's expression slowly became conflicted.

Luvia was not surprised at all.

Although Rin Tohsaka had just appeared righteous and awe-inspiring, it wasn't like she hadn't encountered this kind of person before.

As long as the price is right.

Then time would flow backward.

Even words spoken can be taken back.

The other person will then change from saying "I'm not that kind of person" to "Don't treat me like a human being," and "Don't care, let's continue."

Therefore, in most cases, she doesn't mind getting the treasures she wants this way.

After all, in her eyes, most of the treasures she wanted were priceless, so buying them was a sure win.

Even her participation in the Holy Grail War was merely to compete with Rin Tohsaka; of course, she wouldn't use money to buy a victory or deceive herself.

As for today...

The situation is somewhat different now.

Her reason for coming here was quite simple; it wasn't for herself, but for other people.

"It wasn't me who came to find you; there was someone else."

Faced with Rin Tohsaka's questioning, Luvia took a sip of tea and then spoke calmly.

After a while, she clapped her hands lightly, as if activating some mechanism. Soon, the door of the Tohsaka Family was pushed open gently by an unknown force, as if it were under her control.

This scene made Rin Tohsaka's brows twitch wildly.

"Isn't this my home? Why are you acting so casually?"

"I know, that's why the money I just gave you was for renting your place."

Luvia continued calmly, without even looking up.

"They've arrived now."

As the words fell softly, three beautiful figures appeared at the door without warning and walked straight in.

The newcomers were Reines, Richard I, and Gray, dressed as a maid.

"Um... hello, sorry to bother you."

Out of politeness, Gray bowed slightly to Rin Tohsaka as she entered the room to express her apology.

"Oh, so this is the workshop or residence of other Magus?"

Lionheart King looked around and then remarked casually, "It is indeed much more shabby than Master's mansion. It seems that not all Magus are nobles after all."

These words made Rin Tohsaka's eyebrows twitch violently.

These guys not only trespassed into other people's homes without permission, but they also have the nerve to complain like that?

However, she did not erupt in anger, but remained silently seated.

There is no other reason.

Because apart from Lionheart King, the other two were acquaintances, people she knew.

One is Reines, Rovey's nominal fiancée and one of the leading figures of the El-Melloi Faction. She has always been at odds with Aoko- sensei. Since Reines often appears with her sister, it's impossible for her not to recognize her.

On the other side is Gray, who has always been by Reines' side. In London, the two of them, like Sakura, are very popular, even more famous than Luvia. In any case, she has no right to say anything.

These are all big shots in London.

"It's been a long time, Sakura's Rin Tohsaka."

Compared to the other two who were still standing, Reines was quite unceremonious. From the moment she entered the house, she went straight to sit opposite Rin Tohsaka and sat down next to Luvia without any hesitation, seemingly oblivious to Rin Tohsaka's complicated feelings at that moment.

Today was the day she asked Luvia to lead the way, because she wanted to talk to Rin Tohsaka.

Based on the information given to her by Lionheart King, Reines directly contacted Luvia, who had arrived a few days earlier. Luvia said that Rovey had been staying at Rin Tohsaka's house for the past few days, so Reines came here without hesitation.

Rather than slowly gathering intelligence, some things are much faster to get straight to the point and act quickly.

So, upon entering, she didn't say anything as usual, disregarding etiquette, but instead hurriedly sat down Rin Tohsaka. Before Rin Tohsaka could speak, she asked her directly:

"Where is Brother Rovey? Where is he now? What is your relationship with him? When did he start living with you? You two shouldn't have done anything strange, right?" This was a barrage of strange questions.

"Ha?"

At this moment, Rin Tohsaka, who was initially a little nervous seeing Reines's aggressive demeanor, was slightly taken aback upon hearing these questions.

She looked at Reines with utter disbelief, her eyes seeming to say something.

'So you didn't come with Luvia to take care of me?'

However, she didn't have time to think about it further.

Reines's face was already close to hers, her eyes incredibly serious and filled with urgency, as if she were saying...

Look me straight in the eye, then answer my question!

Seeing the terrifying aura emanating from her, Rin Tohsaka involuntarily swallowed hard.

She had a strange premonition that if anything had actually happened between her and Rovey today, he might very well have taken her away.

Thinking this, Rin Tohsaka silently raised her head.

Then she saw Reines's terrifying eyes again.

Now she can be sure...

That wasn't her imagination!

Chapter 392: The Prelude to the End

This feeling...

An ominous atmosphere.

With Reines watching her intently the whole time, Rin Tohsaka was starting to panic.

This feeling was like being targeted by some top-tier hunter.

She even had a vague premonition that if something had actually happened between her and Rovey, Reines might really have torn her to pieces today.

Moreover, being constantly stared at and relentlessly pressed made even her feel a little guilty.

"Um... I..."

Rin Tohsaka nervously tried to defend herself, but quickly realized that she didn't seem to have anything to say.

Yeah, why should I feel guilty?

She's completely innocent, so what does she have to be afraid of?

The next moment, Rin Tohsaka suddenly realized a key point about the matter.