As a Ninja, I Only Want to Live Off Others in Type-Moon Chapter 50

"Of course. Gathering intelligence is a required course for Magi. We came here for the legendary Rainbow-level Mystic Eye," Theresa said, adjusting her glasses with poise and composure.

Higashino Kanade's expression turned a little strange. He noticed a rather lewd wooden carving hanging around Theresa's neck, the kind with a man and woman embracing. Could Theresa be some old pervert too?

"This is a Mystic Eye interference tool. Please don't think strange things."

As if noticing Higashino Kanade's odd gaze, Theresa explained proactively, "This is the Mystic Eyes Collection Train. As a Magus, it's perfectly normal for me to carry protective equipment that interferes with Mystic Eyes."

"I see. Magi really do have all sorts of tricks," Higashino Kanade sighed sincerely. Even as a ninja, he did not have this many fancy methods.

"Did you come here to find Waver too?" Higashino Kanade asked again.

"Yes. We did come to find Lord El-Melloi II this time. We intend to cooperate with him to bid for the Rainbow-level Mystic Eye," Olga Marie answered.

"Are you still not giving up? What's so good about participating in a Holy Grail War? I'd avoid one if I could," Higashino Kanade advised kindly.

"What does that have to do with you?!"

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Olga Marie said angrily, "Whether I participate in the Holy Grail War is my business! What right does a mere mercenary like you have to give advice to a noble like me? Besides, even if I don't participate in the Holy Grail War, buying a Rainbow-level Mystic Eye will strengthen my Animusphere faction. No matter how you look at it, it's all benefit and no harm."

Why is this girl so stubborn?

Higashino Kanade felt somewhat helpless. Olga Marie was one of his favorite characters from the story, and he did not want to see her get killed off ahead of time.

Moreover, in the original story, Olga Marie had not participated in the Holy Grail War. The reason she was now so determined to go was probably the butterfly effect caused by him. Higashino Kanade felt that he bore a great deal of responsibility.

"Mr. Uchiha, could we speak privately?" Theresa suddenly suggested.

"Theresa, do you have something you want to say to him? Is there something I'm not allowed to know?" Olga Marie crossed her arms unhappily.

Theresa calmly bent down beside Olga Marie's ear and whispered a few words.

Olga Marie snorted reluctantly and waved at the two of them. "Go on, but come back quickly."

"Please follow me."

Theresa tugged on Higashino Kanade's sleeve and led him to a carriage farther back.

"What did you say to Young Lady Olga? How did you get her to listen so obediently?" Higashino Kanade asked curiously.

"You seem to have some misunderstandings about Marie. I merely said that I would persuade you to persuade Lord El-Melloi II to help us. Though Marie is young, she is more mature than many adults. She rarely acts on impulse and has the mindset of a mature Magus. It's just that..."

Theresa paused and looked at Higashino Kanade with a complicated expression, as though the cabbage she had raised for years had been rooted by a pig.

"You are somewhat special to Marie. I don't know why, but whenever she sees you, she always becomes rather childish."

"Oh? Aren't you mistaken? We've only met a few times!" Higashino Kanade was confused. He was not Emiya Shirou; he did not have some cursed attraction to women!

"Friendship has little to do with how long people have known each other. Hitting it off at first sight is exactly like this."

After gathering herself, Theresa spoke seriously. "Since she was young, everyone Marie encountered approached her because of her status. All they wanted was to receive Lord Animusphere's favor. But you are different. The way you look at Marie is very pure, as though you see her as an ordinary person. I think Marie realized that too, which is why she treats you so specially."

It's all because the others made me look good. Higashino Kanade thought this, but only gave an awkward laugh on the surface.

Indeed, as someone from another world, Higashino Kanade had no real sense of what a Lord was. He felt they were merely ordinary people who happened to be more impressive. When humanity was incinerated, they would die just the same.

Even Goetia, the final boss, had still been defeated by a group of newbie Masters like them, hadn't he?

So, regarding Olga Marie, who had been killed off in the prologue, Higashino Kanade could only see her as an ordinary person. He even found her somewhat pitiable.

PS: First update.

Lord's Deal ### "So why did you seek me out for a private conversation? It can't be to discuss friendship, right?"

Higashino Kanade leaned sideways against the wall. His bright amber eyes were clear and empty, reflecting Theresa's figure with perfect clarity, as though they could see through people's hearts.

"I will persuade Marie not to participate in the Holy Grail War."

Theresa paused, guilt appearing on her face. "We came to the Mystic Eyes Collection Train for only two things. The first is to purchase what may be a Rainbow-level Mystic Eye. As for the second... forgive me, but I cannot tell you."

"If I'm not mistaken, you're carrying out that second matter behind Young Lady Olga's back as well, aren't you?" Higashino Kanade scrutinized her.

"...As expected, I can't hide it from you."

Theresa fell silent for a moment before revealing a self-mocking smile. "Although you are around Marie's age, whenever I face you, I feel as though I'm facing the head of a great family. The Magus education you received while growing up must have been excellent."

"Don't make things up about me. I'm really not as outstanding as you think." Higashino Kanade spread his hands helplessly. "The fact that you could leave Young Lady Olga behind to speak with me alone means there must be things she cannot hear. That's just basic deduction."

"You really are different. Every genius I have met in the past was arrogant, practically wishing they could write the word 'genius' on their faces. But you are so modest. It would be wonderful if Marie had even half your composure." Theresa smiled, her beautiful eyes full of admiration.

"Let's talk about why you came to see me."

Afraid that Theresa would continue misunderstanding him, Higashino Kanade hurriedly changed the subject.

"I came to see you for two things. First, I hope that you will not bring up the Holy Grail War in front of Marie again. Marie is a stubborn person. The more you think she can't do something, the more she will insist on proving herself to you. I know you are worried about her too, but leave persuading her to me."

Did my good intentions end up causing trouble?

Higashino Kanade's lips twitched. Tsundere characters really were hard to understand.

"Fine." Higashino Kanade agreed without hesitation.

"The second matter is that I hope you can persuade Lord El-Melloi II to cooperate with us. We came this time to purchase Mystic Eyes. I hope Lord El-Melloi II will also take part in the auction for the Rainbow-level Mystic Eye and compete with us, then withdraw at an appropriate price."

"You intend to pressure the other buyers?" Higashino Kanade had seen enough of the world to immediately understand what Theresa was thinking.

"Yes. I don't believe any Magus would dare offend two Lords at once." Theresa nodded, fully confident.

"Once this is done, the Animusphere Family will provide benefits to the El-Melloi family. We will definitely satisfy you."

After listening, Higashino Kanade stretched and said lazily, "Coming to me is completely unnecessary. Waver simply does not have the funds to buy a Rainbow-level Mystic Eye. As long as you offer him compensation, he'll be more than willing to cooperate. I imagine he also wants the Animusphere Family to owe him a favor."

"Is that so? With your assurance, I'm relieved." Theresa's expression eased considerably. Higashino Kanade was Waver's student in name, so he should understand Waver's personality better than outsiders like them.

"That is all. I will provide you with compensation later. Marie is probably getting impatient, so let us return first."

"There's no need for compensation." Higashino Kanade waved a hand. "I didn't really help with anything. I'm already satisfied just getting to look at your Young Lady's stockings a few more times."

"You truly are an outlier among Magi." Theresa pushed up her glasses with a gratified expression.

Magi were all people who pursued profit. In Theresa's eyes, even after beating Olga Marie, Higashino Kanade had never taken the chance to extort benefits from the Animusphere Family. Instead, he used something as harmless as "looking at stockings" to brush aside any agreement. He was practically the conscience of Magi.

It would be wonderful if Marie could put down her pride and become good friends with Uchiha Kanade. Theresa hoped inwardly, though she knew that with Olga Marie's proud personality, such a thing could not become reality anytime soon.

After Higashino Kanade reunited with Theresa and Olga Marie, he went to convey Olga Marie's desire to form an alliance to Waver.

Upon hearing it, Waver immediately changed clothes and went to negotiate.

After a round of bargaining between the two sides in the carriage, the result was just as Higashino Kanade had expected. Waver ultimately agreed to Olga Marie's request for an alliance.

"I couldn't tell, but Young Lady Olga is quite capable."

Having witnessed the entire negotiation, Higashino Kanade sincerely praised Olga Marie's eloquence.

Olga Marie held the upper hand throughout the negotiation. Her analysis was logical and well-supported, leaving Waver stunned time and again. In the end, he could only agree to the terms Olga Marie proposed.

At the negotiating table, Olga Marie displayed all the refinement of a noble. Despite her young age, she possessed the bearing of a family head, composed and calm. Higashino Kanade could hardly connect her to the flustered girl she became around him.

It was no wonder that after the old director died, the young Olga Marie had been able to shoulder the operation of all Chaldea by herself.

"Ugh—"

Grea, beside Higashino Kanade, swayed dizzily and nearly vomited several times. Her motion sickness still looked quite severe.

Seeing this, Higashino Kanade could not help feeling worried. If Grea remained in such poor condition, he would probably have to fight alone.

The negotiations ended, and both sides left.

Just as Waver and the others were preparing to return to their rooms to rest, 'Caules' suddenly ran over with a panicked expression.

"Teacher, someone just slipped this under the door. Please take a look."

Caules handed over a note. Waver took it and read it, his expression gradually turning ugly.

"The thief who stole my Holy Relic wants me to wait for him in the last carriage at dusk."

"Oh?"

Higashino Kanade cast a meaningful glance at 'Caules.' This was not part of the plan Hartless had told him about.

As though he had not noticed Higashino Kanade's gaze, 'Caules' asked anxiously, "Teacher, what do you plan to do?"

"We have too little information right now. We can only take things one step at a time."

Waver frowned deeply, folded the note, and slipped it into his pocket. Then he looked at Higashino Kanade. "Uchiha, Grea isn't doing well. I'm counting on you tonight."

"I-I'm sorry..."

With a pale face, Grea apologized weakly. As a country girl who had never left her village, she had no resistance at all to a train running along a Ley Line.

"I'll do my best, but if I can't beat them, remember to run."

Higashino Kanade did not dare overpromise. After all, he had never fought a Servant before and did not know how strong they were.

It was still morning, and there was a long time before the appointed hour. Waver thus decided to take Grea and Caules to continue gathering intelligence.

At noon, the train stopped, allowing all passengers to get out and stretch their legs.

Taking advantage of the fact that most people were away, Higashino Kanade cornered 'Caules' and dragged him into an empty carriage.

PS: Second update.

Servant: Hephaestion ### Higashino Kanade shoved hard, slamming 'Caules' directly against the carriage wall.

"Ow, ow, ow!" 'Caules' rubbed his aching arm and complained to Higashino Kanade, "Uchiha, what do you want from me? Can't we talk properly?"

"Quit pretending. You're making me sick."

Higashino Kanade suddenly planted a foot on the wall beside 'Caules' right hand. After spinning the sharp kunai around his index finger in a graceful circle, he pressed it beneath 'Caules' chin.

"This is different from the plan you told me. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

A bone-chilling cold shone in Higashino Kanade's eyes, and he made no attempt to conceal his killing intent.

The plan Hartless had told him about only involved using Waver to complete the ritual for summoning a Servant, then stealing the Mystic Eye that the Mystic Eyes Collection Train kept as its prized treasure. Yet he had suddenly arranged to meet Waver that night, which was clearly not included in the plan Hartless had told him.

"Don't be so angry. I was forced to change the plan at the last minute too."

With the kunai pressed to his chin, 'Caules' showed no panic whatsoever. Smiling, he extended one finger and moved the kunai away from his chin. "Also, don't forget our contract. You cannot harm me."

"If you don't want me hunting you down after the auction, you'd better explain everything clearly right now." Higashino Kanade was not intimidated by the contract Hartless mentioned, and his killing intent did not lessen in the slightest.

"Master, do you need me to get rid of this person for you?"

A clear female voice rang out from behind Higashino Kanade. An ancient short sword was pressed beneath his chin.

A long-haired beauty had appeared behind him at some point. She pressed herself against Higashino Kanade, bringing her face close to his. A somewhat rough hand gently caressed his face.

"What a beautiful boy. It would be a pity to kill you." The long-haired beauty examined Higashino Kanade's face with heated eyes.

"Stop, Hephaestion. Killing him here will draw the attention of the train staff. It would be inconvenient for our next move." 'Caules' spoke to stop her.

Though his life was threatened, Higashino Kanade was not afraid. Instead, his eyes lit up.

Given the current situation, this person called Hephaestion was undoubtedly the Servant Hartless had summoned. And since Hartless had already summoned a Servant, Higashino Kanade could begin his own plan as well.

Higashino Kanade looked at 'Caules' right hand. Under Hartless's transformation magecraft, the back of his hand was fair and unmarked, but Higashino Kanade, with his Sharingan activated, could see the Three Command Spells hidden beneath the disguise.

"Hephaestion was once a subordinate of the King of Conquerors. She wants to see what kind of person Lord El-Melloi II, who was once the King of Conqueror's Master, is. That is why I specifically arranged to meet Lord El-Melloi II." 'Caules' smiled harmlessly.

"Will you kill Waver?" Higashino Kanade asked.

"I don't think I will, but Hephaestion is another matter."

"I will first see whether the one who was once the King's Master possesses sufficient bearing before deciding. If he cannot satisfy me..."

Hephaestion ran a finger along the blade of her short sword. A sharp killing intent gleamed in her beautiful gold-and-silver demonic eyes. "Then I would not mind killing someone who has sullied the King's glory."

"Is that so? Then there is nothing left to discuss."

Higashino Kanade's gaze turned cold. With an aura no weaker than Hephaestion's, he warned, "Hartless, you should know that Waver hired me as his bodyguard. I will eliminate anyone who threatens Waver's safety."

"You? Has this era fallen so far that children must go to war? The King's Master, who uses a child to protect himself, does not seem particularly impressive either." Hephaestion revealed a disdainful expression.

"Hephaestion, do not underestimate the child you speak of. He is a Phantasmal Species capable of killing me with ease."

'Caules' gave a serious warning, then looked at Higashino Kanade with an amused smile. "Of course, he cannot hurt me now. But you can hurt him."