Cards of Fate of the Moon

Some things, someone always has to do them. Regarding the Church's actions, no one was surprised, nor did anyone care.

Similarly, the Clock Tower's attitude towards the Holy Grail War was merely that of a "countryside mage battle," not something they paid particular attention to. It was simply that the Tohno, Einzbern, and Matou families, despite their current decline, had at least once been renowned.

Giving it some attention was only proper.

Otherwise, why would Kayneth have come with a "tourist" mindset? He barely glanced at most things, focusing entirely on sightseeing, drinking coffee, wandering through various tourist spots, and taking pictures to show his fiancée back at the Clock Tower, the scenery he had seen.

However, at this moment... Kayneth's dismissive attitude had completely vanished. A cold sweat beaded on his forehead. Although he had a premonition that this Holy Grail War was not the ordinary mage battle he had imagined, it wasn't until he saw the intelligence gathered from previous Holy Grail Wars that he truly understood. This was no mere mage battle!! This was a Holy Grail War that, while superficially a mage battle, actually contained the essence of "Magic"!!

That's right, the Third Magic—Materialization of the Soul.

If his family's intelligence was not mistaken, what Kayneth was about to face was a magical war that would bring about the re-descent of the Third Magic!

And when this magical war was first proposed, besides the Einzberns' homunculus, the first head of the Tohno family, and the Matou family head named Makiri Zolgen.

There was also a witness. Even someone as arrogant as Kayneth had to bow his head to that witness, unless, in the future, he successfully reached the Root and became a legendary Magus.

Only then could he face that witness directly. Although that witness might have come for his disciple, Kayneth's mind couldn't believe that "that person" would merely act as a witness solely for their disciple.

That's right, it was one of the only five "Magus" in the world, a figure of supreme authority within the Clock Tower.

Kischur Zelretch Schweinürg.

"Damn it, why didn't I know this crucial information earlier, before I came!" Kayneth cursed, his state of mind extremely unstable.

Was this a countryside mage battle?! A countryside mage battle that could be handled with just a casual outing?!!

Who the hell sent me to participate in this Holy Grail War!!! Didn't they investigate properly before saying that?!

This was a magical war involving two "Laws."

Although the Jeweled Gentleman did not actively interfere in the so-called Holy Grail War, Kayneth's perspective was different. What he saw was not something ordinary people could see.

What he saw was that when the first Holy Grail War was held, that person came as a witness. This meant... did he wish for the Third Magic to descend again?

Or did he see something and thus wanted to be a witness???

Or perhaps, there was something terrifying contained within the Holy Grail War, and his presence was necessary to prevent something even more terrifying from being unleashed?!

As the saying goes, the smarter a person is, the more they overthink. Upon receiving his family's intelligence, Kayneth was already drenched in sweat within ten minutes. Although he was one of the Twelve Lords of the Clock Tower, if he didn't understand his own position and forcibly intervened in a battle of "Laws," he could very well end up "dead"!

Death! Kayneth wasn't afraid. He didn't fear death. Or rather, no Magus feared death. He only feared that he wouldn't be able to pass on his legacy.

Moreover, his career had just "begun," and much of his research was still superficial. His marriage had also just begun, and he hadn't yet produced an excellent heir.

If everything in his life were complete, Kayneth wouldn't fear these things. Even if the path ahead involved "Magic," as a genius, he would dare to venture forth and see the scenery witnessed by those of the previous generation.

But... now... now... Kayneth clenched his fists, bloodshot veins appearing in his eyes. His demeanor, initially calm, transformed into one of madness and violence! He was caught in a deeply conflicted state.

His magical curiosity compelled him to stay for this Holy Grail War. If he survived, he might get a glimpse of the mysteries of "Magic." Even if it was just a glimpse, he could turn that knowledge into his own.

Although Magic was something that neither magecraft nor science could achieve, Kayneth had confidence in himself. He was confident!!! He was confident he could gain something from this Holy Grail War because he was a genius, a true genius, and nothing could stump him.

However, the moment he thought of the implications behind the Second and Third Laws, Kayneth felt as if he were being stared at by an abyss. It was as if one wrong step would lead to nothing but "death" in the future.

"Lord, what's wrong?"

At this moment, Diarmuid's voice came from outside the room. He seemed to have sensed his Lord's strange emotional fluctuations.

"It's nothing. Get some rest early. I'm studying tactics." Kayneth, already extremely agitated, naturally roared at Diarmuid, "If you can't even recover from your injuries, how can you help me win this Holy Grail War?"

After roaring, Kayneth clenched his fists again, his eyes filled with unwillingness. He didn't want to give up halfway, but while there was opportunity before him, there was also immense danger.

"...Yes, Lord." Diarmuid fell silent after being yelled at and quietly lay on the bed, nursing his injuries.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa—!!!!"

Seemingly to maintain his image in front of Diarmuid, Kayneth cast a soundproofing magic and then roared in a fit of catharsis.

The pressure was immense.

Did anyone know that Kayneth had come to participate in a mage battle with a playful attitude, only to discover after entering that this so-called mage battle actually held the shadow of "Magic," and even the traces of two Magus!!!!!

I don't care, I want her body.jpg

Chapter 102: A Visit

The next morning, all parties began to move. Mikaela and Irisviel set out together to the Matou residence to find Tohno Shiro and begin discussing how to deal with the King of Conquerors and Diarmuid, the two Servants.

At the same time, Mikaela also needed to show sincerity, to make Tohno Shiro willingly fall into their trap, allowing Gilgamesh and Hassan of the Hundred Faces to attack Diarmuid and the King of Conquerors.

Although Gilgamesh was difficult to deal with, Mikaela was now in a "broken pot, broken tiles" situation. Whatever happens, happens! Anyway, they had to fight in the end, so why not let that chuunibyo flashy guy who called everyone mongrels go kill the King of Conquerors, and then Mikaela would go kill Diarmuid.

Finally, the two would fight, and they'd see if his King's Treasure was more abundant, or if the Master's magic power, linked to the Greater Holy Grail, was greater!

"What?"

Tohno Shiro, who had just woken up at the Matou residence and was making breakfast, looked at the Assassin beside him. He frowned slightly, as if reconfirming, and asked the Assassin, "The Einzbern's homunculus and Servant are on their way?"

"That's right. Based on their target, it seems they've confirmed you are at the Matou residence." The Assassin, Hassan of the Hundred Faces, looked at Tohno Shiro, who was wearing an apron and making breakfast. His expression was somewhat strange, as if he hadn't expected this Magus to cook.

They had learned about countries like Japan, and naturally knew that men were not good at cooking, and that cooking was mostly done by women. Moreover... a Magus like Tohno Shiro shouldn't be cooking, right? Weren't they the type who cared about nothing else besides researching magecraft?

Although Hassan of the Hundred Faces was right, Tohno Shiro was different. He had spent the first half of his life in hardship, and he had tried everything. Not only in magecraft, but even before he got married, Tohno Shiro would cook for himself.

According to Tohno Shiro, it was merely a way to fill his stomach. While he wasn't an expert, it was a skill he could somewhat present.

"I see, it seems after last night's battle, they've lost their patience. That's good news." Tohno Shiro ignored the pressure from Hassan of the Hundred Faces.

He had naturally heard from Hassan of the Hundred Faces about Mikaela's battle with two Servants last night. Mikaela, in a fit of rage, had exposed his second Noble Phantasm, and his very identity had been overheard by the King of Conquerors and Diarmuid.

Tohno Shiro wasn't surprised that they would come looking for him, but he hadn't expected them to show up so early, before he'd even had breakfast.

This was quite 'unexpected' for Tohno Shiro. Were they that impatient?

"Yes, they are very anxious. Although it's not apparent on the surface, judging by the driving speed of that Einzbern Master, she's quite agitated right now."

Speaking of the Einzbern Master, Hassan of the Hundred Faces' expression turned somewhat strange. Honestly, they couldn't understand why modern people liked such 'mounts' that looked cool but were prone to breaking down.

But after seeing the Einzbern Master, Irisviel's driving skills today, Hassan of the Hundred Faces finally understood. So that's how fast those 'mounts' could go.

"Driving speed?" Tohno Shiro was a bit bewildered, not knowing what the Einzbern Master had done.

But in the next second, he understood!

"Knock, knock, knock."

There was a knocking sound, though it wasn't a literal knock. It was someone striking the magical barrier Tohno Shiro had set up at the entrance of the Matou residence. As the owner, Tohno Shiro heard the 'guests' knocking.

"So soon???" Tohno Shiro's mouth twitched. Hassan of the Hundred Faces had only just arrived.

"Her speed surpassed our imagination."

In the next moment, a dark-skinned, purple-haired female Hassan of the Hundred Faces appeared. Her mouth twitched as she looked at Tohno Shiro and said earnestly, "From their base to here took only about half an hour. I observed them from a distance and confirmed they are very anxious. However, upon arriving here, they've hidden their urgency. They probably don't want you to know they're in trouble."

"…They've come too early. Sigh… Oh well, I'll go greet them." Tohno Shiro sighed deeply. While knowing Irisviel and Saber were anxious was useful information, he still felt a sense of inexplicable helplessness.

Tohno Shiro waved to the two Hassans of the Hundred Faces before him, turned off the stove, and abandoned his cooking. He hadn't even started preparing breakfast properly when the Einzbern Master and her Servant arrived.

Though he knew they were in a hurry, Tohno Shiro was even more anxious. He had planned to make a hearty breakfast for his daughter today. He had only just finished cooking the rice, and hadn't started anything else, when they showed up.

But guests were guests. Even though Tohno Shiro wanted to cook, he couldn't hide in the kitchen now that they were here.

He quickly washed his hands, set aside his apron, and went to the washroom, intending to tidy himself up using the mirror.

However, as soon as he reached the washroom, Tohno Shiro saw Matou Sakura supporting Matou Kariya, which made him stop in his tracks.

"Is someone here?" Matou Kariya grinned at Tohno Shiro. The injuries he had sustained were irreversible. Although Tohno Shiro had managed to prolong his life, his appearance was still quite 'gruesome'.

His grin only made Tohno Shiro sigh inwardly.

Matou Kariya used to be very popular in school. He was handsome and cultured, and like himself, came from a Magus family. But he had lost all his former charm.

Seeing his former rival and friend in such a state, Tohno Shiro felt quite distressed.

"Ah, yes, it's the Einzbern family. But you don't need to worry about them, Kariya. You've already withdrawn from the Holy Grail War, so they won't do anything to you. Today, I'll arrange for someone to escort you and Sakura out of the city."

Although Tohno Shiro was speaking to Matou Kariya, his gaze was mostly fixed on Matou Sakura.

However, Matou Sakura seemed not to notice, her gaze quietly drifting away, avoiding looking at her 'father'.

"That would be wonderful." Matou Kariya seemed to sense Matou Sakura's emotions. He coughed lightly and said in a low voice, "But for now, you should go and entertain our guests."

"Ah, yes." Tohno Shiro snapped back to attention, sighing inwardly before regaining his elegant demeanor. He didn't bother looking in the mirror anymore and slowly walked towards the main entrance.

"...Rest assured." Matou Kariya patted Matou Sakura's head, as if comforting her.

"……………"

Matou Sakura looked up, watching Tohno Shiro's retreating back. It was the same reliable and confident back she had always seen.

But… it was all an illusion, just an illusion. Her father was already 'dead'. She was a child of the Matou family; she didn't have a father.

Only her uncle. Her uncle had stayed by her side during her darkest moments, never leaving her.

Thinking of this, Matou Sakura clutched Matou Kariya's sleeve, tears streaming down her cheeks. She couldn't lose anyone else.

Chapter 103: Then, there is only one answer.

"……………"

After getting out of the car, Mikaela looked somewhat startled. He had expected Irisviel's driving to be crazy, but her current physical condition wasn't the best.

In Mikaela's estimation, she wouldn't drive so recklessly.

But to his surprise, as soon as they got in the car, Irisviel seemed perfectly fine. She happily drove the black luxury sedan at a speed… If Mikaela hadn't secretly used Spirit Possession, even with a body made of magic, he wouldn't have been able to endure it.

"Good morning, Tohno Family Head."

At the entrance of the Matou residence, Irisviel offered a gentle smile. Her attitude wasn't as 'arrogant' as it had been a few days ago; she seemed much more approachable.

"Mm."

However, Tohno Shiro seemed to be in no mood for pleasantries with Irisviel. He responded calmly and said without haste, "Please, follow me."

Although Tohno Shiro knew that this person before him had blown up his house last night, for the sake of cooperation, he decided to turn a blind eye. The information she had provided him was, in a sense, far more valuable than his ancestral home.

Moreover, the foundation of the Tohno family had been brought out by him. While the house on the surface was destroyed, the most precious items in the basement remained intact.

Mikaela and Irisviel exchanged a glance, sensing Tohno Shiro's 'perfunctory' attitude. This made Mikaela somewhat puzzled.

Logically, Tohno Shiro should have greeted them with an elegant smile today. They were potential allies, and besides, he had displayed considerable combat power last night.

Despite their doubts, Mikaela and Irisviel followed Tohno Shiro into the Matou residence.

They entered a room resembling a living room. Tohno Shiro sat on the sofa and personally brewed tea for Mikaela and Irisviel.

Although he was making tea, Tohno Shiro had already composed himself and calmly said to Mikaela and Irisviel, "It seems that Kayneth and his disciple are no longer hiding their collaboration."

The King of Conquerors and Diarmuid joining forces to attack Mikaela last night was undoubtedly a message to the other participants: our two families have allied.

"In the name of the Three Great Families, we must join forces to deal with them," Irisviel stated righteously. "This Holy Grail War was created by our families; outsiders have no right to interfere."

"Mhm," Tohno Shiro nodded. He naturally understood Irisviel's meaning. The Holy Grail War was created through the combined efforts of the Einzbern, Tohno, and Matou families.

Now that the fruit was ripe, and their own families hadn't even made a move yet, others were trying to snatch it. There was no way Tohno Shiro would agree.

"However, Saber, have you seen the King of Conquerors' Noble Phantasm?" Tohno Shiro asked at this moment. He held the absolute initiative and was very curious about what kind of existence the King of Conquerors' Noble Phantasm was.

From what Assassin had said, he understood it was a Noble Phantasm that imprisoned others.

Even if Mikaela and Irisviel hadn't come today, he would have sent an invitation himself, intending to meet them.

"I haven't seen it, but I know his Noble Phantasm is an Inherent Domain, and it's very powerful," Mikaela said, exaggerating slightly as he wanted Tohno Shiro to control Gilgamesh to attack the King of Conquerors. "He's already seen my Noble Phantasm, so he definitely won't approach me easily. If he uses his Inherent Domain to trap me, my Noble Phantasm might not be very effective even within his domain."

"Oh? Why?" Tohno Shiro was very surprised that the King of Conquerors' Noble Phantasm was an Inherent Domain.

But he was still confused as to why Saber would show weakness. He had heard from Hassan of the Hundred Faces that Saber's Noble Phantasm was an extremely powerful existence.

If it weren't for her Noble Phantasm being a double-edged sword, the victory in this Holy Grail War would undoubtedly belong to the Einzbern family.

"His Inherent Domain can last for about three minutes, while my Noble Phantasm can only last for one minute, or even less. If I enter the King of Conquerors' Inherent Domain..."

Mikaela stopped speaking here. Tohno Shiro should have understood the rest without her needing to say it.

One Inherent Domain could last three minutes, while the other couldn't even last one. The outcome was clear from the start.

"Therefore, Tohno Family Head, we hope for your help," Irisviel said very seriously to Tohno Shiro. "If you agree to deal with the King of Conquerors, we, on behalf of the Einzbern family, can overlook your cheating behavior regarding the Church this time."

As these words were spoken, Tohno Shiro's heart skipped a few beats, just like when he made a mistake as a child and was discovered by his parents. At this moment, Tohno Shiro hadn't expected that his cooperation with the Church had been discovered by the Einzbern family.

"There's no need to hide it. You, like that Lord from the Clock Tower, had planned it all from the beginning," Irisviel didn't give Tohno Shiro a chance to explain and continued, "Our Einzbern family can give up the victory in the Holy Grail War this time, but the Holy Grail absolutely cannot fall into anyone else's hands."