The conversation ended there, and Trisha left as well.
"So... what are you going to do?"
Lord El-Melloi II had just said there was no need to concern themselves with the Holy Grail War, yet the moment Trisha was gone, he impatiently turned to Irena for an answer.
"—The simplest way would be to write a letter."
"W-Write a letter?"
"I think there shouldn't be any problem with you and your Servant becoming pen pals, right?" Irena said.
"But... I..."
"Don't you want to reach the 'Throne' too, Professor?"
"—!!!"
She had seen right through him.
Lord El-Melloi II sighed.
"Indeed, I want to accomplish such a great feat. Even if only a little, I want to become... a Heroic Spirit."
Yes.
That was Lord El-Melloi II's true desire.
To become a Heroic Spirit.
Lord El-Melloi II picked up his cigar.
"Professor."
"What...?"
"Actually, I've put up with this for a long time."
"...Hm?"
"Gray and I are girls, you know. Have you never considered how we feel?!" Irena demanded, hands on her hips.
"..." Lord El-Melloi II lowered his gaze to the cigar in his hand.
A little embarrassed, he put it back down.
"Um... actually, I don't really... object," Gray's timid voice came from the side.
"Forget it. This environment doesn't exactly put one in the mood." Lord El-Melloi II looked once more at the pitch-black darkness beyond the window.
"Professor, why is it completely dark outside right now? Is it always like this on a leyline?" Gray asked, somewhat concerned. "But everyone else seems used to it?"
"This is a little strange. But there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the train, so perhaps it's just like this..."
Lord El-Melloi II's voice gradually faded.
Even his own words seemed to be making him doubt himself.
"No.