Besides, it sounded like the situation was quite complicated. Maybe if he listened to Shirou's explanation, then gave him a little persuasion and education, he could get Shirou to release Lord El-Melloi II.
"What exactly is going on? Can you tell me?"
Hearing those words from Tokiomi, whom Shirou already saw as his future father-in-law—one of them?—Shirou nodded and prepared to explain the basics.
"It's somewhat complicated."
"Mm. How so? I trust it must be complicated, or you wouldn't have..."
"Yes. It concerns a parallel world. The Great Source there has dried up, and humanity is on the verge of extinction."
Tokiomi had been about to nod and consider whether he could help solve Shirou's problem, but before he could even begin thinking, Shirou dropped that bombshell.
A parallel world?
The Great Source had dried up?
Humanity was going extinct?
This was the sort of situation where even his late master, the Jeweled Holy Sword, Marshal of Magecraft Zelretch, would only spare it a glance before moving on to the next world. Even the Magic King would have to pinch his nose and leave.
It was beyond saving. Completely beyond saving.
Watching Tokiomi's expression shift from trying to maintain elegance, to wanting to dissuade him, and finally to sorrow, Shirou knew Tokiomi must be thinking of urging him to give up.
But even if he had given up his dream of becoming an Ally of Justice, he still wanted to save people. Whatever it took, he wanted to save that world and everyone in it.
"It can be saved."
"Y-you should still accept my condolences. This is truly impossible."
"It can be saved!"
"Let Lord El-Melloi II go back. Let him get some proper rest. He's been working himself exhausted lately."
"I don't think so. Yesterday, he was still playing