Deduction (First Update)

"I think the train conductor and the others probably already knew about this beforehand."

"After all, I've already been blacklisted by this train, so if I want to get on, I'll have to say hello to them first."

After listening to the Lord El-Melloi II's reasoning, Touko Aozaki pouted somewhat boredly. Then, her entire body suddenly rippled like water.

After the ripples subsided, "Hishiri Adashino," who had been standing there, quietly disappeared. In her place was Aozaki Touko, a [Grand Caster] who had some interactions with the Second Generation and the Lord El-Melloi II at the Twin Towers.

"Could it be an illusion?"

Having witnessed the entire process, the Lord El-Melloi II exclaimed in astonishment, "I originally thought it would be something like a transformation technique, but I never expected there to be such a technique."

"It was a transformation spell until we got on the bus."

In response to the Lord El-Melloi II's sentiments, Touko Aozaki shrugged indifferently.

"It's just that the kimono was too restrictive, so I asked a certain Magecraft to help me adjust it."

"Hmm... I see."

The Lord El-Melloi II nodded knowingly.

Although Touko Aozaki didn't say it explicitly, who else could have done something like that besides the Magecraft from the [Age of Gods]?

But speaking of which, these two were originally supposed to be "love rivals," right?

While the Lord El-Melloi II was gossiping about these things, his gaze suddenly fell on Shirou group in the corner of the carriage.

She must have come with Trisha.

But now that we're here, we can continue with the arrangements...

After exchanging a subtle glance with Touko Aozaki, the Lord El-Melloi II finally turned his attention to the [Fake Caules] who had been overlooked by everyone for a long time.

"Is it my turn next?"

The moment Lord El-Melloi II eyes met, the imposter smiled and said...

"Who are you."

"You should have guessed it already, shouldn't you?"

Looking at the imposter with his head tilted, the Lord El-Melloi II remained noncommittal.

"It's not reasoning, just intuition. It's nothing to brag about."

"But isn't intuition enough for us Magecraft? You're not a detective anyway. So don't be shy, just tell me. As a reward, I promise you I'll tell you my true identity even if I'm wrong."

The counterfeiters made an unbelievable promise.

He blatantly used his true identity as leverage in this transaction. What benefit could such a proposal possibly offer him now, trapped by the cursed barrier?

"..."

The Lord El-Melloi II remained silent for a long time with his eyes closed, until finally, he spoke.

"The hints are sufficient."

He murmured to himself.

"Seven years ago, the Lord of the [Department of Astromancy) ] commissioned me to investigate someone. He knew about the Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich) and was capable of Caules himself as a mere student... He was also the one who could unlock the Magecraft Lock on the safe containing the Holy Relic."

The imposter nodded at each element of the achievements listed by the Lord El-Melloi II.

The Lord El-Melloi II took out a cigar from his pocket and lit it; it looked like a key—the only key to unlocking the complex and intricate puzzle.

With the sparks swaying at the top, the Lord El-Melloi II finally revealed the answer.

"Actually, it's perfectly normal for you to open the safe and take [that thing]. After all, you made that safe, right?"

--The former head of the Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)."

(Above)

Chapter 369. Deduction (First Update)

"Actually, it's perfectly normal for you to be able to open the safe. After all, that safe was created by you, the [former head of the Department of Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)]."

"Hmm, that's a very formal form of address."

The imposter didn't change his expression after his identity was exposed; instead, he nodded in satisfaction after hearing the Lord El-Melloi II's answer.

"I have never been a [Lord], but there's nothing I can do about it."

The [Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)] existed before you. Although it's considered one of the twelve departments on the main axis of the Clock Tower, it doesn't have a [Lord]. To put it bluntly, Norwich is just a decoration put up to meet the demands of the times. None of the twelve families take it seriously."

The words spoken by the imposter caused everyone in the carriage to change their expressions.

The layout of the Clock Tower is common knowledge. But while everyone understands, very few dare to discuss it publicly, even though it's the domain of the Dead Apostle...

"So, after hearing that a [Lord] had taken over the [Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)], I couldn't resist coming to see what the [new Dean of Studies] would do."

"..."

Seeing the knowing smile on the Caules's face, bearing the indistinguishable features of Kaules, a chill ran through everyone present, except for one person—

To put it bluntly, it's just jealousy.

Why is it that the [Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)], which failed to thrive under my leadership, is flourishing under someone else's guidance...?

Having returned to her original form, Aozaki Touko spoke incredibly hurtful words in a nonchalant tone.

"... You really are something."

Sorry, I was a bit blunt.

Perhaps the word "concern" simply doesn't exist in Touko Aozaki's mind. Faced with the imposter's seemingly frozen expression, she shrugged indifferently.

"In any case, out of politeness, I can't keep using someone else's appearance."

Although the show's entertainment value was significantly diminished by Touko Aozaki's interference, it's still worth continuing.

A few brief seconds later, the original Caules vanished from the spot.

"My old friends all call me Dr. Heartless, and I would be very happy if you could call me that too."

A complete stranger said this.

He was tall and slender, with fiery red hair that contrasted sharply with his fair skin, leaving a lasting impression. His clothes had also changed to a navy blue suit.

Although everyone was mentally prepared for this scene because of Touko Aozaki, the transformation process is still amazing no matter how many times you watch it.

"With my sincerest greetings, Miss Aozaki."

The man, who had reverted to his original appearance, bowed slightly in the direction of Touko Aozaki.

"Seven years ago, on this very [Rail Zeppelin] Rail Zeppelin, I had the honor of meeting your sister. I never imagined..."

"I know."

Touko Aozaki's concise and clear answer left the man speechless once again. He realized that this woman was clearly not going to talk to him.

If they don't want to talk to me, they don't want to talk to me. Anyway, she's not my target.

The man, who had been secretly criticizing the prince, eventually turned his gaze to the Lord El-Melloi II prince.

"We've finally met."

"I've imagined many times what kind of person [the former headmaster] would be. But I never expected to meet you here."

"After all, I wasn't able to hand over the reins in person when you took over as Dean of the Faculty. By then, I had already given up on the Clock Tower."

Heartless said with a smile.

It seemed that after shifting his focus, the man had regained his composure.

"By the way, although you've found [the culprit (me)], the deduction isn't over yet, is it? You haven't revealed the most important point—"

Why did you do that?

I've already guessed your motives--

Without giving Heartless a chance to continue, the Lord El-Melloi II spoke up directly.

"Whether it's killing Trisha or taking Caules's place at this Mystic Eyes Eye auction, these are all actions driven by your twisted sense of humor... In reality, you've already achieved your true goal."

"What did you say?"

The answer given by the Lord El-Melloi II caused a stir on the train.

"Isn't this guy's goal the [Mystic Eyes]?"

To the other passengers, the only reason this guy went to all this trouble must be to find the [Gem] rank [Mystic Eyes of Mirage] that appeared on the train.

"The Mystic Eyes is probably just a bonus for him. It would be great if he could get it, but it wouldn't be a big deal if he missed out."

The Lord El-Melloi II spoke with certainty.

"You're right, please continue."

"... I'm not trying to please you."

Heartless confirmed the Lord El-Melloi II's speculation, and after shaking his head, the Lord El-Melloi II continued.

"You just mentioned [seven years ago], which should be the [auction] that my teacher, the former Lord El-Melloi, attended. Besides my teacher, another Lord, Lord Animusphere, also attended that auction."

"But what does that mean?"

"Later, during my conversation with Miss Olga Marie, I learned about Lord Animusphere's purpose in attending the auction—"

He was investigating that Far Eastern ritual— the Holy Grail War.

But what I find strange is, why didn't Lord Animusfie go directly to that distant place, but instead came here? This train clearly has nothing to do with that area. It wasn't until I found you that I remembered what my teacher once told me."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Heartless's eyes gleamed with keen interest.

"Before I took over [Department of Modern Magecraft (Norwich)], my teacher mentioned to me that [the previous head of the department] possessed the ability to [control the Mystic Eyes]..."

This explains why Lord Animusfi attended the [Mystic Eyes] auction.

"Lord Animusfi has commissioned you to investigate the Holy Grail War. As for the results of the investigation..."

After a brief pause, the Lord El-Melloi II continued.

"The investigation ultimately concluded that Lord Animusphere determined the Greater Grail used in that ceremony was defective. While I'm not entirely sure of the basis for this conclusion, since it received the Lord's approval, the report's authenticity should be beyond doubt. However..."

"But what?"

Heartless urged the Lord El-Melloi II to continue, like a child begging for a sequel.

"The same information led [Department of Astromancy) ] to give up, but you chose to trigger this incident because your goals are different. According to the confession just now, Lord Animusfiah chose to give up because the Holy Grail was defective. If that's the case, then your goal is clearly not the Holy Grail."

That's right. Although I still don't know your ultimate goal, your objective in this incident is clear. After all, I've already witnessed the outcome firsthand.

The Lord El-Melloi II took a deep breath.

Then he put the cigar in his mouth again and exhaled the answer with the smoke.

"--That's Heroic Spirit."

The Lord El-Melloi II directly stated the other party's purpose.

"You wish to summon [Heroic Spirit] as Servant."

"Marvelous!"

Heartless clutched his chest, looking deeply moved. He gazed at the Lord El-Melloi II's furrowed brows, and a sinister smile suddenly appeared on his lips—

"Now that you know my purpose, why not say hello to [an old friend]?"

Heartless, standing within the barrier, stretched out his right hand.

Everyone present could see a strange pattern engraved on the back of his hand.

"If it were you, you would surely know, Lord El-Melloi II."

"... Command Spell."

His gaze fixed on the emblem, the Lord El-Melloi II Prince whispered its name.

Command Spell are both proof of the contract with Servant and three absolute commands granted to the Master. However, the use of Command Spell is not simply about making the Servant obey orders...