Afterword: Ten Years Ago

Who could have imagined that the scene ten years ago would turn out like this?

"Is the myth repeating itself...?"

What are you muttering about?

Reines's voice interrupted the Lord El-Melloi II's thoughts.

"Well, there's actually one more thing... Lady, do you remember those [disappeared incomes]?"

"Um?"

Upon hearing the Lord El-Melloi II's words, Reines showed a surprised expression.

The factions within the Clock Tower each have their own income, which ultimately serves as "nutrients" for the faction's long-term development—this should be common knowledge.

But with [El-Melloi], it was a completely different story.

Every year, the previous generation would take three-quarters of El-Melloi's total revenue. Neither the Lord El-Melloi II nor Reines knew where this money went, but neither of them questioned the previous generation's decision.

Because they all understand who El-Melloi relied on to get to where he is today.

Although Reines wouldn't question the previous generation's decisions, she couldn't help but occasionally have doubts in her heart.

The reason is simply that the amount of money was far too enormous. Even a quarter of the revenue would be enough for [El-Melloi] to gradually develop into a pivotal force within [The Clock Tower].

This shows just how terrifying El-Melloi's income truly is.

Now, Reines heard the Lord El-Melloi II bring up the matter again.

"Does that my elder brother already know where that money went?"

"Take a look at this first."

The Lord El-Melloi II handed the file bag he had previously received from Kayneth to Reines.

As can be stated beforehand, this file folder was also one of the reasons for the Lord El-Melloi II's stomach pain.

After quickly glancing through the documents, Reines looked up at the Lord El-Melloi II with some confusion.

"Brother, what does 'Chaldea' refer to in the document?"

"Since I've only just taken over, I don't know the specifics. However, I do know that [Chaldea] is a secret research institution jointly funded by [Animusphere (Department of Astromancy)] and [El-Melloi]."

The Lord El-Melloi II answered frankly.

"Miss Olga Marie's purpose in coming here is also for this; she plans to select several people from [El-Melloi] to serve in Chaldea."

"So, has anyone been chosen yet?"

"The other party has already provided the list of candidates..."

Mentioning this, the Lord El-Melloi II Prince's expression turned slightly awkward.

"But this is not a decision I can make."

At the same time--

"Hmm..."

Shirou had just regained consciousness, found himself lying in a hospital bed.

"Oh, you're awake."

"Miss Touko Aozaki...?"

The sound from beside him made Shirou turn his head instinctively, and he found a chair placed next to the bed. Aozaki Touko was sitting there holding a book.

She was clearly looking after him while he was unconscious.

"Fujino Asagami said she needed to prepare some things at home, so I'll keep an eye on things here for now."

After briefly explaining the situation, Touko Aozaki asked about Shirou's health.

"How are you feeling? Are you still lucid?"

"Hmm, there shouldn't be any problem."

After briefly assessing his own situation, Shirou replied.

"In that case... that makes things easier."

After a brief moment of contemplation, Touko Aozaki took off her glasses.

The coldness emanating from those unlensed eyes seemed capable of freezing everything, causing Shirou, the first victim, to instinctively shiver.

The glasses are Touko Aozaki's switch for changing her personality. Whenever she takes off her glasses, Touko Aozaki's personality becomes incredibly cold.

When Shirou was a child, he was often naughty and was disciplined by Touko Aozaki in this manner.

However, Touko Aozaki didn't care whether Shirou had any psychological trauma. Having switched personalities, she questioned Shirou in a cold tone—

"Don't you feel like you haven't had enough of the limelight yet?"

"What..."

Before Shirou could react, Touko Aozaki's questions came at him like a barrage of bullets.

"Do you think that no one but you can solve that problem?"

"..."

"If Lily hadn't been there, it's questionable whether you would have survived, do you know that?"

"I know."

What do you know?

Perhaps having vented her negative emotions, Touko Aozaki, having slightly calmed down her anger, asked irritably.

"I know that both Ms. Lily and Miss Touko Aozaki have the ability to deal with that monster."

Shirou's somewhat muffled voice made Touko Aozaki raise an eyebrow slightly.

"But I didn't have time to think about any of that at the time."

Shirou scratched his cheek, looking a little embarrassed.

My thought at the time was simply --

"Whether it's Ms. Lily, Miss Touko Aozaki, or Fujino Asagami, or even Miss Olga Marie, you are all there, so I need to stand up and protect you."

"..."

"Besides, I think if Dad had been there, he definitely would have done the same."

"Yes, he didn't learn much of his skills, but he picked up his personality perfectly."

Touko Aozaki said in a gruff voice, then seemed to want to say something more. But after hesitating for a while, she finally sighed.

"You two, father and son..."

Upon seeing Touko Aozaki, Shirou seemed to have calmed down, asked her about it.

"Miss Touko Aozaki, does Dad know about this?"

"He's at home right now, waiting to give you a good scolding."

"Forehead..."

Seeing Shirou's startled expression, Touko Aozaki smiled and shook her head as she put her glasses back on.

"Just kidding. Your old man is still eating sand in the Middle East for [that ceremony]."

I rushed over to check if something had happened because I received a letter from Fujino Asagami saying she had received an invitation to the [Rail Zeppelin]...

Later, through Touko Aozaki's explanation, Shirou finally understood the whole sequence of events...

"So, the original grand finale item for this train was Fujino Asagami's [Twisting Mystic Eyes]?"

"However, after a friendly discussion between me and the train staff, they simply cancelled the order."

"Miss Touko Aozaki, you're really amazing."

Shirou exclaimed in genuine admiration.

However, he subconsciously omitted Touko Aozaki's earlier remarks about "friendly communication."

This time, however, Touko Aozaki did not take credit.

"On this point, it's really because of your father."

"Ah?"

"Ten years ago, if your father hadn't been there, that train would probably have been destroyed."

"Miss Touko Aozaki, what exactly happened ten years ago?"

Intrigued, Shirou asked Touko Aozaki.

Because during this trip, he had heard the keyword "[ten years ago]" far too many times.

This has resulted in Shirou being unable to find out anything about his father's past deeds, despite his desire to do so. He has very few clues and remains completely clueless.

However, since Touko Aozaki is here now, she should be able to clear up my doubts.

If I had to describe it...

After a brief silence, Touko Aozaki gave her answer.

"That's probably what [mythical reappearance] is all about."

I'll add the extra chapters later when I have time.

<Shirou's Chaldea Adventure> and such

The Fifth Holy Grail War is coming soon.

(Above)

Chapter 375. Epilogue. Ten Years Ago

"Hmm, what a rare guest."

Rita Rojian, waking from her dream, looked at the guest who had disturbed her sweet slumber and showed a rather displeased expression.

Rita Rojian, the fifteenth high-ranking Dead Apostle in the [Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors].

The self-proclaimed artist heiress, with her tendency to indulge in the sweet decadence of a hell of debauchery day after day, was a unique existence even among the Dead Apostle.

"Sorry to disturb your rest."

The guest, who had suddenly appeared in the room, apologized to the room's owner in a perfunctory tone, and then began to examine the room's decorations and various collectibles.

"So beautiful."

After a long pause, the guest exclaimed in genuine admiration.

Naturally, Rojian, who was indulging in hedonism, would never mistreat herself. All the collections in her room and even in the castle where she now lived were exquisite pieces that Rojian had collected over the long years she had lived.

Even if I really like it, I won't share it with you.

Unfazed by the praise, Rojian, already frowning, asked the impolite visitor before her.

"So, what brings you here today, Aozaki Touko?"

Touko Aozaki, whose interest in admiring the room had been interrupted by Rojian, reluctantly withdrew her gaze and turned her attention to the room's owner.

"To be honest, I didn't want to bother you either."

Looking at Rojian's beautiful figure and stunningly beautiful face, Touko Aozaki subconsciously frowned.

"But first tell me, how long have you been asleep?"

"... I can't remember. The last time I remember was when you were causing trouble on Rail Zeppelin [Rail Zeppelin]."

"Saying that it's disruptive is going too far."

Seeing Rojian's completely oblivious expression, Touko Aozaki smiled and shook her head, but sighed inwardly.

It's no wonder they're called the "immortal species." About ten years have passed since that incident, and for Rojian, it's just been the time it takes to fall asleep.

But now is not the time to talk about these things.