Aoi Zenjou, Setting Off for the Clock Tower

After making a pinky promise with Fujino, I promised to wait until she was old enough to make her my bride. She would have to wait a few more years.

I wasn't some gentleman either. Shiki and Fujino were both too young; I just couldn't get past that mental barrier.

When I returned to my room that night, I found someone inside. At first, I thought it was Fujino. As usual, I slipped beneath the covers, but soon realized something was wrong. Whether it was her figure or her assets, she was far more generously endowed than Fujino.

I lifted the covers and, through the insight of my Mystic Eyes, discovered that it was Aoi Tohsaka. Though the room was pitch-dark, I could still see her partially undone clothes and that tantalizing sight.

I tested the waters. "Mother-in-law, is something the matter?"

Aoi Tohsaka hesitantly said, "Thank you for everything you've done for Rin and Sakura. Not only did you avenge their father, you also sent them to study at the Clock Tower and fulfilled their father's wish."

"I have nothing to repay you with. It's just that this house feels a little lonely. You once said you wanted a child, but Fujino and Sakura are both too young. It seems I'm the only suitable one in this house. I'm doing this entirely of my own free will."

"This is my own wish as well. You don't need to feel burdened, and afterward, you won't need to take any responsibility."

I was still somewhat hesitant. Seeing my expression, Aoi Tohsaka looked a little forlorn as she prepared to get up and leave. Looking at her retreating back, I hardened my heart and reached out, pulling her into my arms.

"You think you can tease me and then just leave? It's too late to go now." With that, I pressed her down onto the floor.

I asked again, "You really won't regret this? What if Rin and Sakura find out? How will you face them afterward?"

Aoi Tohsaka whispered, "They're about to leave for the Clock Tower. They won't find out."

I couldn't help but smile bitterly. So that was the reason. Laughing, I said, "Looks like you've had your eye on me for a long time and have been waiting for this chance."

Aoi Tohsaka simply went all in. "Yes. Who told you to be so gentle to our family?"

In that case, it wouldn't be appropriate to keep calling you Mother-in-law. From now on, when no one's around, I'll call you Aoi.

After the night passed, Aoi was still asleep. I carefully got up, but still woke her. Seeing me rise, she also wanted to get up and help me dress.

I couldn't help saying, "What a virtuous wife. Tokiomi Tohsaka didn't have the fortune to appreciate you, so now I get to benefit from it."

Aoi said, "Tokiomi had always been obsessed with his family and magecraft. I was born into a mage family but had no talent for magecraft, though I carried the qualities of a magus within me. That was why my family arranged a marriage between Tokiomi and me."

"We were never especially close. There's no such thing as familial affection in the world of magecraft. I thought all mage families were the same, but then I discovered that you were different from the rest. That's what drew me to you."

"My real name is Aoi Zenjou. I hope that whenever you think of me in the future, you'll remember that name. I don't seek any status. I only hope you'll think of me now and then."

"Don't worry. You're my first woman, after all. I won't forget you." After saying that, I gave her a passionate kiss. Everything was so wonderful, except for the system's poorly timed interruption.

Ding! One married woman has been added to the family. The host is hereby rewarded with a lottery draw. Keep up the good work.

Since you gave me a reward, I won't criticize you for being so unromantic.

I secretly spent a month with Aoi Zenjou. Every time, I had to be extra careful not to let the three children in the house find out. It was even more nerve-racking than participating in the Holy Grail War.

That continued until Aozaki Touko and Araya Souren sent word that everything was ready.

At the hospital, I saw a body identical to Kenneth's. I touched it, and it felt no different from a real person. Kenneth was very satisfied as well. I asked, "When can we proceed with the next step?"

"Any time," came the simple reply.

At last, they used that technique to carry out the transfer. They didn't explain it, and I didn't ask. But after the living Kenneth walked out of the ward, the Kenneth in Tohsaka's hospital room was already brain-dead, reduced to a vegetable.

Kenneth said, "What miraculous technology. I feel reborn. Thank you both for your help. If you ever need assistance in the future, I will certainly help within my capabilities."

He then came before me, performed the highest gesture of gratitude, and said, "From this day onward, you are Kenneth's closest friend and an honored guest of the El-Melloi family."

"Whatever you desire, I will do everything in my power to fulfill it." Seeing this, Sola also offered a gesture of thanks and said something similar.

After exchanging pleasantries, I asked Kenneth about his plans. He eagerly stated that he wanted to return to the Clock Tower and prove to everyone that he was still alive. He had merely lost one Holy Grail War. Kenneth was still the same genius magus.

I took the opportunity to ask to travel with him. Kenneth readily agreed, and we arranged to take a flight together the day after tomorrow.

Afterward, we had a meal together. Kenneth said that this body worked remarkably well; even the taste of food was exactly the same.

After the meal, I spoke with Aozaki Touko and Araya Souren. "Doesn't this technology practically amount to immortality?"

They answered, "The materials for a replacement body are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if most of the replacement body's functions are identical to the original, some things still can't be restored to the current body."

"For example, passing on one's bloodline. Even if it has that thing, it probably won't work."

I instantly observed a moment of silence for Kenneth. Still, what was lost in one place might be gained in another. Without those distracting thoughts, perhaps Kenneth's future would be even brighter.

Kenneth wouldn't publicize this matter everywhere either. It was just poor Miss Sola who deserved sympathy.

As for the family's future, they could simply adopt talented children. Mage families had no familial affection, only talent.

Returning to the main subject, I said, "This is your payment. I wonder whether you two are interested in pursuing a deeper collaboration. As magi, we all strive to reach the Root."

"Are you interested in working together? I'll provide the funding, while you two provide the ideas and technology. Together, we'll reach the Root."

"I make this promise: as long as it isn't illegal experimentation, I can cover all the funding. However, you'll need to provide corresponding project proposals for me to review. If you're willing, we can establish a magic contract."

Hearing my extravagant words, both of them began making their own calculations and said they would consider it.

I tempted them further. "You can take your time thinking about it. Stay in Tokyo for now. I'll make a trip to the Clock Tower, and when I return, I'll wait for your answer. You can continue staying in that house as well."

My proposal had actually moved them. After all, no researcher disliked a generous patron. At least for now, I had managed to keep them in Tokyo.

After confirming that Mifune City had not seen the later developments, it meant that the events of The Garden of Sinners no longer existed. After all, I had already taken away the heroine, while the instigators behind those mysterious incidents were by my side.

What was there left to film The Garden of Sinners with? I only needed to wait a while longer before bringing Shiki to Tokyo.

I prepared to set off for the Clock Tower.