After making a pinky promise with Fujino, I promised to wait a few years and make her my bride.
I wasn't some righteous gentleman either. Shiki and Fujino were both too young; I just couldn't get past that hurdle in my heart.
When I returned to my room that night, I found someone inside. At first, I thought it was Fujino. As usual, I slipped under the covers, only to realize something was wrong. Whether in figure or size, she was far more impressive than Fujino.
I lifted the blanket 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 half-undone clothes and that tempting sight.
I tested the waters. "Mother-in-law, what brings you here?"
Aoi Tohsaka hesitantly said, "Thank you for everything you've done for Rin and Sakura. Not only did you avenge their father, but you also sent them to the Clock Tower to study and fulfilled their father's wish."
"I have nothing to repay you with. This house has seemed rather empty lately, and I heard you say before that you wanted a child. Fujino and Sakura are both too young, so it seems I'm the only suitable one in this household. 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 responsibility for anything."
I still hesitated. Seeing my expression, Aoi Tohsaka looked somewhat lonely as she prepared to get up and leave. Looking at her retreating figure, I steeled myself and reached out, pulling her into my arms.
"You think you can tease me and then simply walk away? It's too late to leave now." With that, I pressed her down onto the floor.
I asked once more, "You really won't regret this? What if Rin and Sakura find out? How will you face them afterward?"
Aoi Tohsaka whispered, "They'll be leaving for the Clock Tower soon. They won't discover it."
I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. So that was the reason. Smiling, I said, "Looks like you've had your eye on me for a long time and have been waiting for this chance."
Aoi Tohsaka decided to go all the way. "Yes. Who told you to be so gentle with our family?"
"In that case, calling you Mother-in-law wouldn't be appropriate anymore. From now on, when no one else is around, I'll call you Aoi."
After a night passed, Aoi was still asleep. I carefully got up, but I still woke her. Seeing me rise, she wanted to get up and help me dress.
I couldn't help saying, "What a virtuous wife. Tokiomi Tohsaka never had the fortune to appreciate you, so from now on, you'll be mine."
Aoi said, "Back then, Tokiomi was always absorbed in his family and magecraft. I was born into a mage family but had no talent for magecraft myself. Still, I had the factors of a mage within me, which was why my family arranged my marriage to Tokiomi."
"Our feelings were never particularly deep. In the world of magecraft, there is no family affection to speak of. I thought all mage families were the same, but then I found that only you were different. That is what drew me to you."
"My original name was Aoi Zenjou. I hope that when you think of me in the future, you'll remember that name. I don't ask for any status; I only hope you'll think of me once in a while."
"Don't worry. You were my first woman, after all. I won't forget you." With that, I gave her a deep 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 one lottery draw. Please keep up the good work.
Since you gave me a reward, I won't criticize you for being so unromantic.
I secretly stayed with Aoi Zenjou for a month. Every time, we 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 to the next step?"
"Any time," came the simple reply.
They used that technique for the transfer at last. They didn't explain it, and I didn't ask. But once the living, breathing Kenneth walked out of the ward, the Kenneth in the Tohsaka ward had already fallen into a brain-dead state, becoming a vegetable.
Kenneth said, "What miraculous technology. I feel reborn. Thank you both for your help. If you ever need anything within my power, I will certainly assist you."
He then came before me, performed the highest form of gratitude, and said, "From this day forward, you are my, 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 performed a gesture of thanks and said something similar.
After exchanging pleasantries, I asked Kenneth about his plans. He eagerly declared that he wanted to return to the Clock Tower and prove to everyone that he was still alive. He had merely lost a Holy Grail War. Kenneth was still the same genius mage.
Taking the opportunity, I requested to travel with him. Kenneth readily agreed, and we arranged to take a flight to the Clock Tower the day after tomorrow.
Afterward, we all had a meal together. Kenneth remarked 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. "Wouldn't this technology be equivalent to immortality?"
They replied, "The materials for a Cloning body are difficult to obtain. Even if most of its functions are identical to the original body, there are still some things that cannot be restored to its current state."
"For example, passing on one's bloodline. Even if it has that thing, it probably won't work, right?"
I immediately observed a moment of silence for Kenneth. Still, what one lost in the east might be gained in the west. Without those distracting urges, perhaps Kenneth's future would be even brighter.
Kenneth wouldn't publicize this matter everywhere, but poor Miss Sola.
As for the future of his family, he could simply adopt a talented child. Mage families had no family affection to speak of; only talent mattered.
Returning to the matter at hand, I said, "This is your payment. I wonder whether you two would be interested in deepening our cooperation. As mages, we all strive to reach the Root."
"Would you be interested in working together? I'll provide the funds, 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 funding. However, you'll need to provide appropriate project proposals for me to review. If you're willing, we can establish a magical contract."
Hearing my extravagant words, both of them began making their own calculations and said they would consider it.
I tempted them. "Take your time thinking it over. 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."
In truth, my proposal had moved them. After all, no researcher disliked a generous financial backer. At least, I had managed to keep them in Tokyo for the time being.
After confirming that none of the later events had occurred in Mifune City, the story of The Garden of Sinners no longer existed. After all, I had already whisked away the heroine, and the instigators behind the mysterious incidents were all by my side.
How could they even make The Garden of Sinners now? I only needed to wait a little longer before bringing Shiki to Tokyo.
I prepared to set out for the Clock Tower.