A Visit, Cooperation, and Bargaining Chips

The assassination attempt did not cause much of a stir. Every lineage had encountered similar incidents to some extent. It was enough to arrange for subordinates to investigate and see what came of it. Even the Genji Clan had done the same before.

On March 2, 1988, Sakura Tohsaka was born. With six years left until the Holy Grail War, the time for negotiations had arrived. I immediately set out for Fuyuki City to find Tokiomi Tohsaka.

Along the way, I repeatedly weighed my words. I knew whether my subsequent plans could succeed depended on today. If I succeeded, I would strike it rich in one go. If I failed, much of what came afterward would have to be torn down and redone. For me, it was a huge gamble.

But the odds of winning were high, because Tokiomi Tohsaka was a man who pursued magecraft traditions.

I rang the doorbell. This time, the one who opened the door was a servant I had not seen before. It seemed Aoi Tohsaka was still recovering after giving birth. Sometimes, I really envied Tokiomi Tohsaka.

I said to the servant, "Hello, my name is Yuan Shikai. I have an appointment with the head of the Tohsaka family." A voice came from behind the door. "Let him in."

The moment I entered the living room, I called out, "Congratulations to the head of the Tohsaka family on gaining another daughter. This is a congratulatory gift for you." Then I presented the gift with both hands. Tokiomi Tohsaka could tell from the wrapping alone that it was a gemstone. This time, he did not open it, merely thanked me before taking me to see the newborn Sakura.

He said, "This is my second daughter, Sakura Tohsaka." I echoed, "A fine name. In the future, she will surely become an outstanding magus like her elder sister, Rin Tohsaka."

Tokiomi Tohsaka laughed heartily at my words. "Yes. Like her sister, Sakura has seventy Magic Circuits. Moreover, her affinity is the exceptionally rare Imaginary Numbers Magecraft."

But then he spoke with a hint of sorrow. "What a pity. In my view, Sakura's talent is somewhat wasted. You are still young, so you may not know that a family of magi can generally only pass down its inherited Magic Crest to one successor."

Since Rin was the eldest daughter and possessed considerable magical talent as well, Sakura, as the younger daughter, could not inherit it. It was truly regrettable.

That was exactly what I had been waiting for. I seized the opening and said, "So there is such a tradition. It really is regrettable. However, I have an idea—or rather, a cooperation proposal. I wonder whether the head of the Tohsaka family would be interested."

My words seemed to pique Tokiomi Tohsaka's interest. He said, "Then let us discuss it in the study."

Once we reached the study, Tokiomi Tohsaka said, "Tell me about your idea, or this cooperation. I am very curious."

"What the head of the Tohsaka family regrets is that Sakura's talent may be buried. So I would like to make a suggestion—or rather, propose a cooperation. Please marry Sakura to me!!!"

Tokiomi Tohsaka parted his lips and stared blankly at me. It took him quite a while to react. "You are not joking, are you?!"

I answered with a smile, "Of course not. Once Sakura comes of age, I am willing to grant her the title of wife of the Genji Clan head. What does the head of the Tohsaka family think of this arrangement?"

Tokiomi Tohsaka suddenly rose to his feet in fury. "This joke is not funny at all. If you continue like this, I will have to see you out."

I knew the real show was beginning. "Please calm down, head of the Tohsaka family. Then let us discuss another cooperation proposal. This one will definitely interest you." Tokiomi Tohsaka sat back down, but said nothing. He was likely waiting to hear what else I could possibly say.

I smiled faintly. "The Holy Grail War." Tokiomi Tohsaka straightened his posture slightly. I continued, "According to my investigation, the next Holy Grail War will begin soon. During my research, I discovered that the Holy Grail War was a ritual created jointly by the Tohsaka, Matou, and Einzbern families in pursuit of the Root."

"At the same time, the Holy Grail can grant the victor's wish. Unfortunately, the first three wars ended in failure for various reasons. How about I lend the head of the Tohsaka family a hand this time?"

After hearing me out, Tokiomi Tohsaka pondered for a moment. "If you do not become a Master, outside assistance is dispensable to me." Before he could finish, I revealed the Command Spell on my left hand. "What about this?"

Tokiomi Tohsaka was shocked once more. He felt that today's surprises had used up all the shock he was supposed to feel for the entire year. First came the utterly baseless request, then came a cooperation proposal that seemed impossible.

After recovering, he slowly said, "Incredible. But this truly does qualify you to discuss cooperation. May I ask what your proposed cooperation entails?"

So far, everything was roughly as I had expected. I slowly said, "The Genji Clan will spare no effort to help the Tohsaka family win the Holy Grail War."

Tokiomi Tohsaka asked, "What must the Tohsaka family give in return?"

I said, "What kind of person does the head of the Tohsaka family think I am? Or rather, how does the outside world describe me?"

After a brief moment of thought, Tokiomi Tohsaka said, "The outside world's titles? The hope of the Genji Clan, a business prodigy, someone with exceptional talent in magecraft, the youngest and most promising head of the Genji Clan, the man most likely to lead the Genji Clan back to its peak."

"As for my personal impression, I think you are someone with many ideas. Your various thoughts and approaches are rather difficult for me to grasp. I cannot quite understand the meaning behind them."

A fairly impartial answer, more or less what I had expected. Saying it this way would not offend anyone.

"That is right. My ultimate goal is to revitalize the Genji Clan, and this cooperation is part of that process."

Tokiomi Tohsaka asked in return, "If your goal is to revitalize your family, should you not win the Holy Grail War yourself? Why help me instead?"

I calmly replied, "First, all records of the Holy Grail War are merely records. It is unknown to what extent the so-called wish can actually be fulfilled. There is no basis for comparison, so I choose the safer option."

"After all, this is gambling with the future of an entire lineage. Participating in the Holy Grail War could mean death. I have not yet made that resolve."

Tokiomi Tohsaka seemed to accept my words. "Since this is a cooperation, what must I give in return?"

This was exactly the rhythm I wanted. I said, "As a second-rate family at its peak, I do not lack foundations or wealth. What I lack are connections—connections with first-rate families. And are those connections not right before me?"

"The Tohsaka family originally descended from the disciples of that great man, the Jewel Sword Master. That title alone represents a great deal." They could not even be considered formal disciples, yet they insisted on gilding their own reputation.

After I finished speaking, Tokiomi Tohsaka straightened up and said, "That is right. This is the pride of the Tohsaka family." He even found Yuan Shikai somewhat more pleasing to the eye.

I continued, "My request is very simple. Please give Sakura Tohsaka to me, then publicize this matter within the magus community to increase the Genji Clan's prestige. Before long, the Genji Clan will surely enter the ranks of first-rate families."

Tokiomi Tohsaka asked doubtfully, "Are those your only conditions? If you win the Holy Grail War, would you not gain prestige just the same? Would that not make it even easier for the Genji Clan to enter the first rank?"

I answered solemnly, "I am afraid of death. I have not made that resolve. Is that not enough? Besides, I am still young. I am not in a hurry to pursue the Root. Perhaps when I am fifty or sixty, I may pursue it."

"At least for now, I am the most important person in the Genji Clan, so I must ensure my own safety. All things considered, is this not the most reasonable choice?"