"Ah, so that was it. Sorry, I thought you were... My sincerest apologies!"
Only after Aoi Tohsaka spoke up to clear Sovell's name did Kariya-or rather, Kariya Matou-realize he had misunderstood him.
"It's all right."
Sovell released the wind chains binding him and waved a hand to show he did not mind.
"Uncle Kariya! Welcome back!"
"Oh! Little Rin. Here, this is for you."
Kariya Matou genuinely cared for his childhood friend's two daughters.
Whenever he returned from out of town, he brought gifts for Rin and Sakura.
This time, they were a pair of Peach Blossom Jade Bracelets.
The pink, peach-blossom-shaped jade beads felt smooth and warm to the touch, shimmering in the sunlight and drawing delighted cries from both little girls.
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"Thank you, Uncle Kariya."
Seeing the smiles on her daughters' faces, Aoi Tohsaka felt a little helpless.
"Kariya, you're going to spoil them both like this."
"It's fine. Children are meant to be spoiled, aren't they?"
Especially when they're your children...
Kariya Matou's gaze grew gentler, though a faint sadness lingered in its depths.
The two girls gradually ran off under the watchful eyes of the three adults. Once they were far enough away, Kariya Matou's smile faded, and his expression turned grave.
"Mr... Servant, what should I call you?"
Sovell considered for a moment before answering.
"If you don't mind, just call me Stam-'storm.'
After all, I'm still a Servant at present. The less information I reveal to outsiders, the better."
Sovell had never expected that, fifteen hundred years later, he would get another chance to use an alias he had not touched in so long.
Both nodded in understanding, and Kariya Matou continued earnestly.
"Mr. Stam, you've already told me about Sakura's situation.
Thank you so much for protecting her when she