Chapter 784: Atrum's Foolishness

Upon hearing Shinji's question, Lorelei's voice took on a different tone.

"What, do you want me to participate?"

"I don't," Shinji shook his head.

"The ritual involves mutual slaughter, leaving only one victor. I don't want you to risk yourself."

"Are you doubting my abilities?"

Lorelei pouted in dissatisfaction.

"I've never doubted that. In a one-on-one fight, there are few in the world who can defeat you. But—"

Here, Shinji's tone shifted.

"The Holy Grail War tests not only the abilities of the Masters but also the Servants they summon. These are famous figures from history, some even monstrous beings beyond normal specifications. If the enemy summons a hero from the age of myths, can you still be so confident?"

"If they can summon one, why can't I? If they have treasures, doesn't Barthomeloi also have them?"

"Of course, you can. But there are seven Masters in the battle. Have you considered the consequences your reputation might bring? How do you think Professor Kayneth lost ten years ago?"

Kayneth's loss had many reasons. One was Waver stealing the relic he had originally prepared, forcing him to change his summon. Another was his arrogance and self-righteousness. Lastly, there was Kiritsugu's targeting. However, Lorelei didn't know the details, and Shinji's words didn't make her suspicious.

As the head of the Department of Policies, the undisputed queen of the Clock Tower, Lorelei's strength and capability were evident. The pressure she would exert on other participants in the Holy Grail War was unimaginable.

"They would unite to eliminate the strongest competitor first? A common tactic among the weak. But if they can unite, so can I. Someone like Atrum wouldn't be hard to win over with enough benefits. Add you into the mix, and with three Servants on our side, there would be nothing to fear, even if the other side united against us."

"How are you so sure that I'll participate?"

"Is it that hard to guess? The Matou, Tohsaka, and Einzbern families haven't missed any of the previous four Holy Grail Wars, so I doubt they would miss this one. Although there are plenty in the Matou family who qualify as Masters, knowing you, you wouldn't push the responsibility and risk onto them. You're that kind of overprotective person."

"Can't you use a nicer term, like deeply caring? Wait a minute—did you give Atrum the spot just because of this?"

Lorelei's queenly demeanor and confidence caused Shinji to waver a little. However, in her eyes, this hesitation was purely due to a lapse in intelligence.

"What nonsense. If I truly wanted to participate, I could have chosen subordinates from my family or the Brigade. Why would I pick a stranger?"

"You say you're going, then you say you're not—I really can't figure out what you're thinking."

Shinji gave up trying to understand.

"After learning about the Holy Grail War from Lord El-Melloi, I considered participating, but I later decided against it. There are two reasons. First, safety. I'm not worried about the enemy Masters, but there are many hidden enemies besides them. The Department of Policies has little control in Japan. Going there recklessly would be irresponsible not only to myself but also to you. This isn't something I want to see. Second, I don't want to damage our relationship. Shinji, I know your family values this ritual. Perhaps your deliberate low profile over the years is related to it. If my curiosity were to disrupt your plans, I might lose you forever."

"My lady, you..."

Shinji was both shocked and touched.

He was shocked by her perceptiveness. He had hidden things for years, but in the end, he couldn't hide from her. Even so, she chose to turn a blind eye, and how could Shinji not be moved by her thoughtfulness?

The shock quickly faded, leaving only the warmth in his heart, which slowly spread to his eyes.

Lorelei, seeing Shinji's gaze, felt a little flustered and unconsciously fiddled with her fingers, trying to maintain her composure.

"Don't misunderstand. I just think you're talented and hope you can continue to work for me. There's nothing more to it, understand?"

Little did she know that her proud yet shy demeanor only made her more endearing. At this moment, Shinji was like a magus witnessing the Golden Princess for the first time, completely losing his ability to think, only able to respond with incoherent sounds.

This rare display of foolishness brightened Lorelei's mood considerably. "If you understand, then put in more effort."

"Okay."

"Really, with such strong abilities, why are you always so lazy?"

"Yeah."

"Shinji, are you even listening?"

"Yes, yes, you're right, my lady."

It was only then that Shinji seemed to wake from a dream, noticing that Lorelei was biting her lip. He quickly asked,

"By the way, my lady, why did you say that the biggest beneficiary of the Iselma incident is me?"

Lorelei sighed helplessly.

"Atrum targeted that treasure because he wanted to summon Siegfried as his Servant. Siegfried is one of the greatest heroes in Norse mythology, capable of slaying a dragon alone and gaining an almost invincible, immortal body. If he were truly summoned, he would be a formidable opponent. Now that the Bloodstained linden leaf is destroyed, you have one less powerful potential enemy."

"I don't deny that."

Having fought alongside Siegfried, Shinji knew well how powerful he was. Even now, he didn't have a good way to deal with the hero clad in dragon's blood armor. And with their bond of camaraderie, Shinji couldn't bring himself to resort to sneaky attacks. A fierce battle would be inevitable.

"However, I need to correct one thing. Just because the Bloodstained linden leaf was destroyed in a curse doesn't mean it can't be used as a summoning catalyst. What matters is its connection to the Heroic Spirit. Even if the Bloodstained linden leaf is reduced to ashes, the fact that it once covered Siegfried's back won't change, nor will its connection to him."

"So you're saying... even the ashes could summon Siegfried?"

"That's right."

"Where are the ashes now?"

"They're with me. I found them in the Golden Princess's room. Waver also got his inspiration from the powder."

As Shinji spoke, he took out a small sealed box from his pocket.

"The funny thing is, Waver said the Bloodstained linden leaf was burned to ashes by Touko, but Atrum never thought to look for them. What do you think would happen if I summoned Siegfried and flaunted him in front of Atrum?"

Lorelei stared intently at the box in Shinji's hand.

"He might try to fight you to the death."

"Fight to the death? He's not even qualified for that. Let me tell you something interesting—"