Chapter 16: Manipulated

[3rd POV]

"Grandpa, where are the books about fifth-century Britain in our house?"

During dinner, Shinji, who usually didn't talk much to him, who claimed to be his grandfather, was asking a rare question.

He wouldn't have bothered to ask if not for Kyouya's request.

"Fifth century? Shinji, that's an interesting time period you're asking about."

The sinister, small old man grinned eerily upon hearing his grandson's question, his expression sending a chill through the air.

The official historical documents recorded that the Age of Gods officially declined around the turn of the Common Era, but the Matou family had different records with its long history.

"The Britain of the fifth century was the era when the last remnants of the Age of Gods vanished. Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

"It's none of your business."

"Let me guess, is it about that friend of yours?"

Seeing Shinji's expression grow tense, Zouken knew his guess was correct.

Apparently, Shinji and this person didn't get along at first, but after meeting him, Shinji seemed to have changed a little.

However, the old man didn't care because he still had no magical talent in his eyes.

Without magical ability, Shinji was essentially a useless waste.

"What a shame."

He said casually, "When you killed your father, I started to think differently about you. If you could practice magic, I might have even considered passing the position of head of the family to you."

The old man talked about killing like it was a normal topic, and the victim was his son, who was also the family's bloodline continuation.

To be honest, when Shinji killed his own father, even the old man was taken aback.

After thinking it through, he figured that Shinji's new friend must have had some influence on him.

"Enough with this useless talk. Life isn't just about magic, and even if I can't do magic, I will still become the head of the Matou family one day."

After not getting the answer he wanted, Shinji left the dining room and headed to the study to search for information.

As for the patricide, it was indeed influenced by Kyouya Fujimaru.

Before entering high school, Shinji was a very arrogant person. This came not only from his looks and family background but also from his talents.

He always got top grades in school and was the leader of the archery club.

Even without magic, he had already surpassed ordinary people and believed he would learn magic sooner or later.

At that time, Shinji felt a sense of "pity" toward others. He extended a helping hand to Emiya Shirou and was affectionate and protective of his younger sister, Sakura.

This wasn't out of great kindness but rather a condescending form of charity driven by his innate superiority.

That was until his dreams shattered.

He realized he didn't have the talent for magic, and when he learned that his sister, Sakura, would inherit the position of head of the family.

Shinji's anger and frustration turned into abuse toward Sakura, both at home and in public.

Eventually, the evil was punished by the evil.

Kyouya, who also had a sister, couldn't stand Shinji's behavior and confronted him.

He gave Shinji a strong kick, ripping his school uniform. He didn't hold back, beating him down and making him submit.

"The strong wields their swords against someone stronger, while a weak person wields a sword against someone weaker. Looked at you, I really don't understand where your usual arrogance comes from."

This was the moment when Shinji understood he was actually weak. He also realized the horrible things his father had done to his sister, Sakura.

At first, Shinji tried to ignore it, but Kyouya's words made him pick up a bottle from the ground in anger.

After that day, Shinji's father, Byakuya Matou, died suddenly of a heart attack.

That day also changed Shinji decided he would become strong.

"The history of Britain seems to be... here."

Shinji then looked for the information he needed.

He found something about the history of Britain, but it wasn't enough to answer Kyouya's question about the White Dragon Vortigern.

"Maybe only the Clock Tower has more information."

The Clock Tower, one of the three major organizations of the Mage's Association, was permanently based in London.

If any organization knew the most about Britain's history, it would definitely be there.

...

"Lord Animusphere, the head of the Department of Astromancy, is looking for me?"

After finishing a long day of lessons and dealing with troublesome students, Lord El-Melloi II didn't even get a chance to sit down and relax before hearing this news from his adopted sister.

"However, we in the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory don't really have any connections with the Department of Astromancy."

"Of course, it's about the Holy Relics. After all, isn't it you, my brother, who participated in the Holy Grail War?"

Reines spoke playfully, but it made Lord El-Melloi II tense up.

The Department of Modern Magecraft Theory was nowhere near a match for the established powerhouse of the Department of Astromancy.

Even though Lord El-Melloi II had some exceptional students in his class, they still couldn't compare to someone like Kirschtaria Wodime.

If such a person participated in the Holy Grail War, Lord El-Melloi II's chances of winning would drop drastically.

"I refuse. I won't accept this request."

Since they were potential future enemies, Lord El-Melloi II knew he wouldn't have time to avoid them, let alone help.

"But brother, we already owe a lot of money, right? If we don't have additional income, do you think someone with your level of magic will be able to keep up and not hold back your Servant?"

"Ugh~"

Reines' words struck directly at his weakness.

The Holy Grail War happens once every sixty years.

Even though only nine years had passed since the last one, Lord El-Melloi II's magical abilities were basically reaching their limits.

If he didn't want to hold back his king, the best solution was to gather enough money, just like Kayneth did back in the day, and build a perfect magical workshop.

"The Animusphere family offers generous compensation, and more importantly, you'll get the chance to learn about the Servant they summon. This will help you prepare in advance. You won't get many chances like this."

"I... I understand."

Seeing her mischievous smile, Lord El-Melloi II couldn't help but feel a pang of stomach ache.

She was just a child but effortlessly wrapped him around her finger like this.

In fact, Reines' was right. He needed the money for a long time before the next Holy Grail War.

This might be a good idea to meet this future potential enemy.

...

Lord El-Melloi II and Reines arrived at the Animusphere estate dressed in formal attire and equipped with defensive measures.

He then encountered a man who was older than him but appeared almost young with his white hair.

Marisbury Animusphere

To be continued...

...

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