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7.31% A Nascent Kaleidoscope. / Chapter 43: Chapter 42

Chapter 43: Chapter 42

So, funny thing, on the writers portion of this website, to upload a new chapter you simply put everything on a page and hit the 'publish' button and boom, chapter gets uploaded. Well, here's the thing, there is a 'save' button right next to it that does exactly as you would assume, saves the chapter. Guess which one I hit yesterday and didn't realize until now! So here's both chapters, yesterday and today, just wait a few minutes for the second one.

***

[That lass, she is practically a dragon in human form.]

Tell me about it….I think I have new bruises now. And I don't think there is in doubt about what she is. You know, I'm starting to think I like women who can beat me up.

[Wouldn't be surprising, Devils in general worship strength, dragons also do the same.]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[How are you feeling?]

"Pretty decent, all things considered." I moved my body around, still a little sore after boosting so many times and my stamina was drained pretty heavily.

[You're getting better, and with your bloodline fully coming out it seems like your overall strength has gotten a nice increase, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to hold your own in physical combat so well.]

Yeah, Servants are ridiculous, and she wasn't even going all out. If she were serious, a single swing of her sword would have demolish the building with ease. And that wasn't even taking into account her unleashing her Noble Phantasm or utilizing her other skills. I seem to recall she has an ability that could give her a large boost for a few moments at the cost of a chunk of Magical energy.

It was also good to get another perspective, adding in my magical repertoire showed me a few more flaws in my combat abilities. The most obvious thing, there was such a huge divide between my martial and magical abilities and I don't mean in the realm of strength. It was like, I couldn't combine them in any meaningful way, they both were just….there.

I had walked around the campus here for a while, just enjoying the day. It seemed like several people saw me and just turned and walked away. I guess knowledge of me has started to spread, good. I wonder how long it will take for someone to do something stupid.

Well, it's not like I'll be staying specifically here for that much longer, only a few days and I should be making my trip to the Land of Shadows, and who knows how long I'll be there. Though I will be here back and forth quite a bit, well, we'll see what happens in the future. I think anyone would would want to approach me is just watching and waiting for now. I'll deal with that nonsense when it comes.

Speaking of, I should go back and check in. Maybe the old man needs some stuff from me? I would rather the project not get delayed because I was absent.

A hop, skip and the upscale living areas were not far away. No way Zelretch would be living among the 'common' folk. He wasn't exactly the snooty sort, but he did appreciate the finer things and he would acquire the best if it were available.

"You!" Rin shouted as I walked inside, grabbing me and pulling me into grandfather's office.

I just blinked, getting forced down in a seat as the man himself turned around in his chair, staring at me…. menacingly.

"Does the defendant have any words to speak in their defense?" He tapped his fingers together.

"I want a lawyer?"

"Denied." Rin answered, looming over me. "You have some explaining to do."

"You know, I have the strangest urge to flee at the moment….funny thing…." I flex my hand, feeling around in my ring, until I felt the connection shut off.

Zelretch just wagged his finger. "There will be no Magic in my courtroom."

Oh poo. "I believe I have a right to know what charges are against me?"

"May the prosecution present her case." Zelretch ushered to Rin, seemingly ignoring me.

Rin nodded, pacing around the room. "A couple hours ago I was deep into my research when I was interrupted by my Servant, the victim, stating that she required my help." She narrowed her eyes at me. "Apparently, she was asked out on date."

"A date?" Zelretch repeated. "And which dastardly villain seeks to corrupt our pure and innocent Saber?"

"He is sitting here in this courtroom right at this moment!" She slammed her hands on the desk.

"I see." Zelretch nodded. "And what does the prosecution recommend for punishment?"

"Immediate execution." She declared, pointing towards me.

"….accepted." He leaned back.

I gave him a deadpan look, sitting up I flicked Rin on the forehead.

"Oww" She whined, rubbing the spot.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked.

Zelretch just shrugged. "Is anything necessary?"

"Oi, don't start going all philosophical." I sighed. "Why are you both acting like I'm asking for her hand in marriage? It's a first date, it's entirely possible that nothing even comes of this."

"How did you even get Saber to agree to date?" Rin asked.

"Let me answer your question with another question. Why the hell does she think she has no charm or appeal?"

Rin threw her hands up. "I have no idea! I've been trying to get her to stop thinking that way, but she just won't accept anything I've said. How did you convince her to go on a date!?"

"She started some bullshit about not being attractive, I denied it was so, but she doubled down. I had no choice but to force the issue, challenging her to a duel and if I won, I get to take her out." I explained.

"You won against her?" Rin looked surprised.

"Fuck no." I laughed. "She kicked my ass, but I think I got through enough. She seemed to accept I wasn't trying to pity her or any other weird thoughts she has." Yeah, regardless of the outcome, I just want to take her out and have some fun.

"Well, this is wonderful news." Zelretch said happily. "Rin had approached me not long ago about this very issue, and I admit this isn't exactly my area of expertise." He then turned towards me. "I hope I don't need to explain how cross with you I will be if you are merely playing around with the young woman. I admire Miss Pendragon very much and I would hate to have a very different conversation about her with you."

"Really, a shovel speech?" I raised and eyebrow. "Besides do you really think I'm that kind of person? I do actually like her you know…" Rin looked at me, eyes slightly narrowed. "Her physical attractiveness aside, I find her temperament very charming." Did there have to be more than that? I don't think there's a threshold where you must reach to be allowed to like another person, it's not like I was confessing my love or anything.

"Good." Rin acknowledged. "What are your plans?"

"Well….I haven't really thought much past this point." I scratched my cheek. "I have a few ideas I'll need to double check on."

"What kind of clothes will she need? Is it inside or outside? Will she need special shoes, maybe some kind of dancing? Or are you going for something classic, maybe just a movie and dinner?" Rin started to bombard me with questions.

"Uh….mostly outside, a bit of walking, and somewhat warm weather." I listed off, thinking about it. "Oh shit."

"What?"

"….I don't actually have any money." Well, at least mundane currency.

"...Idiot." Rin sighed.

I turned towards the old man. "So how about that pocket change you mentioned?" He just laughed waving his hand, making a piece of parchment fly towards me. I read it over, furrowing my brow a few times. "Are you seriously trying to extort me?" I grumbled taking out a few items in my ring. "These metals should work fine, though you may want to double check….and here's a few more gems, the quality should be about what you need."

I looked over everything I sat on the table. "How is the project progressing, do you have all the resources you require or do you need me to fetch some other stuff?" I really wanted my staff back...I felt weird not having it with me. Not like I was feeling vulnerable, but maybe I just didn't like my things being out of my grasp.

"It's Good, I should be able to get the gateway up and running in a few days if these work as intended." Zelretch stated, rubbing his chin. "I'll give you access to my accounts here in England, it should be much more than you will need."

Yeah, that's a bit of an understatement. Just his mundane currency was in the millions, that wasn't even touching things like stock or other forms of wealth. Actually, I think he has a garage somewhere with a couple dozen cars…..definitely going to raid that at some point.

"Now I need to take her shopping." She started giggling to herself. "Shoes, dresses, what else?"

Well, it seems like Saber will be in good hands.

Actually, I need new clothes too! And Shoes. Now that I think about it, my whole wardrobe needs an upgrade…..from this singular outfit I've been wearing for a whole month. Magic or not, I'm sick of it, I will want to look my best when I take Artoria out.

Now the thought of her in a cute dress won't disappear from my mind.


next chapter

Chapter 44: Chapter 43

I had been running around for a couple days now, getting several things sorted and making some preparations. To say I wasn't the least bit excited for my date would be a lie. Truthfully, I've never been on a 'date' before, so sue me. Well, at least in the context that someone my age and origin would recognize as a date.

"Old man." I entered my grandfather's office.

"Have a seat." He said smoothly, gesturing towards one of the chairs. There was a pleasant silence as he finished up whatever work he was doing. "We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk."

"That's true." I admitted. "You used our first meeting as a learning experience for Rin." I let out a small sigh. "Not that I'm complaining, but if it were anyone else, I would have been extremely upset."

He hummed in agreement. "She's still a bit immature, I wanted to expand her world view a bit." He stroked his beard. "And there was no good way to let her see the 'wider world', I think this method had the least effect on her mentality."

"Except for that inferiority complex she has going on." I snorted.

"Yes, well, that isn't something that can be handled overnight." He smiled slightly. "You did a wonderful job of opening her eyes though, I am infinity grateful or that."

Yeah, she would have to work through some of her own issues by herself, we can only help so much.

"I don't need your gratitude; I care about her just as you do." I waived him off. "I still have some memories of her before, I couldn't just sit back."

She was a good girl, still a bit hardheaded and arrogant right now, but she matures quickly. Not that I could exactly throw stones from my glass house over here.

"I'm tempted to ask about that, but I think I would like to look forward to the years to come before the world becomes a bit more chaotic." A small smile graced his face.

"A hundred years, give or take. It's not long to prepare, even when we can bullshit the time-line a bit."

"Language." He chided lightly. "You have a bit more freedom than I do in that regard. You have more freedom than I do to explore other worlds, I can only give a few cursory glances at World-Lines away from Gaia, while you can walk upon them."

"And you think that our 'salvation' may be out there?"

"Salvation?' He laughed. "I never believed in anything like that when I was devising my strategies. I never thought something like 'you' would even exist. I'm just playing any card I can get my hands on to keep the world spinning." He shook his head, an aged smile gracing his face. "You weren't my first attempt at skewing fate in my favor, I tried many ridiculous experiments. There was one point where I even theorized the resurrection of Albion, or maybe refining its corpse into a Mystic Code."

"Yeah right, you just wanted a dragon to ride on." I called him out, because that is exactly what I would want.

"….that was only 10% of my intention." He admitted.

Yeah, yeah, you can't lie to me old man, I know exactly how you think.

"What about your 'granddaughters'?" I used air quotes to emphasis.

"Why ask questions you already know." He was the one to sigh this time. "Altrouge Brunestud is just as rebellious, even if the Dead Apostle Ancestors aren't present here. She still hasn't forgiven me for tricking her pet into being sealed. Thankfully, she stopped acting up a few centuries ago, but only god knows what she'll do when the board finally gets set."

Maybe I should go pay her a visit? The daughter of a True Ancestor and a Dead Apostle, one of only two remaining beings that are allowed to carry the name 'Brunestud', after the Crimson Moon Brunestud. She was frighteningly powerful, even if she wasn't a True Ancestor herself.

"And Arcueid is sleeping, which is the best case for everyone." I said quietly. I saw his expression, he truly cared for the last True Ancestor. We both knew that if the forces dwelling deep within that carefree girl could potentially awaken if she got swept up in the battle that may come. "It almost seems unfair how much easier it is to destroy the world than to protect it."

"Even if it seems unfair, there is still a chance."

"What's the saying, the Heavens never block all paths?" I smiled lightly. "Once Rin gets up to standard, she can also start traveling, searching for her own fortune." Which will be another decent skew of fate in our favor.

"I give it ten years before she is ready, maybe twenty at the most." He looked distant, calculating in his head, I agreed with his thoughts, that seemed about what I would expect if she didn't make any surprising leaps in that time frame. Well, who knows, she's a smart girl, some lucky chance could propel her years ahead of schedule.

"I could give her a hand, the last world I went to had some good opportunities for her to spread her wings." I offered. "I also have some people back there that could watch over her, but….I may have also left some dangers in my wake." Lots of good stuff for someone in Rin's situation, I'm sure she could bloom quite well in that environment.

"I haven't had a chance to peek over there." He looked a bit interested.

"I've only explored a small fraction, but I couldn't help but fall in love with the place. I even got myself a woman over there waiting for me." I smiled.

"And you're trying to woo dear Artoria, bold, aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow.

"If anything serious comes after this date, I'll be forthright, but for now I just want her to enjoy her time and maybe get a new perspective on her second life." I wasn't one to lie about something significant like that. A healthy relationship can't be built on lies.

"As long as you understand." He nodded. "That reminds me." He sat up, shuffling over to a cabinet and searching through some papers. "Here we are." He sat the parchment on the desk. "I made a little list of some world-lines and their coordinates if you wish to visit them in the future, I think some of them may have some things you might want."

I just quietly put it away in my ring. "No need to get distracted right now, I still need to go find my teacher before I start treading this path."

"Mmm, your foundation is a mess." He said without any sympathy for my feelings.

"I know, I've been made abundantly clear how disorganized I am. I was so focused on just grabbing anything that I fancied that I'm a mess."

"Well, the Immortal Witch should be able to sort you out." He chuckled. "I'm a bit interested in the Land of Shadows, I do hope you will regale me with some tales when you return." He smiled wistfully. "Do you have any plans of returning to your birthplace?"

I couldn't help but wince, choosing not to answer.

"It's going to remain a thorn in your heart if you don't go back." He explained. "Not to mention the debt you owe."

"I know." I said curtly. "Its just….I don't have many good memories there and no one to go back to.....maybe I can visit mother, put some flowers on her grave."

His expression softened. "Well, think about it another way, there are plenty of good things there for you to grab." He shrugged. "You already stole something of significance, what more harm could you cause?"

"You don't' need to remind me. My reluctance does not mean I'm ignoring my debt." My tick presented itself again as I ran a hand through my hair unconsciously. "I'll head back and take a look after I get back from the Land of Shadows."

"When you return after that, I do have something I need done if you're interested."

"Like what?"

"There is a world-line near us that is cut off from my view, I have some ideas of what's happening and the general outline, but I would like a more in depth look and you would be the perfect person to investigate."

'Close to us' is a very relative thing to say. Distance is a misnomer, a concept we attach because it makes us feel more comfortable. Other World-lines are both infinitely close and infinitely far away.

"Rin not ready for something like that?" She's usually good about running errands.

"No." He shook his head lightly. "This is beyond her abilities, even if Saber ventures with her, I don't know if she would survive."

"Oh? Color me curious now, I don't recall something like this in my memories." Little surprises are life's joy.

He perked up a bit. "There's this organization called Chaldea…..actually why don't we wait until you get back, it's a very long winded explanation."

"Whatever, I'll hear the rest of the explanation later, I already have a lot on my plate."

"That is true, you have a date with Miss Pendragon soon." He smiled, teasingly. "I wonder if I'll have some great-grandchildren to spoil in the future."

"Fuck off." I snorted. "Besides, it's highly unlikely for a Servant to even have children, to call it one in a million would be generous. Adding on my heritage, make that one in a billion."

As strange as it was, Servants can have children with humans. The concepts inherent in their sublimation onto our realm of existence. They are emboldened by the Collective Human Unconscious, and the idea of reproduction is so far ingrained on us as a race that it stays within them even with Ether-based vessels.

"Are children something you would want in the future?" He asked me with some interest.

Now that I think about it, Zelretch can't have children himself anymore. A side effect of his battle with the Crimson Moon, he burnt through a lot of his life force. Maybe this was a desire I kept over from my previous life?

I scrunched my eyebrows, mulling the question over. "I do…..I want a big family." I couldn't help but smile picturing Meridia trying wrangle a few of our kids even if it was something not possible.

I felt a strange resolve in my heart.

So what if it wasn't possible? When did that ever stop me from doing things? I'll make it possible, there has to be some method across the infinite expanse that has a method.

It would be a long term goal for now, but first...."Well, I need to make some final preparations for my date, I'll catch you later, old man."


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