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10.71% A Nascent Kaleidoscope. / Chapter 63: Chapter 62

Chapter 63: Chapter 62

"You ready?" I asked my companion, seeing Artoria…not standing awkwardly, but I could tell she was the tiniest bit nervous.

"I am." She nodded. "I have selected one of these 'coffee shops' that Rin has shown me."

I couldn't help but smile at her antics. "You look nice." I eyed her new wardrobe. It was….more of the same, but slightly different stylization and perhaps a new sweater.

"T-thank you." She lowered her head slightly; I could tell she was a little bit of pink on her cheeks. I knew she was still unused to being complimented in this capacity, yet I couldn't resist. "I picked these clothes out myself." She added on quietly.

Well, she had good taste, even if she didn't deviate much. She knew what she looked good in…..which to be fair was practically anything. But far be it from me to dissuade her from what she likes.

"So, I'm curious, did Rin introduce you to coffee?" It was practically a necessity for most mages. Even those who despised the stuff learned to bare it for their continued experiments when they were working on little sleep.

Now that I think about it, coffee makers are one of the few items that the residents here actually pay attention to when new models and upgrades are produced. I wouldn't be surprised if the industry was being propped up almost entirely by mage families.

"Rin had introduced me to the beverage." She confirmed.

But something about her expression was a little off…."Artoria, do you even like coffee?" I eyed her suspiciously.

"…It is not the most unpleasant thing I have ever partook in." she admitted, looking away.

"You know, we don't actually have to get coffee, right?"

"But…." She hesitated slightly. "Rin told me it is an important social ritual for this 'dating'."

Cute.

"Artoria, I don't want you to have to suffer something as mundane as not liking a drink." I deadpanned. "Why don't I take you to one of my favorite Cafes they have some interesting alternatives."

She tiled her head slightly, nodding with a bit more enthusiasm that i had anticipated. I guess she really doesn't like coffee.

"Alright, I'm hijacking this outing." I put my hand on her shoulder and she let out a cute little sound when I pulled her through the Kaleidoscope. Our surroundings changed, and we appeared in a spot that was no doubt only familiar with myself. "Here we are." I gestured.

She looked curiously at a little café that didn't even have a worded sign on the front. She looked genuinely interested, seemingly a bit more intent on going to inspect the place. We walked inside, and the place was relatively empty, one or two patrons when the place could easily fit fifty to sixty.

It was one of my little favorites, actually, I think Zelretch is pretty much single handedly keeping it running at this point. And to be honest, this isn't the only place like that in this world.

I saw her eyes dart to the menu, a lot of things perhaps were rather strange for her.

"Would you mind if I order for us? I think I can get something you'll like." I offered.

Her face brightened and she gave me a good natured smile. "Yes, that would be wonderful.

"Two hot chocolates, with the works, please." I set some money down on the counter, seeing the barista nod at me.

We walked over to a secluded booth at the corner, for a little bit of privacy. It didn't take long for someone to follow up with our drinks.

Artoria's eyes widened at the monstrosity that was set before us. And I use that term in a very endearing way.

"Whipped cream, topped with caramel, chocolate shaving bits, and a large marshmallow and a few graham crackers." I narrated.

"How decadent" She marveled, taking a sip. "It is delicious." I could see her practically glow in the aftertaste.

Yeah, this kind of place would be obsolete in a couple decades, when things like this become very much a fad all around the world. But for this time period, it's not exactly something you can find easily.

Seeing her happy like this, it really did quell a lot of my turbulent emotions.

"Perhaps we should finally have that talk?" I offered an in for conversation, quickly creating a shoddy bounded field around us, preventing any ease-droppers and the like.

She tucked a few strands behind her ear, looking at me with a small smile. "I am unsure of how to properly proceed." She admitted, not nearly as unsure of herself as before though. A confidence that shown through even in ignorance.

"Well, before anything more comes about…..you may rethink me after today." I sighed, seeing her expression turn…pensive. "I won't mince words, nor will I lead you on. I'll just be blunt, I have multiple women already."

There really was no correct way to go about this, being completely honest was perhaps the best course of action though. She deserved nothing but my honesty, and I would not play with her emotions.

Her expression hardened, and she reverted to her emotionless mask she often wore. It made it exceedingly difficult to get any kind of read on her.

"You…." She stopped herself, seemingly unable to find the correct words before opening her mouth again. "Why did you tell me…..couldn't you have...?" She seemed…..dejected and slightly confused.

"Do you think this is something I would hide?" I questioned. Do people really think the worse of me? Or maybe she was bringing some of her own self esteem issues to light and making jumps in conclusions? I just shook my head. "Artoria, what do you think the most important things in a relationship are?"

"I am unsure….I have never had a proper relationship before." She said quietly, and my gut practically wretched at her words.

Yeah, if I recall correctly, even her marriage was a sham….something basically done to hide her gender during those days.

"In my opinion, there are three facets that determine a relationship, with their importance in order. Trust, communication, and love." I explained. "I refuse to start any kind of romantic relationship on a lie, if you couldn't trust me, then what was the point if anything more bloomed?"

"…what happens if I….did not wish to pursue anything more?" She hesitantly asked.

"Then we simply don't have anything more." I shrugged. "There is no consequence, I won't get angry, I'm not going to pressure you in any way." I said simply. "You have an obligation to find your own happiness. If you don't believe it to be with me, then you are free to find someone else. I would be more than willing to continue with just our friendship."

She looked rather contemplative at my words, clearly deep in thought. "I have a question." Her words rather even. "Do you truly like me?"

"I do. There are several things about you that I find attractive beyond just your physical appearance." My words were completely honest.

Was she looking for some reassurance?

"Oh." Her cheeks flushed slightly again. "I see." We sat in silence for a few more moments before she spoke again. "I admit, this isn't something I would have preferred…..but it also is not a concept foreign to me."

I tilted my head in confusion. "Pardon?"

"Hmm?" She looked at me. "Did I say something strange?"

"Did you not live in an era where Christianity was predominant and their tenants followed closely?"

She looked at me for a moment before actually bursting out laughing. "I see, you seem to hold some incorrect thoughts about my era." She giggled a few more times before finally settling down. "Yes, in public the 'upper class' held to certain standards, but they were by no means priests or nuns." She pursed her lips. "Many of my nobles had dozens of mistresses and lovers even if they only had a single wife." She looked rather wistful for a moment. "I often used such things to shield myself away from those unscrupulous individuals who wished to offer up their daughters, sisters...and wives, for political gains."

"Um, did you just say --"

"Yes." She deadpanned and I held back....many questions.

"You know, I am actually unsurprised." I sighed. "Rules for thee, not for me." I waved my hand flippantly. Perhaps I romanticized that time period too much in my head.

"Your other…..women." She chose her words carefully. "Who are they?"

"Meridia, she is a 'goddess' from Skyrim, the place that the old man was speaking about sending you and Rin to." I explained. Well, technically Skyrim was just a province, but I didn't really want to delve into geography.

"A goddess?" She seemed rather surprised.

"It's a close enough explanation before you actually read some books from there. Her 'authority' is over life, or rather the 'energy' of life. She holds a vehement dislike for the undead, so I would advise Rin to not practice any necromancy, seeing as how I was going to ask her to make sure no other higher powers poke around."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "I am a spirit….."

"Different concepts, she hates the things that make a mockery of 'life', a heroic spirit is more of a holy existence, which there is a little precedent for over there." I waved off her concerns. "Truthfully….I think she would like you."

They have similar temperaments, and I think Meridia would find Artoria rather refreshing in someone she could confide in.

"And she is okay with you….." She glanced at herself, but I could see what she was implying.

"She is the one who brought it up." I shrugged.

"Oh…I would have assumed…" She stopped herself abruptly.

"My devil nature?" I laughed lightly.

"I…didn't mean it like that." She looked away briefly.

"It's not something I take offense in, you're probably right that my nature does have an influence on it. Actually, being a half devil makes my inhibitions much lower than a normal human." I thought about it for a moment, realizing I need to take a better note of what my devil side actually does to me. "But It's not like I even go out looking to pick up girls." I sighed. "Even if harems and such are extremely common in my….. culture…. surprisingly on the opposite end of the spectrum as well."

"Wait, you mean women with multiple partners?" Artoria looked flabbergasted, I guess being in male dominated societies made such things unheard of, I only nodded at her. "Oh my." She turned a bright pink.

Well, the devil society is male dominated as well, but strength rules over all else. There are plenty of strong women who have harems, albeit a bit rarer than men, but still not something one would bat an eye at.

"And…who else?" She questioned again.

"Scathach." I said simply, just bringing up her name still made me experience things I was trying to suppress.

"I should have expected that." She deadpanned.

"I can't counter those words." I couldn't help but smile slightly. Yeah, Scathach's reputation was….known.

"Would I….be able to meet them?" She looked a little unsure of herself.

"Of course, though it may not be for a bit…..Meridia can't leave her realm willy-nilly and Scathach is currently….indisposed."

"I see…..you truly are keeping no secrets from me, and I wouldn't be able to find out even if you were, yet you are being so open." Her expression softened slightly, looking at me again. "I still don't' know what to do, even before this…revelation, I still was conflicted. But….I want to give it a chance, mayhap our paths will part at some point, but I do not want to live with a regret in my heart anymore."

Huh, well, what do you know?

This brought a genuine smile to my face, even if my heart was still in shambles.

***

Author's notes.

Still not much, these couple of chapters at the end of the first Fate Arc are basically tieing up loose ends and setting up future plot points. So canon Artoria was someone who had many regrets in life, it basically led to her wanting to make a wish to undo her own existence, put someone else on the throne. To me, it would be one of the major points in her meeting the MC half way in this, after coming to terms with everything, trying not to live with any regrets, even if the feelings are still relatively small. And bonus points in her book for being completely upfront about his relations. Regardless of how she perceived her 'marriage' it still left a huge mark of betrayal on her when it all came out. But yeah, I planned on taking this particular relationship slow. And even canon Artoria didn't seem to have any negative thoughts on someone having multiple partners as long as everyone involved was happy.

Now, I see a lot of people asking about MC's current powerlevel using DxD terms, and to be honest it's hard to put a 'number' on it, so to speak. The thing about DxD power levels, is that they don't matter until they do. For example; Person A and Person B are both Ultimate class, yet person A could defeat a thousand of person B without breaking a sweat. Without considering True Magic and Boosted Gear and Primordial Runes to make it super confusing, assume his strength is Ultimate class if it makes you feel better.

That being said, I will probably try to streamline the 'rankings' a bit more so they actually mean something in the future.

Anyways, if you want to support me or read up to 5 chapters ahead, feel free to visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone


next chapter

Chapter 64: Chapter 63

Clearing the air with Artoria had been surprisingly…..therapeutic.

Maybe, I wanted to say it was a nice distraction from my other issues, but that would not be fair to the budding relationship I have with Artoria. I just kept reminding myself that Scathach wasn't gone forever, and she was going to get an ass kicking when I brought her back.

But seeing Artoria's bright smile when we would meet, it would easily push away any melancholic thoughts I currently had.

I let out a grunt as I finished up my small workout. It was almost ingrained on me at this point to start the day with several hundred swings of my sword.

At some point, I pulled out Gae Bolg and started thrusting it for the reason.

I don't know why I continued to torture myself like this, and I had no desire to truly learn the spear, its just….I think it made me feel more at ease?

Perhaps…I just wanted to feel closer to her now that we were so far apart?

….and I was swinging around Dawnbreaker just moments prior to that, I really am just a helpless idiot sometimes.

Now that I think about it, I should really switch between all my swords to make sure I'm completely comfortable to wield any of them ins any circumstance.

I looked up into the air, and my swords flew back down to me.

Whisper, Mirage, Dawnbreaker, Ascalon.

I did feel a slight tinge of greed when I beheld them. Was it odd that I felt the need to get more? Perhaps it was my nature as a Devil talking, I liked the thoughts of having my own armory, a collection to show off….hmm.

Thoughts for later.

Another random thought, I will surely need to test how the Staff of Magnus interacts with my new magical abilities, primarily my 9-Realms and my Primordial Runes. Lots of stuff to do, and my time seems just as limited as before.

It never seems to stop.

***

I walked back to Zelretch's home…office, workshop thing. What even was the proper way to describe this? I suppose that most mages would refer to it as his workshop, simply because that is the most important facet inside….

"There you are!" Rin exclaimed as soon as I walked inside. "Come here, I'm going to show what I've been working on."

Artoria flanked her form behind, a familiar sight at this point. She just looked rather amused by the whole thing as we shared a look.

"Alright, lead the way." I offered no resistance as she practically dragged me into her workshop.

It just went to show how much she seemingly trusted me this quickly if she was letting me in here. Realistically, I could come and go whenever I wanted, there was nothing she could do to stop me, yet she was willing to let me in here. The gesture though, was heavily appreciated.

"Old man." I greeted my grandfather who was already taking a seat inside. He looked rather interested in what was going on. "Any idea what she's been up to."

A smile rose on his face. "I have absolutely no idea." He looked rather excited at the notion. "She hasn't told me any details and the help she's come to me for hasn't given any clues either."

Rin was just ignoring us, setting things here or there, making sure she had everything presented and ready to go.

Artoria pulled up a seat and sat right next to me. She seemed rather relaxed in my presence, more so than previously which I couldn't help but be happy about.

"Any sneak speaks?" I asked her.

"I have been sworn to secrecy." She gave a small smile.

"Well, she seems really proud of what she's done so far, I really am curious what's gotten her so excited."

"All I know is that she's been preparing for some adventuring in other worlds." Zelretch added.

That reminds me, I will need to give her some reading material, so she isn't quite so surprised by everything that she sees in Skyrim. I do have several historical texts and various biographies of the races there. Artoria too, they both needed to know what exactly they were walking into. I was going to ask Meridia to keep an eye on them, not to mention the Archmage would no doubt be excited to have a talent like Rin in her school. I could also put the word out to Thorum and anyone else who owes me favors.

Thorum…I do miss my friend. I'm curious to see how much he's grown in our time apart. My delving into the 'shout' had been….slow going. I did get some practice and thoughts in my training though, and my new knowledge of Primordial Runes gives me a new perspective to work with as well.

"Alright!" Rin suddenly stopped, pulled out several papers and a strange device she had in her hand.

"A phone?" I hazard a guess at what she was holding, though it looked nothing like what I would picture a modern phone as. It was rather bulky, and a few misshapen protrusions.

"Kind of." She admitted. "I wanted a way to contact people across multiple world-lines in real-time."

Me and Zelretch shared a look, and we both facepalmed in the same way.

"So this is how it feels to be on the other end?" I asked the old man.

"Indeed, to think we missed something so simple." He shook his head.

"What? Did I do something wrong?" Rin looked a little…..uneasy at our reaction.

"No, the opposite in fact." I assured her and Zelretch just nodded along. "We just never had the need for a 'Kaleidophone' before…..there was never a reason to contact other people through such a method…." I couldn't help but chuckle. Yeah, with several of us running around all in different places, this seems like an obvious step in hindsight.

"This will be a wonderful addition to our lives." Zelretch stood up, walking towards her to inspect everything. "The means to hold conversations across worlds is nonexistent at this point, I'm happy to admit that you took a step we never considered."

"Seriously, I'll bankroll all your research on this." I wanted to see her designs and notes as well. "I have several people I am on good terms with across world-lines, being able to keep in touch will be….extraordinary."

I could be able to speak with Meridia whenever I wanted, be able to talk with Artoria even when I'm away….why had I never thought of something like this before?"

"I'm curious how you came up with such a thing?" I looked over Zelretch's shoulder as he inspected the device, something we could call a prototype.

To call it a device though, was a bit of a misnomer. There was no….'technology' involved. The outer frame looked to be made with some kind of steel composition. There were spell formulas carved inside and several small gems acting as certain magical batteries and spell holders.

"Ruby." I said suddenly, remembering the kaleidostick.

"Indeed, my thoughts exactly." Zelretch looked at Rin. "You used some concepts inside Ruby's own make and created something like this?"

"I….glanced at some of her magical formulas and systems." She said hesitantly.

"Rin….despite how I feel about the device, Ruby is one of my greatest creations, and you were able to reverse engineer very specific parts of her makeup and create a thing like this?" He held out the 'phone'. "I am proud of you." He finally said.

I shared the same sentiments. Ruby did have the ability to contact Zelretch across time and space, but it was difficult at the best of times. For Rin to use such an ability and reverse engineer it like this for a greater purpose…..she really is a genius.

"At just a cursory look, I'm guessing the materials have a hard time withstanding the spells?" I asked.

"Y-yeah." Rin said absentmindedly, a large grin on her face. "I've gone through several frames already."

"I got some metals you will like better….and they can be found in Skyrim for later." I nodded, probably some orichalcum mixed with some ebony here and there to protect specific parts. But, I'll let her handle that, this is her project, I'll only provided materials and such, maybe some suggestions on application here and there.

"Were you serious about the money?" She asked.

I just raised an eyebrow, lifting my hand up and allowing the gold coins to literally flow out of my ring onto the floor until a large pile formed.

She stared at it, taking a hesitant step forward, dropping to her knees then face planting right into it and hugging it like it was the most precious thing in the world.

"Well, then." I just chuckled. "I'm sure the old man would have done the same thing, I think I just beat him to the punch. And, well, I have a greater desire in their application than he does. Money, materials, just tell me what you need and I'll provide it, though I may need to actually go out and find some things."

I returned to my seat with an amused smile on my face, as Zelretch and Rin were having some wholesome student-teacher time together has he practically picked her up off the pile of coins.

I didn't want to disturb then, this was a good chance for them to bond and a great learning experience.

"I apologize for Rin's…." Artoria spoke up but the worlds were left unsaid.

"Rinness?" I offered.

A small smile emerged on her face. "Indeed."

"I'm excited, I never even considered something like this before. I can't wait until she can provide several more, then we can still talk and keep in touch even if we're worlds apart."

"Truly?" She said quietly.

"Of course, do you think I won't miss you when we're away?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well –"

"Nope." I cut her off. "I am forbidding you from doing that any longer." I poked her shoulder. "No more questioning your worth, no more self-deprecating thoughts." I could see how she still some-what defaults into certain mindsets quite easily.

Ah, the familiar sight of her cheeks turning the faintest pink. And I was surprised at her sudden boldness, her handed reached over ever so gently and took mine own into hers.

I guess doing something like this was easier than speaking certain words or trying to convey things one feels.

She didn't look me in the eyes, opting to continue watching Zelretch and Rin go about their own business, and we didn't speak much more, but this was a moment that I felt entirely at peace.

Is this what having a family is like?

***

Alrighty, so another one of those 'may or may not' release a chapter tomorrow, need to deal with apartment-related stuff, fingers crossed! So, one more 'Fate' chapter before heading over to DxD for a bit. And since many people have been asking, the world after DxD, MC's Power of Destruction will finally come into play, and it's not a 'Fate' world, nor is it Skyrim, feel free to guess, i'm curious what people are considering.

Anyways, if you want to support me or read 5 chapters ahead, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone , second interlude is finally up.


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