Kapitel 260: The Calm Before the Storm
On a picturesque hillside on the outskirts of Fuyuki, stands an elegant and charming villa.
It was the secondary residence of the Tohsaka family.
With the destruction of the Tohsaka main residence in Miyama, Tokiomi decided to choose this place as his new base of operation during the Holy Grail War.
As the supervisor of Fuyuki's ley lines, he and his ancestors, with their exceptional business insight, actively converted the ley line properties of Fuyuki into commercial land, reaping unusually generous rents.
In the whole of Japan, few families could match the Tohsaka family's wealth. Acquiring luxurious villas like this was as easy as eating and drinking.
In the living room, Tokiomi, dressed in a wine-red suit, elegantly sat in a leather chair. Though the villa was currently occupied by him alone, the room remained spotless.
Observing the calm Tokiomi from the nearby chair, Kirei couldn't discern whether it was his mentor's nature or if he genuinely had everything already under control.
With a glass of red wine in hand, Tokiomi calmly gazed at the brass bullet on the table. His lake-like azure eyes seemed bottomless, revealing an indescribable depth.
"So, it's true that Assassin killed Father Risei, is that correct?"
"From the information I've gathered so far, that seems to be the case. However, no one knows why Assassin did it." Kirei paused and added. "I've already issued a command as the acting overseer to other Masters for subduing Assassin, but—"
"But it had little effect, right?" Tokiomi interrupted and smoothly took a sip of red wine. "The teacher and student pair from the Clock Tower is a given, and Saber's Master won't involve himself in something with no apparent benefit."
"Your insight is keen, Master." Kirei nodded slightly.
"Kirei, I can understand the desire for vengeance for your father. Frankly, I am also quite angry about it..."
Tokiomi sighed softly, but his eyes showed no emotional fluctuations.
"However, we face a more problematic enemy now. I hope you can inherit your father's will and continue to help the Tohsaka family achieve its long-standing goal. Do you understand what I mean?"
Kirei lowered his head further.
"Yes."
"I assure you, after the war, I will personally bring retribution upon Assassin and their Master to honor your father—staking the reputation of the Tohsaka family."
When it came to honor, Tokiomi's tone and gaze revealed a distinct solemnity.
"Thank you, Master." Kirei bowed slightly, but his emotionless face concealed his true thoughts.
"By the way, Kirei..." Tokiomi swirled the red wine in his glass casually, as if the previous heavy topic was just a mere passing. "About those command spells, did Father Risei truly not tell you how to transfer them?"
"I'm sorry. I've thoroughly examined my father's belongings, but there were no clues." Kirei replied.
"Is that so?" Tokiomi fell silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Very well, Kirei. Go and rest. The final battle is approaching, and I hope you are fully prepared before then."
"Yes." Kirei bowed again and left the room.
Shortly after Kirei's departure, a radiant presence accompanied by a golden glow appeared, and the figure of Gilgamesh materialized. However, compared to his imposing appearance in the dock area in the past, he seemed somewhat weaker.
"Collaborating with such a mad dog, are you serious about this, Tokiomi?"
Even in his injured state, Gilgamesh's aura remained strong. His crimson eyes exuded a dragon-like pressure, staring directly at Tokiomi's eyes.
"No, Your Majesty, it's not collaboration; it's merely assistance."
Tokiomi stood up, first bowing deeply to Gilgamesh, then lifting his head, revealing a sincere smile.
"It's like having a hunting dog by a hunter's side. No matter how excellent the dog is, it's still just a tool. The true protagonist is still the hunter with the gun."
Gilgamesh scrutinized Tokiomi for a long while before a pleased smile appeared on his face.
"Heh, I didn't expect this, Tokiomi. It seems I underestimated you before."
"Receiving Your Majesty's praise is the greatest honor for me."
Tokiomi respectfully bowed, hand over his chest, and head slightly lowered. However, his eyes, unseen by anyone, revealed an indescribable depth, as if something inhuman was about to break free from within.
===
Church.
Kirei gazed at an old man lying inside a coffin, lightly tapping his heart with his hand, his eyes filled with evident confusion.
He couldn't comprehend why his father had died before his eyes, yet there was no shred of sadness in his heart, not even a tear to shed.
'As a son, isn't it natural to weep and be furious witnessing my own father being murdered by someone?'
But no matter how Kirei questioned himself, all he got was a sense of emptiness. No matter how he tapped the heart, he couldn't find an answer.
Was it because there was a missing piece?
Was it because of this emptiness that the Holy Grail chose him as a Master?
Yet, what was it that he lacked?
Looking up at the mural on the top of the church, the man found himself sinking into deeper confusion.
Nevertheless, since it was an almighty wish-granting machine, it should be able to help him find the answer to this question.
Staring at the command spells on the back of his hand, Kirei stood up after a long while, silently walking towards the exit of the church without looking back.
===
Fuyuki, Hotel.
Arkhan stood by the glass window, holding a steaming cup of tea, silently gazing at the darkening night outside.
Suddenly, an inexplicable surge of magical energy swept through the entire city.
He turned his head, directing his gaze towards Mount Enzou in the distance, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Heh, is it time?" Arkhan chuckled and gently placed the teacup on the nearby table.
In the next second, the room fell into silence, with only the steaming cup of tea left in the empty room.
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