Capítulo 301: Chapter 301: Lorelei's Visit
With a nervous heart, Lorelei left the Tohsaka household and, guided by Sakura, headed to the nearby Matou mansion.
Originally, Waver wanted to accompany her, as Kariya had invited him, but Lorelei refused. Firstly, Waver needed to complete the inheritance procedures and contact the Clock Tower headquarters. Secondly, there were matters she had to address personally—it was her responsibility, and even a minute's delay was torment.
What would his family think upon hearing of his disappearance and the high likelihood he had met misfortune? How would they react when they learned it was because of her? Would they kick her out, or even try to kill her?
No matter their reaction, she would not avoid it and would face it calmly. Given her status as a friend of Matou Shinji, she would not use the Barthomeloi family's influence, even if his family truly wanted to kill her.
Of course, she would not simply wait to be killed, as she bore other responsibilities and could not die here. She needed to avenge him, to lead the Barthomeloi and the Clock Tower, to continue the Mage's Association's development, and she would also take care of his family.
Thinking of this, Lorelei couldn't help but show a bitter smile. She had always had the flimsiest concept of family, yet now she was considering his family's welfare. Was this fate? Or irony?
"Lorelei-nee-chan, what's wrong?" A gentle voice brought Lorelei out of her thoughts. She realized she had unconsciously stopped walking, perhaps afraid to face his family.
The girl before her, Sakura, was very beautiful, with purple hair and eyes. Though not fully matured, one could foresee her stunning beauty.
"Sister was just thinking," Lorelei replied.
If any Clock Tower magus were present, they would be amazed by Lorelei's gentle demeanor, devoid of her usual queenly aura or aggressive dominance.
"Sister, can you tell me about the Clock Tower? My brother went there to study but wouldn't let me go, saying it was too early," Sakura asked, her eyes blinking adorably.
Hearing the girl's attachment to her brother, whom Lorelei had indirectly caused to die, stirred a pang in her.
"The Clock Tower is both the best and worst place for a magi," Lorelei began. "It has the finest environment, resources, and knowledge, but also constraints and conflicts. Many magi chasing their goals can cause greater disturbances than ordinary people. Your brother wasn't wrong - it is indeed a bit early for you to go there."
"Then are you okay, sister?" Sakura asked innocently.
"No problem at all, Sakura-chan."
Lorelei's expression gave Sakura a strange sense of familiarity, similar to the way her brother shielded her when facing a swarm of insects.
"Sister has lived there since childhood and is already used to it."
"Then can I visit you at the Clock Tower in the future?"
"Of course, sister would be very happy to welcome you." Lorelei avoided Sakura's expectant gaze, silently adding in her heart—if you still want to come by that time.
"I definitely will." Sakura's eyes lit up. "Ah, we're here. This is our home."
The sight that greeted Lorelei was a Western-style house over a hundred years old. Although the exterior looked quite weathered, it didn't give off a dilapidated feeling.
Standing in front of the main door, Sakura lightly lifted her skirt and slightly bent her knees. "Welcome to the Matou residence, Sister Lorelei."
Lorelei let out an almost inaudible sigh, murmuring to herself, "We've finally arrived."
Then, she habitually bit her finger, feeling anxious as she followed Sakura into the Matou house.
Upon learning that someone from the Clock Tower had come, Byakuya and Kariya had already been waiting at the entrance.
"Hello, I am Byakuya, the head of the Matou family."
"I am Kariya, the heir to the Matou family's magic crest."
A hint of confusion flashed in Lorelei's eyes. Normally, the heir to the crest should be the family head. It was rare for the Matou family to separate the heir and the head.
Considering the different circumstances of each family, Lorelei buried her confusion and responded with impeccable etiquette:
"Greetings, I am Lorelei. For certain reasons, I cannot reveal my family name; I hope you understand."
Byakuya and Kariya naturally didn't mind this small matter, saying it was fine as they led Lorelei into the living room.
Once seated, Kariya asked, "Miss Lorelei, if I may ask, why didn't Mr. Velvet come with you?"
"He is still dealing with the Tohsaka family's inheritance and patent matters and couldn't get away," Lorelei said, using a prepared excuse. "If you have any issues, you can discuss them with me."
Given Shinji's extraordinary example, neither Byakuya nor Kariya underestimated Lorelei because of her age. After exchanging a glance, the elder brother spoke:
"Then I won't hold back. I wanted to ask Miss Lorelei to inquire about my child's whereabouts. He went to visit the Clock Tower but hasn't been heard from for a long time."
In the entire Matou family, only Shinji had direct contact with someone from the Clock Tower. Everyone else, including Byakuya and Kariya, was kept at a distance to minimize the risk of the Clock Tower's conflicts involving the Matou family. Additionally, Kiritsugu Emiya's intelligence personnel stationed in London had all been withdrawn after Kenneth's return, shifting their focus to locating Sigma.
In other words, Shinji was the only link between the Matou family and the Clock Tower. If something happened to him, the connection wouldn't be entirely severed, but information exchange would become very difficult.
"Mr. Byakuya, you're referring to Shinji, right? That's exactly why I'm here." Not giving Byakuya a chance to continue, Lorelei gritted her teeth and spoke the words she had long prepared: "Shinji has gone missing and may very well have met with misfortune."
With a clatter, Sakura dropped the tea tray she was holding.
PS: No! Not the tea!
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