บท 312: Chapter 312: The Women's Secret Talk
Having made his decision, Shinji quickly left the workshop, leaving Justeaze to show Zelretch around the underground workshop that was personally designed by Scathach, combining the magic systems of the Age of Gods, the Age of Fairies, and modern magecraft.
The living quarters on the surface were empty, with no family presence felt nor any servants in sight. The only person he could find was Waver. He sat in a deck chair in the backyard, sipping tea, smoking a cigar, and fiddling with his Gameboy—Shinji doesn't find it strange, this is Waver's usual style. Today, being a day off, he wore casual clothes; in his office, he would also don a suit and tie.
At this time, three days had passed since Tokiomi Tohsaka's funeral. Waver had naturally come to the Matou residence after handling the inheritance and patent matters, to meet his long-missed friends.
Since then, Waver had been reporting to the Matou residence daily, though he did not stay there.
Few people might remember that Waver had his place in Fuyuki City, a somewhat old two-story house, with an elderly, kind couple, a small but warm home. That place held the deepest ties for Waver in Fuyuki, and the memories made there would remain with him for life.
After the Fourth Holy Grail War, Waver had kept up correspondence with the house's owner, Mr. MacKenzie, who had often invited him to stay for a few days, as if they were truly grandfather and grandson. Due to teaching and other life responsibilities, Waver had never found the time. Now, finally having the opportunity, he would certainly return there, drink with the old man, watch the stars, and reminisce about the life-changing encounter.
Seeing Shinji, Waver casually saved his game, tossed the console aside, and poured a cup of tea from the tray for Shinji.
"Finished your talk with the Old Man?"
Shinji took the cup and sipped: "Yes, the old man asked me to handle some matters for him soon, so I won't be returning to the Clock Tower for a while."
Waver blew out a smoke ring, his expression unchanged: "If you're not going back, then don't. The professor is busy with the 'Grand' evaluation; you wouldn't be able to help there. Miss Lorelei has taken over the Chelon Canticle Brigade, so there's no need for you to worry. Take this chance to rest and do what you want, and lay low for a while."
After the battle with the White Wing Lord, the name Death spread far and wide, drawing widespread attention in the mystical world, with major factions searching for Death and trying to uncover information about this mysterious figure. Returning to the Clock Tower now would mean placing himself in the spotlight, contrary to Shinji's intention of keeping a low profile, which is why Waver suggested laying low.
Shinji had the same thought, and there was no better way to hide than to disappear into a parallel world—let those "eyes" search all they want; if they can find the parallel world, then they deserve it.
Of course, before leaving, he needed to inform his family and friends.
"I just took a look around; you're the only one here. Where is everyone else?"
"Your parents went to the company and took the household servants with them. Your uncle went to the Tohsaka residence; it seems Mrs. Tohsaka had something to discuss with him. The rest of the girls went out together, saying they were going shopping."
"Shopping, them?"
Shinji looked incredulous.
◇◇◇
Girls, women—at least the vast majority of women—love shopping. It's in their nature, nothing to argue about. But among the girls Shinji knows, this majority is an absolute minority.
Among the women around Shinji, aside from his mother Elsa, only Kirie Fujou likes shopping, and that's because years of being bedridden have left her yearning for it. The others don't consider shopping a hobby. Whether it's due to a natural preference for quiet or the influence of mysticism, getting this group to go shopping, especially together, would require a severe shortage of household supplies necessitating a massive group shopping spree.
Currently, the household lacks nothing, so the girls can't go shopping. They didn't—they just used it as an excuse to leave the Matou residence and gather at an isolated mountain villa a few kilometers away, which serves as Touko's primary workshop.
Upon learning that the long-absent Shinji had returned, Touko from Tokyo, Fujino from Reien Girls' Academy, and Kirie from her domestic tour all rushed back as quickly as possible to be with the boy they all cared about.
Shinji's smile was as warm as ever, but the changes in him did not escape their concerned eyes. Along with their concern, they also noticed the new girl by his side.
Although the unfamiliar girl did not deliberately show anything, the woman's intuition told them that she had an unusual relationship with him and knew many things about him that they didn't.
One night, the most restless Kirie pulled Sakura and Fujino aside for a small meeting, suggesting they probe into the girl named Lorelei. Touko, upon learning of this, offered her workshop as the venue, eager to see the drama unfold. Thus, a secret "women's gathering" took place without Shinji's knowledge.
As soon as the gathering began, the instigator Kirie launched her attack: "Miss Lorelei, what is your relationship with Shinji?"
Who is Lorelei? She is the new Lord of the Department of Policies, and such a small scene couldn't possibly unsettle her. She sat there elegantly and gracefully, smiling as she replied, "I'm also curious about you and Fujino's relationship with Shinji, Miss Kirie."
"He gave me a second chance at life. He says I am his friend, his family." Every time she mentioned this, Kirie's face lit up with pride.
"Same for me," Fujino said with a gentle smile. Her soft and calm demeanor put considerable pressure on Lorelei. Isn't this the type of woman men like?
"Now it's Miss Lorelei's turn to answer."
"We are friends, and comrades in arms."
"Comrades in arms?" Hearing Lorelei's words, Touko, who had been watching the drama unfold, narrowed her eyes. "Then you must know very well the circumstances surrounding Shinji's injury, Lord Barthomeloi?"
Unlike the other girls, Touko, having spent time at the Clock Tower, was well aware of Lorelei's identity and significance.
"Yes, I am well aware. It is essentially my responsibility and that of my family."
"Please tell us the details," Touko said seriously. Seeing her adopt this expression, the other girls fell silent, their eyes also filled with expectation as they looked at Lorelei.
"I can, but why don't you ask him directly?" Lorelei expressed her confusion.
Touko shook her head. "He won't say. With his male chauvinism and excessive protectiveness, he would never tell us these things."
"But what difference does it make if you know?" Lorelei wasn't being arrogant; she genuinely didn't believe these women could do anything.
"Don't underestimate us, Lord Barthomeloi." Touko took off her glasses, and the chill on her face made the room's temperature drop continuously. "If we wanted, you wouldn't leave this workshop today."
"Then I'd like to see that." Lorelei drew a short whip and slowly stood up. "If you have that ability, let's put it to good use for our next actions."
P.S.: Let's put it this way: Touko does have the trump cards to kill Lorelei. Those who have read "Kara no Kyoukai" or "The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II" would naturally know this. Those who don't, just wait a few days until the final chapter of this volume reveals it.
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