I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 65

"That bastard, he did such a terrible thing to me, doesn't he want to admit it?!"

With her mind working again, Lydia, wearing slippers, stormed back to the workshop like a pilgrim making a third attempt. She slammed the door shut, and a completely broken Lydia, with an inexplicable flush, stood opposite Kenneth.

"Oh, it's Miss Witch. Did you leave something behind?"

"Are you doing this on purpose?!"

Stopping what he was doing, Kenneth looked at Lydel, whose clothes were disheveled, with amusement. Under Kenneth's gaze, the Coal Witch's condition was getting worse.

"Intentional? What did you mean intentionally? Miss Witch, could you please explain what happened?"

"It's...it's...ah! How could I say something like that! Never mind, you bastard, get your act together! I'm really...really..."

Grabbing Kenneth's clothes and shaking them wildly, Lydel, her face flushed, looked at Kenneth with unbearable frustration. As her twin tails swayed, the formal dress that Kenneth had tossed aside activated, and a white light flowed into Lydel's body through her hair.

"What's so great about it, Miss Witch?"

"I really want it!"

Upon hearing the truth, the Coal Witch's body suddenly stiffened, and she covered her mouth, trembling as she took several steps back.

"Hmm? You really want it. What do you want?"

Driven by a mischievous impulse, Kenneth, who had already noticed Lydia's state, decided to take his teasing to the extreme.

"I want to hit ○○."

"Oh, I see. So Miss Witch wants to play the drum. How could I possibly refuse?"

Just before the golden retriever ran away, the workshop's barrier activated, and Lydel's feet left the ground. Her body went limp, and the Coal Witch, who instinctively didn't want to resist, wholeheartedly enjoyed the experience.

"What do you think, Miss Witch?"

"A little more."

Overwhelmed by a long-awaited sense of satisfaction, the Coal Witch, who no longer wanted to think about anything, became increasingly worse.

"I want more."

"More, what type?"

"that is…"

Those who give away freebies will eventually give away freebies. Thanks to Lydel's persistent efforts, Kenneth, holding the reins, experienced the thrill of galloping at full gallop. Before dawn, Lydel, feeling inexplicably guilty, glared at Kenneth before tiptoeing back to her room. Watching Lydel, wrapped in a sheet, leave, Kenneth would have loved to light a cigarette if circumstances allowed.

Chapter 170 Rin Tohsaka's Actions

Having not slept all night, Kenneth, brimming with boundless energy, walked out of the workshop under Chris's watchful gaze. After handing over the cleaning work to the resentful Chris, Kenneth walked down the stairs refreshed.

In the lobby on the first floor, Mordred awkwardly tried to approach the ahoge (cowlick), Morgan, wearing glasses, studied the spell to strip away the evil of this world, and Irisviel led several lolis towards the clock tower... Seeing Kenneth walk down the stairs, Karna, expressionless, and Kyoko, who appeared out of nowhere, stood behind Kenneth.

Even though he had anticipated this, Kenneth was still somewhat annoyed by the seriousness of the two men. He led the two flesh-bearing Servants back to his study, and Kenneth first looked at Karna, who was dressed in modern clothes.

"Karna, the Holy Grail War is over, and I am no longer the magician who needs your protection. This time, how about trying to live for yourself? Let's start with our interests."

"Interested?"

Through his eyes, Karna read Kenneth's thoughts: the desire to remain in the world as a human being. Recalling his biological father's instructions when he returned, Karna's expression gradually became troubled.

"I'm sorry, Master, I don't know what my interests are. If possible, Master, could you recommend something to me?"

Karna's answer was not unexpected by Kenneth. He stood up with a smile and walked towards the bewildered Karna.

"Interests aren't something others decide for you; you have to discover them yourself. Don't be confused. You can start with what you want to know and what you want to do. Karna, what do you want to know about this world a thousand years from now?"

Gazing at Kenneth, Karna fell into thought. After a while, Karna looked at Kenneth somewhat embarrassedly.

"Master, I want to see this world for myself. The knowledge the Holy Grail has given me is not my own understanding; I want to experience the reality of this world."

Karna felt embarrassed. His vow was to protect the person in front of him, but now he wanted to leave for the time being. Even though he could feel Kenneth's approval, Karna was still uneasy.

"Traveling? That's a good idea. Karna, you don't need to worry about my safety. I'm very strong."

Patting Karna on the shoulder, Kenneth agreed with Karna's idea without hesitation. In Kenneth's heart, Karna was not a Servant, but a comrade he could entrust everything to, one of the few friends worthy of his equal treatment. Kenneth would not see Karna as his vassal; Kenneth wanted Karna to live as an individual. Since Karna had his own ideas, and since he himself had the ability, Kenneth would certainly agree with Karna's thoughts.

"I understand, Master. Thank you for your generosity."

Kenneth's idea prompted Karna to make a choice. Stopping Karna from bowing, Kenneth smiled and replied:

"If anyone should say thank you between us, it should be me. The war is over, and we are friends now. Friends don't need to bow to each other."

"Are we friends? I understand."

Having resolved Karna's inner conflict, Kenneth turned his gaze to Kyo, who was even more serious than Karna. To be honest, Kenneth initially viewed Kyo as a tool; perhaps King Hassan only wanted her to monitor the seal on Ayaka Sajou. But none of that prevented Kenneth from changing his attitude towards Kyo. He would repay kindness with kindness and avenge wrongs. King Hassan's strike had severed Kenneth's destiny, and regardless of the future, Kenneth would remember King Hassan's kindness. Since King Hassan asked for nothing in return, Kenneth wouldn't mind being a little kinder to this believer who had seen King Hassan and was still alive.

"Assassin, you've abandoned your own name. How about I call you Kyonobuko?"

"A name is just a label; everything is up to you."

A look of submission flashed in her beautiful eyes; Kyoko had no objection to Kenneth's arrangements. Slightly relieved that he hadn't been rejected, Kenneth continued to assign Kyoko tasks.

“I also have some guesses about the destiny that bestowed upon you. It’s probably that thing inside my body. In that case, you’ll stay by my side while Karna is away.”

"I will heed your teachings, my proxy."

Unlike Karna, Kenneth didn't pay attention to Kyoshino's bow. After Kyoshino stood up again, Kenneth looked back at Karna, who was deep in thought.

"Karna, since you wish to travel, I would like to ask you a favor. My good-for-nothing disciple is also traveling. If possible, please look after him for me."

"Is he a subject of that conqueror king? I'll keep an eye on him, Master."

Through Kenneth's eyes, Karna witnessed the war he had no memory of and recalled the magician who matured on the bridge. Karna accepted Kenneth's request. Just as Kenneth was having a long-awaited heart-to-heart talk with Karna, in Fuyuki City, little Rin struggled to stuff a suitcase taller than herself into the trunk.

After the Fourth Holy Grail War, the Tohsaka family's businesses suffered a huge blow. In order to ensure the continuation of the family, Rin Tohsaka decided to debut as an idol... cough cough, she sent a letter of invitation to El-Melloi as the head of the Tohsaka family. After receiving a response, Rin forced herself to be elegant and looked at Aoi Zenjou, whose eyes were full of worry.

"It's alright, Mom. Sakura will come to pick me up. As the head of the Tohsaka family, I can't let other families look down on us."

Pretending to be an adult, Rin Tohsaka got into the car heading to the airport. Watching Rin Tohsaka leave, Aoi Zenjou leaned weakly against the door. As an ordinary person with special abilities, it would be a waste for Aoi Zenjou to go to the Mage's Association, a place full of all sorts of people. In order not to cause trouble for Rin Tohsaka, Aoi Zenjou chose to stay in Fuyuki.

Prior to this, Rin Tohsaka had also contacted Edelfelt, who was related to her by blood. However, after seeing the blond drill, Rin instinctively rejected Edelfelt's offer. It was when Rin was in a state of utter distress that Sakura's letter gave her hope. It was El-Melloi, whom Tokiomi Tohsaka greatly admired.

Having learned about El-Melloi's situation from Sakura and found El-Melloi's contact information in Tokiomi Tohsaka's notes, Rin Tohsaka, determined to save the Tohsaka family, sent a letter to El-Melloi with unease. Morgan, who was handling Kenneth's official business, agreed to Rin's visit out of respect for Sakura. Rin immediately began preparing for her trip to the Clock Tower.

"Sakura, how are you doing these days?"

With unease and a heavy heart, little Rin boarded the plane bound for the Clock Tower.

Chapter 171 Talking with Sisters

Opening his eyes, the double image of the chandelier became clear as his pupils contracted. The tightly closed window opened automatically, and the cool breeze that rushed into the study brought a touch of clarity to Kenneth's throbbing brain. The aura of the Third Law surged, and all the malice that had been lingering around him dissipated.

"How long have I slept?"

"About half an hour."

As Kenneth asked his question, the study lights came on, and Morgan emerged from the shadows from the sofa.

"I really can't let my guard down at all. It seems I need to head to Japan as soon as possible."

Clearly, Kenneth had been unwittingly dragged into a dream by Ayaka Sajou again. During a lull in his consciousness, the restless Ayaka Sajou once again began to erode Kenneth's awareness. It was only after sensing Kenneth's abnormality that Morgan, who had been in the workshop, appeared in the study.

"Neon? Are there people there who can solve your problem?"

Through his conversation with Kenneth, Morgan learned the source of this malice. In this mysterious and difficult era, Morgan found it hard to believe that anyone could handle a monster of that size. If Kenneth hadn't refused, Morgan would have really wanted to use the spell left in Albion to throw Ayaka Sajou into Avalon and let Merlin, that lazy bum, deal with this beast that was corrupting humanity.

"The mystery has faded, but that's precisely why there are things in this world that we can't understand. Morgan, even I am just a fish that briefly leaps out of the water, only glimpsing a corner of the truth."

"A very apt analogy. What are your plans regarding that pile of black mud?"

After the Riddler's conversation ended, Morgan inquired about the arrangements for the evil in this world. The stripping ritual was complete, and Morgan could remove Angra Mainyu from the comfortable life he depended on at any time.

"Let it stay inside for now. My plan still needs to be tested. If it's not handled properly, I might get diarrhea."

After making a pointless joke, Kenneth, who was lying back in the chair, stretched his neck and sat up.

"Diarrhea? Your idea is crazy. Can you handle that kind of malice in your current state?"

With a smirk, Morgan, understanding Kenneth's meaning, looked meaningfully at the relaxed Kenneth. The man before her was crazy, bold, and confident, which suited her, this witch, just the way she liked him.

"You'll only know if you can suppress them by trying. Besides, I think I've found a glimmer of hope in taking their power."

"Is that so? Then I'll await your good news, my devilish lord."

Without asking Kenneth about his specific plans, Morgan rose, a bewitching smile on her face, and gracefully sat down opposite him. She propped her head up with one hand, her long blond hair spreading across the long table, and her blue eyes, hidden beneath her black veil, shone with a magnificent light.

"This isn't just good news for me, it's good news for us all. We're the isolated ones who're sticking together for warmth, aren't we?"

Unaffected by Morgan's charm, Kenneth remained as calm as ever. Seemingly satisfied with Kenneth's answer, Morgan leaned lazily against the table.

Yes, it's good news for us. You're such a greedy man.

"Aren't you the same? Greedy witch."

You're right, we are all greedy people.

After a burst of flirtatious laughter, Morgan propped herself up and looked at Kenneth, who was also smiling. She pulled her blond hair behind her back and lazily straightened the slightly wrinkled hem of her clothes.

"When do you plan to leave? My ceremony is almost ready. I'll really need your protection then, my demon lord."

"Let's wait a bit longer. Right now, I'm just someone who has a treasure but doesn't know how to use it. If I go to that place now, I might run into some minor trouble."

The "minor trouble" Kenneth was referring to wasn't anything else, but rather the monk Araya Sōren, who had lived for hundreds of years. The magician whose origins lay in stillness and whose connection to the counterforce Alaya was profound. Araya Sōren would die from the "potential" created by Alaya, and Kenneth was curious about what he would encounter if he went to Kanbuko City at this time. As for why Kenneth was so certain the other was in Kanbuko City, it was simple: Aozaki Touko had participated in the design of an apartment building named Ogawa. Remembering Aozaki Touko who had absconded with several warehouses while he was away, Kenneth decided to give this "dedicated" employee a proper visit later.

"A minor problem? It seems like the city where Orange lives is quite murky. Do you need me to come with you?"

"It's just a pebble on the roadside; my research still needs your supervision."

Morgan's skill in magic far surpasses Kenneth's. Kenneth's arrangement for Morgan has always been research in the field of magic. The magical costume cannot be composed entirely of magic. Only the combination of magic and sorcery can perfectly build the foundation of magic. With Morgan's assistance, Kenneth's pressure has been greatly reduced. Just as the demon and the witch were exchanging ideas, at the London airport, Sakura, holding a sign to welcome someone, was somewhat uneasy under Roy's care.

"Uncle Roy, is the Tohsaka family head's flight at this time?"

"The flight was not delayed, Miss Sakura, there is no need to worry."

Under Sakura's expectant gaze, Rin Tohsaka, dragging her suitcase, walked out of the passage. Seeing Sakura outside the airport, the pressure in her heart was released. Rin Tohsaka felt her eyes become uncontrollably dry, but thinking of Tokiomi Tohsaka's words when he saw Sakura off, Rin Tohsaka, who had put herself in the position of the head of the family, forcibly held back her tears.

"Hello, Ms. Sakura, I am Tohsaka, here to visit you. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

The older sister, who addressed her as a sister in the letter, was so distant upon meeting. Sakura, who had been left to her own devices by Kenneth, didn't know how to respond to the extremely serious Rin Tohsaka. Just as Sakura was at a loss, Roy spoke up from the side.

“Miss Sakura, this is not the place to chat. Leaving the head of the Tohsaka family here is not in accordance with El-Melloi’s hospitality.”

As a veteran of the magic world, and having personally brought Sakura back, Roy was well aware of the current situation. After giving Sakura a brief reminder, Roy took Rin Tohsaka's luggage, opened the car door, and bowed to thank him. Rin, trying to appear mature, got into the back seat. At Roy's prompting, Sakura, who had been spending most of her time at the Clock Tower, also turned around and gave Roy a grateful look as he opened the other car door for her.

The car slowly started moving. Without letters to convey their feelings, the two sisters, once close, had become familiar strangers due to a distorted set of rules. Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere between the two, Roy, who had been silently driving, broke the deadlock.

"Miss Tohsaka, I have delivered the Tohsaka family's letter of greeting to the head of the family. The meeting is scheduled for 8 PM tonight. The gifts will be delivered to your room later. As the center of the Mage's Association, is there anything Miss Tohsaka would like to see at the Clock Tower?"

As a competent housekeeper, Roy had already noticed the rift between the sisters. Knowing Kenneth's temperament well, Roy didn't mind creating some opportunities for Sakura, within the limits of what was possible.

"Uncle Roy, please take us to the Clock Tower. The head of the Tohsaka family will be studying at the Clock Tower in the future, so I will show him around the environment."

Before Rin Tohsaka could speak, the perceptive Sakura had already decided on the itinerary the moment Roy finished speaking. Roy and Sakura's coordinated actions also reached Rin Tohsaka's ears. Turning her head to the window, Rin Tohsaka trembled slightly as she agreed to Sakura's arrangement.

After the previous purge, El-Melloi's status in the Clock Tower became extremely superior. As Kenneth's nominal apprentice, no magician would dare to risk offending Kenneth by provoking the seemingly quiet Sakura. Roy was also very reassured when he sent the two of them to the Clock Tower.

"Come on, Ms. Tohsaka, let me show you around the clock tower."

With the composure she learned from Reines, Sakura, barely taller than the doorknob, led a somewhat nervous Rin Tohsaka into the Clock Tower, the highest institution of magic. Noticing the attitudes of the magicians around her towards Sakura, and seeing Sakura's composed demeanor, Rin Tohsaka, who hadn't been separated from Sakura for less than a year, suddenly felt that her younger sister had become a stranger.

"Are these all magicians who came to the Clock Tower to study?"

Seeing the magicians constantly greeting Sakura in the corridor, Rin, who had never seen so many magicians in Japan, instinctively tensed up.

"No, these are all magicians from the Minerals Department (Kishua). The Clock Tower has thirteen departments, and we should be able to visit the Minerals Department in the next two hours."

"Kishua, is that the Kishua from Hachiman's story?"

After being awestruck by the scale of the Minerals Department, Rin Tohsaka, who revered the Gemstone Elder as her great teacher, instantly grasped the name of the Minerals Department.

"Master?"

As the youngest daughter neglected by Tokiomi Tohsaka, Sakura's understanding of the Tohsaka family is probably less than El-Melloi's. Her knowledge of the Tohsaka family's magic has always been limited to Jewel Magic, so she naturally doesn't know the Tohsaka family's origins.

"Sakura, don't you know Hachiman?"

Unfortunately, words cannot be taken back. Noticing the unease on Sakura's face, Rin Tohsaka belatedly realized that she had said the wrong thing. Just as she was about to speak, Sakura, forcing a smile, cut off Rin's explanation before she could finish.

"I don't know, please explain it to me, Ms. Tohsaka."

The sense of alienation that had been dissipating became even heavier because of Rin Tohsaka's unintentional remark. Looking at Sakura's somewhat broken expression, Rin Tohsaka was at a loss and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"Kishia Zelrich Schbein'ogu, the founder of the Mineral Science Department, is revered by the Tohsaka family as the second magician of the Great Master."

With a completely flat voice, Chris, who was being pressed into the clock tower to handle official business by Kenneth, explained to Sakura while breaking the deadlock. Her gaze turned to the uneasy Rin Tohsaka, and Chris, Kenneth's new tool, introduced herself: