The news spread like wildfire, quickly sweeping through the entire Clock Tower. The astonishing feats of the newly ascended Third Magician and a few of the words he uttered at the meeting—
"Opposing her is opposing me."
"I am her strongest support."
"If anyone touches her, I'll destroy them."
"You protected me for seven years, I'll guard you for a lifetime."
—became the talk of the town. These words were hailed as the most domineering and romantic lines ever spoken at the Clock Tower.
Of course, all of this had little effect on the two people involved. After all, one was the Clock Tower's foremost lord, the undisputed queen, and the other was a legendary magician. If someone were unlucky enough to provoke them, they might not even get the chance to cry about it.
Only Kayneth, Waver, and a few mischievous students from the El-Melloi classroom occasionally poke fun at Shinji.
Shinji didn't take these jokes too seriously. At most, he would use his authority to exact a small, harmless revenge during his lectures.
That's right, authority.
Shinji now held an official position and had certain privileges.
Compared to Kishua Zelretch Schweinorg, who held a high position but was frequently absent, or Aoko Aozaki, who didn't even bother to officially register her name, Shinji, as the Third Magician, was far more approachable.
Not only did he cooperate with the Clock Tower for a series of official registrations and promotions, but he also accepted two appointments.
The first was as an assistant to the lord of the Department of Policies, in other words, Lorelei's aide. Although he didn't handle much administrative work, whenever he was truly needed, he was more than capable of offering support, either through manpower or direct action.
The second was as a guest lecturer at the Clock Tower, where he regularly taught students topics like rune magic, spirit summoning, protective magecraft, and certain aspects of spirit particle manipulation—fields that could be publicly disclosed.
His lectures were usually held in the Modern Magecraft Department. When special teaching environments were required, he would visit other departments. Every class was packed to the brim, as no one wanted to miss the opportunity to learn from a Magician.
Among the attendees, Sakura was always the first to arrive. Shortly after the Holy Grail War ended, Shinji fulfilled his promise and allowed Sakura to study at the Clock Tower. Joining her was Rin, and together with Luvia, the three girls became the Clock Tower's most dazzling trio, quickly overshadowing students like Svin and Flat.
The spotlight they received was mostly positive. With Sakura acting as a mediator, Rin and Luvia didn't devolve into their usual brawls whenever they met, greatly reducing any negative impact and easing the burdens of the teaching staff—a godsend for their stomachs.
Aside from them, a few Servants had also arrived at the Clock Tower.
Hephaestion—aka Faker, the Iskandar's Shadow. After much thought, Waver eventually chose this name, which closely resembled Alexander. She wasn't a recent addition, having been around for some time, but only recently completed her formal registration. Now, she held titles as a lecturer in the Modern Magecraft Department, a combat instructor, and Waver's savior from stress-induced headaches. Misbehaving and rebellious students quickly became obedient under her guidance, and those who didn't comply lacked the strength to cause further trouble. Military discipline was always the best way to temper unruly behavior—even the most defiant gothic punks could be turned into strong and brave warriors.
Medea had also registered at the Clock Tower. Given her activities in Europe, having the backing of the Clock Tower made things more convenient. Medea wanted to visit her homeland, and using the Clock Tower's connections was the easiest way. She wasn't usually in London, but she would occasionally return to check on Sakura and Shinji, and sometimes even give lectures on magecraft from the Age of Gods, much to the chagrin of the Wandering Sea—something they had agreed upon beforehand. Medea found this lifestyle quite pleasant. Despite once being labeled a traitorous witch, she was tired and no longer wished to betray anyone.
Artoria—as the greatest king of Britain, how could she not return to her homeland? However, after a brief stay, she left again. After all, whatever was available in Britain could be found elsewhere, and what Britain lacked could be found in other places—like food.
She once remarked, "I used to think British food was fine until I went to Japan…"
Artoria's experience far surpassed Waver's. The once-revered King Arthur used to savor Gawain's mashed potatoes, considering it a delicacy. Now—well, she could still eat it, as King Arthur wouldn't waste food, but unless there was absolutely nothing else to eat, she wouldn't crave Gawain's mashed potatoes again.
Now that we've covered the Clock Tower, let's talk about those who aren't there.
Shiki, Shiki, Mana, Akiha, Shirou, and the others all returned home. Shirou, by the way, brought back the divine sword, and his clansmen immediately fell to their knees upon seeing it, causing quite a chaotic scene.
Touko, Justeaze, Fujino, and Kirie remained in Japan, staying in Fuyuki for three main reasons.
First, each of them possessed unique abilities that could easily attract a Sealing Designation if they went to the Clock Tower. Even though the Sealing Designation Enforcement Agency wouldn't stand a chance against Shinji now, it was best to avoid causing unnecessary trouble for the Clock Tower, especially after the recent spectacle of a Magician threatening the lords.
Second, the roots of the Matou and Tohsaka families were in Japan, and their elders still resided there. With Shinji's reputation for loyalty already widespread, undoubtedly, some coveted his family. With these powerful women present, Shinji could rest easy.
Third, and most importantly, was looking after the daughters. This didn't just refer to Jack the Ripper but also included the childlike forms of Altera, as well as the incarnations of Gaia and Alaya's wills.
Since these three girls were all born through Shinji's actions, they all called him "Dad" (thanks to Altera's perception, which the others accepted). Shinji had no resistance to this, as their cuteness was overwhelmingly powerful—even his Third Magic couldn't help stabilize his mind against it. Lorelei once objected, but when Altera called her "Mom" (a habit from her time as a child king of calling her master "Mom and Dad"), she instantly melted, becoming everyone's precious treasure.
It was also thanks to the humanized forces of restraint that Arcueid no longer clung to Shinji as she once did, and Altrouge and the Beast of Humanity didn't return to their territories—after all, in a way, these girls were like their "real moms," and having suddenly been thrust into this new role, they were still adjusting. Naturally, they had to be watched closely. Alaya, being a manifestation of humanity's unconscious, adapted better since she was already accustomed to living among humans.
On a side note, Arcueid claimed to be Shinji's girlfriend, Gaia called him "Dad," and then there was yet another presence hiding inside Arcueid—her other "mom," the Crimson Moon. This web of relationships… well, let's just say the social circle is a mess.
Of course, this situation was only temporary. Once the aftermath settled and everything stabilized, whether Shinji took a break to return home, the family traveled to London, or they all hopped aboard the Mystic Eye Collection Train for a world tour, anything would be possible.
With Gaia on board, the Mystic Eye Collection Train could become a perpetual motion machine, capable of traveling to the Reverse Side of the World to even observe Phantasmal Species!
Thus, the Matou family officially became the largest underground force in the world.