Half a month later.
A room deep within the Clock Tower.
For the Magus of the Clock Tower, this room was avoided at all costs. If they had to approach it, they did so with extreme caution, often bringing others along to ensure nothing went wrong. The only safe way to enter was by being directly summoned by the room's occupant.
In the past, it's unknown how many had been called here, but now, in the Clock Tower, it's said fewer than ten had ever been invited inside.
"—That's the rumor about your place, Old Man Jewel."
And now, in that very room, Naoki sat casually, as if visiting a neighbor, chatting轻松ly with an old man across the table.
Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, wielder of the Second Magic.
Or simply, Lord Zelretch.
"Is it because your reputation out there isn't exactly stellar?"
"Are there any Magus with a good reputation? Oh, no, I mean great Magus. Forget an old hermit like me who rarely steps out—doesn't the Fifth Magician, who's so active out there, also have a notorious reputation?"
"Aoko… even here?"
"She's the same wherever she goes. Honestly, I wish someone could rein her in. She's always causing trouble worldwide."
If someone could rein her in, would she still be single in 2015?
Naoki smirked. "Alright, let's talk business. About this Holy Grail War—"
Yes, the reason Naoki was at the Clock Tower was the Holy Grail War.
Seven versus seven, fourteen Servants in total. A war expected by the Mage's Association and the Church to drag on was, unbelievably, over in less than a week. It was like a dream.
"You really stirred up a mess this time. That girl's power wasn't meant to be used like that." Zelretch eyed the Red Moon mark on Naoki's hand. "Be kinder to this world, kid."
"As long as Arcueid doesn't mind."
If she did, that'd be odd. Zelretch was sure Arcueid was thrilled that Naoki loved her power so much—like a poor girl tricked by a scoundrel, foolishly thinking he cared for her.
(This kid's stuck here for five more years… I need to find a way to toss him into a South American rainforest.)
"Old Man Jewel, what's on your mind?" Naoki, noticing Zelretch's odd expression, grew wary.
"Nothing, just some trivial matters. Where were we?"
"The Holy Grail War. Because of the final winner's wish, some minor changes happened in Romania."
Half a month ago, under the influence of Atalanta's wish, the Holy Grail's power spread across much of Romania. Including Trifas, several cities were affected.
"The cities touched by the Grail's light… how do I put it? People became friendlier, kinder, especially toward children."
This was Naoki's conclusion after spending a week visiting the affected cities.
Initially, he thought the Grail would forcibly rewrite people's minds, but in the end, those affected didn't change much—just became gentler. Though, even a gentle burly man with a scarred, menacing face would still scare kids.
"The Grail's impact was surprisingly small."
"The wisher's mindset likely influenced the outcome. Either way, it's good that it didn't cause a major upheaval."
Zelretch shot him an annoyed look. "If you hadn't handed over the Greater Holy Grail, even this small effect wouldn't have happened."
"And I took it back afterward, didn't I?"
Though the Grail's Mana was depleted after granting the wish, leaving it an empty shell, Naoki still took it and hid it for safety, ensuring no other Magus could misuse it.
Sighing in resignation, Zelretch leaned back. "I shouldn't have let you get involved. Once you meddle, things get messier—get out, your business here is done. The Mage's Association and the Church will handle the rest. Go back to Japan and keep your identity hidden."
"Pay me first."
"Hm?"
"The fee for saving the world from Amakusa Shirou, round-trip airfare, and food and lodging for two extra mouths at my place. Oh, and the Greater Holy Grail management fee."
"Have you no shame?"
"You, who gave me just a million bucks for a Class Card, dare talk to me about shame?" Naoki flashed a fake smile, flipping the middle finger. "Don't think you can scam me just because I only finished Basic Training. I can still estimate a Mystic Code's average value. Don't treat me like some clueless outsider. Cough up the rest, you crook! You even pocketed the Mineralogy Department's funds!"
"You're not from the Mineralogy Department here."
"Damn it!"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The Real World
"So, you just went to report and collect your payment?"
In a London hospital, Atalanta sat on a bed, looking at a satisfied Naoki—he'd clearly gotten his money.
Behind him, Gray looked slightly embarrassed, her face flushed. "Your argument with Old Man Jewel was heard by half the Clock Tower. A crowd gathered to watch… Big Bro, please mind your behavior in public next time."
"My reputation at the Clock Tower's already bad, so it doesn't matter if it's bad here too. Besides, I've got no intention of playing nice with those Clock Tower folks." Naoki casually said words that could make him an enemy of the Clock Tower. "Oh, Atalanta, how'd your and Mordred's health checks go?"
Health checks.
That's why Atalanta was here.
Normally, Servants vanish after the Holy Grail War ends. But since Atalanta touched the Grail, she gained a body that could persist, like Amakusa Shirou. Though Naoki didn't expect a body gained this way to be unusual, he had Atalanta and Mordred get checked at the hospital, just in case.
Of course, the entire process used Suggestion Magecraft to leave no records or traces.
"The results were fine… Honestly, getting a literal second life like this is a bit overwhelming. Saber seems to have decided how she'll live hers, but I… I'm still lost."
Atalanta had expected to vanish, return to the Throne of Heroes, and never considered what would happen after her wish.
Yet now, she was alive and could keep living. The body granted by the Grail wouldn't age naturally or die unless killed. Otherwise, Atalanta was effectively immortal.
"No idea what to do next… Well, I've got a suggestion." Naoki smiled. "I'm sure it'll be a fulfilling goal for you, perfectly aligned with your wish."
"Tell me."