Here we go again—that was the shared thought of Rei and Manaka at this moment.
Showing up when a woman is in distress or at the lowest point in her life, offering help under the pretense that he's only doing it for himself.
Though they knew Naoki had no ulterior motives and was acting for his own reasons, as he claimed, somehow, his actions always ended up adding another romantic complication.
If it happened once or twice, it could be chalked up to coincidence. But over the past ten-plus years, Naoki had done this so often that both of them had grown somewhat immune to it.
(Is this the start of another one, my other self?)
[Who knows? It depends on her choices later.]
Manaka thought of Ciel. Their interactions with Naoki had only happened twice—once in Paris ten years ago and once in Misaki City seven years ago. Beyond that, they had no other contact.
Including this time… surely, with just three interactions, Ciel wouldn't fall for him, no matter how great Naoki's charm was?
So, Manaka remained fairly calm about Ciel.
Hearing Naoki's words, Ciel fell silent for a moment before shaking her head. "No… I can't trouble you like this. This is my own matter—you don't need to go this far for me. I appreciate your kindness."
Ciel knew Naoki was very strong, but no matter how strong, he couldn't possibly take on the entire Church. Given his current situation, he must already hold significant status in the magecraft world. There was no need for him to court trouble with the Church just for someone like her, who was destined to die.
Though the Clock Tower and the Church were fundamentally at odds.
Normally, if a Church member like her was alone with a Magus, she'd have to kill them by any means, as the eternal enmity between the two sides was irreconcilable.
They weren't fighting only because they'd known each other for a long time and had a decent relationship.
"Well, if that's how you want it, fine. But when we enter the Forest of Einnashe's territory, I'll definitely step in. I'm telling you this upfront, got it?"
"Yes, I understand. Let's try not to interfere with each other."
As Ciel finished speaking, the moving train suddenly paused briefly. Then, its speed noticeably slowed, and an announcement echoed through the train—
[This train will stop here for two hours. You are free to remain onboard or take a walk outside.]
The Mystic Eye Collection Train ran on leylines, but to operate, it also required fuel. Periodic stops at designated supply points like this were routine for every journey.
Ciel stood from her seat. "I'm going outside for some fresh air. Staying indoors feels stifling. See you later, Naoki."
"Yeah, see you later."
After watching Ciel leave the carriage, Naoki leaned back on the sofa, relaxing slightly. He tapped the table, conjuring a glass of liquor, and took a sip.
Standing behind Naoki, Rei asked, "Even though Miss Ciel said that, I bet you'll still help her in your own way, right? For example, when the train gets caught in the Forest of Einnashe, you'll seriously take it down to resolve the issue, and along the way, save Miss Ciel, who's struggling—something like that?"
"What are you talking about? I don't follow." Naoki said with a smile, feigning confusion. "Ciel said she doesn't need my help. But you know my fighting style—it causes a big impact on the surroundings. Even if we agreed not to interfere, it'll inevitably affect her, right?"
"Yes, I understand. You're only aiming to take down the Forest of Einnashe, not to help Miss Ciel." Rei cleverly played along, pretending to be confused as well.
Once the opponent was confirmed to be the Forest of Einnashe, there was no way Naoki wouldn't act. On this train, anyone he wanted to keep alive would ultimately survive.
Ciel was definitely one of them—Naoki couldn't stand watching someone he knew seek death right in front of him. If she wanted to die, she should find a better place. For a girl, at least die in a field of blooming flowers.
At that moment, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor rang out. Naoki and Rei simultaneously turned toward the source.
"If I'm not mistaken… you're Miss Olga Marie's attendant, right?"
"Yes, my name is Trisha Firoz. It's an honor that you remember me, Mr. Natsukawa."
The sharp-looking blonde woman with glasses said with a smile.
"May I sit? There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you."
"Please."
Another conversation, it seemed. Naoki tapped the table, ordering a drink for Trisha. "What would you like to talk about?"
"About you. For security reasons, I did a little digging on you after our first meeting last night. I ended up finding a lot of unexpected information."
Trisha glanced at Naoki from the corner of her eye. "Like, twelve years ago, you were just an ordinary human who knew nothing about Magecraft… and so on."
"That's quite nostalgic."
"You're not a Magus. You got caught up in the Fourth Holy Grail War by chance, and there, you formed a connection with Lord El-Melloi. Though you went missing for a time with an unknown fate, you ultimately survived—and a year later, you entered the Clock Tower through the Lord's recommendation."
"I don't quite understand why someone like you, an ordinary person, after getting involved in the Holy Grail War and witnessing the cruelty of the magecraft world, would still choose to come here. Was it because of your experience in the Holy Grail War?"
"For example, meeting a certain hero from the past—"
Trisha's voice stopped there.
Holding his glass, Naoki paused for a moment before smiling. "Your investigation is very thorough. So, what are you really trying to say?"
"It's just that, while investigating you, I became curious about your mindset and wanted to chat with you, no particular reason. If I had to say, I just wanted to confirm what kind of person you are, for the sake of the Young Miss."
"You're really dedicated—As you said, my reason for coming to the Clock Tower is exactly what you mentioned. In the Holy Grail War, I met a fool, and together with him, we did some big things. After escaping death, I thought about what I should do next… and the result was coming to the Clock Tower."
"What I'm doing now… what I want to do, it's all based on the thoughts I had back then."
"Does that answer satisfy you?"