The second day, morning.
Fuyuki City outskirts, Einzbern Castle.
After a busy night, Irisviel was still fast asleep.
Kiritsugu Emiya, however, was up early, working alongside his assistant, Maiya Hisau, making final adjustments to a pile of explosives.
Alaric watched their meticulous work, silently marveling at the professionalism of these Magus Killers.
"I have no idea how you managed to get these things through customs."
"Are you planning to blow up all of Fuyuki City?"
"No, these explosives are only enough to demolish three buildings the size of Einzbern Castle."
"..."
... Alaric disliked men like Kiritsugu Emiya, who lacked any sense of humor.
So, out of a slight desire for "retribution," Alaric decided to share some "good news."
"Wow, that's quite the spectacle."
"But if you're really set on using that Holy Grail to fulfill your wish to [save everyone], I suggest you bury those explosives in Fuyuki's underground leyline. Destroy the leyline, along with the Greater Grail system built upon it."
"Trust me, if you pull that off, Alaya will at least choose you as a [Counter Guardian]. You'd be the hero who saved the world... or at least this country!"
Alaric let out a whistle, speaking in a seemingly flippant tone that carried an undeniable truth.
... If Kiritsugu Emiya actually did this, he would be the greatest hero in stopping "All the World's Evil."
Kiritsugu paused his work.
He looked up, meeting Alaric's eyes. A flicker of suspicion passed through his dark gaze... but it was quickly overtaken by a sense of absurdity and helpless panic.
"Are you saying... there's something wrong with the Holy Grail system?"
"Haven't you already suspected as much, oh champion of justice?"
"..."
Kiritsugu had indeed sensed something amiss with this Holy Grail War.
... Through the Church's referee, Jeanne Lily.
He didn't know what was up with this "Lily" version, but the name [Jeanne] was one that no one in the world could fail to recognize, right?
The saint of the Holy Church, the most renowned holy maiden.
Yet now, this saint had appeared in this Holy Grail War in such a form, taking on the thankless role of "referee."
Even thinking with his toes, Kiritsugu could tell this meant something was seriously wrong with the Holy Grail War... at the very least, a major conspiracy that threatened countless lives, enough to compel even a saint like Jeanne to intervene!
Otherwise, why would a holy maiden of the Church bother showing up in this remote coastal town for the safety of just seven magi?
"Well, it's not a big deal. It's just that [All the World's Evil] has gathered together because of some questionable moves by the Einzberns."
"So, are you ready to fight for the world's protection, even if it means sacrificing your ideals?"
"Or, you could always throw yourself into the embrace of All the World's Evil... aside from its annoying chatter, it's not that bad, really."
Alaric pointed at his ear, chuckling.
...
New Downtown, Fuyuki Hotel.
Ten in the morning, the young magus named Waver Velvet slowly opened his eyes.
He groggily shuffled into the bathroom to wash up, yawning as he made his way to the adjacent room.
Caster, Rider, and his teacher, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, were already seated, waiting for him.
"You're late, young dark-haired lad!"
Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, laughed boisterously, his voice loud enough to shake the ceiling.
"Sorry, sorry."
Waver apologized repeatedly, quickly taking a seat... then turned his head to the window, idly watching sparrows hopping between tree branches and power lines.
He didn't consider himself part of this strategy meeting.
He wouldn't speak up, nor did he feel qualified to. He just needed to listen to the final arrangements... wasn't that what a magus's assistant was for?
But it was at that moment.
"Mr. Waver Velvet."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Hearing Kayneth call his name, Waver instinctively shot up from his chair. Then he realized this wasn't the El-Melloi classroom but a strategy meeting.
He sat back down sheepishly.
To his surprise, Kayneth didn't mind his "out-of-line" behavior.
"What do you think... should we pay a visit to the Tohsaka family? And if so, how should we approach it?"
... Was this a question? A test? Or did he genuinely want his opinion?
Waver's mind raced, and he stammered out a response:
"Maybe... we should... since it's a rule set by the referee... following the rules works in our favor."
"As for the visit... I think it's better to go as participants in the Holy Grail War... If we use the Clock Tower or the El-Melloi name... it might come off as arrogant... we shouldn't make enemies unnecessarily..."
The young magus answered with difficulty but managed to express his thoughts completely.
Kayneth nodded with satisfaction.
"Well done, Mr. Waver Velvet."
"Would you be willing to purchase some gifts for me? Something appropriate for a formal visit?"
"Yes, Teacher!"
"Rider, please look after the boy... just in case, though unlikely, he runs into an enemy Servant."
Kayneth smiled, watching the two leave.
Once he was certain they were far enough away and wouldn't return soon...
"Now, you can tell me the real strategy, Mr. Zhuge Liang."
The genius head of the El-Melloi family turned, fixing the middle-aged magus smoking before him with a grave stare, enunciating each word carefully.
"Or perhaps, should I call you... "
"El-Melloi II?"
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