[You were summoned to the rooftop by Baobhan Sith.]
[You are unsure if Baobhan Sith saw your chat with Morgan, but she certainly noticed that your relationship was far from ordinary.]
[And the reason Baobhan Sith approached you was not because she noticed your chat history, but because she had already intended to do so...]
On the rooftop, the wind was high and distant, and flower petals were flying.
The cold spring wind blew through Baobhan Sith's beautiful red hair, like waves dyed the color of the sunset.
As her skirt flew up, her high heels clipped rhythmically.
She had dragged a reluctant Ei to the deserted school rooftop.
"Spill it. What exactly were you discussing with my mother?" Baobhan Sith demanded, her tone interrogative.
"...That's private. No comment."
Ei tucked his phone into his pocket, having no intention of showing it to her. His main concern was that if Baobhan Sith saw her mother's chat history and those selfies, her worldview might be shattered beyond repair.
"Watsuki Ei, what exactly are you plotting? Who messages a classmate's parent?"
It's completely the reverse! Your parent was the one who sought me out! I'm the one being harassed here!
He thought for a moment:
"I can show you, but I have to ask your mother first. 'Your daughter wants to see our chat history. Do you agree?'"
"N-No!" Baobhan Sith shook her head in a panic.
As Ei suspected, Baobhan Sith was very concerned about her mother's feelings and didn't want to do anything that would displease her.
This meant Baobhan Sith couldn't interrogate him too aggressively.
"So, you guys weren't discussing my performance at school, were you...?" she asked cautiously.
It was a very reasonable guess, but unfortunately wrong.
"I reserve the right to remain silent. If you have any questions, please contact my lawyer, Mr. Caesar." Ei crossed his arms, utterly unwilling to disclose any information, and counter-accused her: "I'd like to ask you, peeking at someone else's chat is a very poor behavior, you know!"
"I wasn't intentionally peeking! How was I supposed to know I'd glance over and see you messaging my mother? I only wanted to speak to you in the first place."
"Wanted to speak to me?" Ei paused. "Why?"
"It's still about Mother."
Baobhan Sith avoided his gaze and anxiously picked at a red lock of hair. This proud Blood Princess actually showed a hint of hesitant awkwardness.
"I've noticed that Mother has been getting stranger lately... She still seems cold on the surface, but she's actually become much more cheerful. I often see her privately chatting with someone on her phone late at night, and she's started researching photography techniques. She's also been subtly asking me lately if I'm willing to accept new family members. I think she must have found someone she likes outside."
"Is that so..." Ei was now sweating profusely.
"So, you sought me out because...?"
"Can you help me investigate the person Mother likes?" Baobhan Sith asked.
"??"
He was stunned.
How did you not suspect me at all!
Although, come to think of it, no normal person would suspect their mother's romantic interest was a classmate.
"Huh? Huh... but..." Ei still looked bewildered. "Why did you pick me?"
"Idiot, don't ask such embarrassing questions," Baobhan Sith looked away, her tone tinged with a faint jealousy. "The reason is simple: you are very pleasing to Mother. Mother doesn't even always show me a good face, but she had so much fun with you at the mixer last night and highly praised you afterward. So, I am willing to condescend to cooperate with you... Or, just tell me directly, what quality of yours does Mother like?"
"If I knew that, I would have changed it already."
"What kind of attitude is that? My mother is very fond of you and even ordered me to get along with you."
"Uh..."
It was getting harder and comment on.
"In any case, are you willing to investigate Mother's romantic interest with me?"
The setting sun of the after-school hour brushed across her cheek.
A cherry blossom petal suddenly obscured Ei's eye.
[Baobhan Sith has invited you to investigate Morgan. Do you accept?]
[This might be your chance to deepen your relationship with Baobhan Sith.]
[Or, do you want to tell Baobhan Sith the truth?]
It's here! Finally!
Although it wasn't the way Ei had imagined it, last night's mixer finally paid off.
But...
Me investigating myself—will that work?
While he could improve his relationship with Baobhan Sith now, his relationship with Morgan would inevitably be exposed one day. At that point, the partnership would still collapse.
But why not think positively?
Telling her would expose him, and not telling her would also expose him eventually. Since the outcome is the same either way, why shouldn't he try to maximize his gains?
First, accept her invitation, then build up her affection, and learn all her skills and Noble Phantasms.
And when he could no longer hide the truth, he would personally tell this sassy little girl: "Too bad, the person your mother loves is none other than I, Watsuki Ei! I've always wanted to see this expression on your face—the expression of having to call me Dad!"
He had to thoroughly toy with her!
Come to think of it, to deal with this sassy girl, he worked himself to the bone to earn QP, attended a mixer, chugged Water of Life, and his virginity was almost lost twice (Morgan and Carmilla). He made a huge sacrifice, yet she always had that self-important, dismissive attitude.
Baobhan Sith had been arrogant for so long, and now he finally had the chance to turn the tables.
He could learn Noble Phantasms and play the sassy little girl like a fiddle. He absolutely had to take this job.
He had nothing to lose either way.
"I am honored to oblige!" Ei readily agreed.
"Hmm, why did you suddenly become so compliant?" Baobhan Sith was a little surprised. "Are you plotting something again?"
"Not at all. My heart is completely sincere. As long as I can help Princess Baobhan Sith, even death would be worth the price." Ei said with a devout expression.
"Hmph, that sounds more agreeable. You do have some discernment after all!"
"Uh-huh."
[You and Baobhan Sith have officially established a partnership.]
[From Baobhan Sith, you have gained insight into some of her characteristics.]
[You have learned "Fairy Bloodsucking A."]
["Fairy Bloodsucking A": You can drain the opponent's energy, making them more tired while revitalizing yourself.**]
He immediately learned a new skill.
Generally, the skills he learned from other Servants would drop a few ranks, but the skill he learned from Baobhan Sith seems to have retained its original rank.
Perhaps it's because she is the heroine of this storyline, so the reward mechanism is more generous?
Ei was now even more determined to ruthlessly milk her for all she was worth!