"As expected, we were rejected."
Emerging from the Holy Church, Marisbury Animusphere showed no sign of disappointment or frustration.
His face, which could rival a woman's in its delicateness, displayed only a faint calmness, even though they had just been unceremoniously thrown out by Gilgamesh.
"Wasn't rejection the expected outcome? If the King of Heroes had truly agreed to our alliance, then he wouldn't be the Gilgamesh who stands above all heaven and earth, would he?"
Gazing at the night scenery of Snowfield City, Solomon murmured softly.
"Ah, you're right. I forgot you have Clairvoyance, Solomon."
"So, have you already seen the future?"
Clapping his hands together as if having a sudden realization, Marisbury smiled at Solomon.
"It's not that I've seen the future, but a judgment based on my understanding of Gilgamesh."
Shaking his head gently, the light in Solomon's eyes revealed a yearning and thirst for the unknown, "To be honest with you, Master, ever since I was summoned for this Holy Grail War, I have been unable to see the future."
"This Holy Grail War seems particularly... interesting."
"Unable to see the future?" Hearing Solomon say he could no longer see the future, a trace of surprise appeared on Marisbury's usually composed face for the first time.
But he saw not a hint of hesitation or uncertainty on Solomon's face. All he saw on the King of Mages was confidence and anticipation for the future, among other things.
Letting out a light sigh and nodding slightly, the familiar smile returned to the face of Chaldea's first director.
"Yes, Solomon. This Holy Grail War is certainly going to be interesting."
The Dolphin Hotel, the finest hotel in Snowfield City, the same one Kayneth chose during the previous Holy Grail War...
"And so, that concludes my plan, Mr. Zelretch."
Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, disciple of the King of Mages Solomon, the Magician King who had existed for over centuries, holder of the title of the Second Magician, capable of communicating with his parallel world counterparts.
In the Tsukihime Timeline of the Nasuverse's world, this founder of magical paths once battled Crimson Moon, resulting in Crimson Moon's physical destruction, his consciousness slumbering within Arcueid's body, while Zelretch himself was turned into a Dead Apostle.
Without a doubt, possessing Planetary Singularity-level strength, Zelretch remained formidable even in the Snowfield City world and was chosen by Alaya as a Master for the Holy Grail War.
The Servant he summoned was none other than the masterpiece of the former Lunar Civilization, the Machine God with Planetary Singularity-level power… Justice!
Looking at the silver-haired man before him, Zelretch nodded calmly.
After a moment of contemplation, he expressed considerable appreciation for Darnic's intellect, "Your arrangements are quite thorough, Darnic. I'm impressed you managed to uncover so much information from intelligence gathered years ago."
Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia, the current head of the Yggdmillennia Clan, and the instigator of the 7v7 Red and Black faction Master war in another Nasuverse's world.
Unconcerned with origins or bloodlines, the only thing Zelretch valued was a magus's innate talent. And Darnic clearly possessed the talent Zelretch valued.
Tapping a finger lightly, a piece of parchment materialized before him, listing information on various Masters: Souichirou, Kirei, the Einzberns, and many others.
The provider of this information was Darnic, the Yggdmillennia who had been hiding in Snowfield City for twenty years.
Due to the compatibility between the Machine Gods Justice and Prosperity, Darnic and Zelretch had undoubtedly formed an alliance.
Highly interested in winning this Holy Grail War, Zelretch wanted victory because he had heard from the Counter Force that Ryuya, the one who sealed the Root, would be the one to destroy the world.
Although he wasn't entirely clear if Ryuya's existence would lead to the world's destruction, as his other parallel world selves had heard the legend of the Sun-Crowned King more than once, Zelretch believed in seeing for himself. He wanted to meet Ryuya, to meet the Sun-Crowned King.
"Mr. Zelretch, are you sure it's alright for you to stay in this hotel? I have prepared a manor in Snowfield City, complete with numerous bounded fields and various attendants. I think you could..."
"No need." Interrupting Darnic, Zelretch shook his head lightly, "At my level, anything ordinary magi do is useless. It's better to choose a place where I feel comfortable."
Smiling, Zelretch didn't wait for Darnic's reply and directly opened a small case he carried, inside which was the Tohsaka Family's family tree.
"I wonder how Nagato's descendants have been faring after all these years. I heard the previous head, Tohsaka Tokiomi, was also a notable figure. A pity he died in an accident."
Standing up, the elderly man with an upright posture had a typical British style, like a handsome silver-haired uncle.
Tapping his cane lightly, he said to Justice and Darnic, "I have some matters to attend to. I want to visit my old friend's descendants, so I'll take a stroll outside. I'll return immediately if anything comes up."
"As you wish." Indifferent to Zelretch's actions, the two Machine Gods, Justice and Prosperity, remained with their eyes closed, seemingly uninterested in everything.
With a slight smile, Zelretch left the Dolphin Hotel, heading towards the university where Rin and Sakura were currently studying.
After he left...
"Prosperity, Justice."
Addressing the two Machine Gods, Darnic's gray eyes were unreadable.
"What is it, Master?"
Opening his eyes to look at Darnic, Prosperity held a rather favorable view of his Master.
He felt Darnic was very shrewd and understood the value of patience. After all these years, Prosperity and Justice were no longer the two simpletons they once were… they had developed a will to survive and things they wanted to do.
Unaware of what Justice and Prosperity were thinking, Darnic simply said softly, "Tell me more. Tell me more about the Eternal Night Empire."
"I am truly very curious about that Sun-Crowned King..."