The talk with Kay had been…interesting.
He hadn't just 'accepted' me either. Despite the fact that he seemed to fully believe my claims of being together with Artoria.
It was rather obvious his priority was Gray at the moment more than anything.
I could respect that.
I didn't try and wiggle myself more into their little dynamic or ask any more unnecessary questions. But I more or less knew all the important details now.
At the very least, the young girl seemed happier than before I came in.
I had a few ideas on how to 'fix' her.
Though, to be honest, I'm sure Meridia could do it relatively easily if I brought Gray to her realm. However, that was going to be a conversation and a half on Gray's part.
'Hey, remember how I said I can fix you? Yeah, step into this portal that leads to the realm of my Eldritch Lover with long legs'.
I'm sure that will go over well.
Regardless, Artoria is going to be thrilled to know that Kay is around—even in his current form. Once Gray is settled, I think many of her current problems, mentally, will start to ease. Such that being in the presence of Artoria won't cause her discomfort.
However, that's not really something I can dictate.
As Artoria's boyfriend and most likely future husband, I feel like I can get involved in her past and things involving her to a certain extent. But there are still certain lines that I shouldn't overstep.
Trying to force her and Kay together would be one of them.
Just like with Mordred, let both of them know what's going on and let them handle it in their own way. But Kay seemed much…easier, compared to the situation with Mordred. But then again, there are complexities there that I don't understand either.
Artoria lived a difficult life.
As much as I love her, I can't deny that she fucked up a lot of things and ruined a lot of relationships around her.
But that's my job, isn't it? To help alleviate any burdens, to help her anywhere I can?
But I also really wanted to punch someone right now.
Someone who deserved it, obviously.
Someone who very much deserved it.
Unfortunately, I had no idea who this person was. I was by no means omnipotent; I couldn't just divine the culprit out of thin air, and it made me rather annoyed.
It was enough that I couldn't even enjoy watching Salem's ass bounce with each step she took. Sure, I might have been staring rather blatantly—there was no one else around in the corridor as we walked back to Venelana—but if it were another time or place, I would have buried my face there rather than just look.
Truly, it's unfortunate.
I knocked politely on the door into the room Venelana was in. Though, it was Olga's room, I suppose.
"Come in." A quiet reply came, and I quietly opened it for Salem, gesturing for her to go ahead before I followed.
Venelana was sitting on the bed; Olga had her head in her lap, clearly asleep. Trisha was on the other bed, still resting as well.
Venelana looked up at us with a gentle smile, running a hand through Olga's hair. "Don't worry, I helped her along. The poor dear really needed a good rest after everything she went through."
It's moments like these that I can say for certain that this woman is going to be the future mother of my children.
"How did things go?" I settled behind Salem, wrapping my arms around her waist. She seemed content to squeeze my hands and settle there with me.
"Well, she certainly has a bastard of a father." Venelana didn't hold back. "No mother in the picture. And nearly every relationship in her life has been evaluated on what someone could get out of her or use her for."
"Sounds about right for a Magus family." I responded, partly sarcastic, partly serious.
"Beyond a bit of tears and a very clear inferiority complex, there's a very kind and sweet girl that she feels the need to hide away." She continued to run a hand through Olga's hair. "She took things a lot better than expected too."
"You told her everything?"
"Bits and pieces, enough to fill in the blanks. It makes it easier when you're a known quantity here, so I didn't need to dance around that knowledge. But she didn't quite understand, or perhaps she didn't believe me when I said I was a devil." She chuckled softly. "I'm sure we'll be talking more when she's well rested."
Yeah, that must have been a fun conversation. By the way, I'm a Devil, the Mother of Lucifer; that's who your mother/aunt/tutor/friend was sold to.
Maybe I'm being pessimistic.
A Magi general can be objective in looking at gains and losses. I think she wouldn't freak out at the very least and listen to everything she was told.
"I assume there weren't any new attacks?" I already knew, but I figured I'd ask.
Venelana shook her head. "It was rather uneventful. How about you? Nothing interesting on your end? How about that girl that looked like Artoria?"
I lowered my forehead onto Salem's shoulder, letting out a small groan. "Oh man, is that a mess. Courtesy of her sister. You know the one."
Venelana was more than aware of Artoria's true identity.
"Oh my, is she going to be okay?"
"We'll see. Worst case, I can have Meridia take a look at her and see if anything is reversible. I think the situation is still salvageable. Without revealing too many personal secrets, she did not originally look like Artoria."
I was about to say something else, but there was a small jerk, and the train seemed to start moving again.
"Guess we're going back on track." I hummed.
"I look forward to the auction tomorrow." Salem chimed in, showing a rare hint of interest.
"Hopefully nothing will spoil it." Venelana agreed.
"Well, I think things shouldn't be as noisy, openly at least." I responded. "When I was with Waver, I threw out a few fishing lines to see if I could snag anyone of importance. Waver told me something—that this whole thing may be related to him in a way. I dropped a line in front of him like, "If it happens again, I should be able to find the one responsible." I waved my hand flippantly.
"Could you?" She raised an eyebrow.
I shrugged. "Maybe? Honestly, in this environment, it's kind of hard to tell. If it happened literally right in front of me, then I would be more confident."
"You were saying it purposely because you thought we were being monitored." Salem casually revealed.
"More or less. I think Waver might be monitored in some way based on what he said. At the very least, I didn't want Olga to suffer any more and figured I may as well try to scare the one responsible away from doing that again."
Unfortunately, this train is kind of annoying when it comes to picking up minute inferences via magical means. The fact that this thing is like pseudo-magical circuits really makes things difficult.
Hell, Salem and I were annoyed just setting up basic bounded fields around the room.
"You are also using that man as bait." Salem pointed out.
I let out a chuckle, squeezing her thigh. "Waver is smart; he would have picked up on a few things I said in a very particular manner." That, and I gave him something just in case.
Though, I stopped a moment later, looking up. "Speaking of fishing lines, I think I just got a bite."
[Line Break]
Waver Velvet POV
"Are you alright, Teacher?"
I absentmindedly looked at Caules, who spoke to me. "I'm fine. I just…have a lot on my mind."
How would I even begin to talk about everything I've learned today? Secrets that are far too high above my pay grade now sit in my head.
I'm sure I could very easily clear all my debts if I sold those secrets.
However, I would have to be a fool to even consider that even if I discarded my own pride to do so. One does not cross a magician lightly, especially one that knows you personally.
But right now, they're just weighing on me.
Part of me wishes I never heard them, but the other part of me is someone who refuses to reject any knowledge regardless of how dangerous.
What a headache.
If I couldn't have verified his personality and character myself, I would have been constantly worried that I would be silenced at some point in the future. But he didn't seem the type to do something like that.
He held that confident arrogance, the kind that made him seem invincible.
And his parting words were for me to continue with the 'case.'
I wish I had another cigar right about now.
"How are you feeling, Gray?" I asked her to momentarily distract me.
"I'm doing okay, Mr. Waver!" Gray smiled brighter than I had seen in a long time.
I suppose she isn't just putting up a false pretense this time. It felt more natural and sincere on her part. A promise from a magician to 'heal' her—that might have been the biggest weight lifted off her shoulders.
It may not be money, but it seems like my debts are further increasing.
After several moments, I finally made a decision. "Caules, Yvonne, you both stay here. I'm going to take Gray and investigate the train to see if we can find any clues."
Lord Schweinorg left a method to defend against the 'attacker' inside the room, so it should be fine for them to stay here.
"Yes, Teacher." Caules nodded.
Yvonne pouted, but she knew not to argue when she saw my expression.
It wasn't time for playing.
"Hey, old man, why are you suddenly so gung-ho on investigating?" Add from inside Gray's bag shifted around.
"You're older than me." I scowled.
"Don't bother with the details." He grunted in return. "What's got your panties in a bunch?"
I put up a quick Bounded Field, similar to the one that Lord Schweinorg created. The fact that he revealed so many secrets under it meant that it was relatively safe.
"Through the talks we had with Lord Schweinorg, I was able to deduce a few more clues. One, the culprit is on the train. Two, I am most likely being monitored." I replied.
"Huh? When did he say something like that?"
"Remember to read between the lines, Gray." I ignored her Mystic Code and addressed her directly as she also looked confused. "Let me ask you this: why would Lord Schweinorg reveal so openly that he could 'track the culprit' if they attacked in the same method again?"
"...because he trusts us?" Gray tilted her head.
"Perhaps." I accepted that as an answer as well. Lord Schweinorg was…oddly amicable towards us. "But I believe he revealed it intentionally before he put up a bounded field. That implies that he meant it to be heard."
"Was he trying to scare the culprit?" Gray asked.
"Maybe." I couldn't guess all his thoughts. "It's possible that he would have rathered the culprit not attack again and decided to tip his hand early. But from a logical standpoint, if he were trying to find the one responsible for a grudge—and considering the gentleness he showed towards Lady Animusphere, there is most certainly a developed grudge now—he would not let the culprit know that he could be tracked. Thereby, once it's revealed that Trisha is not dead, the culprit would attack again, or make another attempt, in which Lord Schweinorg could track him."
"Maybe he's just an arrogant idiot?" Add spoke up.
I shook my head. "He did not appear a fool to my eyes. Thus, we're left with two probable answers among many."
"...that he couldn't find the culprit and he was bluffing?" Gray asked.
I nodded. "That's one; do you know what the other is?"
Though, I doubt he was bluffing. But if I put myself in the shoes of our target, then I wouldn't dare take that risk when dealing with a magician.
"I don't know, sir." Gray lowered her head.
"Think about it for now." I…put a hand on her head. "The answer may come sooner than expected." I took down the Bounded Field because we had a guest. "Lady Edelfelt, I had not seen you since you boarded the train."
Luviagelita Edelfelt, one of two heirs to the Edelfelt family.
"Lord El-Melloi II." She curtsied towards me. "And Gray." She said with a smile. "I've heard that you're investigating the recent murder that happened."
I gave a curt nod. "Word travels fast, it seems."
"This train is only so large; gossip is perhaps the only form of entertainment many of the bastards on this train have at their disposal." She flipped one of her long strands of hair behind her.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Lady Edelfelt?" I decided to get right to the point.
She looked nervous. "I merely wished to…clear my name, so to speak."
I raised an eyebrow. "Do you believe me to suspect you?"
Her arms crossed. "I am aware of my own actions. I boarded the train and held myself up in my room the entire time. I must look suspicious to a seasoned investigator like Lord El-Melloi II."
"I admit, the behavior is suspicious. Lady Edelfelt is a known social butterfly." I didn't disagree with her notion.
She let out a small laugh. "I appreciate the polite label when it's usually something much more sinister coming from our peers' mouths. Lord—no, Mr. Waver." She changed her tone. "Would it alleviate any suspicion towards my person if I told you why I had been keeping to myself?"
"I believe I can guess, Lady Edelfelt. Your relationship with Lord Schweinorg upon your first meeting was not exactly…subtle."
She winced, and I knew I hit the nail on the head. "My family has punished me…severely for my actions. I saw him the moment I boarded, and I was frightened enough that I didn't want to leave my room. The only reason I haven't been grounded upon my family estate for the next several decades is that he seemed to not hold a grudge from our brief encounter at the party before."
I nodded. "Did you also come to acquire the rumored Mystic Eyes?"
She hesitantly nodded as well. "It's no secret. Many families have hired intermediaries or have hidden personages on the train right now to investigate the rumors of the Mystic Eyes and purchase them if needed."
I would expect as much.
"You need not worry, Lady Edelfelt; I have not suspected you." I finally revealed
She looked a little more relaxed.
"Miss Luvia is a good person." Gray also smiled lightly. "Mr. Waver wouldn't think she murdered anyone."
She perked up a little bit at Gray's words. "Of course!" She put her hands on her hips. "As if the heiress to the Edelfelt family would stoop so low!"
"If that's all, Lady Edelfelt."
"I have something." She spoke up again. "I heard that Lord Schweinorg was…invested as well. I heard he appeared close to the young girl from the Animusphere family."
"...that's correct." I suppose it wasn't a secret.
She let out a long breath. "I believe that Lord El-Melloi II is a man that wouldn't speak about secrets he shouldn't, so I will say something that I hope will not be repeated. As heiress, I'm given certain…protections. I had in my possession a jewel with over two hundred years of history."
"Had." I picked up on her particular verbiage.
"Had." She nodded. "I used it to observe my room when I arrived, to make sure it was 'safe.' I noticed…that someone was using the train as a vector to draw in magical energy from the leylines, a not insubstantial amount. The moment I discovered this, my jewel broke. It was a prized relic of my family, and I'm afraid I'll now be quite heavily punished when I return again." She let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"To draw energy from the leylines—that isn't something any ordinary magus could do." I put my hand on my chin.
Luvia nodded. "I believe this information should show my sincerity, Lord El-Melloi II."
It was valuable information. "I…can put in a good word with Lord Schweinorg on your behalf. Perhaps any punishment would be lightened."
Her darkened eyes lit up briefly. "In which case, I sincerely thank you, Lord El-Melloi II. I will be returning to my room. At this point, I feel the train is unsafe to wander about until the auction is held."
She turned on her heels and left in a hurry.
"What does it mean, Mr. Waver?" Gray looked up at me.
"I don't know, Gray." I answered honestly. "We have many clues so far, but the picture is still far too vague."
It could be entirely unconnected, or it could be completely critical to finding the culprit; who's to say at this point?
"Let's go; we're going to the back of the train since it started moving again." I felt the train jerk and start its press forward while walking with Lady Edelfelt. "I want to verify a few things."
She nodded and followed along.
There aren't many people out and about right now.
Either they were in the lounge areas, or they were in their rooms due to the recent 'noise.' Both the murder that happened and the 'fight' held outside. I'm sure many people felt rather unsafe at the moment.
I hadn't even seen the fight between Lady Salem—Lord Schweinorg's lady friend—and the Burial Agency agent, yet it had many spooked.
Even Caules and Yvonne looked…worried after that fight.
They were not used to seeing what high-level fights among Magi are capable of. I couldn't fault them; until my own time in the Grail War, I had no idea what to expect from entities of that caliber either.
The train, as large as it was, was easy enough to navigate and reach the end.
Both Gray and I stepped out onto the platform at the very back of the train with the night air overhead.
No, that isn't right. It wasn't night; it was just dark from a storm that gathered.
I found a small pebble on the platform and flicked it out. It hit something even if it went through 'it' and bounced on the ground as the train trotted down the tracks.
"What was that, Mr. Waver?"
"A verification of a hypothesis of mine. Do you know what the Doppler Effect is, Gray?"
"No, Mr. Waver." She shook her head.
"Do you know why a motorcycle sounds different when it's coming towards you as opposed to moving away from you?"
She shook her head again. "Is that the Doppler effect?"
I nodded. "You can think of it like this. Imagine the motorcycle has a circle around it; these are the sound waves it puts off. If it's moving towards you, the sound waves become compressed. When it's moving away, the sound waves are stretched out, producing what's known as the Doppler effect. There's a similar concept with Magical Energy, except rather than sound, it's producing a pseudo-bounded field." I gestured to where I had just flicked the pebble.
If you focused, you could see the waves of magical energy if you flared it through your eyes as well, or if you were more sensitive.
"The method by which this train travels essentially kicks up an exorbitant amount of mana around it, and the waves of magical energy compress, creating a sort of natural barrier. Which is why the Train doesn't actually need to hide itself through other means. That is to say, entering and leaving the train while it's moving is nearly impossible for a regular person without causing a commotion." I moved my hands around in my pockets and found a packet of cigarettes.
"Is that what you wanted to verify, Mr. Waver?"
I nodded, finding my lighter as well and lighting it up. "I wanted to verify that the culprit was in fact on the train."
Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to act with such impunity as they already have.
"Uh, Mr. Waver?" Gray tugged on my sleeve, pointing up.
I followed her gesture, and I saw a flash of red lightning dance above. It crackled a few times, bouncing around the clouds.
Quickly, I climbed up the nearby ladder up onto the top of the train, Gray following close behind.
There was a laugh amidst the winds that increased in volume as a bolt of red lightning flashed down and hit the roof of the train car in front of us.
"You really did show up. I don't know if I could call you a fool or courageous for walking so openly into an obvious trap."
"Mr. Waver, get behind me!" Gray grabbed her Mystic Code out of her bag and transformed it into the familiar form of a scythe.
"Are you the one responsible then?" I looked at her, my eyes narrowing.
"Hoh?" The woman smiled slyly. "Maybe I am, or maybe I'm not."
This feeling.
I felt the hairs on my back rise up, a familiar fear rising in my stomach.
"...A Servant." I whispered.
The woman just grinned wider while Gray looked startled.
"I heard that Iskander briefly served under a Mage. But taking a look, I'm left with nothing but disappointment." The woman spoke again.
"He didn't serve under me; I served under him." I retorted without hesitation. "We shared the same dream, and I just wanted to walk by his side."
The woman's expression quickly changed. "Ridiculous. If you had my interest before, now I'm just disgusted."
The woman moved, far too quickly, but Gray shot forward too, blocking a strike from the woman's short sword.
However, Gray was barely able to block it.
"Wielding a weapon and fighting doesn't make you a warrior!" The woman roared, knocking Gray back with relative ease.
"Hmm?" The woman paused for a moment. "That brief exchange—did you manage to absorb some of my magical energy? "What an interesting weapon you have there." She looked interested again. "How amusing. I'll show you something good in return."
Her eye glowed, and I reached forward. "Gray!" I shouted for her, but she whipped around and knocked my hand away; her scythe seemed to be coming right for my neck, but her arms trembled.
"Mystic Eyes." I hissed under my breath.
"That's right, I think you lot call it Mystic Eyes of Coercion?" She laughed again. "My god, Dionysus appreciates madness. It'll be a fitting end, won't it? Mentor killed by apprentice."
Gray's body trembled as she was fighting it.
I bit down on my cigarette before taking it out of my mouth. "Gray, remember what I said before? Did you think of an answer?" I looked at her and reached into my coat pocket, taking out a talisman that Lord Schweinorg handed me and ripping it. "The answer is to use me as bait."
A hand reached out from behind me and grabbed the Scythe that was struggling forward.
A second one was put on top of Gray's head, and her body stiffened a moment before relaxing.
"Lord Schweinorg." I greeted him.
Gray looked up at him, and he smiled back down at her.
"Mr. Waver. And Gray." He responded with a cheerful voice. "It looks like you found yourself in trouble a bit quicker than I anticipated."
The woman across from us frowned.
"And who's this?" He asked. "Is she the one responsible?"
"I'm not sure; she suddenly attacked us and seems to have a particular hatred of me." I told him. "She's a Servant."
The woman stared silently.
"A Servant, huh?" He said it casually, but there was a certain edge to his voice. "Well, it's been a while since I've killed a Servant."
[Line Break]
A/N
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