[T/N: Sorry guys, the missing chapter 69 has been posted after Chaoter 76]
The power of the talisman was heavily restrained, its abilities only functioning passively. Even with the Dragon Talisman's amplification effect, it was impossible to unleash this level of power with just a Master's magical output. Are all foreign magicians this monstrous?
Matou Zouken found the thought hard to accept. After suffering blow after blow, even someone with a mind as old and patient as his was starting to feel unsettled.
"After gaining this power, are you planning to go back on our agreement? You didn't even show up during the battle at the harbor yesterday…"
"Even if your body's nothing but bugs, that shouldn't have rotted your brain, right?"
Roland's expression was icy, his eyes radiating malice.
"Our little alliance was only to prioritize dealing with Darnic, nothing more. Besides, you knew my Servant was a Caster, yet you wanted me to wade into that kind of close-quarters brawl. You're the one with ulterior motives, aren't you? And now, you even dared to lay your filthy hands on my property. Looks like I need to reconsider whether keeping this alliance is worth it."
"…I was… rash."
After realizing just how unequal their positions truly were currently, Matou Zouken fell silent for a moment. Then, as if nothing had happened, he quickly reverted to his usual amiable tone.
"As for spoils of war… since the Matou family failed to secure them, I can hardly expect to claim them."
He admitted fault sincerely at first, then smoothly steered the conversation to what he truly wanted.
"But that talisman has been in my possession for sixty years. It's of the utmost importance to me. If possible… I'd like to negotiate for its return."
"Sixty years?" Roland's voice shifted slightly, though he didn't directly respond to Zouken's request. "In other words… you obtained this in the last Holy Grail War."
"That's correct." It was his deepest secret, but with the artifact now in Roland's hands, Zouken hesitated only briefly before revealing part of the truth.
"And I'm not the only one. Darnic also has one."
Roland paused in silence, not out of shock, but because it felt almost inevitable. In this timeline, too many things had already changed. If these changes were connected to the talismans, then it all made sense.
"I'm sure you've already felt its power," Zouken continued, lowering his voice as if sharing something profound. "But here's a little secret: the talisman isn't even fully awakened yet. Aren't you curious to see it in its true glory?"
"…Looking forward to it?" Roland stared at him blankly, responding in a casual tone that betrayed no emotion.
Undeterred, Zouken pressed on.
"Although this might seem like an unreasonable request… I doubt this talisman holds the same value for you as it does for me. So, tell me, what would it take for you to return it?"
"Well now…" Roland narrowed his eyes slightly, the corner of his lips curling into a sly smile. "That's an interesting question. What do I want? It doesn't really matter what I want, Matou Zouken. You're the one begging me, aren't you? So think carefully about what you can offer."
He spoke as if preparing to name an outrageous price, but Zouken had no room to protest. If he wanted his talisman back, he had to play the game.
"…I can offer you everything the Matou family possesses," Zouken said, gritting his teeth. "Though it may seem diminished now, we remain custodians of Fuyuki's second-largest spiritual land, one of the great three families. Our magical texts, artifacts, spiritual resources—all of it, I will give to you. As the true head of the Matou family for centuries, I can transfer everything to you today if you wish."
It was a hefty offer, enough to make Roland's eyes glint with interest. He nodded slightly, as if considering it.
"Not enough. Keep going."
"…I can hand over Berserker to you. The Matou family's Master is under my complete control. If you want, I'll make him transfer the contract voluntarily."
"Ah, that won't be necessary." Roland yawned lazily. "Didn't you know? I met him this morning, and dealt with him. Matou Kariya is no longer a Master."
"That failure… always useless except for causing trouble." Zouken's mouth curled into a twisted smile despite his own precarious situation.
"'Save Sakura,' was it? Ha! With Matou blood flowing through him, he still dared to spout such nonsense. What a shame I can't see his expression now it must be amusing."
"Indeed," Roland said, his tone laced with dry amusement. "You'd probably find it… surprising."
"Hahahaha—!"
The two of them laughed together like old comrades sharing a cruel joke, until the realization hit Zouken like a bucket of cold water.
Why am I laughing? That means I've lost my biggest bargaining chip!
This damn Roland! He slacks off when allies are fighting and stabs them in the back when they're down. What an absolute bastard, even I have to respect that!
"No more offers? I'm still waiting."
Roland's voice cut through his thoughts like a blade. Zouken's expression twisted further as he racked his brain for something else, anything else to offer. Then, suddenly, inspiration struck.
"Kariya may have lost his Master's status… but what about Berserker?"
"Of course he's in my hands."
"You're actively collecting Servants now? Have you finally taken an interest in the Holy Grail?"
"…That depends on how you define 'interest.'"
Finally spotting a crack to exploit, Zouken's voice brimmed with confidence again.
"In that case, my last bargaining chip is this: I can give you the Holy Grail."
"Just you?"
"Under normal circumstances, no," Zouken admitted smoothly. "The ritual demands seven Servant souls to reach the Root and six to grant a wish."
"But that's only in the ideal scenario. The magnitude of the wish determines the requirement. For ordinary personal desires, four Servants' souls are sufficient."
Roland's lazy smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of intrigue. Seeing his chance, Zouken pressed harder.
"Of course, this means some wishes might fail but not all. The Holy Grail system contains something far greater: the Greater Grail. It incorporates the Third Magic, Heaven's Feel. Through it, one can achieve the ultimate miracle, immortality, transcendence, even salvation."
His withered voice grew passionate as he spoke.
"And I, an old, talentless man just happen to know the method to awaken the Greater Grail."
"You already hold two Servants. Once two more fall, you can seize Einzbern's Lesser Grail early and claim victory, long before anyone else even realizes what's happening."
"In light of this… I have a proposal. I'll help you obtain the Greater Grail with everything I have. In return, when you claim your wish, simply carry the Dragon Talisman with you, then return it to me afterward."
"Oh?"
Roland's gaze sharpened, an unreadable smile tugging at his lips. Zouken, sensing his advantage, struck while the iron was hot.
"Even if it's not used for a wish, the Holy Grail's overflowing magical energy alone can awaken dormant mysteries. That's why Darnic returned to the battlefield. That was my original goal as well."
"So… do these terms excite you?"
Roland's laughter rolled out, deep and ominous.
"Matou Zouken… you really are something else."
Relief swept over the old worm. But he wasn't about to be made a fool twice.
"To prevent any… misunderstandings, I propose a self-enforcing contract as witness. Surely that isn't too much to ask?"
First Darnic, now you. No wonder the two of you get along so well, and hate each other just as much.
"Of course not, my dear ally," Roland replied without hesitation. On the surface, it was a fair, win-win deal, but in reality, it was a double win for him. Who would ever refuse such an arrangement?
And yet, Zouken felt a strange unease at how readily Roland agreed. As the contract was drafted and reviewed, the old magus spoke again, his tone almost pleading.
"I've left the talisman with you. I have no desire for the Holy Grail itself. I only ask that you keep your word."
"Don't worry, old worm," Roland said hoarsely, his voice almost inhuman. "If you really bring me the Greater Grail, then you'll naturally have the Dragon Talisman's power as well."
He signed the contract, lips curling into a sinister smile, his tone solemn yet mocking as he declared:
"I promise...I'll return this talisman to its original master
(to myself)."