"A good habit and for that we thank you." In cue with Agravain's words all the knights dropped to their knees and bowed, almost making Shirou groan as he feared something similar with Xenovia was happening. "Had you not acted then the consequences for our mistakes would have been catastrophic. You saved our lives, honor and souls."
""Thank you."" Gareth and Gaheris spoke in sync, their heads bowed as Agravain was the only one who looked Shirou in the eyes.
The redhead magus felt some embarrassment at their posture but everyone else relaxed upon seeing there would be no fighting. "You guys don't need to thank me." Shirou said while holding back his nerves. "I stopped Valper because I wanted to do it. Helping you was just a happy coincidence."
"Yet you saved us all the same. As the temporary Commander of the Order Pendragon at least allow me to express my thanks." Agravain bowed his head again but didn't wait for a reply this time. Instead he turned to Rias with regret in his eyes. "We owe you an apology as well, Heiress of Gremory."
"I honestly thought you all would be in prison at this point?" Rias confessed with some amusement.
It was Akeno who offered an explanation. "With all that happened that day it is clear that the officers couldn't catch them all. That would explain why we have some criminals in our backyard." Her hands began to spark. "Should I apprehend them, Buchou?"
"It was more than that." Gareth spoke quickly, trying to avoid a fight. "Fuyuki's criminal elements were… subdued over the last few years. The jails in the police stations are small and couldn't hold all of us."
Gaheris continued, his eyes still on Xenovia. "Not only that but Luviagelita Edeflfelt had many of us imprisoned but her butler released us." Rias' poker face showed nothing but she was miffed about that revelation and made plans to 'chat' with her new Piece. "After my fight with Xenovia and her brave companions, me and my squad were also left to our own devices."
Sensing Rias' eyes, Xenovia stepped forward to explain herself. "Besides Gaheris, all there were old men and women who couldn't fight anymore. We judged they weren't a threat."
"Understandable." Which meant that Xenovia was off the hook but Rias shall have words for Luvia. "Still you all made some terrible actions that almost spiraled in a war and even if the police were busy, most of you should still be in jail."
Agravain felt more explanation was needed. "Most of Fuyuki's population was… unsettled by the light display on Kuoh." Rias' hand met her face. "Even if the news was suppressed by everyone, that didn't stop the police from having to run around even if just to stop the fear from spreading."
It was clear the pureblood devil didn't like the news but she understood enough. "There were too many of you." The knights nodded and Rias fought back a groan. "WIth so much happening, I can believe we let that detail pass."
"Combined with good lawyers and Fuyuki's streamlined justice system, most of us will be released in no time. I know we deserve the punishment but please, understand that this city can't handle us all." Agravain explained and Rias just nodded. "However a few things need to be said, starting with Sir Gawain… No, former Sir Gawain, last act as the leader of our Order."
The addition of the word 'former' made everyone pay more attention to the man. "What? You guys expelled him?" Issei tried to guess and it was a reasonable deduction.
Gawain's decisions were the ones which took the Order to Kokabiel. Without them the Cadre wouldn't have time to execute his plan without someone noticing something. Had he tried to attack directly that would have given the chance to either Rias or Sona to call their siblings the moment his presence was felt.
Or Xenovia and Irina would have fought him long enough for someone else from the moonlit world to notice. Either way, his plans would have failed faster without the Order of Pendragon, not even counting Yoruichi's presence which would stop anyone from dying.
So everyone was surprised with what Agravain said next. "No, we didn't. He renounced his position and admitted fault for everything that happened that day under the eyes of the law."
"He just… confessed everything?" Rias asked slowly and the knights nodded. "I see. That is why you just needed good lawyers."
"I don't understand, Buchou." Asia commented and Issei nodded to show he also was confused.
Akeno looked pensive while she explained. "If he claimed he was responsible for all the soldiers who popped up in the city, which he really was, everyone else can claim to have been manipulated or tricked into walking around town armed." She looked at the knights, noticing their expressions of depression. "That was it, wasn't it?"
"Yes." Gareth admitted with shame in her tone. "He ordered our men to deny everything while claiming he tricked everyone with the idea of a game in mind."
"Not only our own mistakes but he took responsibility for everything else, including the dead." Agravain spoke next. "I am surprised you didn't receive the news."
Rias wasn't since Sona was the one taking care of the Fuyuki side of things. "I will check later but even if he accepted responsibility by human laws, that doesn't forgive the rest of you from your mistakes."
"That is right. Those are our sins to bear." Gaheris spoke solemnly, his eyes still on Xenovia. "The fact is that all of us agreed and went on with Kokabiel's plan; we stole the swords, escorted Valper, risked the population of Fuyuki, distracted you and hurt innocents." He bowed his head until it hit the ground. "We are here to officially and formally apologize for our misdeeds."
"The Order of Pendragon failed." Agravain and Gareth bowed until their heads hit the ground as well. "Our shame is eternal both for our sins and the misery we almost brought forward in our king's name. There are no words, just no words to apologize enough for any of that." The tall man looked at Rias. "If you desire our lives, we are glad to offer it. Anything to clean the stain in King Arthur's honor."
At such a declaration, Rias found herself stunned. Few times in her life she saw such loyalty in anyone, ready to die for their liege. Things were worse in her opinion because they never met their king and yet here the three were, not running away from the crime scene but offering their heads on a platter.
She sighed as Shirou was giving her a look of expectation, waiting for her judgment. He wasn't going to offer any input and respect her decision but clearly wanted to see what she would do.
And he wasn't alone on this as even Akeno commented nothing and waited to see Rias' choice. It was one of the few times she wanted a joke or some teasing from her best friend but the Queen saw how serious the situation was and how willing the people on the ground were to die for their king.
It left a bad taste on Rias' mouth. "If you were allowed to go away… what would you do?"
The three knights looked at each other, surprised by the question. It was obvious they didn't plan for it but Agravain tried to answer it. "Now that Caliburn is reformed, the goal of the Order is to wait for the king's return." He shook his head. "However, that is no longer viable. This experience proved how weak we became and how out of touch we are with our king's desires." He turned to Shirou. "With the goal of fixing the path for our Order, we would like to recruit the magician who repaired Caliburn."
"Sorry but I don't intend to join your Order." Shirou's reply didn't surprise anyone, not even the knights.
"We aren't asking for you to become one of us but instead to help us in a more consulting fashion." Agravain offered it as an olive branch and Shirou became pensive. "You have a life here, asking of you to leave it, after all you did for us, would just tarnish our honor more. No, what we need is not more knights like us but a 'Court Magician' if you prefer."
"A Court Magician?" The title seemed to interest Xenovia. "Like Merlin?"
Gaheris nodded eagerly at the girl's question. "Exactly right, lady Xenovia. We realized that we lost too many of our traditions and grew weak because of that. The first correction we should do was then to start to recruit magicians to help us grow again." He was grinning as Xenovia nodded in approval, seeing their logic. "Not only that but rumor has it that he saw King Arthur's story in her blade and even spoke about teaching the Camelot fighting style."
And once again Shirou felt the bite that he did that day where Xenovia swore herself to him and he promised to train her. Sure he didn't regret it since he was trying to stop her from living a life of solitude but he completely forgot the fact that dozens of people witnessed him talking to her.
Obviously people talked, nobody swore to secrecy because there was no point. He fixed Caliburn and that would be known to anyone once the Church asked but maybe he should have been more careful when trying to cheer Xenovia up.
Except he wouldn't, there was no way he wouldn't try everything to keep the bright girl from making a mistake which would doom her for eternity.
"So you guys want training." Akeno giggled as that brought back some happy memories. "Then I can say for certain that Shirou-kun is the best teacher I ever had."
"Aaaaand I am kinda busy training this one." Shirou embraced Xenovia with one arm, practically using her as a shield. "Besides, I am only passable as a teacher. Not that grand or anything like that."
Agravain understood his hesitation, even if he misinterpreted it for the wish to not leave his hometown. "Going with us and training everyone would be too much but a guide would help." That got Shirou's attention again. "If you give us the instructions that will be more than enough, even if our lives were forfeited. Once such blessings are delivered to the other members, our deaths wouldn't be in vain."
The redheads didn't like that statement at all but Issei spoke first. "I don't think that training works like that. Usually I have to take a beating before learning anything."
"That is normal for most people." Xenovia spoke in full agreement with Issei.
Even the knights agreed in some way however, "If we have a place to start, surely our men will figure something out." Agravain spoke with confidence, sure that even if he wasn't there his people would be fine. "Maybe it will be slower without a teacher but they will succeed. I would bet my life on it."
Eyes turned to Rias again who sighed. "I guess we don't need to kill any of you." All the knights stared at her, shocked. "Good grief, is my reputation that terrifying? Guess I am doing a great job." She bragged a little with a smile. "However there are some conditions."
"Of course, we were already planning to offer plenty of concessions." Agravain revealed with a smile as all three were relieved they weren't going to die. "Besides asking Emiya Shirou to be our consultant we are willing to give him full authority on any important decision and movements of the Order. In this case he won't need to be up to par with our day to day activities but will be informed if similar operations like this one happen again and will have the power of vetoing it."
Rias was pleased by that condition. "If that is the case then you can't step over the line again, at least not our line." She turned to Shirou with a pleasant hum that told him he was taking the job.
Not that he minded. "Okay, so far so good. Anything else I should know?"
Agravain nodded again. "We also are willing to give up any rights over the Green Knight Mantle, the original Sir Gawain prized Noble Phantasm, to the Gremory clan to do with whatever you see fit."
"We already confiscated that but I am pleased you won't make a fuss about it." It was the first thing Rias got Koneko to do after Yoruichi departed, a useful distraction for the younger devil and an important job that needed to be done. "However, Shiro said that its use is extremely conditional."
"It is all about the name, the user's name." Shirou replied and Agravain nodded again.
"Correct. That is why the leader of our Order was always 'Gawain'. The Green Knight Mantle can only be used by 'Sir Gawain of the Round Table' and inheriting the name was the only way to keep the Noble Phantasm usable." It was one of the reasons why the names of the knights were important for the Order.
Disguising that secret from their Noble Phantasm and helping them organize around their leaders' names gave the Order of Pendragon a personality that lasted for centuries. Pattern recognition also helped to settle the idea that they were a real organization when they separated from the Church.
But that secret was irrelevant to Rias. "So we can't even use it? Bummer." She pouted playfully and Shirou chuckled.
"We may not be able to use it directly but the Green Knight made that sash and it was special even before it became a Noble Phantasm. Maybe I can do something with it, given time."
"That is fine, which brings us to another subject; the choosing of the next Commander." Gareth spoke with some irritation, glaring at Agravain. "Technically speaking, we shouldn't even be having this conversation until the next leader is chosen."
Yet they were doing it anyway because of Agravain. "We expected to die here, in case you forgot. Our organization also committed too many crimes to just leave without giving proper compensation." His firm tone left no room for argument even if his position is temporary. "Regardless, there is supposed to be an election once all the members of our Order are reunited again and that will take time."
"Isn't an election a bit contradictory to your organization which follows a king?" Akeno commented off handedly.
However none of the knights batted an eye. "His majesty's position is absolute." Gaheris spoke eagerly.
"But until she returns we have to make due in some way." Gareth said next, with the same emotion.
"You all still have faith King Arthur- Artoria Pendragon will return?" They all nodded and Xenovia was impressed by their loyalty.
"The sword was restored, as it should be." Agravain bowed in thanks to Shirou again. "Now we just have to wait and make sure that we survive until our king raises again. We must recover and grow stronger." He raised his head proudly. "That is why we need you to show us the path to become knights worthy of King Arthur."
Scratching the back of his head, Shirou debated revealing Caliburn's conditions for ownership before baking down. He didn't know Artoria personally but he had the impression she wouldn't want any more people to fight for her sword.
However there was something he could do for her legacy. "You do realize that you need more than power to earn Artoria's respect, right?"
"That is why we are entrusting our lives to your guidance." That was the only decision Gareth didn't fight on. She fully agreed with the suggestion that they needed a consultant and he was their best candidate. "While we believe most of our operations don't need to change, we must avoid falling into another trap like the one Kokabiel drove us in." The other knights nodded at her words.
The Heiress of Gremory was amused by their eagerness and complete surrender, ready to accept their offer. "Before anything else, would one of you mind explaining what happened between you and my dear Asia?" Her sweet tone hid a hint of danger.
Things were made worse by the fact that Rias noticed how nervous Asia looked and how protective Issei was acting with her. Even Kiba, who wasn't in the right mental state, was positioned close to the former nun in a defensive manner, his eyes never leaving the woman knight.
Before her companions could speak for her, Gareth shot to her feet. "I stabbed her-"
Dread and murder filled the area as a dark aura covered Rias and her eyes promised the most painful experience possible. Shirou knew it wasn't an idle threat either and quickly gestured with his hands for Gareth to say something.
She didn't need her sacred gear to know that if she said the wrong thing Rias would erase her. "I missed on purpose!" Suddenly the area felt brighter even if the devil energy around still roared. "She was the healer, taking her out-" Shirou's gestures became more intense and Rias' aura grew stronger. "I didn't want to kill her so I missed every vital and made sure to not hit anywhere important! I swear!"
Rias studied Gareth's face for a minute, the other knights unable to even look at her as the fear of the demise they had escaped had settled in. They had come to Kuoh ready to die and receiving the chance of survival gave them new hope. The pureblood devil's fury killed that hope but the effect was the birth of despair.
"Buchou, please stop." Asia stepped forward and the knights were glad Rias' attention wasn't on them anymore. "Gareth-san… She didn't want to fight either. She tried to have us leave because of Kiba-san and even made sure that I wasn't that hurt." The former nun smiled sincerely. "She is a good person, even if she committed a mistake."
That was enough for Rias to stop and think, Shirou taking a chance to try and calm her down a little more as he held her hand.
He moved without fear and by instinct Rias retracted her power just in time for her lover to not get hurt. "They came to surrender, Rias. Killing them now helps no one, especially since they know they made a mistake."
"Shirou-san is right." Asia moved closer to her King and held her hand as well.
"Once you leave…" Rias started after a pause. "Once you leave Kuoh I want you, your Order and anyone associated with you that isn't behind bars, gone and never to return. We can set a place to deliver Shiro's instructions on a later date but if you dare to try to stay, for whatever reason, I am going to destroy you all. Atom by atom." They would find no favor with the Heiress of Gremory. "Was I clear?"
"""Yes, ma'am!""" The three applied in a single voice.
"Good." Rias let go of Asia's hand, who stepped back with a smile, but held on Shirou's. "Now, is there something else?" The knights looked at each other before turning to Shirou.
Agravain swallowed his fear and stood up. To his credit the man wasn't shaking much. "If Emiya Shirou accepts our offer then we need to work on the details."
Shirou and Rias traded another look and she nodded. "Fine but only to make some instructions, like Rias said. Most of Camelot's fighting style is personal anyway."
"'Personal'?" Gaheris was obviously asking for clarification.
"Most of it is 'the focus on the self so the weapon can be a weapon'." Shirou rolled his eyes at the phrase. "Sorry, was quoting Artoria and some context may be needed; Artoria, or King Arthur, was raised by Sir Ector and Merlin, it was from them she developed her philosophy." Stepping forward, he Traced a Muramasa. "This is a Noble Phantasm, not as powerful as Caliburn or Excaliburn but in Artoria's hands it could be as lethal as both. Why? Because the power of the sword only mattered if the opponent mattered. The important thing is the power of the knight."
When he pointed to Xenovia, she didn't hesitate to step forward and continue. "My sword is a Holy Sword like Excalibur, Durandal." The knights were surprised. "Using its aura I could keep up even with the strongest devils. That is a characteristic that all Holy Swords have… It's the wrong approach for a fight." She saw their surprise grow and didn't blame them, she was shocked the first time Shirou explained it. "Some of the sword's power can be used to compensate for the weakness of the owner; I can make myself more resistant, stronger, faster, just by channeling Holy Energy in my body."
Those were the basic benefits of a Holy Sword as many knew and exactly how Xenovia was trained to use Durandal and any other Holy Sword. It was mostly the Church's belief that it was their power that their agents could fight on pair with the moonlit world inhabitants. They were, following their teachings, the manifestations of the Will of God.
And that was completely wrong with what Shirou knew. "That is actually a fact that can be applied to any weapon, even Noble Phantasms. However the Church had the belief that the human body needed to depend only on the swords to keep up with devils and angels." He paused, letting the notion sink in. Already the knights were understanding where he was getting at. "However that train of thought is flawed because any of the power the sword is investing in protecting their owner isn't being used on defeating the enemy."
Gaheris raised his hand, doubt in his eyes. "But what is the point if the enemy can just kill us with a thought." He looked at Rias as a great exemple who was about to kill them all with barely any effort.
"Which is true, even if you surpass the human limits, most of the training will be about that anyway since that is the most basic step of Camelot's fighting style… And the secret the Church took from you." Shirou knew their story and the knights nodded. He didn't feel bad giving them those secrets anyway. It belonged to them in the first place.
More precisely they were Arturia's gift for her people but she wasn't the only one to discover those secrets, just their version. That was what Shirou was going to do for the Order even if they didn't make him a consultant of some kind, return to them her legacy with the condition they used it wisely.
The job was just a way for him to keep an eye on them. "The stronger the user is, the less the swords need to invest on their defense, that is the key to the style and the reason why the Round Table was so strong." The magus noticed how the knights' spines were straighter. "Every member of the Round Table had broken the human limits but they also learned from Artoria a single fact; growing strong didn't stop there."
"It doesn't?" The notion confused Agravain and his companions.
Xenovia had the same doubts once but now she spoke without doubts. "No, it can't. We're the weakest sentient species of the world but we can find new ways to always grow. New limits to break." She smiled proudly, standing beside her Master. "You can learn new things to help you grow, to make you stronger. Things that the Church rejects, of course."
"Magic." Gareth realized. "You are learning magic."
Close but incorrect so Xenovia shook her head. "Unfortunately my talent for magic is zero. Even using magic circles ends with them blowing up with my face." She still sounded proud. "But there are other things to learn like Senjutsu."
"To be more exact, Xenovia is learning Ki control, first with Touki." Shirou placed his other hand on the bluehead's shoulder as she nodded wisely. "Even her use of mana without Durandal is subpar but her fighting spirit and determination is proper for someone trying to learn Touki. From there she can practice Senjutsu and other forms of Ki. If she has the patience for it." He chuckled as they spoke about Senjutsu but not Youjutsu. "That gives her space to use Durandal however she pleases in combat."
"From what Master explained, the reason why Cardinal Strada was so strong was his body and determination. 'He was the type of man who was born to fight and had the will to do it, Durandal barely had to work on his defense.'" Xenovia remembered the conversation well and repeated it word for word. "I wasn't lucky like the Cardinal who had a perfect body for combat but Touki can help me compensate. To one day surpass him." Which she was still determined to do.
"Let me see if I understood correctly;" Agravain asked for permission which Shirou granted. "After we manage to break the human limits, we must seek other methods of growth?" Shirou and Xenovia nodded. "Are there any exceptions?"
Bakuya came to Shirou's hands immediately. "Some swords give benefits to the owner passively or have only indirect powers that have no need of prompt to be used." The white twin disappeared. "Those swords are few and far in between but you have to remember; that ability is passive. In a way it is the same thing for dragon slayer weapons." Wyvern Muramasa took Bakuya's place. "This katana doesn't give me anything extra, it isn't strong enough for that. But if I face a wyvern or even a dragon its edge will be stronger than most of my weapons, even some of the stronger ones."
Agravain studied the weapon, remembering the one Shirou used against him. "Out of curiosity, what was King Arthur's speciality besides sword play? I imagine with Merlin as a teacher she was quite skilled with magic."
"Not really." Shirou's amusement was clear for all to see. "Personally, from what I can get from Caliburn's history, she had more mana reserves than… anyone that I ever met." He threw a grin at Rias who pouted. She didn't like losing. "But being a magician takes a lot of study and she preferred the path of the sword. Because of that she didn't learn any spells from what I can get. On the other hand she got so efficient with using mana and her sword that she could use Caliburn to shoot beams of light easily and decimate armies if they were unprepared. Remember that Caliburn is supposed to be mostly defensive."
"Makes me wonder how powerful she would really be with Excalibur." Gareth commented with awe and a desire to grow stronger.
She wasn't alone, that fire was lit in all the knights' hearts as Agravain wanted to know more. "I see… Does the same apply to sacred gears?" The question surprised the members of the ORC. "What is wrong?"
"You don't know something so… basic?" Akeno had some wonder in her voice. "Truly… that is sad."
"Real sad." Issei was looking at the knights with pity, his hatred forgotten. "Even I know that a sacred gear grows with the owner." The knights all turned to him. "What? That is it. Same thing really; the stronger you are the better your sacred gear is."
"Kinda." Rias recognized with a giggle. "Unlike a Noble Phantasm, a sacred gear also changes with the owner."
Xenovia fixed her eyes on Gaheris. "Shouldn't you know that since you can at least control yours a little?"
"We just use strategy to cover their flaws." The bronze knight commented. "I mean… isn't that something obvious?"
"It makes no difference." Shirou concluded. "You guys were using sacred gears correctly; creatively finding ways to use its power. Now you have to focus on yourselves and grow on your own." All three knights nodded at him with respect.
"So henceforth you shall be our Court Magician?" Agravain asked just to make sure.
Releasing Muramasa's existence, Shirou crossed his arms with a chuckle. "Hard to be a Court Magician without a 'court' but sure, I already said that I will take the job."
"Then it is settled!" Agravain announced outloud, startling the students. "From this day onwards you shall be known as Merlin, Mage of Swords!"
"Saywhatnow?" Shirou was sure he misheard while Rias barely held back a giggle. Her shaking shoulders weren't helping him.
Agravain didn't notice the Heiress reaction or Shirou's bafflement. "You are a member of the Order of Pendragon now and tradition states that you shall receive the name of the person who held the post before you." That was the cue Akeno needed to let out a small laugh but the knight's focus was on the stunned redhead. "We never had a consultant before and while King Arthur had other consultants, Merlin was by far the most famous and skilled." Rias was holding her stomach at this point. "So it is only logical that in your function as the consultant or Court Magician that you use his name to take his position."
Gareth stepped forwards, bowing slightly to show respect. "Therefore you are now Merlin, second only to the King herself. Welcome to the Order of Pendragon."
"Welcome." Gaheris also bowed in respect while Shirou still looked stunned.
Finally Shirou's mind managed to catch up with the events. "Merlin? Merlin? Are you kidding me?! Merlin was a known leacher, pervert and insane! He may have been Artoria's teacher but the number of messes that she threw her in can be compared to the number of helpful advice he gave!" His face began to grow as red as his hair but none of the knights looked affected by his outburst.
"Is tradition." Agravain felt it explained everything.
"Then pick another name!" He could hear the usually composed Akeno laughing out loud, Issei finally understanding what was happening joining her. Asia, the kind girl she was, seemed to pity him while his own lover, Rias, barely controlled herself. "There must be other names I could take!"
"I don't believe there are, Master." Straight faced, Xenovia spoke with reverence. "Merlin may have been… problematic is a fair word I suppose, but he also saved Camelot more times that I can remember." The knights, especially Gaheris, nodded at her words in approval. "There is also the fact you stopped me from pulling the sword," wide eyes turned to her and judged she wasn't lying, "giving me the warnings I needed to make the right decision. Add to the fact you reforged Caliburn and your accomplishments are truly on par with Merlin's."
All was said without teasing, provocation or the slightest bit of confusion. Xenovia was direct and sincere, in her eyes Shirou was all the bit of magician Merlin was. Someone worthy of the title of 'Mage'. He disagreed but that was what she believed wholeheartedly.
It was embarrassing for Emiya who felt like if he tried to disagree or fight against the titles he was giving any longer he would make that honest woman a liar. The deep respect she had for him was enough that his anger and frustration turned to smoke.
"But Merlin…" He still said weakly, still fighting the name.
Only for Rias to bring his head into her chest for a hug. "Ah~ don't be like that. It isn't so bad. At least it is just with the Order. Nobody else needs to know, right?" She caressed his head as Shirou lamented his fortune.
"Indeed. It would be best if his identity was concealed to avoid attracting unwanted attention." Agravain recognized that their endorsement may bring problems in the future.
Akeno, never losing a chance to get more ammo, stepped forward. "What I don't get is the Mage of Swords part. Is that because of Caliburn?" Her smile was sweet as Rias consoled Shirou more.
"Not only that but his deeds are similar to one of the legends about Merlin." Gareth was happy to explain. "It was said that wherever Merlin went, flowers would bloom under his feet. Emiya Shirou managed to create a forest of swords by sheer force of will to save his city. He truly deserves the name and title of 'Mage'."
Issei noticed Shirou flinched at hearing that. "Yeah, totally." He said with his best smile, turning to Asia. "He saved our asses back there and it's only fair he gets a cool name out of it. Don't you agree, Asia?"
"Uhum." The former nun nodded eagerly, not noticing that Shirou was definitivally against the name.
"Yeah, let's call him 'Merlin' from now on." Yes, Issei was jealous that Shirou got to rest his head on Rias' breasts.
Fortunately for Shirou, Xenovia came to his rescue before Issei's idea took hold. "The goal of an alias is to disguise the true identity of the person. Using the name outside of the right instances would prove it ineffective."
"We can still call him Mage of Swords. It is a title warranted to him." Shirou had no clue if Akeno was trying to tease him more or cheer him up.
"But Merlin…" He only moaned more and lamented as Rias caressed his head.
"There, there." The Heiress of the Gremory gave her Pieces a look. Fun was all and good but Shirou was already distressed enough. "Only we will know about it and only the Order will call your 'Merlin', nobody else. Right?" Her eyes held a threat. 'These knights better speak something to help or else…' Again her concern for Shirou overwrote everything else.
Even the concept of mercy.
So it was much to everybody's relief that Agravain nodded eagerly. "Of course! We would never endanger someone so honorable and who did so much for the king. Just the idea of endangering him makes me sick." Shirou actually stopped from shaking as relief began to spread in his chest. "Indeed, lady Gremory, if anything were to happen we would hope he called us for help."
Already recovered from the mental attack and fearing something worse coming, like Xenovia's situation, Shirou quickly turned. "That won't be-"
"It would be an honor to have King Arthur's followers as reinforcements." Rias saw a chance to secure more allies to defend Shirou and her territory and took it. Her lover still had a Reality Marble and until he grew stronger they may need help even if she didn't respect the Order of Pendragon at the moment. "But only after you guys grow a bit."
"Of course." None of the knights protested at her observation.
Shirou wanted to protest but Rias' eyes told him to let her handle this. He didn't like it but since it was clear the Order was leaving Fuyuki anyway he was willing to let the matter slide.
Just so he didn't have to remember he was 'Merlin'.
"Besides, the name Mage of Swords doesn't need to be associated with the 'Merlin' part." Rias saw how Shirou's eyes began to shine and finding it cute she kept going. "We can just make sure it is spread around without any association with the Order of Pendragon and it will be safe to use even in the place of 'Merlin'." Once again she directed her eyes to Agravain.
And once again he didn't hesitate to nod. "Of course. It would be another layer of security. As far as anyone is concerned Merlin is only the Mage of Flowers."
Patting his back, Rias noticed how relaxed Shirou was. "See?"
"Okay, I can live with that. Better be the Mage of Swords than be compared to the original Merlin." He knew it would happen anyway but he was trying to cope.
Regarding that, it meant Rias had more work to do. At least this one didn't need paperwork. "Then it is settled." She looked at the knights with some skepticism. "Since we are going to have to… establish some methods of communication, I invite you for tea." The members of the Order were surprised.
Akeno, seeing the fun was over, turned back to the club. "I will separate more cups for everyone."
"Let me help." Shirou voluntaried quickly, anything to stay away from the Order and Xenovia was right behind.
The knights were still surprised by the invite but another surprise came when Asia approached Gareth. "Would you like me to heal you?" She offered, already manifesting Twilight Healing.
The blue knight was shocked and in disbelief. "Even after I… I did that?" She pointed to the place where her spear had pierced Asia.
Gareth wouldn't blame the former nun if she held a grudge of some kind or another as the wound had been huge at that moment and the fright that Asia and her friends had felt was still recent even if she was healed.
Instead of scorn, or even fear, Asia shook her head and smiled with kindness. "It is fine. We are all here now and it would be wrong to let you suffer."
"We should do this inside." Issei spoke quickly, still not trusting anybody from the Order of Pendragon.
"I…" Gareth hesitated but Asia's kindness broke through her defenses. "Sure, if you don't have any problems with it… And I am sorry that we had to fight… That I stabbed you."
For a moment it seemed the former nun would waver. "Just…" Then she smiled again. "The Lord teaches us to forgive those who seek forgiveness." Asia spoke with more confidence. "So just don't do this kind of thing anymore and I will consider everything forgiven."
'This girl…' Gareth's smile was small, almost invisible but her visible eye showed respect. "Of course. I swear on my honor as a knight that mistakes like that will never be repeated. Neither with you or with any innocent that is in the middle of the crossfire."
Asia nodded and both women began to walk inside the building, Gaheris right behind while Issei followed closely to keep an eye on them.
Everything was starting to settle down and Rias started to make plans. 'Who knows? Maybe one day the Order of Pendragon can be useful for something.' At least she was willing to invest in them if only to avoid another world ending misunderstanding. 'They are good people, just misguided. Give them knowledge and they may do the right-'
"Buchou." Kiba's voice stopped Rias from stepping back inside and Agravain looked at the blond who had been silent until now. "Since there won't be a fight… I will be going."
Concern colored Rias' face. "Wait, Kiba." The Knight stopped and looked back to his King. Her worry was clear. "Don't you want to stay for today? You don't need to work if you don't want to but… just to chat. I am sure the members of the Order have much they want to discuss under a banner of peace."
"Indeed we do." Agravain spoke both to help Rias and because it was the truth. He may not know what was wrong with Kiba but by the concern Rias showed before he would help if able. "There are many things that we should talk about if possible." He saw Kiba flinch and took a step back. "Nothing bad, I assure you, and if you want we can even do this more privately but-"
"Are you ordering me to stay?" Kiba cut off Agravain and forced Rias to make a decision. "I will if you order me to."
'But you don't want to stay and that could be worse.' She sighed. "No, Kiba, I won't order you to stay."
With her response the blond turned to look ahead again. "Then I will be going. I am already late."
Agravain turned to look at Rias with a look of worry but she shook her head. "Same protocols in place. I wish you stopped going there."
Without saying anything else or even turning back, Kiba began to walk away at a fast pace before running. As a Knight his speed had him out of the woods in seconds and Rias let out another sigh.
She looked at the knight who was looking at her in the direction her Piece departed from. "Let's go inside. I will be giving you some contacts so we can establish a network but I hope the Order of Pendragon already has something because I would prefer keeping this away from my family." Especially other devils. 'Kokabiel knew about my Rating Game even if just the bare minimum. My brother also said some devils were coluting with a suspicious organization.'
"Lady Gremory." Agravain once again sounded respectful but this time he also was more hesitant. "If you wouldn't be offended could you please tell me what is wrong with Yuuto Kiba?"
She looked at him closely before sighing again. "No offense but I don't know if you can help with this."
The black knight shook his head slowly. "Depends on what the problem is and trust me when I say this; his eyes reminded me of a friend a long time ago. The eyes of a lost man." Rias was surprised and her expression showed, her poker face falling. "If it is what I think it is then maybe I can help."
Thinking for a few moments, Rias debated the merits of telling Agravain what was bothering her Knight. She didn't know the man but Shirou spoke well of his character and he was sensible enough to recognize the need to explore other alternatives and inform the general location of his Commander.
Essentially this was a man who betrayed his comrades but did it because he believed in doing the right thing. An act that inspired both trust and suspicion.
"First; we talk about your Order contacts and what you will need so I can send you Shiro's instructions. After that I may tell you about Kiba." Rias decided to talk to the man and judge him herself.
Something the knight didn't realize but respected her choice anyway. "Very well. While not having a network as big or powerful as a Faction and espionage is not our way but we can be discreet."
"We shall see." Because if Rias found their network and precautions lacking she will have to revamp the whole thing to make it function.
Which meant more paperwork but Shirou wanted to make them into something good or he would have rejected them outright and Rias was willing to work more for him.
'The things I do for love.'
…..
Kiba walked through the streets of Fuyuki at a fast but still relatively normal pace. Dusk was still in full swing and the orange of the sky slowly gave place to the stars.
None of that mattered to Kiba as he made his way around the busy streets of the week day where people also moved constantly to either eat, home or work. It was the beginning of the and many couldn't say they had a break from work. Many couldn't but he could.
His steps were precise where before they had been shaky and he almost stumbled the first time he took the route for his destination. After a few days of walking the same way nobody would tell the young man was doing something that made him uncomfortable.
And it made him uncomfortable for reasons that Kiba himself didn't know, it was just something he felt needed to be done despite his King and friends' protests. He couldn't stop because stopping meant something that he didn't want, even if he didn't know what that 'something' was.
Instead of facing those fears or trying to figure out what he was going to lose, Kiba focused on the familiar feeling of rage.
Even as the flames were mostly put out the embers remained and they pushed his feet forward one at a time. Kiba no longer needed to check the instructions to know where he was going, the familiar path, stores and buildings took him to the center of Fuyuki.
All around him the growing metropolis was like a nest of ants as people rushed in constant movement to their jobs or business. Night had settled when he had to stop to wait for the signal to turn green for pedestrians. Many cars passed, far more than should be for a small city but soon Fuyuki won't be called small.
If anything it already could not as the city brimmed with the night life combined with the many entertainment centers already open. The colorful lights of pachinkos, neon signs, bright light bulbs that demanded attention, maids from cafes trying to attract clients, all of it were examples of the night life in Fuyuki.
None of that could distract Kiba; the girls calling for him weren't there, the people in the way had no face as he dodged them, classmates didn't exist, there was nothing but the road and his goal.
A goal that he grew intimate over the last few days as he already had been in that building more than once. Its history was growing as the hotel building owned by the Gremory was where Rutal once made his deen.
Where Kokabiel slaughtered two Peerages of devils in cold blood for his plan.
As the automatic doors opened for him, Kiba wasn't greeted, the employees didn't know why he was there but they had orders. All of them received a picture and instructions to leave him be.
Kiba had to wait a few moments for an elevator and there were some people who looked at the highschooler strangely but let it slide. As far as they were aware Kiba was just another guest or was visiting someone, nothing much. However some noticed the somber look he had on his eyes and just chose to not comment.
After he was inside one of the elevators Kiba discreetly pressed an invisible button that would take him to the floor he wished to reach. It would also activate magic circles discreetly outside the elevator to stop anyone else from getting in until he got out. Already the blonde felt his mana slip away but made sure to not show it on his face.
Hiding the feeling of those boundary fields taking his mana wasn't easy but Kiba was determined to not be interrupted. A well meaning person could make him lose minutes since his hypnosis was bad so he made sure that his face was like stone; cold, calm and giving nothing away.
When he was finally alone in the elevator it moved up to the last floor. Sometimes Kiba regretted that he couldn't just fly to the top but this was the only entrance he was authorized to use.
After Kokabiel many measures of security were added to make sure it would never happen again by the siblings of the Heiresses themselves. And if they felt it wasn't safe then they would get more involved.
What Kiba didn't know, mostly because Rias also did not, was that Sirzechs wanted constant communication between the Underworld and the base in Fuyuki, something which would cost a huge quantity of mana just to start.
The man had this whole idea of powering it himself from the Underworld but his Queen, Grayfia, shot the thing down before it even began because it would be a terrible idea if the leader of devils wasn't focused on leading.
So a system was put in place, built on the previous one; 24 hours shift once a week for 14 Peerages from Gremory and Sitri. Two teams per day before they returned to the Underworld for other work or for breaks depending on the day.
The reason why there were so many teams was because one person of each, most likely a Bishop, would be in constant work to set up communications with the Underworld. The process was so exhaustive that they would be the only people getting exclusive three days of rest after that job before going back to work next week.
Nobody complained because their cause was noble, their leaders just and the salary more than good.
Regardless of what other new precautions were put in place, Kiba didn't know most of them, he didn't care. He also wasn't surprised when the door opened and he didn't recognize the devil looking back at him, a hulking man with broad shoulders and a loose orange hair going until his lower back.
"Kiba Yuuto?" The devil asked, not bothering with Japanese convention. Not that the Knight did either as he just nodded. "You are late."
"I had obligations to fulfill with my King." The tall man then nodded as he wouldn't challenge Rias' authority on anything.
Still the giant raised a hand and formed a magic circle above Kiba's head. "Please stay still." The blond did as requested, mana passing through his skin. "Hmm… What is today's password?"
"There isn't a password system in place." The reply came swiftly but the magic circle still studied his body.
Every King following the Gremory always asked one thing or another while studying him to make sure he wasn't an impostor. "And the reason for your visit?"
Both already knew what he was going to answer. "To check the prisoner."
The older devil made a face of discontent but nodded. "All seems in order. Since you are truly Kiba Yuuto, Knight of Lady Rias Gremory, you have full authority to do as you please with the prisoner, per our instructions. Please, follow me."
"I know the way." Kiba spoke swiftly, knowing it was in vain.
"Per our future Head's instructions we must accompany you to the cell while also repeating the points she lined up for us." He picked a paper from his pocket, a piece of paper the first devil who began the new guard received from Sirzechs. Clearing his throat the man began. "'Kiba, you are free to do whatever you please with the prisoner. You may torture him, kill him, insult him, break his bones, rip off his eyes or anything you desire. Per the law and due to his many crimes, his life is yours to do as you see fit'."
Despite knowing everything it was being said, Kiba didn't tune it out like he did everything else on the way to the hotel. He did however ignore all other devils that tried to talk to him or were just working as they made their way to the center of the floor.
None of that mattered to the giant King of Gremory who kept going. "'His accusations were already judged twice, both by your King and another court. Any allies this man may possibly have had didn't manifest and nobody spoke on his behalf'." The man had to stop for a second as one of his Pieces offered him a report. "Yes, thank you. Tell Faladu that she can consider her job done for the day."
When he began walking again, Kiba was right behind as he read all the accusations and crimes the prisoner had committed and every single sentence individually. If there was one thing devils could be through with, it was when it came to documents and trials. Sirzechs made sure the man had no recourse to escape.
However it all ended in the same way. "'... for those matters all the other sentences are suspended until you, Yuuto Kiba, decides to either take the man's life or relinquishes it'." He stopped and turned. "Do you understand these terms?"
"I do."
The giant nodded again and continued his way, flipping his piece of paper around. "'For that Lord Sirzechs Lucifer also informs that upon his death, all gods and pantheons had agreed to not call the man's soul, his crimes too many. The Church's first inquiry on the subject has already traced the man's fate; Hades, the prison to all criminals thanks to the Accords of 158 DC.'"
While explaining how one person could go to one after life or another despite their faith was frowned upon, everyone agreed from the get go that some criminals deserve punishment after death and only one god took reins of that, volunteering immediately.
History doesn't explain what Hades gained with that except the guarantee his realm would always be full even if his Pantheon were to fall one day. As the strongest God of the Underworld, also God of Death, there weren't many willing to challenge him, less even when they realized what the Greek god gained for it; the worst of the worst.
Those were the criminals so bad that even their gods wouldn't forgive. In Valper's case it was final that the Church, or better yet Heaven, had already casted the man aside.
It wasn't strange to have people like that because they were usually those gunning for eternal life but that won't be the case for the man who Kiba was visiting.
Much like Kuoh, the hotel had been completely fixed after Kokabiel's rampage, out of Serafal's own pocket no less. It was noticeable because of the new additions like pictures of the Leviathan herself in her magic girl outfit, pink curtains in some of the windoms, TVs around the place for entertainment and some paintings of cute dogs and cats.
Not a single devil complained about their Maou's preferences but even her more cheerful decor didn't erase some of the unease of the place. Before Kokabiel, guarding the Heiresses was considered an easy job. It was important and all knew it but in general there were no risks and lots of rewards.
Now everyone was a little on edge, waiting for the next time someone would try to use Fuyuki to start a war. The mood around the area was guarded and everyone was on high alert.
As they walked deeper on the floor, even Serafall additions made way to a gray hallway leading to an expecifc door. Kiba knew that door intimately at this point but was surprised when the giant devil opened it without a key. "Why is it unlocked?"
Grunting a little, the man opened the door to reveal a small room with a giant glass window with a chair in front of it and another door. "Because there is no point in keeping it close. Or so the Kings from yesterday's shift told me."
"Is at least his door locked?" Kiba remembered that it wasn't before.
"No, it isn't." The information almost had the Knight panicking. "Oh, please. If you want to execute the man then it makes no difference and the boundary field is enough to stop him from walking out. Not that he would anyway." He studied Kiba's face before chuckling. "You should know that."
'Yes, I should.' Kiba thought, some of the old fury still there as he looked through the glass. "Was he interrogated today?"
"Yes, he certainly has." This time the older devil's tone was more respectful. "Lord Asmodeus' men even regret the lack of a challenge, something they expected with a monster like him." Both approached the glass, a one way mirror. "They arrived early today, instead of their usual 6 AM they came with us at the beginning of our shift at 5. It was still easy since he isn't resisting." Both saw the figure sitting in his bed, a dead expression in his face. "Apparently they were concerned you would kill him today when the job is just half done."
"How many sessions do they need?" Kiba stared at the figure of Valper Galilei with hatred. He couldn't even bother with a glare.
Once the old man could be confused with the typical grandfather with a generous smile and jolly disposition. Now, inside a room with just a bed, a sink and vase, he looked lost. All the former Archbishop did was look up with unfocused eyes and a completely bald head and face. His glasses were also missing and the only thing he had besides the empty bed were dirty clothes.
His eyes showed indication he hadn't slept for days, ever since his failure if Kiba would have to guess, and his body already seemed to be missing some body fat. Not a surprise for the knight since he was informed his prisoner didn't bother to eat by himself.
"Hard to say." The tall devil spoke with respect. "While we understand that you may want to kill him, they asked me to-"
"I can wait." Kiba interrupted the man, his eyes still stuck on Valper's dead expression. "I can wait."
Looking at Kiba with even more respect for his 'restraint', the older devil nodded. "Of course you can. Considering all he did I don't know if I could." Admitted the older man. "Some of my men even wanted to kill him themselves, had to rein them in and explain that you have more right than us." It was a compliment.
One that Kiba didn't need nor cared. "Is he suffering in there?" He asked no one out loud.
But the older man thought it was for him. "Hard to say, really. The interrogators don't even need to torture him, his mind is so fractureded, so weak, that the weakest hipnoses has him singing like a parrot every secret the Church had. Ha! Makes me wonder if they thought the man would resist." The former Valper, still obsessed with Excalibur, would. "Either way, the man isn't bothering on trying but he has so much that it is taking too long to write everything." He approached Kiba's ear. "Including the Fake Holy Light, as they called to his face."
"Let me guess, he didn't react?" When the older devil shook his head with a smile, Kiba felt the embers of his rage grow weaker. "Pathetic."
"True. If it wasn't for the knowledge that he had, I would incentivize you to just kill him. Spare us some work on checking now and then to make sure he is alive. Hahaha!" The giant laughed for a few seconds before it slowed down to a chuckle. "That is why there is no point in locking the doors. That bastard won't even try to leave and prefers to just sit there in his own piss and shit." A frown came to his face. "Thank Goetia there are spells to keep the smell back, Yuuto, because that cell skinks a lot. Hahahahaha!"
It was clear the man was taking enjoyingment out of Valper's suffering and Kiba closed his hand tightly. 'Why am I not feeling the same?'
The older devil noticed the gesture and misinterpreted it. "Patience, young one. It may take some time but soon you may have his head. Hehehe." He placed his hand on Kiba's shoulder, actually trying to cheer him up. "I know you hate him-"
"More than anyone and anything." Kiba told himself more than the man beside him.
"-but allowing him to live a few more days is doing us all a favor. Can you imagine how horrible it would be facing that Fake Holy unaware?" The tall man shivered. "I have faced some angels in the past and from what I heard it isn't nearly as potent but anything that comes closer to their power… Is more than concerning." He slapped the Knight's shoulders. "So thanks for waiting on your revenge, for the sake of all devils."
Kiba was aware enough to not say his next thought out loud. 'I could care less.'
Fake Holy or not, just before Kiba saw Valper's expression he was ready to kill the old man. Even Rias was on board and Sona didn't disagree, that was why he had so many privileges. The reason he could just march inside the small room Valper was and cut his head and no one, devil or otherwise, would stop him.
Still with an emotionless expression, Kiba said nothing for a few seconds, worrying the older devil. "Please keep holding your anger for a bit longer. I am sure Lord Asmodeus' agents will be done with him soon enough." He then smiled. "Besides, not like that man is living much anyway; he only eats or drinks hypnotized, barely moves or even speaks outside interrogation. That man is practically an undead without the moans of suffering."
'Not that he is able to suffer.' Kiba thought with a dark expression. It was obvious to him that Valper's mind wasn't working properly anymore. "I won't kill him." He moved to sit in the chair already ready for him.
The Gremory King studied Kiba carefully; the younger devil's posture was tight, almost like a caged animal ready to lash out at the slightest provocation. 'Who is the prisoner here? Then again he is holding back from killing the person he hates most. I shouldn't insult him for that.'
With that thought the older devil patted Kiba's shoulder one more time and left. It wasn't his decision if Valper would live or not, only the blond's.
So Kiba was left alone with his tormentor, looking at his bloodshot eyes through the one sided mirror. He took note how miserable Valper was and managed to crack a smile. However it was short as there was no real joy behind it.
Just watching his old caretaker, the man responsible for the death of all those he called family, Kiba's eyes didn't leave the man even as Valper kept looking at nothing.
Nothing but the mirror showing him his failures and miseries.
…..
"I see…" Agravain cupped his chin as Rias finished explaining where Kiba was. The same place he had been going every single day ever since the Fragments Incident. "And you didn't order him to stay because that would only make matters worse." He nodded to show he agreed with the decision.
Shaking her head, Rias glanced at Rin with concern, fearing an explosion at any minute. "Kiba's situation has always been delicate but now…" Both stand around silently as Gareth and Gaheris kneeled before the sword in the middle of Kuoh.
After their business was concluded there was just one thing the knights of the Order of Pendragon asked to do; to show their respect to the sword that began King Arthur's Legend.
It wasn't a hard request, there were less students at that time and Rias could deal with any teachers. That was because she wasn't fully willing to allow the knights alone in her territory any more than necessary despite Shirou trusting them to not do anything.
"They are good people who made mistakes and learned from them." Was what he said when Rias asked if she should allow them that favor.
That advice was accepted but that didn't mean Rias was trusting them by themselves. Deciding to keep an eye on them, Rias sent her familiar to inform Kiba's clients and that there would be no contracts that day.
They didn't complain, understanding the blond needed time to himself and while Rias' presence was helpful they missed the Knight.
With that done, Rias and Rin escorted the leaders of the Order of Pendragon towards Caliburn as the other devils left for their contracts. Shirou insisted that she shouldn't bother but respected her decision, taking Liz and Xenovia to his workshop.
The former Exorcist wasn't learning how to forge swords per say but she was the one in charge of cleaning them up after Shirou finished the main work. Liz still helped him with his projects while Medusa waited outside. The purple haired goddess didn't like the heat of the forge and neither did Gasper who liked her company.
Rias didn't need Rin to accompany her either, it was more than obvious they had no chance of beating the Heiress even in a 3 vs 1 fight.
Making matters even clearer was the events from a few hours earlier, her intimidating aura when she was ready to annihilate them for hurting Asia. Rias' power was something that the knights couldn't compete even with their sacred gears and revealed the reality that if she had met them in the battlefield then they would all be dead. She was ruthless like that.
Indeed, Rias didn't need a bodyguard against the members of the Order, Rin was there because she was facing her greatest challenge; technology.
As an employee of the Gremory, sooner or later Rin will find herself in a situation where she will have to use the most modern equipment to do her job. With the goal of preparing the girl, Rias bought a tablet so the magus could work away from her desk and get used to more modern means.
Unfortunately the tablet in Rin's hands at the moment, which she moved with great care using protective glasses and making sure mana was far away from her hands, was the seventh one. The six prior to it had already blown up, some in spectacular fashion, others just had let out smoke and stopped functioning forever.
So while Rias talked with Agravain and shared Kiba's problem, Rin made a face of absolute concentration as her trembling finger clicked another button to write a letter for one of Fuyuki's most influential citizens.
She still didn't understand enough of technology enough to be confident with it, but Rin herself would admit she was stubborn. Rias still feared an explosion of some kind at any moment but she respected the fact her secretary was trying so hard.
It was either that or her salary getting cut since the Heiress made clear she wasn't paying for any new tablets or computers, or laptops. Pretty much Rias lost her patience somewhere between the six explosions, eight breakdowns and the fire that almost ate the whole ORC. At least Rin was learning.
Regardless of her secretary's challenge with modernity, that wasn't Rias' focus at the moment as Agravain only took a few seconds to pay his respects before asking her about Kiba again. "I never needed that long for I always respected King Arthur." So he had claimed.
"It has been hard to balance my position as Kiba's King and his 'older sister'." Rias admitted, even throwing in a joke despite the fake smile she wore. "I just don't know what to do about him… That is practically a theme with me."
She racked her brain, asked for advice, tried to talk with Kiba, confronted him, asked others to do so to no avail. Nobody could reach the blond because he had closed himself completely to any attempts of an honest conversation. All he did was nod, pretend to agree or outright request that people leave him alone, all with a smile Rias was starting to hate.
That fake smile he threw around in school that had dozens of girls falling for him had become the thing she hated about her Knight to the point the redhead Heiress was ready to punch him in the face.
Sure most of the advice she received was to give him time and space but her family hadn't seen how Kiba was isolating himself while everyone on the ORC, even Medusa, agreed with her that something needed to be done. They just don't know what.
Agravain absorbed everything Rias had said with a pensive expression. "His state of mind isn't unexpected. In fact, I know someone who acted very similarly once." Rias folded her arms, waiting for the man to continue. "Lady Gremory, if you may allow me to explain why we were so insistent on turning Valper to Kiba once the sword was complete, then you will see I am your ally in this situation."
An elegant eyebrow was raised, the Heiress expression not moving beyond that. "Wasn't that because it was 'just'." Not that Rias disagreed with that opinion.
The knight nodded slowly. "Yes, it was. But there is more." Looking to his companions, Agravain noticed they were still kneeling before Caliburn, leaving the conversation to him. It wasn't a subject anyone liked to talk about. "There is a reason why our leader wanted to have Valper killed from the beginning. Also, if I may offer an idea that may help, then you can decide to apply it or not."
Curiosity was beginning to take root on Rias' head as the man looked sure she was going to approve of his plan. "Very well, let me hear it." Five minutes later, Rias' face was pensive once again. "I see, that is why your leader planned to betray Valper from the beginning but not Kokabiel."
"We believed the Fallen of the Stars was really a friend of King Arthur. We were naive." Agravain admitted as the other knights approached with ashamed faces. "However we always wanted the best for Isaiah."
"Because our Commander had a similar Fate." Gareth added as Gaheris nodded. It was enough to convince Rias they weren't lying even if she was still cautious.
Rin, who had heard everything, noticed her boss's indecisiveness. "We could hear his intentions directly. One way or another we will get the truth."
'With Truthbearer, we can.' Rias recognised what the magus was trying to say and liked the idea. "Fine, I shall give your Commander a chance to redeem himself." She raised a hand before they could speak anything else. "But before anything I will hear from the horse's mouth myself." Her dark aura returned. "And if you are lying-"
"I am not." This time there was no fear in Agravain's expression for he was speaking the absolute truth.
Rias nodded again. "Then your business here is done. Leave Fuyuki as promised and in a couple of weeks I will have Shiro's manual sent to you."
"Of course." The three knights bowed again, Agravain still acting as their voice. "Thank you for indulging us, lady Gremory. And for believing that our Commander- that our former Commander has Kiba's best intentions in mind."
Rias didn't reply as she and Rin escorted the knights outside the school property. 'I can see what Shiro meant; you all look a little too honest and too foolish.' She thought with crossed arms as the trio departed, Rin silently waiting for when they would get back to the club. 'However that doesn't mean your ex-leader is the same. I shall judge him before sending Kiba in.'
If things were different Rias wouldn't be trusting in a stranger but she was admitally desperate. Every single other method she tried failed and so she was left with this, a last light at the end of the tunnel.
Massaging her temples, she made sure the knights were out of sight before starting to walk back. "Sometimes I wish that Shiro had let Kiba kill Valper."
Rin wasn't surprised by the admission but had her own thoughts. "Then Kiba would still be isolating himself but we would have no idea of where he would go." Both knew that the old man's life was irrelevant. Broken as he was, Kiba definitely got his revenge. "He is just lost."
"And we can't bring him back." Rias sighed. "But maybe this Sir Gawain can… Are you in the mood to check Fuyuki's jail?"
"Is this an invite or an order?" Rin asked with a chuckle.
"Invite."
"Do I get a break from work?" She held the tablet higher to show exactly what she was talking about.
After a pause, Rias laughed. "Sure. Tomorrow then. The sooner we get Kiba help, the better." And she was ready to do anything for her family to be happy again.