These people, relying on the overwhelming power of their family lineages, strutted around Fuyuki City with arrogance, constantly clashing with Tohsaka Rin. They vied for control of the city's governance, and even went so far as to declare—without shame—that the Greater Grail should be reclaimed and recognized as private property of the Mage's Association. No outsiders would ever be allowed to touch it again.
As word of the Association's movements spread, magical families from around the world dispatched their own representatives to Fuyuki. The city grew more and more chaotic, a dangerous mix of wolves and snakes drawn to its depths.
Among the four remaining great base cities of Japan, Fuyuki was infamous as a quagmire of politics and power.How many sleepless nights had Tohsaka Rin suffered because of it? Even she had lost count.
"In short, since you have no information and the Magician hasn't returned, I'll report it just like that."Rin finished the last of her hot water, then rose to take her leave.
"Whatever you like."Roy shrugged indifferently. He had never cared much for the Association.
"Oh, right—what about the intruder who forced their way into the underground cavern? Do you think it might have been Matō Zouken?"Roy's tone sharpened suddenly, his voice filled with uncharacteristic seriousness as he turned to Rin.
"Matō Zouken…?"Rin's expression froze, brows knitting as she sank into thought.
"It's true—he was one of the three founding families of the Holy Grail War. His roots in Fuyuki ran deeper than anyone's. If it were him, slipping into the underground cavern unnoticed wouldn't be impossible."Her voice wavered.
"But that decrepit monster was destroyed along with the Matō family three years ago…"She drew a sharp breath."And it was you—and that Magician—who carried out the deed."
"That's right," Roy replied calmly, tapping his fingers on the tabletop. "I told Aoko, and she went there herself. Wiped the Matō clan right off the map."
Rin nodded slowly.
That day three years ago, the Matō residence had erupted in fire and destruction. Zouken's body was obliterated beneath blasts of magical artillery, and from the ruins, swarms of insects spewed out, blotting the sky like a living storm.
Rin had a younger sister—one her father had "adopted out" to the Matō family for the sake of her "future prospects." But only when the sky turned black with writhing insects did Rin finally learn the truth. The Matō household had long since fallen into the abyss of corruption and depravity. Her sister, Sakura, had been suffering for eight long years—submerged in oceans of insects, torn and violated night and day under the guise of "training."
That day, the one who carried Sakura out of the Matōs' underground pit of hell… was Roy.And the one who set the Matō estate ablaze, burning every last wriggling creature to ash… was also Roy.
From then on, the Matō family was erased from the world of magecraft.No one dared speak on their behalf. After all, a Magician had been involved in their eradication. And the Matōs had never had strong allies anyway. With the clan destroyed, their wealth was devoured by scavengers. The only surviving heirs—Matō Byakuya and Matō Shinji—were quietly assassinated. Not a drop of their bloodline remained, not a single coin was left behind.
That had been three years ago.
Since then, it was as if Zouken had truly perished that day. He had never been seen again.
But both Roy and Rin knew all too well just how tenacious that old monster had been. His survival remained an open question.
"In that case, let's say the intruder was Zouken. I'll report it to the Association's branch just like that."Rin let out a cold laugh, her face curving into a mischievous smirk.
"If he's dead, good riddance. If not—let those old fools tear each other apart!"
"Excellent idea!"Roy nodded vigorously, grinning in approval.
Kasumigaoka Utaha and Hayasaka Ai remained silent, listening from the sidelines.
"…By the way, about my sister—""She's in Misaki City. You already know that.""For this Holy Grail War… will she come back?""That, I can't say."
"I see."Rin sighed deeply, her expression clouded with regret and guilt.
"Thank you. If not for you, I'd still be in the dark. Sakura too—who knows how much longer she would have suffered. My family owes you a great debt. One day, I'll repay it."
"There's no need for thanks. It was simply something I chose to do."Roy's smile was light, almost dismissive.
Then his gaze slid toward Hayasaka Ai, and his eyes flickered with thought.
"Actually, if you do want to repay me, why not lend me your attendant here for a few days?"
Hayasaka's head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief.Huh?!How did the conversation suddenly shift to her?
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked equally stunned.
"Hayasaka? Lend her to you? Why?"Rin stared at Roy, baffled.What, did he lack servants? Or had his hormones finally kicked in—was one beautiful girl not enough for him anymore?
"My attendant, Utaha, has never really done this kind of work before. She's still clumsy, doesn't know what to do, and hasn't adapted yet."Roy tilted his head toward Utaha, who stood silently behind him.
"Your attendant, Miss Hayasaka Ai, looks much more professional. Why not let her train Utaha for a while? Don't worry—once she's more skilled, Hayasaka can return to you anytime."
Utaha lowered her head in embarrassment, suddenly fascinated by the patterns on the floorboards.
"…Hayasaka, what do you think?"Rin's voice was thoughtful as she turned to her maid.
It wasn't something she strongly opposed, but the choice ultimately rested with Hayasaka herself.
Could she refuse?She didn't want to work double duty!
Yet, while her heart screamed in protest, her face wore the flawless mask of a perfect servant.
"There is no problem. To ease Lord Roy's burdens would be my honor."Damn this cursed maid's instinct!
"As long as you're willing."Rin nodded, then seemed to remember something.
"Hayasaka, come with me for a moment. There's something I need to tell you."
"Yes, my lady."
Rin led her out of the living room, into a quiet, empty room.
"Hayasaka, listen carefully. Roy is generally easy to get along with. When he's wearing his glasses, he's tolerant, approachable—even if you slack off a little, he won't mind. But when he takes off his glasses… avoid talking to him as much as possible."
Hayasaka stiffened as Rin's warning grew heavier. The more she listened, the more her heart pounded.What was this? A split personality? He sounded terrifyingly dangerous!
Could she take back what she'd just said?
"When you're here with Roy, there's only one rule you absolutely must follow."Rin's expression turned solemn, her tone deadly serious.
"Never, ever touch on his past from three years ago. For him, that is a forbidden subject. If anyone even brushes against it, you must stop the conversation immediately. And if you can't stop it, then get as far away from Roy as possible. Do you understand?"
"…Yes."Hayasaka's lips curved into a dutiful smile, though her thoughts were in chaos.
Lady Kaguya, I miss you so much!