[Every gift bestowed by the gods comes with a hidden price.]
...
"Alright, the contract is drafted, Head of the Tohsaka family. Please review it."
"If there's no issue, we can sign."
Having prepared in advance, Roy acted swiftly. Within ten minutes of Tokiomi fetching the parchment, he'd drafted the Magecraft Oath.
He then slid the parchment, covered in dense Latin script written in mercury ink, to Tokiomi, prompting him to review and sign.
"Very well."
Surprised by Roy's efficiency but considering his preparedness, Tokiomi found it unsurprising.
Picking up the parchment, Tokiomi's eyes scanned the dense Latin text of the Magecraft Oath.
Among magi, contracts were typically written in French or Latin for standardization.
Japanese languages or English often had ambiguities in meaning or grammar, creating loopholes if used in contracts.
French and Latin were more precise, thus preferred. For historical reasons, Latin was more common among magecraft nobles, perhaps seen as a mark of status and refinement.
To fully reassure Tokiomi and avoid future trouble, Roy had a family butler skilled in Latin teach him a contract template beforehand.
He wasn't worried about Tokiomi understanding Latin.
As a magecraft noble who prized his status, how could Tokiomi not be fluent in the Latin favored by old-school nobles? He was likely an expert.
As expected, after scrutinizing the oath several times and finding no issues, Tokiomi's stern expression softened.
As Roy said, the contract was clear, flawless from any angle.
The content outlined: [Roy Alexander Crowley, representing the Crowley family, will adopt Tohsaka Sakura as heir, passing down the family's Magic Crest and guiding her in magecraft. The Tohsaka family relinquishes all rights over Sakura, barred from contacting her as kin or acting against the Crowley family using blood ties. The contract emphasizes that, unless Roy designates another heir, Tokiomi cannot reclaim Sakura's custody.]
From every perspective, the contract was explicit, offering guarantees while leaving room for both sides. If Roy reneged, even violating the oath to choose another heir, he could reclaim Sakura's custody—a clever provision.
After confirming the contract, Tokiomi didn't hesitate. He pricked his finger, signing his name in blood on the designated area, then returned the scroll to Roy.
"No issues, Head of the Crowley family. Let's sign."
"I understand."
Roy nodded, taking a small knife from his pocket, cutting his finger, and leaving his blood and fingerprint alongside his signature on the scroll.
As both completed their signatures, sealing the contract, Roy and Tokiomi felt an intangible, mystical force take effect, signaling the oath's activation.
Feeling the contract's binding power, Tokiomi, knowing the deed was done, smiled genuinely.
It's settled—everything's settled!!
Now his younger daughter could flourish in a suitable environment, freely pursuing magecraft.
What could be more joyous for a father?
With Sakura's connection, even Tokiomi's gaze toward Roy softened.
From every angle, he sensed Roy's sincerity, even drafting the oath to favor Tokiomi, leaving him in awe. Truly a Clock Tower noble, impeccable in honor and intent.
Roy, however, wasn't impressed.
A bargain?
Hah, nothing comes cheap. Every gift from the heavens has a hidden price. Sometimes, the feast you gleefully devour is just poisoned bait to lower your guard.
Tohsaka Tokiomi, scourge of this world, I'll take your daughter for now. As for you... better start planning how to survive the war in a few months.
With differing thoughts, the two men shook hands, smiling, their moods diametrically opposed.
"The contract is now official, Head of the Tohsaka family. Shall we discuss the formal adoption next?"
"Of course, Head of the Crowley family. You're Sakura's guardian now."
Gripping Roy's hand, Tokiomi spoke with renewed vigor. "Under your guidance, I'm sure Sakura will fully realize her talents, happily walking the path of truth."
"Absolutely. Shall we go see Sakura now, Head of the Tohsaka family?" Roy nodded, feigning concern. "A stranger like me suddenly talking about adoption might upset a child."
"Of course. Compared to pursuing truth, a child's fleeting emotions are trivial. She'll understand in time."
Tokiomi replied matter-of-factly.
As a magus and family head, his decisions were final, unswayed by his daughter's feelings.
From start to finish, he never even consulted Sakura's mother, Aoi.
Magi, indeed...
Monsters in human skin.
Their incomprehensible values were revolting...
Roy sighed inwardly.
...
Soon after, in front of the Tohsaka residence's main gate.
Aoi, as a mother, looked at Sakura with eyes full of reluctance.
She stepped forward, gently touching her daughter's tender cheek, brimming with maternal love and sorrow.
Compared to Aoi's sadness, Tokiomi's attitude was starkly opposite. Smiling, his tone was joyful as he stood before Roy, expounding on his thirst for magecraft and the goals of magi.
Aoi's reluctance, in his eyes, was a trivial matter. He knew that, compared to letting familial ties hinder his daughters' futures and invite calamity, his actions were truly right.
Though, as a father sending his daughter away, he felt an indescribable pang, Tokiomi believed it was worth it for their future and happiness.
"Daddy, are you really giving my sister to someone else?!"
Learning Tokiomi was adopting out her sister, Rin, too rushed to change, chased after them barefoot in the snow, staring at her father in disbelief.
"..."
Tokiomi didn't answer or scold her rudeness, merely raising a hand to signal Aoi to take her back.
Unlike her sister, Sakura, now aware of her fate, wasn't as agitated as expected. Tilting her head, she looked at her father in confusion and asked.
"I'm being adopted by nii-san... does that mean Daddy and Mommy don't want Sakura anymore?"
"Sakura!!"
Hearing this, Rin, about to be led away, froze in shock, and even Tokiomi's stoic expression wavered dramatically.
"Sakura, don't say that. Your father hasn't abandoned you; he's sending you to a more suitable environment."
Before Tokiomi could snap, Aoi quickly comforted her daughter.
Though reluctant to let her daughter go, Aoi understood her daughters' conditions and her husband's stance. Tokiomi had explained the issues with Sakura and Rin.
She knew that even if Roy hadn't proposed adoption, Tokiomi would've sent Sakura to another magecraft family.
Perhaps the Matous, fellow Holy Grail War founders with ties to the Tohsakas in Fuyuki, or maybe the Edelfelts in Finland, with ancestral connections.
This mother-daughter parting was inevitable.
"Sakura!"
Seizing Aoi's distraction, Rin broke free, darting past her mother with agile steps to stand before Sakura.
Even knowing the matter was settled, as her sister, how could she let a stranger take Sakura away?
Rin gripped Sakura's wrist, shielding her behind, spreading her arms to form a final barrier before Roy.
Seeing Rin's resentful glare, Roy shook his head helplessly.
Rin's reaction was normal. She didn't know Sakura's original fate or that his actions were a form of salvation for the sisters.
To a girl her age, he was just the villain stealing her sister. Her resentment was natural, and Roy wouldn't hold it against her.
"Rin! Stop this nonsense and step back!"
Tokiomi intervened, stopping himself from scolding Rin's rudeness or separating them.
"Head of the Crowley family, my apologies..."
The scene embarrassed Tokiomi.
"I understand, Head of the Tohsaka family. Their sisterly bond is deep, and being parted by an outsider like me naturally causes reluctance."
"But no need for pessimism. I'm not heartless. I'll be staying in Japan for a while due to some matters.
Since I'll be settling in Fuyuki for now, if Rin or Lady Aoi miss Sakura, they can visit anytime."
Roy smiled, pausing as if in thought, offering a reasonable solution.
He'd planned to stay in Fuyuki anyway to prepare for the upcoming events.
Since the situation aligned so well, he didn't mind using the trio's deep familial bonds to cloak himself in a veneer of reasonability.
Of course, with his skills, he could've taken Sakura right after signing the oath and returned discreetly. As an alchemist, crafting magecraft equipment to conceal his presence was simple.
But this seemed a better option.
"Really?"
Aoi's despondent eyes flickered with a faint spark at Roy's words.
"Of course."
Roy nodded, turning to the sulking Rin and silent Sakura with a gentle smile. "What do you think?"
"..."
Rin's expression froze, her disbelief evident.
But her hostility visibly lessened—Roy's words had worked.
'Just a child, after all...' he thought.
"Then... can I still play with my sister?"
Sakura looked timidly at Roy, her words laced with longing, her demeanor pitiable.
"Of course."
Roy gave his assurance.
"Yay! Thank you, nii-san."
With Roy's reassurance, the once-sorrowful parting became less heavy. The sisters, tears in their eyes, clung tightly to each other.
Roy shook his head, a faint smile curving his lips.
He turned to Tokiomi, observing the scene.
"Head of the Tohsaka family, I'll be staying in Fuyuki for a while. I hope for your hospitality," Roy said.
"Of course."
Tokiomi nodded, not refusing such a minor request, but...
"What business keeps you in Japan, Head of the Crowley family?" He asked curiously.
"It's a long story. Besides adopting Sakura, I'm also visiting some friends, so I'll stay a bit longer."
'Visiting friends, huh...'
Tokiomi nodded, his gaze subtly shifting to Roy's hand.
Seeing no red Command Seals, he relaxed, a weight lifting from his heart.
"I see. I wish you well, Head of the Crowley family. While you're in Fuyuki, if you need anything, come to the Tohsaka residence."
"Thank you for your generosity, but it's getting late, so I won't impose further."
Roy bid farewell. "I'll take Sakura and head back."
"Very well."
Tokiomi nodded, his refined smile unwavering.
Before leaving, Roy handed his card to Tokiomi and Aoi, listing his temporary magecraft base in Fuyuki.
"This is my current address, the Hyatt Hotel."
"I'll visit when I have time."
Tokiomi took the card, offering a faint smile.
"Sakura, be good in your new home."
Aoi crouched down, tears in her eyes, her voice choked as she instructed, "Don't trouble your brother. Even without Mommy, stay healthy and happy, okay?"
"Yes, Mommy, I know."
Sakura nodded, and Rin joined them.
The inevitable parting concluded with the trio's embrace.
The warmth of family added a touch of comfort to the cold winter, and even the snowy sky cleared.
Roy took Sakura's delicate hand, led her to a pre-arranged car, and left under the Tohsakas' gaze.
Long after, as the car's faint light faded into the distance, Tokiomi, standing in the snow, let out a long breath, followed by a resigned sigh.
"May our ancestors bless us. I believe the Tohsaka descendants will find true happiness..."