Gotta admit, Risei Kotomine worked fast. Not long after Mydei had left, he'd already notified all the Masters—making Caster the primary target, and offering up Command Spells left over from previous Holy Grail Wars as the reward.
For a Master, Command Spells are incredibly important. And the ones held by Kotomine Risei? They represented every unused Command Spell from every Grail War to date—dozens of them.
To put it in terms of the Sharingan, you'd understand just how precious that is.
An ordinary person's Sharingan can only be used three times. After that, they go blind and lose all their powers. But Kotomine Risei? He's got a whole arm's worth of Sharingan.
In a way, whoever takes down Kotomine Risei would hit the jackpot...
Honestly, Fuyuki City wasn't some massive metropolis, but it wasn't small either. If it were up to him, Mydei would've preferred to just storm the enemy's hideout and finish them off himself. Sadly, even with all his power, he couldn't precisely track his targets.
Sometimes, Mydei really wished this were just a game, and the citizens of Fuyuki were all NPCs. That way, he could just hurl Nikador once and wipe out Caster, the Holy Grail, and everyone else in one go.
But that was just a passing thought.
After the Masters received Kotomine's message, they all began to move.
Nobody ever felt they had enough Command Spells. Of course, aside from targeting Caster, some saw this as a chance to stir the pot and take out a few competitors.
Naturally, none of that concerned Mydei.
For the other Masters, daytime might've meant no fighting, but it was still a busy period for preparations.
For Mydei, daytime was for spending with his little sister.
Right now, Sakura was wearing an adorable red dress, skipping lightly ahead of him. With every playful step, her white-silk-clad calves peeked out from beneath the hem.
But the next moment, Mydei noticed Sakura had stopped.
Following her gaze, he saw she was watching a pair of sisters walking hand-in-hand down the street.
"Missing your sister?" Mydei walked up beside Sakura and gently patted her head.
"A little... no, a lot."
Sakura nodded.
"In that case, once all this is over, we'll go back for a visit. But before that, I need to pave the way for you." Mydei paused thoughtfully before speaking calmly.
"The way? What do you mean? Are you leaving, brother?" Sakura froze for a moment before understanding dawned.
"Of course. I have my own matters to attend to. But there's no need to worry—I can come back to visit anytime. Think of it like a business trip. You know what that means, right?"
Mydei smiled as he spoke.
"Yes, yes! Big sister said it's when grown-ups have to leave home for work."
Sakura nodded.
She didn't throw a fit like other little girls might, begging Mydei to take her along. Though her heart ached with reluctance, she kept those feelings buried deep inside.
Mydei knew exactly what she was feeling, but there wasn't much he could do about it.
He would have to leave eventually. Better to let her know early, so she could prepare herself, rather than spring it on her suddenly. Besides, it wasn't like he'd never return.
Thinking back, this journey had taught him that even within the same world, different timelines meant the system would assign him new templates to transform into.
He'd wondered before—what if he returned as Castorice? Maybe then he could find a way to drag Ereshkigal and Ishtar into this Grail War. That would certainly give Gilgamesh a surprise.
Too bad it didn't work out that way.
As for Sakura's future, Mydei already had someone in mind—Kayneth.
He might not seem all that likable, but truth be told, he was just arrogant in that genius sort of way. In the world of magecraft, he was practically a good guy—even if he was a bit of a simp.
As one of the twelve Lords of the Clock Tower, if he took Sakura on as his nominal apprentice, she could avoid being targeted for politics.
Plus, Kayneth was a decent teacher, with the power to protect her. After all, not many mages would dare cross the El-Melloi family—except maybe that greenhorn Waver.
Speaking of which, Mydei wasn't all that fond of current Waver either.
Self-awareness was important. With Waver's current abilities, joining the Holy Grail War was just reckless. If he hadn't summoned someone as capable as Alexander, he'd have been an easy first target.
In fact, the reason Alexander kept Waver close at all times was partly to protect him.
At least by his side, he could keep an eye on him. If they were separated, some shady mage lurking in the shadows might just pick him off.
"Sakura? It really is you!"
Just as Mydei was about to continue their stroll, a surprised voice called out from nearby.
"Uncle... Kariya?"
Sakura looked up at the man beaming at her—Kariya Matou—and couldn't help but smile back.
To the Sakura of before, if her parents and sister were her closest family, then the person she loved most outside them was Kariya Matou.
After all, every time he visited, he brought gifts for her and her sister. He'd even play with them in the park, never acting too grown-up for their games.
That was something not even Tokiomi Tohsaka had done.
Of course, that was then. Now, the person Sakura loved most was undoubtedly Mydei. The old trope of the hero saving the beauty, and the beauty pledging herself to him—it might be cliché, but it kept happening for a reason.
Near-death experiences really boosted affection levels.
"Thank goodness, you're safe... you're really safe..."
Kariya rushed over, knelt down, and gripped Sakura's shoulders, checking her over for any injuries.
"No need to look. I've been taking good care of Sakura. She's even put on a little weight lately."
Mydei raised an eyebrow, speaking mildly.
"I have not… brother, you're making things up!"
Even at her age, Sakura was sensitive about her weight.
"Impossible. I have perfect control over my senses. Compared to when I first met you, you've gained nearly two hundred grams!"
Mydei said seriously, only to be met with a light punch from Sakura.
"You're Sakura's Servant? Thank heavens. I never thought Sakura would become a Master at a time like this... Thank goodness. When I heard from Aoi that that bastard Tokiomi sent you to the Matou house, I wanted to tear him apart... It's all Tokiomi's fault!"
Kariya Matou heaved a huge sigh of relief, finally relaxing. But in his excitement, he couldn't stop cursing Tokiomi Tohsaka under his breath.
Nearby, Sakura opened her mouth as if to speak, but in the end, said nothing.
"By the way, there's something I need you to do."
Mydei suddenly remembered and spoke to Kariya.
"Go on. I'm just an ordinary person, but if it's something I can do, I'll give it my all."
Kariya nodded.
In the original story, to save Sakura, Kariya willingly underwent Zouken Matou's modifications, becoming a host for Crest Worms, hoping to win the Holy Grail War and secure Sakura's safety.
Sadly, he never succeeded.
But regardless of all that, Kariya's actions still made him a real man.
"Go find Aoi Tohsaka now. But don't approach her—just watch her and Rin from a distance. Rin will come into the city in the next couple of days and run into danger. I need you to monitor her and report her movements to me. You can't handle the enemy she'll face, and it could get messy."
"She'll be in danger? And how do you know this?"
Hearing that Rin might face an enemy, Kariya's face filled with concern.
"With me around, there's no danger. But without me, there would be. Also, I have an innate skill that lets me glimpse events that will happen in the near future."
Mydei said casually. It wasn't like anyone could verify it—they'd just have to take his word for it.
"I understand..."
Kariya nodded, then knelt to look at Sakura. "Be good and stay with this big brother, okay? As a Master, you're in danger too."
"Mm! Brother will protect me!"
Sakura smiled and nodded. Though reluctant to see him go, Kariya understood the urgency and immediately set off for the Tohsaka countryside residence.
"It's about time to head back and rest. Sakura, remember to be good, okay? When I go out at night, no matter what, don't leave the house. As long as you stay inside, you'll be safe."
"Mm! I'll be good!"
As night fell, Mydei checked the time, reminded Sakura once more, and waited until she was asleep before leaving their residence.
Sakura was obedient—not like those bratty kids who'd run out into danger knowing full well the risks.
Mydei felt at ease; the bounded fields he'd set up around the house could even hold off Gilgamesh for a while, let alone anyone else.
--+--
Einzbern Castle.
By now, Kiritsugu Emiya had finished discussing their plans. Their strategy was simple: when the time came to subdue Caster, Kiritsugu would take out Kayneth, Lancer's Master, thereby breaking the curse on Saber's arm and restoring her to full strength.
But Mydei, knowing the original story, couldn't let that happen. For Sakura's future, it was best if Kayneth survived.
At that moment, Kiritsugu stood on the castle rooftop, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"If… if I decided to abandon everything and run away right now, Iri, would you come with me?"
A trace of fear flickered in Kiritsugu's eyes. This resolute man was gradually being overtaken by unfamiliar emotions as the Holy Grail War progressed.
He was afraid—afraid of losing everything.
"What about Illya? What about the child still in the castle?"
Beside him, Irisviel watched Kiritsugu, her heart aching.
"We'd go back to the castle, take her with us, and kill anyone who stands in our way. In the future… I'd devote everything I have left to you and Illya." Kiritsugu spoke through gritted teeth. Clearly, the choice tormented him.
"Can we really do it?" Irisviel pressed a hand to her chest, her voice filled with worry.
"We can escape! There's still time." He spoke loudly, as if trying to convince himself more than his wife.
"Not a bad choice, Kiritsugu Emiya. Sometimes, knowing when to advance and when to retreat is the mark of a mature man."
Just as Irisviel was about to step forward to comfort him, Mydei's voice reached them.
In an instant, Kiritsugu was on high alert. He shoved Irisviel behind him and swiftly drew his pistol, aiming at Mydei.
"If I were you, I wouldn't shoot. You know as well as I do—against a Servant, a mage is far too fragile."
Mydei smirked coldly as the dark barrel pointed at him.
"Berserker, what are you doing here?" Kiritsugu stared sternly at Mydei.
"Here to help you, of course. I'm a kind soul—can't stand to see tragedies unfold. I don't want anyone interfering in Saber and Lancer's duel. And for personal reasons, I won't let Kayneth die. So, I've brought a proposal. How about it—care to listen?"
Mydei raised a hand, pointing lightly at Kiritsugu. "When you have a chance to choose, don't let yourself regret it. This could be your opportunity to change your fate."
"...Let's hear it."
Kiritsugu calmed down and spoke evenly.
"Simple. I'm guaranteeing Kayneth's life. I know he's no match for you."
"In exchange, I'll find a way to keep Irisviel alive—so she doesn't have to die as the Grail's vessel. How about it? One life for another—sounds fair, doesn't it?" Mydei smiled faintly.
"How can I trust you?"
After a moment of silence, Kiritsugu looked at Mydei. Though he hadn't agreed, his tone suggested he was considering it.
"It's not like you have many other options, do you? But before that, we'll need to delay the Grail War's progress. Otherwise, I can't be sure what might happen to Irisviel's body."
Mydei shrugged.
"I… accept."
After a visible internal struggle, Kiritsugu nodded with difficulty.
"Good. As a token of our cooperation, follow me." Mydei turned to leave.
"Where to?"
"To take down Caster and his Master, of course. The players are all in position. Now, it's time to finish this."
Meanwhile, having learned of her classmate's disappearance, the mischievous Rin Tohsaka had secretly made her way from the countryside into the city. Following her compass, she located Ryunosuke's hideout.
The wondrous adventure of Rin Tohsaka had officially begun!
--+--
T/N: Damn bro changed his life goal that fast? Didn't he kill his wife and kid in the grail's illusion...?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.