The cold wind, carrying snowflakes, howled across the rooftop.
Seeing the wariness in Aozaki Touko's eyes, a helpless look flashed in Kiritsugu Emiya's eyes, and then he lowered his head slightly, curling his body inward.
This posture could minimize his aggression, giving the other party a feeling that his status was low and he was easy to control.
Of course, this was not fear; this was the wisdom of an adult. Facing a powerful enemy, a proper display of weakness was by no means a bad thing; it could even be called a wise move.
In fact, he was quite self-aware and not surprised by the girl's wariness. As a mercenary whose bloodstains could no longer be washed away, he was inherently very likely to arouse suspicion in others.
If he made any aggressive moves at this moment, he would likely be deemed a threat, and then this girl named 'Aozaki Touko' would not hesitate to kill him.
It sounded utterly absurd. Simply because one was judged a threat, one's precious life would be taken. Where in the world could such a dangerous situation exist?
However, the girl opposite was not a normal person. She was an heir to a Magician, and her worldview was not within the normal human scope.
She was a very traditional Magician.
In the world of Magicians... there were too many things that went against moral ethics. Killing, sometimes, only required a simple reason. For instance, if humans were needed as sacrifices, one could slaughter an entire village without hesitation.
Feeling that you are a threat and choosing to kill you immediately—such an absurd reason is entirely valid, especially now that they are in an absolutely disadvantaged position.
Therefore, they must not show any threat or aggression.
Otherwise, they, mother and son, would face a Magician of Dead Apostle Ancestor level, a fantasy species that could crush modern mysteries, and over a hundred ferocious werewolves.
This... was a desperate situation with no escape from death.
...?
Aozaki Touko blinked, and seeing Kiritsugu Emiya lower his head slightly, she realized her reaction was a bit excessive. Now, 'Irisviel' could absolutely not leave her.
Even excluding emotional factors and considering only the most beneficial perspective, as the Einzbern Family's hope for fulfilling their long-cherished wish, Irisviel would not abandon her.
With this thought, she released Irisviel from her embrace, revealing a gentle smile, and said, "Sorry, the battle just ended, and I haven't adjusted yet. I reacted a little too strongly."
... No need to apologize. I'm used to being looked at warily. It's only natural for an executioner like me.
Kiritsugu Emiya sighed wistfully, instinctively pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, extracting one to light and ease his tense mood. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he put the cigarette back.
"Sorry, I overlooked the two ladies. You probably aren't used to the smell of cigarettes."
"I don't mind. My father also smokes, so I'm already used to it."
Aozaki Touko shook her head, her gaze shifting to Irisviel: "However, if my 'wife' permits it, you may smoke."
...Wife?!
Kiritsugu Emiya's eyes widened, and he uttered a surprised sound.
On the other side, Natalia also looked very surprised. She had never expected her boss to have a same-sex partner as a wife. Didn't she care about the continuation of the Aozaki Family bloodline?
"That's right, I am Aozaki Touko's wife, and the one destined to be with her for life. I am very happy and love Touko!"
Seeing their surprise, Irisviel smiled gently, wrapped her arm around Aozaki Touko's, and a blissful smile appeared on her beautiful face, like an angel descended to earth.
"Mr. Kiritsugu Emiya, I don't mind if you smoke."
"Ah... thank you."
Kiritsugu Emiya was slightly stunned, then pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He indeed needed a cigarette to calm down now, as his emotions had fluctuated quite a bit in such a short time.
"Natalia, is he your adopted son?"
Seeing this, Aozaki Touko turned her gaze to Natalia: "He seems like a good fellow. Are you planning to bring him along to pay off your debt?"
"Pay off debt?"
Kiritsugu Emiya stopped smoking, sounding a bit confused.
"Mmm... your mother owes me two hundred million US dollars, and she needs to work to repay it until all two hundred million US dollars are paid off."
Aozaki Touko nodded slightly, then frowned, pressing a slender finger to her chin, and whispered: "Hmm, it seems you also participated in infiltrating my company to steal data. It looks like you'll also have to pay me compensation."
As she spoke, she smiled brightly.
"My anti-cancer drug's future market value is tens of billions of US dollars. I'll be generous; you only need to compensate me two hundred million US dollars!"
...
Kiritsugu Emiya was stunned as he listened, not even noticing the cigarette between his fingers falling to the ground. He just looked at the brightly smiling girl opposite him, suddenly feeling a stomachache.
"Didn't I... already owe two hundred million US dollars?!"
Natalia's eyes widened, and she said with a slight tremble.
"Ah... that!"
Aozaki Touko turned her head and said, "What you owe is what you owe, and what your son owes is what your son owes. They are completely different matters. In short, you each pay your own!"
"Miss Touko... you're absolutely just extorting us on the fly, aren't you?!"
Natalia questioned.
...
Aozaki Touko smiled slightly, her gaze falling on Beo.
And Beo immediately understood, instantly transforming back into the Golden Wolf form, glaring at the mother and son with murderous intent.
... Two hundred million US dollars, right? I accept!
Kiritsugu Emiya said expressionlessly: "Anyway, whether it's four hundred million or two hundred million, we'll never pay it all off in this lifetime, so the exact amount doesn't matter anymore."
"Don't worry, I won't let you die until you've paid off the money!"
Aozaki Touko poked her index finger at her lower lip, revealing a playful smile: "As a Puppeteer, I'm confident I can extend your lives until you've paid me back."
...
Kiritsugu Emiya's eyes widened:
"You woman, are you a devil?!"