Chapter 42: Girls or Partners? I'll Choose Partners, Of Course!
The Royal Arsenal is now considered a famous organization in Europe; after all, its Commander-in-Chief is a Campione who is deadly powerful.
Most Campiones behave like "warriors," but the Royal Arsenal's Commander, Alexander, is more like an "explorer," and simultaneously the world's most formidable "phantom thief."
Inheriting his father's legacy, pursuing the truth of the Holy Grail of Thaumaturgy, "borrowing" good things that are useful but which he lacks, and fighting if he encounters a god—this is how Alexander's life as a Campione has been spent.
To this end, he established the Royal Arsenal, but his behavior was judged as highly dangerous by the Witan Council, which possesses a network of witch informants, and he has clashed with his own kind because of it.
Annie had once complained to Hikigaya that Alexander had the nasty habit of pocketing things.
In her words, her first reaction upon seeing Alexander was to check if her purse was still there; her second reaction was to pull out a large gun and fire a shot.
This was clearly an exaggeration—what would Alexander want with someone's wallet? He was far wealthier than Annie—well, at least according to human society's definition of wealth.
On the path to seeking the truth of the Holy Grail, the Witan Council could almost be considered Alexander's enemy. Of course, this amounted to nothing; Alexander had already obtained the truth, and all his current actions were to verify his deductions—which was exactly what the Witan Council had always wanted to avoid.
So, when he saw Alice slip into his carriage, Alexander didn't mistake it for the Witan Council trying to trip him up again.
For one thing, it was impossible to actually hinder him; for another, Alice wouldn't come to him for that kind of meaningless chatter.
Thus, after a few words of banter, Alexander got straight to the point: "What do you want with me?"
"Shouldn't you have just said it of your own accord? Have you finally become one of those idiots you talk about who only knows how to fight and kill? If so, congratulations are in order," Alice replied.
She knew all too well that Alexander believed in his heart that he was a very different kind of Campione—elegant and cautious.
It was the so-called "I am different from other Campiones." This ranked very high on her list of stale jokes.
Sure enough, she saw Alexander curl his lip in annoyance and pour himself a glass of wine, taking a sip.
The table was covered in food; before Alice entered, the Black Prince, Alexander, had been eating.
Though it was called an exclusive carriage, it was literally just that—a common train, a common carriage, except no one else but Alexander was sitting in it.
So, one couldn't expect a top-tier chef here; even the wine was brought by a certain alcohol-loving trusted knight of the Royal Arsenal. It was said to be a gift in return for Alexander previously treating him to a drink—a Scotch Whisky.
"If you want to ask about what's happening across the ocean, I have nothing to say."
"Aren't you concerned about the abilities of your kin?"
"Our abilities are always changing, aren't they?" the Black Prince replied with an indifferent attitude.
Seeing Alice pout her lips in extreme annoyance, Alexander felt a sense of satisfaction.
'Hmph! Why should I help these people study the only fellow Campione I actually find decent?'
Recalling his pleasant discussion with Hikigaya Hachiman last time in Japan, Alexander thought to himself.
The self-proclaimed elegant Alexander believed that combat should involve strategy. Specifically, being able to adjust tactics based on the opponent's characteristics was the proper etiquette of battle.
Unlike certain people who act like seniors and then just "Ora Ora" the moment they meet...
Europeans, get out!
Thus, having absolutely no intention of cooperating, Alexander went back to eating his food.
Seeing him like this, Alice knew there was no hope. So, after their usual bickering, she departed.
As expected, unless it concerned the Holy Grail of Thaumaturgy, nothing could pique this man's interest.
However, she didn't know that this time, her judgment was completely wrong.
After she left, Alexander set down his knife and fork, and a middle-aged man entered the room.
"How is it?" Alexander asked.
"Confirmed beyond doubt. It is indeed the handiwork of your fellow Campione from Japan. This time, it was an internal conflict."
The newcomer was Alexander's confidant, one of the world's strongest knights. At the same time, he believed humans should absolutely not fly in the sky, hence he had titles like "The Dutchman Who Cannot Fly." Simply put, he was terrified of planes.
"I told you before, he wouldn't do something as classless as lying. That 'massacre in San Francisco' was just a rumor, wasn't it?"
"Yes. The US military attacked first. Our comrades have confirmed that everyone was merely frozen, not killed. The ice is already melting; in a week at most, they should recover."
"Then we must provide a proper reception," the Black Prince said with a delighted expression.
Because he mastered "Divine Speed" so well, he had always been completing his explorations alone. His subordinates at the Royal Arsenal couldn't truly serve as partners in exploration, but in truth, he also hoped for a companion who could solve mysteries together with him.
Hikigaya Hachiman was just such a man—someone like him, full of interest in mythology itself, analyzing gods, fighting with targeted strategies, and similarly possessing the speed of lightning.
What a wonderful partner.
"However, regarding the dark strongholds here in Britain, are you really going to let him do as he pleases? The Witan Council will surely interfere. Aren't you on good terms with that woman?"
"On good terms?" Alexander immediately retorted. "She's clearly been doing nothing but causing me trouble."
"And why should I protect those people?" he continued. "Whether it's martial arts or magecraft, fighting over such things is utterly illogical."
The fact that you Campiones can even exist in this world is the most illogical thing of all, the plane-fearing knight couldn't help but think.
"By the way, I'll have to trouble you to handle the situation. I don't want to see those people at all when the time comes."
Hearing this, the knight couldn't help but press his palm to his forehead.
'Honestly... nearly thirty years old and still so willful...'
"Fine, fine," he said. "It's enough just to stop them from approaching, right? But I still think—wouldn't it be simpler to just tell them? There was someone right here just now you could have notified."
Wouldn't it have been fine to just tell that woman? Even if she's eccentric, if news of a meeting between you Campiones is released, no one would be willing to show up anyway...
To this, Alexander gave a "Ha!"
"Why should I be so nice to her?"
Between a girl who always likes to talk back to him and a future partner, he would obviously stand on the side of his partner.
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