"A holy relic...?"
Hearing Marisbury's words, Kayneth frowned deeply.
"That NFF woman... is she planning to join the Grail War too?"
"Maybe." The Lord of Astronomy shrugged. "But... for long-term profits and her family's future, funding is far more cost-effective than the Grail War itself."
"Of course, that's only if you have the relic she wants."
"Alright, I've said what I came to say. I have business to attend to. I'll be going now."
Marisbury waved and headed out.
Kayneth frowned in thought.
If, as Marisbury said, the other party didn't care for the Grail itself, but only wanted to summon a specific Heroic Spirit, what then?
In any case, he would have to make contact with her. For this Grail War, he had prepared several relics in advance—including the Conqueror's cloak.
If what she wanted wasn't a relic, that would make things much simpler.
…
In a flash, a week passed by unnoticed.
"So boring. Is life at the Clock Tower just about catching up on newspapers?"
In the dormitory, a golden-haired girl sat bored at the edge of the bed, her snow-white chin propped up in her hands, watching the teenager finishing his thesis.
"If the professor can finish the thesis before the Holy Grail War, I might not have to repeat a year."
As Izaya finished, he noticed the girl walking behind him.
She looked at the computer's contents and smiled, "Want help? I can finish it in no time."
Izaya didn't doubt her. She was born connected to the Root, nearly omniscient.
Her origin was in the Moon's world, where all things are recorded. Past, present, and future—if Manaka wished, she could access it all like querying a database.
But though she had no access limits, she cared nothing for 99% of the world's affairs.
She was like a girl holding the key to the world's greatest library, but only opening one fairy tale: "Izaya."
But there was a catch... Izaya himself was not of this world, and the Root held no record of his deeds.
"That's... not a good idea," Izaya hesitated.
"You really can't lie to me... Of course you're excited, aren't you?" Manaka smiled, her tone brisk. "As long as I'm here, no matter how troublesome, I can solve it all... Leave it to me."
Before he could reply, she sat herself upon his lap.
She took his half-drunk tea and savored it, then began typing away on his keyboard.
Izaya unconsciously held his breath, gazing at the beautiful girl before him.
The tight-fitting sky-blue dress highlighted her elegant figure. Her slender legs, wrapped in white silk, drew a graceful curve. Her kneesocks accentuated the space between skirt and thigh, glimmering in the light.
Her golden hair cascaded naturally, her delicate, divine face so perfect it seemed it would break if blown upon.
Her gentle, light body and the wonderful sensation of her sitting on his lap made the man tense.
"You..."
Manaka, sensing something, blushed alluringly. She turned to him, bringing her rosy lips close to his ear, her soft breath and sweet voice teasing his senses.
"Pervert~"
Then, her lips curled in a quick, sly smile. "But it's fine... even if you're a pervert, I'll accept anything from you."
"After all... you're mine."
The Root Princess leaned in, closing the distance between them.
A lock of golden hair fell across her beautiful face.
She lowered her gaze, pressing her knee between his thighs, her pure blue eyes nearly meeting his.
"Do you hate me like this?"
"It's been three years since we met... Would you really treat me so coldly?"
Hate her?
Impossible...
They were engaged, and with such a fiancée, it could only be considered happiness.
Izaya gazed into her deep blue eyes and her alluringly flushed face.
Unlike Koyanskaya's mature charm, this girl's youthfulness, shyness, and longing mingled into an irresistible allure. Her blue eyes brimmed with possessiveness and gentleness.
For Manaka, no matter whether it was a sister or anyone else, her ultimate choice was always him... She was confident.
She couldn't see his past or future, but... seeing his present, holding him in her hands, was enough.
Faced with her barely concealed "confession," Izaya reached out, gently holding her small, soft hand.
"I'm very happy, Manaka.
And... you've really grown up, but your hands are still just as cold as ever."
She guided his hand to her face, and his fingertips softly touched her lips.
She gently bit them, letting him feel their soft, elastic texture.
"Then help me warm them up~"
Gradually, their faces drew ever closer, until finally, she took the initiative, softly pressing her lips to his in a tender, lingering kiss.
It was hot, as if they exchanged a special magical essence.
It flowed down his throat, and he tasted the unique sweetness of the Root and the girl.
...
After a while, their lips parted.
The atmosphere was still sweet and ambiguous. The girl shyly lowered her head in his arms, a faint smile on her lips.
She was shy, but as long as she was with him, she could be happy.
If she really had to repeat a year, perhaps staying with him here at the Clock Tower wouldn't be so bad. After graduation, they could marry... A bright future wove itself in her heart.
But at that moment, a surge of "malicious" magic from outside broke the mood.
Manaka's face suddenly froze, and she looked up, her eyes filled with emotion and surprise, staring in a certain direction outside the dormitory.
"What's wrong, Manaka?"
Izaya asked, noticing her strange expression.
"A 'guest' is approaching the Clock Tower," Manaka narrowed her eyes, staring in that direction.
"...She's a rather dangerous woman."
…