Chapter 46: Tokiomi's Instructions
The Tohsaka residence is located at the highest point of Fuyuki City's Miyama-chō, in the villa area. It is a two-story Western-style house with a courtyard and an underground chamber that serves as the Magus workshop.
Additionally, there are secondary facilities like a swimming pool, but since they are not currently needed and there is no energy to maintain them, they are basically in a state of disuse.
Like Mount Enzō, the Tohsaka residence is situated where an excellent Spiritual Pulse flows and is one of the four Holy Grail descent sites in Fuyuki City; the Holy Grail descended here during the Second Holy Grail War.
Successive generations of the Tohsaka family actively converted their control over the key Spiritual Pulse areas into commercial land. These users found unexpected success in their businesses for reasons unknown, leading to a large amount of tax revenue for the Tohsaka family.
On the other hand, the Mage's Association in London manages patents for magecraft.
Tohsaka Tokiomi once registered a patent for a "simplified magical formula," so he receives patent fees monthly, albeit bit by bit, and uses that income to maintain the Tohsaka family. Thus, Tohsaka Tokiomi has substantial financial and magical item reserves.
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Inside the Tohsaka residence.
The exquisite chandelier overhead continuously emitted bright light, yet Kotomine Kirei had a strange feeling of standing in the shadows.
"So, what do you need me to do, Sensei?"
Kotomine Kirei looked at Tohsaka Tokiomi without any change in expression, having just arrived.
Kotomine Kirei maintained his calm and indifferent expression, a look Tokiomi was used to. In fact, Tokiomi trusted Kirei more when he was in this state.
Kirei, like a tool, could fully execute Tokiomi's instructions at any time without generating unnecessary emotions. Having such an assistant greatly reduced Tokiomi's stress during this Holy Grail War.
"I still need you, Kirei, to accompany Archer. Although your Assassin was eliminated, we have gained intelligence on Rider's Noble Phantasm, which will be very advantageous for our upcoming battles."
Listening to Tokiomi's detailed plan, Kirei couldn't help but inwardly marvel that Tokiomi was as composed as ever, considering every matter so thoroughly.
"I will execute your orders, Sensei," Kirei nodded and replied.
Tokiomi smiled upon hearing this.
"You are always so reassuring, Kirei. I am proud to have a disciple like you. Although natural talent cannot be forced, Kirei, even I, your teacher, deeply admire your serious attitude as a seeker of the Path. Kirei, from now on, I want you to continue fighting to ensure the interests of my Tohsaka family, just as your father did. What do you say?"
Kirei looked up and saw the sincere and passionate gaze in Tokiomi's eyes. He suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Archer earlier and couldn't help but laugh involuntarily.
Tokiomi, however, was unaware of this. He assumed Kirei was deeply moved and smiling spontaneously, so he spoke even more happily.
"I want my daughter to learn more from you, Kirei. After this Holy Grail War is over, Kirei, you will act as Rin's sensei and mentor her."
Saying this, Tokiomi picked up a letter he had prepared after being awake all night yesterday and handed it to Kirei.
"This is...?"
"Although simply written, it can be considered something like a will."
With too many things distracting him, Tokiomi couldn't fully grasp the situation on the battlefield.
"Although the probability is small, it could still happen: if something unexpected happens to me in the upcoming Holy Grail War. In this letter, I've written that Rin will inherit the headship of the Tohsaka family, and you, Kirei, will serve as her guardian until she comes of age. Just hand this letter to the 'Clock Tower,' and the Mage's Association will naturally handle the subsequent matters."
The Tohsaka family still held a certain status within the Mage's Association.
After listening to Tokiomi's instructions, Kirei nodded while staring blankly at the letter in his hand.
He wondered if he killed Tokiomi, then became the guardian of Tokiomi's daughter, letting her grow up revering him, wouldn't the expression on her face when she finally learned the truth be quite spectacular?
Reaching out to take the letter Tokiomi handed over, Kirei quickly lowered his face, not wanting Tokiomi to notice the barely suppressed amusement he was feeling.
Because that smile was too wicked and easily aroused suspicion, Kirei was being careful.
However, the deep sense of inner pleasure made Kirei almost unable to resist killing his benefactor, who treated him like family.
Distorted, manic, delighted... this was Kirei's inner state. Before meeting Archer, he had always suppressed his inner madness.
Even though Kirei knew his desires were pathological and shouldn't exist in a normal human being.
Tokiomi seemed not to notice Kirei's abnormality, or perhaps his past trust prevented him from thinking otherwise.
At this moment, Tokiomi took out a rectangular box.
"What is this?"
Kirei opened the box with some confusion. Inside the velvet-lined interior, a beautifully crafted dagger was neatly placed.
"That is the Azoth Sword. It was meticulously crafted from an heirloom jewel. It can be used as a Mystic Code after being filled with prana. Take this as proof of your completion of the apprenticeship in the Tohsaka family's magical arts."
"..."
Kirei held the dagger and examined it closely. His gaze lingered on the sharp blade, unable to look away.
The cold, reflecting blade seemed to slice open Kirei's perpetually guarded inner self, revealing his deepest desires.
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