Within a dessert shop in Shinto, Fuyuki City.
"N-No way! Allying with that Kayneth or whatever... I absolutely refuse! Ow! Rider, why did you hit me?!"
Following Yuu's proposal, Waver's eyes widened instinctively, and he shouted with agitation. But before he could finish, Iskandar raised his fist without mercy. A dull thud later, the weak-willed youth was left clutching his head with teary eyes.
"Boy, keep your mouth shut for a moment."
Having silenced Waver through simple and crude means, Iskandar focused his serious gaze on Yuu. "And what is the reason for this alliance?" he asked in a deep voice. "As you likely know, my little Master has a deep-seated grievance with Lancer's Master. Without a convincing explanation, I'm afraid we must decline."
Trying to use this excuse to fish for intel, are you? Yuu thought, staring back at the sharp-eyed Iskandar.
Had he not known the original story, Yuu might have been fooled by Rider's boisterous and crude facade. In reality, this world-renowned King of Conquerors was a wise man whose rough exterior hid a keen intellect. From the moment they met today, Iskandar had been testing him—whether by calling Yuu "Caster's Master" or by questioning the alliance's motives, he was subtly gathering information.
However, Yuu didn't mind such an opponent. Since the first Servant to be dealt with was the "Golden King," revealing a bit of information now was inconsequential.
"I've heard a bit about the friction between Waver and Kayneth," Yuu said with a smile, turning his gaze toward the aggrieved Waver. "A friend at the Clock Tower mentioned that Kayneth tore up your thesis in class?"
"That's right! That arrogant, hypocritical Kayneth was definitely jealous of my talent! That's why he destroyed the paper I worked so hard on!" Waver clenched his fists, his voice thick with indignation.
"Oh? So that's how it was." Looking at the waves of resentment radiating from the boy, Yuu asked warmly, "If it's convenient, could you tell me the theme and content of your thesis?"
"Uh, sure..." Waver blinked, then gave a brief summary of his theoretical research.
"I see. A theory that one can become an outstanding magus regardless of lineage? Quite an interesting idea," Yuu said softly, nodding with interest.
"You think my theory is correct too, right?" Seeing a prominent "commoner" magus like Yuu validate his views, Waver's face flushed with excitement.
However, just as he was about to elaborate, Yuu's tone shifted. "The idea is noble, Waver, but have you considered that magus families are built on the accumulation of generations—sometimes dozens of them? Why do you think an achievement that others took hundreds of years of effort to reach can be realized, or even surpassed, in a single generation?"
Yuu paused, glancing at the now-silent Waver before continuing. "In this world, geniuses are the minority. Most are just ordinary people. Your theory is too subjective; it doesn't apply to the masses."
"I..." Faced with this piercing critique, Waver turned pale. He opened his mouth to retort, but found himself devoid of arguments.
Beside them, Iskandar didn't intervene. Instead, he stroked his chin with a nostalgic look, perhaps recalling his own debates with his tutor, Aristotle.
"Though you are still green, I believe you will one day become a magus capable of standing on your own, Waver," Yuu said, softening his tone with encouragement. "I can feel a unique talent within you; it just hasn't been unearthed yet."
"...Really?" Waver's thin frame trembled. He gritted his teeth to keep from crying. Yuu's words had just plunged him into a deep pit of self-doubt, only to offer a ladder out.
"Of course." Yuu gave him a firm, smiling nod. After all, in almost any timeline, Waver would eventually inherit the title of Lord El-Melloi II and become a legendary lecturer.
But if I interfere and Kayneth doesn't die in this war, what will the future look like? Yuu wondered. Would this world become a Singularity and get targeted by the Chaldea mob? Would Gudako show up to 'correct' it?
Gudako: A world like this needs a serious correction!
At the thought, a flicker of gravity appeared in Yuu's pale gold eyes. He changed the subject. "As for why Kayneth tore up your paper... I believe he did it to protect you."
"What?" Waver froze, stunned by the unexpected claim.
"If you could write that thesis, you should know that 'Lineage Theory' is the very foundation of the Clock Tower," Yuu explained after a sip of coffee. "Even if you are currently a 'nobody,' the Twelve Lords at the top would never allow such thoughts to circulate. If that paper had been made public, the Aristocratic, Neutral, and Democratic factions alike would have ensured you didn't live to see the next day. You should be glad your lecturer was Kayneth. Among the Lords, only that 'Lemon-head' would bother protecting his student, even if he is a member of the Aristocratic faction."
"How is that possible..." Waver looked utterly lost, his face white as a sheet.
Yuu shook his head slightly at the boy's shock, then turned back to the observing Iskandar. "So, Rider, what have you decided?"
"Well now—" Iskandar drew out the syllables, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "It seems you've convinced my little Master. But that alone isn't quite enough!"
"As a greeting gift for the alliance, I can reveal Archer's True Name to the two of you." Yuu feigned a look of difficulty, offering a wry smile. "Though I hate to admit it, that Archer fellow is incredibly powerful. None of us are his match individually. In fact, if he truly desired it, he could end this Holy Grail War in a single night."
"...Is that Goldie really as strong as you say?" Iskandar squinted at Yuu, sounding skeptical.
"He is," Yuu nodded. "Furthermore, this alliance is formed specifically to counter Archer. Once he is dealt with, we shall each fight for the Grail based on our own merits."
"Excellent! Then I accept your proposal!"
___
There's a few advance chapters on my P@treon
Usually upload 2 Chapters a day in there, except Saturday and Sunday
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