Fate/Magus Path

28 Teacher and Student

"The contract has been drafted, sign it."

Kayneth moved swiftly. After receiving the parchment Fionn brought, he completed the contract within a few minutes.

Kayneth then pushed the parchment filled with densely packed text towards Roy, signaling him to sign.

"..."

Glancing at the dense text, Roy simply tossed the contract scroll to the Count. "Caster, check if the essay has any loopholes for me."

"You're illiterate?" Kayneth frowned.

"What do you mean illiterate? I just want to make sure it's clear."

Ignoring their banter, the Count took the contract and carefully examined it, scrutinizing each clause multiple times. After confirming there were no issues, he returned the scroll to Roy.

"No problems, Master."

"I see."

Hearing this, Roy nodded, then took a small knife from his pocket, cut his finger, and signed his name in blood on the parchment.

As the magical engraving and contract completed their connection, Roy could feel a special rule descend upon him, signifying the contract's activation.

Kayneth, who also sensed the contract take effect on him, snorted coldly and retrieved the scroll from the table.

"Hmph, whatever your intentions are, the contract is now signed. You no longer have any opportunity to meddle."

"I've explained countless times... I never had such plans in the first place."

With a wry smile, Roy stood and approached Kayneth, extending his hand. "Now that the contract is in place, I hope you will guide me well in the days to come, Professor Kayneth."

"Don't get too excited too soon, kid. My guidance is very strict. Are you sure you can handle it?"

"Bring it on."

"Your spirit's not bad. Don't just stand there like a fool; follow me. Let me check your magic circuits. The development of circuits in first-generation magus usually has some problems."

"Understood."

After instructing Fionn to guard the workshop, Kayneth led Roy into his workshop.

"Are you... really Merlin?"

Meanwhile, Fionn, who was stationed outside, was staring at the Count with a face full of doubt. He couldn't help but suck on his thumb a few times. His divine wisdom had already made him aware that something was off.

During his life, he had heard of the legendary Magus of Flowers, and though he could sense the aura of flowers from the Heroic Spirit in front of him, beneath that vibrant sea of flowers seemed to lurk something unclean... a hidden, suppressed aura that felt like a curse, a grudge.

"I am not that incubus. This aura is just a disguise."

Seeing that Fionn had seen through him, the Count admitted it calmly.

"I cannot reveal my true name to you. Disclosing this much information is already my utmost sincerity, Lancer."

"Apologies, I was being rude, prying into your secrets, Caster. Since we're on the same side, I look forward to fighting alongside you in the upcoming battles." Fionn smiled wryly and candidly apologized for his intrusion.

"Though I don't know your true name, I can sense that flame. Caster, your power is undoubtedly formidable. Once we've eliminated all our enemies, I truly hope to have a good, hearty battle with you."