Fate/Magus Path

41 Imperfect

"Look at what I've found! A lone Kotomine Kirei."

Returning once again to the farewell park, this time he encountered the emotionless priest, Kotomine Kirei.

Kayneth, having captured the Lesser Grail, Irisviel, had awakened his scientific spirit and was now busy studying the secrets of her body.

With Rider and Lancer guarding the base, the situation was quite secure. Roy had also revealed a lot of his own secrets to Kayneth.

He explained how he became a magus, acquired his magic crest, and recounted his experiences with Merlin, clarifying his stance to Kayneth.

To prevent a second incident of betrayal, Roy even signed a second contract, finally putting Kayneth at ease.

When Kayneth heard that Roy could connect with Merlin in his dreams, he was thrilled.

As a British noble of magical lineage, he was well aware of the story of Merlin, the legendary court magus of Britain. Merlin, the wise man who personally raised King Arthur, was famous even in the world of the mystic arts.

So, upon hearing that his student could communicate with such a great sage in dreams, Kayneth was naturally overjoyed.

If not for his pride preventing him from such shameless acts, he would have definitely used Matou Zouken's crest to meet Merlin in a dream. Though what he didn't know was that Merlin would likely ignore him anyway.

However, at the moment, Kayneth was more interested in the Einzbern Lesser Grail than Merlin. So, at Kayneth's request, Fionn escorted Irisviel into the basement.

With Waver resting, Rider protecting the base, and Kayneth researching the Lesser Grail, Roy was the only one free, and he decided to go for a walk.

"I remember you. You're Caster's Master, right? It's still the Holy Grail War, so why have you come here? You should be in hiding."

"Caster is long dead. I was never Caster's Master. And you, Father, aren't in hiding either."

"...I have my reasons."

Kirei remained silent, but his vigilance toward Roy did not fade.

"You're here without the protection of a Servant, so why approach me? Even during the day, recklessly approaching an enemy can be dangerous..."

"Yes, so will you attack me?"

Roy gazed at the expressionless Kirei before him.

"If you wanted to kill me, Assassin would have done it on the way here. There was no need to wait."

Kirei didn't respond.

"Father, what are you here for? Are you also here to pay respects to Matou Kariya?"

"Yes..."

Surprisingly, Kirei nodded and looked at the tree where Matou Kariya was buried.

"I'm curious. What kind of man could change the will of a magus and make Tohsaka Tokiomi voluntarily give up the Grail?"

"So, you came here to find out? Not to wait for me?"

He shook his head. "No, I've been here all along."

"I see. You're confused and can't find a reason, so you've stayed here thinking. You don't have any clues, just wandering aimlessly. You don't even know why you're thinking, do you?"

"..."

Kirei's silence was his answer to Roy's question.

"In that case, are you interested in talking with me? I think I might be able to help you."