Fate/Magus Path

In the end, Roy and Artoria did take Gray away from the Gravekeeper Village.

As for the residents of the Gravekeeper family, they didn't have much leisure time to feel the frustration and rage of having their home invaded after the disappearance of King Arthur's vessel.

They were already digging through every inch of land, desperately searching for clues to find the missing Gray.

Although the people from the Church likely guessed what had happened, they didn't tell anyone, remaining silent.

The entire village was thrown into unprecedented chaos, but amid their busyness, Roy felt quite relaxed, already on a train back to London.

The pale blue sky over the London suburbs was different from the gray, misty sky over the Gravekeeper Village. The air here lacked the pervasive scent of death from the graveyards.

Gray gazed at the sky in a daze, not growing tired of it even as the sun began to set, her expression reflecting a peaceful and joyful state.

Everything outside was so novel to her... the sky, the earth, and all the various modern devices, so unlike the narrow land she came from.

This girl was easy to please. Just being able to breathe the fresh outside air and walk on new ground was enough to make her happy.

I imagine even if Gray were to spend the entire day here, she wouldn't grow bored.

Seeing her in such a leisurely state, Artoria couldn't help but ruffle her hair. Following Roy's suggestion, they took Gray into the heart of London, to shop for some clothes and try some new and unique foods.

As for the funds, bringing along Reines would be enough. It would also allow her and Gray to get acquainted. After all, two girls of similar age would likely find more to talk about than someone separated by millennia, like Artoria.

The eldest daughter of the El-Melloi family certainly wouldn't lack money for this.

...

While Reines was taking Artoria and Gray shopping in one of London's large malls, on the other side, in a classroom at the Clock Tower:

Roy sat at the head of the table, engaged in a discussion with several people.

At his feet were many special mystic codes brought back from Zepia's windmill. These were some of his most important gains from the journey.

As soon as he returned to the Clock Tower, he contacted a few Lords who were essentially on his side. Since they were all present, he quickly began distributing these items.

He wasn't an alchemist nor a researcher devoted to magical studies, so these advanced mystic codes would only serve as display pieces in his possession. It was better to hand them over to trustworthy individuals who could put them to good use.

Like the three people in front of him.

Marisbury, Eulyphis, and Kayneth... three Lords of important departments at the Clock Tower, and also the first to choose their sides.

At this moment, the three of them had already become a united front, taking a significant slice of the large cake that was the Clock Tower.

"Astonishing… so many advanced magical computation devices… Even some of Atlas Institute's most secretive equipment… As expected of the great Magician himself…"

As Eulyphis remarked, these devices were the handiwork of Zepia, the Director of Atlas Institute. Even within Atlas, they were considered highly classified. Only those with the highest authority or geniuses had the right to use such advanced mystic codes, let alone allow them to be circulated outside.

The madmen in the Atlas Temple would never permit their scientific achievements to flow out into the outside world.

"We are deeply grateful for your generosity… Department of Spiritual Evocation will not disappoint you."

Caressing the devices on the table, Eulyphis couldn't help but express admiration, a faint smile appearing on his aged face. His cloudy eyes sparkled with cunning.

He was very eager to obtain these mystic codes brought back by Roy.

For researchers and academic factions, the value of these devices was immeasurable. Obtaining them could even help elevate the scientific level of one's faction and create a significant gap with other departments.

However, at that moment, a discordant voice suddenly broke in.

"Lord Roy, could you entrust all these mystic codes to me? The Animusphere family is willing to offer appropriate compensation in exchange."

Not only Eulyphis, but Marisbury was also quite interested in the rare technology from Atlas Institute.

But judging by his expression, his interest wasn't simple curiosity. The zeal and desire in his eyes were impossible to conceal.

"...Hmm?!"

"What are you saying?!"

Eulyphis and Kayneth both frowned, their faces darkening as they expressed displeasure. "Animusphere, what do you mean? Are you trying to monopolize these devices? Your Department of Astromancy's appetite is too large."

"Or are you implying… you don't regard us at all, Animusphere?"

Understanding their anger, Marisbury lowered his head apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, I had no intention of disrespecting you."

"Although I know my request is quite inappropriate, I have a reason that compels me not to give up on these devices."

"As compensation, the Animusphere family is also willing to offer equivalent value to obtain this opportunity. Would that be acceptable?"

"Hmph, what could possibly be equivalent to the value of these devices? Your Astromancy magecraft?"

Hearing this, Kayneth scoffed, seeing no reason to let Marisbury take the devices based on mere words.

"Heh… You think I'd let go just because you say so? You're mistaken, Animusphere."

The two expressed their determination, showing no intention of giving in.

No matter how convincing Marisbury's words, they would never agree to back down.

"Alright, if trading Astromancy magecraft for these mystic codes is acceptable, I'm willing to exchange my manuscripts. How about that?"

Marisbury's words were astonishing.

"Huh?!"

"What?!"

Kayneth and Eulyphis were visibly shocked. They stared at Marisbury, not believing that he was serious.

"Let's calm down. Pointless arguments won't solve anything."

"Understood."

Hearing this, Roy also glanced deeply at Marisbury, then asked, "Can you explain your reasoning? What is it that makes you so desperate to trade the very foundation of the Department of Astromancy for these mystic codes?"

"These items don't seem valuable enough to drive you to such an extreme."

"Alright."

Marisbury nodded, gave an apologetic look to Kayneth and Eulyphis sitting beside him, and then slowly explained.

"Apologies to both of you, but my reasoning is still the same. It all stems from that proposal... Chaldea."

"The construction of the observatory is of great significance, and the resources required are immense. Therefore, I need a massive amount of funds and advanced technological support, which is why I'm so desperate for the technology from the Atlas Institute. It's not just for the growth of the Animusphere family or the Department of Astromancy but also the future of humanity. I cannot afford to back down."

"Chaldea? That proposal of yours?"

Hearing this name, Kayneth thought for a moment and recalled it.

"The Human Order Preservation Organization... Finis Chaldea..."

Hearing this, Eulyphis stroked his beard thoughtfully.

He remembered that proposal too. A long time ago, Marisbury, under the banner of the Department of Astromancy, had presented this proposal to the Mage's Association, seeking funding and support from technical experts.

But back then, most of the senior members of the association saw his idea as ridiculous, an overreaction to a hypothetical threat.

Spending a massive amount of money to build an observatory, Chaldea, somewhere on Earth, just to prepare for an uncertain future seemed too frivolous. No one wanted to allocate such resources for what seemed like a waste.

So, unsurprisingly, the proposal was rejected. No one was willing to fund it. But since meeting Roy recently and witnessing the summoning ritual that called back King Arthur from a thousand years ago, both Kayneth and Eulyphis had started to believe, even if only a little, in Marisbury's theory about the Heroic Spirit Summoning System.

Kayneth, in particular, had a better grasp on the subject than Eulyphis, as he had participated in and survived the Holy Grail War. He had firsthand experience with the summoning of Heroic Spirits.

Indeed, as Eulyphis had surmised, the Mage's Association had rejected that proposal, but Marisbury never withdrew it. He kept it in hand, continuously gathering resources and looking for sponsorships to slowly continue Chaldea's construction.

That was why he had chosen to take sides so decisively this time. He knew that time was running out. He had to do everything he could to gather resources to push Chaldea's construction forward. This was also the reason why he only asked for money and industry, rather than magical knowledge or research materials. Even now, he was advancing the creation of Chaldea.

After this division of resources and collections, he had gathered most of the funds. Now, all he lacked was support for high-tech equipment.

He had already obtained support for extraordinary technologies like Rayshifting, SHEBA, and Imaginary Number Submersion through the Contracts of Atlas. If he could acquire these mystic codes from Roy, it would take Chaldea to the next level. So, even if he would anger Eulyphis and Kayneth, he was determined to obtain these mystic codes.

"Chaldea, huh..."

Roy tapped the table lightly, giving Marisbury a quiet glance before looking at Kayneth and Eulyphis. Finally, he spoke, "I plan to give all the mystic codes and data to Marisbury. What do you two think?"

"I appreciate your generosity."

Hearing this, Marisbury's eyes widened in disbelief, but he was quickly overtaken by joy.

He knew that this meant Roy was officially supporting the Chaldea construction project.

As the Magician of the Third Magic, Roy was the highest authority within their rising faction. With his support, the issues of funding, technology, and manpower would all be resolved. This was incredible news.

Once Roy spoke, neither Kayneth nor Eulyphis could object. Their entire organization had been built around Roy's influence.

"I have no objections... The Department of Spiritual Evocation will follow your instructions." Eulyphis nodded, indicating his willingness to comply.

"Hmph. Since you've already decided, what else can I say? Giving all this to the Animusphere family is fine."

Kayneth snorted before turning to Marisbury, "But I have one condition, Animusphere."

"Please, go ahead."

"Allow the Department of Mineralogy to be involved in Chaldea."

"I'm now very interested in your proposal. I'm willing to have the Department of Mineralogy join your Chaldea project and invest the necessary resources in exchange for a share and a voice in its management."

"Of course. If you're willing, I have no reason to refuse. Welcome aboard, Lord El-Melloi."

Marisbury smiled gently.

"Don't celebrate just yet. I have the same idea. Animusphere, I also want the Department of Spiritual Evocation to join Chaldea. We're willing to contribute resources and technical support just like the Department of Mineralogy in exchange for management rights. What do you think?"

"Excellent! Chaldea welcomes both of you. On behalf of the Animusphere family and all humanity, I thank you both for your contributions."

With more departments investing in Chaldea, Marisbury had no reason to refuse. On the contrary, he was overjoyed. He stood up and extended his hand to the two of them, welcoming his new partners.

This negotiation had been a complete success for him. Not only did he gain Roy's support, and the high-tech mystic codes from the Atlas Institute, but he also recruited two major departments into the Chaldea project. It was a huge victory.

The issues of funding, manpower, and technology were now completely resolved. The construction of Chaldea could officially begin, and it would be completed in no time. The heavy burden on his heart was finally lifted.

"Alright, now that we've settled the distribution of resources, let's talk about something else."

Roy looked at them seriously. "Have you found what I asked you to search for?"

"Apologies."

The three of them shook their heads and replied, "We still haven't found anything about the Count of Monte Cristo's relics or Alexandre Dumas's original manuscripts."

"However, we've already sent people to the town where Alexandre Dumas lived and to his gravesite to search for the Count of Monte Cristo manuscript. Please be patient."

Even his gravesite…

Did they go rob his grave?

Roy's expression turned a bit strange, though he didn't show it.

"Alright, thank you for your hard work."

Then, he rose from his chair, took some papers from his pocket, placed them on the table, and spoke.

"Here are the secrets I uncovered in the Gravekeeper's Village this time, as well as matters related to Gray. I'm counting on you to handle the follow-up. Don't let anyone from other departments or factions bother her, got it?"

"Also, don't let the Department of Policies know about the Blackmore Cemetery situation. If those guys find out, it'll bring unnecessary trouble to the village."

"I understand. I'll have someone forge the girl's identity information. As for accommodations, we'll arrange for her to stay close to King Arthur, so the Department of Policies won't disturb her."

After hearing Roy's instructions, Kayneth nodded, accepting the task.

Keep it hidden from the Department of Policies?

Heh, there are countless things in the Clock Tower that can't be known by the Department of Policies. If any faction doesn't have a few secrets, they wouldn't be able to survive in the Clock Tower. Keeping things from the Department of Policies? Kayneth was very familiar with that.

Besides, the three factions were now fully aligned, and with the support of the Third Magician, their strength was on a completely different level from before. They no longer needed to fear the Barthomeloi family's influence.

Is the Department of Policies trying to interrogate them on their turf?

That's a joke.

This kind of thing was just a simple task for him.

"Well, I'll leave the rest to you, Professor Kayneth."

"Hmph, if you want to thank me, you could bring more convenience to the El-Melloi faction or fully utilize your talents by joining us. Marrying into the El-Melloi family wouldn't be a bad way to repay me."

Kayneth raised an eyebrow teasingly.

"Hahahaha, no thanks. I'm used to being free, and I'm still young. I don't want to be tied down by a family so soon."

"Anyway, I'm counting on you, Professor Kayneth."

Roy chuckled softly at Kayneth's jest before quickly leaving the room.

"What an annoying kid."

Kayneth sighed slightly.

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