I will finally embark on the road of no return called hero

The scenery outside the train window blurred into streaks of green and gray as the countryside zipped past. Cyd let out a long sigh, fogging up the glass, and absentmindedly drew a crying face on the condensation.

"Aren't you supposed to be acting like a mature adult?" Kairi Sisigou smirked, leaning back in his seat. "And just so you know, no smoking allowed here."

"That's exactly why I'm doing this," Cyd replied with a shrug, wiping the crying face off the window with his sleeve. "Anyway, what's the real story here?"

"You've already figured it out, haven't you?" Lord El-Melloi II crossed his legs and casually flicked away a fry he'd been absentmindedly shaping into a frown. "You're just fishing for confirmation."

Cyd raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm no mage. I've got a hunch, sure, but you're the one who knows the whole truth."

Lord El-Melloi II sighed, pulling out a cigar before hesitating and tucking it back into his pocket. "Fine. It's just as grim as you think. The lightning strikes weren't accidents—they were deliberate murders. The culprit is Lord Codrington, and the weapon… is his workshop. As for Wales…"

"It's an essential part of the workshop's operations," Kairi interjected, his voice heavy. "I had a feeling, but hearing it confirmed still stings. My old friend really went through with it, huh? Those black hounds of his—he's been creating them out of the dead. And I'd bet there are plenty more where they came from."

Cyd propped his chin on his hand, his expression darkening. "So, he's the classic mage. Doesn't matter how many lives are lost as long as the goal's achieved. Even his own kid's just a tool to him."

"No arguments here," Lord El-Melloi II muttered, staring out the window. "As for why Codrington ended up dead… it probably has to do with the spirit guarding that 'door.' No matter the outcome, Wales would've stepped through it. Better to let him go peacefully, with the one he loves, than have him agonize over the decision."

"Not exactly a perfect ending for you, though, big brother," chimed in Reines, taking a sip of her coffee. "You were this close to punching a certain Heroic Spirit in the face."

Lord El-Melloi II coughed awkwardly. "Don't be ridiculous. I was still piecing things together at the time. There's nothing wrong with the living trying to save the living."

Reines set her cup down with a satisfied clink. "Well, it's all wrapped up now. The lovers get their happily ever after, Codrington's workshop is back with his family, we got paid handsomely, and Makoto isn't reporting our dear guest here to the Clock Tower. Happy ending, right?"

"Hardly!" Lord El-Melloi II slapped a folder onto the table. "That sly fox is just dragging me into even more trouble! And she's got the nerve to act all innocent about it, too."

Kairi scratched the back of his head. "Moments like this make me glad I didn't stick around the Clock Tower."

"Wait, what's this?" Cyd asked, pulling the folder toward him and flipping through the documents. "Mystic Eye Train?"

"Exactly," Lord El-Melloi II grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Wales didn't have his fairy eyes at birth. They're connected to this train. The Law and Politics Department got involved to recover the original documents, and now they've dumped it on me."

"So she gave you these files to…" Kairi trailed off, suspicion in his voice.

"Drag me into it, obviously!" Lord El-Melloi II snapped. "But no way am I letting her manipulate me again. Over my dead body will I touch this mess!"

The conviction in his voice didn't fool anyone, least of all himself. That fox always managed to throw him into the eye of the storm.

"Anyway, about our current arrangement…" Kairi and Cyd exchanged a glance, then turned to Lord El-Melloi II with unsettlingly sincere expressions.

"What now?" He frowned, bracing himself.

"I've got a lot on my plate, so I'm leaving him in your capable hands," Kairi said, clasping his hands together in mock prayer.

"WHAT?!"

"Don't worry, I'm not high maintenance," Cyd added with a grin. "Just give me a place to crash, and we're golden."

"Absolutely not!" Lord El-Melloi II shot back. "I'm living in a cheap apartment as it is!"

"Because of your ridiculous pride," Reines cut in, smirking. "You could live in the family mansion, but no, you'd rather slum it in some dingy flat."

"It's called practicality!" he retorted.

Cyd's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're broke? But you smoke cigars like it's nothing!"

"Cigars don't make you rich," Lord El-Melloi II groaned, rubbing his temples. "And yes, I'm drowning in debt, thanks for asking."

"Think of it this way," Kairi offered. "You've basically contracted a top-tier Servant. All it costs is… pocket change."

Lord El-Melloi II considered the idea, glancing at the documents again. Like it or not, the Mystic Eye Train wasn't going to leave him alone. And with Cyd's help, maybe he could keep things from spiraling out of control.

"Fine," he said at last, extending a hand toward Cyd. "Let's get this over with."

Cyd chuckled, shaking his hand. "Man, I feel so appreciated. Back in the Holy Grail War, everyone wanted to summon me, you know."

"Holy Grail War?" Gray tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.

Kairi glanced at her, then patted Lord El-Melloi II on the shoulder. "Speaking of, what's her deal?"

Cyd's gaze shifted to Gray, his eyes narrowing as if he could see right through her cloak. "Yeah, she's got something interesting on her."

Lord El-Melloi II hesitated. If Gray wasn't comfortable, he wouldn't push her.

"It's okay, Master," Gray said softly, nodding.

He sighed. "Gray comes from a family that gives birth to children resembling King Arthur. That's her."

"King Arthur, huh?" Kairi exhaled, shaking his head. "Guess that explains why she looks so much like Mordred—my rebellious knight."

"And that thing twitching under her cloak?" Cyd pointed at the restless fabric.

Gray exchanged a look with Lord El-Melloi II before reluctantly revealing Add, the cube-like artifact.

"That's Add," Lord El-Melloi II explained. "It seals one of King Arthur's Noble Phantasms."

Add immediately launched into a tirade, his tone biting. "Show some respect, you idiot!"

"Gray, muzzle that thing," Lord El-Melloi II said with a grimace.

"Yes, Master." Gray turned away, muffling Add's protests. After a brief scuffle, silence returned.

"Well, I won't pry," Cyd said, smirking. "Looking forward to being roommates."