[171] Deal
Homunculus and puppets are different entities.
Kazuya is just an amateur in magecraft and has no idea if there is any connection between them.
However, Emiya Kiritsugu had once said that if it was Touko Aozaki, she should be able to... does that mean homunculus and puppets share some common aspects or similarities in certain respects?
In any case, asking wouldn't hurt.
"Einzbern...," Touko Aozaki took out a box of cigarettes, lit one, took a puff, and then placed it in front of her, watching it burn quietly. "I've heard about this. In the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fuyuki, the Holy Grail vessel of Einzbern disappeared crucially, so Einzbern couldn't participate in the Holy Grail War. So, this homunculus is from your side."
Saying that, she took off her glasses. "So, what's your plan? Are you trying to get the attention of the Holy Grail?"
As she spoke, she put her glasses back on. "Just kidding, whatever your goal is, it has nothing to do with me. But... I want to remind you, it's said that the next Holy Grail has already been scheduled by the Mage's Association. It's scheduled to disappear at an extremely fast rate, continuing the trend of rapidly disappearing magical sources."
"I've heard about this, but don't worry, my goal is not the Holy Grail... How should I put it? Maybe you don't know about this... In fact, that Holy Grail vessel has a husband and a daughter."
"... Indeed, that's a bit surprising." Touko Aozaki paused for a moment and said, "So, is it Emiya Kiritsugu? I've heard of this magus. So, what is your goal?"
"Simple... Although Einzbern's homunculus technology is powerful, the Holy Grail vessel does not need a long lifespan. It just needs to function properly during the Holy Grail War. So... whether it's Irisviel or her daughter Illyasviel, they both have defects in terms of lifespan... So, can you extend their lifespan?"
"Well... I don't know," Touko Aozaki straightforwardly said. "Even if you say so much, I've only heard of Einzbern's homunculus. I don't know the specifics, and I don't know if my techniques can be effective. Magecraft is such a thing; if one link goes wrong, it can lead to a completely different result. So, I don't know if it will work... Well, if you're willing to pay, I can take a look for you."
Kazuya was very curious. In the Fate/Stay Night storyline, how did Touko Aozaki persuade her to create a body for Emiya Shirou? Or did she come here to rob herself because she heard she had a lot of money...
Well, forget it.
While speaking, Kazuya picked up the phone beside him. "No problem, please wait a moment."
"Okay."
Touko Aozaki smiled, sat down, and drank coffee, watching Kazuya make a phone call.
"Help me call Emiya Kiritsugu. Tell him that Touko Aozaki is waiting for him in my office."
"Yes, I understand."
...
"Sigh... It's really peaceful here." Emiya Kiritsugu looked at a group of people busy animating next door. If possible, he also wanted to participate, but he just stayed here all the time.
It gave people a feeling of being too relaxed and boring.
But, for now, he couldn't join.
He was responsible for dubbing some characters, but for now, he didn't have any scenes.
In addition to that, he was also responsible for firearm and explosive technical guidance, currently learning how to draw...
No one knew better than him about magecraft and the effects of firearms.
Even in the production of this animation, he could be of assistance in various aspects.
Including the modification of firearms...
You see, he had modified his own Magecraft Ritual Garb, which was a modification of firearms.
"Emiya-senpai—" At this time, someone knocked on his door.
"Come in." Emiya Kiritsugu looked at the person who came in and said, "What's the matter?"
"Yes, the director asked me to tell you that there's a person named Touko Aozaki waiting for you in his office."
Emiya Kiritsugu's hand trembled slightly...
"Ah, I know. I'll go over right away."
"Well..." The employee looked at him suspiciously, didn't say anything, and left.
Emiya Kiritsugu took a deep breath, didn't rush over, but took out a cigarette, slowly lit it for himself, and took a slow sip. "Unexpected... Touko Aozaki, huh... Well, let's go and see."
Although he didn't know why this person, who was designated for sealing by the Mage's Association, came here.
But... this was an opportunity.
If, by chance, this puppeteer could adjust the current situation of Irisviel and Illyasviel...
Thinking like this, he got up and headed over.
"Here you are, Emiya."
Opening the door, Emiya Kiritsugu saw Kurokawa Kazuya, and in front of him, there was a cup of coffee. Turning his head, he saw a woman with dim red hair sitting in his position.
The woman was known as expert puppet maker designated for sealing by the Mage's Association, Touko Aozaki.
"Let me introduce you. This is Touko Aozaki, who might be able to help you with your current situation."
"Hello, I'm Touko Aozaki." She stood up and extended her hand. "So, you're the famous mage killer, Emiya Kiritsugu?"
"That's right..." Emiya Kiritsugu nodded, shook hands with her, and said, "I didn't expect to meet a Master here, truly unexpected."
"Not... not quite a Master," Touko Aozaki smiled and said, "After all, I don't have a Command Spell... Clearly, they designated me for sealing, then want to return me to some 'Master.' Are you hoping to put me into a better machine? Haha, just kidding. So... do you want me to take a look at your homunculus at home?"
Emiya Kiritsugu glanced at Kazuya, then secretly pondered.
Can Touko Aozaki be trusted? It seems that not only he but also Kazuya is testing her...
After all, neither of them has truly seen this person, only heard rumors. Suddenly someone says they are Touko Aozaki...
Better be careful.
If she turns out to be fake...
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