Chapter 145

As one of the Twelve Lords of the Clock Tower and the head of the Archibald family, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald was somewhat puzzled as he stared blankly at his fiancée.

No matter how much he racked his brain, Kayneth couldn't understand why Sola had just suggested going out shopping for new clothes for him.

I mean... why now? Of all times, why go shopping now? The Holy Grail War is about to start, my dear Sola!

"What's wrong?"

Facing his beloved, Kayneth's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Sola, the Holy Grail War is about to begin. Going out now..."

"Oh, are you worried I'll be in danger? Don't worry, the Holy Grail War hasn't started yet, and it's safe during the day. Besides, if you're really worried about me..."

Sola glanced at Lancer, who was kneeling with eyes closed and right hand on his chest, showing his loyalty. Blushing slightly, her tone softened. "Just let Lancer accompany me..."

At that moment, even though Lancer, who provided magic power to his master's fiancée, sensed that she might have some inexplicable feelings for him, he instinctively wanted to refuse. However, considering that if his master personally escorted his fiancée, it would be more dangerous, he reluctantly spoke up.

"My lord, if a guard is needed, I will ensure Miss Sola's safety!"

At that moment, if Kayneth hadn't been standing there, Sola might have rushed to declare her love!

Seeing Sola's eyes gradually change as she looked at Lancer, Kayneth felt the invisible hat on his head turning more substantial, and he could almost feel its weight.

"No need! I'll go with Sola myself! You go out on patrol."

"But my lord, if you encounter danger..." Lancer raised his head, worried but hesitant.

"Hmph! This is the Far East, hardly different from the countryside. How could there be any danger during the day?"

Kayneth snorted, full of disdain, then stood up with his hands behind his back, his tone changing again. "Sola, we're going out."

Though a bit disappointed, Sola didn't show it. Instead, she turned and took Kayneth's arm, smiling. "Alright, let's go out together then."

Feeling Sola's touch, Kayneth once again let his guard down. After all, this was his beloved woman's touch!

"My lord, reconsider! If you're going out, please let me accompany you!"

Lancer wasn't oblivious to the atmosphere; he just thought it was all for his master's sake. As for his master's potential rage from this statement, as long as his conscience was clear, it was fine!

Kayneth did get annoyed by this.

Finally, I can get away from this third wheel and have some time alone with my beloved fiancée, and you still want to come along?

All this for my sake? I think you're just trying to seduce my wife! You despicable! Shameless!

"No need! Go patrol or stay here until evening!"

"My lord..." Lancer wanted to argue but seeing Kayneth's attitude, he knew his master wouldn't listen.

Damn this curse! Lancer cursed his own love spot in his heart, blaming it for the rift between him and his master.

If Shinji knew what Lancer was thinking, he'd angrily retort: For a clueless cuckold, get lost!

Such a great setup, yet you complain instead of enjoying it.

If it were me, I'd have already published a standalone volume.

I even thought of a title—The Manager of Love.

As for the content, it would be about—

A young man with a love spot that makes women unconditionally fall for him, disheartened after failing his college entrance exam, returns home to substitute for his injured grandfather as the apartment manager. The story would involve friendly interactions with the tenants, housewives in the neighborhood, and even with a single mother raising two daughters next door.

Anyone would be moved to tears by reading it!

Even the toughest man would soak countless tissues!

...

In the hotel lobby, Shinji watched Sola, who was arm-in-arm with Kayneth, smiling but masking her true feelings. He couldn't help but pity the "prodigy."

Shinji couldn't understand how Kayneth, after discovering his fiancée's infidelity, could maintain such grace, not blaming her and still being devoted.

Given his genius and prestigious status, he shouldn't have a problem with women.

Why does someone like him still exhibit the traits of a simping dog?

It defies logic… cough cough, though it's illogical, it's quite magical, fitting the definitions of magecraft and mystery.

Retracting his gaze from the couple, Shinji also prepared to leave, sensing that Lancer had just stepped out as well...

...

The abandoned factory on the outskirts was where Ryunosuke committed his first crime in Fuyuki.

Police tape was left behind, but the fearless Shinji, holding a camera, sneaked in.

The female victim's body had long been taken by the police, and the blood-drawn magic circle had been cleaned up after being photographed.

In short, the scene now had nothing but faint traces of blood and some marks on the pillars.

Playing the detective game, Shinji was quite professional, not missing any details and collecting overlooked clues.

But... there were none. Ryunosuke cleaned up well; footprints, fingerprints, hair—anything that could reveal his identity was meticulously removed.

There were no traces of how he brought the victim here either. At this time, Japan hadn't fully implemented surveillance cameras, making it easier to leave no evidence.

After surveying the scene and comparing it with the police's photos, Shinji began to simulate the crime in his mind.

Lure the girl here at night, slit her throat when she's off guard but not enough to kill her instantly, just to silence her. Then cut the tendons of her limbs, and finally... disembowel her.

During this, collect her blood to draw the magic circle on the ground, but according to the police photos, the blood wasn't enough to complete it.

So he had to commit another crime.

...

Lancer noticed Shinji, who stood out from the ordinary passersby, almost at the same time they both left the hotel. Curious about the young man's unique aura (a trace of life energy Shinji deliberately exposed), Lancer decided to follow him discreetly.

Thinking this might be an enemy in the Holy Grail War, Lancer followed Shinji to several crime scenes.

Watching Shinji meticulously take photos, document evidence, and record details, Lancer deduced his profession from the Holy Grail's knowledge—detective.

Initially, upon realizing Shinji was an ordinary person, Lancer intended to leave. However, noticing the same thing left at each crime scene—a magic circle drawn in blood—he decided to stay.

Especially at the last crime scene, Lancer, who arrived before Shinji, sensed lingering magical energy.

Through repeated murders, the killer summoned a Servant!

After concluding this, Lancer immediately reported his findings to Kayneth through their contract link.

But Kayneth, busy in a men's clothing store with Sola comparing outfits, had no interest. He only said, "Report back when you've confirmed the Servant's location."

Realizing the information wasn't useful and unable to trace the magic's origin, Lancer agreed.

Meanwhile, Shinji had just sneaked into the crime scene, prompting Lancer to become ethereal again.

Originally intending to leave, Lancer overheard Shinji's self-dialogue and analysis.

"Why is this person's crime style in Fuyuki so different from their previous crimes in other cities?"

Other cities? Other crimes?

Lancer caught the key points. This detective might already have clues and suspicions about the killer. It sounded like this wasn't his first encounter with the killer!

Feeling increasingly likely, Lancer decided to find a way to get information from Shinji...

...

Evening, at the hotel.

Tonight, Kayneth was in a great mood.

He had received clothes personally chosen and bought for him by his beloved fiancée.

They even dined at an outside restaurant together, with Sola even wiping sauce from his mouth during the meal...

Hmph! Sola still loves me!

It's just that when Lancer is around, she's attracted by his love spot!

Kayneth thought, as long as the Holy Grail War ended and Lancer was gone, Sola would return to his arms!

As for Sola buying Lancer casual clothes, Kayneth didn't mind anymore. Let her buy; Lancer wouldn't be around for long anyway. Once the Holy Grail War ended, he and Sola would reconcile and take their relationship to the next level...

Watching Sola help Lancer with his suit, the magnanimous Kayneth decided to send Lancer out.

"Lancer, go on patrol and try to draw out our opponents."