C303

"Fujimaru-sama, you don't happen to be interested in this wisdom book, do you?" she narrowed her eyes and suddenly asked.

"Miss Reines, you're overthinking. I have no interest in any wisdom book."

"I see." she carefully observed his face and then said, "Actually, even if Fujimaru-sama had any interest in the wisdom book, it wouldn't matter. Because the one on display here is a forgery. The authentic one was stolen long ago."

"Stolen?" he was taken aback.

She nodded slightly and said, "Probably around nine years ago, after my uncle returned from Fuyuki City. The British Museum was targeted by thieves, and the authentic wisdom book was stolen. Till now, no one has found out who the thief was."

"That's really unfortunate," he said, but in his mind, he thought, who would go and steal such an embarrassing thing?

There were many visitors around him, discussing this notebook with great interest.

He felt a strong sense of embarrassment and urged Reines to quickly take him inside the Clock Tower.

The Clock Tower was tucked away in the British Museum, cleverly hidden behind Bounded Fields. To the average person, the British Museum seemed like an ordinary museum.

Gaining access to the real Clock Tower required identity recognition, a necessary step to navigate through the Bounded Fields. Trying to force entry would only be seen as an act of provocation, something best avoided.

That's precisely why he opted to enter the Clock Tower through Kenneth.

Reines used her privileged access to the Bounded Field, effortlessly leading him into the depths of the Clock Tower.

As they walked through the passageways, Reines couldn't help but be curious about Shirou's purpose. "By the way, Fujimaru-sama," she began, her voice laced with a friendly tone, "which friend are you seeking at the Clock Tower? If I happen to know them, I could have taken you straight to them."

He shook his head and said, "It's not someone important."

She smiled, but deep down, she doubted his words. The fact that her uncle had specifically asked her to escort him and had stressed the importance of being courteous hinted that the person Shirou was meeting was far from ordinary.

Moreover, the way he had shown remarkable insight throughout their journey and his confident and assertive way of speaking all pointed to his extraordinary nature.

Most importantly, she couldn't figure him out!

Reines was a clever and cunning child with a mischievous streak. She took delight in witnessing the downfall or slip-ups of serious individuals, relishing in their frustration. It brought her immense joy. It was this inclination that made her, at such a young age, skilled at reading people's minds.

Yet, even after their encounters, she still couldn't penetrate this person's thoughts. On the contrary, it seemed like this person had an uncanny ability to see right through her, as if he held her in the palm of his hand, looking down on her.

"By the way, something feels off today. Normally, when I step into this place, I see students happily mingling and engaging with one another. But now, I can't spot a single soul... Huh? Fujimaru-sama, what's the matter?" she asked curiously, noticing his sudden halt.

Shirou turned to face Reines, his gaze filled with curiosity. "Miss Lenis, if I recall correctly, you're someone who dislikes tranquility and constantly seeks excitement, am I right?"

"Yes, you've hit the nail on the head, Fujimaru-sama," she replied with a smile.

"Well, then you've accomplished your goal."

"What?" Her expression shifted to one of confusion.

As they stepped into the Clock Tower, Reines expression suddenly changed.

Right upon their arrival at the main hall, they were met by a group of distinguished Lords, with an elderly man at the forefront, emanating wisdom and authority.

The instant Reines laid eyes on this old man, a flicker of panic crossed her lovely face. Swiftly, she lowered her head, executed a noble gesture, and stammered, "Um... Greetings, Lord Zelretch."

The old man standing before them commanded respect from everyone, even the high-ranking Lords. It was none other than Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Wizard Marshal, renowned for his mastery of second magic and his unrivaled status in modern magecraft.

Reines quickly understood why the academy grounds were devoid of any student activity. With the presence of the legendary Magician of Second Magic, no one would dare to make a disturbance or even appear casually in his sight. Even the influential Lords themselves refrained from speaking nonsense in his presence.

Yet, she couldn't help but wonder how he ended up in this place. Her mind was filled with confusion and curiosity.

Zelretch completely disregarded Reines and never took his eyes off Shirou from the moment they met, his expression forming a sneer. "Just looking at your face makes me feel thoroughly disgusted."

"Unfortunately, the feeling is mutual," Shirou replied.

No... it can't be, right?

Reines looked at Shirou, whose expression remained calm, and cold sweat dripped down her forehead.

Could it be that this guy was looking for Lord Zelretch?

And judging from Lord Zelretch's attitude, they seemed to be old acquaintances from a long time ago?

Who... who is this person?

This question not only lingered in Lenis's mind but also echoed in the hearts of the Lords who followed behind Zelretch.

However, unlike Reines, these Lords managed to maintain their composure.

Shirou glanced at the Lords and commented, "Quite the entourage you've got there. You really know how to make an entrance just to meet me."

Zelretch sneered and shot back, "Don't get it twisted, Guinevere. I couldn't care less about what others think. I only do what I want, and these guys just happen to be tagging along. Welcome, hehe. You're one of the few people I detest, right up there with Crimson Moon and Merlin."

"Unfortunately, I feel the same way about your despicable hobbies. I detest them as well."

"So, what brings you here to find me?"

Shirou glanced at the people surrounding them, subtly hinting at his intentions.

"You know, it's pretty amusing that you actually give a damn about what others think," Zelretch sneered, then gestured towards the inner hall. "Come on, follow me."

He nodded with a slight nod and trailed behind him.

Zelretch cast a quick glance at the others and bluntly stated, "Don't follow."

"We understand, Lord Zelretch," the Lords nodded in understanding.

As they observed Shirou and Zelretch walking away, the Lords burst into a whirlwind of discussion.

"Who is that guy? He seems to be quite familiar with Lord Zelretch!"

"I have no idea! According to the legends, Zelretch despises Crimson Moon and Merlin, but could this person be his third most detested?"

"Who is that person?"

The Lords looked at each other, clearly perplexed. Eventually, their eyes settled on Reines, and one of them addressed her, "Lady Archisorte, as the head of the Archisorte family, do you have any idea who the person you brought in is?"

"I... I honestly don't know," she stammered, her voice filled with uncertainty. The Lords, who were adept in schemes and now seeking answers, all shared the same question she had.

In that moment, her mind flashed back to Shirou's earlier words. It dawned on her that this mysterious person held complete control over everything.

But who exactly was this person? she couldn't help but wonder.

...

Shirou followed Zelretch into a dimly lit, old room that exuded a gloomy atmosphere.

Glancing around, he couldn't help but comment, "Wow, this room of yours is really worn down. It's like stepping into a musty rat's nest."

Zelretch, unperturbed, responded with a hint of smugness, "Hmph. I spend most of my time observing parallel worlds, so the condition of this room holds no significance for me. Although, I must admit it doesn't quite compare to the grandeur of your palace."

Pulling out a chair, Zelretch sat down and asked, "Now, tell me, what sort of trouble have you found yourself in that led you to send Merlin to fetch me?"

Shirou placed the two Class Cards he had brought on the table in front of Zelretch, saying, "Take a look at these."

"Interference from a parallel world again..." Zelretch furrowed his brows.

"What do you mean by that?"

Zelretch paused for a moment, then directed his gaze at him, "Surely you are aware, Shirou. Or perhaps I should address you as the Eternal King?"

"What is it that I should know?" Confusion formed on Shirou's face,

Zelretch spoke with a solemn expression, "The Age of Gods in this world may be on the brink of resurrection!"

"What did you say!?"