Identities of Masters

The identity of the enemy remains unclear due to the lack of information.

As for Kirei, in the original story, he should still be lost at this point in time, adhering to his role as a devoted believer.

However, many things in this world have become chaotic due to the rise of the Empire.

The Einzbern family now serves as a branch of the Imperial family.

The Matou family still holds onto the name of the Zolgen family, with Matou Kariya becoming Rudolf Zolgen, skilled in swordsmanship.

The only one that hasn't changed much is the Tohsaka family, which roughly maintains its original course. But in the overall shift of the world's dynamics, the Tohsaka family's situation has naturally changed, aligning closer to the Empire.

Tokiomi's father embraced the Empire's full education. Although Tokiomi himself did not, he sent his daughter, Sakura, away.

Sakura now insists that she wants to become the Emperor's Bride.

Oh, don't misunderstand. The world isn't showering Artorius with top-quality bronze for him to refine. As mentioned before, she wants to join the Empire's Battle Nuns.

These battle nuns there call themselves the Emperor's Brides.

Of course, this is just a matter of title. Nobody takes it too seriously.

Just like Caren.

Naturally, this hasn't stopped her from using this pretext to her advantage.

For example, she sneaked into the maids' group pretending it was just because her hair was similar in color, then tried to find a way to get into Artorius's bed, and if caught, she just casually said—"I'm the bride of the Emperor, so it's normal."

At that time, Artorius remained unfazed.

"I want to get revenge on that bastard of a father..." Caren said calmly. "Although I don't want to admit it, right now, that guy is stronger. So, if I want revenge, I need to become stronger. And the simplest, fastest way to become stronger is to have sexual intercourse with Your Majesty."

As she spoke these words, Caren's face showed no expression, seemingly completely indifferent to how shocking her words might be.

"Because it won't just be painless, dull, or uninteresting. On the contrary, it will feel very good, very comfortable as if ascending the heaven. This is the best choice for me."

After uttering such words, Caren was flicked on the forehead by Artorius again, this time even harder than before. A lump instantly swelled on her forehead, and she held her head, crouching down.

"Don't say such nonsense, Caren."

"Ugh..."

Although she subconsciously wanted to add—"There's nothing wrong with that. I am the 'Emperor's Bride'. It's normal for the Emperor and his bride to have a sexual relationship." But looking at Artorius's displeased expression, Caren thought that if she said anything else, she might get beaten. And not the kind of fun beating like those in BDSM, so she kept her mouth shut.

Of course, keeping her mouth shut didn't mean she wouldn't try to cause trouble. Otherwise, she'd end up like her foolish colleague and partner in work (Bazett).

Believing in the principle of 'effort will always be rewarded,' that person named Bazett is truly naive. She wasted the path Marshal Agravain laid out for her.

But Caren is different. She was kicked to this damned place by her father when she was little, and she had to climb all the way up to her current position relying solely on herself.

'Let's think of another way.'

Being lectured by Artorius, Caren temporarily stopped her mischief.

'Anyway, Dragon Emperor is a lecherous man; there will be opportunities.'

Caren didn't desire titles like Princess or Royal Maid. She just wanted the essence (semen) of the Dragon Emperor to enhance her magical energy.

In this way, both she and the Dragon Emperor would be satisfied; it was a win-win situation. She would acquire the ability to defeat her own father, and the Dragon Emperor would be pleased with her service. Everyone would be happy.

===

'Regardless of who the enemy may be, whether they are radicals from the Holy Church or Dead Apostles, their choice to disrupt and attack at this juncture can best be explained by their intentions for this Holy Grail War.'

'And with that, the likelihood of them sending someone as a Master to participate in this Holy Grail War has significantly increased.'

'Considering Kotomine Kirei as their piece in the game, the probability is further elevated due to his unique ability to materialize in the spiritual form as Servants do... he must be a Servant.'

'So, who could it be, this troublesome fellow? Apart from the Three Founding Families, we have two other Empire's Masters under our control...'

As Artorius pondered this, he recalled the elegant young lady in a suit, her figure too appealing to be concealed.

Unlike Caren who sought to seize the Emperor, this elegant young lady showed utmost respect to Artorius right from the beginning, always abiding by the rules.

Not that her respect for Artorius exceeded that of the insolent nun; it was merely because she was an honest and straightforward person.

And this honest person was Bazett or rather, one of the current Masters controlled by the Empire.

Apart from the Three Founding Families, the selection process for the Master candidates of the Holy Grail War was somewhat complex.

First, those who intentionally aimed to participate in the Holy Grail War.

Next were individuals with strong wishes and dreams they wished to fulfill.

Perhaps 'fate' was also one of the criteria for selection.

Nevertheless, a certain honest person named Bazett was one of the chosen Masters in this Holy Grail War. When Kirei backstabbed her, a strong desire to survive led to the appearance of a crimson mark, like a tattoo, on the back of her hand, the so-called Command Spell.

This result was one of the reasons why the Empire sent her. The closer a mage was to Fuyuki, the higher the probability of being selected.

'And then, there's someone familiar, though we've never met.'

Waver Velvet—a significant supporting character with numerous appearances in the original timeline. He was also chosen as one of the Masters in this battle.

He was still the same person as in the original timeline, but their background and experiences had completely changed.

Unlike in the original timeline where he was a mediocre third-rate mage with a frail physique and appearance who came here after being ridiculed, wanting to prove himself even if he had to borrow money for a plane ticket.

In this world, Waver was already over thirty, with a mental state closer to the era of El-Melloi II. Additionally, he was acknowledged as a genius by the Clock Tower in this world.

Not because his talents in magecraft were supported and acknowledged, he was still the same person after all. It was simply because the Empire evaluated talent differently than in the original timeline.

In an era unlike the past, where individual mages conducted research alone in small workshops, the Empire formed specialized research teams.

Therefore, instead of focusing on the quality and quantity of magic circuits, the Empire valued intelligence, thinking ability, learning capacity, and motivation.

There were countless ways to obtain powerful magecraft or formidable combat abilities in the Empire.

The Empire was not lacking in powerful warriors, but they were more inclined toward individuals like Waver who possessed special talents.

===

A few days ago, within the Clock Tower, the most tightly controlled magic academy under the Empire's rule, a certain teacher had directly thrown a holy relic to his student.

As a traditional mage, Kayneth couldn't stand Waver. He thought he was an overrated deadbeat. However, as an Imperial mage, Kayneth couldn't deny his abilities.

This conflicting and complicated feeling kept Kayneth's evaluation of Waver at the level of 'a useful tool.' He was a convenient guy to have around. Just throw all the headaches his way, and he'd deliver excellent results.

This Holy Grail War would be no different.

"Go, Waver, don't embarrass the Clock Tower, fight for the Empire's honor."

On the flight to Japan, Waver couldn't help but grind his teeth when he recalled the pleased expression of his teacher.

"It's always like this, that jerk..."

With his long hair and a well-fitted suit, he looked like a proper gentleman, clutching the box containing the holy relic, and making a creaking sound.

"This Holy Grail War is just not worth the trouble. Getting some extra sleep would be a better deal."

===

Artorius wasn't sure about this world's Waver yet. But when Rudolf was asked, his evaluation was somewhat conflicted.

"They may be a bunch of idiots, but they can be trusted."

As the third branch of the Mage's Association established by the Empire, the Clock Tower's mages were always focused on 'cultivating talented mages for the Empire.' Their loyalty far surpassed the other two branches.

It was like comparing a domesticated dog to a wild one—though, of course, the latter might prefer to call themselves free wolves.

"As soon as Mr. Waver arrives, arrange a meeting with me."

After Rudolf's evaluation, Artorius gave this order.

In the three-day search, this was one of the most valuable pieces of information Artorius had obtained.

Aside from the five Masters known and controlled by the Empire, the identities of the remaining two Masters were quickly uncovered.

The remaining two were Zepia Eltnam Oberon from the Atlas Academy and the freelance mage, Aozaki Touko.

Different from the original story, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald—the Lord of the Department of Mineralogy in Clock Tower, and the serial killer—Uryuu Ryuunosuke didn't participate.

The former saw it as too much trouble, given his different perspectives and status. As for the latter, thanks to the Empire's reign, he had been eliminated two years ago, probably reduced to dust by now. So, the two were out of the question.

'So, who is the one who summoned Kotomine Kirei as a Servant?'

Relaxing in a hot spring while playing with the maid's breasts, Artorius pondered this question and ignored her pleas of—"Your Majesty, please stop teasing me. Please faster..."

Such words were meaningless, like unconsciously spinning a pen, biting nails, or shaking legs. Fully immersed in thought, Artorius didn't notice the maid's pitiful requests but proceeded to the 'next step' subconsciously.