Chapter 41: Formal Alliance

"Given the professor's standards, he'd definitely be staying at a high-end hotel. We visited most of the top hotels in Fuyuki City and found that only this one had magical fluctuations on the upper floors. So, we deduced that you must be staying here."

"Hmph, I didn't expect to be found out this way," Kayneth muttered with a cold snort after hearing El-Melloi II's explanation.

It made sense for his residence to emit magical energy since he had essentially transformed three floors of the hotel into a mage's workshop. But he hadn't anticipated that this would make him so easily traceable.

El-Melloi II's observation served as a reminder that maybe he should take measures to conceal some of his setup.

After all, he had invested heavily in creating this workshop. Not only had he borrowed rare gems from the Mineralogy Department, but he'd also brought along "Evil Spirits and Monsters," a treasured artifact from the Department of Spiritual Evocation, as well as three personal magic furnaces, custom-built for the Monarch of the Clock Tower.

Each of these items was invaluable, borrowed through his position rather than purchased outright. Judging by the dire financial situation shown in the video of his future, Kayneth realized he might be on the hook for these expenses if they were damaged.

What was I thinking, bringing all of these here? he thought, beginning to regret his hasty decisions. Why bring so many irreplaceable items to the Holy Grail War?

Trying to shift his focus, Kayneth looked at El-Melloi II and asked, "Tell me, what's the reason for your sudden visit?"

"We're here to form an alliance, Professor."

El-Melloi II didn't mince words.

"An alliance?" Kayneth was taken aback.

"Professor, I'm sure you've noticed the current state of the Holy Grail War," El-Melloi II began explaining. "Tohsaka Tokiomi's King of Heroes and Emiya Kiritsugu's King of Knights are by far the most formidable contenders. Only our King of Conquerors has a chance to stand against them."

"You've seen the strength of the King of Heroes in that video," he continued. "But believe me, that was only a glimpse. Gilgamesh has access to even greater treasures that he hasn't yet revealed."

"In a one-on-one battle, no Servant in this Holy Grail War would likely be able to match him."

"And as for King Arthur… her strength is considerable as well."

"Her performance in the video was lacking only because she was unprepared for Diarmuid's Noble Phantasm, which injured her left hand and weakened her. But now, knowing what to expect, she'll be a much tougher opponent."

"Not to mention, both of them have powerful allies in their Masters."

At this point, El-Melloi II gave a brief nod to Diarmuid. "Apologies, I didn't mean to undermine your abilities."

"It's alright. You're just stating the facts," Diarmuid replied with a polite wave.

---

Kayneth fell silent, deep in thought.

He had initially disregarded Tokiomi, focusing instead on getting revenge against Emiya Kiritsugu. With two Servants under his command, Kayneth had felt confident that he could handle Kiritsugu.

But El-Melloi II's explanation was like a splash of cold water, bringing him back to reality.

Yes, he'd fallen into the trap of underestimating Artoria and Gilgamesh based on their limited display in the video.

But the King of Heroes and the King of Knights were both legendary figures, leaders who once shaped history. To assume their strength was limited would be a grave mistake.

And while he had two Servants, so did Kiritsugu. Diarmuid's Noble Phantasms had already been revealed, while the abilities of Artoria and the unknown second Servant remained a mystery.

Kayneth felt a surge of irritation at himself. Just because I now have Brynhildr, a divine Servant, I allowed myself to become overconfident again.

This arrogance was a flaw he would need to curb, or it would lead to his downfall.

---

Kayneth took a deep breath to clear his mind. "Alright. If we are to form an alliance, what are the terms?"

El-Melloi II responded without hesitation. "We have only one request: if we ultimately succeed in obtaining the Holy Grail, we would like the King of Conquerors to be the one granted the right to make a wish."

Kayneth raised an eyebrow, but his tone remained measured. "That's a rather ambitious request. Do you think I'll agree to it?"

"Yes, Professor. I believe you will," El-Melloi II replied with a faint smile. "After all, you're not participating in this Holy Grail War to claim the wish for yourself."

Kayneth snorted, conceding the point. Indeed, his aim in joining the Holy Grail War wasn't to obtain a wish, but rather to enhance his reputation, to add another "glorious" achievement to his career.

Still, even if he didn't care for the Holy Grail's wish-granting abilities, he wasn't alone in this war. He had to consider the desires of his allies.

"Sola, do you have a desire for the Holy Grail?" he asked, turning to his fiancée.

Sola-Ui shook her head thoughtfully. "I suppose I'd like to see if this so-called wish-granting device lives up to the legends. But… there's nothing in particular that I want to wish for."

Kayneth then looked at Brynhildr, who had remained silent, and asked, "And you, Brynhildr? Do you have a wish?"

Brynhildr smiled softly. "I seek only to reunite with my beloved. But he rests in the Throne of Heroes now. I'll let fate take its course."

Finally, Kayneth looked to Diarmuid. "And you, Diarmuid? What is your wish?"

Diarmuid answered earnestly, "My lord, I simply wish for a true knight's duel with King Arthur, free from interference."

"Is that so? It seems none of you require a wish from the Holy Grail. Very well, I'll take charge of this negotiation."

Kayneth turned back to El-Melloi II and nodded. "I accept your condition. However, I have one request of my own."

El-Melloi II inclined his head. "Please, go ahead."

Kayneth's eyes narrowed. "Help me eliminate Emiya Kiritsugu's team first."

"It seems the professor is still deeply concerned by what he saw in the video," El-Melloi II remarked with a slight smile. "Agreed. We can work together to eliminate the Saber faction first."

Kayneth nodded. "In that case, we're officially allied."

El-Melloi II extended his hand. "Shall we put it in writing, Professor?"

Kayneth shook his head. "There's no need. I'll trust you two for now."

"Understood," El-Melloi II replied, rising to his feet with a slight smile. "Then, it's a pleasure to work with you, Professor."

Kayneth returned the smile, something rarely seen from him. "Yes, it's a pleasure."

Both generations of El-Melloi shared a brief look of understanding.

Meanwhile, Waver, who had been standing quietly nearby, remained unnoticed and didn't say a word.

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