Chapter 157

"Even though Kariya Matou didn't receive a Command Seal, as a former escapee from magecraft, his purpose in returning to the Matou family is..."

Gilgamesh silently listened to Kirei's report, knowing that it wouldn't be long before this man realized his true inner desires.

...

At dawn, around four o'clock.

In the abandoned factory on the western outskirts, Lancer didn't know how to face his Master—Kayneth, who was lying on the bed, eyes closed and deeply asleep.

The Command Seal was no longer in his Master's hand; it had been given to his Master's fiancée.

Though Sola was the one who summoned him and provided the magical energy, in Lancer's heart, his only true Master was Kayneth.

Thinking about the look Sola gave him when he looked at her directly, Lancer couldn't describe his feelings.

He had once looked into the eyes of a woman who cried to him in such cold winds.

Diarmuid sought only to reclaim his former glory and fulfill his unfinished mission.

He wanted to perform his knightly duty and loyalty, which he had failed to complete in his previous life!

This time, he was determined to follow the path of loyalty to the end, presenting victory and fidelity with both hands.

For Lancer, the Holy Grail wasn't necessary. His wish was already half-fulfilled by standing on the battlefield of Fuyuki with his Master.

The remaining half was to achieve victory. Bringing the Holy Grail back to his Master would be the moment he displayed the fruits of his loyalty and satisfaction.

That was how it was supposed to be; he shouldn't have any other desires.

However, an ominous cloud hung over Diarmuid's path, planting seeds of distrust in his new Master, Kayneth.

If Sola recognized she was only bewitched by his magical appearance, the situation could be avoided.

But if she wished to become another Gráinne, could he decisively reject her then?

Lancer didn't know, his mind in turmoil. He didn't know how to calm his thoughts, maybe there was a way, but he had overlooked it.

The righteous man, an ordinary person chasing truth and justice, whom he met in this era, was the friend who had spent a night in Fuyuki chasing the truth and punishing evil. That night was the most exhilarating since he came to this world.

And the distinguished Knight King he had crossed swords with and cooperated with tonight—perhaps their knightly duel could...

Only these two could possibly calm his chaotic mind at this moment.

Sensing someone intruding into the barrier Kayneth had set up and falling into the maze, Lancer rushed over.

"What's wrong, Lancer?" Sola asked.

"It seems a regular person accidentally entered the barrier and got caught in the maze."

...

Seeing the intruder was Mr. Miyafuji, whom he hadn't seen for two days, Lancer immediately understood why he was there.

Hiding in the shadows, Lancer watched as Shinji, holding a flashlight and a map marked with several locations, pursued truth and justice.

As he got deeper into the maze, Lancer appeared behind Shinji, knowing a trap lay ahead.

"Mr. Miyafuji..."

"Ah!" Startled, Shinji turned around, relieved to see Lancer in plain clothes. "You scared me, Lancer. Are you also investigating the case?"

"Yes." Lancer, not good at lying, simply nodded.

"If you're here, that means you've already searched this area, right?"

With a hint of disappointment, Shinji marked the location on his map and crossed it out with a marker.

Seeing the youth persistently mark and cross off locations, Lancer was moved by his unwavering spirit.

If he didn't need to guard against potential attacks, he would love to join the young man in seeking truth and justice.

"Lancer, who's there?"

Sola's timing was impeccable.

Seeing Sola behind him, Lancer didn't know how to introduce the woman.

"Hey, are you really investigating the kidnapping case, officer?" Shinji teased, and Lancer, helpless, couldn't explain.

Sola, understanding the opportunity, stepped forward confidently.

"We're just partners investigating the case."

Shinji looked surprised. "Really? Such a beautiful lady? Hey, aren't you a lucky guy?"

Lancer smiled awkwardly, while Sola admired the handsome youth's compliments.

A good-looking guy usually spoke well, like Lancer, whose magnetic voice made her want to cling to him.

Seeing Sola's eyes brimming with affection, Lancer quickly changed the topic, asking Shinji, "Mr. Miyafuji, have you found any clues?"

"Based on the different locations where children were kidnapped, I identified several possible hideouts. This is one, and I have a few more to check."

"Going alone could be dangerous."

"Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to rush in blindly. I won't reveal myself until I'm sure."

But the opponent is a mage! Lancer wanted to shout but couldn't due to secrecy rules, so he kept silent.

"Alright, time is tight. There's a chance the culprit might leave Fuyuki, so goodbye, officer."

Seeing Shinji adjust his cap and leave quickly, Lancer felt a pang of concern. If only he could...

Sola, sensing Lancer's worry, gently suggested, "Follow him, Lancer."

"But..."

"You said there's no trace of Caster nearby, and no one followed us. It's safe for now. Besides, finding Caster's lair with that clever detective will give us an advantage."

Seeing the considerate Sola, Lancer thought she resembled Gráinne more and more.

No! He must stop this absurd thought. He must not repeat the same mistake! He couldn't let her kindness turn into affection!

...

Seeing Lancer follow him, Shinji couldn't help but think: Dude, your Master's condition is dire, yet you still come with me to investigate leisurely? You've got nerves!

Knowing there was no danger for Kayneth tonight, Shinji agreed to Lancer's company.

They arrived at Caster's first base—the Twin Mansion in Shinto—by dawn.

That's right, the first location was a familiar Twin Mansion, frustrating Shinji.

In the deep mountains, sensing the lingering magical aura of the abandoned western-style house, Lancer was amazed at Shinji's deduction and analysis skills.

The remaining magical aura indicated Caster had used this place as a base not long ago, without a doubt!

...

Anger surged within Lancer at the sight of the scene inside the house.

Children's dismembered bodies were deliberately posed in various ways, revealing Caster's cruelty. Seven children had been brutally murdered!

Each child suffered prolonged torture before death!

Frowning, Shinji squatted to examine the bodies. "They haven't been dead long. Judging by the temperature and decay, it's only been about three days. We're... too late..."

Seeing Shinji's sorrowful expression, Lancer said nothing, determined to personally kill the evil Caster.

"But the good news is we've finally caught the trail. We must find him before more people suffer!"

Hearing Shinji's resolute words, Lancer nodded firmly.

"I'll call the police..." Shinji started but then shook his head, "What am I saying? You're the police. I'll leave this to you."

Lancer agreed, knowing the responsible parties for the Holy Grail War should handle the aftermath.

With daylight breaking, Lancer believed Caster wouldn't act during the day. He returned to Kayneth's hideout, informing Sola and leaving her to handle it.

He returned to find Shinji by noon.

...

In the afternoon, receiving information from Zayd that Caster had gone out alone, Shinji brought Lancer to Caster's real workshop—the abandoned factory where Ryūnosuke first committed his crimes.

"The enemy is more cunning than we thought."

At the factory, Shinji sighed, about to enter when Lancer stopped him.

"No, Mr. Miyafuji." Sensing the factory was Caster's base, Lancer knew it was dangerous even without Caster present.

"Dangerous? Don't worry, I'll be careful, and you, the officer, are here, right?"

"Mr. Miyafuji, you really can't go in." Lancer shook his head seriously.

"Do you know, Lancer? As a detective, even if truth and death are linked, there's no fear." Shinji clenched his fists, "The strange magic circle, the killer's increasingly blatant methods—the truth might be inside! I won't back down!"

Seeing Shinji's unwavering pursuit of truth and justice, Lancer knew he couldn't stop him unless he knocked him out.

But even if he did, Shinji would continue seeking the truth upon waking! Until he found it himself!

This was the essence of the young man he knew!

Weighing his options, Lancer made his choice.

"Mr. Miyafuji, follow me. I can tell you some things, but... you must keep them secret."

Seeing Lancer change and summon his spears, Shinji knew he had gained his trust, nodding and following.

...

"I see, it sounds incredible, but I didn't expect this..." Shinji, behind Lancer, sighed bitterly. "Inhumane magecraft, mages, and the Holy Grail War... is this the truth I've been seeking?"

"Mr. Miyafuji, keep this secret! Telling anyone will bring fatal danger!"

Noticing something like a barrier node, Lancer threw his spear, destroying it and opening the barrier, leaving only a few octopi.