Chapter 73: The Empty Church

Since obtaining the Command Seals and being thrust into the Holy Grail War, Tatsuya had spent the last two years meticulously investigating every aspect of Fuyuki.

Whether it was the spiritual veins that ran through Fuyuki or the lineage of magicians who had lived there for generations, Tatsuya had delved into it all. He had conducted thorough investigations into the Tohsaka and Matou families, as well as the Einzbern family, who owned a castle in the forest outside the city.

Given that the church was one of the potential sites where the Holy Grail might manifest, and considering its history, the Cathedral naturally warranted significant attention. However, the church, which was usually deserted, now exuded an even more desolate atmosphere than usual, which made Tatsuya feel that something was amiss.

It wasn't just because it was the dead of winter.

After using detection magic to survey the area around the church, Tatsuya nodded to Artoria, who was traveling with him, and the two of them cautiously pushed open the door and walked into the church.

"By the way, during the strategy meeting before we set out, it seemed like you knew the man named Kotomine Kirei," Artoria said as they walked through the courtyard toward the chapel door.

"As a magician affiliated with the Mage's Association, I've had missions in the past that required cooperation with the Holy Church. Kotomine Kirei was among the agents I worked with at that time," Tatsuya replied without hiding anything.

If things remained vague at this point, it could cause a fatal rift in their alliance, which was formed under special circumstances. That would certainly play into the hands of Kirei and Gilgamesh.

"I see," Artoria said in understanding.

The community of magicians was neither large nor small, existing in the shadows of human society. They dealt with mysteries all their lives, so it wasn't surprising that two Orientals would know each other.

"It's just that I don't know Kotomine Kirei very well. Our relationship is purely professional," Tatsuya continued. "In terms of skill, Kirei is regarded as a leader among the agents."

Artoria looked at Tatsuya as he opened the door. "But compared to you, a human magus who can challenge a Servant alone, there should be a significant difference in ability, right?"

"...I'm an anomaly," Tatsuya could only smile helplessly.

The church chapel still had the same furnishings, unchanged from yesterday or even two years ago.

"Putting my situation aside, how are you holding up, Saber?" Tatsuya asked. "I can't say for sure, but when I saw you today, you seemed less conflicted."

Artoria scanned the chapel, paying close attention to any nearby presences. "I can only say that it's thanks to the two of you."

She looked at Tatsuya and added, "Was that magic trick yours or Sister Morgan's?"

"What do you think?" Tatsuya squatted down to check under the podium.

It was spotless, not even a speck of dust.

"It must be Sister Morgan's magic," Artoria said. Although she didn't know Morgan well, she couldn't figure out what kind of magic it was.

However, given the situation at the time, even with A-level magic resistance, she had been easily influenced by Morgan's magic. Perhaps when they had collaborated before, Morgan had taken the opportunity to enter the castle and set up a contingency plan.

Finding nothing unusual in the chapel, Tatsuya and Artoria moved to the back of the church.

Tatsuya knew very little about the overall layout of the church. He was aware that the rear housed offices, accommodations, and rest areas for the staff, and it was said there was a chapel five meters underground that was even larger than the one above.

Presumably, the above-ground chapel was used to receive citizens, while the underground one was for the cathedral's secret activities.

But that was secondary. As soon as they entered the dark corridor of the work area at the back, Tatsuya and Artoria both caught the distinct scent of blood.

As a magus and a sword-wielding Servant accustomed to the sight of blood, it didn't make him feel ill.

However, this only indicated that the situation had escalated to its worst point, as Tatsuya had inferred.

Pushing open the half-ajar office door, they found a large pool of blood on the floor, which had soaked into most of the carpet. Despite it being a cold winter day, with inadequate ventilation and light, under Tatsuya's lighting spell, they could still see that the carpet was wet with blood.

"This is..." Artoria frowned.

Tatsuya squatted down to examine it. "Judging by the bloodstains and the season, the time of death couldn't have been more than five hours ago."

"Is this the blood of the Overseer?"

"Most likely. They probably moved the body but didn't have enough time to clean up the blood," Tatsuya analyzed quietly. "Father Kotomine Risei was originally an agent of the Holy Church. To be killed so easily, the only plausible murderer is someone he would never suspect—his son."

As he spoke, Tatsuya stood up and took a few steps back, and Artoria did the same.

Tatsuya extended his hand, channeling his magic through his circuits before quietly releasing it.

A bluish-white light enveloped the bloodstains, and after a moment, countless particles of light rose and gradually formed the shape of a person.

Though it was just a silhouette, it was clear that it was Kotomine Risei.

The figure stood at first, then suddenly froze, before collapsing forward onto its knees.

This sequence repeated itself over and over, like a video on loop.

"A magic that reveals the state of the deceased before death? Is it some form of necromancy?" Artoria asked.

"It's not necromancy," Tatsuya said, crossing his arms. "If there was a body, depending on the circumstances, it might even reveal the murderer's outline. Though I doubt it would be of much use right now."

Artoria nodded. "Judging by the way he fell, there's no doubt he was attacked from behind, completely off guard..."

She placed her hand on Tatsuya's back to demonstrate. "A weapon was used to penetrate the body, inflicting a fatal wound, leading to death on the spot."

"There's no need for a demonstration," Tatsuya grinned.

Artoria smiled confidently. "Consider this a small token of my gratitude for you and the Queen ambushing us at night. Next time, please attack us head-on."

"I don't think there will be a next time."

Tatsuya moved away from her and continued searching the room.

Aside from information on the Templar Church, the room also contained various documents related to the Holy Grail War. To be thorough, Tatsuya examined them carefully but found nothing worth keeping.

With Kotomine Risei dead, the next step was to determine Tokiomi's possible whereabouts and then begin the search for Kotomine Kirei and Gilgamesh.

After explaining this to Artoria, the two turned around and prepared to leave the church.