The next day, at the Tohsaka Residence.
Despite having met Tokiomi several times, having lived in Fuyuki City for a while, and having a good relationship with Rin in another world, Naoki had never once visited the Tohsaka Residence.
His visit this time was due to the need to construct the illusion world. A large-scale Magecraft that would affect all of Fuyuki City should first be reported to the Tohsaka family, the administrators of Fuyuki.
In the guest room of the Tohsaka Residence—
"So that's the plan, to build a special barrier to prevent damage to Fuyuki City? That's very thoughtful."
Hearing Naoki's explanation, Tokiomi couldn't help but show his gratitude. Truthfully, the Holy Grail War had kept him sleepless these past few days. Though the War always took place at night, the abnormal phenomena over the last two days had left him restless, constantly worried about the risk of mysteries being exposed.
Now, with a way to prevent the exposure of mysteries, it was like a blessing in the midst of hardship for Tokiomi.
"If this barrier can be built, the risk of mysteries being exposed during this Holy Grail War won't be a concern anymore. Thank you so much, Mr. Natsukawa."
"No need to thank me. After all, I'm the one who's caused the most trouble so far… Consider it me cleaning up my own mess." Naoki said with a wry smile. "I've been a lot of trouble these past two days. I should be the one apologizing."
"You're too modest, sir."
As he spoke, Tokiomi observed Naoki. Though their meetings could be counted on one hand, Tokiomi felt he knew him fairly well. Some acquaintances at the Clock Tower had also told him about Naoki's deeds there.
Some were good, some were bad.
Ten years had passed, and the ordinary person who once got involved in the Holy Grail War had now become someone capable of defeating the King of Heroes head-on. The scene of Naoki defeating Gilgamesh last night was likely known by every Magus with even a bit of ability in Fuyuki City.
(Such a remarkable young generation.)
Tokiomi sighed inwardly.
And at that moment—
"But honestly, I'm still quite shocked that the Tohsaka family withdrew from this Holy Grail War." Naoki suddenly changed the topic. "The Einzberns have collapsed, the Matou family has no successors. I initially thought you'd see a high chance of victory this time and participate, but unexpectedly, you withdrew and sold the exclusive artifact of King Gilgamesh to Riddell."
"You could say I've lost my drive. I'm not as confident as I was ten years ago." Tokiomi said with a wry smile. "During the Holy Grail War ten years ago, I prepared far in advance to ensure victory. Though there were some unexpected obstacles along the way, I still secured the final victory. But…"
"You destroyed the Holy Grail, didn't you? I heard about it from Professor Kayneth and Waver."
Lord El-Melloi and his assistant, who'd been mentioned in recent years?
Tokiomi nodded. "When the Holy Grail appeared, I realized it was no longer the Grail we needed, so I used the two Command Spells I had to order the King to destroy it. Thinking back, at that moment, my resolve as a Magus was also shattered."
If he were a true Magus, even if the Grail was tainted, they would still try to make a wish to see if they could reach the Root, because if the Root could be reached, any consequences would be acceptable.
But Tokiomi didn't do that. Instead of personal or family desires, what he thought at the time was that such an undesirable Grail shouldn't exist in this world.
Of course, Tokiomi didn't know then that the black mud within the Grail had already been fully extracted by Sajyou Manaka. What he saw were mere remnants, at most like crumbs left over from baking a cake.
"For the ten years after that, I devoted myself entirely to teaching Rin—Tohsaka Rin… You must still remember her, Mr. Natsukawa. Years ago, when you returned to Fuyuki City for New Year's, you met her once."
Naoki nodded.
Forget back then—in the other world, he saw Rin almost every day. He practically watched her grow from a high school student into a mature university graduate—well, not that mature.
"Rin's currently studying at the Clock Tower. In one or two years, she should graduate from the Department of General Fundamentals. In the Department of Mineralogy, I've already made arrangements with some old acquaintances, so she'll join them right after graduating."
"You've really thought it through. From what I know, Professor Kayneth isn't fond of using connections like that."
"True, but Rin's an exception. Her talent is extraordinary, not just her magical circuits but also her magical attributes. Lord El-Melloi saw this too."
Rin's magical attributes were the five elements, far rarer than Naoki's fire and wind or Kayneth's water and wind. With proper resources and development, her future was bound to be bright.
"What about your other daughter? The one I saved from the Matou family…"
"As for Sakura, I haven't taught her any Magecraft. Regarding Magecraft matters, Rin and I don't talk much about it with her." Tokiomi replied. "I thought a lot after the Holy Grail War ended. Both Sakura and Rin have extraordinary talent. Initially, I planned to send Sakura to Finland, where a family has some ties with the Tohsakas."
"But after thinking it over, I didn't do it. I sent Sakura to Aoi's hometown, the Zenjou family."
Returning Tohsaka Sakura to an ordinary life?
It was hard to imagine this was a decision Tokiomi would make. He had originally been determined to nurture both daughters' talents, hoping they'd become great Magus. Unexpectedly, he ended up making a decision so fitting for a "father."
"We seem to have gone off-topic, Mr. Natsukawa. Back to the matter at hand—regarding the barrier's construction, if there's anything you need, don't hesitate. The Tohsaka family will provide as much assistance as we can."
"No need. We have enough people on our side."
After speaking, Naoki stood. "I'll take my leave then. If there's a chance in the future, I'll visit again, Mr. Tohsaka."
"It would be an honor for the Tohsaka family. Allow me to see you out, Mr. Natsukawa."
"No need, you have your own matters to attend to, don't you?"
As he spoke, spatial ripples appeared beside Naoki, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the spot.
Tokiomi watched the scene and couldn't help but freeze in place.
(That… spatial displacement? Magecraft reaching the domain of the Second Magic!)
He recalled that Naoki shouldn't even be thirty yet and had only been learning Magecraft for ten years—achieving the domain of a Magician in just ten years?
"What a terrifying young man… I'll tell Rin later. Since they're both under Lord El-Melloi's guidance, I hope they can interact more in the future."