Aozaki Aoko Case File

The scene grew increasingly awkward.

Although Aoko thought that having Romani Archaman and King Solomon meet would be highly entertaining, it seemed that King Solomon possessed a unique technique that allowed him to communicate across time and space with alternate versions of himself.

He simply stayed silent, stared at Ritsuka Fujimaru for a while, and ended his conversation with Dr. Roman. As such, Aoko decided there was no need to expose Dr. Roman's true identity.

...

Far away in Chaldea, Da Vinci watched as Dr. Roman silently stared at the screen displaying King Solomon. Her expression suggested that this confirmed some of her earlier suspicions. She cast a knowing glance in Roman's direction.

...

"I see," said Marisbury Animusphere, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he conversed with the Chaldea group. "So I die in the future? How exactly does that happen?"

"Based on Director Olga Marie's investigation, it's possible you were murdered," Mash replied. "However, the exact cause and perpetrator remain unknown. We can only speculate that Professor Lev may have been involved since it was Lev who—"

"No," Marisbury interrupted firmly, shaking his head. "Even if Olga Marie was killed by Lev, it's impossible that I was killed by him. After all, one of the foundational pillars of Chaldea's creation is rooted in the device Lev was developing. He had no reason to do such a thing."

"But..." Mash seemed to want to explain further, but Marisbury's expression left her unable to argue.

"By the way, are you that demi-Servant?" Marisbury asked, sizing up Mash with an appraising gaze, as though weighing merchandise. His stare made Mash extremely uncomfortable.

["Director Marisbury, please don't look at Mash like that!"] came Romani Archaman's voice through the communicator, sounding somewhat upset. ["She's an important member of Chaldea!"]

"Ah, I think you misunderstand, Dr. Roman," Marisbury replied calmly. "While we may not be members of Chaldea on the same timeline, I believe I can still assist you."

"What do you mean?" Mash and Ritsuka exchanged confused glances. Even El-Melloi II, who had been bickering with his other self, stopped to observe the conversation.

"Allow me to introduce someone to all of you," Marisbury said, stepping aside. "This is Miss Aoko Aozaki, the wielder of the Fifth Magic and a shareholder of Finis Chaldea."

The Chaldea group was stunned into silence. As people of the future, they had never heard of Chaldea having a shareholder who was also a Magician capable of wielding True Magic!

If Chaldea had a Magician's assistance, would it have fallen to its current state?

"This Miss Mash Kyrielight has a critical defect in her body, does she not?" Marisbury asked leisurely.

"Huh?! Mash, are you sick?" Ritsuka immediately grabbed Mash's hand in concern. "Tell me if something's wrong!"

"I-I'm fine, Senpai! There's no need to worry!" Mash hastily reassured Ritsuka.

But no matter how much Mash tried to downplay it, both Dr. Roman and Da Vinci, far away in Chaldea, knew full well the grim fate awaiting this girl in the future. Judging from Marisbury's words, he had a solution to her problem.

["Director Marisbury, do you have a way to resolve Mash's issues?"] Romani Archaman asked seriously.

"It's not me who can help," Marisbury replied, shaking his head. "But Miss Aoko Aozaki's sister, Miss Touko Aozaki, can address Miss Kyrielight's physical condition."

"...The Grand Puppeteer?" El-Melloi II reacted immediately. "If it's her, it's certainly possible!"

Dr. Roman and Da Vinci quickly discussed the feasibility of this solution and reached a unanimous conclusion: Touko Aozaki could indeed resolve Mash's issue. Furthermore, Romani knew that Touko was an acquaintance of Professor Lev.

["And what's the price?"] Roman asked cautiously. He didn't believe Marisbury was the kind of man to offer assistance for free, even if the recipient was his future subordinate.

"You don't need to be so wary, Dr. Romani Archaman," Marisbury replied with composure. "All I require is a small favor from you."

"What favor?" Ritsuka and Mash instinctively tensed.

"Two of Chaldea's Servants must join me and Miss Aoko in our faction and assist her in winning the Holy Grail War."

"What?!" Marisbury's sudden demand shocked everyone, even Kayneth, who had been quietly observing. Was there no limit to how shameless someone could be?

Kayneth had no idea what Marisbury's Chaldea was aiming for, but he did know that if the two factions were allowed to join forces, his chances of winning the Holy Grail War would plummet.

"I can't just ignore this, Lord Animusphere," Kayneth said, trying to maintain his composure. "Introducing additional Servants into the Holy Grail War violates its rules, does it not?"

"Oh, you needn't worry about that, Lord El-Melloi," Marisbury replied with a smile. "I'm willing to sign a self-binding contract that guarantees the safety of you and your student. This way, even if you lose the Holy Grail War, you won't suffer any harm."

"I…" Kayneth wanted to argue further, but a glance at Marisbury's Servants—and the intimidating Magician—made him swallow his words. "Fine. I'll sign."

Marisbury gave a signal to Kirschtaria, who handed over a pre-prepared self-binding contract to Kayneth. As Kayneth noticed Marisbury's signature already on the document, his eyelid twitched, but he quickly signed alongside Waver.

The moment the contract took effect, Waver, Kayneth, and Marisbury all felt the binding force on their souls.

"Why are you lingering here?" Aoko asked Iskandar and Karna. "Do you want to fight me now? I wouldn't mind taking you both down at once to save myself the trouble later."

Karna remained calm, but Iskandar's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.

"So this is what it means to be a Magician, the ruler of Magi?" Iskandar said. "This king is quite interested in a direct battle with another king!"

"No, we're retreating for now!" Kayneth decisively ordered. "Miss Blue has yet to report Berserker's elimination to the Fuyuki Church, so the ceasefire agreement is still in effect."

"Smart choice, Lord Kayneth," Aoko said casually. "I'll let you off for tonight. After all, victory in this war is destined to be mine."

Kayneth huffed indignantly, then had Iskandar drive his chariot to take him and Waver away. Though he had great faith in Karna's strength, he knew Marisbury's schemes required careful planning to counter.

"I can indeed have Touko resolve your issue," Aoko said to the Chaldea group. "Not only that but if you help me achieve my ultimate goal, I wouldn't mind giving this to your Chaldea as well."

"Mash, that's the Holy Grail!" Ritsuka exclaimed, staring at the golden cup in Aoko's hand with excitement.