Aozaki Aoko Case File

In the blink of an eye, it was already the third day. Today, Aoko didn't wander idly around the Einzbern castle. Instead, she accompanied Touko to the Einzbern alchemy laboratory.

During this time, Touko focused most of her efforts on creating a new body for Irisviel, leaving the ritual for copying the soul to the final day. Irisviel's emotions shifted over time.

From initial curiosity to a strange unease as she watched a body identical to hers slowly take shape. This was followed by embarrassment when the naked body was displayed on the operating table for all to observe. (Acht wasn't present—he was only required for the final step of the soul transfer.)

Touko's techniques for creating Irisviel's duplicate body were entirely distinct from the Einzbern alchemical methods used to create homunculi. It could be said that her methods formed a completely independent system. Confident in the uniqueness of her craft, Touko allowed Irisviel and Aoko to observe her work. Even if they watched closely, she was certain they wouldn't understand or be able to replicate it. There was no risk of her secrets being leaked.

Her confidence was well-founded. While Aoko could learn if she applied herself, she lacked interest in biomechanics and paid little attention to Touko's operations. Irisviel, on the other hand, was steeped in Einzbern alchemical knowledge, which was fundamentally incompatible with Touko's innovative techniques from the Clock Tower. Her logical framework simply couldn't grasp Touko's methods.

To them, Touko's creation of the homunculus duplicate appeared as a series of counterintuitive, almost magical black-box operations. All they could do was clap and cheer, exclaiming, "Amazing!"

Once the duplicate was complete, Touko sent Irisviel to fetch Acht to witness the soul-copying ritual.

Acht arrived at the lab carrying an ornate box, his excitement evident. Upon reaching the alchemy laboratory, he placed the box on the floor and spent over ten minutes unlocking several intricate alchemical seals. When he opened it, its contents were revealed.

Inside was a set of lightweight ceremonial clothes and a crown-like headpiece.

"This is the Dress of Heaven once worn by Justeaze von Einzbern," Acht said reverently.

"At this important moment, Irisviel, put on this outfit for the ritual."

"Yes, father…"

Irisviel obeyed Acht's command and reached for the Dress of Heaven.

"Wait," Touko interjected, frowning as she approached the Dress of Heaven for a closer inspection.

"What is the core material of this ceremonial outfit?"

"As expected of a Grand—someone close to the realm of True Magic," Acht praised her almost sycophantically.

"The main function of this Dress of Heaven is to allow the Lesser Grail wearing it to control the Greater Grail. But it is also a supreme ceremonial outfit, modeled after Justeaze's attire, and its primary material is a divine relic from ancient myths—the Rheingold!"

"Pristine white, untouchable by anyone but the pure or sinless fairies, correct?"

Touko said in disbelief.

"What exactly were you people thinking? Are you trying to get yourselves killed?"

"Wh-what do you mean?"

Acht stammered, flustered by Touko's critique. He had no idea what he had said to offend the Loli Grand.

"Anyone who's read The Nibelungenlied knows the most famous characteristic of the Rheingold. What is it?"

Touko challenged the bewildered Acht.

"The Rheingold, in a sense, is a self-replicating treasure that never depletes," Acht explained confidently.

"The Einzberns have maintained their prosperity for centuries because of this treasure."

"In other words, the Dress of Heaven was created using portions derived from the original Rheingold, correct?"

Touko continued.

"Then my suggestion is that you discard both the Rheingold itself and this Dress of Heaven."

"W-why?"

Acht was taken aback. This treasure was the foundation of the Einzbern family's ability to host and participate in the costly Holy Grail Wars for generations. The idea of discarding it without reason was unthinkable.

"Because the most famous thing about the Rheingold isn't its wealth—it's its curse, Mr. Acht," Touko said mercilessly.

"Every single owner of the Rheingold has met with a tragic end—without exception," Touko continued coldly.

"What makes you think your Einzbern clan can escape its curse and fulfill your ambitions?"

"I believe the reason your Einzbern family has been unable to recreate the Third Magic all this time is likely due to the Rheingold," Aoko added.

"Otherwise, why would magi capable of accidentally creating someone like Justeaze fail to fully replicate the Third Magic? The Counter Force likely got involved. It deliberately allowed the Einzberns to obtain this cursed gold because it doesn't see materializing the souls of all mankind as a favorable outcome."

Aoko's words were not baseless speculation. In a certain parallel world, Irisviel (Caster) described the Dress of Heaven as "a cursed ceremonial gown in the shape of a dress."

Hearing the Aozaki sisters' evaluation of the Rheingold and the Dress of Heaven, Acht's face turned pale.

As an artificial intelligence, he quickly assessed the likelihood of the sisters' statements. It was alarmingly high. Furthermore, his intimate knowledge of Einzbern's family history left him with no room to refute their claims.

Reviewing the family's glorious history, Acht noted a pattern: every time the Einzberns came close to achieving something significant, they inexplicably failed—such as their losses in the first three Holy Grail Wars.

"I… understand," Acht said, making his decision.

"I will arrange for the Rheingold and the Dress of Heaven to be hidden far from Einzbern territory."

"A very wise choice, Mr. Acht," Aoko affirmed with a nod.

"I believe this ritual will be the one to realize your wish. There won't be a Fifth Holy Grail War."

"You're right," Acht slumped into a chair, exhaustion evident on his face.

"Let there be no Fifth…"