Shinji Matou at Your Service

Waver's choice was one that any normal person would make. From the moment Golden Princess approached him, he was inevitably drawn into Iselma's vortex. All he could do was try to gain as much initiative as possible.

After all, he wasn't one of those with Clairvoyance EX, who could see the past and future, perceive all truths, or observe the entire world. His Discerning Eyes, although capable of analyzing essences, still relied on sufficient understanding and intelligence. If the opponent didn't show their tail, he couldn't tell whether it was a fox or a weasel.

What he didn't expect was that Reines would show a rare display of firmness regarding this decision.

"No, I object."

Although Waver was somewhat surprised, he wasn't angry. They had known each other for many years and understood each other deeply.

He quietly looked at the girl who had once waited for a long time outside his apartment, and the girl looked back at him.

"I know what Big Brother is thinking, but it's not okay. You can't go to Golden Princess's room."

"My lady, I need a reason."

"Two reasons. First, safety. Everyone knows about the Golden Princess's beauty. No matter who sees her, they'll be momentarily stunned. For those with ill intentions, this moment is enough to do many things."

Golden Princess's beauty had reached the realm of authority. Without specific countermeasures, no matter how strong you were, you couldn't resist the first wave of mental impact.

"That makes sense, but it's not enough. Since I've seen her, I naturally have ways to guard against it."

"I never doubt Big Brother's abilities."

Reines's face showed more confidence than anyone else's.

"That's precisely why you can't go."

"Why?"

"Because you're the final trump card. As long as you're safe, no matter what happens, there's room for maneuver. If something happens to you, then it's truly over."

This was the biggest difference between Reines and Waver. Waver was essentially a teacher, accustomed to solving problems personally. Reines was different; she was more like a politician, understanding the importance of always leaving room for negotiation.

"So, anyone here can go, except for Big Brother."

"When you say anyone can go, you must mean yourself, right?"

Waver's tone carried a hint of helplessness.

In terms of strength, apart from himself, Reines was the weakest here. But when it came to political acumen, everyone combined might not match this youngest girl.

"Supporting big brother is the duty of a younger sister, and after all, it's a girl's room. It's not appropriate for a gentleman to enter rashly." Reines's words always seemed to make sense.

"Indeed, but it's not appropriate for you to go alone either. Gray, you go with Reines. If you encounter any trouble, notify me immediately."

"Yes, master."

Gray nodded without hesitation.

"Leave it to me! I'll get a good look at that woman— Ow!"

Before he could finish, Add was punished.

"Why did you hit me?"

"The instructor said to do this when Add says something wrong."

"Damn it, you teach Gray bad things? Huh? Where's that bastard? He was just here."

It was only then that Add realized someone was missing from the room. Waver and Reines also looked at each other in confusion.

"I know, I know."

Flat quickly raised his hand.

"If you're talking about Mr. Levi, he just went out. He said that rather than guessing here, it would be more convenient to investigate directly."

"This guy... always so mysterious. Who knows what he's thinking."

Waver complained out of habit.

"Investigation is good too. With his abilities, he might find out something."

...

Investigation? Levi, no, Shinji didn't need to investigate. He knew very clearly what Golden Princess was plotting, what Iselma was hiding, and whether there was something behind the scenes.

He was just using this opportunity to slip out and meet Touko privately. While chatting and playing games with Waver wasn't bad, it paled in comparison to spending quality time with Touko.

The investigation wasn't entirely an excuse. Waver and his group were staying in the Sun Tower, which was specially used to accommodate guests, while Touko was living in the Moon Tower of the main family, and was also related to this incident. In a sense, it could be considered a kind of investigation.

Since it was the main family's residential area, the defense was naturally more than a level higher than the Sun Tower. However, Shinji didn't take this level of defense seriously. As mentioned before, Iselma belonged to typical traditional magus who disregarded technological development and only valued mystery. Shinji's stealth feared mystery the least.

To surpass him in mystery, it would have to be top-tier Servants, deities, upper ranks of the Twenty-seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, or big bosses like Magic Users.

He walked out of the Sun Tower as if taking a stroll, walking along the lakeside at night.

The wind blowing on his face, carrying a slight coolness from the water, was unexpectedly comfortable. Due to the settling of water vapor at night, a thin layer of mist formed around the two towers, adding a dreamy color to this family that was already full of fairy tale charm.

"I didn't expect a night outing to have an unexpected gain. I should bring Touko out later to appreciate the night scenery— Ah, it seems that's no longer necessary."

Halfway there, Shinji had already found the person he was looking for, along with the female magus who was causing Waver trouble — Lord Valualeta, who was also Touko's teacher.

Judging from the half-burnt cigarette in her hand, the two had been talking for some time.

After thinking for a moment, Shinji chose not to approach further. It wasn't out of concern about being discovered, but out of respect for Lord Valualeta didn't keep Shinji waiting long. After finishing a cigarette, she waved her hand generously and left with a light step that didn't match her age.

Touko stood still, lost in thought. After about ten seconds, she took off her glasses, pressed the corners of her eyes with her hand, and muttered to herself.

"I feel like I've forgotten something... What could it be?"

"Forgotten something?"

Shinji arrived by Touko's side at just the right moment.

"How would I know if I've forgotten? It's probably not important. Let's just forget about it."

Touko shook her head, her hair tied at the back swaying along. While she might not match her teacher in boldness, she was no less free-spirited.

"I knew you'd come find me. How long have you been here?"

"A few minutes."

"Did you eavesdrop?"

"I didn't."

"Is that so? Katou."

"It's true, Master."

A faint voice came from the mist.

"Master Shinji was waiting over there the whole time. He only approached after Master's teacher left."

"I'll take your word for it."

Touko still hadn't put her glasses back on, and beneath that cold face, there was a hint of a different kind of tenderness.