I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 6

"It's nothing, Lord Archerlot, don't worry about it. The Minerals Department has other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Turning around, Kenneth left Lydell with an extremely lonely silhouette, and at that moment, Lydell was completely overwhelmed by guilt.

"Is it because of the relationship between Euryph and Balyeleta? We're in a huge debt of gratitude now."

Unbeknownst to her, the naive rich woman had completely fallen into the trap set by Kenneth Brando.

Chapter Fourteen: The Beginning of the Planning

After bidding farewell to Lydelle, Kenneth Brando composed himself and headed toward the Department of Spirit Conjuring with a sorrowful expression. Through deliberate delay, Director Kenneth's mentor and father-in-law learned of Kenneth's conversation with Lydelle before Kenneth arrived.

Although he was still somewhat dissatisfied, Lord Euphoria let the matter drop because Kenneth had come to explain immediately. Kenneth's actions had given him enough face, and if he continued to hold a grudge over this matter, what would the other families in the Clock Tower think of Euphoria?

Upon closer reflection, he realized there were indeed reasons for this. He hadn't informed Kenneth beforehand, and Kenneth's actions were befitting of a family head. Although he had lost some face, his beloved disciple and son-in-law had gained a lot of face. Kenneth's face was, in effect, his own face. Thinking of this, Lord Euryphus's gaze towards Kenneth softened.

After a show of teacher-student affection, Kenneth finally returned to the Minerals Department. He then saw the four little girls who had turned his office into a tea room. Kenneth nodded slightly in response to Olga Marie's greeting and sat down in his boss's chair.

"Princess of the Animusfia family, what would you like to know about spirit summoning?"

After Kenneth's reminder, Olga Marie remembered her purpose, straightened her appearance, and then looked solemnly at Kenneth, who was sitting behind the desk.

"Lord El-Melloi, I want to know where the limits of necromancy lie, or whether there are rituals beyond necromancy."

As Olga Marie's voice faded, Kenneth calmly picked up the black tea on the table and took a sip. Olga Marie's words revealed quite a bit; most likely, she had discovered something from Marisbury. Combining this with the ritual mentioned in Olga Marie's necromancy, the answer was obvious: Marisbury was investigating the Holy Grail War, or rather, Marisbury had already taken notice of the Holy Grail War.

“Miss Animusphia, there is indeed a higher level of magic beyond spirit summoning, which is the ritual I am about to participate in.”

Kenneth had no intention of hiding the Holy Grail War. The Clock Tower's library had information about the Holy Grail War, and Olga Marie would have found it sooner or later even if he didn't say anything. As for why the Clock Tower didn't care about the Holy Grail War, there were many reasons, the most important of which was that they had failed in the first three Holy Grail Wars. In the eyes of these noble lords, the Holy Grail in the Far East was a joke. In addition, their habit of being all talk and no action naturally led them to ignore what they considered a 'minor ritual'.

"That's a ritual called the Holy Grail War. The Clock Tower's library has information on it. Miss Animusphia can look for it if she's interested."

P.S.: The Clock Tower really exists; Waver found the Holy Grail War information in the library.

......

With her doubts answered, Olga Marie stood up, thanked Kenneth, and left the Minerals Department. Watching the young director leave, Kenneth also began to look forward to the days to come. Kenneth's revelation of his participation in the Holy Grail War to Olga Marie was not for nothing; his purpose was to pass it on to the old director through Olga Marie.

As Kenneth pondered this, he discovered a crucial point: Floros, our Grand Bomber, was still alive. Even though the Holy Grail in this world had been corrupted, Kenneth dared not gamble on it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have revealed his participation in the Holy Grail War to Olga Marie.

"For the sake of this world's future, Floros, you'd better just kill yourself!"

As a despicable outsider, Kenneth had already sentenced the still-unawakened Professor Rafe to death in his mind.

"This is so hard for me. I have to survive on one hand and save the world on the other. Can't this inhibitor be a little kinder to me?"

After mentally criticizing the world, Kenneth buried himself in his work in the Minerals Department. Seeing that Kenneth had work to do, Reines, who had thoroughly figured out Kenneth's temperament, immediately left the office with Sakura Tohsaka and Fujino Asagami.

-------------------------------------

Sitting in his study, Kenneth pondered the information from the Fourth Holy Grail War. According to the El-Melloi family's investigation, the relics of Tohsaka, Einzbern, and Kirei remained unchanged, while the situation of the Matou family was unknown.

"The Little Sun is not much different from the Golden Gilgamesh in terms of specifications, but the Heavenly Lock is a bit troublesome."

"It seems I have to get my hands on Ryunosuke Uryuu's Command Seals. Summoning them is a bit troublesome. No, with Aozaki Touko's doll, I have two bodies. I can take a gamble."

"As for Caster, I don't know if Marisbury has Solomon's Ring. No, there are too many unstable factors in summoning Solomon, so I can't choose him."

……

Even late into the night, Kenneth, sitting in his study, couldn't come up with an effective solution and began rubbing his slicked-back hair in frustration.

"Forget it, I still have time. The plan can still be improved. There's no use in rushing now. Let's arrange the things that are confirmed first."

Roy pressed the button on the table, knocked twice, and then pushed open the door and walked into Kenneth's study.

"Lord, is there anything you need?"

“Roy, there’s a serial killer in Japan named Ryunosuke Uryu. Have someone keep an eye on him. He’s very wary, so make sure you don’t get caught. Report to me immediately when he goes to Fuyuki.”

“I understand, Lord.”

After noting down Kenneth's arrangements, Roy left the study, picked up the black tea on the table, and Kenneth's furrowed brows relaxed a little.

"The information we can gather right now is still too little. Until then, I should focus on strengthening myself!"

Pushing open the door, Kenneth plunged headfirst into the newly renovated No. 1 Magic Workshop. The essence of the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid is the El-Melloi family's verification machine. Director Ken's imagination as a magician directly limited the growth of this costume. For example, if it is developed properly and combined with some technological aspects, it would be no problem to use the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid to create a replica of the T-1000.

As he modified the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid technique, he noticed the mercury in front of him becoming increasingly human-like, and Kenneth inexplicably had the illusion of creating a character's face in a game in his previous life.

"If there were a third method, combined with my character-sculpting skills, and a touch of Einzbern's technique... Ouch!!! I can't think any further..."

At that moment, Kenneth discovered the key point.

Chapter 15 Aozaki Aoko

'Knock knock knock.'

"Come in."

Roy placed the brewed black tea on the table and then put a letter in front of Kenneth. Kenneth, who was engrossed in writing something, looked up at the exquisitely wrapped envelope in front of him.

"Lord, this is the gift list from the Archerlot family. Please take a look."

"Acherot? The gift list?"

“That’s right. Lord Acherlot is very grateful for your help. This was just delivered by the Acherlot family.”

Picking up the gift list from the table and glancing at it briefly, Kenneth was immediately stunned by the lavishness of the Archerlot family.

"I understand. Please write a thank-you letter to Lord Acherlot for me. Oh, and give this to Shishi Jie Li. I have something to ask him. Be discreet and don't let anyone else find out."

After receiving the letter from Kenneth, Roy bowed and left the study, his gaze returning to the gift list on the table. Kenneth's envy of the Archerlot family's wealth grew even stronger.

"Acherote, I, Kenneth Brando, am determined to be with you!! I've said it, not even Jesus can stop me!!"

"Clang clang clang!"

The knocking sounded again, and Kenneth instantly withdrew his ugly expression, looking at the tightly closed door with a serious face.

"come in."

"Greetings, elder brother."

"Greetings, Lord Kenneth." X2.

The study door opened, and Leni appeared in Kenneth's study with two figures, one tall and one short.

"Get up, is there something you need?"

Reines, who had been bowing and lifting her skirt, stood up, and the two little girls behind her also stood behind her in a similar manner.

“Brother, I would like to take them out to buy some things and also to familiarize them with the surroundings.”

"Oh, I see. Go ahead then. You don't need to report this little thing to me."

Having received Kenneth's approval, Reines immediately flashed a sweet smile and extended an invitation to Kenneth:

"Brother, would you like to come along? Actually, I'm not very familiar with London."

Knowing Reines's personality, Kenneth immediately realized that Reines was lying. Although he didn't know what Reines was planning, he was still fooled by her.

"Let's go together then, I'll go for a walk too."

Having achieved her goal, Rene, along with the two little girls, followed Kenneth to Oxford Street. Kenneth, who had no interest in shopping, found an open-air café and sat down. After trying to persuade her to leave without success, Rene led the two little girls into the shopping center.

After politely declining the advances of several women who were lusting after him, Kenneth, who had set up a barrier to dispel temptation, listlessly scanned the crowd on the street. Soon, a bright red figure caught Kenneth's eye.

A white shirt, jeans, and that signature red hair—Kenneth, whose DNA was pounding wildly, immediately recognized the figure in the distance as Aozaki Aoko, known as the human missile launcher.

"What a coincidence! Well, it's almost 93 years now. After the Demon Night storyline ended, Aozaki Aoko went on a world tour, so it's normal for her to appear here."

Noticing Kenneth's gaze, Aozaki Aoko, carrying a suitcase, casually sat down opposite Kenneth and started stuffing desserts into her mouth.

"Long time no see, Miss Blue."

Aozaki Aoko mumbled a few words indistinctly while stuffing her mouth with pastries, then buried herself in the blueberry cake again. Kenneth, who knew Aozaki Aoko's personality, didn't pay any attention and called the waiter to bring Aozaki Aoko a cup of coffee. Only then did Kenneth look at Aozaki Aoko, who was already wiping her mouth.

"You smell like that guy. I heard her seal was broken. Looks like you did it."

Kenneth's face was immediately filled with surprise. Was Aozaki Aoko born in the Year of the Dog? No, even a dog's nose wouldn't be this sensitive. He had only had a meal with Aozaki Aoko, and several months had passed, yet Aozaki Aoko could still sense it.

After a brief moment of surprise, Kenneth understood. The Fifth Law was related to time; perhaps Aozaki Touko had seen something. Picking up his coffee, Kenneth explained:

"As expected of Miss Aoko, you noticed that. Indeed, I went to Japan a while ago and ran into her by chance. I made some deals with her, one of the prices being that I would remove the seal on her."

"One of the costs?"

Seeing that Aozaki Aoko had taken an interest, Kenneth was overjoyed. As everyone knows, not only Aozaki Touko, but also Aozaki Aoko has a great need for money. Although she is a magician, Aozaki Aoko's reputation in the magic world can only be described as a nightmare. Her excessive humanity makes her incompatible with other magicians, but due to her super high combat power, other magicians have no choice but to cater to her, which has led to the current situation.

Furthermore, Aozaki Aoko's personality dictates that she will not stay in one place for long. She will not accept the Clock Tower's offer of service, nor will she accept the ambiguous offerings from other magic families. The Aozaki family is not a large family either. In short, Aozaki Aoko is short of money.

P.S.: The Aozaki family is indeed not a prominent family, and the process by which they obtained the Law was full of fantastical elements, which led the people of the Clock Tower to always look down on the Aozaki family. (Sour, envious, jealous.)

Aozaki Aoko's solution was simple: she kept borrowing money at exorbitant interest rates under Aozaki Touko's name. It has to be said that the two Aozaki sisters are practically cut from the same cloth. The older sister borrows money under the younger sister's name, and the younger sister borrows money under the older sister's name. They are truly birds of a feather.

“Indeed, I was very interested in that puppeteer’s abilities, so I hired her at a ‘high price’ (emphasis). I will not restrict her ‘freedom’ (emphasis). I only need her to provide me with some assistance when necessary.”

At that moment, Aozaki Aoko's mind was filled with the words 'high price' and 'freedom'. Realizing that the man in front of her was a sucker, Aozaki Aoko's mind immediately started working.

"Could you tell me how much that high price is?"

Noticing Kenneth's gaze, Aozaki Aoko quickly explained:

"I'm just curious, that girl has been using my name to swindle people, if she has money I can go and collect my debts from her too!!"

In response to Aozaki Aoko's explanation, Kenneth said that only she believed what she said; everyone in the magic world knows about the mess between you sisters.

Despite inwardly cursing, Kenneth maintained his composure with masterful skill, slowly extending a finger as he looked at Aozaki Aoko sitting opposite him.

"One million dollars!!"

"Hey, hey, hey, in your heart your sister is so cheap!! Where's your perspective? Open your eyes!!"

Seeing Kenneth shake his head, Aozaki Aoko swallowed hard and said tremblingly:

"Ten million dollars?"

Kenneth: Shakes his head.

"Masaka!! It can't be a hundred million dollars, can it?! A hundred million dollars a year? You're giving that guy way too much credit. With conditions like that, how could she be worth that much?!"

At this moment, the destitute Aozaki Aoko could no longer sit still. Seeing Aozaki Aoko's disbelief at reality, Kenneth couldn't bear to reveal the 110 million yen monthly salary.

Chapter Sixteen: Interaction with Aozaki Aoko

Holding her head, the ashen-faced Aozaki Aoko lay back in the chair. Looking at her perfectly rounded figure, Kenneth had to admit, no wonder she was the female lead who had been sidelined by Mushroom; her figure was amazing!

After a while, Aozaki Aoko picked up her coffee and gulped it down. She then subtly glanced at Kenneth sitting opposite her. Aozaki Aoko swore that she absolutely could not miss out on such a nouveau riche.

Noticing Aozaki Aoko's excitement, Kenneth took a sip of his coffee before continuing:

“Miss Aoko is too kind. That puppeteer’s abilities are worth doing this for. Building good relationships is the El-Melloi family’s principle.”

At this moment, if it weren't for her own status, Aozaki Aoko would have genuinely wanted to establish a good relationship with the El-Melloi family. As a male lecturer well-versed in human nature, Kenneth naturally sensed Aozaki Aoko's intentions and then began to manipulate her.

"I firmly believe that capable people deserve special treatment, and mutual respect is the prerequisite for good cooperation. Just like that puppeteer, her magic attribute is the same as mine, both of us have the attribute of wind. I am already bound, so how can I restrict her freedom? The free wind should not be confined in a cage."

"Yeah, that's right. The winds of freedom shouldn't be restricted. You really know your stuff, don't you? You're completely different from those old fogies. Just for that one sentence, I, Aozaki Aoko, am determined to be your friend!!"

"Then I shall accept your offer. It is an honor for the El-Melloi family to become friends with Miss Aoko."

......

After a barrage of pleasantries, Kenneth, who had read the script, could say that every word he said hit Aozaki Aoko's sweet spot. Noticing Aozaki Aoko's increasingly bright eyes, Kenneth seized the opportunity to cast his wide net.

"Aoko, do you know about that ritual that happened in Fuyuki?"

Indeed, in just one hour, Kenneth's address to Aozaki Aoko had evolved from "Miss Aozaki" and "Miss Aoko" to calling her by her first name. Aozaki Aoko, who had a very pleasant conversation with Kenneth and felt an instant connection with him, was quite pleased and replied directly:

"That ritual to reach the Root? To be honest, I've seen it too. That ritual has lost its effectiveness; the things inside were truly disgusting..."

As they were talking, Aozaki Aoko realized something and looked at Kenneth sitting opposite her with some surprise.

"Does this mean you're going to participate in the Holy Grail War?"

Under Aozaki Aoko's gaze, Kenneth slowly nodded, leaving even the usually carefree Aozaki Aoko somewhat puzzled.

"That thing has gone bad. Although it is true that the passage to the outside world can be opened by those Servants returning to Valhalla, the malice inside can corrupt everyone who enters the Holy Grail. With the Third Law that constitutes the Holy Grail, normal people cannot resist that bewitching power originating from the soul."

"You are the monarch of the Clock Tower. It's such a waste that you would lose your life for a ritual that was destined to fail!"

Faced with Aozaki Aoko's advice, Kenneth could only smile. How could Kenneth not understand the reasoning? But the restraint had already put a knife to his throat. If he went forward, he could still live, but if he went backward, he would be completely destroyed.

"There's no way around it, I have my reasons for going. You know, Aoko, I met Orange in Japan, but my purpose in going to Japan wasn't for her."

Realizing that Kenneth seemed about to say something extraordinary, Aozaki Aoko also looked at Kenneth with a serious expression.

Kenneth didn't answer directly, but instead looked up at the sky. Following Kenneth's gaze, Aozaki Aoko was first taken aback, then her eyes widened.