Today was November 2nd. If Roy only glanced at the month and day, he might've thought he'd been gone for less than half a year. But the year, 1993, told a different story.
A year and a half had passed since he'd parted with Arcueid and Shiki.
His promise to return soon had stretched into eighteen months for them.
In a Fuyuki City café, Roy's mood was sour.
His fingers clutched a crumpled note, lost in thought.
"…"
No need to worry. I'll handle it. Rest well.
These words didn't sound like Zelretch, that old rogue.
Knowing the man's character, Zelretch would've hounded him to keep moving, piling on tasks until Roy's three favors were spent. Rest? Unlikely.
Roy's suspicions stirred.
Had Zelretch been kidnapped? Was someone else communicating through the note?
"…"
He entertained the wild possibility.
But he quickly dismissed it.
Who was Zelretch?
One of Nasuverse's ceiling-tier powerhouses, the man who'd toppled the Moon's UO, Crimson Moon. Only a handful of beings, Outer Gods, Holy Spirits, or ORT, could challenge him, and Zelretch wasn't foolish enough to provoke them.
The Five Magics were unique, their strengths incomparable. Aoko's defeat by Roy didn't deem the Fifth Magic inferior, nor did Zelretch's prowess make the Second Magic supreme.
One thing was certain: Zelretch's Parallel World Interference was unmatched in utility and escape.
If outmatched, he'd tear open a rift to another world and vanish. No one could catch him. Worrying about Zelretch was less pressing than worrying about himself.
But… what had gotten into the old man? Offering to check on Chaldea, planning to confront the Alien God like he did Crimson Moon? That wasn't his style.
Zelretch would typically delegate such tasks to Roy, spectating from a rift.
Had he found something intriguing he didn't want Roy involved in?
Roy rubbed his chin, pondering, but found no clear answer.
Fine. With Zelretch's strength, the Alien God, a nascent UO from Chaldeas, stood no chance. If trouble arose, the Second Magic ensured escape and Chaldea's safety. Zelretch could fetch Roy later to settle the score, maybe with Aoko. Three True Magician ganging up on the Alien God sounded amusing.
Seeing Zelretch's unusual enthusiasm, Roy entrusted Chaldea to him. He needed a break.
It's yours. Contact me if you need help.
With that, Chaldea's timeline was settled.
Now, his own issues remained.
"How do I explain to Shiki and Arcueid that I've been gone for over a year?!"
In the biting winter wind, Roy sat outside the café, the glowing date sign above glaringly painful.
His autumn attire in the freezing season drew eyes, but he had no mind for others' stares.
"Instead of fretting over Zelretch, I should worry about Shiki slicing me with her Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. What do I do…?"
A True magician who'd saved the world, triumphed in mythic battles, and vanquished Beasts, now nursed a headache. Too apprehensive to return to Misaki Town, he lingered in Fuyuki's streets, the chill wind his only company, warmed faintly by his hot coffee.
Steam rose, frosting the nearby window. A rustling sound interrupted his thoughts as the chair opposite was pulled out. Roy's gaze shifted to two white-haired girls in thick winter coats, grinning at him.
"Long time no see, Roy-nii~"
A girl with snow-pure twin-tails plopped down, greeting him cheerfully.
Her hand tugged another petite white-haired girl.
Roy's eyes flickered, recognizing them.
"Caren, Illya~"
"Great! Roy-nii remembers me! Caren's thrilled~" Caren beamed, her delicate face radiant in her red winter coat.
With no duties at Fuyuki's church today, she'd taken Illya shopping. Encountering Roy, the mysterious youth she'd met once, sparked joy. Since their meeting at the church, she'd been curious about him.
Her interest stemmed from her father, Kirei Kotomine.
After the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki, the once-hollow Kirei had begun to live again. Though still reserved, he was more human, striving to become so.
The old Kirei lacked such patience with her.
Caren found his parenting, piling homework, Bible recitations, holy water blessings, prayers, and Black Key training, overbearing. Daily father-daughter time was spent in training, and his stern face made her arms ache. Yet, she didn't mind.
It was the first time she'd felt her father's love.
This change was due to the enigmatic youth before her. Kirei often mentioned Roy, reflecting on his words to find meaning.
Over a year ago, deeming Caren capable, Kirei passed the church's management to her and embarked on a spontaneous journey, wandering the world.
"Kirei Kotomine, huh? He's finally let go? Good for him. Traveling's nice, a solid future." Roy said, smiling after Caren's complaints.
Kirei had escaped his old fate, neither falling nor indulging in pleasure, but seeking his path.
Roy believed Kirei would soon uncover his true desire.
He was genuinely happy for him.
"Nice? Roy-nii, you should try my father's training for two years!" Caren huffed, irked by her irresponsible father.
Beside her, the younger, shyer Illya struggled to match Caren's ease around Roy.
As an Einzbern homunculus, a Lesser Grail crafted with soul manipulation tied to the Third Magic, Illya instinctively feared Roy, a Magician of the Third Magic and the Einzbern's de facto lord. His presence evoked a dread of being reclaimed by the Third Magic.
This imminent danger brought discomfort and pain. Her face paled, her body trembling.
"Hey, what's wrong, Illya?" Caren asked, alarmed by her friend's state.
She'd never seen Illya like this. Despite her small frame, Illya's strength rivaled Caren's, honed by church training. Illya never fell ill, what was happening?
Caren looked to Roy for help.
"My oversight…" Roy said, nodding.
He flicked a white orb of light into Illya's soul, easing her distress.
"What's…?" Illya gasped as the light soothed her, the pain receding like a tide, her color returning.
Caren stared at Roy, amazed. "How'd you do that?"
"A small trick. It was my fault anyway." Roy said, shaking his head with a smile. He stood, approached Illya, and gently patted her head, comforting her softly. "Sorry about that, Illya-chan."
"Don't worry, I'm not a bad guy. If I had to describe it, I'm your dad Kiritsugu's boss or comrade."
"Kiritsugu's comrade?" Illya asked, not fully grasping but relieved by the orb's effect.
"Yeah, I fought in a war with Caren's dad, Father Kotomine, and your dad, Kiritsugu. We forged a friendship." Roy said.
Buddy, I've still got Avalon.
"That's how I know you."
"Oh, did Kiritsugu mention me?" Illya asked, her guard lowering.
"Yep, Kiritsugu's proud to have a daughter like you~"
"Really? Illya loves Kiritsugu too!!" She beamed.
After chatting, noting Illya's lingering unease with his aura, Roy didn't linger. He pulled a prismatic Saint Quartz from his pocket and offered it to her. "This is for you, Illya-chan. An early New Year's gift."
"Such a pretty gem…" Illya's childlike wonder fixed on the rainbow-hued stone. She hesitated, looking up with amber eyes. "Roy-nii, is it really for me?"
"Take it." Roy urged.
"You called me Roy-nii, can't skip the welcome gift."
"Thank you, Roy-nii~!!" Illya clutched the Saint Quartz, her face glowing like a winter sprite.
Seeing her joy warmed Roy's heart.
"What about me? Roy-nii, where's my gift? You didn't give me one last time~ Don't tell me you're playing favorites 'cause Illya's cuter!" Caren teased.
Unlike Illya, ignorant of magecraft, Caren sensed the stone's magical potency, stunned Roy would gift such a treasure to a near-stranger.
Though puzzled, she seized the chance to leverage her childish charm for a gift.
"Of course, you too. Thanks for the Black Keys last time, Caren-chan." Roy said, smiling, producing another Saint Quartz for her.
"Thanks, Roy-nii~!" Caren grinned, accepting her gift.
The scene reminded Roy of Taiga, ecstatic over a New Year's red packet long ago.
His eyes softened with nostalgia.
It wasn't New Year yet, though.
"Such good kids. Just stay happy…" He mused.
Instead of facing a scolding in Misaki City, he'd visit old friends in Fuyuki.
Rarely back, he wanted to see how his actions had shaped this world.
Had his traces and changes brought happiness to others?
"No need to thank me. I've got things to do, so I'll head out. Caren, as the Onee-san, take good care of Illya." Roy said.
"Got it~ Illya's my best friend. I'll look after her!" Caren replied, hugging Illya's neck.
"Come play with us next time, Roy-nii~!" Illya waved cheerfully as Roy stood to leave.
"Next time, for sure." Roy said, raising his coffee cup with a smile.
Perfect. Everything had changed.
Because of him, Fuyuki avoided its great fire. Kirei didn't slay his mentor, Kayneth survived, Kiritsugu didn't die early, and Tokiomi Tohsaka and Kariya Matou lived.
This gave Caren, Illya, Sakura, and others vastly different futures.
A beautiful ending, far better than the original's tragic beauty. Roy preferred this outcome.
Crushing painful tragedies to craft happy stories was his power's true purpose.
Unrestrained strength or indulgence was hollow. Only this outcome brought true fulfillment.
Even if no one knew or thanked him.
Self-satisfaction was enough.
He was just a small, vibrant human, after all.
Only he could judge his efforts' worth.
Next, he'd visit old friends in the city, then face Shiki and Arcueid.
Everyone deserved happiness, including him.
Turning back, Roy called to Caren and Illya, watching him. "Hey, Illya, Caren, live happily. Don't let joy slip through your fingers!"
Illya raised her arm, smiling. "Got it, Roy-nii! You're a hero like Kiritsugu, right? Illya and Caren are too~"
A hero, huh?
"Haha, maybe! Looking forward to fighting side by side, girls." Roy's voice echoed via magecraft, his figure fading into the falling snow.
A tiny seed of happiness took root, sprouting far into the distance.
…
…
Parting with Illya and Caren, met by chance on Fuyuki's streets, eased Roy's lingering anxieties.
Knowing Shiki's personality, his year-and-a-half absence made a flippant "Hey, can we make up?" impossible. It wouldn't erase the issue.
Arcueid was easier, sweep Misaki's buffets, and the cheerful blonde would forgive him. She was humanity's best companion.
Seeing the world he'd changed, shifting toward happiness, brought relief and contentment.
His efforts weren't wasted. This cruel world had gained warmth and joy.
If so many could find happiness, why not him?
After meeting the Count, his long-held burdens lifted. He wouldn't hesitate anymore.
If he didn't act, his own happiness might slip away, leaving him in tears.
So, next…
Visit old friends, buy gifts for Shiki and Arcueid, and beg forgiveness.
If it meant a beating, so be it.
Once this was over, he'd be free. Good days lay ahead.
Oh, and Marisbury's issue, shutting down Chaldea's plan with Kayneth and El-Melloi should suffice.
Kicking out a group member and splitting his assets? Those two would jump at the chance.
With that in mind, Roy trudged through thick snow to Fuyuki's outskirts.
Knock, knock, knock…
Near Fuyuki's suburbs, at a modest courtyard marked "Fujimura Residence." The wooden gate was tapped gently.
"Coming, coming!"
A familiar, spirited girl's voice rang out, the door swinging open.
Face to face, they met.
"You're…"
The orange-haired girl, Taiga Fujimura, stared at the black-clad youth outside.
"Long time no see, Taiga. I'm back to visit~"
"Roy! It's really you! I missed you!!" Taiga's hesitation vanished, and she leapt into Roy's arms, shouting joyfully.
"Cough… What's this? Taiga, who's here? How many times have I told you, no yelling outside, or you'll copy the, " An elderly voice, accompanied by the crunch of clogs on snow, approached.
The scolding tone turned to delight upon seeing Roy.
"Young lad! When did you return?!"
"Just now." Roy replied, smiling at the long-unseen elder.
"Good, good, good… You're back, not thinner, no worse for wear. Excellent." The Fujimura patriarch said, overjoyed, as if time had rewound.
Calm and warm.
In this snowy winter season.
___
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