Chapter 31: Investigation
[You were called up to the rooftop by Baobhan Sith.]
[You're not sure whether she saw the chat between you and Morgan, but she's clearly aware that there's something unusual about the relationship between the two of you.]
[And the reason Baobhan Sith approached you wasn't because of the message — it was because she had already planned to do so from the start…]
On the rooftop, the cold high-altitude wind gently blew, flower petals dancing in the air.
The biting spring breeze swept through Baobhan Sith's beautiful red hair, like waves tinted with the color of sunset.
Her skirt fluttered, and her high heels clicked rhythmically.
She dragged Eikou — who looked utterly unwilling — up to the deserted school rooftop.
"Be honest, what did you say to my mother?"
Baobhan Sith asked with an interrogative tone.
"…That's a private matter, I can't reveal it."
Eikou stuffed his phone into his pocket, clearly having no intention of letting her see it.
Mainly because he was afraid that if Baobhan Sith saw the chat with her mother — and those selfies — her mind would completely explode.
"Mochizuki Eikou, what exactly are you scheming? Who texts a classmate's parent like that?"
That's twisted! Clearly, it was your mom who messaged me first — I'm the one being harassed here!
After thinking for a moment, he replied:
"I can show you, but I have to ask your mother first.『Your daughter wants to see our chat, would you be okay with that?』"
"No… no way!"
Baobhan Sith quickly shook her head in a slight panic.
Just as Eikou expected, Baobhan Sith cared deeply about her mother's feelings — she didn't want to do anything that might upset her.
As such, her attitude could no longer stay forceful.
"Then… you weren't talking about my performance in school, were you…?"
She asked cautiously.
A reasonable guess — just, unfortunately, wrong.
"I reserve the right to remain silent. If you have any questions, please contact my lawyer — Mr. Caesar."
Eikou folded his arms, with absolutely no intention of revealing anything, and even launched a counterattack:
"Let me ask you something — secretly reading someone's messages is a pretty awful habit, you know!"
"I didn't mean to snoop — how was I supposed to know I'd see you texting my mom the moment I glanced over? I only wanted to strike up a conversation!"
"You wanted to talk to me?" Eikou was taken aback. "Why?"
"It's still about my mother."
Baobhan Sith averted her eyes. Her fingers nervously played with a lock of red hair on her shoulder.
This proud Fairy princess now revealed a rare expression of hesitation and uncertainty.
"Lately, I've felt like my mother has been acting strange… On the surface, she still looks as cold as ever, but in reality, she's way more open. I often see her texting someone late at night, and she's even started researching photography techniques. And recently, she's been dropping hints, asking if I'd be willing to accept a 'new family member.' I think… she must've fallen for someone."
"I see…"
Eikou was now drenched in cold sweat.
"So then, the reason you came to me is…?"
"Can you help me investigate who my mother likes?" — Baobhan Sith asked.
"??"
He froze in place.
Unbelievable — she didn't suspect me at all!
Though, thinking about it, that made sense… No normal person would ever suspect their mother was dating a classmate, right?
"Eh? Umm… But…"
Eikou still wore a puzzled look.
"Why me?"
"Idiot, don't ask things that'll embarrass people."
Baobhan Sith turned her face away, her tone tinged with vague jealousy.
"It's simple. Because my mother really likes you. She barely even shows me a pleasant face, yet at last night's party, she happily played around with you. Then afterward, she wouldn't stop praising you. So this time, I'm willing to lower myself and work with you just this once… Or better yet, why don't you just tell me — what exactly does my mom like about you?"
"If I knew, I would've changed it long ago."
"What's with that attitude?! My mom likes you so much she ordered me to build a good relationship with you!"
"Ehm…"
This is getting harder and harder to judge.
"Anyway, do you agree to help me investigate who my mother likes?"
The after-school sunset gently brushed her cheek.
A cherry blossom petal suddenly drifted by, blocking Eikou's view.
[Baobhan Sith has just invited you to help investigate who Morgan likes. Do you accept?]
[This could be your chance to improve your relationship with Baobhan Sith.]
[Or… are you planning to tell her the truth?]
It's here! Finally, it's here!
Although things didn't unfold exactly the way Eikou had planned, the party last night had ultimately served its purpose.
But still...
Investigating yourself… is that even okay?
Sure, this was a good opportunity to deepen his relationship with Baobhan Sith, but sooner or later, the truth about his connection with Morgan would come out.
And when it did, everything would fall apart anyway.
But then again — why not look at this from a more positive angle?
Whether he says it or not, it's going to be exposed. So why not milk this situation for all it's worth?
First, accept her offer, take the chance to raise affection, learn all her skills and Noble Phantasm.
Then, when the secret is about to be exposed, he'll say to that girl:
"What a shame. The one your mother likes… is none other than me, Mochizuki Eikou! I've always wanted to see your face the moment you learn the truth — the expression of someone who's about to call me daddy!"
He'd tease her to hell and back!
Come to think of it, to get close to this girl, he'd gone all out working part-time just to scrape together 3000 QP — joined social parties, drank "flammable water" until he nearly blacked out, had his chastity nearly taken twice (once by Morgan, once by Carmilla), sacrificed so much — and all she ever did was act high and mighty, speaking with that detached, careless tone.
Baobhan Sith had been haughty and arrogant for far too long — it was finally time for Eikou to strike back!
Learn a Noble Phantasm and drag this troublesome girl around by the nose — no way he'd pass this up!
There's absolutely no downside for him.
This cannot be refused!
Eikou nodded in delight without hesitation.
"Eh? Why are you suddenly being so obedient?" Baobhan Sith looked surprised. "Are you plotting something again?"
"Not at all, my heart is pure and honest. As long as I can be of help to Lady Baobhan Sith, even if it costs me my life — it would be worth it!"
Eikou responded with a face full of sincerity.
"Umu, I must say… that was quite pleasant to hear. Seems you do have some taste after all."
"Hmhmm."
[You and Baobhan Sith have officially formed a cooperative partnership.]
[From Baobhan Sith, you have grasped some of her unique traits.]
[You have learned the skill: "Fairy Bloodsucking A."]
["Fairy Bloodsucking A": You can drain vitality from your opponent, causing them to weaken while you grow more energized.]
So he instantly learned a new skill.
Normally, skills learned from other Servants would be downgraded compared to the original, but Baobhan Sith's skill seemed to retain its full level.
Maybe it was because she was a main heroine in this simulation route — the reward mechanics were more generous?
That only made Eikou even more determined…
He was going to drain this girl dry to the last drop!