Chapter 331: The Jewel-Man
In the dim hallway of the Matou residence, Tokiomi Tohsaka, a grown man, was being dragged by the frail-looking "Sakura (Evil)."
As for why he didn't resist, "Sakura (Evil)" had already taken care of it. All his tools for casting magic were gone, and chains of Imaginary energy bound him.
"Oh?"
"Well, look who it is. Tokiomi Tohsaka, fallen so low."
"This is what I wanted to see. I've always wanted to see you in this pathetic state."
A white-haired Kariya Matou stood leaning against the wall. An intense weakness wracked his body, but his face wore a smile of satisfied vengeance.
"You are... Kariya... Matou?"
Tokiomi Tohsaka was stunned. What was going on? Why did Kariya look like this?
In his senses, Kariya's flame of life was extremely faint, as if it could be extinguished at any moment.
The white hair... must be from excessive consumption of his life force.
"Don't recognize me?" Kariya forced a grin, a "joyful" smile.
To be able to see Tokiomi this miserable... even if he died right now, he would die laughing.
"Sakura-kun, you want to make this guy experience what you went through, don't you?" Kariya asked in a gentle voice.
Even though this Sakura radiated a thick malice, he felt no fear.
"Mhm."
"Sakura (Evil)" nodded. In this past year, Kariya Matou was the only person who had shown her any consideration.
The sense of dread in Tokiomi Tohsaka's heart grew stronger. What were they talking about? What on earth had happened this past year?
"Let me do it, Sakura-kun," Kariya Matou volunteered.
"Why?" "Sakura (Evil)" asked, not understanding.
"Is it... because of my former mother?"
Hearing this, Kariya's pale face flushed red. He shook his head and said, "It's not because of Aoi. I just... don't want to see you lay hands on your own father. It's not right."
Even though this was Tokiomi's stupidity, Sakura-kun shouldn't have to bear the name of an unfilial daughter.
Of course... he had a little selfish motive in this. Just a "little" one.
"Fine. Uncle Kariya, he's all yours." "Sakura (Evil)" nodded.
If that was the case, she would give this chance to Kariya. The result would be the same anyway.
"What are you doing?!" Tokiomi Tohsaka struggled.
"Nothing. Just letting you experience what your daughter did."
Kariya Matou's supposedly weak body erupted with unprecedented strength. He dragged Tokiomi's body into the darkness.
"Ah... Sayonara... to my past weakness," "Sakura (Evil)" sighed.
...
"Sakura-kun, even though you lost your father... wait, no, wrong line..."
Kenji almost blurted out Bishop Otto's classic quote but managed to stop in time.
Saying something like that to a little kid... was a bit too cruel.
Otto's words were just too memorable. In scenes like this, he couldn't help but want to say it.
Sakura: "..."
(I get the feeling you were about to say something very rude... but I have no proof. What, you want to be my dad now?)
"Have you seen enough?"
Kenji grasped the air. With a crack, space shattered like a mirror. A white-haired old man fell to the ground, and Kenji planted his foot on him.
"Old-timer, what are you doing here?"
He was the only one who got to observe others in secret. This guy trying to "reverse the order" and observe him? He didn't know his place.
"Young man! No martial virtue! Bullying an unarmed old man!" the white-haired old man complained.
"Unarmed?"
"You?"
Kenji took one look and knew who this "old-timer" was.
Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. Also known as the Jewel-Man. One of the five Magicians, an "old-timer" who had lived for many, many years.
He held countless titles and was a legendary figure in this world.
If you're "unarmed," then what are normal people? A swarm of ants?
"Old-timer, state your purpose. Otherwise, I'll send you to see that Old Bug."
"Um... if I said I was just passing by... would you believe me?" Zelretch said awkwardly.
He had no grand purpose. He just sensed this parallel world was "fun" and used the Second Magic to "peep." He purely wanted to watch the show.
Wait... Zelretch looked up at the sky, his mouth twitching uncontrollably.
I'm watching the show... and you're watching me, you white-haired scammer (Merlin)?! Is there no justice?!
(Merlin: Ehe~)
"Can you let me up? The floor is damp. I'm old, and my bones aren't as tough as they used to be. I'll get rheumatism."
Hearing this, everyone was speechless. Bones not tough? Have you looked in a mirror? You're built like a tank.
"Get up."
Kenji lifted his foot. This "old-timer" was probably just here for fun. He was just a freewheeling, whimsical guy.
"If I recall, you're the publicly recognized Marshal of Magic. Take Sakura-kun here, get her set up at the Clock Tower, and find her a suitable guardian. I'll leave that to you, old-timer."
As for learning from Zelretch... forget it. He seemed a bit... unreliable.
Returning to the Tohsaka family was not an option Sakura-kun would choose. Her heart had been broken.
If she had just been "given away," that would be one thing. But she had also endured a nightmare. She probably felt nothing but resentment for the Tohsaka family.
With Zelretch involved, Sakura-kun could find a good guardian. Who wouldn't give face to the Marshal of Magic?
Zelretch tugged his white beard. Calling me 'old-timer' one after another, and then giving me orders... Young people these days are so arrogant.
(Kenji: If you're not arrogant, you're not young!)
"Sakura Matou... I've seen countless endings, but this world's is the strangest. 'Grandpa Alien' (Kenji) is truly OP," Zelretch said, sizing up Sakura-kun.
"A small matter. I'll arrange it."
Even though Sakura-kun's talent was "Imaginary Numbers," he had no desire to raise a child. Finding a suitable guardian was a piece of cake.
"I'm taking her. Bye-bye."
Zelretch vanished, taking Sakura-kun with him.
Gotta go, gotta go... Being stepped on... Where's my dignity?!
"Is he a Magician♪?" Elysia asked, intrigued.
"A Magical Girl... wait, no... a Magical Boy... no... a 'Magical Old-timer'," Kenji thought for a moment and gave Zelretch a new title.
"Don't put that title next to 'Magical Girl,' okay!?" Elysia's mouth twitched.
An old man... yup, 'Magical Old-timer'.
"Just an example."
Zelretch was just an unexpected interlude. He was a free spirit. As long as the Earth wasn't exploding, he would just "observe" and not intervene.
"In the end... it's all Tokiomi's fault," Kenji suddenly sighed.
You'll never escape the title of 'Scapegoat King.' Just carry it.
The 'Fate-verse' has so many scapegoats... It's half Tokiomi, half 'gas leaks'.
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