"An empty chest, always missing something…"
…
…
Uphold elegance.
This is the creed left by the Tohsaka ancestor, Nagato Tohsaka, a principle Tokiomi Tohsaka has always followed.
Pursue the Root.
This is the goal of a magus, the ideal of the heart, and the very purpose of the Tohsaka family's existence.
My name is Tokiomi Tohsaka, the current head of the Tohsaka family.
Since taking up this role, I've devoted myself entirely to the path of magecraft, a pursuit worthy of my all.
But I know I'm no gifted magus—mediocre, even. Many peers have long surpassed me, and comparing myself to my genius ancestors or father is laughable.
Why, then, did I inherit the Tohsaka magecraft?
Simple: I'm an only child, duty-bound to carry and pass down the family's magical legacy.
The Tohsaka line cannot end. Until our ancestor's wish is fulfilled, it must not fade.
When I was young, my father asked, "Tokiomi, are you sure you want to inherit the Tohsaka magecraft?"
Without hesitation, I answered, "Of course, Father. I'll shoulder the duty of carrying our legacy!"
Back then, I didn't understand his question. With no other heirs, who else could take it?
Later, I realized he was giving me a choice to forge my own path, not to be chained to a life of pain and exhaustion.
Understanding his intent fueled my resolve. I journeyed to the Clock Tower alone, facing countless trials with gritted teeth.
Along the way, I met diverse people and global geniuses, witnessing the gap between us, cementing my lack of innate talent.
Yet, through relentless effort, I earned notable achievements and some renown at the Clock Tower.
The heavens seemed moved by my toil, granting me two priceless treasures in my middle years: my daughters, Sakura and Rin.
Unlike their mediocre father, they are prodigies, rare miracles of magecraft.
If I could, I'd compare them to the legendary Grand puppeteer Aozaki Touko or the new Lord El-Melloi, believing they'll one day match their feats.
As a talentless man, I'll never reach the heights of geniuses or open the door to truth, let alone touch the Root for true wisdom and miracles.
But my daughters can. They'll carry me to the end of magecraft, unveiling its ultimate mysteries.
I, Tokiomi Tohsaka, firmly believe this.
Yet, as an old saying goes, fortune and misfortune are intertwined.
The heavens were kind, gifting me irreplaceable treasures; but they were cruel, denying me a complete family.
The Tohsaka's shallow legacy means I can't provide two Magic Crests to guide both daughters on the true path of magecraft.
Because of my inadequacy, only one can inherit the Crest, while the other, despite her unparalleled potential, must stop short. This pains me deeply.
Fortunately, the Tohsaka's connections and my Clock Tower efforts brought a solution.
The proposals from the Matou and Crowley families were a godsend. This way, not only Rin but also Sakura could walk a joyful, fulfilling path in magecraft.
Considering the Matou's decline and lack of resources, I chose the more powerful and well-equipped Crowley family to better pave Sakura's way.
Having settled my daughters' futures, Tokiomi felt immense joy.
With their paths secured, he was free of worry.
Tokiomi rubbed the three vivid Command Spells on his hand, gazing out the window.
"The Holy Grail War… my final chance. Whether someone like me can reach the Root depends on this."
He murmured, filled with感慨.
As he'd always known, he was no genius. Reaching this point was already heaven's favor; advancing further, let alone to the Root, was impossible.
If he could, he'd follow the paths of Touko, Kayneth, or Bartholomew, forging his own way to the Root.
But time was running out.
To fulfill his family's wish and his youthful dreams, Tokiomi had no choice. Even if it meant eternal entrapment, he was willing.
On this path to truth, dying midway was a form of happiness, knowing his daughters would one day reach the end for him.
"The Tohsaka heirs… will find true happiness."
He believed this unwaveringly.
"…"
Behind him, a young priest in black robes watched Tokiomi's murmurs, his gaze growing complex.
Such a blissful smile…
Even his mentor had found a goal that brought happiness. But what about himself?
When would he find the answer to his own happiness and purpose?
"Kirei… what are you thinking?"
Kirei Kotomine, lost in thought, snapped back at Tokiomi's call.
"Nothing, just distracted. Do you have any instructions, Master?"
He composed himself, responding respectfully.
"I see… Rest well lately; don't overwork. Conserve your strength for the coming war."
Tokiomi nodded, showing concern for his student before asking, "How's the matter I entrusted to Risei?"
"Master, rest assured. My father is ready and has agreed to aid you in winning this Holy Grail War."
"Good, excellent."
Tokiomi's smile widened at Kirei's reply.
"Then, Kirei, let's proceed with the original plan for the Grail War."
"The war will begin soon. We should prepare."
"Yes."
Kirei nodded expressionlessly, a flicker of complexity in his eyes.
Church doctrine forbade favoritism, deceit, or bias.
His father taught him these principles, but now… were his father and Tokiomi's actions truly just? As their accomplice, what was he?
The more he pondered, the deeper his confusion grew…
***
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