Fate: How About a New Savior?

In the end, Iselma's grandly publicized Magecraft exhibition turned into a full-blown scandal.

With both fraud and murder on display during the event, the Clock Tower froze all of Iselma's territory.

But what really set the Clock Tower buzzing wasn't the blow dealt to the Democratic Faction's Valualeta. It was the sudden fall of the upstart Galliasta family's newly appointed head.

The one responsible? Tenkei Shiomi.

Only a handful had witnessed the battle firsthand, so as the story spread, it grew increasingly exaggerated—eventually becoming one of the Clock Tower's enduring legends.

"Looks like that 'Noble Slayer' nickname is going to stick, no matter what," Touko remarked.

"If those Magi had a shred of sense, they wouldn't believe nonsense like that," Shiomi replied.

The two of them sat at an open-air café in front of Oxenholme Station, sharing a final coffee before parting ways. When Touko teased him about the rumors, Shiomi could only sigh in exasperation.

"Still, you never exposed me," Touko said. "I guess I owe you for not damaging my reputation."

She glanced at the smoking sign on the table, reached into her pocket for a cigarette—and found the case empty.

"Ah..."

Without a word, Shiomi pulled a golden, unopened cigarette pack from his bag and placed it in front of her.

"Take it," he said.

Touko looked at the box. "You actually kept this? I remember I was short on money and said I'd pay you back with cigarettes…"

She'd just been bluffing—she really didn't have the cash at the time.

"I don't smoke," Shiomi said, leaning back with a shrug. "Just used some moisture-proofing Magecraft. It'll last ten, maybe twenty years, no problem. I tend to hold onto things. Even though I've adapted pretty well at the Clock Tower, there aren't many people I can actually trust."

Touko tore open the wrapper with practiced ease, lit a cigarette, and took a slow draw.

"Mm... makes me miss Tokyo."

"Then why did you leave?" Shiomi raised a brow. "You seemed comfortable enough. I thought you cared about how things would turn out for those two."

"Because no matter what, they'll end up together," Touko said with a faint smile. She didn't explain further.

Shiomi didn't need her to.

Touko Aozaki's attribute was wind. And like the wind, she never stayed in one place for long. He knew that well.

"In the end, we still didn't find the holy relic," Shiomi murmured, looking out past the café's fence.

Beyond the stone-paved road, elegant carriages drawn by immaculate horses rolled off slowly into the distance.

"A Magus family like Galliasta would normally have to join the Democratic Faction to rise within the Clock Tower," Touko said. "But the professor let you go after them. She had to know that if Atrum Galliasta ran into you, he was finished."

"Call it a form of selection," Shiomi replied. "I hate to admit it, but I've made quite a name for myself at the Clock Tower."

There hadn't been any fighting yet—but that was only because Shiomi still played by the Clock Tower's rules.

If they met on a battlefield outside its jurisdiction, he would become the most dangerous enemy imaginable.

The fall of the previous El-Melloi had already proven that—and Shiomi wasn't worried about repeating history.

From the moment that incident began, Atrum had already disqualified himself as a Magus.

Besides, the Galliasta family's methods were far too savage. Letting someone like that operate freely in the Clock Tower would've spelled trouble sooner or later.

Inorai's silent approval for Shiomi to face him was likely a calculated move—a chance to eliminate a dangerous element under the guise of legitimacy.

And since it was Galliasta who made the first move, the moment he started the conflict, he'd already staked his life as a Magus on the outcome.

"No wonder people say you're Lady Inorai's hidden blade," Touko said with a teasing smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. "When it comes to killing Magi, you might be more efficient than the so-called 'Magus Killer.'"

"Maybe," Shiomi replied with a faint smile. "But that guy's been retired for a while now—probably spending his days playing house with his wife and kids. He may not have left the world of Magecraft entirely, but I'm sure it's more peaceful than being a Magus."

"What about you? Planning to keep stirring up trouble in the Clock Tower's faction wars?" Touko asked.

"I wouldn't call it stirring trouble. It just makes things easier for me," Shiomi mused. "It's not that I need Valualeta—it's that Valualeta needs me. Let's not confuse the order."

"Considering even the professor's sand painting didn't work on you, I suppose you're right—the order does matter." Touko nodded, accepting his words without question.

She stubbed out her cigarette and handed the case back to Shiomi.

"Take it. I don't smoke."

"Just hang onto it for me. That way, the next time I see you, I can bum one off you," Shiomi said as Touko picked up her suitcase.

Just then, Shiomi noticed Caren and the others waiting across the street in a carriage.

"Alright then." He resealed the case and slipped it back into his bag.

After settling the bill, they both walked to the roadside.

"Where to next?" he asked.

"No idea. But I'll probably stay in the UK for a while," Touko replied vaguely. She often traveled wherever whim carried her.

"I see. Then take care of yourself." Shiomi embraced her naturally.

Touko, as if used to it, returned the hug just as casually. "You too."

"As for the Primordial Runes, I'll leave them to you. You've got the foundation already. With your talent, mastering the rest shouldn't be a problem." Shiomi spoke quietly. "Let's make it a wager. Let's see who discovers it first—the true purpose of the Primordial Rune known only to Odin."

"Getting expectations from someone like you... that's real pressure," Touko murmured, not pulling away as their cheeks brushed.

After the brief hug, Shiomi crossed the street toward the carriage.

Touko strolled off at an unhurried pace, soon disappearing among the crowd. Her dull red hair faded into the sea of people, vanishing like the wind into the sky.

"Is Father... maybe a bit too close to that Grand Puppeteer?" Caren said softly to Shiomi once he stepped into the carriage. "Don't tell me you two used to be involved?"

Shiomi paused, then gave a troubled smile as memories surfaced.

"Maybe. Honestly, even I'm not sure if we were dating back then. And don't bother tattling—she already knows."

"Tch..."

Caren clicked her tongue in disappointment.

...

(90 Chapters Ahead)

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