The underground space of the Matou family has been extensively renovated and expanded, currently divided into three floors and seven workshops.
The first workshop is the exclusive workshop of Justeaze and Scathach, and outsiders are not allowed to enter.
The second workshop is the teaching workshop, where Scathach instructs her apprentices, and where Kenneth previously taught Waver.
The third workshop is the training ground, where Shinji and others practice their magecraft and martial arts.
The fourth workshop is the alchemy workshop, used for the creation of various tools and artifacts.
The fifth workshop is the experimental workshop, used for conducting magical experiments.
The sixth workshop is the medical workshop, where Kenneth regularly receives treatment.
The seventh workshop is the standby workshop, only used when all the other workshops are occupied.
Shinji knocked on the door of the fifth workshop.
A slightly sharp voice came through the specialized magical communication line from within the workshop.
"Who is it? Didn't I say not to disturb me before noon?"
"It's me, Shinji. There is an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention."
"Give me three minutes, and remember to be prepared to resist any toxic gases when you come in."
It seems Kenneth is conducting some kind of dangerous experiment.
Exactly 180 seconds later, not a second more or less, Kenneth opened the door to the workshop, punctuality being one of his good habits.
The workshop was filled with a silver mist, but since the workshop was protected by a bounded field, the mist did not spill out.
"What is this?"
"I'm trying to modify the 'Volumen Hydrargyrum', what you see is the result of a failed attempt - half mist, half liquid, there seems to be a problem with the pressure adjustment. Anyway, let's think about it later. What did you come to see me for?"
Kenneth, standing in the center of the workshop, activated a pre-prepared ritual to gradually recover the scattered magical mercury.
"Last night I received a message from Waver, someone has guessed the connection between you and him."
As he said this, Shinji deliberately glanced at Kenneth but found his expression had hardly changed.
"You don't seem very surprised?"
"Yes." Kenneth nodded, "Although my participation in the Holy Grail War alongside Waver has been kept secret, the nobles of the Clock Tower should be able to uncover it with their abilities. Previously, due to Waver's low magical aptitude, not many would have suspected him. However, recently, to stabilize the wavering El-Milloi faction, you had me publish a few papers under my name..."
"Yes, with your consent."
"...Therein lies the problem. Even if the papers did not go through Waver's hands, the mere fact that I have asserted my presence will arouse the suspicions of those with ulterior motives. I have been out of contact with the El-Milloi faction for so long, so where did they get the information from? Of course, there are many possible channels, and the option of obtaining information through Waver ranks low, but as long as it exists, someone will investigate, and it's only a matter of time before it is discovered."
"I see, the factional struggles of the Clock Tower are indeed troublesome." Shinji sighed, secretly giving himself a thumbs-up for his two great decisions.
The first wise decision was to keep Kenneth as the leader. Although he is prideful and difficult to get along with, he is the head of a faction and is well-versed in the factions and rules of the Clock Tower. Without him, Shinji's actions would not have gone so smoothly, and he may have even been targeted by the Clock Tower's power players.
The second wise decision was to be content with their gains and not be greedy. Even if they could successfully absorb the Archibald family, they would just end up having to contend with the schemes of other powerful factions. An equal partnership where each side contributes and benefits is the most prudent choice.
After explaining the reasons, Kenneth finally showed a hint of confusion: "The only surprising thing is that someone should have suspected Waver sooner. Whose nose is so sharp, Bartholomew's or Sophia's?"
"Neither," Shinji smiled and shook his head. "It was the young princess of the Archibald's branch, Reines."
"Reines?" Kenneth's expression changed more than ever before.
"You know her?"
"Yes, I'm practically her magecraft tutor. She has excellent magical talents, especially in sensing prana. I haven't seen anyone better than her among her peers. She's also very intelligent. Although she came from a branch family, she may not have a high chance of leading the El-Melloi Faction, but she could certainly manage a classroom. I was originally planning to have her take over the El-Melloi classroom that I'm letting Waver inherit. But judging from her performance this time, perhaps a mere classroom is beneath her - should we cultivate her to be a lord's aide, or even raise her position in the line of succession? Though that would depend on her compatibility with the Archibalds' lineage crest."
Kenneth's detailed analysis, grasp of talent, and planning fully demonstrate that he is a qualified head of a faction. Perhaps his performance in the Fourth Holy Grail War was very poor, but that does not represent his entirety. For a scholarly faction head who has been pampered in a high position, the Holy Grail War was simply incompatible with his nature. Becoming one of the twelve Lords of the Clock Tower and leading the El-Melloi faction to prosperity, Kenneth is a qualified faction head and family head - excluding the part about personal risk-taking.
Having been struck by the Holy Grail War, the reflective Kenneth has now recognized his character flaws and weaknesses. The Clock Tower is about to welcome an even stronger and more impregnable lord. Shinji has full confidence in this new Kenneth.
"What should we do next?"
"Since we've been discovered, there's no need to hide anymore. Prepare to make a move, we'll return to London in seven days."
"Your treatment..."
"The regeneration of my magic circuits is complete, the adaptation period will be the same no matter where I am."
"Since you put it that way, I'll contact Waver right away to put his mind at ease."
Saying that Shinji took out his phone and dialed the overseas call to London. There is a nine-hour time difference between London and Japan, so this is precisely the time when Waver should be asleep - a small act of revenge for last night's disturbance.
As soon as the phone was answered, a girl's voice came from the other end.
"Is this Lord Kenneth? I'm Reines from the Archisorte family, you taught me magecraft before."
"Don't grab the phone, I already told you that's not Lord Kenneth." This was Waver's voice.
"Hello, hello, is anyone there?"
"I already told you—"
Shinji and Kenneth exchanged glances, a series of expressions, and eye contact, and then Kenneth spoke.
"Webber, no need to stop Reines."
"Professor/Lord Kenneth?"
"It's me. Waver, Reines, I won't ask why you two are together at this time, but I have something to entrust to you."
"What is it?"
"Please give us your orders."
"Spread the word that the missing-for-three-years Kenneth Archibald is about to return."
Whether by coincidence or intentionally, as the word "return" left his mouth, the silvery mist fully converged, gathering behind Kenneth, adding a special aura to this lord.
=====
Support Me At Patreon.com/AbsoluteCode