Since Kenneth returned to the Clock Tower, many people said he had changed.
He had lost some of his sharpness and gained a smoother demeanor. He was less impulsive and more composed. Overall, he had become more like a lord, more like a noble, more like someone in a position of power.
Members of the same faction as Barthom and Sophia-Ri felt pleased with the growth of their ally. Meanwhile, those from opposing factions like Trambelio and Valualeta were filled with worries.
However, if they were to witness the scene that unfolded next, the reactions of allies and enemies might have been reversed.
"What... did... you... say?" Kenneth pounded his desk with both hands, roaring.
"You... gave... the intact Child of Einnashe core to Lorelei?" he exclaimed.
The one who provoked such furious anger from Kenneth was none other than Shinji.
"Yeah," Shintarou nodded calmly, taking a step back. "Keep your voice down, will you?"
"Hmph, the study is protected by soundproof barriers. No one outside can hear us."
"I'm not worried about being heard from outside. It's your spit that's getting on me."
Kenneth was instantly infuriated, losing all semblance of composure. "If we hadn't signed the contract, I would've punched you."
"Are you sure you could win against me?" Shinji blinked innocently.
"No Noble Phantasms allowed," Kenneth added a restriction.
"Even without them, you wouldn't stand a chance." Shinji patted the smallest pouch at his waist. "Before I left Fuyuki to embark on my journey, Emiya Kiritsugu gave me a few special bullets. Want to give them a try?"
"You..." Kenneth's face turned red with anger. He knew exactly what Shinji was referring to, although he didn't understand the workings of those bullets. Kenneth was well aware that they posed the greatest threat to magus, as he had experienced their effects firsthand.
"Alright, calm down, calm down... Shinji-kun, you should also hold your tongue a bit," said Sola, who was brewing tea nearby. She walked over to Kenneth's side and gently patted his back, using her gentleness to dissolve his anger. This time, it was genuine tenderness, not a pretense.
Since returning together with Kenneth, she had moved directly into the Archibald household and hadn't returned home since. Through her actions, she was demonstrating to everyone her commitment to stand by Kenneth's side, even though she hadn't officially married into the Archibald family yet.
Sora's maternal family, the Sophia-Ri family, was pleased with this development. During Kenneth's disappearance, the Sophia-Ri not only didn't assist the El-Melloi faction but deliberately distanced themselves, causing a rift between the once close allies. After Kenneth's return, Sola's father, the head of the Sophilia family, had been trying to mend that rift, and Sola's actions were just what he had hoped for.
With Sola's intervention, the increasingly heated atmosphere in the room began to calm down, and the conversation shifted from the desk to the sofa.
"I mean, it's just a core. Is there a need to get so worked up about it?"
"It seems like you don't know," Kenneth shook his head helplessly. "It's not just any core, but an intact one. The last time an intact core appeared was two hundred years ago, and it caused a huge uproar at the time. Many families suffered heavy losses in their quest to obtain that core, and a few even collapsed completely."
"That's so exaggerated."
"Not at all. Look at the secretive attitude of the Barthomeloi family. They're afraid of the news leaking out and causing unnecessary trouble. If that wasn't the case, they would have launched a propaganda campaign long ago. Barthomeloi wouldn't miss any opportunity to strike down Dead Apostles."
"I see. No wonder there's been no news from Lorelei since she returned home. I thought something had happened to her." That's why Shinji had specially come to find Kenneth.
"With such a treasure in hand, there won't be any problems anymore. No matter what achievements the other competitors bring forth, they won't surpass this core."
The inheritance method of the Barthomeloi family was stricter and more brutal than any other magus lineage. They would select suitable candidates from all vassal lineages, then nurture them while making them compete against each other. The strongest among them would become the new head of the family.
This method, similar to choosing an heir to the throne, could only be sustained by the long and profound history of the Barthomeloi family. Other families should count themselves lucky if they have a suitable successor; none would be as ambitious as the Barthomeloi family.
"Wait, wait, after all that talk, I understand that this thing is precious, but what exactly makes it valuable?" Despite being cautious on the journey with Lorelei, even concealing Brigade's member War Machine, Shinji couldn't figure out why this core was so valuable.
"It's normal that you don't know because it's extremely rare. The most precious aspect of an intact core is that it's still alive. Magical power comes from life force, so such a core is equivalent to a high-quality leyline that can be used at will."
"Furthermore, it can allow humans to break the limitations of life and extend the lifespan of magus. With additional lifespan, they can continue their research and development, which is why it holds such great allure for magus."
"In addition, it can also be used to transform into Dead Apostles. You know, many magus choose to transform into Dead Apostles through magical rituals when their lives come to an end. However, the success rate of the ritual is not guaranteed, depending on the quality of the materials used and the composition of the spell. But an intact Child of Einnashe's core is a top-tier material with a hundred percent success rate."
After listening to Kenneth's lengthy explanation, Shinji awkwardly rubbed his nose. "I guess I was a bit too generous?"
"It's not just being generous, it's downright foolish," Kenneth ignored Sola's meaningful gaze and didn't spare any sympathy for Shinji. "You're being stupid, too stupid. If you give me the core, I'll even help you create all the Automaton Mercury."
"Like I said, if I can get one, I can get another," Shinji became spirited. "This time, because Lorelei accompanied me, there were some things that couldn't be used conveniently, otherwise I would have been able to handle it even faster."
"You can say that when you find another one. It might take decades to come across another. Unlike the Forest of Einnashe's mother body, the Child of Einnashe's cores generally don't live beyond a hundred years. Once the life force in the core is depleted, they die."
"Well, just wait and see. Who knows, maybe I can directly obtain that legendary Crimson Fruit."
Shinji was full of confidence. In his memories, the existence of the Child of Einnashe was known to him. Although he didn't know the specific location, he knew the triggering conditions. It wasn't just the child; he also knew that the mother's body, the Forest of Einnashe, would reappear before long.
"I hope I can see that day, but let me make it clear—I only want the core. If you obtain the Crimson Fruit, please don't come to me, and don't let me know anything about it."
Kenneth's response was decisive and without any hesitation.
PS: Shinji be like. Waifu > Loot
G: Yes Shinji knows how to raise routes
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