Shinji's words were not without purpose. Seeing Fiore's inquisitive gaze, he smiled and said:
"I don't know much about the era you lived in, but I can be certain that the social rules of the Age of Gods are different from those of the modern age. Though I hate to admit it, in the modern world, the most indispensable things for achieving anything are not willpower or determination, but money and power."
"Money and power?"
Atalanta was taken aback. Growing up in the forest and being self-sufficient for years, she had no real concept of these things.
"Yes, without these two, you'll find it nearly impossible to accomplish anything. Orphanages and foundations all need to be built on these foundations. If you want to help more children, your strength alone is not enough. This is where sufficient influence comes in. And to support these children, you need enough money. In this society, everything from food and clothing to shelter and transportation costs money. Without money, it's impossible to survive."
"That's simple—"
Achilles was about to speak while rubbing his fists but was interrupted by Shinji.
"Don't think about solving problems with violence. Although the average power level in the modern magus is indeed not as high as in the Age of Gods, high-end combat power is not inferior. Servants are strong, but they are far from invincible. The Mage's Association, the Holy Church, certain special families with inherited powers, the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, old monsters residing in hidden realms, and the national agencies of the world government can annihilate Servants. The difference lies in the cost and whether it's worth it. Most of these top organizations or individuals in the world of mysteries stick to one principle: not to interfere with the mundane world. Money and power are the core rules of the mundane world. Using force indiscriminately will inevitably attract their combined attacks. At that point, your lives are a small matter, but the children being left without support is a big deal—you wouldn't want the children, whose smiles you've just regained, to lose them again, would you?"
Atalanta asked, "So what should we do?"
"That's why we need Master's help."
At this point, Fiore finally understood Shinji's intention. While Servants are strong, they lack a social foundation. To achieve anything, they must rely on modern people, and Fiore is that reliance. Compared to those giants, the Yggdmillennia family might not seem like much, but they are the shadow rulers of Romania. Fiore, as the head of this family, controls countless resources, with money and manpower being the least of her concerns. After all, without these, the family could not sustain itself.
Orphanages and child foundations could be easily established if she wanted to. It wouldn't take long for her subordinates to set things up. Using this small cost to bind a top-tier Servant is undoubtedly a highly valuable deal.
"In simple terms, you just want Big Sis to continue relying on her Master. Why beat around the bush?"
Achilles pouted displeasedly, but Shinji just smiled and looked at Atalanta:
"Don't say that. I'm merely offering a feasible suggestion. You can take your time to think about it."
"No need to think about it. I agree. Assassin is right; my wish is not something I can achieve alone, and Master is indeed a good choice."
"Alright, since you say so, Big Sis, I'll help too. Two people are always stronger than one—you wouldn't mind, would you?"
"No, of course not," Fiore quickly shook her head.
It should be known that the Yggdmillennia family had already rebelled against the Clock Tower. If it weren't for the large number of Servants gathered in Millennia Castle, the Clock Tower would have already launched an assault. The Clock Tower is waiting, waiting for the Holy Grail War to end so they can destroy the Yggdmillennia family at a minimal cost.
Having Achilles and Atalanta stay changes the situation. With their strength, the Clock Tower cannot win unless they get serious, which would result in significant losses.
The world of mysteries is not dominated solely by the Clock Tower. If the cost of fighting is too high, the lords of the Clock Tower will consider negotiating. By then, the Yggdmillennia family will truly hold the initiative—they can return to the Clock Tower with high status or join other factions, making a strategic advance or retreat. With the support of Achilles and Atalanta, Fiore can firmly secure her position as the head of the family, even if other Servants remain. It's a win-win situation.
Not against the arrangement itself, but against Shinji's motives.
"What exactly do you gain from this? Don't tell me it's all for the Yggdmillennia family. You're not that type of person."
Though Gordes spoke with an unfriendly tone, his words were not wrong. Shinji was no saint; he would not do something purely for others without any self-interest.
"You're planning to leave, aren't you?"
Chiron had sensed something.
"Nothing escapes you, teacher."
Hearing Shinji's sigh, Fiore's face instantly turned pale.
"Leave? Assassin, what's going on? Explain yourselves."
Chiron continued his questioning: "Are you going to find the Saint of Winter?"
Shinji nodded.
"Yes, I won't leave her alone. She's the only family I have in this world."
"Then, we can go with you," Fiore said anxiously.
"We must reclaim our Greater Grail."
"I don't think there's any need for that. Even if there is, there's no need to rush."
"Uncle Gordes!!!"
Gordes's remark left Fiore in disbelief.
"No need to be so surprised. Think carefully. The Lesser Grail is the essential key to activating the Greater Grail. Now that the Lesser Grail has indeed disappeared, the Greater Grail is just a locked treasure chest. It can neither grant wishes nor lead to the Root. Given that, it's better to let the enemy hold it and draw the fire. If we want to reclaim it, we should wait. Let other forces make their moves first, and we'll quietly follow behind."
This logic was sound and reasonable.
A Greater Grail that cannot be activated has lost the value that Masters and Servants fought desperately for. Yet, as a creation of the Third Magic and the core of the Grail System, it would still attract covetous eyes from all sides—much like a hot potato, useless to oneself but highly sought after by others.
The best way to handle this hot potato is to let someone else hold it. This not only diverts attention and reduces pressure but also provides an opportunity to fish in troubled waters.
Even Caules, who usually supported his sister, said, "Uncle is right."
"But, but—"
"No buts. You are now the head of the Yggdmillennia family and should prioritize the family's interests. Don't worry about me, your disobedient Servant. I will handle the rest myself."
Shinji shook his head seriously at Fiore.