In the hall of the entire floor reserved by Kayneth.
After a moment of thought, Lancer decided to truthfully reveal Shinji's identity and his intention to use Shinji to find the Master behind the brutal murders, thereby proving his loyalty to his Master.
Upon learning Lancer's plan, Sola felt a bit disappointed. After all, she had accepted Kayneth's invitation to have a drink and watch the moon together, hoping to get him drunk and then spend time alone with Lancer. She didn't expect that Lancer wanted to stay with another man (Shinji) instead.
However, as a woman, Sola knew how to handle such situations.
Sola understood that the smartest way to deal with a man like Lancer was to wholeheartedly support whatever he wanted to do, pretend not to see other things, and give him what he needed while encouraging him.
She thought, "I refuse to believe that my unwavering support won't move Lancer."
"I see... I understand, I support you, Lancer."
Looking at Sola's face, which showed her understanding, Lancer felt a bit moved from the bottom of his heart. Although this woman had some inexplicable feelings for him, her understanding reminded him of Gráinne...
Cough, cough! What was he thinking? How could he mix up Sola with Gráinne? He couldn't make the same mistake twice!
At that moment, Sola rested her chin on her hand and said, "A policeman, huh? That might be a bit troublesome, but don't worry. I can help you with this identity issue, Lancer."
"This kind of thing..."
"I'll also keep it a secret from Kayneth, Lancer."
Lancer looked straight at Sola and shook his head. "No, I don't want you to do such things, Miss Sola. I won't deceive my Master. If he asks, please tell him the truth."
Looking at this overly straightforward and handsome man, Sola felt like rushing into his arms to express her feelings, but she also felt a bit helpless.
"Lancer, you really don't understand Kayneth. The reason he doesn't trust you is that you are too honest and straightforward!"
"Hmm?" Lancer frowned. "What do you mean, Miss Sola?"
Sola sighed, put one hand on her hip, and said seriously, "Listen, Lancer, everyone has their desires. But you are too open in front of Kayneth. As a normal person, Kayneth will naturally suspect you. It's not about him being suspicious; it's because he's normal. Your behavior appears abnormal to him, so he thinks you're hiding your true intentions."
"What?! No way!" Lancer was shocked and shook his head, unwilling to believe it. "No, it can't be! From the moment my Master summoned me, I have honestly told him my wishes. Why would he think I'm hiding something?"
"Lancer, to Kayneth, that is exactly hiding. The reason he dislikes and distrusts you is that you're not only a gentleman but also nearly perfect, both in appearance and in your high moral standards."
"How can this be..." Lancer was dumbfounded, shaking his head repeatedly.
"Listen, Lancer, I'm telling you the truth. If you showed some flaws in front of Kayneth, he wouldn't distance himself from you this much."
Realizing this, Lancer lowered his head and smiled bitterly, "I see. By strictly adhering to my knightly code, I ignored human nature and my Master's genuine concerns. I was truly ignorant..."
Seeing Lancer's reaction, Sola mentally praised the magazine that came with the newly changed bed linens.
She had idly flipped through it, but the article titled "Don't be naive! Acting this way in front of your boss will only make them suspicious and distant!" perfectly described Lancer and Kayneth's situation.
She had simply borrowed the magazine's advice, replacing the terms with Kayneth and Lancer, and it worked!
Lancer smiled gratefully and said, "Thank you, Miss Sola. I didn't realize you cared so much about my relationship with my Master. I've understood where I went wrong and will correct it. But how should I show flaws?"
Sola couldn't help but laugh inwardly. How to show flaws? Of course, by acting... a bit different!
Using her memory, Sola recited the magazine's final tips: "Uh... do more and talk less. Even if Kayneth makes mistakes, don't point them out directly. No matter how politely you say it, pointing out mistakes will deepen his distrust. Instead, quietly clean up his messes."
Lancer quickly understood, nodding thoughtfully. "Got it. Modern people are different from those in my time."
"As for showing a bit of ambition... I don't think you have that, Lancer."
Seeing Sola's troubled expression, Lancer agreed, realizing he indeed didn't have that trait.
"Then... just pretend. For example, show a more frivolous side toward women."
"Hmm? But I don't..."
"I said pretend. It doesn't matter if you really are that way."
"Alright, I'll give it a try..." Lancer took a deep breath, then winked and pointed at Sola. "Hey, kitty, you're looking charming tonight~"
Seeing Lancer's somewhat playful behavior, Sola's heart pounded, and she mentally cheered for another round. Lancer, as long as you want, I'm always your kitty! By the way, does Lancer like cats? I should get some cat-themed accessories...
"Mm-hmm..."
Suppressing her excitement, Sola pretended to be calm, nodding thoughtfully. "Though it needs work, it's good. You can be a bit more frivolous."
"This is hard for me," Lancer admitted. Then he thought of something. "Sorry, Miss Sola, I have to go. Mr. Miyafuji has been gone for a while."
"Alright, be safe, Lancer. And avoid letting ordinary people see anything related to the Holy Grail War."
"I understand. Goodbye."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lancer vanished into spirit form.
At this moment, Lancer didn't realize that although Sola's advice had some truth, truly acting that way would only deepen the rift between him and Kayneth.
Their divide wasn't so simple to mend. As long as Lancer existed, Kayneth's distrust and suspicion wouldn't vanish!
Of course, Sola wouldn't know who secretly placed that magazine in her room when the service staff brought the linens or what their true intention was...
...
Lancer found Shinji in an empty alley in the residential area of Miyama Town.
"Sir Lancer, why are you here?"
Seeing him, Shinji was surprised that he actually came looking for him. Without waiting for an answer, Shinji pretended to realize, "Oh, official business?"
"Yes, exactly." Knowing Shinji mistook him for a policeman, Lancer didn't deny it and asked, "Mr. Miyafuji, have you found anything?"
"No," Shinji shook his head. "I've searched around here but found nothing. Fuyuki is too big, and the culprit won't strike in the same place. We can't even be sure he'll strike again. A single person's efforts are limited..."
"Now there are two of us."
"Oh?" Shinji showed interest. "A police and detective team-up? Sounds fun."
"Haha, indeed."
"Let's focus on searching Miyama Town tonight. Sir Lancer, do you prefer Western-style houses or traditional ones?"
"Are we splitting up? But..."
Before Lancer could finish, Shinji handed him a wireless earpiece.
"The range is five kilometers. Contact each other if anything comes up."
With that, Shinji donned his own earpiece and set off.
Watching Shinji's hurried figure, Lancer couldn't help but admire, "A seeker of truth and justice... truly remarkable."
...
At five in the morning, Lancer and Shinji regrouped.
Having found no clues, they decided to return to the hotel together.
Meanwhile, Sola used her family's vast network to secure Lancer's police identity.
...
In the afternoon, freshly bathed Shinji was awakened by a knock on the door.
Seeing Lancer in a police uniform, Shinji mentally praised the woman who desired to be cuckolded. Her efficiency was impressive.
"Mr. Miyafuji, bad news. The culprit struck again last night."
"I know," Shinji pointed to the TV.
The TV showed parents crying on camera while the police comforted them.
Sitting on the bed, Shinji said, "It seems we missed them last night. They targeted Shinto while we searched Miyama Town. The police patrolling Shinto didn't find them either. They are very cautious.
And what I don't understand is why they suddenly need a bunch of children. Based on the previous murders, the culprit was more cautious, but recently the frequency has been ridiculously high..."
Shinji didn't intend to lead Lancer to Caster's workshop because he couldn't find it.
He had searched all along the Miyama River but found nothing!
This meant the workshop wasn't set along the Miyama River this time!