The September sun in London was mild, not too harsh. Li Xiang was in the Sla Street district of the Modern Magecraft Department. After leaving the dormitory, the first person that came to his mind was Lecturer Wenze from the Celestial Body Department.
Given what Krische had said, Li Xiang decided against seeking help from Weber. Despite the saying "debts don't weigh heavy on the debtor," Weber's debts were simply too overwhelming.
With Weber ruled out, he also dismissed the idea of asking the three teachers he'd met in the General Fundamentals Department. He hadn't even spoken to them, let alone built any relationship that could lead to one of them becoming his guarantor.
That left two possible options: Kariya Shigure and Wenze.
Without hesitation, Li Xiang chose Wenze. If it hadn't been for Kariya Shigure, he wouldn't have missed the entrance ceremony. Besides, Wenze had shown a much friendlier attitude toward him.
"...Well, I'm heading off now," Li Xiang heard someone say softly, snapping him out of his thoughts. The voice was somewhat distant but strangely familiar.
"Kariya Shigure?" Li Xiang saw two figures parting ways at the intersection ahead. One of them was Kariya Shigure in her kimono, while the other was dressed in a tailcoat. Though he couldn't see the other person's face clearly, the aura of nobility and pressure was undeniable—a display of upper-class aristocratic demeanor.
Li Xiang's mouth twitched. *What rotten luck,* he thought.
He turned around without hesitation, trying to slip away unnoticed.
But soon, his face stiffened as he came to a halt.
"Little brother, don't you know to greet your sister when you see her?" Kariya Shigure suddenly appeared before him, her face adorned with a gentle smile, her tone soft and inviting.
"It's not that, I just saw you were busy..." Li Xiang stammered.
"Is that so?" Kariya Shigure stepped closer, her eyes behind her glasses glinting slightly.
For some reason, Li Xiang was reminded of a snake's gaze, and he instinctively took a half-step back.
"You're hurting my feelings, you know," Kariya Shigure said with a sigh, noticing his reaction.
"..."
Li Xiang felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, unsure of how to respond.
"Forget it, I won't make things difficult for you. You seem to have something on your mind, don't you?" Kariya Shigure resumed her smile.
"Is it that obvious?" Li Xiang asked, trying to keep his tone light.
"I saw you from a distance, walking with your head down, looking troubled."
*Your eyesight is that good?* Li Xiang thought, feeling awkward about his failed attempt to slip away.
He gave an embarrassed smile and, deciding there was no point in hiding it, said, "I want to borrow money from the school and need a guarantor. I was just on my way to the Celestial Body Department."
Kariya Shigure blinked, then said, "You can just ask me."
"What?" Li Xiang was taken aback.
"Why, don't you think your sister can be your guarantor?"
"Of course! Absolutely!" Li Xiang nodded emphatically.
"But there's a condition," Kariya Shigure continued, her tone taking a more serious turn. "As a magus, we always talk about equivalent exchange. If I take on the risk for you, you'll need to repay me in some way, don't you think?"
*I knew this woman wouldn't be so generous,* Li Xiang thought, eyeing her warily. "What's the condition?"
"Don't be so tense, it's a good thing. You need money, right? I can offer you a way to earn it. Have you heard of the First Principle Executive Bureau?"
"The First Principle Executive Bureau?" Li Xiang frowned in confusion. He wasn't familiar with it. Regarding the Clock Tower, he knew a little about the Sealing Designation Enforcers, mainly through the character Bazett Fraga McRemitz, who participated in the Fifth Holy Grail War as Lancer's Master. Bazett was betrayed by Kirei Kotomine, losing her right arm and entering a long period of suspended animation. She was a member of the Sealing Designation Enforcers, sent by the Mage's Association to participate in the Holy Grail War.
"You might know that our Department of Law is independent of the twelve departments, often referred to as the Thirteenth Department. Although we still retain the name Department of Law, its official name is the First Principle Executive Bureau," Kariya Shigure explained.
"Are you asking me to join the Department of Law?" Li Xiang asked, puzzled.
"To be precise, I want you to join the First Principle Executive Bureau," Kariya Shigure clarified. "The Department of Law currently has three functions, or rather, three divisions: protecting the world of magecraft, overseeing magi, and contributing to human society. The first and second functions are straightforward. The third is about maintaining balance between magi and ordinary people, and mediating conflicts with other organizations."
"I want you to join the Department of Law's execution team, specifically to handle supernatural incidents, apprehend magi who violate the First Principle by using magecraft in front of ordinary people, and erase the memories of those ordinary people," she explained.
Li Xiang's expression grew serious. If he remembered correctly, during his entrance exam, Wenze had mentioned that his memories had been erased. The question of who gave him the acceptance letter had been resolved—he remembered finding the letter suddenly in his bag. Based on the letter's contents, it was most likely that the Head of the Celestial Body Department gave it to him, although Wenze's behavior left him feeling uncertain.
Then there was the matter of his previous life's memories. His current appearance was noticeably different from his past self, with only a vague resemblance. His looks were much better now—good enough to get by on charm alone—but in the world of magi, if you lacked power, your face would get beaten to a pulp.
The difference in appearance suggested he had transmigrated through soul transfer, and his predecessor's memories had likely been erased. Given what he knew about the Clock Tower, there should be records in the First Principle Executive Bureau of any supernatural incidents involving memory erasure.
"Three thousand pounds a month," Kariya Shigure offered, raising three fingers.
"I accept!" Li Xiang said with determination. "It is our duty as magi to protect the world of magecraft!"
*My god, three thousand pounds!* Li Xiang had checked the exchange rate before: one pound was worth thirteen yuan. That meant thirty-nine thousand yuan—a hefty sum in 2003!
He could eat in the General Fundamentals Department's cafeteria every day!
Kariya Shigure laughed softly, covering her mouth. "You're quite amusing. But you should think carefully; working in the Executive Bureau is very dangerous."
Li Xiang nodded. He was well aware of the risks. Under normal circumstances, he might not have agreed, but could anything be more dangerous than participating in the Holy Grail War next year? The greater the danger, the faster one could grow.
After all, you can't see the rainbow without enduring the storm.
"By the way, can I get an advance on my first month's salary? That way, I won't need to borrow from the school," Li Xiang asked. He only needed to buy materials to enhance a first-level spell. Three thousand pounds was more than enough. Although borrowing from the school would allow him to get more, Li Xiang preferred not to owe money; it was more satisfying to spend his own money.
"That's fine," Kariya Shigure nodded. "Come with me; there's a bit of paperwork to fill out."
Li Xiang followed her to the Department of Law. The process was straightforward. After signing a contract, he received a mobile phone and an ID card.
The phone was an old flip phone, and when he checked the brand, it was a Nokia. After all, they were known for their durability.
The ID card was also simple, showing his photo, name, and the words "First Principle Executive Bureau, External Personnel."
From now on, Li Xiang could flash his ID like a special agent in the movies, confidently declaring:
"Police—oh wait, I mean, First Principle Executive Bureau! Freeze! Hands up!"