Chapter 172

I gave Raikou a bump as we walked down the street.

She shot me a little smile, poking me with a cute little laugh.

It really did brighten up my mood when she was happy. The area around her seemed to brighten at her upbeat demeanor.

“That should be them at the end of the street.” I nudged her again to gain her attention, jerking my head towards that direction.

She pursed her lips looking over there. From the outside, it didn’t look like anyone was there, but the faint fluctuations of Magical Energy were hard to miss to those who could sense such things.

A few Bounded Fields layered upon one another. If i had to guess, mostly to keep people out or stall for time if the worse happened.

“Master.” Raikou pouted a little. “Do we need to meet with them again?” She latched onto my arm.”Wouldn’t you rather spend the day with your mother?”

That look in her eyes did make me hesitate, but I did need to speak with Mordred. I couldn’t help but put my hand on her head. “I promise we’ll be able to spend lots of time together after.”

“Momma will hold you to that.” She beamed happily, but there was still a faint sense of depression in her tone.

I held back a sigh. It just keeps making me feel bad that she’s like this. I can see the person underneath, but her Mad Enhancement is doing gods know what to her mind.

Frustrating.

I just shook my head in resignation. I keep telling myself this to settle my own conscience, but I’ll definitely help her once we’re done.

Approaching the Bounded Field, there were no surprises, and it was obvious they were expecting us. I just did the magical equivalent of tapping on it to let us in without disrupting the spells.The part immediately in front of us pulsed, as if inviting us in.

Well, no need to refuse a polite invitation.

Raikou didn’t speak, but followed me inside. We were greet by the sight of both Kairi and Mordred sitting at the table of a little cafe, completely devoid of people. Well, not completely devoid, there appeared to be a barista inside and a server who was sitting down due to the lack of customers.

Kairi gave a little gesture of greeting, and I noticed his lack of sunglasses, even though it was very bright outside compared to the last time we met during the night.

It wasn’t very important, but I was nonetheless a bit curious.

Mordred looked at me strangely, and I raised an eyebrow as she almost mechanically played with a cat in her arms. And, she was sporting some modern day clothes. I wanted to comment on how cute it was, but I was going to try and keep the teasing to a minimum for now.

She didn’t immediately react with any kind of disgust or annoyance when seeing me, so I think that’s progress.

“Impressive Bounded Field.” I decided to speak first. “You couldn’t even tell there was a Cafe from the outside. Using the idea of a mirage over the standard illusion. Would probably throw most Magi for a loop the first time they saw it.”

“Something I picked up doing a job in Egypt.” He said nonchalantly, gesturing towards open seats across from him and Mordred.

“Nice little spot you found.” I decided to be a gentleman and pull out Raikou’s chair for her. The smile she gave could melt ice. I joined her quickly enough, taking a glance all over. “Three escape routes, backs to the wall.” I tapped the table, pulsing a little bit of Magical Energy. “Oh, an interesting method of Reinforcement. And Perfect to use as a quick shield.”

He didn’t seem at all nonplussed by my discoveries. “You can never be too careful.” He said simply. “With all the things going on these days, a bit of paranoia is healthy.” He reached into his leather jacket, pulling out a newspaper and tossing it onto the table. The look he gave me basically said to give it a glance.

I mentally shrugged, picking it up and reading the title. I furrowed my brow as i processed it for a moment. “The Return of Jack the Ripper.” I repeated the heading out loud, setting it down, tapping on the table in thought. “You must have some certainty if you're showing me this. You don’t seem the type to make assumptions.”

“I was contacted by my employers at the Mages Association. A priest in Bucharest reported it up the chain, and since there was a Grail War going on nearby….”

“Dammit.” I pulled my hand down my face. “I haven't met either of the Assassins yet.” I let out a sigh. “Too many coincidences then. Bucharest is the capital of Romania if I’m not mistaken, and it shouldn’t be too far away.” Well, I could get close enough with a Portal by eyeballing it regardless.

“Yeah.” Even Kairi let out a sigh. “The higher-ups told me to take care of it. It’s drawing too much unwanted attention.”

“What horrible timing.” I pursed my lips. “I doubt the war will still be going by noon tomorrow.” Kairi didn’t reply but gave that ‘what can you do’ gesture. “Ruler’s probably aware too.” I grunted in annoyance. “If we don’t deal with it, it’s entirely possible she puts the war on hold until it’s dealt with.” Rulers had that kind of Authority with Command Seals to back it up.

I have no doubt her skills include some kind of ‘Revelation’ or ‘Clairvoyance’ that would alert her to disruptions to the war. Who knows if the real Big G is sending her missives, or the Counter Force is acting through her in some capacity. Either way, we had a pretty damn good reason to nip this in the bud.

“I’m surprised you’re bringing this to me. Are you asking me for help?” I questioned. He seemed like the kind of person to not like working with others if he had the choice. “I feel like I’m getting an abrupt influx of trust here.” Enforcers and Mercenaries in our world have an interesting relationship with one another.

You have the camaraderie that comes with the job, and the absolute distrust that comes with being a Magus. Eventually you learn who the people you work with are, who you know to have your back, who you know will try to stab it if they get the chance. Freelancers, like Kairi, do not like working with people they’re unfamiliar with.

Better the devil you know.

Heh.

“I checked with my Contacts at the Clock Tower.” He grunted. “Verifying your story.”

“Wait, how did you check the only way would be through gramps.”

“Imagine my surprise when one of my Contacts messages me telling him the Wizard Marshall paid him a little visit.” Kairi snorted, whether in amusement or exasperation, I have no idea.

“Huh, so you trust me now?”

“I trust who you are at least.”

“That’s fair.” Yeah, trust was a commodity that was hard to come by in this hidden world. I was kind of an outlier here where I seemed to gather people around me that I would trust nearly unconditionally.”I guess it doesn't hurt that I can take us there and back in a snap of my fingers.”

“Yeah yeah, Magus shit.” Mordred finally seemed to get bored with our conversation. “You gonna help or not?” She said directly, making Kairi sigh.

“Well, if you’re asking.” I shot her a smile. Honestly, would deal with this either way.

“Never understood all that back and forth crap. Just spit it out and get it over with.” Mordred scowled.

I guess that’s one way to settle it. “Do you want to head out immediately, or….?”

“I’m going to get a drink.” Kairi suddenly stood up, and didn’t even turn around as he walked into the Cafe.

I just blinked, watching him leave.

Well, I guess that just happened.

I turned to look at Mordred, who seemed a little…..hesitant. She was hugging the cat tightly, which it apparently didn’t mind.

Raikou still hasn’t spoken, which I figured at this point she simply does not like talking to anyone but me unless she has to.

“You look good.” I wanted to try and compliment her on her choice of dress. She wore some jean shorts, a white tube top and a red jacket over top. Not the most conservative clothing I've ever seen…..but if she likes it then who am I to say anything?

I think she smiled a little, but forced it back down. “The clothing in this era is nice. Not even Nobility had clothes this comfortable. I can even wear it under my armor and it’s easy to move around in.” There was a hint of excitement in her voice that was just kinda adorable.

Though it didn’t last long, she sort of withdrew back into herself. Very odd to see the boisterous girl this reserved.

“Well, lay it on me.” I offered her an opening. I did promise to talk with her about whatever she wanted.

She visibly perked up. And it was a little amusing how this brash person was being so conservative with her obvious desires at the moment.

“Father…..where is he?” Mordred finally asked.

I wanted to tease her, but I knew now would be an inappropriate time. “She’s in another world at the moment. She’s running around with Rin – Her Master and friend while they do whatever it is she’s wanting to do for her studies.”

“Another world?” Mordred mumbled. “So I wouldn’t be able to meet him even if I won.”

“Says who?” I commented, breaking her from her thoughts. “I’m here, aren’t I? I can take you there if that’s what you want.”

She frowned. “And what do you want in return.” She looked a bit serious. I think her only examples of Magi were her Mother, Merlin, and now Kairi. All of which no doubt emphasized the benefits out of every interaction.

“Do you plan on attacking her when you meet?” I asked.

Mordred scoffed. “I’m not going to go berserk.” There was a joke to be made there, but I held back.

“Then I don’t mind taking you anywhere you want.” I tried my best to reassure her. “If you want a new start somewhere, I know plenty of places you could thrive. If you wanted to go meet Artoria – “

“...Would father even wish to see me?” Mordred said quietly, bringing the cat up to sort of hide her face. “I rebelled and killed him. I ended his perfect kingdom and his legacy.”

It was funny in a sad way how they both said the same thing.

“I spoke with Artoria earlier.” I replied, she looked at me intently again. “I explained everything that was going on and all the Servants who were summoned.”

“So father knows I’m here then?” It was a rhetorical question on her part. “Did he tell you to stay away?”

“Nothing of the sort.” I denied. “She was interested in how you’ve been doing. And at the end, she asked me to pass on a message.”

“A message, from father?” Mordred didn’t really seem to know how to react to that.

“It was something along the lines of — If you desire, i’ll be waiting for you after you win.” I smiled.

Mordred looked…..surprised at the message. “Father really said that?” There was a trembling in her voice. “Father doesn’t……doesn’t despise me? He actually wants to see me and believes I’ll win?”

Fucking hell. What had Mordred been through that those few words would elicit such a reaction. “We got a few more minutes to kill, want to hear some stories about Artoria in the meantime?” I offered.

“Father’s exploits?” Mordred seemed quick to calm down, back to her usual haughtiness. “Sure, I guess.” She tried her best to sound uninterested, but the way her eyes sparkled gave away her true feelings.

It was hard to resist the urge to pat her head.

***

Assassin being introduced -- sorta. Mordred and Mc doing some bonding and talking. Will get more into the battle and how things went between them next chapter. Mordred is the type of person to hyper focus her immediate desires, I.e. Artoria. 

Anyways, Work is going back to something resembling normal. Now I'm just playing catch up on all the stuff I've missed in the mean time.