Chapter 75: Episode 72

Words Count: 4764

A/N: Bro, why’s there so little Re:Zero fanfics?

Here's my usual spiel:

You can read from Episode 73 to 104 (Plus Ep 105 should be up in a few hours, or tomorrow at the latest) in advanced and the Tier starts from as low as 1USD, try it out!

p a tr e on . com (/) LiamThePoor

---

Eighteen hours… We spent a total of eighteen fucking hours on the fucking airplane, that flying metal contraption that smelled of asses all the time, and toilets reeked so much to my ever-increasing Supernatural senses I did not dare put my arse down for fear of contracting a damned STD or something. Good Gods, these fucking animals did not even know to flush when they were done with their businesses!

‘Seriously, what the fuck is this?! I thought this was First-Class, not a bloody fucking zoo!’

Thank Gil’s golden grace we were just an hour away from landing, because I did not think I could stand this much longer. As for all those… Sentiments about flying in an aircraft for the fourth time ever? Gone, carried away by the four winds and the farts of that one fatso who for some messed-up reasons thought eating a fucking burrito on a eighteen-hours, non-stops flight was a fantastic idea!

I’d have lynched that motherfucker on flight if not for Shibata and Rin talking me down from the idea and stopping me physically, that stupid Statute of Secrecy be damned to the deepest depth of Biblical Hell. “Passengers, this is your Captain speaking, we’re now only thirty minutes from our destination! Please, get ready for touchdown. It has been a real hoot flying with you–“

‘No, it has in fact not been a pleasure… Dude is just lying out of his fucking teeth at this point.’ I thought as he continued with his lame, clearly practiced speech, knowing for certain there was no conceivable way the Captain could enjoy the flight if First-Class passengers like us could barely stand the long hours even while lying on our backs and having meals served to us. “– I ask that you all remain belted ‘till the sign is off, Captain Kimura signing out.”

The next half an hour could not pass any slower until the Clock Tower was well-within sight, poking at the Sky in all of its graceful, Victorian Glory. The London’s Clock Tower was pretty for sure, even when he was alive, that waste of a man did appreciate its beauty, but seeing the thing in person as we soared past… That, that’s a completely different story. In those brief moments, I understood why the Mages chose it as their new Headquarter.

Apparently, while England had always been a hotspot for the Supernatural throughout the Ages, the Mages’ Association actually used to be based in in Ireland, before arriving here during the Colonial Era when Britain was at its most powerful and was practically holding the World by their collective-balls. Of course, being the power-hungry cunts they were, the Major Houses immediately relocated to the Country,

And they had not moved again since, despite the gradual decline of Britain. They liked it here, I believed. All the nobility, the traditions and who could forget? All those fancy parties. They adopted a lot from the Victorian Era, to the point that many Noble Houses with roots outside of Britain associated themselves with their Countries of Origin no longer. I was sure some people would find this sad, for someone to forsake the birthplaces of their Ancestors,

I just found it fucking hilarious, if not a practical thing to do, being a filthy worshiper of the one true and only Lord that was Capitalism itself. What could I say? I believed in profits! And, if someone did not like my philosophy, that’s… None of my fucking business. I meant, if people fancied being poor, who was I to judge them?

Currently, even without their colonies, the British Pounds were stable and had yet to be… Devalued much, unlike the US Dollars, which were still recovering and constantly fluctuating thanks to the event that singlehandedly caused a bunch of stockbrokers to go splat– AKA. The Great Depression and the following turmoil. The Clock Tower being situated in London would give the generational-wealth Mages had amassed for centuries a steady foundation, and there was nothing wrong with that now, was there?

Gods knew I was already making plans to dominate the economy in the future. Just had not got to it yet, what with all the… Bloody commotions and political bullshits Zouken’s demise had brought to our proverbial front porches. ‘Even in death, the old Worm is a pain in everyone’s asses… Calling him a prick’s an insult to pricks everywhere, he’s more like a whole damn cactus.’

“I’ve always wanted to visit London, see one the World’s Wonders–” Shibata said, her black orbs glistening with a childlike excitement. I totally forgot about that too, the Big Ben was amongst that little list, wasn’t it? ‘Come to think of it, how in the fuck did the Mages even convince the Britain Government to grant them permission to use and occupy the Big Ben anyway?’

This was the City’s– No, the entire Country’s biggest attraction we were talking about!

“– Never thought the day would come this soon, but I’m not complaining ‘bout it…” The Glassed-Girl finished, nails dragging against the panel. Luckily Rin, as the sole member of our group to have been educated in ‘Moonlit World 101’, seemed quite happy to explain the nifty-bitty details to us peasants. “Beautiful, isn’t it? It is said that one of Solomon’s living apprentices took part in its creation. Unlike you Martial Artists who only destroy, we Mages have helped shape this World.”

There was Pride in her voice, Pride in what we were… I did not think Rin realize how racist her casual comment was. In all fairness, girlie was not wrong to think so, while Martial Artists were busy breaking Inns and smashing up people’s Taverns like the World was their own Wuxia-Playground, Mages were around, helping build the most wonderful things.

Not sure how it was in his Earth, but here, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China and more. They all had footprints of Mages and the Divines. Now, I wasn’t saying the Magi Community did not have a bad side to it, but when they decided to forgo their batshit-insane obsession with the Root of Existence, and focus on the more practical hobbies, Mages were unsurprisingly capable.

We were objectively superior to our Ki-Wielding counterparts.

Shibata did not appear too happy with the assessment though, muttering beneath her breaths. “We don’t all do that, you know…? Not every Martial Artist is a barbarian.”

I snorted teasingly at the sight of a pouty-lipped Shibata. She had shown emotions before, but they were often muted, suppressed if I had to guess, I supposed being on a plane with us for nearly a whole day straight might have brought us closer. ‘Close enough that she actually feels comfortable having casual banters with us.’

“Rin, you’re being rude to our guest, who is graciously allowing us entry to London.”

The Tohsaka Heiress blushed, seeming to have finally realized what she just said. “I- I’m sorry Shibata-san, I did not mean to–”

“It’s fine. Your remark is harsh, but there are truths to it… But not all Martial Practitioners are like that, just like not all Mages are callous, unethical quote-unquote, scientists.” The Glassed-Girl sent a scathing, disappointed frown at Rin, before turning her head to look at the view as she made a sarcastic gesture and finishing with a polite, “I hope you know that, Tohsaka-san.”

Insensitive as I was, not even I could miss the slight hostility evident in Shibata’s tone.

“I’m sorry.” Rin’s gaze turned towards her lap, both apologetic and embarrassed at her little slip-up, which was better than nothing, right? Patting the tsundere’s’ hair, I smiled nervously. “Don’t be sorry, Rin-tan. Just… Words can be hurtful, so be careful next time and aim them insults at those who genuinely deserve all the hate, ‘kay?”

Unexpectedly, Rin did not blow up like I had envisioned. Instead, she shrunk even further into herself, teary-eyed, much as I knew it was her fault, that ugly, ugly overprotectiveness began rearing its head, and its target? Shibata Eri– The woman who had been naught but kind to me, and I could tell even my Id was super confused at what to do. Sure, Shibata’s care was most likely a pretense at first, but our relationship had definitely grown…

She might trick me, but her chemo-signals did not- could not lie.

Thus, knowing not what to do and whose side to choose, I opted to remain silent throughout the rest of the flight, speaking only when I was spoken to, which had the unfortunate effect of making things incredibly awkward.

‘Fuck’s sake, say something!’

‘Angra? Where the fuck have you been?!’ I screamed at the Daemon, to which he merely responded with a calm, ‘I was…Around. Look, our senses are shared when we converse, I had to flee when you entered the bathroom, the smell was too much.’

‘Damn you traitor.’

‘Say what you want, but I ain’t sitting through that for anyone, Leo-tan. It’s every man for himself.’ The Daemon drawled, adding after a short moment while I shook and fidgeted in place, hands weaving together. ‘Anyway, this whole awkward silence you guys have going on? It is killing me... Wanna play ‘Twenty-Questions’ or something?’

Closing my eyes, I looked at the girls, then promptly retreated into my mind. Ah-Fuck it, I needed the distraction anyhow. ‘What do you wanna play, got any suggestion? ‘Cause all I have are… Well, one horrible idea after another.’

‘Werewolf Game?’

‘With just the two of us…?’ How would that even work?

‘I can invite the other Martyrs if you want?’

Lips twitching, I scowled. ‘Yeah-No, one of you assholes is more than enough.’

Angra scoffed. ‘Bitch, you know you love me.’

—— [Fate: DML] ——

“Who’re we looking for, Leo?” Rin poked her head out from behind me, eyes sweeping across the streams of people walking back and forth in the busy Airport. “A blonde guy, blue-eyed who constantly wears a constipated expression like it’s permanently welded on his face.”

At their questioning looks, I continued with my explanation. “He’s the Glascheit Heir– He and I joined forces to hunt an Apostle, Regul Black about three years ago. He might seem like an arse at first, but he is actually pretty fucking cool dude. In fact, he’s the person I contacted to put in the good words for us.”

‘Here goes nothing.’ Closing my eyes, I focused on my Circuits and unleashed a wave of Mana to draw him in. The wave alone was not anywhere near powerful enough for the… Normies to think of it as anything other than a sudden gust, but for Mages who were attuned to sensing Mana? ‘Ah! There the guy is.’

From within the crowds, Sven Glascheit weaved, ducked and pushed his way towards us, his body language screaming of that of a wild animal whose preys it had just found. “You damned fool! What the bloody Hell have you got yourself into?! Those blimey, old fucks are all up in arms over the situation in Fuyuki. Even said they wanted to make an example out of you and Tohsaka.”

Glascheit slapped my shoulder harshly, a worried expression coming over his face as he angrily cursed.

“You’re cursing worse than a sailor.” Faux tears prickled at the corners of my eyes as I kept up with the act. “Daddy’s so proud of you!”

The moment the words escaped my mouth, Glascheit threw a punch straight at my face, one that was quicker than even Kotomine’s had been, and would have definitely busted my lips if not for my inhuman reaction speed. Tilting my head, I was just fast enough for it to merely graze my cheek as I forced down the instinctual need to blink away in the middle of the crowded London Airport. “What the fuck? You could have hit me, you prick!”

“And you would have deserved it, you fucking idiot.” Glascheit scowled as he said, looking every bit like the overgrown mutt that he was. “C’mon, we’ll talk on the way. The situation is more serious than I originally thought. There are even talks of putting Sealing Designations on you two for your transgression…”

That was… “They’re just blowing stuffs unnecessarily out of proportion, aren’t they?”

The Glascheit Heir nodded, gaze hardening as we made our way to the exit together. “There has not been an accident like this for a while. The Holy Grail Ritual is an acceptable risk, since everyone knows how destructive and wild Heroic Spirits can be, even with the Command Seals, but an Apostle wreaking havoc on a City like Fuyuki and leaving behind so much evidences? That’s when shits really hit the fan.”

The girls followed us behind like young ducklings, eyes zooming around like excited children while Sven and I discussed the possible sentences and crimes the Mages might put on our heads. Hell, there were even suggestions of the Nuclear-Option being thrown around like fucking fireworks. Luckily for us and the unknowing inhabitants of Fuyuki, the attention of the Japanese Government happened to be an unexpected, but welcomed surprise nonetheless.

It bought us time… Precious, precious time.

But we both were not deluded into believing that alone would be enough. Attention would pass, yet suggestions of wiping out the entire population of Fuyuki to keep the Holy Grail War a secret had popped up time and time again and would continue to do so until that damned– Quite literally in this case– Ritual was finished- destroyed for good. “Fuck, I’m guessing a Trial awaits us at the Tower then?”

The Glascheit Heir shook silently, hands sheathed inside his pockets. “No. We might be cruel and ruthless, but Mages are not barbarians. We have rules and regulations when it comes to these things. The higher-ups won’t allow a Trial to be sprung on you two, it creates a precedent and they want that as much as we do. Not unless you’ve been caught red-handed doing the unacceptable– Stealing Magic Crest or studying methods to become Apostle or…”

“Yes, yes. I’m well aware of the Association’s Laws, you don’t have to remind me.” Scoffing, I grumbled. Those Laws did not mean jack, they were fucking useless at best, and even harmful to those they were originally set up to protect… Kinda like normal Laws actually. “Rooms have been assigned to you and the Tohsaka Head where you will both await your Trial. Once you enter those, there will be guards everywhere to keep you in, so I’d really suggest you get your story checked out in the car.”

“Got it.” Wait, did he just call Rin the Tohsaka Head?

I must have said that aloud, because Sven quickly threw me an odd stare. “She’s the last of the Tohsaka, and the Priest sent to monitor her until she has come of age is gone. She’s responsible for everything that goes on in her territory, it’s why some older members of the board have mentioned to have her locked up and… Pop out some kids to continue the Tohsaka Bloodline. Might even lower your sentences if you’re lucky.”

What the fuck–?! “No!”

We halted in our track as the girls sent us concerned looks.

Sighing, I purposefully lowered my volume and glared at him. “That is not happening! If they try I’ll nuke the Clock Tower until all that’s left is a pile of rubbles, you hear me? I’ll kill every single fucker who made that suggestion and paint London red and decorate the streets with their innards if I have to… Don’t ever, and I mean ever mention that to me again if you care to keep your tongue, do you understand Sven? That is not a fucking option! Not now, not ever.”

Sven Glascheit flinched at the venoms in my voice, before a snarl grew on his face, likely from his Inner-Beast realizing the dangers they were in. In fact, the once busy crowds had all but stopped as my heartbeats echoed in the completely silent Airport.

“Leo, what is wrong? People are looking at us.” I felt Rin reach for my shoulder, face pale and only then did I notice I had activated [Hell King’s Engine] unknowingly out of anger. Letting loose a shuddering breath, I tried to keep my Wrath from rearing its ugly head, but nothing worked. The harder I pushed, the stronger and more untamable it became. “Leonis, I know you’re angry, but implicating yourself in the Heart of the Association will not help you win this case…”

Gingerly, Sven put his hands on my shoulders and squeezed reassuringly.

You are reading story Fate: Dead Man’s Lament at novel35.com

“That will not happen, not if I have a say in it, I swear on my Honor. But you have to keep your composure. This is how they get you, they instill hatred in you and take advantages of your anger. Don’t. Let. Them.” My lungs desperately pulled in a breath, one that served only heighten my emotions, yet the fiery, explosive anger faded– No, that was not quite right, was it? No, it wasn’t.

It was still there, ever present,

But it kept growing colder and colder until I finally felt somewhat in control of my actions, my emotions and most importantly,

My Mana once more.

I growled, hate and something else– Something evil audible in my tone. “Okay… I’m- I think I’m okay now.”

[Hell King’s Engine] cooled off, yet I could tell it was bubbling in excitement, ready to show my hatred again should the need arise, almost like a car with key still lodged in its ignition.

“Is everything alright, Leo-san?” Shibata scratched the back of my hair worriedly as the crowds went back to their business again, only this time with anxiety visible in their jerky movements. “No, Shibata-san. Everything isn’t fucking alright! In fact, nothing is alright! But I’ll deal with it like I always have–”

Running a hand through my hair, I finished with a low and threatening, “– I have to, even if it means I…”

I did not finish my sentence, there was no reason to seeing as the bloodlust rolling off me was practically touchable.

“C’mon, Leonis, Tohsaka Head and you are?”

“Shibata, Shibata Eri– I’m a Martial Artist of Kiyoshi.”

Sven deadpanned. “I don’t know what that is, I don’t keep up with your Side of the World.”

The Glascheit Heir then gestured at the black SUV that stopped right next to us. “We must leave this instance, it is not good to linger, not after all the commotions you just caused.”

We slowly entered the vehicle, watching the scenery pass by in silence. Well, not exactly. Rin and I were trading words about our alibis and making sure the story checked out should they ask. “Hey, Leonis?”

“Yes?” I frowned at the teary expression the tsundere gave me.

“If- If things don’t work out, you can pin all the blames on me. I won’t be mad, it is true that I failed at my responsibility as Fuyuki’s Second Owner, and it’s only fair I get punished for it.” My grasp on her wrist tightened, and while I could not see my face at the moment, I had a feeling my eyes were bloodshot from how hot they felt. “Don’t say that- Don’t you ever. We’re going to win, and if we somehow don’t, I’m going to protect you from those fucks, I give you my Words Rin.”

I drew her closer, allowing the tsundere to gently rest her forehead against my chest as I grimaced, feeling wetness spread, yet I kept my tone even, voice utterly devoid of the uncomfortable pressure I was going through. “I won’t let them touch a hair on your pretty lil’ head.”

And I meant what I said,

The things I had to offer should be more than enough to grease their greedy hands, but if those Lordly cunts wanted War, and judging from their unreasonable demands, they very clearly wanted War, I was willing– Nay, I was fucking happy to bring it to their doorsteps. ‘Should they even attempt to push their luck, I’d bring the Big Ben down on their heads.’

—— [Fate: DML] ——

We had to leave Shibata at a nearby hotel, since

The Clock Tower was more bustling than I could ever imagine.

There were people– Mages in every nook and cranny, and even though we were having the ‘walk of shame’, I couldn’t help but associate the entire ordeal with his fading memories in Highschool and University. Hell, we even saw some stalls in the middle of the hallways with most likely First-Gens selling their Mystic Codes, potions and other magical ingredients.

Their claims were as bold as I’d expect, though Sven had mentioned a majority of them were scammers,

Their merchandises were oftentimes faulty, if not outright lethal to those dumb enough to buy and actually put them to use.

They were insanely expensive too.

Like, double of what I’d charge Sasaki for half the effectiveness.

“Heir Glascheit, I see you’ve returned. Are the guilty here?” The one to speak would have been pretty if not for her outrageous clothes. A dress that was more frills than dress, pinker than one of those cheap ‘Hello Kitty’ shirt and uglier than a blind person’s sense of fashion. Her voice sounded like a mixture of someone dragging their nails across a blackboard and the screech of a Witcher-Verse’s Siren to my Supernatural hearing. “We’re here, Miss. One Leonis Magnum and Fuyuki’s Second Owner– Rin Tohsaka.”

Raising my arm, I smirked at her with a faux friendly look, a façade that any Magus worth their salts would be able to tell.

“Right, sign your names here. There will be Enforcers to escort you to your rooms, please standby.” Perhaps it was me and my temper, or perhaps it’s the condescending expression she was giving us, but her obnoxious clicking on the keyboard was horribly painful. So much so that I had to forcefully swallow the urge to slam her face ‘till it’s bloody. “Alright, the Enforcers are on their way, and your Trial’s scheduled to take place first thing tomorrow morning.”

‘And here I thought the Mages are all backward savages. Didn’t know they use Technology too.’

‘Do you even know what that is?’ I drawled at the tone the Daemon King’s Fragment was using.

‘Of course!’ He replied, seemingly offended at my line of questioning. ‘The Curses include all acts of Evil: Big and small, make no difference. I’ve seen fraudsters and scammers use these devices more than once, or twice, or thrice.’

Tapping my feet impatiently, I allowed Angra to rant, while we waited for the Enforcers, who had in fact arrived ages ago to show their ugly mugs. I knew they were here, even with Gaia being the ever nosy bitch that she was, the Elder Blood afforded me Spatial-Awareness of which I suspected few could claim to have. There was one hiding in the crowds, she had been throwing glances our way since we first walked in.

That alone would mean nothing if not for the secured grasp she had on her sword-shaped Mystic Code and the unnaturalness she expressed through her body language. Even twelve feet away, my hearing could easily pick up the conversation she was having with the wires taped on the interior of her coat.

The second was before a display-case, pretending to stare intently at the aged, rusty halberd inside like it was his fucking lifeline. It might have worked too, if not for how old he looked and how experienced his movements were.

The third and fourth appeared to be having a talk, but I was not buying it, not when their fists were clenched around the weapons they had hidden in their jackets. Pretty sure those arms were fake too, a famous practice the US Secret Services were known for, having silicone arms to hide the fact they were always ready to draw guns, or in this case, swords.

‘This must be one of those power-play I’ve heard so much about.’ They wanted us to shake in our boots, scared for our lives until they finally showed themselves. Sad thing was, it was working too.

Not on me, obviously.

Rin however? She might have been taught and educated on all her Lordly duties by her late father, but she was younger, inexperienced. I bet the Mages were banking on that to force us to accept their shitty-ass deals. “How- How long do we have to wait?”

“I don’t know, the Enforcers will come when they see fit, Easterners.” Of course, casual racism ‘cause why the fuck not? I totally forgot the Mages in Nasuverse had this while ‘rivalry’ thing going on between the East and the West. Seriously, for all their superiority towards the normies, the Moonlit and Mundane Worlds were… Essentially the same thing. I wasn’t about to have that, and I had the perfect, undetectable Spell for this situation. “[Future Tragedy].”

A whisper escaped my lips, and suddenly the receptionist and I were no longer surrounded by people anymore.

My swords, both of them, flashed so quickly she couldn’t even react– No one could.

Invictus slit at her throat, creating a thin, nigh surgical line,

Infernal Iris cleaving her left arm from her body.

The girl clenched her remaining hand to her throat, as though to stop the blood from spilling down her neck and staining her ugly pink dress.

Another slap and her head was gone, soaring through the air as droplets– Crimson droplets splattered on those nearby.

One moment she was alive, healthy

The next she was gone, the fire in her eyes extinguished by an indifferent, heartless Monster who cared not for the dreams and aspirations of others, only himself.

“aAAAaaaAaaa!” A wretched scream forced its way past the rude receptionist as she fell, lungs struggling to draw in precious air, her body seemingly confused as to whether it was dead or not. “Miss, is something wrong?”

Unsurprisingly, I was the first to reach her, hands cradling her head with concern painting over my features. The crowds soon converged to our spot, some genuinely wanting help, others merely wishing to join in on the… Fun. Amongst those were the Enforcers who were spying on us. “What did you do?!”

Enforcer A– ‘What? I didn’t know his name and I couldn’t refer to all of them as Enforcers’– A Magus of African-descent growled, his frame towering over mine by at least two, three heads as I innocently answered, crocodile tears streaming down my cheeks. “I- I don’t know, we were talking and she just- just fell all of a sudden!”

None of the Enforcers bought the story, or if they did, they were professional enough to not show their reactions outright. “Blimey, get out of the way, people! I’m bringing her to the Infirmary.”

Hair covering my expression, I let out a satisfied smirk before going right back to the worried one I had on. ‘Light Yagami is going to be proud of my performance.’

‘Who the Hell is Light Yagami?’

I shushed. ‘You don’t need to know that.’

After taking our statement, and finding there were little that could be done due to a lack of evidences of our, or rather my involvement to the receptionist’s abrupt bouts of seizures, we were swiftly led to our assigned rooms, wherein once the Enforcers left, I immediately began to scour the place for bugs and Bounded Fields that had the same functions. Sure enough, there were more than a few in my room.

I covered those up, destroying the ones connected to the main Bounded Field.

‘At least they didn’t put any in the bathroom, that has got to count for something, right?’

‘No, it doesn’t.’ I frowned. ‘I have- had planned to blink into Rin’s room to talk and get our story straight, but…’

Wait! I could still do that, couldn’t I? Quickly, I wrote a bunch of instructions on a piece of paper I found and blinked into Rin’s bathroom, leaving the instructions on her sink as I drew her attention by knocking lightly. Girlie was smart, she would know what to do. Perhaps I could bring her to experience London’s night? Helped clear her head of those pesky worries? Oh-Well, I was never one to plan a night-out with friends anyway.

‘You’ve really thought this shit through, haven’t you?’

I smirked at the Daemon. ‘You know it, Angra-tan.’

‘Fucker, stop taking my shits! The whole -tan thing is mine!’

I just laughed in response amidst his curses and insults.

You can find story with these keywords: Fate: Dead Man’s Lament, Read Fate: Dead Man’s Lament, Fate: Dead Man’s Lament novel, Fate: Dead Man’s Lament book, Fate: Dead Man’s Lament story, Fate: Dead Man’s Lament full, Fate: Dead Man’s Lament Latest Chapter