I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 47

The moment the old director produced the contract, Kenneth had already abandoned his idea of ​​blowing up Chaldea. With Rafe dead, the Human Order Burning Anchor Point could no longer be activated in this world. As long as Marisbury didn't bring down Solomon, Kenneth was confident that he could use the opportunity of cooperation to mold the still-planned Chaldea according to his own ideas. Watching the restless Marisbury, Kenneth was already calculating how to get him to work for him.

"Unfortunately, the Holy Grail has lost its ability to grant wishes, or rather, the wishes made with it will be distorted."

Sensing that Marisbury's emotions were fluctuating wildly, Kenneth, who had already read the other's mind, didn't give the old director a chance to speak. With a flick of his finger, the scene of the Greater Grail gushing out black mud appeared before Marisbury's eyes. Even though it was just an illusion, the boiling malice still made Marisbury's hair stand on end.

"this is?"

"The evils of this world have corrupted the Holy Grail. I will arrange for someone to send the relevant information to the Department of Astrophysics later."

"The evil of this world? Desires can be twisted, twisted to that extent?"

The scene continued, and then the evil giant emerged from the black mud. Seeing the evil that was eroding the world, Maris Billy, as a magician, still did not intend to give up. It was this obsession with Chaldea that was the premise for Kenneth to use the other party.

"That thing is too complicated to explain. The later materials will provide a detailed explanation. As for the degree of distortion of the wish, in short, it is achieved in an evil way. For example, if you wish for world peace, that thing will try to destroy everything. When there is nothing left, there will naturally be peace. Therefore, the Holy Grail is no longer of any value."

As Kenneth explained, Marisbury fell silent. The family's long-cherished wish was about to be fulfilled, but reality was being dragged down by worldly money. This was Marisbury's state of mind at this moment. The old director's reaction was not beyond Kenneth's expectations. He interrupted the projection on the table and looked at Marisbury, who was thinking with his eyes closed, with a serious expression.

“Now that Animusphia has found the Atlas Contract, El-Melloi will join Chaldea’s plan as agreed, and we, El-Melloi, will also contribute to the funding.”

As soon as Kenneth finished speaking, Maris Billy, who had been feeling down, suddenly perked up as if he had just taken a Snickers bar. With the skills Kenneth had shown, El-Melloi would definitely get a lot this time. With such a big spender on the team, although it still wouldn't be enough, it would be enough to keep Maris Billy going for a while.

"Alright then, El-Melloi will cover the funding for the next phase of research. If everything goes smoothly, El-Melloi will continue to support the development of Chaldea..."

Kenneth couldn't be too definitive, nor could he directly reveal his interest in Chaldea. He needed to keep Marisbury in suspense step by step so that he could maintain the upper hand in the negotiations. Under Kenneth's plan, even if Chaldea in this world was built, it would become another organization under the Chaldea name but controlled by Kenneth.

"According to the original work, the next stage is the construction of the near-future observation lens: SHEBA. No, wait, isn't the designer of this thing Rafe?"

The thought had barely formed when Kenneth froze. The value of the near-future observation lens was self-evident. As a device capable of observing the future, it was impossible for Kenneth not to be interested in it. But now, Kenneth genuinely wanted to dig it out for Rafe and try to salvage it.

After seeing off the old director, Kenneth, who had been busy entertaining guests all day, quietly awaited the arrival of the next guest. As the cawing of crows sounded outside the window, Morgan quietly sat down opposite Kenneth.

"The Jewel Sword, a second-grade magical artifact, has a magical structure that is very different from modern magic. I hope you can help me analyze it."

Due to the limitations of the times, Kenneth's analysis of the Jewel Sword, a ceremonial item created a thousand years ago, can be described as extremely slow. The existing magic base is too unsuitable for magic, and the time required to start over is unknown. In order to improve the power of the magic furnace as soon as possible, Kenneth also plans to directly copy the design of the Jewel Urn.

"I've accepted the gifts. By the way, Orange asked me to ask you something: what are you going to do with your ex-fiancée?"

Morgan's question stumped Kenneth. Just as Bones said, death is the greatest mercy. Killing him directly would be too wasteful, and handing him over to an unrelated person wouldn't be good either. The engagement did exist, and Kenneth's past "wolf warrior" behavior had given Sora an invisible aura. Any slight mistake would be a slap in Kenneth's face. It was impossible to leave him alone, but dealing with Kenneth personally would be too much of a hassle. Seeing Kenneth's inner conflict, Morgan, who was sitting opposite Kenneth with his legs crossed, spoke up.

"If you don't have any ideas, you might as well hand her over to me. I need a test subject for the drug."

"can."

After thinking for a few seconds, Kenneth confirmed Morgan's idea. He didn't want to take action himself, and among the people he was involved with, only Morgan was of high caliber. Handing Sora over to Morgan was indeed the best choice.

What Kenneth didn't expect was that the drug he thought was being tested by Morgan was completely different from the drug Morgan was talking about. Even though Morgan seemed normal when she interacted with people around her, her essence as a witch remained unchanged.

As a witch who had heard a little about Director Ken's past, and as Kenneth's current partner, Morgan had already figured out how to deal with Sora before she even arrived. What Kenneth didn't expect was what Sora would look like the next time he saw her.

Seeing that Kenneth had agreed, Morgan, who was busy with his subordinates, did not linger. He got up and disappeared in a flurry of crow feathers. As Morgan disappeared, Kenneth's office finally returned to silence. The room's protective barrier was activated, and Kenneth, not wanting to think about anything, put his legs on the table and cleared his mind.

While Kenneth was slacking off, the Clock Tower was thrown into turmoil under the man's plan. While ordinary students were secretly relieved that many courses were postponed, some clever people had already smelled the gunpowder in the air and were waiting for an opportunity to get a share of the pie in this power struggle.

In a villa on the outskirts of London, a group of elderly comrades, three men and one woman, with an average age of over sixty, sat around a round table. Just as they were reaching their peak, the man who had made a powerful comeback overturned all their plans with overwhelming force. After taking back everything, just when these old folks thought things would settle down as usual, El-Melloi's fangs snapped down once again.

Faced with this situation, the monarch, who was already overwhelmed by internal strife within his family and discipline, finally realized one thing: Kenneth was serious! Faced with the power El-Melloi displayed, the four magicians, each with their own agendas, also came together in the face of the impending crisis.

"I think everyone here is well aware of the current situation. It has come to a point where we must fight to the death. I don't think any of you will let that kid take advantage of us."

Looking at Meastia, who spoke first, the democratic trio, even though they were cursing this opportunist in their hearts, had no choice but to accept Kenneth's helplessness in the face of his aggressive approach. Their family alliance was gradually losing ground, so the trio was now in the same boat.

"As the person who knows the most secrets, Meastia, what are your plans?"

With her prepared speech, Meastia spread the parchment in front of the three democrats, while Morgan, using her elfin powers, listened to the meeting from another dimension in an empty seat at the round table.

Chapter 125 Attribute Burst

Kenneth clocked out on time, and the turbulence of the clock tower had no effect on his life. As he walked out of the Minerals Department building, Roy, who had been waiting there, stepped forward and opened the car door for Kenneth. After picking up the documents from the back seat, Roy, who had returned to the driver's seat, spoke.

"Master, Lord Acherlot wishes to see you. He has already arrived in El-Melloi. Shall we head straight back?"

"Interesting. Let's go back. I want to see what this witch is up to now."

After reviewing the intelligence in his hand, Kenneth could guess some of the reasons why Lydia had come to see him. One of them should be about Kuonji Yuzu. As for whether there was a second reason, Kenneth would only know after seeing this stubborn young lady with his own eyes.

Today is the third day since Kenneth returned to the Clock Tower. Under the combined efforts of El-Melloi and Barthezelloi, the branches that were attached to the democrats and the archaeology department have been completely pruned. Due to the sheer number of people involved, the groans coming from the underground of the political and legal department have become the most talked-about strange tale in the Clock Tower.

After getting out of the car and entering the El-Melloi family's old house, Irisviel watched Kenneth walk up the stairs. In the hall, her lips trembled but she couldn't speak. Looking at Ilya playing with Orchid not far away, Irisviel's heart was in turmoil.

"You bastard!! Do you know how much time I spent explaining to Alice! I've taken pity on you by coming to see you, and instead of being grateful, you're horrified that I've waited so long for you? Do you really think I can't beat you?"

Before she even entered the study, the Coal Witch's incessant chatter filled the room. Kenneth glanced at Lydel, who was gritting her teeth and looking like she wanted to jump up and slap him, and used his magic eye to sense Lydel's emotions as he closed the door.

"Nervous, apprehensive, and impatient???"

"What are you spacing out for! Didn't you hear me talking to you?! You idiot should just stay stupid forever. Do you know how much extra work you've given me since you came back! I'll remember this grudge, you..."

Looking down at Lydel, who was jumping around wildly in front of him, Kenneth's lips curled up. The barrier in the study was activated, and the Coal Witch's body was suspended in mid-air by Kenneth in the next moment. Through the perception of his magic eye, Kenneth did not detect any anger. The restlessness and restraint made Kenneth instantly read his tsundere thoughts.

"What are you doing?! I am the monarch of the Clock Tower, and you, you bastard, are just an ordinary magician. How dare you treat me like this?! Apologize to me right now, you bastard!"

Stubborn as ever, the Coal Witch, whose attributes had suddenly exploded, started being stubborn again. In the instant Kenneth hoisted her up, a slight pain mixed with pleasure satisfied the already broken Coal Witch. Secretly rubbing her legs, which were firmly bound by ropes, Lydel's breathing became erratic. Kenneth noticed the fulfillment of her suppressed desire. Since the rich woman liked this kind of thing, Kenneth, who was not a decent person to begin with, naturally had to satisfy her.

"Miss Witch, I have something I'd like to see."

Without giving Lydel a chance to refuse, with a snap of her fingers, Lydel's probing gesture towards Kenneth at the Kuonji residence that day was presented to the witch from a first-person perspective. Seeing her own ugly state in the picture, the Coal Witch's flushed face was instantly replaced by shame and indignation.

"You! You! You!! How could you have this, you bastard! You despicable person, are you trying to blackmail me? Let me tell you, Kenneth, even if you hang me here, even if you threaten me with these things... *gurgle*...

Lydel, who was still jumping around, let out an uncontrollable whimper due to the tightening ropes. In line with the Coal Witch's little scheme, Kenneth stood solemnly in front of Lydel, whose eyes were becoming increasingly glazed.

"Lord Acerlot, watch your tone of voice. I have now crossed the Roots. Shouldn't you show me respect when facing a mage?"

"Damn it! So what if you're a mage? I'm a dignified..."

Snapped--

The water, transformed into a short whip, struck the Coal Witch's leather drum. Her tense body trembled violently, and her shouts ceased abruptly. Staring wide-eyed, Lydel looked at Kenneth in disbelief. After a brief silence, Lydel's voice suddenly rose.

"Kenneth, you bastard!! Even my dad never hit me, and you dared to! I'll definitely..."

Snapped--

"You bastard! You..."

Snapped--

"Ugh... Kenneth, you bastard..."

After the enjoyable little game ended, Kenneth watched the stubborn witch leave the study, picked up his now-cold red tea, and sat back in his executive chair. Facing Lydia, who kept shouting but whose body language was surprisingly honest, Kenneth felt that his leisure time was much richer.

clang clang

No sooner had Lydia left than a knock sounded at the door. Sensing the presence outside, Kenneth released the barrier on the door, and the next second, Irisviel, with her silver hair, stood somewhat awkwardly in the center of the study.

"Is there a problem?"

Three days have passed since Kenneth returned to El-Melloi, and he hasn't really had much interaction with Irisviel. As a spoils of war brought back by Morgan and Aoko, Irisviel has been obediently following behind Morgan. Hesitantly, looking at the man in front of her who could decide Ilya's fate, Irisviel slowly lowered her body under Kenneth's gaze.

“Master, I want Ilya to grow up like a normal child.”

As Einzberns who dedicated themselves to the Third Law, the moment Kenneth received the Third Law, he became the master they had been waiting for for a thousand years in their eyes. Under the command engraved in their souls, Irisviel pledged her loyalty to Kenneth in accordance with the family's long-cherished wish.

Ilya's problem has always been a heavy burden on Irisviel's heart. Irisviel wants Ilya to have a complete life, but Ilya's soul is destined to keep her time stuck at this stage forever. Right now, the only one who can solve this problem is Kenneth, who has obtained the authority of the Third Law.

“Master, how laughable that humans, the most intelligent of all beings, can lose their way in just a hundred years, while the artificial humans, who have survived for thousands of years, can still remember their original aspirations. Humans, ha.”

Kenneth's disdainful voice made Irisviel, who was lying on the ground, tremble violently. The lingering scent of Lydia in the room had not yet dissipated. Feeling worthless, Irisviel desperately needed to prove her worth. Her heart swayed, and she raised her head. Irisviel, who had placed all her hopes on Ilya, slowly approached Kenneth.

“Master, Irisviel is willing to serve you with all her heart.”

"Is that so? I heard you. How will you swear allegiance to me? Or rather, what will be the price?"

Looking at Irisviel before him, Kenneth, who had already read Irisviel's mind, answered Irisviel's loyalty with a rhetorical question. Suppressing desires? That's impossible. How could someone who would do anything to survive care about the feelings of others? You always have to pay for what you gain. We're all adults. Words don't mean anything.

"I understand."

The image of Lydia leaving was still vivid in her mind. The scent in the air reminded Irisviel of something. After making up her mind, Irisviel walked towards Kenneth, who was still sitting behind his desk. The barrier that separated them activated, separating the study from the outside world, and the silent night began.

Chapter 126 Acherlot's Plans

The phone on the table rang, signaling Alice to be quiet. Kenneth put the phone to his ear, and the person on the other end surprised him: the former monarch of the Plant Family, Lydel's mother. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Kenneth put down the phone and continued with his unfinished business.

In a villa outside London, with the recent turmoil at the Clock Tower and the inevitable defeat of the democrats, the former monarch of the botanical family immediately returned to the Clock Tower, which was in the midst of turmoil, in order to seize greater benefits. Thinking of his daughter, who was only good at talking and holding concerts, the monarch, who had been retired for several years, had to take back control of the family business.

Just now, this former monarch fired the first shot in his quest for power—a marriage alliance. Now, the major families of the Clock Tower all know that, even without an official announcement, the engagement between Euryphesse and El-Melloi is effectively dead. No matter how much of a warrior Kenneth acted in the past, the current situation and public opinion no longer allow Kenneth and Sora to be together.

Acherot's influence in the surface world has reached its limit. The development of the underworld is what this former monarch cares about most. El-Melloi will inevitably become a monster on par with the three major families in this struggle. Faced with such enormous benefits, Kenneth has long been seen as a golden catch by other families.

There are quite a few people eyeing Kenneth's fiancée position. To avoid falling behind, old Archerlot decided to take matters into his own hands. As fellow nobles, El-Melloi's current power is enough to suppress all dissenting voices. Archerlot can let Lydelnu work hard to become his successor. His old man has been wasted, and Archerlot urgently needs a new one.

However, Kenneth's response to her probing was vague, neither agreeing nor refusing, which put the former monarch in a difficult position. According to the conventions of the magic world, the magician, who was over fifty years old, did not think Kenneth had any reason to refuse. It was at this moment that Lydel, who was covered in mouths, angrily pushed open the door.

"Mom—?? What brings you here?"

Looking at his loud and boisterous daughter, old Archerlot couldn't bear to look away. While other families were busy making money, his silly daughter was just sitting back and doing nothing. If Archerlot continued like this, he would really be doomed.

"Lydel, what do you think of Archibald?"

Fearing that Lydelle might not understand, old Archerlot, who had put a lot of thought into the family, went straight to asking Lydelle's opinion. As a family that was deeply involved in all matters, old Archerlot still intended to test his daughter's opinion before deciding on Lydelle's marriage.

"Kenneth? That guy is a bastard, how dare he treat me like this! I'll never let him get away with this!"

"Yes, is that so? We're quite familiar with each other; we've had contact and interaction before, and I have a pretty good impression of each other."

As the woman who had raised Lydelle for decades, old Archerlot automatically ignored the meaningless curses and used his true words to see through them. Faced with her mother who had directly exposed her secrets, the proud Coal Witch immediately jumped up and down. Having seen through Lydelle's disguise, old Archerlot's next words made Lydelle jump up even more.

"Lydel, marry Archibald."

"ha--!!"

The glass rattled, and Lydia's sharp voice, penetrating the thick walls, startled a flock of birds. The single-core, single-threaded CPU, unable to process its mother's words, crashed. Seeing Lydia's reaction, old Archello pulled the smoking Lydia to sit on the sofa.

“Lydel, I’ve already tested Archibald. He didn’t object. Since you don’t dislike him either, how about we try dating him?”

Upon learning that Kenneth had no objections, Lydia, who had been frozen in her mind, instantly restarted. Recalling the 'little games' she had played with Kenneth these past few days, Lydia's heart began to pound uncontrollably.

"Well... well, if he insists on a marriage alliance, it's not impossible. Considering he's somewhat agreeable, I might agree, as long as he can..."

With a hand to his forehead, facing Lydel who had started running in the opposite direction, old Archerlot just wanted to tie Lydel to El-Melloi and hand her over to Kenneth. What a terrible teammate, he couldn't handle her!

“He neither objected nor agreed, which is why I suggested that you two date for a while first.”

"As long as he can... Ah!! How dare he! I am the dignified Lydia, the idol of everyone! The men who pursue me could line up from the Clock Tower to France! How dare he reject me, you bastard, ah—!!"

With a bang, Lydel, her blood rushing to her head, slammed the door shut and burst out of the villa like a husky that had broken free of its reins. With her superhuman physical abilities, she charged toward El-Melloi at breakneck speed.

Returning to El-Melloi, the barrier around the room was torn off, and an invisible wind began to flow, gradually dissipating the peculiar aura that had permeated the study. Looking at Irisviel, who was already fully dressed, Kenneth said without a trace of emotion:

"I have received your payment, and I will complete the transaction."

"Lord Archerlot, you can't go in, the patriarch..."

With a loud thud, the barrier around the door was violently destroyed, the study door shattered into pieces, and a menacing Lydia slammed her hand on the desk and stood in front of Kenneth, her eyes blazing with accusations.

"Kenneth! Are you looking down on me?! It's your honor to be betrothed to me, and instead of being grateful, you dare refuse? When have I, Lydia, ever suffered such humiliation?! Now! Apologize to me, and then be 'be ...

The next second, as if she had thought of something, Lydia, who had been so aggressive, fell silent, and an inexplicable blush quickly crept onto her face.

"Grateful for what? Miss Witch, please explain clearly, and maybe I'll do as you say?"

Hiding under the boss's chair, Irisviel clearly saw Lydia's feet rubbing together violently as Kenneth finished speaking.

"So grateful...so grateful to marry you...ah!! I'll fight you to the death, you bastard! Pervert! Big liar!"

Irisviel under the table cannot be exposed yet. The moment Lydel lunged at him, the familiar rope shot out from the void, sealing off the space. The mighty monarch of the plant family was once again suspended in front of Kenneth.

"What a pity, it seems the witch dislikes me. So the witch doesn't like those things?"

"You're a pervert! How could anyone like this? You'd better apologize to me right now, and then beg for my forgiveness with gratitude!"

Several hours later, Lydia was hoisted up by Kenneth again. She said "NO, NO, NO" aloud, but inwardly she thought, "YES, YES, YUS." Through his magic eye, Kenneth could tell that Lydia was enjoying herself again. He tightened the ropes, and the familiar stream of water flowed from Kenneth's fingertips once more.

"Miss Witch, only a few hours have passed. It seems you've forgotten all my previous teachings. In that case, I'll have to help you recall them."

Intermittent sounds of blows and deliberately suppressed sobs rang out. Kneeling under the desk, Irisviel felt herself becoming abnormal. It was late at night. In El-Melloi's room, Ilya, who had been waiting for Irisviel in vain, put on her slippers and went to find her.

"Miss, Lady Alice has something to discuss with the head of the family, so it is inconvenient to disturb her."

The moment Ilya poked her head out of the door, Lyselite appeared and blocked her way, puffing out her cheeks. Ilya, still a child, could only return to her room under the watchful eye of the emotionless maid.

Ilya: My first night sleeping alone away from my mother, I miss her.

Chapter 127 Remnants of the Old Era