The El-Melloi II Case Files, full name "El-Melloi II Case Files", is one of the works of Type-Moon Society. It tells a series of stories about Waver Velvet after the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War.
The story is set in the Clock Tower, and uses reasoning and magic to depict human nature. It is a masterpiece suitable for calming down and reading slowly. It is also one of Shinji's favorite works in his previous life besides the four major works. It's just that because the work itself is more reasoning-oriented and the style is far different from most of Type-Moon's works, it is not as well-known in the Moon Fan Circle as other works under the name of FATE, but the quality is really good - at least much higher than a certain FA.
The first volume of "Ji Shigen Jikenbo" is the "Stripped Castle Adela" chapter. The nearly 30-year-old Waver shows a mature charm and wise demeanor that is different from other male protagonists in the Type-Moon world. Shinji was supposed to witness this demeanor up close, sweeping away the image of "death from overwork" that has been increasing recently, but he didn't expect this guy to refuse.
No, if you think about it carefully, this is the choice that suits Weber's character.
In the original world line, after Kayneth's death, El-Melloi owed a lot of debts, which made Weber feel suffocated, so he had to accept various troublesome commissions. But now it is different. Weber does not have so much foreign debt. The loans for the Modern Magic Department are all benign loans. It is not difficult to repay them. There is no need to take risks, especially risks related to the dark side of the "Law and Politics Department".
Not getting involved in political struggles and teaching with peace of mind is Kenneth's hope, Weber's creed, and the capital that makes the El-Melloi classroom stand out from factions.
After thinking this through, Shinji stopped insisting and took the invitation: "Then I'll be polite. Is it okay for me to attend in the name of the classroom?"
Waver nodded indifferently: "No problem. Most of your superficial connections in the Clock Tower are in the Modern Magic Department. The outside world will think that I have no interest in participating, so I am sending someone here to go through the motions - unless you cause a big incident."
"I haven't done anything for three years, don't worry."
"Mr. Matou, we provided the name and invitation letter and took certain risks, so you should also pay something."
"Miss-"
Without giving Waver a chance to speak, Shinji spoke first.
"Miss Lanis is right. It is only natural that we should reciprocate. The inheritance of 'Adela' is under the supervision of the Law and Politics Department. After the incident is over, I will fight for a share for you. What do you think of the 'Stripping City' itself?"
Lanis shook her head: "I don't like that kind of twisted castle."
"So what do you like?"
"I think the engraving and restoration technology is great, and it would be great if I could get it."
"You are quite smart, worthy of being Weber's housekeeper."
Hearing Shinji's praise, Lanis's eyes narrowed into crescents, while Waver covered his forehead with his hands, pretending that he couldn't bear to look at it.
"But I can't guarantee this. I can only try my best. If it doesn't work, I'll try to get more resources for you. This kind of thing, like technology, will never become obsolete."
"Thank you, Shinji-nii-nii."
"Haha, now you know to call me brother." Shinji laughed.
"Ahahahaha."
Lanis smiled and pretended to be stupid, and quickly stood up to say goodbye. This kind of just-in-time and appropriate attitude made people feel very comfortable. No wonder in the original world line, after Kenneth's death, the remaining forces of the El-Melloi faction after the turmoil gathered around her.
After she turned around, the smile on Shinji's face slowly faded, and finally turned into a sigh that no one noticed.
Sorry, if you knew the true identity of that technology you wouldn't say that. You can have anything in "Stripping City" except that thing - after this matter is settled, the young lady will probably be angry again, so this damn magic world really needs to be cleaned up.
Lanis pushed open the office door and stopped at the entrance, seeming to be talking to someone.
"Really? Are you here too?"
"... Yeah." It was another young girl's voice, weak and unconfident, in stark contrast to Lanis's.
"How's your apprentice life going? Have you been abused by that sinister master?"
"... That, compared to life in the country, is much easier."
"Is that so? That's good. Well, my brother, although he still has a lot of students, has almost never accepted any inner disciples to help with housework. In a sense, you are the last line of defense. Hmm, you have a big responsibility, right?"
"... I will, try my best."
"It's a shame to wear a hood over such a cute face."
Why does it feel like the wife is lecturing the concubine? Shinji complained in his mind. Waver beside him had already given up thinking.
"Excuse me."
A weak girl walked into the office.
Shinji felt very close to the girl when he saw her. She was dressed exactly like himself in the past. She was wrapped in a dark cloak, and her face could not be seen clearly. Her presence was very weak, and she had inherited the true teachings of the Grand Assassin (the fog).
"Master, your disciple, Gray, is here..."
"Come to think of it, you haven't met me yet. This is my new inner disciple, Gray. Gray, this is my friend, Matou Shinji."
"Hello, Miss Grey."
"Hello, Mr. Matou."
The girl bowed politely, but perhaps her movement was a little too big, and a gap appeared in the hood of her cloak, revealing her true face.
Shinji put his hand on Waver's shoulder and said, "I'm sorry, Miss Gray, I have something to talk to your master. Please step aside for a moment. It won't take long, just a few minutes, please."
Gray looked at Weber quietly, and after getting his permission, she stepped out of the door.
"I need an explanation."
"I was just about to tell you." Weber's expression remained unchanged. "She is a descendant of King Arthur's family, King Arthur's gravekeeper, Gray, Grave."
"So she looks exactly like Altria? A genetic alter ego? Atavism?"
Yes, the girl's face was exactly the same as King Arthur's Altria. The only difference was that Altria's hair was blonde, while the girl's hair was gray, just like her name, Gray.
"No." Weber shook his head. "Her original similarity was not that high. It was a sudden change one day ten years ago."
"Ten years, you mean—"
"It's the one you and I both know, the one who possesses unusual psychic qualities, and she may have been influenced by that."
"Really?"
Shinji released his hand that was holding down Waver and looked out the door thoughtfully.
Sure enough, they only look alike, but their personalities are not alike at all.
"Weber, leave her to me for a while. There are some things you can't teach her, but I can."