RNP Page 4
Page 4
"Indeed, treasures should be appreciated. I was being presumptuous. May I ask if Miss Rosie has any magic eyes that target the soul in her collection?"
Kenneth's initial goal was not Rainbow-level Mystic Eyes; Jewel-level Mystic Eyes were his first choice. Now it seems that Rosie probably has Rainbow-level Mystic Eyes. The essence of the Holy Grail War is spirit possession, and Servants are merely spirits that gain possession under the influence of the incomplete Third Law. Kenneth would be very satisfied if Jewel-level Mystic Eyes could interfere with the actions of Servants under certain circumstances.
"I see. So, a demonic eye targeting the soul? I do have a few pairs in my castle. I wonder what offer Mr. Kenneth that I can't refuse?"
“Here comes the point.”
Kenneth silently reviewed the information about Rosieanne, his mind racing. Money could be ruled out first; she wasn't short of money. Kenneth and Rosieanne's relationship meant the deal couldn't be settled with money. Catering to her preferences was the key to closing the deal.
"I wonder how many pairs of magical eyes Miss Rosie possesses regarding the soul, and what their grade is?"
Without answering Rosie's question, Kenneth first asked about the value of the goods.
"Gold-grade six pairs, and gem-grade... well, that depends on how big your appetite is."
Deliberately drawing out her words, Rosie gave another ambiguous answer. Kenneth really wanted to punch the riddle-maker, but then he thought, the magic eyes that could enter Rosie's collection were definitely not on the same level as the goods on the magic eye collection train; at least in terms of ability, they could absolutely crush those foot-washing maids. Making up his mind, Kenneth spoke directly:
"I want all the gold-grade ones, and as for gem-grade ones, I'll take all three."
"Oh ho ho ho!!! Mr. Kenneth has quite the appetite. My collection is far superior to those junk items out there. Can you handle it?"
"Whether someone can eat it or not can only be determined after we've talked about it, right?"
In response to Kenneth's answer, Rosieanne suppressed her booming laughter and waited quietly for Kenneth's offer.
“I imagine that Miss Rogé, as a refined artist, would also look down on those materialistic things. How about we trade using a barter system?”
"You're quite perceptive! So what can you offer? Lord El-Melloi?"
Taking a deep breath, Kenneth began to ponder the El-Melloi family's thousand-year-old collection.
"I have a few of Leonardo da Vinci's works that have never been circulated, as well as some less-than-respectable collections. I wonder if Miss Rogéan would be interested?"
"That's interesting. Keep going, it's not enough."
[What a troublesome woman! If I ever get the chance to summon Leonardo da Vinci, I'll definitely drain you dry!!]
Kenneth silently recited the price in his mind and then quoted a price.
......
"not enough."
......
"not enough."
......
"Not even close."
Just when Kenneth was about to empty half of the El-Melloi family's collection, Rosie's tone finally changed. Taking a deep breath, Kenneth raised the bid one last time.
"Moon Spirit Essence Liquid, I think Miss Rosie Anne should be familiar with this dress, right?"
"Oh? You mean that Supreme Mystic Code of your El-Melloi family? To be honest, it's just a blob of mercury, what's the use?"
With a slight smile, Kenneth said deceptively:
“Miss Rogéan may not know this, but mercury is only its most basic form. It is essentially a calculator. According to the owner’s idea, the malleability of mercury is unmatched by anything else. I think Miss Rogéan, who pursues art, will definitely be interested in this dress that can satisfy all artistic ideas.”
"From what you've said, it does sound like a great toy. So, that's settled then. Once the item is delivered, I'll put the Magic Eye on the Magic Eye Collection Train, and the invitation will be sent to you shortly afterward."
"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Rogé."
After hanging up the phone, Kenneth immediately put on a mask of pain; he had lost half of the El-Melloi family's 9th generation collection tonight.
"This is really going to bankrupt us. I haven't even sent it yet, and El-Melloi is already scared?"
Shaking his head, Kenneth arranged the items to be traded with Rosé and then went into his magic workshop. He didn't have any extra Moon Spirit Essence he'd promised Rosé, so he needed to hurry and make another one. As for how to explain the fact that Rosé possessed the El-Melloi family's Supreme Mystic Code, Kenneth could only say:
"I don't know!!"
Chapter Nine: Tokiomi Tohsaka: I'm such a good father
Stepping out of his study, Kenneth arrived at his fourth magic workshop. Don't ask where the second and third workshops went; they were sent to heaven by Reines. Standing at the door, sensing the anomaly in the workshop's barrier, Kenneth took a few steps back expressionlessly.
"Three, two, one."
"boom!!!"
Alright, congratulations to Kenneth on the destruction of Workshop No. 4. Immediately afterwards, the workshop's isolation spell was activated, and Reines, wearing a protective suit and covered in dust, emerged from a cloud of mercury vapor.
"At what point today did it explode?"
Upon hearing this, Reines instinctively shuddered and removed the mask from her head. Having already figured out Kenneth's temper, Reines immediately gave a silly grin in an attempt to get away with it. Seeing the change in Reines's expression, Kenneth shook his head and placed his hand directly on Director Ken's precarious hairline.
"You were fine in the simulations, so how come you're having problems as soon as you start teaching? You're definitely the worst class of students I've ever taught."
"Hey, my brother is a recognized child prodigy, how can I compare to him?"
Kenneth, who had little teaching experience, felt he couldn't compare to the top lecturer, Director Ken. Looking at Reines, who was increasingly revealing her true colors, Kenneth said seriously:
"Change your clothes and come with me. I'll demonstrate how to make Moon Essence Liquid from start to finish. Give me a break, you've already blown up half of my eight workshops. If you keep doing that, I'll make you write me an IOU." (Waver happily receives an IOU)
"Yes, elder brother."
Reines, who was becoming increasingly devilish, completely ignored Kenneth's threat and quickly followed in his footsteps.
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A day earlier, at Fuyuki Airport, watching Sakura Tohsaka board the plane with the El-Melloi family's magician, Tokiomi Tohsaka completely forgot the Tohsaka family's ancestral precepts, and let out a burst of maniacal laughter, as if paying homage to an old man.
"Father, is Sakura leaving already?"
"Cough cough!!"
As Rin's voice rang out, Tokiomi Tohsaka, determined to be a good role model for Rin, immediately picked up the elegant thing he had thrown on the ground.
"Rin, you must remember that we are magicians, and pursuing the path of magic is what we should do. From today onwards, she is no longer your sister. You must keep in mind the ancestral teachings of the Tohsaka family and fulfill our family's long-cherished wish."
Although his eyes were filled with reluctance, Rin Tohsaka, who always respected Tokiomi Tohsaka, forced himself to nod. He patted Rin Tohsaka's head, and as Tokiomi Tohsaka turned around, with his back to Rin Tohsaka, he immediately recalled the scene of the Tohsaka family achieving their long-cherished wish.
A few days ago, when Tokiomi Tohsaka learned that the El-Melloi family, which ranked fourth in the monarchical family lineage, had specifically requested Sakura Tohsaka, he almost died of excitement. As a member of the aristocratic faction, the El-Melloi family was an existence that Tokiomi Tohsaka could only dream of. Faced with the El-Melloi family's offer, Tokiomi Tohsaka completely forgot about the Matou family's request.
In Tokiomi Tohsaka's mind, compared to El-Melloi, what was the Matou family? According to ancient texts, Tokiomi also knew that the Matou family's original name was Zorgen, a famous Russian magic family, with a history of seven hundred years in the Matou region. However, the Mage's Association was established in the year 1 AD, while the El-Melloi family had at least a thousand-year history, and their monarchical system was established eight hundred years ago without any major changes. Zorgen was, in the end, just a famous family; how could it compare to those monarchical families?
The final straw that broke Tokiomi Tohsaka's back was the decline of the Matou family. Who knew how long it had been since the Matou family's Magic Crest had been updated? Before, I had no choice, but now that there's El-Melloi, Tokiomi Tohsaka said, "Matou-o, let's not contact each other anymore. I'm afraid El-Melloi will misunderstand."
"Ah, I am such a good father. Sakura, if you could understand my good intentions, you would thank me. If you could obtain the El-Melloi Crest, I would have no regrets even if I died."
And so, with the thought that he could die without regrets, Tokiomi Tohsaka became completely immersed in his fantasy, taking in the rich expressions on Tokiomi Tohsaka's face. Little Rin didn't understand, but she was deeply shocked.
The same thing happened in Kanbuko City. Aozaki Touko was living a very carefree life during this period. With Kenneth as her sucker, Aozaki Touko didn't even bother to borrow money from loan sharks using her younger sister's name. Whenever she needed something, she would just go for the most expensive loan. As a result, an urban legend of an orange-haired, orange-eyed fat sheep spread throughout Kanbuko City.
Given Aozaki Touko's connections at the Clock Tower, she was certain that Kenneth hadn't lied to her; her seal designation had indeed been lifted. It was just that the old guys hadn't made it public yet for the sake of face. Although Aozaki Touko wasn't afraid of that damn seal designation, she also didn't like being chased by a bunch of mad dogs. Having tasted the sweetness of success, Aozaki Touko acted swiftly, and news of a home invasion robbery spread throughout Kanbuko City that very day.
Watching Asagami Fujino being led away by the El-Melloi family's magician, Aozaki Touko lit a cigarette with a satisfied expression.
"I'm such a hardworking employee. By the way, it's almost the end of the month, and I'm a little short on cash. I'm afraid my salary next month won't be enough. So, I'll just order more materials for making the dolls. Hmm, I'll just write something like 'Fantasy Species,' and it should sell quite a bit."
After devising her grand plan to make money, Aozaki Touko started preparing financial statements without any guilt. As a result, when Kenneth returned to his study after finishing his teaching work for the day, he saw Aozaki Touko's outrageous financial statements and his fists clenched.
"Clang clang clang, Lord, the people from the Tohsaka and Asagami families have arrived."
Just as Kenneth was preparing for a passionate confrontation with Aozaki Touko, who was far away in Guanbu City, a knock sounded on the door, and Roy's words reached Kenneth's ears.
"I understand. Let them wait in the lobby."
Angrily putting down the bill in his hand, Kenneth began frantically rubbing his slicked-back hair. In less than three months since he transmigrated, El-Melloi had already squandered half of his fortune. At Aozaki Touko's rate, Kenneth thought he might go bankrupt before World War IV.
"No, we need to speed up our money-making plan. Let me think of some quick ways to make money in the 90s."
Thinking about his grand plan to make a fortune, Kenneth handed the list to the butler. Having completely become the sucker, Kenneth finally breathed a sigh of relief and slowly walked down the stairs. Noticing Reines already mingling with Tohsaka Sakura and Asagami Fujino, Kenneth coughed lightly. When the three little girls—one big and two small—looked at him with gazes that were filled with fear, indifference, or amusement, Kenneth finally spoke:
“I am Kenneth. You should already know why you are here, so I won’t explain further. From today onwards, you two will study with Reines.”
Immediately afterwards, Kenneth turned his gaze to Reines, who had an amused expression on her face.
"Lenes, I'm leaving the two of them to you. Let them adjust to the time difference first."
"Yes, my dear brother."
Chapter Ten: Reines's Women's Club
After hanging up the phone, Kenneth was still furious at Aozaki Touko's shamelessness. He was panting heavily. To be honest, Kenneth had never seen such a shameless person in his two lifetimes. What normal person would put those items on the bill, and it was worth millions on a single bill?
"Forget it, once I corrupt her, I'll make her pay a thousand times over! I should focus on making money. Those investments take time to generate returns. If this continues, the El-Melloi family will really be in my hands."
Rubbing his messy slicked-back hair, Kenneth felt for the first time how ruthless the world was. He was already struggling to survive; why did he have to worry about all that money, so full of the stench of materialism?!
"Ugh, I really want to find a rich woman! I don't want to work hard anymore. Rich women, freeloaders, I'm starving~ Why couldn't I have a list of rich women's contacts when I transmigrated?!"
"Hmm, a rich woman!!"
Muttering to himself, Kenneth suddenly realized that there really were rich women in the Clock Tower. Besides Loreleia, another person who could be called a rich woman immediately came to Kenneth's mind.
May Lydia Acherlot!! This one is a heavyweight, and unlike those rigid magicians, she is a relatively humane magician, and also the monarch of the plant family.
In terms of financial resources, the other party's adoptive father is the owner of a multinational corporation, and she herself is also an idol singer. Considering May Lydèle Archerlot's nickname—the Coal Witch—Kenneth was tempted. That's right, it's coal; May Lydèle Archerlot's family owns mines.
"hiss!!"
Thinking of May Lydia Acherlott's body and appearance again, Kenneth became even more lustful. This woman could give Kenneth peace of mind, both physically and materially. At this moment, Kenneth grasped hope again.
"A larger version of Rin Tohsaka, her tsundere side is not easy to handle. By the way, she seems to really like being an idol singer. Is she plagiarizing? Let's establish a connection with her through songs first. I never thought I'd have this day even though I'm a magician. In that case, let's try to build some goodwill before breaking off the engagement with the Euryphus family."
"Which one should I copy? Hmm, I'll just copy Wake for now. Hmm, Wake seems to be written for God. No, that's from a past life. In this life, I can write it for whoever I want. I can change the lyrics and no one will be able to tell."
Just as Kenneth Lazy was plotting his plan to seize the family fortune, in Reines' room, Reines, who had already realized the importance of Tohsaka Sakura and Asagami Fujino to Kenneth, immediately took action. As Kenneth's chosen successor as the next head of the family, Reines naturally regarded the two women as Kenneth's trusted confidantes. In keeping with the dignity of the 10th head of the El-Melloi family, Reines decided to hold a women's gathering that night.
Gazing at the two somewhat similar women before her, Reines cleared her throat and said in a resounding voice:
"Although I have already introduced myself before, I will reintroduce myself here. I am Reines Elmello Archizorti."
"My name is Tohsaka Sakura." — By: Tohsaka Sakura, who looks rather timid.
"Asagami Fujino." by: Asagami Fujino with vacant eyes.
Through their previous conversation, Reines had gained a basic understanding of the two little girls in front of her. Nodding, Reines continued her introduction:
"Since you were chosen by your elder brother, it means you must possess talents far exceeding those of ordinary people. As your elder brother's adopted sisters, I feel it's necessary for me to introduce you to the El-Melloi family. Our El-Melloi family is a mage family that has been passed down for thousands of years, one of the twelve families at the top of the Clock Tower..."
......
Faced with Reines's string of adjectives, Sakura Tohsaka and Fujino Asagami didn't understand, but they were both deeply shocked.
"Therefore, from now on, as members of the El-Melloi family, you must start with yourselves. First and foremost, you, Sakura Tohsaka, your personality is too weak. Hold your head high! Your demeanor represents the face of the El-Melloi family!!"
"I'm...I'm sorry, I'll try my best."
Startled by Reines's sudden increase in tone, Sakura Tohsaka straightened up and immediately apologized. Reines, knowing that changing someone's personality takes time, didn't mind and then softened her tone.
"Sakura, you can learn from me from now on, okay?"
"I understand, I will try my best."
Seemingly quite satisfied with Sakura Tohsaka's answer, Reines nodded in satisfaction. To be honest, if Kenneth knew about Reines's educational approach, he would definitely be thrilled. If Sakura continued to learn from Reines, she might turn into a baby in a few years.
Shifting her gaze to Asagami Fujino, Reines also kept her tone relatively gentle.
"Fujino, we understand your illness. It's not a big problem. The El-Melloi family will treat you."
Catching a fleeting glint in Asagami Fujino's empty eyes, Reines suddenly raised her voice.
"Asagami Fujino, we are different, we are the same!! How could those ignorant mortals understand the mysterious greatness? They only acted that way because they feared your talent. Violence is a means to cover up incompetence!! Raise your head, tear off their disguise, and trample those incompetent fools under your feet!!"
"Trampled underfoot, we are outsiders, we are our own kind... those guys should be afraid..."
Repeating Reines' words, Asagami Fujino seemed to be taking a bad turn under Reines's influence. As a magician, Reines didn't care about Asagami Fujino's increasingly broken expression and then pulled out a board game from under the bed.
"Now that we've finished the serious talk, it's game time!!"
......
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The next day, when Kenneth with his slicked-back hair came down the stairs, he was greeted by three little girls with thick dark circles under their eyes. Thinking they were jet-lagged, Kenneth didn't pay much attention and arranged for Leni to take the other two little girls to familiarize themselves with the clock tower before entering the Summoning Department classroom.
Kenneth wasn't worried about Reines' safety. The Clock Tower was aware of Reines' identity, and the El-Melloi family's position was still very secure before the Clock Tower fell into ruin. Anyone with a brain wouldn't provoke the El-Melloi princess.
Entering the classroom and glancing around at the students below, Kenneth began his lecture based on Director Ken's memory. As for Weber, it was only the end of 1992, and Weber from the Taihang family was still trying his best to earn credits in all the basic courses.
"Ah, Weber, when are you going to come work for me? Your future mentor can't take it anymore."
Thinking of his personal assistant, Kenneth began grading the students' assignments with a look of disgust. As a free spirit, Kenneth really wanted to leave work as soon as possible.
"It's decided. I'll retire after surviving World War IV. Webber will be the second kingpin, and I'll be the mastermind behind the scenes. I've had enough of those monsters and demons in the Clock Tower."