A Nascent Kaleidoscope.

Chapter 43: Chapter 42

So, funny thing, on the writers portion of this website, to upload a new chapter you simply put everything on a page and hit the 'publish' button and boom, chapter gets uploaded. Well, here's the thing, there is a 'save' button right next to it that does exactly as you would assume, saves the chapter. Guess which one I hit yesterday and didn't realize until now! So here's both chapters, yesterday and today, just wait a few minutes for the second one.

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[That lass, she is practically a dragon in human form.]

Tell me about it....I think I have new bruises now. And I don't think there is in doubt about what she is. You know, I'm starting to think I like women who can beat me up.

[Wouldn't be surprising, Devils in general worship strength, dragons also do the same.]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[How are you feeling?]

"Pretty decent, all things considered." I moved my body around, still a little sore after boosting so many times and my stamina was drained pretty heavily.

[You're getting better, and with your bloodline fully coming out it seems like your overall strength has gotten a nice increase, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to hold your own in physical combat so well.]

Yeah, Servants are ridiculous, and she wasn't even going all out. If she were serious, a single swing of her sword would have demolish the building with ease. And that wasn't even taking into account her unleashing her Noble Phantasm or utilizing her other skills. I seem to recall she has an ability that could give her a large boost for a few moments at the cost of a chunk of Magical energy.

It was also good to get another perspective, adding in my magical repertoire showed me a few more flaws in my combat abilities. The most obvious thing, there was such a huge divide between my martial and magical abilities and I don't mean in the realm of strength. It was like, I couldn't combine them in any meaningful way, they both were just....there.

I had walked around the campus here for a while, just enjoying the day. It seemed like several people saw me and just turned and walked away. I guess knowledge of me has started to spread, good. I wonder how long it will take for someone to do something stupid.

Well, it's not like I'll be staying specifically here for that much longer, only a few days and I should be making my trip to the Land of Shadows, and who knows how long I'll be there. Though I will be here back and forth quite a bit, well, we'll see what happens in the future. I think anyone would would want to approach me is just watching and waiting for now. I'll deal with that nonsense when it comes.

Speaking of, I should go back and check in. Maybe the old man needs some stuff from me? I would rather the project not get delayed because I was absent.

A hop, skip and the upscale living areas were not far away. No way Zelretch would be living among the 'common' folk. He wasn't exactly the snooty sort, but he did appreciate the finer things and he would acquire the best if it were available.

"You!" Rin shouted as I walked inside, grabbing me and pulling me into grandfather's office.

I just blinked, getting forced down in a seat as the man himself turned around in his chair, staring at me.... menacingly.

"Does the defendant have any words to speak in their defense?" He tapped his fingers together.

"I want a lawyer?"

"Denied." Rin answered, looming over me. "You have some explaining to do."

"You know, I have the strangest urge to flee at the moment....funny thing...." I flex my hand, feeling around in my ring, until I felt the connection shut off.

Zelretch just wagged his finger. "There will be no Magic in my courtroom."

Oh poo. "I believe I have a right to know what charges are against me?"

"May the prosecution present her case." Zelretch ushered to Rin, seemingly ignoring me.

Rin nodded, pacing around the room. "A couple hours ago I was deep into my research when I was interrupted by my Servant, the victim, stating that she required my help." She narrowed her eyes at me. "Apparently, she was asked out on date."

"A date?" Zelretch repeated. "And which dastardly villain seeks to corrupt our pure and innocent Saber?"

"He is sitting here in this courtroom right at this moment!" She slammed her hands on the desk.

"I see." Zelretch nodded. "And what does the prosecution recommend for punishment?"

"Immediate execution." She declared, pointing towards me.

"....accepted." He leaned back.

I gave him a deadpan look, sitting up I flicked Rin on the forehead.

"Oww" She whined, rubbing the spot.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked.

Zelretch just shrugged. "Is anything necessary?"

"Oi, don't start going all philosophical." I sighed. "Why are you both acting like I'm asking for her hand in marriage? It's a first date, it's entirely possible that nothing even comes of this."

"How did you even get Saber to agree to date?" Rin asked.

"Let me answer your question with another question. Why the hell does she think she has no charm or appeal?"

Rin threw her hands up. "I have no idea! I've been trying to get her to stop thinking that way, but she just won't accept anything I've said. How did you convince her to go on a date!?"

"She started some bullshit about not being attractive, I denied it was so, but she doubled down. I had no choice but to force the issue, challenging her to a duel and if I won, I get to take her out." I explained.

"You won against her?" Rin looked surprised.

"Fuck no." I laughed. "She kicked my ass, but I think I got through enough. She seemed to accept I wasn't trying to pity her or any other weird thoughts she has." Yeah, regardless of the outcome, I just want to take her out and have some fun.

"Well, this is wonderful news." Zelretch said happily. "Rin had approached me not long ago about this very issue, and I admit this isn't exactly my area of expertise." He then turned towards me. "I hope I don't need to explain how cross with you I will be if you are merely playing around with the young woman. I admire Miss Pendragon very much and I would hate to have a very different conversation about her with you."

"Really, a shovel speech?" I raised and eyebrow. "Besides do you really think I'm that kind of person? I do actually like her you know..." Rin looked at me, eyes slightly narrowed. "Her physical attractiveness aside, I find her temperament very charming." Did there have to be more than that? I don't think there's a threshold where you must reach to be allowed to like another person, it's not like I was confessing my love or anything.

"Good." Rin acknowledged. "What are your plans?"

"Well....I haven't really thought much past this point." I scratched my cheek. "I have a few ideas I'll need to double check on."

"What kind of clothes will she need? Is it inside or outside? Will she need special shoes, maybe some kind of dancing? Or are you going for something classic, maybe just a movie and dinner?" Rin started to bombard me with questions.

"Uh....mostly outside, a bit of walking, and somewhat warm weather." I listed off, thinking about it. "Oh shit."

"What?"

"....I don't actually have any money." Well, at least mundane currency.

"...Idiot." Rin sighed.

I turned towards the old man. "So how about that pocket change you mentioned?" He just laughed waving his hand, making a piece of parchment fly towards me. I read it over, furrowing my brow a few times. "Are you seriously trying to extort me?" I grumbled taking out a few items in my ring. "These metals should work fine, though you may want to double check....and here's a few more gems, the quality should be about what you need."

I looked over everything I sat on the table. "How is the project progressing, do you have all the resources you require or do you need me to fetch some other stuff?" I really wanted my staff back...I felt weird not having it with me. Not like I was feeling vulnerable, but maybe I just didn't like my things being out of my grasp.

"It's Good, I should be able to get the gateway up and running in a few days if these work as intended." Zelretch stated, rubbing his chin. "I'll give you access to my accounts here in England, it should be much more than you will need."

Yeah, that's a bit of an understatement. Just his mundane currency was in the millions, that wasn't even touching things like stock or other forms of wealth. Actually, I think he has a garage somewhere with a couple dozen cars.....definitely going to raid that at some point.

"Now I need to take her shopping." She started giggling to herself. "Shoes, dresses, what else?"

Well, it seems like Saber will be in good hands.

Actually, I need new clothes too! And Shoes. Now that I think about it, my whole wardrobe needs an upgrade.....from this singular outfit I've been wearing for a whole month. Magic or not, I'm sick of it, I will want to look my best when I take Artoria out.

Now the thought of her in a cute dress won't disappear from my mind.