A/n: Hello Psychojack here with another chapter of Holy Nail Wars. We have already seen much of Honda's humble starting point. Let us see how he fares in the new chapter of what will be the rest of his life. Whether that life is short or not we shall see, onwards to the read.
--Deacon Estate: Chamber--
"What do you mean the final master has yet to appear!" A booming voice can be heard yelling. Within this marble chamber was a group of individuals currently holding a meeting of sorts. Many figures consisting of magus and their servants, surrounded a large circular table, which glowed in blue archaic runes clearly of magical origin.
"The final master was said to be chosen tonight, why the delay!? Just what in the hell is going on, I demand to know!" The same voice yelled.
The voice belonged to a large man. He had a navy blue textured slicked back undercut. He wore an aqua suit laced in gold trim and buttons.. He seemed to be in his twenties if his youthful face was any indication, however his current temperament was also a dead giveaway with his irrational manner of speech.
On his side of this archaic runes table there were porcelain white men and women bearing red eyes. They were currently standing at the ready near the young man. One stood at his right and left whilst others stood behind him. Clearly they were his personal bodyguard.
On the other side of the table there were two shrouded figures. They did not possess any bodyguards. One of them rose and spoke, his voice calm yet stern in delivery.
"It is unfortunate Lord Deacon but such is the way when dealing with the Holy Grail. Since the beginning, even the most skilled of magus can never simply predict the actions pertaining to it. If it were that easy the Holy Grail would be easily attainable by now."
"But it was your ONLY duty Eckbert, you are one of the finest trackers of your sector and you're telling me that all the resources I provided could not tell me even an approximate date, if not tonight then when!" Deacon bellowed.
"Our enemies are just as confused as we are, I assure you. Ursus and I have already discovered three of the masters' positions in less time than most given the limited resources at our disposal. Like this we can make short work of them with a preemptive strike when the war starts, as agreed." Eckbert said.
Deacon stared at Eckbert, though in this current lighting he was obscured by darkness, the irate mage didn't falter. Deacon continued his azure eyes glowing in anger especially when his resources were called limited. "And may I remind YOU that two of those masters are far higher above our stations, we may as well start a war with the Clocktower. Even if the war were to end in our victory, we'd be at a loss by reputation alone. I cannot risk a win through social suicide."
Eckbert responded "The Holy Grail's entire nature is for a laissez faire means of a magus' superiority. To win is to simply prove one's own talents and lineage far beyond all others who would dare participate. Sure, some would hold grudges but never so far as to outright challenge a holy grail winner."
Deacon furrowed his eyebrows "If that were true where are all those lucky winners now I wonder?" he hissed sarcastingly.
Eckbert was silent. That was a good point. All winners of the Holy Grail war simply ceased out of mention due to their own hand or if by what Deacon suggests, less than favorable after effects of the war.
"We didn't choose this Eckbert, our forefathers did in the first grail war. Now we pay the price for their warmongering with our blood as sacrifice at the last possible minute. No preparation, just a mark and a calling. As far as I'm concerned this must be some sick joke! Last I checked I have no heirs, and considering rumours I have heard, neither do you..."
Eckbert stood stiffly.
Lord Deacon continued, silent but steadily growing in volume. "Should we fail it would be the end of both our houses. In death none would even mourn us, for we wouldn't even be worth remembering to the pages of history!"
Eckbert responded "Is that the real reason why you accepted my proposal for this alliance? To merely preserve legacy?"
Deacon slammed his fist on the table. His fist went through the table cleanly with very little debris. "I joined this alliance between our houses because I want to win! At the very least should our alliance come to an abrupt end we would still know whom to eliminate quickly before they gained momentum. At least then we wouldn't be bothered if we were to fight. Accomodations concerning lineage could also be made properly if it was only us two."
"Our alliance is still solid, my house has never been one to mince words." Eckbert assured Deacon.
"There's a difference between lying and being incapable of lying, Eckbert. You are as desperate as I am. It's also the reason I have you responsible for data collecting whilst I and my forces will be the front lines. Be warned Eckbert, if any should capture you, you are aware that the alliance will be forced to be rendered meaningless."
"Understood Lord Deacon, for now we will retire, we have many preparations to make for what comes next, come along Ursus." Eckbert spoke to his associate. Eckbert stood, Ursus was slower in his movements. The yet to be revealed individual shifted left then right before following his master.
"Wait Eckbert." Deacon spoke.
"I've been meaning to ask you, why'd you forge an alliance with me anyway? My house is not as notorious as the others, what drew you to me?"
Eckbert turned around. His face revealed to be a man also in his early thirties however he was less bulky yet more refined. He wore small circular glasses and a brown suit on closer inspection. He was tall and slim with amber eyes. His hair was styled in a short classy neat cut not a strand out of place. In this light his yellow eyes seemed to glow.
"It is because you are a man of your word. Other than that, well, let's just say your brutish honesty is more refreshing than the madness that plague the other masters." Eckbert replied.
--Fuyuki City : Street--
"Sooo why did you come and pick me up Mrs….um" A voice can be heard within a limousine currently driving through the streets.
"Oh I am no Mrs., just call me Idores, Idores Velune." A woman spoke.
Inside the car one would see Honda sitting across from this woman Idores. She was beautiful to Honda but also a bit abnormal considering that she was an albino as well as her driver. Though he was weirded out a bit when she first invited him, she seemed to be a warm enough person with that sweet smile of hers.
"Y-yeah, my bad, so...Idores, why pick me up?" Honda asked, still skeptical of this strange random act of generosity.
The albino Idores smiled, making Honda blush at this sudden attention from this really attractive woman sitting across from him. Her eyes were closed seemingly in kindness.
"In all honesty it's because...I am lonely." she answered blatantly.
The driver, Stria, eavesdropped the conversation through the front mirror.
Honda sweat dropped. 'SHE'S lonely, what's the world coming to!!'' he thought to himself. He looked at the front view mirror, his eyes connected with Stria's before she looked away, back to focusing on the road.
"More specifically, I figured we could understand one another." Idores blushed.
"What d'ya mean?" Honda looked confused towards Idores.
At this, Idores extended her hand towards Honda, placing her hand right on top of his left thigh giving the street magician a squeeze.
Honda was at full attention at her squeeze. Here he was in a strange woman's car, and she was bold enough to lay her hand on him in such an admittingly most welcomed manner. He was growing turned on by her smile, her blush and the warmth of her hand.
He looked at the driver again. Noticing that the chauffeur clasped the wheel a lot more tightly than before as Idores felt his lap. Honda sweat dropped.
"I mean I have a job for you." Idores stated.
Honda looked at her, snapped out of his line of thoughts. "Eh what?" The car came to an almost screeching halt with Honda swerving from the abrupt halt.
--Fuyuki City: Velune residence--
The driver stopped at the Velune residence. It was a big classical Japanese residence. It was two floors painted crimson, though based on some stray peeled paint it looked like this place could use some much needed maintenance. He could see a bit of the garden in the back though he wasn't necessarily sure what was actually there. Surprisingly, Honda was expecting a big mansion but still this place was bigger than any someone of his caliber could ever afford. There were other residences but this caught his eye with the classical design, others seemed more modern and suburban-esque. The sun was coming out as the drive was long.
"Idores, you said something about a job?" Honda asked.
"Why yes, I am in need of a stay in caretaker. I will be heading out of town soon on temporary business but while I'm away I will need someone to tend to the residence." Idores finished.
'In short I'm a maid. Wait, why not hire one?' Honda sweat dropped.
Idores continued. "I know what you're thinking, why not hire a maid am I right?"
Honda looked towards Idores thinking to himself 'What is she a mind reader!?'
Idores continued "The truth is, this residence holds certain artifacts that I collect in my spare time. I've had several hired maids who attempted to either touch, tinker or steal said artifacts."
Honda asked "Artifacts? You mean like a museum or something."
Idores giggled. "They are more of a magical sort of artifacts."
Honda's eyes grew in shock "Magic! Like real magic!" He shut himself off before he may make a fool of himself.
Idores snickered to the side. She got him right where she wanted him. Her cruel smirk hidden from view before switching back to her faux kind demeanor. She smiled at Honda.
"I know who you are, Katashi or more specifically, Honda the Warlock."
Honda was shocked. "How do you know that?"
Idores pointed at his right hand. Honda looked and in his conversation with Idores his suitcase edged open just a few centimeters on the bottom. It was enough for his warlock mask to stick out, the eyeholes literally obvious to those who may have seen him and his many performances. He could only guess Idores may have seen him before, the mask simply confirmed his identity.
Idores slipped the mask upwards back into the suitcase, her pointer finger held upwards over her mouth in a cute silence gesture. "As a warlock yourself I feel that only us devotees of the magic arts would appreciate the value of the artifacts I have here."
"Wait, you're a magician!?" Honda smiled at her. The more he spoke with Idores the more he was growing to like her.
Inwardly Idores smirked 'Foolish, there's only one real magician here.' The albino continued.
"Why yes, I am a magic enthusiast in my spare time. I loved your shows and knew only a talented, capable man would care for them while I am gone." Idores buttered him up. Honda was oblivious to the fake praise.
"Well I don't usually toot my own horn, but if it takes a magician like myself to keep these artifacts safe then sure. I'm your man!"
'He is too easy!' Idores thought to herself.
She grabbed his hands, standing on her toes to reach Honda's height as she spoke with false happiness. "Oh you will, thank you so much Honda! I will be counting on you then! When I return, we'll negotiate a more...long term arrangement of your stay! One magician...to another." The way she said this was like a purr, alluring Honda with each sound of her voice.
Honda blushed and rubbed the back of his head "S-sure, so when do I start."
"You will start today, my servant Stria will remain here as well while I'm away, I hope you understand." Idores said.
Stria the driver now without the chauffeur uniform had switched to a black tank top and faded black jeans. She looked to her master in affirmation of her name. She knew why her master would have to leave soon, the Holy Grail War. To Honda her driver with her slightly unkempt white hair and attire looked good enough to, well you know. She currently had her arms crossed, her body language lacking openness, much the opposite of Idores.
"I have to tend to Idores' clients while you work. I will show you around." Stria added.
Honda got the memo, they probably held these historical artifacts for museums and the such. While Idores was away, Stria handled her business affairs, and he would get the manual labor. Also clearly Idores still didn't wholly trust a complete stranger with her home alone, hence Stria remained here to at least keep an eye on him. Whatever, he didn't intend on stealing anything, I mean c'mon they already offered him a job, a place to stay (albeit temporary but maybe longer when Idores returns) and there's plenty of eye candy to go around, why mess this up! As far as he's concerned this is what he needed.
Honda with an enthusiastic grin nodded "I promise Idores, as long as I'm around I'll be sure no one will get past me!" He chuckled.
Idores admitingly did find his enthusiasm contagious but alas it didn't matter, the real reason for his being here was not for the so-called artifacts.
--Velune Residence Interior--
Though the outside seemed like a classical Japanese abode, the interior was clearly designed with comfort in mind being that there was a couch set with a widescreen 4k television set. A coffee table in the middle serving as a means of rest and a place to eat.
"Here is the living room." Stria emotionlessly listed the house to Honda. He liked it so far. He was pulled by his arm roughly.
Stria went down a hallway and opened a door. "Here is the guest room, this isn't a hotel so don't expect room service." Stria stated sarcastingly if Honda could guess. The guest room was a king sized bed with a bedside table, a desk with assorted cabinets, a trunk for his stuff and a closet for clothing. He could see guests were granted quite hospitable accommodations.
Stria grabbed Honda by the hood of his sweater clearly impatient though her manner of speech was still emotionless.
"Hey watch it, ouch!" Honda screeched.
"Here is the bathroom." Stria showed Honda, surprisingly it looked extremely intricate, gold painted tiles and a big tub in the center that multiple people could use at once. You had a long assortment of towels, and a shiny toilet and sinkware. It was almost god tier hygiene.
'This is one hell of a bathroom!' Honda thought before looking towards Stria, who still had him by his hood, him being hunched over. He was noticing her curves and though she was not as blessed boob wise as her master, she was still quite a looker.
'That tub looks big enough for two...' Honda thought a tad perversely but being in such close proximity with Stria made him think that offhandedly.
She looked at him, as for five seconds they stared, their cheeks both growing a faint blush as they seemed to have reached the same conclusion.
"Don't even think about it." Stria said though her present blush made it clear she was thinking the same thing he was.
Honda raised his hand with an ok hand sign. "Crystal clear." He squeaked, trying to alleviate any concerns Stria may have had about his behavior.
"My body is only for Idores to command. As is yours from here on out, remember that." Stria said matter of factly, dragging Honda out. Honda blushed as to how that sounded but yeah he was her employee now so he would do his job well.
Stria then showed him what looked like a storage room on the second floor, this place was quite dark and was bigger than all the other rooms shown so far. It was almost like a warehouse.
"These are the artifacts that you will be watching over whilst lady Velune is away. Be sure not to touch anything, lest you end up fatally cursed for the rest of your life." Stria stated nonchalantly.
Honda gulped, he gazed at these artifacts, most seemed like scrolls or old looking victorian era boxes obviously carrying untold treasures of histories' magical past. Such a shame he couldn't see himself what they were exactly,
"Hey, what are these gems, Stria." Honda asked as he looked at a container where some almost silver like gems were held.
"That's quartz, please refrain from letting your curiosity do something stupid." Stria said without hesitation.
Honda sweat dropped. This girl was rude, but their house, their rules. If he doesn't like it it's back out on the street.
"Should you need anything I will be sleeping in the servants quarters near your room. The kitchen is across the hall from the living room. As for the rest of the house, that is off limits to you at this time, any questions?"
Honda pondered in a thinking pose. "Yeah, are you into magic like Idores?" He asked, hoping he could at least relate to Stria a tad. If he's going to be here for the next few weeks or months he might as well get along with her.
Stria looked at Honda "No, I am a homunculus." She stated. He stared for a few seconds then laughed, mirthfully relishing what he thought was a magic joke, especially with her near emotionless face. Stria started tilting her head in confusion at his reaction. After he had his laugh Honda snorted "Ya got me, good one!" He walked past her to set his room up before starting his first shift.
Stria merely stood trying to contemplate Honda's reaction. It wasn't what she was expecting.
--Velune Residence Living Room--
Honda was currently in the guest room tinkering and establishing his temporary pad as the two women spoke in the living room.
"My lady, are you sure it is wise to leave the residence?" Stria asked her master.
Idores looked to Stria "Unfortunately given current circumstances, yes. As we stand now the war cannot begin otherwise."
Stria looked to Idores curious. "What do you mean?"
Idores sighed, "The Holy War requires seven masters, you know this much?"
Stria nodded, paying rasp attention.
"Unfortunately there are currently six, a seventh has yet to be chosen, more specifically the seventh was killed before his calling. The grail as of now has no means of establishing a substitute, and thus the Holy Grail War cannot and will not occur."
Stria eyes opened a tad. Even for a homunculus this news was surprising to say the least. "How can this happen?"
Idores looked to the side. "The Holy Grail normally determines masters ahead of time, so I am not sure as to what caused this divergence. *Looks back to Stria.*
"What I do know is that if the Grail cannot choose a master then perhaps it can be persuaded to acknowledge a new one."
Idores looked towards the closed guest room where music played as Honda set up his room as if he was in a college dorm, completely deaf to the conversation happening a few feet away from him.
Idores continued "Lord Deacon's family specializes in contractual magic. It's not normally emphasized in modern mage practices or arsenals, but if Lord Deacon is right then this contract will force a new mage into the war, thus meeting the prerequisite of seven masters."
Stria looked behind her towards the guest room. "So Honda was made to be a sacrifice...but why a non-mage."
Idores answered "A mage will be easily detected by the grail. A non-mage on the other hand will be perceived as someone making a contract with the world to obtain power. It's an old contractual magic, said to be older than the grail itself. This practice though lost was used in times immemorial in order to make the first mages in history, or so they say. It was stopped after mage family circuits were utilized, but before that mages had to rely on these contracts. Besides, a weak mage is much more easily controlled than a powerful, experienced one, making it easy to monopolize the war to Deacon's favor."
Stria came to a realization "So Honda will be the seventh mage and then he will be slain to obtain the grail."
Idores shook her head in the negative. "No, if he dies first before any other master the contract will be as if it never happened as the grail will detect his human status upon his death. It will be considered a mere oversight and the war will still be delayed indefinitely waiting for the real seventh master, who will never arrive. When other masters die, their residual prana would obscure Honda if he is still alive, only then will he be considered a real master to the grail. When his presence is obscured to the grail, then we will act."
Stria looked to Idoles. "And...why him?"
Idores frowned "He has the closest dossier to the original seventh master. His blood type, his face, his age, family history, even his personality bear striking similarity to the original seventh master before his death. It's a miracle in itself he even existed to begin with."
Stria looked back towards Honda's room.
Idores continued. "If you intend to trick the grail all factors must be considered. I didn't need to tell you but thanks to your research our plan can finally be realized. The contract will be completed tonight when he sleeps whilst I go to assist Deacon in the war effort. Besides, I grow tired of playing fangirl. You will remain here to keep him occupied until the ritual is complete."
Stria spoke a little more quietly. "I...am not the most sociable, my lady. I fear I may lack the skills to entertain a prolonged guest."
Idores' smirk grew. "You've actually seen his shows, have him do tricks for all I care! The contract spell for this can only be used once, considering how much prana is needed. Do whatever it takes to see to it that he sleeps tonight in this residence. Other mages must not know of Honda's existence while their attention is on each other and…when the time comes..."
Stria blinked as her master's face seemed to darken and seem truthful to her real self. Cold and sadistic. Her red eyes seem to glow in the shade by her long locks looking towards Stria predatorily but not at her. The sclera of her eyes were completely black. Idores' hair moved defying gravity as she spoke ominously. She bore a sickening smirk, mildly fanged teeth baring through.
"...I want to see that joke of a magician die slowly by my own hand."
CHAPTER END