Just as I predicted, that very night Night Raid had eliminated the serial killer, Zank the Beheader. My guess was spot on as well, as he was in the possession of a Teigu called Spectator, which, according to my databook, allows the user 5 different kinds of power over 'sight'. Now, I guess it's in the hands of Night Raid and the Revolutionary Army. It's a necessary trade-off to maintain our current relationship, but it's still a shame to lose it..

However, the book Lubbock had... kindly lent me opened up a few possibilities to advance my plans. The most interesting part of it is the existence of the Shingus, or 'Slave Arms'. Judging by the moniker, they are inferior weapons compared to the Teigus, or 'Imperial Arms'.

Inferior or not, their effectiveness depends on the user.

No matter how weak, the Shingus are still vastly superior to conventional arms, and currently very accessible to me. After the Second Emperor learnt of their flaws, he locked them away in shame, only occasionally handed out to special task forces of the Empire to do secret missions. Now, they're mostly forgotten, as Shingus are notoriously harder and pickier to use than Teigus, so the Empire decided to focus their development on conventional arms that are easier to deploy and produce, and reserving the Teigus for their commander.

'Well, as the old saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Even though these Shingus are inferior to the Teigus, they are still deadly weapons... Weapons that I can use...'

"Yoru!" I call for my favorite informant and surrogate little brother.

Yoru comes running into the palace living room in record time. I swear to God I can see a dog's tail wagging as fast as an electric fan stuck on his behind.

"Yeah, Aniki! What do you need of me?"

I beckon him to sit next to me, which he happily complies.

"Yoru, first, I have a question for you. Have you ever heard of 'Shingu' before?"

The boy in question puts a puzzled expression on his face. "Those were the creations of the Second Emperor, right? I heard they were inferior to the Teigus, though. Why would you be curious about them, Aniki?"

I lift the book I acquired into his view.

"Well, Yoru, reading about the Empire's history has given me some new knowledge; the escapades of the Second Emperor especially caught my attention. Although the Shingus were scrapped as failures, they could still prove to be a nasty surprise to the Empire if they were used against them. Also, I have other plans regarding the Shingus as well."

Hearing my reasoning, the boy tries to study my face to decipher my hidden message. He'd think of what else can be done to a Shingu, already proven to be an inferior weapon...

Realization dawns on Yoru and a look of utter shock comes upon his face.

"YOU'RE PLANNING ON COPYING THE SECOND EMPEROR AND TRY TO CREATE YOUR OWN TEIGU!"

Reinforced eardrums or not, that still hurts.

"Indeed I am, Yoru. Good job catching the hidden meaning behind my words, but I am not going to try like the Second Emperor. I am going to succeed... unlike the Second Emperor."

I then reach behind Yoru and smack him across the head. "Don't yell so loudly, you can break someone's eardrums! Plus, what're you going to do if there's a spy nearby? Have some control of yourself, geez." I said, a slight twitch on my eyebrow.

"Owww, I gotcha, I gotcha. I'm guessing you want me to tell everyone to try to find information regarding the Shingu and where they might be, then?"

"Exactly. Now go and relay my orders. I have an important individual I feel like visiting... A potential ally."

Yoru nods, "I understand, We'll be changing our efforts to the discovery of the Shingu."

Before he leaves, I stop him with a hand on his wrist.

"Also, Yoru, please keep up with your exercises... if you want to learn that super cool thing I want to teach you, that is."

He silently agrees, then pulls his arm away before exiting, mumbling about 'stupid finger exercises' on the way out.

Now, to move on to the next step, which is to secure allies within the Empire. Most of them are corrupt and useless, their only use being warm-up practice for me and Night Raid. Those I want to recruit are few and far in between; honest and morally upright individuals who strive for a change. Their political and military power may be limited by the Empire, but they're a force all the other players can't ignore. I know a few of them have already joined the Revolutionary Army, but my target this time hasn't yet.

I don't really feel like joining forces with the Revolutionary Army, not because of my altercations with their black ops unit, no. Thing is, an army has a command structure, of which will be implemented into the new Empire when their revolution succeeds. After that, in the near future, someone like Honest will come and repeat the whole thing again. It's something I see too much during the 7 decades before the Great Holy Grail War; an endless cycle doomed to repeat itself.

What salvation truly means is to have their principles reformed and changed for peace, harmony... and cheesy as it sounds, love. They wave around these principles to gather forces, but in their heart they reject the very foundation they believe.

It's time for change.

Former Prime Minister Chouri. He lost his position when the new Emperor took the throne and gave Honest the position instead. Chouri has publicly spoken against some of the current Prime Minister's plans and suggestions, marking the former Prime Minister with a nice, big, red target on his back for assassination.

He's a valuable ally to have. Convincing him to support me will give me a proper foothold in the Empire, and he can provide me with the resources I need.

Now, how am I supposed to protect him before and after I recruit him? He's going to be targeted by the capital, no doubt about that, and I can't be constantly watching over him every second of the day. None of my subordinates can effectively fight either, not against the elites the Empire will send.

Ideally, i have to use long-range recoinassance and automaton system, like the golems the Yggdmillenia is so fond of. But, no matter the amount of spell I have in my disposal through Almighty Key, I lack the resources and skill to operate that system to its optimum potential.

Maybe a seal-type system? It doesn't have to do a complex magecraft, only basic defenses that enables those in its protection to escape. If I key the trigger well enough, it should be able to respond against normal attacks.

Argh, but the Teigus they use aren't normal! There's only 27 out of 48 Teigus that have been discovered by my network, leaving nearly 50% of them unaccounted for. Not to mention the ones between the 27 that have additional unknown abilities.

Damn, I'm going in circles!

The frustration is getting to me, I admit. It already made me hit my desk in anger with my arm...

My arm, which have my faded Command Seals on it.

'That's it!'

XxXx

I'm not often surprised, but this is amazing.

I'm currently surveying the area around Chouri's home by a local vantage point. Key to my plan is to not be detected by the masses, to conceal my movements from all sides. My meeting with Chouri have to be between me and him alone... maybe I can accommodate a trusted attendant or two, but privacy is priceless now.

However, what genuinely shocked me is the condition of the people around his house.

They're... happy.

The civilians seemed more lively, with genuine smiles on their faces, and none of the wary looks that I am used to seeing on the rest of the common folk living in the Imperial capital. I didn't see one guard misuse their power during my way to Chouri's home, and children are happily playing around the streets. The capital, in contrast, are filled with people always in a hurry, only wanting to spend as little time as possible in the streets and under the eyes of the Empire.

Now I feel bad about sneaking into his home. Most likely, even if I show up unannounced and ask nicely, the guards will probably let me maltz right in. The only certain thing is that I made the correct choice to try and recruit him. If I can't, at least I can keep him away from danger.

The area I'm looking at has a modest size, barely half of my current base, showing Chouri's modesty. The security details are at least operating properly, unlike Aria's former guards. They're sharp and competent, evident to everyone just by sight. The patrol pattern is also difficult to pinpoint, and his house is cleverly designed to minimize hiding places and blind spots. All in all, a difficult place to infiltrate.

For normal humans, that is.

Slowly, I begin to thin my presence, blending in with nature. It's a skill I tried to imitate from spies I've encountered, and by analyzing the Assassin-class's Presence Concealment. After refining it with Semiramis, I can use it to such an extent that an Archer-class Servant will have difficulty in detecting me, if I don't make any sudden movements or attacks.

Quickly, I scaled the outer wall, catapulting myself to a nearby tree, where I immediately jump to a small enclosure near the roof as a pair of guards come round. The route I've already mapped requires me to be very precise and silent, but it's still nowhere near my limits. After all, I'm dealing with normal soldiers, not Divine-level familiars that can level mountains.

Just after the guards passed me, I leap to a balcony sideways across from me, before jumping to the flat roof and sneaking pass through the roof access door when the guards on the roof aren't looking. Wow, I feel like in those video games when you play as a bunch of assassins in fake cities...

Inside, I'm greeted with simple, homely decorations and furniture, again highlighting Chouri's character. It's not as heavily guarded as the exterior, but it's designed to be open and natural, with minimal things that obstructs vision. Great for snipers and archers, not great for any other types of assassin. Plus, I have a feeling that this Chouri isn't a man that fears death. If he does, he'll never resist the Empire in the first place, I suppose.

Shirou landed close to the wall, and hid in the shadows to scout his surroundings.

The good thing about the house's architecture is that I have no need to Alter my vision to account for contrasting lights. I imagine, in the day, sunlight can freely illuminate the corridors, creating a refreshing and energetic feel. Now, at night, strategically placed lamps inside the house and torches on the outside provide optimal lighting, certainly very warm and romantic.

I simply traverse the ceiling upside down, letting any guards and staffs through under me. Thank God for enchanted shoes (with multiple functions!).

Nearing the former Minister's office, I see two guards standing by the door. I initially wanted to approach from the window outside his office, but the area was too open to my liking. In its place, I have to contend with facing a couple of guards, but that beats facing a battalion of them.

I drop down in front of them, Left Hand – Xanadu Matrix already filled with Prana and activated. The guards' eyes glaze over before they can even make a single noise, leaving them standing there looking pretty.

As I reach my hand towards the door handle, I notice my mistake. There's another presence beside Chouri inside the room, and it's radiating killing intent toward the door – that is, to me. However, I can't really halt my motion, but my instincts tell me it's not a danger I can't handle.

I use the spear's momentum, thrusting from the door opening at frightening speed, to pull the attacker behind me and head over heels, disarming... her?... in an instant. Clearly, she's protecting Chouri, so injuring her is a no-go. I smoothly caught her in my arms, while kicking the spear away from us.

"Wha-"

This close, I can't help but notice the beauty before me. Slender, trained muscles, yet my arms can feel the natural softness of a woman. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, common in these parts, with a face that can't be much older than my physical appearance. That face is currently in shock, mouth gaping wide, though I think it's common when you're suddenly flipped through the air and ended face-to-face with this handsome young man.

That's not narcissism, but a fact, okay?!

Gently, I lower her down, before the former statesman in front of me have a go instead.

Chouri's face is similarly shocked. The girl immediately takes a stance beside her... father, or uncle, I'm not that sure. Their face are similar enough, but I can't really recall their familial relations from the data Yoru gave me.

The girl is called Spear, if I'm not mistaken. A disciple of the Imperial Fist, she specializes in her namesake weapon. Ah, now I remember. She's Chouri's daughter from his deceased wife, though other physical information is scarce. I respect her desire and ability to defend her father, and even more now that she's taken a CQC stance.

An old voice rang out.

"Spear, that will be enough."

"But, Father! This man just waltzed in here without any warning or notification! He's dangerous!" Even during the conversation, she never takes her eyes off me, even after I intentionally relaxed my body. 'She's decent.'

"Now, now, if he was here to hurt me, I don't think he would have been so gentle in disarming you."

Her face turned scarlet, perhaps in a mix of anger and embarrassment, before lowering her stance. She's still glaring at me, though. I feel sweat building up on my forehead. Sometimes, I curse myself to be this much of a wimp in front of an innocent glare from a pretty face.

But now I don't have to worry about accidentally killing the girl in a counterattack if she jumps me, I can start negotiating. Come to think of it, both of them are wearing winter clothing indoors, along with the gloves and caps. Are they leaving immediately?

Chouri begins the inevitable conversation. "First off, young man, may I ask who you are and your purpose for being here?"

"My name is Shirou Kotomine. I have read about your exploits in the Imperial government and found you to be a person of great interest. In turn, I was hoping a deal could be struck between the two of us." I reply, giving a bow of respect. No need to beat around the bush, here, since I don't have that much time.

Chouri puts on a more serious face. "It seems to me, Shirou, you aren't one of those capital dogs trying to cause me trouble, I am usually a good judge of character, but I cannot merely just trust your words. I have spoken out against Honest's plans for the future... you very well may be someone after my head."

I chuckle. "Of course you shouldn't trust me off the bat! If you did, well, I do not need the help of an incompetent fool. For your wariness, I praise you. However, I truly mean no harm." I raise both of my hands in a gesture of peace, while increasing the pressure I'm giving off. "I know, for a fact, both of you have realized that not even everyone here together can prevent me from doing anything I want."

Spear tenses up. ready to try and strike out against me again, but Chouri raises his arm to stop her.

"I do recognize the fact that you are a powerful warrior. Being able to disarm my daughter like you did requires great skill. That, however, does not make me more trusting of you, Shirou Kotomine. You snuck into my office, instead of asking for an appointment with me. That doesn't help you at all with this whole trust situation."

"Then tea, perhaps?" I gesture towards a cabinet on the wall. "I view drinking tea to be a civilized and universal gesture of pure conversation with no violence. Can we do that?"

Chouri is slightly surprised by the suggestion, but decides to play along. He calls for a servant to go fetch him, his daughter, and myself some tea.

Until the tea arrives, there is no more conversation. Even after the tea arrives, no one starts to speak for a few moments, until I notice that the tension present from earlier diffused ever so slightly.

Taking a sip from my tea, I sit down in a chair in front of Chouri's desk.

"It's delicious," I commended. "And it's very gracious of you not to put any additives in it."

"He's not a coward like you, fool!" Spear harshly retorted. "Speak ill of him again, and I'll-"

I cut her off before it gets too long. "I'm talking about sugar and milk, brat. Are you on your period?"

"Th-That... how vulgar...!"

We're cut off by a hearty laugh from Chouri. His elderly face is flush with excitement, although his chest is heaving at a dangerous level for someone his age. Maybe I need to check on him later...

"...fufu, ehehe..." His laughter dying down, he then faces me and his stunned daughter. "My apologies, Shirou-san. We're just talking about her marriage proposals before you arrived, so she's a bit jumpy."

"Father!"

"-and this is why you're still single, Spear."

Again, her face flushes red, even redder than it was before. "That doesn't have anything to do with this! I-I mean, he's a guest... so..." Her voice becomes meeker and meeker, until she is quiet.

'Finally, the grown-up conversation can start...'

"Chouri-san, let's make it easy to start. You ask me some questions and I'll respond. In turn, I might ask you a question. Does that sound reasonable to you?"

Chouri nods, accepting the the terms of discussion. "First, is Shirou Kotomine your real name?"

I sigh. "Not technically. You can say it is my adopted name. My full name is a mouthful, and the people that took care of me gave me their last name of Kotomine. To save you the trouble asking, I come from a land very far away from the Empire, so my name is fairly different."

Now, it shouldn't be a problem to me to give my real name to him, but a certain habit from my Servant days to conceal my true name still remains. I suppose, deep down, it carries with it a small amount of fragility, no matter how I reassure myself otherwise. Regardless, it's not important to this conversation, and I'm technically answering him perfectly.

Chouri accepts the answer easily, sensing no deceit. "What is your goal in talking to me?"

I take another sip of tea. "Like I said earlier, I wanted to strike a deal with you, a partnership... or alliance, per say. I know you're no fan of the way things are done in the capital."

Chouri nods.

"You have actively spoken against the current Prime Minister, making you a target for future assassination. A fact I believe you are aware of."

I receive another nod.

"Then, it is simple. We are two men, with similar goals and a common enemy: the corruption plaguing the Empire. When I arrived, I was disgusted by what I have seen. I have started the beginnings of my own revolutionary cell. Being partners with someone who is known to be good to the people, and tries his best to end this corruption, will help make me stand out and bring more to my cause. In return, I will offer you protection from those who may wish you-" I then look over to Spear. "or those close to you, harm."

Chouri starts rubbing his bald head in contemplation of my offer.

"How can you, only one man, protect me and my daughter from those who wish us harm? I know the capital finds me to be thorn in their side, and I will most likely be targeted. When I do, they will probably send some of their best after me. I have already contemplated defecting to the Revolutionary Army. What can you, one man, offer me that they couldn't?"

"I can understand why you would doubt my abilities to keep you safe. I am, indeed, one man, and the rest of those working for me are not the combat type. But, for right now I am enough. My faction is fairly new and currently unknown. A very big advantage. In combat ability, I do not have the same force that the Revolutionary army has, but I guarantee you that I am stronger than anyone that the Revolutionary Army has working for them. I alone took down two members of Night Raid after assassinating their target, the corrupt oil merchant Gamal."

It's a bit of a bragging rights to me, as loathsome as it is. Everyone will naturally fear and respect those stronger than them, no matter their original or future relationships with each other. And the word 'strong' is, within the Revolutionary Army, synonymous with Night Raid. My claims may sound like a bluff to the general public, but even if it's a lie my Charisma will take care of the little details.

I observe Chouri giving his daughter a glance, only to find out she's still awe-struck from my earlier comment. Then, he carefully examines my expression, but since I never told a lie even once during our conversation, this side's a dead end as well. He has no choice but to accept my proposal.

I continue on. "If you defect to the Revolutionary Army, you'll just be milked for your knowledge, and deposited somewhere in their main headquarters like a gofer. With me, it will be a strict partnership. We will work together fairly and not try to deceive each other. If you have a request of me, I will do my best to accomplish it, and vice versa. Definitely not the same deal you would receive from the Revolutionary Army."

A man like him always prefer to get involved in whatever he's doing, unlike the scums of the capital. Offering him freedom of movement is a piece that only I can provide, and it'll be good for me as well, personally. The more partners I can gather, the more I can do in multiple fronts.

Chouri's still thinking. Before he finished, I decide to give the finishing blow.

I stand up, while pulling out a piece of paper from my pocket. It's covered in runes that composes a single magic ritual, and I place it on his desk.

I can see he's confused. By giving him this, it'll create a suggestion of 'debt' from him to me. A man of character, now the former statesman is already in my grasp. In his mind, he'll want to 'return the favor' in the future, which means our partnership is set. But, for now, an explanation.

"This piece of paper has properties of an ability from my home land. When you are in a time of dire need, pour your will into this paper, and I will come to assist you no matter what. It is only good for one use, so make sure you use it wisely, and keep it on you at all times."

I start to leave. "Thank you for the tea, and the pleasant conversation. I hope you will think about what I have proposed, and we will see each other again in the future. Remember, always keep that paper on you!"

Before Chouri can stop me, I walk out of his office, leaving him alone with his still-baffled daughter. Let both of them contemplate the words of one Shirou Kotomine.