I don't own Fate/Stay Night it belong to Nasu
Author's Note:
Today we're going to discuss about a certain man in London forr you who had watch Fate/Zero you might already know him. Well please just read it.
Chapter 4: The Man That Got Picked
Inside the Clock Tower a certain tall young man is walking down the hall. His name is Waver Velvet.
He is once a master in the 4th Holy Grail War.
During the war he had gone through many thing. From attending the feast of King that his Servant Iskandar out of a whim. Standing in front of a monster Caster summoned. Being chased by Saber in motor. And finally his absolute near death experience standing in front of Gilgamesh after Rider defeated, at that moment if it wasn't for Gilgamesh whim he would undoubtedly be death.
(…The last one is the most traumatizing. I can't imagine anything can survive that monster…)
However, all that memory had made Waver grow from a mere brat into a proper adult, so for him this is all precious memory. Especially the memory he share with his Serv- no, his liege Iskandar. Undoubtedly this is his greatest treasure even in his death.
Now almost a year, and a half have passed since the war.
Upon returning to London there are several change in Waver. First of all is his height suddenly increased within just a year he passed 186cm. He had also become more confidence in himself, and put more effort in his study more than ever.
He even helped restore the reputation of the Archibald family (since he was indirectly responsible for Kayneth's death or so Archibald family claim).
In order to restore Archibald family reputation, he gathered all unattended research Kayneth had done, and within a year he finished a book called 'Lord Kayneth's Encyclopedia of Arcane Secrets' which contain all Kayneth research.
After that he also offer some help to fix Archibald Magic Crest, and at the same time Waver get offered to become an instructor in Clock Tower.
Although Archibald still didn't like him, they were forced to trust his skill as they have no way to fix it themselves. Not to mention after making that book Reines El-Melloi Archisorte had acknowledged him as a member of Archibald family. He even get called as Lord El-Melloi II, though he is mostly the Servant of that little girl…
(…Well I guess it is better than becoming slave of other member of Archibald family. That little girl is annoying, and try to act like an adult too much. However, she is better than all other member of Archibald family. Anyway I need to fix Kayneth Magic Crest as soon as possible or those guy will start to protest on me.) Waver thought so
Today again, Waver plan to continue his research on repairing the Magic Crest of Archibald family. Plainly speaking there isn't much progress, at the rate of it going it will take a year or 2 before he can finish it.
Then, again this is the first time Magic Crest ever destroyed, and then fixed, so Waver actually doing pretty well.
Waver is just about to enter his office (lab) he own in the Clock Tower, but suddenly.
"Lord El-Melloi II!" Suddenly a voice calling out to him.
Waver turned his head, and find a maid who carrying some letter in her hand.
"What is it?" Waver said
"Yes! Lady Barthomeloi Lorelei ordered me to give you this letter." The maid said as she handed the letter in her hand to Waver
Barthomeloi Lorelei
If you joined the Clock Tower, then there is no one who didn't know her. She is the so called genius of long history Barthomeloi family. She is also famous for gaining the title of Wizard Marshal and become the Clock Tower vice director despite being so young. Her best achievement is by defeating one of the Twenty-Seventh Dead Apostle.
She is more often called 'The Queen.'
"Why would the Queen give me this letter?" Waver ask as he take the letter from the maid hand
He had almost never talk with the Queen even once before. In fact the only time he talk with her, is when he offered his help to gather Kayneth research. As the Queen family is close with Archibald family, she also try to support Waver effort to restore Archibald family reputation. For Waver to suddenly receive a letter from her is unexpected.
"I am sorry I didn't know the detail. My master only tell me to send this to you. Though she did made a tired face when she handed me this letter." The maid say
"Tired face?" Waver said in surprise
For the Superwoman Berthomeloi Lorelei that can do anything perfectly with almost no effort, there is almost no one that ever seen her being tired.
(… I can't even imagine how it looks.)
This give chill to Waver at the thought of what kind this letter possibly contain. However, he can't exactly just throw it away either. Who know that this letter contain a really important matter.
"I see, thank you for this letter. I will read it immediately." Waver said
"Yes. I shall take my leave now Lord El-Melloi II." The maid said as she turn around to return to her master office
Waver then enterd his office (lab), then seated on the chair.
He then opened the letter, and found a piece of paper.
The contain goes like this….
I had recognized your recent achievement Lord El-Melloi II. Thus, I made a request to Director of Mage Association to make you my Assistant, and he agree with my request. You will be assigned as my assistant by tomorrow. Please head to my office tomorrow, and we shall continue our talk.
—Wizard Marshal Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Magician of Second Magic
"…" Waver fell into silence as he read this
He can't believe his eye
He even rubbed his eye, and read it again. However, it' s contains is still the same.
(God. What did I do to deserve this?)
Waver thought so, as he put his head on the table because of the sudden headache.
0000
Waver had never felt more annoyed in his whole life.
All is because Kischur Zelrecth Schweinorg letter
If you're Magu-, no even if you only involved with supernatural world a little you will definitely had heard of him.
He is a Wizard Marshal, the Magician of Second Magic, and the No. 4 of Dead Apostle Ancestor.
He is the both feared and respected for his action on defeating Crimson Moon, And the fact that after turned into a Dead Apostle by Crimson Moon he still sided with humanity, made him respected by many people. However, thanks to his whimsical attitude that completely make him look like a fool most Magus didn't want to show respect to him, especially the 'Noble'.
He also famous for being the only Magician that willing to take a disciple. However, so far there is never been any Magus to learn the truth behind Kaleidoscope. Mostly because most of his student broke during their study under Zelretch. As for the one come back alright, they simply unable to get their head around the magic.
(Why would he send this letter to me? Why he even pick me?) Waver thought
There is simply no reason Zelretch will be interested in Waver, at least none that he can think off.
Even the fact Zelretch recognized Waver achievement had to be a joke. The thing Waver done may seems amazing, but it is only benefitted the Archibald family, and not the association itself. Even if Waver did done a good job being an instructor, he had not shown any good result yet.
With this few amount of achievement there is no way for Zelretch to give Waver some special attention.
(… There is also the fact Zelretch had never pick any assistant.)
Zelretch had never pick any assistant because he had no need for them.
As he is already achieved a True Magic he had no need to further research. The man also have no interest in reaching Akasha, so he had no need to research anything. And in case he actually want to do a research he is more than capable of doing it himself.
And, now suddenly he pick a man in his 20 with barely any achievement as his assistant. The world either to be on it's end or Zelretch had something planned.
(… This is too suspicious. Why is the Director agree to this ridiculous demand?)
He did know that the 2 old man is friend, and they're actually quiet close. It is also said that the Director had received help from Zelretch. However, it still strange for him to agree on Zelretch request just like that.
After all making some random brat that didn't come from great lineage to be an assistant of Zelretch is just too ridiculous.
Ah, please note that the Director not particularly hate Magus that didn't come from great lineage.
It just that by making Waver into Zelretch assistant will turn Waver into enemy of many noble. After all it is only recently Waver become a 'Lord', if he get a sudden promotion now he will get too many enemy.
(… The Director is not as irresponsible as Zelretch, so there had to be a reason he agree to this.)
The Director is not naïve fool, he should know what will happen to Waver if he were to agree to this. There is no way the director will abandon someone just like that.
However, Waver can't think of anything make sense.
There is no explanation that could possibly make that Director agreeing with that man demand.
"…*sigh*… I don't want to meet 'her', but I guess I have no choice. I need to know the reason of this sudden request first."
Thinking like that Waver left his office (lab), and headed through the hall.
0000
At the highest floor of Clock Tower, there are 2 giant door made of wood across to each other. These 2 doors lead to 2 different room.
One of the room is the office of Director himself and the other is the other room is belong to the Vice Director.
And, Waver are now standing in front of Vice Director office.
You might think why Waver standing here. The reason is because the Director is now not in his office, so the only one he can ask is the Queen.
"Okay. Here goes." Waver said as he try to knock the door
*Knock* *Knock*
Waver finally knocked the door, and…
"Enter." Said a woman voice coming from the room
As the voice come, Waver opened the giant door slowly.
As he opened the door he can see a woman around her early 20 with a long brown hair tied in pony-tail. She wear a noble traditional cloth that can normally be seen in a movie. In her right hand she wear some sort of metal guard. This women is Barthomeloi Lorelei the youngest Vice Director of Clock Tower in history of Mage Association.
Waver then entered the room, and closed the giant door once more. As he do that the woman opened her mouth.
"Lord El-Melloi II. I had expected your visit today. I bet it is related to that letter I told my maid to give you." The queen said
"It is as you said Lady Barthomelloi." Waver said with a straight face
"I see. Well then what part of it actually you want to talk about? It is not about refusing your new post, right? If you did that you will cause unnecessary trouble here." Barthomeloi said as she narrow her eye and raise her Prana
The amount of Prana gushing out from the Queen body is so great that it can be seen with naked eye. Not to mention there are killing intent mixed in the air.
If Waver is a normal Magus he will pass out just by this much, in fact the he a year ago will be out by now. However, after seeing Gilgamesh displaying his true power during that war. He can no longer afraid of this level of power.
"I has no intention of against the order of Clock Tower. I knew that if I were to reject it, there will be a ruckus."
Zelretch had indeed broke several talented Magus he take as a disciple. However, being able to be Zelretch disciple is an honour for any Magus. Even with his annoying attitude and the fact he is Dead Apostle, he is still a Magician.
And now suddenly Zelretch actually offered someone to be his assistant. If Waver were to refuse it will be a ruckus in Clock Tower. On the other hand, if Waver were to accept it many people will see him with envy, but at the very least he will gain some protection from Zelretch influence. So it is saver for him to accept it.
After realizing Waver had no intention of refusing the order the Queen lower her Prana and killing intent.
"I see. Then that's good. It will cause trouble for me as well if you were to reject this. After all it is Director direct order. It had caused me headache since this morning." The Queen said
"I can see that. Well then may I ask you now?" Waver ask to make sue the Queen allow him to speak
"I allow you." Said the queen
"First of all, why me? My achievement so far is very miniscule compared to all the great Magus here, it is pretty crazy for me to actually be picked." Waver said
"I think you belittling yourself too much. While it is true your achievement is few, all of your achievement is very interesting. Surviving the so called ritual of Holy Grail War. Gathered all of Lord Kayneth research and even make a book about it in just a year upon your return to Clock Tower. And now you become one of the youngest instructor in Clock Tower, and even try to fix Archibald Magic Crest which is believed to be beyond repair. I think your achievement is more than enough to make that man to pay interest in you." Barthomeloi said
There is no sense of sarcasm in her words at all
It is proof that Barthomeloi actually admit all Waver works which is unexpected. After all this women is very old minded Magus like Kayneth. They always believe in the superiority of Magus lineages, and see those who don't come from noble family as nothing important.
The fact the Queen admitted Waver effort show that Waver had done something that amaze her beyond her expectation. In a way this made Waver happy, but he also don't want to imagine in the case he fail to fulfil her expectation.
"It is honour to receive such a praise from you. However, I believe if it compared to all that man former disciple I am still only a child. If he had picked me as his student I may still accept it, but suddenly made me his assistance isn't make sense. This is why I ask you to tell me the reason lady Barthomeloi." Waver said
"I see your point. However, I myself only told to inform you this by the director, so I didn't know he detail." The Queen answered
"I see. Then mind if ask one more question." Waver said
It is a shame he can't figure out the reason he is picked from the Queen. Waver forced to ask Zelretch directly tomorrow.
However, there is still one more question he need to confirm.
"What is it?"
"What about my affilation with Archibald family? Does Mr. Zelretch say anything about it?"
This is Waver greatest worry.
Magus had normally never picked any disciple or assistant that come from another family especially when they're a noble. Zelretch so far had excused several noble to be his disciple, but what about an assistant. Will he actually let a man who is currently work under Archibld family to be his assistant?
If Zelretch make stupid request by taking him away from Archibald family, then all his effort so far will gone. He might lose his influence in Archibald family, but worst of all he will be an enemy of Archibald family for abandoning them. Waver didn't care about being a noble, but being enemy of Archibald family is the thing he didn't want to happen.
"You don't have to worry. He will not make you to leave Archibald family just because he want you as an assistance. He also said that he will allow you to continue your work to restore Archibald family reputation."
"I see. Thank you, that is all my question. It is a pleasure to be able to talk with you. However, I shall take my leave. " Waver said as he lower his head
"It is also a pleasure to talk with you Lord El-Melloi II. I hope to see you again soon."
"I feel the same." Waver said as he leaving the room
After saying that Waver leave the office, and head back to his office (lab) once more.
0000
After returning to his office Waver had given up on thinking to question Zelretch reason to pick him. He decided to ask him tomorrow when he go to his office.
So now he decided to continue his work in his office.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS YOU DOG!?"
"M-My lady, please lower your voice. A-Also please refrain saying that kind of vulgar words."
Suddenly the door of Waver office opened, and voice of a little girl and a woman can be heard
Waver then lift his head, and found a little girl with a long blond hair looked to be around 7 years old. She wears a blue shirt covered with black blazer and white miniskirt, and this little girl make an extremely angry face. Next to her is a maid with a big boob with a short brown hair, and she made a completely panic face.
"Oh, It's you Reines and her maid Sharon." Waver said without any care
That's right the little girl standing there is Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, the 10th Head of the Archibald family. Next to her is a maid named Sharon, despite her look she is actually a Magus with some fighting ability and she had been chosen as Reines bodyguard.
"It is not 'oh!' You fool! Why have you become Zelretch assistant?!" Reines said while her face completely angry
It is clear that the girl is thinking that by becoming Zelretch assistant Waver need to leave the Archibald family, and also must leave his job to fix their Magic Crest.
"You sure have a good ear brat. Even I only know about this today, yet you already found out about it." Waver said
"Don't call me brat!" Reines said angrily while puffing her cheek
"But you're a brat. Anyway if you worry about me leaving Archibald family you don't have to worry. I have no intention to leave Archibald, and Zelretch didn't care much about me staying."
"Don't call me br— Eh? What?" Reines said in surprise
It seems Reines didn't expect Waver words
"You hear me. I have no intention to break my promise to restore Archibald family reputation. So just relax." Waver said
"T-That's good! A-At least you know your place, you're my dog after all." Reines said with a blush on her face
"Fufu. My lady really is not honest." Sharon said while giggling
"S-Shut up!" Reines said angrily
From her expression we can noticed something, and tatt is the fact Reines in love with Waver. In fact the main reason Waver given title Lord El-Melloi II is to tie him with Reines together indirectly.
Any adult would probably realize that by now. However, Waver himself…
(… Did she really hate the thought of losing her slave that much?)
Foolishly believe that the kid only see him as a slave.
"A-Anyway if you don't have any intention to leave our family, then there is no problem. You becoming that man assistant will undoubtedly become a boost for us." Reines said while her face is still red a little
"Indeed it will be the fastest way too boost Archibald family reputation." Sharon said happily
"Yup. Oh, by the way do you know what will your work exactly be?" Reines said as he look at Waver
"No. According to the letter Zelretch will discuss my work tomorrow." Waver explain
Waver can only hope that this so called assistant is not about becoming that man test rat.
"I see. Oh, well doesn't matter. Anyway I will leave now, but please make sure to contact me tomorrow to tell me about the meeting." Reines said
"I will, by the way while we at it. Have you consider my suggestion to install some telephone line?" Waver said
"No way. Our home is full of history, there is no way we will install those ugly thing." Reines said with pride
Some of you might already now, but Magus generally a bunch of people that have too much pride with their culture and history. Because of that reason they refuse to use any sort of technology. However, Waver belong to the new generation that believe it will be more efficient to use some technology along with Magecraft. And Waver want to try to apply that kind of thought in Archibald family as well, but it seems his effort are wasted.
"I see. It can't be helped if you think so. Then I will contact you with the pigeon post to deliver the letter." Waver said as he sighed at how traditional the method of their communication
"Fufu. Well then I will go now. Bye bye, slave." Reines said while giggling
"Thank you for having us today. I hope we can meet again Lord El-Melloi II." Sharon said
After that Reines and Sharon leave the room, and closed the door leavin Waver alone in his office.
"…*sigh*… Finally some peace. What's up with today seriously? It is filled with nothing, but bad luck. Hopefully tomorrow will not be as bad as today."
While hoping for the impossible Waver return to his work, and like that the day passed.
And the new day finally come.
0000
Deep Underground of Clock Tower there is a certain small door.
On the door written several words like 'Danger', 'Do Not Enter', etc.
This door will lead to a certain room of a certain somebody. That's right this the room of Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg.
And in front of that door there is Waver Velvet or Lord El-Melloi II
(…Here goes…) Waver thought as he clenched his fist
*Knock* *Knock*
Waver knocked the door
"Enter." Said a voice coming from behind the door
As the person inside allowing him to enter Waver decided to open the door.
Inside of the room is very plain and dark. First of all the wall had not been painted, and the room pretty much empty, and the only light in this room is the candle behind a giant desk.
"Welcome Waver Velvet. I've been waiting for you."
Waver snapped back at his lost thought as his name been called.
He then noticed an old man with an awfully macho old man seating behind the desk. The old man looked to be around 180-190cm, he looked to be around 50-60 years old, with a white short hair and red eye. He wear a black shirt and black pant, and a short black cape covering his shoulder. This very man is Zelretch.
"It is an honour to finally able to talk with Mr. Zelretch." Waver said as he lower his head
"Ah, seriously kid this day are so annoying. I am bad with formality stuff, so please relax a little." Zelretch said
"Understood. Well then before we talk about my job sir, may I question s-"
"You want to ask. Why I pick you, right?"
—!
Waver surprised that Zelretch manage to guess what he is thinking. However, he decided to ignore it, and continue to talk…
"That's right. It just didn't make sense that you actually pick someone as young as me as your assistance."
"Well that's true, in the first place I have no need for one. Your question is understandable." Zelretch said
"Then, will you tell me the reason?" Waver ask
"Sure. Simply put I took a liking to you and I will need your skill in the future. So I thought might as well to make you my assistant so I can give you order directly."
"How did you make the Director agree with just that!?" Waver said in surprise
It can't be helped it just didn't make sense with this kind of reason that Director actually do something as crazy as this is just impossible.
"Yeah, he refuse my request at first. But then he changed his mind after I talk about my plan."
"Plan?"
Now this has become more suspicious.
Zelretch actually planning something, and the director in full support?
(Just what kind of p-)
"You're thinking 'what is my plan', right? Well I have no intention of telling you yet." Zelretch said with a smirk
This annoy Waver a little.
Then, suddenly Zelretch stand from his seat while carrying an attache cases he previously put on top of the table.
"Well then, Waver we should get going."
"Get going? Where are we supposed to go?"
Suddenly talking about leaving the place surprised Waver
Waver had not even heard what his job is, and now suddenly this old man want to go somewhere.
"Yeah. We're going to Fuyuki."
—!
Waver mind going blank from the surprise of Zelretch words
And this is how Waver Velvet make his second trip to Fuyuki.
Author's Note:
In the original story it never mentioned how long exactly it take for Waver to gather all Kayneth research paper, so he done it within a year is just my speculation. This also goes at what age Waver become an instructor. However, as it is said that all of Waver student become a Grand Magus in 10 years later, I am under impression that he had become an instructor for a long time at least 8-9 years, so I decided to make Waver an instructor a year after he return to London. I know some of you will think that it is too early for Waver to become an instructor, but please bear with it.