Chapter 20: Distant problems

Goetia placed the book into the shelf, he was only operating on autopilot at the moment. His mind was elsewhere, mainly on the topic of his latest results of his test on the stone implants on the Phantasmals.

He was correct, the fully constructed growth which replaced the heart had a greater rate of absorption than the minor growth on the smaller phantasmal. It made sense and had confirmed in his hypothesis that the phantasmals conceptual weight was based upon it. It was actually quite impressive.

The phantasmals would use these growths to absorb the magical energy from their surroundings and then channel it through their bodies. The wolves appeared to be able to accelerate their healing, while the lizard had been able to properly use it in a similar fashion to a greater extent.

Either to massively augment its physical skills via a mana burst or to fuel the use of its attacks. Either way, it was an impressive design, not entirely dissimilar to the act of channelling magical energy into gems, however to compare the two would be unfair. They were only similar in their basic function.

The stone like spheres did this passively, while it required actual effort to channel magical energy into a gem. In theory, it could be used as a primitive form of battery for power. Although he would need to run more tests on that part.

He felt something approach him, slowly turning his head to see Edelgard enter the library, she quickly scanned the room before her eyes fell on him, her face was set in a deceptively blank expression as she quickly turned her body and approached him.

Goetia raised an eyebrow and slowly levitated himself down to ground level "Young Edelgard. You require something?"

"Yes, I was curious as to if you had been made aware of the news currently circulating the monastery?"

"You refer to the rumour of Lord Lonato instigating an uprising?"

Edelgard nodded "Well, former rumour, I suppose." she corrected "It seems they were true, Lord Lonato has been rallying his people against the Church."

"A surprisingly simple way to end their lives." Goetia mused "But it is more likely the symbol that his defiance represents, than the hope of achieving anything."

"Symbol of defiance?"

"Indeed." Goetia replied "In doing so, he has openly committed himself to stand against the current system the Church upholds, although it could just as easily be dismissed as seeking revenge for the execution of his son." he scoffed "Although it will descend into a massacre. Considering that the militia he has created is hardly likely to pose any significant danger to the Church's knights."

"Most students are surprised about the situation." Edelgard admitted with an inquisitive gaze "Does the act of rebellion against the Church not concern you?"

"Why should it?" He just as quickly dismissed "Observing pointless struggles for pathetic reasons is something I have long since grown accustomed to, despite any personal feelings I have on the matter, there is very little I can do to change the situation." he turned to Edelgard fully "Lonato will die, all the individuals who took up arms in support of his cause will also die. Should anyone be found to have supported them, they will die as well."

Edelgard blinked at his declaration before a frown came to her face "Do you think the Church would so easily execute the people? They might argue that they have been led astray by their lord."

Goetia stared at her blankly in response "Do you think the Church will spare them?" Edelgard remained silent in response, causing Goetia to slowly nod his head "Then why should I? Like I said, I have seen previous instillations similar to the Church of Seiros many times before. The outcome is expected."

"Is the act of rebellion against a Church so common?"

"Entirely dependent on the beliefs that are held." Goetia waved his hand "In this instant, the motivation seems entirely personal, although Lonato is a member of the Western Church, in recent years they have been estranged from their central counterparts." Goetia mused "In any event, it is either a quest to avenge the death of his son, or a culmination of the tension between the Western Church and the Central Church. Religious differences are hardly uncommon."

"I see." Edelgard frowned, slowly nodding her head "You have seen much for someone so young."

"One does not need to live long to witness the extent of similarities within the world." Goetia scoffed "They need only turn their gaze wide enough. Regardless, have you come merely to confirm the rumour of Lonato's uprising?"

"I did." Edelgard affirmed "However, there is also rumour they will dispatch the classes to the frontline."

Goetia paused in what he was doing, the book he was sorting hovered in the air for a few moments before he carefully slot in in the place on the shelf, then turned to Edelgard with a frown. "That would be more surprising."

"What makes you say that?"

"Are children normally taken to the sights of massacres?"

"No, but we are Nobles. It is expected that we become accustomed to the sight of a battlefield."

"Culling peasants is not a battlefield." He responded back "This is just as much a subtle threat as anything else."

Edelgard furrowed her brows "Threat?"

"What better way to convince you to adhere to the commands of the Church than to see first-hand the results of treason?" He replied "A rather blunt tool, but if that is the one they seek to use, there is nothing for it."

"There are many who would find that statement problematic." Edelgard replied "They would also say that the Church is dealing with traitors to Fodlan than culling peasants."

"The average farmer who picks up spear in the name of his Lord is as knowledgeable about Fodlan as you are of Jerusalem." Was the blunt answer she received "If you wish to colour the act with some noble purpose, that is your own choice. But I very much doubt that the militia following Lonato knows much of the situation beyond what their Lord has told them."

"They have still raised their swords against the Archbishop."

"For reasons speculated but still unknown." He replied, then narrowed his eyes "This is peculiar line of questioning, however. You seem concerned about the lives of these individuals."

"Is it wrong to not be concerned?" Edelgard frowned, crossing her arms and meeting Goetia stare with one of her own "Commoners who, as you claim, do not know any better are about to be led to their deaths. Is not natural that I should find the situation appalling?"

"Why? You know none of them, nor are they citizens of the Adrestian Empire." Goetia asked "In what way should their lives concern you?"

Edelgard came very close to glaring at him "Just because they are not citizens of the Adrestian Empire does not mean their lives lose value."

"Is that so." Goetia cocked his head to the side "What value do you see in their lives?"

That time, she did glare at him "Are you suggesting that they do not have value?"

"I'm not suggesting anything, I'm asking what value you see in the lives of the commoners." He asked "From my understanding of your society, they seem remarkably expendable"

"Human lives are not expendable." Edelgard replied with narrowed eyes "It doesn't matter if they hold a Crest or not. They have value." she scowled at him, then paused when she noticed something glinting through his eyes. She furrowed her brows as she recognised it.

Pride.

She took a step back as the barest hints of a smile came to his face.

"They have value." Goetia parroted "There we come to the crux of the issue."

"What…" Edelgard blinked "I...you…" she widened her eyes in realisation "You baited me…"

"I did." Goetia admitted "Although had Von Riegan or Dimitri been present instead, I would have attempted a similar feat."

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to know how you felt about the situation." He replied "Yes. They are going to die. Whatever potential they had will die with them, whatever aims they possessed or goals will die as well. However, they will likely value their own lives more than you, which brings us back to the original point of this conversation."

"And that is?"

"Whatever aims that Lord Lonato hold, they in some way relate to the death of his son. That much is obvious. Yet the aims of the peasants is something entirely different." His minute smile returned to a frown "While they are ignorant to much of Fodlan, considering their position, they are also likely aware of what will happen now that they have challenged the Church."

"Death."

"Death." Goetia nodded his head "Yet they are willing to do this regardless, meaning their beliefs are strong enough that they are willing to die for them. In the face of such resolve, it begs the question, what could they be so willing to fight the Church and die over in the first place?"

"I thought you were unconcerned about Lord Lonato's rebellion."

"I am. In the grand scheme of things, it matters very little to me." He shrugged "However, I have seen such things before. You have not, this is as much to witness your own observations on the situation."

Edelgard sighed "I see...And, what do you think about the situation then?"

"If you are asking me about whether the loss of life in some way troubles me, you will find yourself disappointed by the answer." Goetia responded, Edelgard blinked at him in shock before realisation set in, a frown came to her face.

"You don't care about their lives?"

"Human lives are finite. Whether they die now or later, they still die in the end. Why should I concern myself over the manner of their deaths?"

"I thought you believe human lives have value."

"They do." He cut her off when she went to speak again "Their value will not change the simple fact they are going to die, there is also the fact that the value of a human is dependent on the situation. A single farmer is valuable if he is the only one in the field, the addition of ten farmers detracts from his inherent value."

"So now humans are valuable in a utilitarian way?"

"It is a simple example. One which I have found the nobility holds." Goetia pointed out, Edelgard frowned but said nothing "Unless you mean to tell me that the upper echelons of nobility will suddenly find the personal opinions of a peasant worthwhile."

"No, they would not." She sighed "Even if they did, the lack of any high social standing would prevent them from being taken seriously."

"It matters not." Goetia waved his hand "There is very little you can do to change current standing."

"What of you?" Edelgard asked "Do you see people as valuable in a utilitarian fashion?"

"…" He paused remaining silent for a few moments "No. Humans have value. They've always held value, they are strong fierce creatures and for that I find value in them." he slumped his shoulders, turning his head to look Edelgard in the eyes.

His own conveying such a tired expression in them.

"I just...Dislike watching their lives...because no matter how valuable they are, no matter what they achieve...they always end." He sighed, looking away from her and moving towards the desk "Its all too pitiable. You want my true opinion on the rebellion of Lonato and the deaths he is going to lead his people to?" he turned to her, red eyes glowing with anger in them. Edelgard took an instinctive step back, something about his eyes held power to them.

It was also eerily familiar to another individual she had encountered.

"My true opinion is that is pathetic. Its too pathetic. Its so pitiable it makes me furious." He snarled "Why? What's the point of it? What's the point of their belief in who's right or wrong? If their lives hold value, then why would they seek an end so quickly? Why!?" his left hand clenched so hard his knuckles began to whiten "All those people are going to die and it doesn't matter what they believed. Their value will die with them, so what was the point in the first place!?"

"Because they believe it is right."

He stiffened, slowly craning his head back to the heir to the Adrestian Empire. Edelgard stared back at Goetia with new found determination.

"I cannot claim to understand their reasoning behind it. But they obviously believe they are in the right." She went on "Whatever beliefs they hold, they obviously are ones that they consider to be worth fighting and dying for. Perhaps they have been fooled by Lord Lonato or perhaps they are acting of their free will."

"Free will, to fight and die?" Goetia parroted, then let out a scoff, looking away from her "...Yes. I can see it. Fighting for their beliefs and dying for them. It is such a human thing to do. You never change do you? Even here?" he muttered shaking his head and letting out a breath of exasperation. "How stubborn. Perhaps they seek to find value in the end, or they just don't care. It matters little anymore." he turned around and walked away.

Edelgard took that abrupt exit as the end of the conversation, and she had learned something more. More than she had thought as well, the impassive assistant librarian could get angry after all.

She just hadn't anticipated he would get that angry over the topic. She turned around, quickly leaving the library as she mulled over the information. There was also that brief flash in Goetia's appearance. To her knowledge, even with Crests, ordinary people's eyes did not glow.

Goetia sighed as he planted himself behind the desk, head falling into his hand. Getting angry again over something he'd seen thousands of times really wasn't worth it in the least. Yet he couldn't help himself in that moment, it was too great a reminder.

This entire affair was truly pointless. All those lives lost and over such a trivial reason. Well, it was hardly trivial to Lord Lonato, considering it was his son we was likely seeking to avenge, but it should have been trivial to the local commoners as well.

Although...Was it…

Did they see value in their final stand? They surely had to know they didn't have a chance of defeating the knights in open combat. So, was it merely a fight against the Church...for the sake of it?

That...that was something he could understand though. A battle with no meaning, purely for the sake of his pride.

'Yes. If that is the case.' He thought as he looked down at his left hand, clenching it into a fist in memory 'If what you seek is a battle without meaning, purely for the sake of it. Then I understand.' he paused in realisation, a quiet chuckle escaped his lips as his hand clasped his forehead "Hehehehe...hahahaha…So that's how it is? Ah...That's it then…"

His first experience at empathising with humanity.

Was because of something so meaningless. How could he not laugh?

The Fireball slammed into the wooden dummy, Goetia watched it burn with a blank expression before he slowly turned back to Leonie. The girl was shaking her casting hand with a frown as she stared at it. Then looked at Goetia "Is it supposed to hurt?"

"No." He replied "You held onto the spell for too long."

"I was aiming."

"Its not like archery, where you draw and then aim." He explained "You cannot maintain control over the spell indefinitely, therefore you must aim it first and then cast." Leonie furrowed her brows and nodded her head.

"I...suppose that makes sense." She flexed her hand as she stared at the small red marks around her fingertips "Its just...it kind of goes against Archery." looking back at Goetia she tilted her head to the side "Also, I thought I was just going to learn how to channel magical energy, why do I need to learn attack spells?"

"In the same reason you would not give a knife to a recruit and then immediately throw him into battle." Goetia huffed "You need to build up a certain degree of control. The more you train in casting the spells, the easier it will be for you to move on."

Another explosion had the pair turn their eyes to Byleth, the fireball having missed the dummy by a few feet, although her hand was still in perfect condition after casting. "Again." Goetia commanded, the professor nodded and cast the spell in quick succession.

Leonie blinked "How can she do it so fast?"

"She's rushing the casting." Goetia provided "Her problem is that she is doing the opposite to you." he turned back to the orange haired girl "It is merely trial and error."

"Ansuz!" The cry of Lysithea accompanied a slightly larger explosion further along the training ground. The girl stared at the floating rune hovering a few inches from her hand before she thrust her hands forwards, the fire sputtered out after travelling a metre. Lysithea frowned in annoyance before she tried again.

"...Trial and Error?" Leonie looked at Goetia with a raised eyebrow. The sound of glass shattering behind him had him sigh and reach into his pocket, pulling out a small colourless gem and floating it over to Mercedes, the girl sent him an apologetic look before she went back to her exercise.

"Trial and Error." Goetia nodded back, then waved his hand at the dummy, a gust of wind instantly snuffed the flames out and another gesture of his hand saw the straw target knit itself back together. "Again."

Leonie nodded and turned back to her target.

"Your class appears to have grown considerably." Came Seteth's voice from behind him, Goetia moved to give the phantasmal his full attention as he moved over to the green haired man stood by the door to the training area.

"They asked." Was all Goetia said "Although they have potential." he cocked his head "You have need of me?"

"I remembered our talk after you returned from your mission last month." Seteth replied "You spoke of the Demonic Beast being a greater threat than anticipated?"

"I did."

"Did you discover why?"

"My research has been delayed due to my obligations in the library and my new found position as private tutor." Goetia replied "However, I was able to make some deductions before I was pulled away from it."

"Oh? Such as?"

"The growth, the stone implants." Goetia explained "They serve as a heart and a source of power for the Demonic Beasts. The wolves were limited to a growth, the larger phantasmal had its entire heart replaced by the stone."

Seteth nodded "I see. Stone, you said?"

"Indeed." Goetia nodded "There was, however, evidence of something more. I analysed the techniques it could perform, I am familiar with variations of them, and came to the conclusion that they were not an original power."

Seteth furrowed his brows "What do you mean?"

"The Demonic Beasts regenerative capabilities are impressive, however, they cannot maintain the creature indefinitely. Especially when using its mystic abilities." He explained "The technique it used during our engagement strengthened its physical abilities considerably, however when I tested this on the sample I had retrieved, I discovered that its body could only use it a certain amount of times before it began to break down."

"Break down? You mean it would burn itself out?"

"It would, used repeatedly, its healing would be unable to compete with the speed of the bodies destruction. Originally I had believed the phantasmal was skilled enough to use its magical energy to empower itself safely, however, upon further testing I concluded that it is unable to cope with the stress. It heals the immediate damage, but it accumulates over time."

"Would the body not heal itself during a lapse in combat?"

"The nerves are burned away." Goetia waved his hand "They won't heal, they are recovered enough to work, however the more the demonic beast uses this skill, the greater the damage, it would eventually reach the point where the phantasmal would have killed itself first. The wolves, while less advanced, are only capable of mild regenerative capabilities."

Seteth narrowed his eyes, looking around and then leaned forwards "What does this mean?"

"It was an addition to the phantasmal after it grew." Goetia explained "Modified by someone."

Seteth widened his eyes in alarm "You mean to suggest someone purposefully created the Demonic Beast to posses a skill such as that?"

"Possibly, or it was a freak mutation." Goetia admitted "I am working with parts of a corpse, so it is entirely possible I am mistaken." he shrugged "I felt it best to warn you regardless, in the event that something similar emerges in the future."

"Hmm...yes…" Seteth nodded, only half paying attention "I understand." he looked back at Goetia "Incidentally, how complicated would your surmise this modification would be? Suppose it was. Would you describe this as the act of a group or an individual."

Goetia raised an eyebrow "The modification was pitiful. The phantasmal would have been able to use it perhaps three times before it died, although more than enough to destroy the village. Although if it was merely a disposable prototype or a failure, that is something entirely different."

"Thank you for informing me of this, Goetia." Seteth nodded back to him, genuine gratitude in his eyes "I will be sure to warn the knights and speak to the Archbishop, however with the current crisis is Gaspard…" he sighed "So much is happening right now."

"Ah, yes. Lord Lonato's rebellion." Goetia replied "Heiress Edelgard believes it is likely that the children of the classes will be dispatched alongside the knights."

"It is possible, although they will not take part on the front lines." Seteth assured him "They are far too young and inexperienced to be leading a charge, it is more likely that they will accompany the rearguard and attempt to sweep up any remnants that the vanguard force misses."

Goetia nodded in affirmation, remaining silent for a few moments before he spoke again "You will not ask for my aid?"

"Would you provide it?"

"No."

Seteth nodded back, a knowing smile on his face "Despite your role here at the Monastery, you are still a foreigner to Fodlan and hold no obligation to accompany the knights. While I'm certain you would prove a great help, the matter is, ultimately, a matter for the Church to resolve."

"Very well, I suppose the students are to accompany the knights so they are aware of the consequences of such actions?"

"They are." Seteth nodded gravely "It would do them well to learn the results of battle, so that they never seek it out."

"A proclamation of supporting peace by taking them to a one sided massacre." Goetia scoffed, then gave an inclination of his head "Admittedly, it is logical."

"Yes...I would rather it not be necessary to begin with." Seteth replied, looking over Goetia's shoulder "In any event, I shall leave you to your class. You have given me much to work upon."

"Farewell." Goetia nodded back to him as he departed.

Rhea looked up from her desk as she heard a knock on her door "Enter." her voice called out, the door clicked open as Seteth strode in, a look of concern on his face. "You look troubled Seteth." Rhea stood up "What is it that has you like this?"

"I just came from a disturbing talk with Goetia." Seteth replied, closing the door behind them "The contents of which require your attention."

Rhea frowned, furrowing her brows "What is it that he has said that has brought about this sudden meeting?"

"The Demonic Beast he fought during the Golden Deers mission." He explained "Goetia believes it may have been experimented on to grant it more power."

"This is troubling news." Rhea nodded her head "If there are individuals in Fodlan who would do such a thing, that is a concern that should be addressed."

"Rhea...you don't think it could be…"

Rhea bristled "If whatever slivers of them remain have dared to rear their heads from their lairs, I will personally see to it they are hunted down." she growled, eyes flicking to Seteth "Do you believe it is them?"

"I know of no magic that could do such a thing." Seteth replied "And the Agarthans were always more willing to exploit such barbaric methods. Goetia informed me the beast would have burned itself out, meaning it was nothing more than a test or a failure."

"...And what of Goetia?" Rhea asked "What is your opinion of him?"

Seteth blinked at the sudden change in topic "He had adjusted rather well to the Monastery, he has also acquired the role of private tutor to a small number of students as well as the new professor."

Rhea's lip thinned "Do you believe he is exploiting his position?"

"I do not believe he has much interest in the political or religious aspects of Fodlan." Seteth replied "He does not strike me as someone who would cause turmoil, primarily because it would likely be troublesome for himself as well."

"...I see." She nodded "Have you ever felt anything when around him?"

"Felt anything?" Seteth cocked his head slightly to the side "What do you mean?"

"It is...difficult to put into words." Rhea rubbed her thumb over her knuckle "There is something about him...as if he is not quite present, or perhaps there is something beneath the surface."

Seteth frowned "I have not been as attuned with my blood as you have in recent years. Is it a concern?"

"I am not sure. I have never felt something like this before. I am...not wholly convinced he is fully human. No." She cut Seteth off when he went to speak "He is not a dragon either, nor is he an Agarthan. It might be because he is a foreigner but...Mother never spoke of lands beyond Fodlan."

"Do you wish to confront him about it?"

"Not yet." She shook her head "We have no idea how he would react and if the reports of his power hold true, it would be a catastrophe if he were to do so poorly."

"I see." Seteth slowly nodded "You wish to keep an eye on him then?"

"For now." Rhea affirmed "Until we can be sure of his intentions and that he does not pose a threat."

AN: Moving swiftly on with the world. Yeah...I've noticed you all like the Omakes as much as the story. Well, the more recent ones anyway. I'll admit, they do have their charm.

Although they could never really work outside of the omakes because, lets face it, servant Goetia would probably wreck singularities 1-3 by himself.

But...Well.

They can only go on so long…

Pffft! I'm not ending them immediately! I love the damn things as much as the actual story I'm writing here, pretty weird though, right? Anyway.

Here you go...You greedy guts.

Omake: Back Home Again VI

"Ho? What an unusual mongrel you are?" Came the condescending voice, the cafeteria froze and all eyes went to the door. A blonde haired servant with red eyes stared across, fixated solely on one individual.

Goetia froze in the middle of taking his soup to his mouth as he stared at the King. Lysithea furrowed her brows as the blonde haired man approached, the subtle noise of his armour shifting heralded his approach.

"You do not acknowledge your King?" The man cocked his head, a frown on his face as Goetia stared blankly at him.

Lysithea scrunched her face at the servant and stood up "Who do you-"

"Lysithea." Caster cut her off before she could speak further, the girl flinched and turned to him.

"But he-"

"Go." He ordered "Now."

The girl bit her lip and looked inbetween the two before she shuffled off, sending one more fleeting glance at him before she moved to sit near Claude. The cafeteria soon returned to its bustling self.

Gilgamesh smirked at the Caster servant as he sat down opposite him, crossing his arms "When I had been told that there was a servant who refused to give their true name, I merely assumed a mongrel of little worth wanted to hide their lack of value. I had not thought the opposite."

"You used your eyes."

"A whim." Gilgamesh waved it off "Nothing more than a passing curiosity at the time." his smirk grew "Although your recognition of me confirmed it."

"Tch." Goetia clicked his tongue "What now, King of Heroes?"

"Nothing." Gilgamesh easily replied, the smirk disappearing and forming a blank expression "It was merely a whim. Your appearance is no different to that dirtied mongrel Saint who lingers after the previous singularity." he narrowed his eyes "However, the claim to the class of 'Caster' is just as much a lie." he scowled "You rank above the average mongrel, admittedly, however you hold back."

"To lay claim to it would be to reveal myself." Goetia explained "At which point...He would raise this facility to the ground as if I were Solomon himself."

"Hmph." Gilgamesh scoffed "Do as you will. It will be amusing in the end, although you will not go to the next singularity." he scowled "I will not have some Beast, lowered or not, dirty my Kingdom with its presence."

"I cannot claim dominion over Fujimaru Ritsuka's choices." Goetia replied with a wave of his hand "Although I will be sure to pass along your grievances."

"Caster-san?" Mash called out to the servant as he moved through the corridors, he stopped and turned around to face her "Can...Can I ask something?"

Caster raised an eyebrow at her, then nodded his head, turning around and walking towards her "Is there some issue?"

"No." She shook her head "I was just wondering how you were, I heard that King Gilgamesh spoke to you earlier."

"The King of Heroes asked that you not take me to the next singularity." Caster replied "He believes my presence would 'dirty his Kingdom.'"

"Ah." Mash winced "King Gilgamesh is...very...complicated. I'm sure he'll get used to-"

"He does not hate me. Likely because I am from another world he would consider me an 'invader' in his garden." Caster effortlessly waved off her concerns "And I have no issues with avoiding a singularity."

"A-are you sure?" Mash asked "Because if he'd bullying you-"

"Bullying?" Caster raised an eyebrow "It is hardly a school ground spat."

"Sorry if I offended you-"

"No...no that was my overreaction." He replied then sighed, looking away from her for a few moments, then staring back "...How is your...relationship with Fujiamru Ritsuka going?"

Mash froze, turning bright red "O-Oh...W-we...um...i-its um...I…"

"I see." Caster slowly nodded his head, his eyes taking on a saddened texture to them "Is...is he...aware?"

"Aware?" Mash cocked her head to the side in confusion "Aware of wha-"

"Mash." Caster cut her off with a gentle tone, he placed his good hand on her shoulder "You are familiar with Lysithea's history and the parallels...yes?"

Mash's eyes turned downcast "Can we...speak privately?"

"Of course." He nodded, gesturing down the hallway "Come. We shall speak in my room."

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you know." Mash began as the door closed "I did see the similarities between myself and Lysithea-san."

"Mash...Are you...happy?" Caster asked quietly.

"...Yes." She replied with a bright smile "I am."

"I see." He slowly nodded, then turned to face her "Then...that is enough. I am...sorry however."

"Thank you." She nodded back "But it isn't something to be sorry for, everything dies. Its a natural part of life, the way I see it the j-"

"Joys of life belong to those who live in the moment." Caster replied, Mash blinked in surprise and gaped at him. He merely chuckled in response "Someone dear to me...said something similar a long time ago."

"Oh." Mash blinked, then chuckled "They sound important to you."

"They were." He admitted "Although...It took me a long time to understand them and their choices, not until I experienced them." he smiled "Human life is tragically short...yet so very joyous."

"Are you going to tell-"

"No. They likely already know." He waved her off "But I suspect you know that they know."

She giggled "I do…" her smile turned sad after a few moments "Its strange...I didn't think much about my future until Senpai and now…"

"You…" Caster walked towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder "Mash Kyrielight. You are an ordinary girl. But that...is what makes you special, that you would go so far, do so much, purely for such a simple reason." he smiled down at her "It is very human of you."

"Thank you, Caster-san." She replied "...Will you ever reveal your true name?"

"...Soon." He nodded to her "Before the end...I will. It is what I owe Chaldea."

"I look forward to when I can call you your name." She replied "It feels a little impersonal."

"...I suppose." He replied "...If it brings you peace, neither Da Vinci nor Holmes have discerned it yet."

Mash laughed.

"You continue to slave away at this desk Romani." Caster announced as he entered the office "I do not consider this even being called a life."

"Caster." Romani nodded back to him with a small smile, then sighed "Honestly...I think it might be my luck to attract nosy Casters, first Da Vinci and then you...I wonder if its me?"

"David is an Archer."

"...Fair enough." Romani yawned "And I'll take a break soon...I just need to finish this latest report. Then we need to prepare Fujimaru for the next Singularity." he rubbed his forehead, blinking repeatedly "The Lion King said it would contain where Solomon was. So we need to be at our absolute best for this."

"Very well." Caster nodded "Then I will provide what help I can."

"...Thanks." Romani nodded his head "I can do it myself, I'm sure you're bu-"

"Romani."

"Fine, fine." He raised his hands in surrender "You can help."

Caster pulled out a spare seat and sat down while Romani continued to type away at the computer, the pair worked through the night until Da Vinci came in and chastised the pair of them for being workaholics.

Their shared excuse of 'Work needed doing' didn't buy them much leeway.

"Pair of fools, the both of you." Da Vinci ranted, then pointed at Romani "And I can see those bags under your eyes. Coffee does not cure a lack of sleep."

"I-I know." Romani weakly argued "B-but we're so close an-"

"You're so close to passing out it what you mean." Da Vinci drily retorted, then turned to Caster "And you, were you going to sit there and watch him ruin himself?"

"Romani was in little danger." Caster replied "And I would have acted before he did considerable harm to himsel-"

"Up,up,up!" Da Vinci put a hand on his lips, giving him a blank look "...Really?" she stared at the both of them "You're as bad as eachother."

They both looked at eachother in confusion, then back at Da Vinci, sporting similar looks of perplexity at her words.

She openly glared at them "Is avoiding speaking with your father a family trait or something?"

"Eh?" Romani nervously rubbed the back of his neck "I-I'm not sure what you mean there…"

"He's Solomon son." Da Vinci outed, Romani paled.

"L-Leonardo! Don't tell hi-eh?" He blinked "Son, what are you…" he widened his eyes, slowly turning his head to Caster, who pointedly looked away "...Caster?"

"Really?" Da Vinci gave the Caster a scowl "You're really are his son then. The second it comes to confronting people, you'll act the coward."

"It is…" Caster sighed "He is Romani Archaman...I would not rob him of his new life." he replied.

"Oh, please." Da Vinci rolled her eyes "He'd have figured it out. You look far too alike for it to be coincidence, especially considering who he is and where you're from."

Romani furrowed his brows, then raised an eyebrow at the Caster "Wait...Is that why we keep having group dinner with everyone?"

"...I...was under the impression families dinners were customary…"

"It...it depends on the family?"

"...A-ah...I see...My apologies."

"N-no...it wasn't...that bad I suppose." Romani smiled "Is that why you keep kicking me away from my work?"

"You wanted to live as a Human." Caster responded "What you do isn't living, Romani."

"Tch, I've got a meddling son." He turned to Da Vinci "Help me Leonardo."

Da Vinci playfully rolled her eyes, then sent Caster a smirk "You would have confronted him eventually, wouldn't you?"

"...Before we dealt with Solomon, I would have." He admitted "I would have confessed a great many things...I suppose…"

"I...I don't actually know who you are though." Romani cringed "Not...technically?"

"Different world." Caster waved his hand.

"...London must have been pretty awkward."

"...Quite."

"...Still no name?"

"No."

"Oh...I'll...I'll...um…" Romani scratched the back of his neck, sending a pleasing look at Da Vinci, the Caster servant gave him an incredulous look.

"Are you asking for help to name your son?"

"N-no...That would be ridiculous…"

"Romani…"

"...Yes." He slumped "I just...its a little weird for me."

"You don't need to feel obligated to form a connection with me over a different life." Caster interjected "I merely acted on...a whim. Besides, I'll still give my true name, eventually."

"I...suppose I'll look forward to it?"

For the barest hints of a second, shame passed through Casters eyes before they returned to their usual blank visage. Only Romani caught it though, however he didn't comment on it. "I...suppose you will…"