Chapter 3: Debts to be paid

The Week After

Sadly not much of note happened after you killed that man in Chaldea. You 'hit it off' with Olga and became fast friends, or as she called it 'Good Acquaintances'. Sadly you never got the chance to speak with Mash again, and Lucia was especially sad that you and Roman never got along the entirety of your stay.

Her sadness almost made you feel bad about not liking the man. However, something was incredibly off with him and he made you angry with his existence. You're completely in the right for not liking him. No one, not even Lucia can say otherwise. You still feel bad for making her upset though.

Olga even gave you a frankly much better tour of Chaldea's facilities. You actually understood what their research was for now. It was pretty cool in your opinion.

Apparently Marisbury is preparing for potential end of the world scenarios or something along those lines. You're no hero, but saving the world? That'd be awesome.

The real weird thing was how quickly you and Olga became friends. You were certain that the man you killed happened to be a good friend and mentor-figure to Olga.

The fact she didn't seem really caught up on that issue was rather disturbing, even for you. Then again you're not gonna complain about your new friend, even if the reason behind your friendship was inherently fucked.

Overall the visit to Chaldea was rather productive. For Animusphere, for you? You don't know where to start… You have to figure out how to get the mixed pieces of knowledge out of your crest and into an actual physical state. You tried to use the system again as you're sure you used it to summon Lancer. However, nothing has worked so far.

It's incredibly likely that the stress of the situation made it easier to use your crest. Oh yes, that issue. Your crest is entirely composed of your family's crests, even those that didn't have one such as your brother. How does that happen? You don't fucking know, but while the never really needing to worry about mana is nice. You don't know how to use the damn thing.

You pull for a simple fireball and you get a barrier instead. It's a mishmash of crests that overlap and mix. You can't use it in this state…

Well you probably could if you were more skilled but as of now your crest is in a rather unusable state. With a sigh you walk away from your desk. Worrying about this kind of stuff is pointless…

However, you have free time now…

"Lancer! Where the hell are you? I need you for something!" Your servant was being difficult. Nothing new but his lack of presence was especially annoying. Getting down to your kitchen you finally find him. Drinking the liquor. Can servants even get drunk?

"Yo! Master this shit is the worst! Why don't you have any good alcohol?" You are fifteen. The fact that you have alcohol at all is strange. You shake your head before you walk up to your servant. Gae Bolg in hand.

"Lancer, I want you to train me in using Gae Bolg. I decided that since the Grail War has yet to start I might as well get to a more acceptable level of skill." Your servant looks at you with a side-eye glance before putting down the alcohol.

"You do realize that us servants are the ones supposed to fight in the war right. You don't need to be involved in combat beyond tactical support and that shit." Your servant is trying to get you to not fight? Why? Doesn't he enjoy fighting?

You get a contemplative look while staring at Lancer. "Lancer I'm going to be fighting no matter what. However, if you train me it's more likely I'll be of use. Rather not have me be dead-weight, yes?" Your servant glares at you before he starts laughing hysterically. Is he mocking you?

He starts to calm down before looking at you straight in the eyes, "You're the best master I could've asked for! I thought you would just be another pansy! Nah, you've got guts! Sure master! I'll train you… However, we'll be doing it my way!" Why yes that was rather obvious Lancer. You did ask for him to train you.

Wait… He's probably talking about his teacher's training, isn't he… Fuck.

Your servant looks down upon you with a large smirk, "First! You're gonna learn how to dodge!" Dodge? DODGE! What the fuck! How are you learning to dodge! He's just chucking spears at you! You're actually impressed you haven't gotten hit yet. But you haven't dodged shit! You've just been running!

Then he starts laughing! He's laughing at you with this manic look in his eyes! You can tell he's enjoying this greatly. The little bastard's toying with you… You'll poison his next drink! You'll poison his next meal! You'll poison him! You'll, DODGE! Forget poisoning him! He won't live to see the Grail War!

"Keep running master! You'll never learn by running! Haha!" The amount of spears being chucked at you has doubled. How? Why? DODGE! Bastard, he aimed that one at your groin! You keep on your feet, never letting a spear even graze you. While you may not be getting hit. You're still learning jack shit.

Deciding that running is doing nothing you turn around and face the volley of spears with resignation. Ducking under one before knocking another away with your own spear. Tired of running you decide to rush towards the manic Lancer. "Oh? Reaching for your doom aren't you master! Well come and take it!"

You ain't letting this bastard treat you like small fry. A side-step, slash, duck, leap, slash. Motions are constant and in repetition. You're avoiding every blow with a level of finesse you never knew you had. Ten steps from Lancer. Six steps from Lancer. Three steps from Lancer. Just as you reach him, you find yourself on the floor.

"Good try master! I'm actually impressed by your quick thinking. Took me a month to realize she wanted me to rush her instead of running away. Guess you're smarter than me at least!" He laughs at your pain as you rest on the floor. He has beaten your pride black and blue. You will have your revenge… One day…

After that you two sparred instead. Lancer obviously superior to you in skill stopped you from ever coming close to victory. Hell you didn't even land more than six hits on him. However, you do feel more certain in your skills now than before.

It's rather strange that you feel that though. After all, all he did was kick your ass… You give the thought of being a masochist a quick glance before banishing it to the darkest depths. No way in hell!

You begin to head back to the manor as you see a rather familiar face at the entrance speaking with Wilhelm… Olga? Why is she here? As you approach you hear the end of the conversation, "... I'm certain you can understand why I'm here then?" Wilhelm nods before he spots you, waving you over to the two.

He begins to speak, "William. I'm certain you are quite familiar with Lord Animusphere's daughter? She's come to inform you of a few things before staying the night." Olga waves to you, acting demure. A part of you is glad to see her so soon.

Wilhelm hadn't finished speaking, "She'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon. I'm certain you have no issues with this?" No, of course not. She can stay as long as she likes! Olga blushes then and there. Oh, you said that aloud…

You quickly lead Olga inside trying to not show your embarrassment for what just happened. No doubt failing as you hear both Lancer and Wilhelm chuckling at your actions. You will not be humiliated in front of one of your… Only friend. That's a little depressing but you aren't going to humor that thought any longer.

Getting far enough away from Lancer and Wilhelm you turn back towards Olga. Thankfully the awkwardness of the previous situation has vanished so you decided to ask what was on your mind, "So you needed to see me Olga? I assume this about the project?" At that she shakes her head.

"Actually, no. My father wished to make you aware of some of the debts that other families and individuals had towards the Arathorn's. Out of his own goodwill my father has offered to deal with most of them. However, one in particular he is uncertain how to handle. As it involves the trading of magecraft." She tried her best to look professional while explaining her visit. Sadly for her you could sense her joy at being here.

She was letting her eyes wander all over the manor. Taking in the sight in its entirety. A shame that she's here on business, "Will I be allowed to see these debts? While I trust your father I'd rather know what's going on." She jumps slightly before turning towards you. Nodding she pulls a folder out of the bag on her back.

Looking over the list most of it was financial debts. Your limited understanding on things like economics and handling money in general is coming to bite you. You'll have to confer with Wilhelm about whether or not Animusphere's handling of these debts is sufficient. Thankfully you find the trade she was talking about.

A trade between the magecraft of the Tohsaka and Arathorn family. Not an actual trade in each other's magecraft but instead performing a trade in services with their magecraft. With help from the Arathorn's contract magecraft a spirit that had been 'haunting' the Tohsaka's home was sealed. However, the Tohsaka's never got the chance to settle their debt.

It seems they befell a similar fate to your family. The head of the Tohsaka's, Tokiomi Tohsaka perished in the previous Grail War. Leaving the only person who could deal with settling the debt was his daughter, Rin Tohsaka. She's currently 15 as well.

You did some research on the Tohsaka family after realizing you would be participating in the Grail War. So this information you were already privy to except for the aforementioned debt they apparently owed your family.

You'll just send a letter and ask for some compensation. Probably monetary in nature. You care very little about this debt the Tohsaka's apparently owe you. Hopefully this Rin will be thankful and notice you could've been much harsher.

"Forgive me Olga. I'll have to seek help from Wilhelm in regards to these other debts. I'm certain your father has my best interests in mind; however, I'd rather have certainty that these debts are being settled properly." She isn't paying attention, just staring at the interior architecture in concealed wonder. Is this the first time she's been in a house or something?

Deciding to push off your talk with Wilhelm to instead make sure Olga has a good visit you ask her if she wants a tour. She had excitedly agreed before subduing her obvious eagerness. You decided to have Lucia help to ensure that Olga would be entertained during the tour.

Lucia happily agreed, as you expected, and you three began wandering around the manor. From one room to the next Lucia joyfully led you three around the Arathorn manor. Lucia at every room would over-exaggerate the purpose of the room making a show of each one. Even the ones that were no longer used.

Olga apparently found her actions quite entertaining, as you could hear her chuckles at every stop. Certain that Olga is being entertained you chuckle along with her. Lucia doing an excellent job of 'tour guide'.

Lucia as per usual made sure that you had happiness in your life. As the tour continues you all eventually find yourselves within the dining room. Deciding to make a meal you head towards the kitchen. "You know how to cook?" Olga gave you a strange look as you pulled out utensils.

"Of course I know how to cook. I don't have servants to do it for me and I'd rather Wilhelm be doing productive things instead of cooking." For some reason she looked ashamed at your statement. You couldn't understand why. You two live different lives so it makes sense that you have different skills.

You hear Olga struggle with what to say before she settled on, "Well, I hope I can enjoy your food then." You're especially confident with your skills. Lucia has yet been unsatisfied by your meals. She would make her complaints very well known if your food was bad. She is surprisingly picky.

As you work, you can barely make out the fact that Lucia and Olga are talking. What you do hear are squeaks? From Olga? Is Lucia teasing her? Turning around you see Olga shake her head, she has a beet red face as well. While Olga is clearly embarrassed by something, Lucia is curiously looking towards the older girl.

You quickly decide to turn your attention back to the food. Though your mind does linger on what could possibly be going on over there. Eventually you finish the food and bring it to the table.

You'd like to say you hadn't worried about Olga enjoying the meal. However, you found yourself staring in concern as she began to eat. Thankfully she seemed to like it as she and Lucia chow down. Your belief in your cooking skill solidified.

As you finished eating Olga hurriedly got up and said, "You'll have to forgive me. The trip from Chaldea to here was exhausting. So I'll be retiring to my room. Umm… Thanks for the dinner, it was delicious." Her face regaining a bright red color while she left. Hopefully she has no difficulty heading to her room.

Curious about earlier events, you turn your head to Lucia. "What did you two talk about?" In response to your question Lucia simply tilts her head and shrugs. Really? She's doing this now of all times. Sadly you decide to not push her despite wanting to know how Lucia made Olga so flustered. Instead of lingering on this issue you search for Wilhelm.

A Hour Later

After dinner you and Wilhelm looked over the folder of debts. Pretty much all of them were exceedingly generous towards you. So under Wilhelm's own advisement you decided to be fairer to most of the people unfortunate enough to be in your family's debt.

However, for the debts that the Church supposedly owed? Hell no. You put the most absurd demands you could possibly think of. A part of you is wondering if the Church will actually follow through.

You wouldn't be surprised but your demands were especially egregious. Such as selling out the families of the executors who killed your family into slavery.

You find the idea that they would actually do this incredibly entertaining. If on the complete off chance they do this? You'll be merciful and end their lives quickly.

Except for the ones responsible for killing your father and brother. They'll suffer. Maybe you'll keep the women alive and use them as sex toys… No, that's exceedingly dark even for you.

However, you feel like it wouldn't be too unlikely for you to actually do something like that. A part of you fears for your morality, the other is excited by the potential loss of it.

As you fantasize about the horrible things you could do to the ones who killed your family you pass by a room. You hear… Panting? Is that Olga? Is she ok? You approach the door as you hear her pants get louder and louder. What's going on?

Your hand shakily approaches the door. You're doing this to make sure Olga is ok… Your blatant lies fill your head as you slowly pull the door ajar. Just enough to see within, and within was a beautiful sight. Bent over naked on her bed was Olga. Her fingers pumping into her sex.

As you see her in her glory you can't help but stop and appreciate the view. A part of you is ashamed for abusing your friend's trust, the other wanting to show her 'true' pleasure. You ignore both and just stare. Her pants turn into moans as she flexes her fingers inside of her.

Her ass and cunt perfectly in your view. It's entrancing but you wish you could see all of her, instead of this narrow view of her ass. Then again you couldn't complain, the sight was glorious.

As she continues with her self-stimulation you hear her moans turn into words, "Dammit… Why? What's wrong with me… I can't… I can't get him out of my head… Why?"

What is she talking about? "Will… Hold me…" Wait, what? Is she masturbating to you? A primal hunger calls to you, but you can't reach out. The voice does not want it…

It teases you. Tempts you. But it will not allow release. Not yet… So doing as the voice wants, you sit and watch. Diligently watching as you curse the voice for not allowing you to please yourself.

However, the voice appears generous tonight. Olga changes her position, giving you a divine full-body view. How does she not see you? You let that thought exit your mind as you see her move once more.

Her free hand wanders her whole body before landing upon her generous bust. She begins to fondle her tit as she lodges three of her fingers into her cunt before pumping rapidly.

Her eyes closed and mouth wide open she begins to close in on herself as her moans get louder and louder. Your sight is locked upon her as she gets closer and closer to release.

You want her so bad… You've never wanted your hands on a woman like you do now. You reach forward trying to break past the voice's desire. You diligently stay still instead.

Your rapt attention unable to be distracted as Olga leans back and cums. Her loudest moan yet comes forth as she climaxes. Her entire body is exhausted and on display for you. You want her so badly… However, it will not be tonight…

You leave, closing the door silently. You have important things to do. You can't lust over Olga at the current moment. You're diligent, for now. You listen, for now. You won't listen forever though. Your pride won't allow it.

As you return to your room you try to distract yourself. However, the image of Olga's body keeps entering your thoughts. Slowly the thoughts turn into fantasy's as you imagine what you could do to your friend. You're disgusted with yourself yet a part of you says that there was nothing wrong with what you did…

You ignore it. You ignore yourself. You have better things to do, you can't worry about this. You're a dilig- You're a proud magus. You have responsibilities and must fulfill them. The damn voice can shove it.

As you sit at your desk you remember the debt that the Tohsaka family owes you. Writing a letter to the heir would be a better use of your time. So you pull out a piece of paper and a pen. What the hell should you write…

Deciding that you don't have enough information to make demands, you decide it might be a better idea to meet with the Tohsaka heir in person. As you write the letter you try to make it as cordial as possible, making sure the purpose of the letter is extremely obvious. You don't want her to misunderstand a single thing!

Reading it over you feel certain that she'll respond well to the letter and then you two can settle her family's debt civilly. There is no way anything could go wrong! Maybe you'll end the meeting on a good note? It would be nice to have more allies.

You're on a roll! You didn't even think about Olga's glorious body the entire time writing the letter! Wait fuck now you're thinking about it again… You're just gonna try to sleep it off… Hopefully by morning you'll forget?

You stretch as you leave your desk. Laying upon your bed you stare at the ceiling… The starry ceiling. Dammit, really now? "I feel as though you are angry at me? I could never understand why!" Smug serpent bitch. You stare forward seeing the stars shift into Apophis once more. Just what you needed…

You might as well listen to what the voice has to say… After all, it's been incredibly informative, if annoying, so far. "Ah, happy days. You have continued to humor me! I thank you for your endurance… Here!" You begin to feel rejuvenated. What the hell is going on?

Why do you feel stronger? "There! Don't say I never did anything for you, eh?" Well if you knew what Apophis did beyond speak maybe you'd thank him. Regardless as you stand you feel like you could go for a marathon.

"You see I just gave your endurance a bit of a boost! Consider it my thanks for bearing with me… I know I have quite the troublesome personality! Now onto more important discussions! Did you enjoy the show?" The voice's, well voice, curious in tone, you decide to indulge it. No.

The stars fling all around the room at the statement before reforming into the form of Apophis. "What do you mean no! I enhanced all her emotions so she'd give you such a glorious scene! It's not something I do lightly! Never given the thanks I deserve…" Well maybe you'd be thankful if you actually got to do something.

No stop thinking like that… Olga is your friend, you'd rather not abuse her like that. "Why do you lie to yourself? It's in your family's nature isn't it? Taking the rights of those who go against you? It's in your blood. Just accept that those below you are meant to serve you…" Your family only… Enslaved those who crossed your border.

Your family was in the right. If they wanted to be able to live their lives they shouldn't have invaded yours. "There will always be people like that. Who enters the business of others. Even when not wanted. Do you agree that they forfeit their rights at that point?" Of course- No! No you don't!

The stars dull as the 'head' shakes itself in disappointment. "Do other people have rights or is it just you? I'm afraid I just can't understand you at the moment, Pride." People have lives! You have no right to take it from them…

Interrupting your thoughts the voice speaks, "Except when they inconvenience you?" You… That's not… That's not what you mean. Apophis squirms it's way towards you. Getting up in your face and leaving no room for escape.

You stare horrified into the voice's 'eyes' deep black pits that seem to suck up the light around them. "Let's play a game, Pride. Show me how dedicated you are to others' 'rights'." The stars dissipate as the room changes to outside of the Arathorn manor. In the same state it was on that night.

Only one figure was standing among the bodies. A woman who had clearly left from the stockades. She's not one of the Executors and she definitely isn't a family member… Where did you see her?

She's that… She's that live one. The one that was caught before… You rush to the woman putting your hands around her throat. Choking her out as you hear laments from the bodies littering the grass.

But, you can't do it. As you start to see the light in her eyes fade you let go. "I thought you would punish all who led to the deaths of your family? Is letting her live… A punishment? No… It isn't, but you cannot bring yourself to kill her… So how do you deal with punishment?" You don't have to do anything. Just the knowledge that she is no longer safe would be enough…

You can sense the disappointment from the voice, "That would not be enough. We both know that. How would you deal with her if she cannot die?" Is that what the voice wants from you? To punish those who killed your family?

"You misunderstand. Think clearly Pride. How do you deal with someone if you cannot bring yourself to kill them. If they cannot die? What can they do?" … They can serve.

"Enjoy your rest… Pride." It all goes black.