Aozaki Aoko Case File

Credits: Ziablo10689 .

"Adopt one of Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughters?"

The Edelfelt family head looked at the Fourth Magician with a curious expression.

"May I ask why?"

"First, I know the Edelfelt family is distantly related to the Tohsaka family," Aoko began calmly.

"Second, I can tell you this much: both of Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughters possess extraordinary magical talent, but Tohsaka himself is too mediocre to nurture them both properly."

"That does sound enticing," the Edelfelt head mused.

"In this generation, only Luvia has exceptional magical potential, while her sister is relatively untalented. As a result, we've been wasting resources. Adopting a talented daughter from the Tohsaka family would indeed benefit our lineage."

"So, we have an agreement?"

Aoko asked.

"Well... I have one more question, if I may, Magician," Luvia's father said sincerely.

"Go ahead."

"As someone with no prior connection to the Edelfelts or the Tohsakas, why are you doing this?"

"It's simple," Aoko replied straightforwardly.

"As a Magician, I 'saw' a tragic future for one of Tohsaka's daughters and decided to intervene."

"That's it?" the Edelfelt head asked in surprise.

"That's it," Aoko said with a smile.

"Magicians are like that, aren't they? At least, I am. I act when I feel like it and don't let bothersome considerations hold me back."

This statement left young Luvia, sitting silently nearby, deeply shaken.

Since childhood, Luvia had detested Japanese magi, knowing of the betrayal her family suffered during the Third Holy Grail War. But this Magician standing before her was nothing like the deceitful, dishonorable Japanese she had imagined.

Although young, Luvia had been raised to understand the greatness of Magicians. As a descendant of the Second Magician, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, and practitioner of Jewel Magecraft, her family upheld an esteemed magical heritage. It was clear to her that this Magician was in a league far above ordinary Japanese magi.

At this moment, Luvia felt a mix of curiosity, admiration, and respect for this seemingly young Magician.

"I understand," the Edelfelt family head finally said with a sigh.

"I will personally travel to Fuyuki to discuss the matter with the Tohsaka head. Before that, I'll send a letter to confirm this proposal."

"Then, on behalf of Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughters, I thank you for your assistance," Aoko said with a cheerful smile.

"Because of you, an innocent and talented girl will escape a cruel fate."

The discussion with the Edelfelts had gone surprisingly smoothly, much to Aoko's surprise.

Her usual stereotype of magi as selfish, calculating individuals didn't align with the Edelfelt family head, who, though proud, retained a strong sense of morality. It explained how he had raised someone like Luvia.

The entire family was refreshingly straightforward. Aoko thought that, if given the chance, collaborating with the Edelfelts in the future might be worthwhile.

With the Edelfelt matter settled, the next step was to visit a monastery affiliated with the Church in Yugoslavia.

Both Touko and Irisviel questioned the wisdom of this choice. However, knowing Aoko's formidable strength, they didn't try to dissuade her. Touko, however, couldn't help but wonder what kind of magus family in Yugoslavia was worth the attention of a Magician.

Aoko didn't elaborate, leading the group through this unfamiliar land until they arrived at a church.

"The Holy Church?"

Touko asked skeptically.

"Do you even have any connections with them? I thought you hated those guys."

"I do hate the Holy Church," Aoko admitted without hesitation.

"But I don't hate certain individuals within it. My problem is with the organization as a whole."

"And your purpose here is…?"

Touko still didn't grasp her sister's intentions.

"Similar to why we visited the Edelfelts," Aoko answered succinctly.

"I can't stand certain arrangements."

People?

Who?

Touko's confusion only deepened. Still, she relished the thought of her sister causing trouble for the Holy Church, which had hounded her during her escapades in Europe.

The Holy Church's mystical defenses were laughable against the Magician/Magus of Aoko and Touko's caliber. They effortlessly breached the barriers and entered the church.

The Executors inside reacted quickly, drawing Black Keys to confront them. Aoko, unimpressed, cast a sleep spell, sending them all into a dreamless slumber.

Touko watched in fascination, unable to discern how Aoko's magecraft bypassed the Church's spiritual equipment and neutralized everyone so effortlessly.

After exploring the residential quarters, they finally found a small, plain room where a silver-haired, golden-eyed girl was sitting.

"What's your name?"

Aoko asked, crouching to meet the girl's gaze.

"Is your mother here?"

"Are you a kidnapper?"

The girl's blunt question caught Aoko off guard.

"In a way, I am," Aoko replied, nodding slightly.

"But I'm taking you to your father's homeland. Once there, you'll be free."

"...I'm Caren," the girl said quietly.

"Caren Hortensia. My mother is dead, and my father doesn't want me."

Her words made Irisviel feel a pang of sadness, but Aoko saw no trace of sorrow in the girl's expression.

It was hard not to think that she was the daughter of Kirei Kotomine.