SWNOVELXO Chapter 44: Ciel
Although Lucan's comment left him momentarily stunned, Waver quickly remembered what he wanted to say. After unloading a barrage of frustrated complaints, he eventually understood Lucan's situation—and his reasons for choosing as he did.
"You... if you need help, just call. I may not have much clout, but I'll do what I can."
"But—and this is very important—don't come looking for me anytime soon. You're basically public enemy number one right now, and I want no part of that mess!"
With that, Waver abruptly hung up.
Lucan, still in the El-Melloi estate, rubbed his chin. He clearly wants me to stay safe, but has to act like he doesn't care. What a classic tsundere...
"Tsundere?" Kenneth raised an eyebrow.
Right—this was 1993 in the UK. That term didn't exist here yet.
"It means saying the opposite of what you feel," Lucan explained.
Kenneth gave a slight nod of understanding, but then Lucan added, "Kinda like you. No surprise we're 'teacher and student.' Still, I gotta say... a tsundere man is just gross."
Kenneth's brow twitched. "Don't forget—you're my student too, a member of the Spirit Evocation Department."
The First-Class Lecturer of Spirit Evocation raised his chin with pride, then changed the subject.
"Still, that loudmouthed brat had a point. Barthomelloi may be a noble threat, but the real danger lies in those lurking in the shadows—those who covet the power of Luvist."
"You should stay here at the manor for now. And by the way..."
"I'll introduce you to my niece."
"No thanks, I'll pass!" Lucan rejected instantly.
Kenneth chuckled.
"Suit yourself," he said. "I have a date, so I won't be staying. If you need anything, just let the staff know, Mr. Luvist. Feel free to make yourself at home."
He turned and left. Though his stride was elegant as ever, there was a hint of urgency to it. Lucan's ears twitched—he could faintly hear the man's voice through the walls:
'Sola, you there? Sorry—minor delay. All handled now. Be there soon. Don't worry, I've got it covered.'
On the other end of the line, the woman's tone seemed a bit... impatient.
Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri.
Department Head of Spirit Evocation. Daughter of Luviareius Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. Fiancée of Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald.
The woman he loved—one-sidedly.
"Such a normal man... how'd he end up such a simp?" Lucan sighed aloud. His voice echoed freely through the grand hall. The maid standing silently in the corner bowed without comment.
Lucan ignored her and rose to his feet.
Kenneth had said the library was on the third floor.
Lucan wasn't picky about where he stayed, nor was he afraid of any devils or ghosts. But Kenneth's comment had triggered a familiar itch—the kind born of habit. He was now very interested in checking out that library.
More than that, he was curious:
In this future... what do they really say about me?
For now, he had no plans to leave the Clock Tower's protection. He hadn't forgotten the looming external threat—the great force from another world.
Lucan was confident, even looking forward to his modern-day reunion with Anastasia. But he wasn't arrogant.
Inside the Clock Tower, he could maneuver and play the factions.
Outside?
He needed to be ready.
Besides, he'd never planned to reclaim the stash in Academy City so soon. He had skipped the Holy Grail War in one of his simulations—and Academy City was essentially his prep work for eventually participating in it in this reality.
The next simulation would still require him to reassemble the fragments of the dreamscape. But since he had succeeded once, the cooldown this time would only be three days.
And maybe... just maybe... that next simulation would help him find an opening into the Church.
As for the next three days?
He would spend them buried in the El-Melloi library.
Meanwhile...
Church Headquarters, Vatican City.
A sovereign enclave inside Rome, the Vatican spanned less than half a square kilometer—no bigger than a town—but was regarded by billions as the holiest place on Earth.
Yet beneath the sacred glow of the central cathedral, someone hurried through the dark corridors below.
A middle-aged man in cardinal red robes moved through the pitch-black halls, holding a candle that flickered with divine Mystery. He reached the lowest level, a place unknown to most of the world.
With great effort, he pushed open a massive forbidden door—managing only a sliver.
"His Holiness has received divine revelation."
"The heir of Luvist—the most vile, most wicked of men—has returned."
His voice echoed through the gap like a whisper to the abyss.
"He is our enemy. A heretic who defies God."
"His Holiness commands... that the Burial Agency eliminate the last trace of 'Luvist' from this world."
The candle's flame wavered. The world itself seemed to hold its breath.
A moment passed.
Then—
A genderless voice responded from within:
"Understood."
"Tell His Holiness... we will act."
"Thank you."
The cardinal exhaled, bowed, and left—his footsteps echoing hurriedly through the corridors. Only when he stepped into the sunlight above did his body finally relax.
His robes were soaked with sweat.
Even as one of the highest-ranking cardinals, second only to the Pope himself, the man had been terrified.
But then...
He smiled.
Yes—they were monsters.
But they were the Church's monsters.
The strongest blades in its arsenal.
They had failed once before.
They would not fail again.
"All who defy God... shall be cut down."
Back in the forbidden chamber—
A voice spoke.
"Who will go?"
A faint glow lit the dark. Shadowy projections took shape, blurry silhouettes too indistinct to identify. They surrounded a figure bound to a cross—immobile.
This was the 'Penitent.'
Seven others stood as her 'Apostles.'
"No matter how many times I see it, Director Narbareck's pose is just so... unconventional," said one voice—young and crisp, like a boy's.
"Well, it is a practice meant to emulate Christ..."
"This is no time for commentary, Sixth Seat—'Crown' Meilianqing," rumbled a second voice, distorted and metallic.
The first speaker shrugged. "Yeah, yeah. You outrank me. Whatever you say, Cardinal of the Shadow Church."
The second projection nodded.
"Luvist... the most feared and reviled of men? Sounds like this mission doesn't concern me." The third projection was hulking, yet his tone sheepish. "I'm just a driver—maybe support at best. Real fighting's not my gig. Let the real Fourth Seat handle it when she wakes up."
The Penitent Narbareck said nothing. She looked toward the boy-like projection.
"I've got my hands full watching those Dead Apostle Ancestors... and I'm just a humble Dead Apostle myself," he said, unconcerned.
"I'm still in prayerful isolation," the Cardinal added.
They were clearly busy.
Then—
"I'll go."
A youthful voice rang out—clear and firm. The speaker was small in stature, evidently a young girl.
The Penitent paused, then nodded.
"Technically, this should go to the Third Seat—'Demonic'—since she turned into a demon because of Luvist. But she's still in Japan. Can't reach her."
"So the task falls to you—Seventh Seat, 'Archer,' Ciel."