Shinji Matou at Your Service

Reines is now a little devil and will inevitably become a big devil as she continues to grow. This raises a question: knowing she is a devil, why does Waver continue to interact with her for so many years?

First, it's important to clarify that as one of the few Clock Tower lecturers with common sense and normal human ethics, Waver is not a masochist, just a hard worker. The answer is clear: Reines has an accurate grasp of human nature, especially Waver's personality. Her devilish behavior always stays within Waver's tolerance range, similar to another world's Nishikata from Teasing Master Takagi-san, who excels at teasing. She always makes Waver's stomach, head, and body ache but never drives him to the point of truly losing his temper.

Like now, before Waver's patience reaches its limit, Reines decisively shifts to the main topic, handing over a document.

"Castle of Separation Adra? I remember there seemed to be some connection with that place. Why was this sent to me?"

"Perhaps it's inconvenient for them to intervene, or they know we're short on funds and are helping us this way."

By "them," she meant the current Lord El-Melloi, Waver's professor Kayneth. Their relationship wasn't as distant as rumors suggested, nor was Waver just a faction member or pawn. Kayneth might have once considered bringing Waver into his faction, but after personally witnessing the teaching methods of the El-Melloi Classroom, he abandoned the idea.

The Kayneth who was reborn after the Holy Grail War saw further than any other lord. He knew that for the Clock Tower to develop, it needed reform, and Waver was the leader of that reform. Involving him in factional struggles would only rob the Clock Tower of its future. Therefore, once the situation stabilized, Kayneth cut all apparent ties with Waver. If he wanted to offer support, he would do so in indirect ways.

For instance, Waver had just completed the renovation of the Modern Magecraft Department and bought two nearby spiritual grounds, incurring significant debt and even mortgaging the Velvet family's magic crest for a large loan. While worrying about repaying the debt, Kayneth, through secret channels, sent an invitation to Reines, whom he had high hopes for as the future Lord. It was an invitation about inheritance.

Castle of Separation Adra, the legendary residence of the Magic Crest Tuner Geryon Ashborn.

Ordinary Tuner can suppress magic crest rejection issues, while skilled Tuner can repair crest damage to some extent. Geryon, the legendary Tuner, could freely adjust magic crests. It's said that no matter how troublesome the damage, he could resolve it.

With such precious skills, Geryon Ashborn must have amassed considerable wealth.

Notably, Geryon had no descendants or disciples, so before his death, he left a puzzle. Whoever could solve it would inherit everything he had.

After reading the documents, Waver rubbed his temples and asked Reines seriously.

"Miss, are you serious?"

"Of course, my dear brother."

Reines elegantly lifted her teacup and took a small sip.

"This is the conclusion I reached after careful consideration."

"If you've thought it through, why accept? You should know that castle isn't simple!"

Waver's voice showed a hint of irritation.

"If we can obtain the wealth and technology of Castle of Separation Adra, you can pay off the debt, and our Velvet family can become a top magus family." Reines's voice remained calm.

"We, huh."

Shinji let out a subtle laugh, earning a glare from Waver.

"Great profit often comes with great risk. We don't need to take such a big risk."

"But your crest—that's the most precious thing your mother left you, isn't it? Although Mr. Melvin is trustworthy, it's still best to keep it in your own hands."

"Miss..."

"I've decided, dear brother. If you don't agree, I'll go myself. I have some talent for puzzles."

"Don't joke!"

Waver's shout echoed through the office.

"This isn't something we should be involved in. I won't go, and you can't go either."

"Brother!"

As the siblings stared at each other, Shinji's phone rang.

"Sorry, I need to take this call."

"Hello?"

"Oh, it's you, Lady Lorelei."

"So, how did you like the tea I brought back?"

"You being satisfied makes it worth the detour I took."

"Is there something urgent you need my help with? What's the rush?"

"Why is it Castle of Separation Adra again?"

"Yeah, I just heard about it. Quite surprising. So, what do you need me to do? Grab the inheritance?"

"..."

"I see. Alright, I understand. I'll take care of it."

"No need to prepare an invitation for me. I can get one myself. Just leave it to me."

"Settled then, bye-bye~"

After hanging up, Shinji found himself under the scrutiny of two pairs of eyes. Waver and Reines had somehow leaned in, their heads close together.

"Does the Castle of Separation Adra matter involve the Law and Politics Department?"

"This is bad."

"No, it's worse than you think. Castle of Separation Adra is tied to the dark side of the Law and Politics Department and seems to be slipping out of its control. Lady Lorelei wants me to investigate secretly. Waver, interested in coming along? You handle the brains, I handle the brawn. We get Ashborn's inheritance—real estate is yours, I'll just take some of the portable treasures."

"Brother, say yes! This is a rare opportunity."

Reines urged. As the one who had first introduced Lorelei and Shinji, she knew this young man, only a few years older than her, was a monster on par with the queen who ruled the Clock Tower. With his protection, the trip to the Castle of Separation Adra would be safe.

"Well…"

Waver crossed his arms and thought for a long time before shaking his head.

"No, it's best to avoid touching the dark side of the Law and Politics Department if we can. I appreciate the offer, but—Reines, this is the end of the matter. Give the invitation to Shinji. That's my decision."

"Yes, brother."

Reines nodded, understanding now wasn't the time to be stubborn.

"Mr. Matou, here's the invitation."

Shinji stared dumbfounded at the envelope with the special crest.

Hey, Waver, this is supposed to be your gig, your case files. Why are you passing it off to me? Is this how it becomes the Case Files of Shinji instead of El-Melloi II? You can't just do that.