Shinji Matou at Your Service

The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II," is one of Type-Moon's works. It narrates a series of events involving Waver Velvet after the conclusion of the Fourth Holy Grail War. Set in the Clock Tower, the story uses mystery and magic to explore human nature. It is a work meant to be savored slowly, and it was one of Shinji's favorite works in his previous life, outside of the main four Type-Moon works. However, because of its focus on mystery, its style is quite different from most of Type-Moon's other works, and it isn't as well-known in the Type-Moon fandom as other FATE-branded works. Nonetheless, it is of high quality—at least better than a certain Fate/Apocrypha.

The first volume of The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II begins with the Separation Castle Adra arc, where a nearly thirty-year-old Waver showcases a mature charm and wisdom that set him apart from other male protagonists in the Type-Moon universe. Shinji had originally looked forward to witnessing this charm up close and dispelling the recent overworked to death image, but to his surprise, Waver had refused.

No, thinking about it carefully, this choice is true to Waver's character.

In the original timeline, Waver had a mountain of debt after Kenneth's death, forcing him to take on all sorts of troublesome requests. But in this timeline, Waver doesn't have as much debt, and the loans he took out for the Modern Magecraft Theory Department were manageable, with no need to take on additional risks, especially those associated with the dark side of the Law and Politics Department.

Avoiding political struggles and focusing on teaching was Kenneth's wish, Waver's principle, and the foundation of the El-Melloi Classroom's independence from any faction.

Understanding this, Shinji stopped insisting and accepted the invitation. "So, it's okay for me to attend in the name of the Classroom?"

Waver nodded indifferently.

"No problem. Your associations within the Clock Tower are mostly tied to the Modern Magecraft Theory Department. Outsiders will just think I wasn't interested and send someone else—unless you cause some major incident."

"I haven't caused any trouble for three years now. Don't worry."

"Mr. Matou, since we're providing you with the name and the invitation, and taking on some risk, you should also offer something in return."

"Miss—"

Before Waver could speak, Shinji interrupted.

"Miss Reines is right. Reciprocity is only fair. The inheritance issue at Adra is under the jurisdiction of the Law and Politics Department. After the event concludes, I'll secure something for you. What do you think of the Adra Castle itself?"

Reines shook her head.

"I don't like that twisted castle."

"What do you prefer?"

"I think the tuning for repairing Magic Circuits is quite nice. If we could obtain that, it would be great."

"You're sharp, indeed the little housekeeper of Waver."

Hearing Shinji's praise, Reines' eyes narrowed into crescent moons, while Waver covered his forehead, looking as though he couldn't bear to watch.

"I can't guarantee that, but I'll do my best. If not, I'll get you more resources. Those, like tuning, never go out of style."

"Thank you, Brother Shinji."

"Heh, now you remember to call me brother."

Shinji laughed.

"Ahahaha."

Reines laughed playfully and soon stood to leave. This timely and appropriate attitude made her very pleasant to deal with, which explained why, in the original timeline, after Kenneth's death and the subsequent turmoil, the remaining El-Melloi faction had gathered around her.

Once she turned away, Shinji's smile slowly faded, turning into a barely audible sigh.

Sorry, if you knew the true nature of that tuning, you wouldn't say that. You can have anything from Adra except for that. After this event is over, Lady Lorelei will probably be furious again. This world of magecraft needs a good shake-up.

As Reines opened the office door, she stopped at the entrance, seemingly speaking to someone.

"Oh, you came too?"

"... Yes."

Another girl's voice, timid and lacking confidence, starkly contrasted with Reines'.

"How's your apprenticeship going? Hasn't that insidious master been mistreating you?"

"... Well, compared to life in the countryside, it's much easier."

"Is that so? That's good then. You know, speaking of my brother, he does have quite a few students, but he rarely takes in live-in apprentices to help with housework. In a way, you're like the last line of defense. Yes, it's a heavy responsibility, isn't it?"

"... I'll do my best."

"It's a shame to cover such a cute face with that hood."

This feels like the main wife admonishing a concubine, Shinji thought to himself. Beside him, Waver had already given up trying to think.

"Excuse me."

The timid girl entered the office.

Seeing this girl, Shinji felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Her outfit was just like his own used to be. A dark cloak enveloped her entirely, hiding her appearance, her presence barely noticeable, perfectly mastering the art of stealth like a grand assassin.

"Master, your disciple, Gray, is here..."

"Come to think of it, you haven't met her yet. This is my new live-in apprentice, Gray. Gray, this is my friend, Shinji Matou."

"Hello, Miss Gray."

"Hello, Mr. Matou."

The girl bowed politely. Perhaps her movement was a bit too vigorous, causing her hood to slip, revealing a glimpse of her face.

Shinji placed a hand on Waver's shoulder.

"Sorry, Miss Gray, I need to talk to Waver. Could you step outside for a bit? It won't take long, just a few minutes, please."

Gray looked to Waver for permission. Receiving it, she quietly left the room.

"I need an explanation."

"I was just about to give you one," Waver said, his expression unchanged. "She is a descendant of the Arthurian family, a guardian of King Arthur's tomb, Gray—Gray as in Grave."

"So, she looks exactly like Artoria because of some genetic drawback?"

Indeed, the girl's face was a perfect replica of King Arthur Artoria's. The only difference was that Artoria had blonde hair, while this girl's hair was gray, matching her name, Gray.

"No," Waver shook his head.

"Her resemblance wasn't this strong originally. It changed suddenly about ten years ago."

"Ten years ago—you mean..."

"Yes, the incident we both know about. She has an unusual spiritual vessel quality, probably influenced by that."

"I see."

Shinji released Waver's shoulder, thoughtfully gazing at the door.

As expected, she just looks like her; her personality is completely different.

"Waver, let me take care of her for a while. There are things you can't teach her that I can."