Two days later—or five days after Merlin sent the letter informing about Kayneth's arrival in Japan.
In front of Mifune City Station.
"The information says he'll arrive around twelve, there are still three or four minutes left, perfect timing."
Glancing at the clock standing at the nearby intersection, Naoki sighed in relief.
Last night, while washing dishes after dinner, Kayneth, who was far away in London, suddenly sent him a message saying that he would visit the Grand-rank puppet master the next day, and at the same time, take this incompetent student of his back with him.
To welcome his teacher, Naoki had come to the station early to wait. Of course, according to his own feelings, he didn't want Kayneth to come at all; if possible, he even wanted to send Kayneth straight back to his country.
"But this really surprised me quite a bit."
Behind Naoki, Touko suddenly spoke up.
"I didn't expect Lord El-Melloi to use a mobile phone? Doesn't the Clock Tower not even have electrical wiring?"
Most Magus deeply despise modern technology. For example, for long-distance calls, compared to simple and practical mobile phones, they prefer to use communication magic. In their own words, [this better highlights the nobility and superiority of Magus].
In their eyes, carrying such an iron box was truly impolite.
Kayneth initially held the same view. The reason why he started using mobile phones for messaging and calling was purely because Naoki forced him to.
Naoki himself was already used to using mobile phones, so he didn't pay much attention to messages other than those on his phone. This led to Kayneth, who used to contact him by letter, often only receiving a reply after more than half a month. Even if Gray helped Naoki receive letters, she would just put them on the table and only read them when she really had free time.
After such incidents repeated dozens of times, even Kayneth, who was very reluctant, had to follow Naoki's wishes in this regard—although after actually using it, he himself praised the method greatly.
"Looking at it, your teacher really spoils you."
"Professor Kayneth is indeed a good teacher; it's not just me, probably all the students he's ever taught would think so. He's truly great as a teacher."
Even Waver, who used to be very hostile towards Kayneth, now had a changed view of him.
"Although he and I might not get along too well, in any case, I probably wouldn't have been able to become a true Magus."
"That's right."
After spending more than half a year together, Touko knew a little about what kind of person Natsukawa Naoki was. Although walking the path of mystery, from his personality and way of thinking, he was not suited to be a Magus. This was also a commonality among most people who become Magus after adulthood.
Concepts formed over many years are not easily changed.
"It's almost time." Touko looked at her watch, "It's past twelve."
"Hmm, then—"
"Ara~ Isn't that my dearest older brother!"
Suddenly, a clear, small voice sounded from behind. Hearing the voice, Naoki hurriedly turned around. He saw in front of the station not far from him, a sweet little girl continuously waving her hand at him. Beside her stood a blonde man with a cold face.
Running over to Naoki with small steps, the little girl slightly lifted her skirt, "Long time no see, my dearest older brother, do you still remember me?"
"How could I forget? Long time no see, Miss Reines—and, I'm not your older brother." Ruffling Reines' hair, Naoki turned his gaze to Kayneth who was walking towards him, and bowed slightly, "Professor, thank you very much for taking the trouble to come all the way to Japan."
"If you could have kept me from worrying, I wouldn't have needed to come here in person."
After giving Naoki a slightly dissatisfied glare, Kayneth looked at Touko who was standing behind Naoki, "Nice to meet you, Miss Aozaki. I have long heard the name of the Grand-rank puppet master; it is truly an honor to meet you today."
"I am the current Lord El-Melloi. Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After picking up Kayneth and Reines, and first taking their luggage to the hotel, the three of them then got into Touko's car towards Garan no Dou.
After entering the workshop and sitting on the sofa, Kayneth opened the briefcase he always carried and took out a beautiful small box from it, "Miss Aozaki, please accept this. This foolish student of mine must have caused you a lot of trouble over the past half-year; this is a token of my gratitude."
"No, no, no, you're too kind. On the contrary, I've caused him a lot of trouble, and usually, he's the one who takes care of me a lot."
After all, daily meals are basically made by Naoki. If they hadn't recently bought a washing machine, the laundry might still be done by Naoki. If there were any trouble, it was indeed Touko who caused it.
However, despite saying so, Touko very naturally accepted the thank-you gift from Kayneth, opened it, and found three gemstones of different colors inside.
"Professor, these gemstones?"
"Some high-quality gemstones recently mined by the mineral department. I selected the best among them; each one is worth millions."
Amazing, taking out three gemstones that can be sold for millions of dollars at once! Is this the Lord of the Mineral Department? Truly generous! Tohsaka Rin would probably be very envious if she saw this.
'Truly wealthy...'
Storing the gemstones, Touko couldn't help but chuckle, "This thank-you gift is truly too valuable; it's different when it's given by a Lord."
"This can also be considered an addition to Naoki's tuition fees. Learning from a Grand-rank puppet master, tuition fees of this amount are indeed necessary."
"You exaggerate too much." Touko smiled wryly, "Then, what is the purpose of your visit this time, Lord?"
The main point has arrived.
Kayneth said, "To bring my student back to complete his education. Although I acknowledge his learning ability, the basic courses are no longer necessary for him to attend. However, in order for him to graduate smoothly, I must bring him back temporarily."
"Your Professor says so, Naoki." Touko looked at Naoki, "What do you think?"
"Personally, I really don't mind. By the way, Master, didn't we agree beforehand? Just say it's okay, right?"
"Formality, do you understand?"
Touko smiled, then said to Kayneth, "Lord El-Melloi, actually, regarding the purpose of your visit this time, this kid and I received information from his apartment owner in England some time ago."
"The apartment owner... Miss Mary?"
"That's right. And from my point of view, Naoki's Magecraft ability has already reached a level where he can graduate early from the basic courses. You should also be aware of this, right?"
Kayneth nodded, "That's natural. More precisely, the purpose of my visit this time is to bring him back so that he can attend the early graduation ceremony. Of the three credits required for graduation, only the attendance count is still lacking. In addition, I also plan to apply for the 'Festival' rank for him."
"Naoki and I discussed it before; he doesn't mind going back to London at all. In any case, he also wanted to go back to London recently because, regarding the research results needed to apply for the 'Festival' rank, he needs your help as an expert in spirit summoning rituals."
"Oh? Miss Mary even told you that? It seems Waver and she talk a lot." Kayneth looked at Naoki, "I thought I still needed to do some psychological work on you; it seems I worried too much. Then, which part do you need my help with?"
"I would like to ask you to help me refine a Magecraft. Just watch me perform it once, and perhaps you will understand."