Outside the city.
The forest outside the city was a quiet place during the day. Humans weren't visiting it too often, except for the owners of the castle, but the German magi rarely stayed at home. Like many things in Fuyuki, the forest had a connection to magecraft and the world of magic. The Einzbern family had chosen this place for that reason, in addition to limiting their interactions with the outside world and the human population.
However, none of that mattered to the servant who now walked among these woods.
Gilles was in a pleasant mood, for today was the day when he would finally free his Jeanne from the lies of God. Everything had been prepared. After finding and absorbing enough of those delicious crest worms, Caster was sure he had enough mana to use his most powerful spell. Ryuunosuke had been hiding outside of the forest, but his dear friend had chosen a good spot to witness his coolest trick.
The forest had some bounded fields in place as a means of protection, but love and enough mana could solve any problem. Of course, he still needed time to prepare the spell before calling for the other servants to join him. Gilles couldn't wait any longer, already dreaming of what expressions the other servants would make when he would start tearing their bodies to shreds. Especially Avenger. A twisted smile formed on the French man's face as he imagined her screams of agony. Maybe killing her master in front of her would be a cool thing to do too.
'That reminds me, I will need to kill their masters as well. Oh well. Without their servants, they can do nothing.' And even if they tried, his Noble Phantasm was superior to any modern magical technique and magecraft.' Oh, I can't wait to see how grateful Jeanne would be once we reunite at last!'
Finally reaching his destination, the mad servant began to prepare the spell. It would take some time, but he was sure Jeanne would appreciate his hard work.
***
In the city.
"I still don't see the need to use their help, Lelouch. It is against the rules to attract commoners."
After visiting the police department, two masters made their way towards the church. His companion was doubtful about their new plan, but Lelouch didn't pay any mind to the magus' doubts. Kayneth didn't have any room to complain after his last failure and they both knew it. Besides, it was a simple plan.
'A child murderer on the run and Fuyuki's biggest hotel reduced to rubble. The Police simply don't have the manpower to deal with both of these issues at once. It isn't like they can devote any less than 100% of their time to both problems, or their legitimacy would fall into question. All that we needed to do was offer a little help and information as to the locations of Ryuunosuke and Kirisugu.'
They only needed to convince some higher-ups to aid them in their pursuit for other masters.
Of course, hoping for law enforcement to be of any use against Servants was ridiculous, but the police only needed to gather information about Waver's location. Master of Rider and his Servant didn't bother to hide in daylight and moved across Fuyuki as they pleased, meaning that finding them shouldn't be too much of an issue. Lelouch was tempted to send them after Irisviel and Artoria to spy as well, but the Magus Killer was too much of an obstacle. Once Kayneth's student was found, the police would report the location of their base of operations. And once that is done, Lelouch would send Avenger there. Nobunaga wanted to personally kill Rider after all.
'And while people in uniform do their work, we should do ours.' Lelouch and his ally entered the holy place and were greeted by the old man.
Risei Kotomine had been surprised to see the master of Avenger and Lancer together. Even if his eyes were closed, his expression gave it away. Lelouch smirked as he moved closer to the supervisor of this war.
"Good day, Father."
"Good day to you as well, young Lamperouge. And Lord El-Melloi. It is unusual to see you without your beautiful fiancee." the old man glanced at Lelouch."Especially with another master."
"I don't remember there being any rule against Masters forming alliances during the war."
"Indeed, you're magi and free to do as you please. I'm just surprised that you have found an ally, Lord El-Melloi. Considering your well-known confidence."
Lelouch didn't hide his amusement while Risei slightly smiled. Kayneth scolded but stopped himself from saying anything harsh. Lelouch looked around the room, trying to see if young Kotomine was in the church as well.
"Your son isn't here right now?" Risei shook his head.
"No, Kirei was called back to Italy. His job in Japan is finished. Is there anything else you would like to know? I want to remind you that I cannot help any Master beyond providing shelter."
Lelouch happily nodded.
"Of course. I just wanted to confirm something. Once the mad Caster is dealt with, the Master/Servant pair who deal with him will receive extra Command Spells as a reward, is that right?"
His answer was the display of several command seals on the older man's right hand. Risei's entire arm was covered in what appeared to be simple tattoos. However, these red seals were too valuable to be called simple marks.
"Yes. After the Third Holy Grail War, I gathered the Seals that hadn't been used. Should you be the one to slay Bluebeard, I would gladly grant you one Command Seal. But as far as I know, you haven't used any of your Command Seals, young Lamperouge." Lelouch proudly nodded.
"Avenger and I don't need them to work perfectly in sync."
"I'm pleased there is a Master who can get along with their Servant, unlike some." Kayneth looked to the side, frustrated." Heroic Spirits should be treated with the respect they deserve for their achievements." Lelouch smirked.
"You're right, father. Servants aren't just pawns for us to toy with and dispose of later. Especially someone like the king of Uruk." Risei stayed silent, but Lelouch could see that the older man wasn't as carefree as before.
'If Risei works together with Tokiomi and Kirei, that means he knows about the Servants' true purpose in the Grail War. Good thing Nobunaga isn't here right now.' Otherwise, she might try to burn the church to the ground.' Even if Nobunaga did that, it would be nothing but a nuisance. Although, I would prefer the scene of the crime to be intact.'
"I see that you have learned something new, Lelouch. If there nothing else you require-." Risei turned away and was about to leave when Kayneth stood in front of him.
"Supervisor, as a Master of this war I would like to learn what would happen with my remaining Command Seals should I be killed in a battle." Risei frowned.
"Well, even if the body is dead, as long as it isn't damaged too badly, the remaining Command Seals would remain there. Lord El-Melloi, is there any reason you ask this?" The blonde magi nodded.
"Simple academic curiosity. In the end, it isn't every day I can examine something as unique as these Seals. By the way, I was curious to see how long the Command Seal could stay on dead flesh. Could you help me with this, Lancer?"
Before Risei had time to react, the male Servant had appeared next to him, his red spear already in motion. With one swift move, the priest's right arm was cut off clean. Blood covered the scene of the crime, but the old man wasn't done yet. Despite his age, the older Kotomine had been able to raise and kneel. He didn't scream or panic, but Risei knew he couldn't do anything against the servant.
Lancer turned away, ashamed that he had to do something so dishonourable as this. His Master on another hand was quick to pick up the amputated arm and start examining it. Lelouch walked closer to the dying man and spoke.
"Is your son still in the city?"
"Now, why should I answer you?" Lelouch could see the blood starting to leak from his mouth. The Demon Emperor let out a sigh.
"Because I might have spared his life if you were honest with me. In the end, your son is nothing but a tool to Tokiomi." Risei spat out blood.
"Maybe my death would finally help Kirei to find meaning in his life. Even if it is to avenge me. Although, I don't want to go without a fight." He said. Though he tried to stand and make one last defiant attack, his arm had been badly wounded and wasn't fast enough. Lelouch had enough time to react and act. The raven-haired master quickly pulled his handgun and pressed the trigger. Risei fell forward, with a hole in his head.
"Do not worry, father. Your son would follow you soon. I will make sure of that."
Lelouch let out a laugh, while Kayneth couldn't help but chuckle as well. At the same time, Lancer started to regret this alliance even more. The Master of Avenger turned to his ally.
"How is it?"
"The Seals haven't disappeared, but we need to make sure flesh won't decay." Lelouch nodded.
"Excellent, now it is time to leave this place." Before two Masters could escape, Lancer asked.
"What about the body?"
"What about it? Leave it, Lancer. The younger Kotomine should return sooner or later. It is his father, so leave the body to him to deal with." Kayneth smirked at Lelouch's words.
Meanwhile, Diarmuid was beginning to wonder how he could hope to achieve his wish...when he had a Master as dishonourable as this.