In Type-Moon, it all starts with adopting Sakura.

"?"

He couldn't help but look exasperated.

……

He left his magic workshop.

When he returned to his mansion, Lovi happened to run into Gray and Sakura, who were cleaning with the head maid. The head maid was so startled that she quickly tried to explain.

Even if she didn't say it, Luo Wei could probably guess what was going on.

Most likely, Gray and Sakura aren't used to being served like this, especially Gray, who is usually the one taking care of others.

This country girl was unfamiliar with games or any other hobbies, so apart from attending classes with Rowe and having heart-to-heart talks with him, she could only stay in the mansion and do whatever she wanted every day.

That's why she volunteered to help the maids with some simple tasks, so she could keep herself busy and enjoy it. Sakura, on the other hand, was with Gray, and of course, they had to join in too.

Although Reines, who claims to be their mother, has told them many times to be mindful of their image, it has clearly not had much effect.

After all, calling her a mother a year younger than herself was still too strange, and Sakura couldn't bring herself to say it. On the other hand, after learning this identity from Reines, Gray called her "teacher's wife" repeatedly, making Reines very happy. In the end, Gray could only tease her a little and didn't impose too many restrictions.

Although the three of them have different personalities, they have a really good relationship, even if it's a bit abnormal.

"Brother Luo Wei!"

"Teacher... are you alright?"

Sakura smiled happily upon seeing Lovi discharged from the hospital, while Gray was somewhat worried about his health.

"It's all over now."

Luo Wei simply smiled and explained to them that his body was fine.

Trusting Rowe, the two children were relieved to hear his words and were about to say something more to him when Reines, who had just finished choosing her dresses, returned. Seeing Gray and Sakura, dressed in maid outfits and happily cleaning, she was completely convinced.

Later, at Loewy's request, Reines first took the two kittens to take a bath, then changed out of her maid outfit and went to choose a new dress.

After all, this was his first public appearance with his elder brother.

It is also the best opportunity to assert one's sovereignty, and one must not embarrass one's elder brother.

Moreover, Gray, as Lovi's student, and Sakura, as his adopted daughter, will undoubtedly have to appear together. As their teacher and adoptive mother, she must teach them what it means to be a lady and the etiquette of the nobility.

So, under the pleading gazes of Grey and Sakura, Reines dragged the two away to another place for an intensive etiquette lesson, leaving Lovi shaking his head slightly and cheering them on while inwardly sighing.

"You two have such a good relationship... You've become such good friends so quickly."

With a sigh, Luo Wei strode back to his study.

However, the moment the door was pushed open...

All I saw was—

A young man with long black hair, dark circles under his eyes, and a somewhat thin build was standing there, giving him a strange look as if he were looking at some kind of non-combustible garbage bag.

“Love, I’ve only recently realized that my impression of you was too one-sided…” Weber said quietly as he saw Love return.

I think you have some misunderstandings about me.

Lowe's eyelids twitched, then he explained righteously, "Weber, don't be fooled by appearances."

"Yes... I think so too."

Webber said earnestly, “I’ve always regarded you as a model of magic, until I saw with my own eyes what you’ve been doing lately, and your mate selection that deserves a bullet. I realized that I’ve had a deep misunderstanding of you all along.”

"..."

Luo Wei clutched his heart and took several steps back.

For a moment, he felt that a sad, thick barrier had already formed between him and his junior brother, whom he had only parted ways with not long ago.

※※※※※※※

-

-

P.S.: My head hurts. I wrote part of the next chapter, but I can't continue.

I need to adjust my sleep schedule; I'm too tired to write today.

I'll write the rest tomorrow.

Goodnight, everyone.

Chapter 151 A Feast at Hongmen?

The recent events had been utterly disastrous for Weber. Having narrowly escaped death, he now worked as Kenneth's assistant secretary in the Clock Tower's office area, handling clerical work. His rise in position and class meant he was no longer the clueless naiveté he once was, but an insider with access to the dark secrets behind the Clock Tower. This was, in fact, Kenneth's deliberate arrangement. He intended for Weber to mature more quickly, shedding his former naiveté and truly becoming a reliable talent worthy of his trust.

During this time, Weber was growing rapidly, having personally experienced things he had never been qualified to touch before and uncovering many secrets hidden behind the clock tower. In just over a month, through Kenneth's introduction, he not only miraculously passed the exam and obtained the qualification to become a trainee lecturer, but also made significant achievements in paperwork. Even Ulysses, who looked down on Weber for his extremely inferior lineage, couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

The comment, "You might be more suited to the democratic side," left Weber momentarily confused as to whether it was sarcasm or praise. Because he hadn't had time to groom himself, his hair had grown messy, and in just over a month, Lowe felt that Weber's face had matured considerably, carrying the weariness of a middle-aged man on the verge of collapse from long hours of overtime.

Is this an early shift in El-Melloi II's political trajectory?

News of Lowe's misdeeds had spread throughout the Clock Tower, and the related paperwork was so cumbersome that Webber was overwhelmed. Kenneth sent Webber to Lowe's location as his representative. Ostensibly, it was to have Webber accompany Lowe and offer advice, but in reality, he was tasked with helping prepare for the necessary arrangements. Kenneth even used a vacation as an excuse to send Webber to relax with Lowe. However, upon arriving, Webber felt betrayed.

I thought I'd finally had a vacation and could do that thing I'd always wanted to do but never had the time for, but in the blink of an eye it turned into working overtime outside. Thinking about it, it's not much different from doing clerical work at the Clock Tower before, just in a different place and with different content.

When Lowe saw that Webber had come to him of his own accord, he didn’t stand on ceremony and directly assigned half of the tasks that were originally the old butler’s responsibility to Webber, asking him to help with them as well.

While he did feel somewhat guilty, dealing with the immediate trouble was undoubtedly more important. Leaving it solely to himself and the old butler would take too long; Rafe and Orange were both incredibly busy and couldn't spare the time. He wasn't comfortable involving others. This man was practically free labor delivered to his doorstep. So, even though he felt a little bad for Webber, he had no choice but to persuade Webber to get back to work.

He also assured him that once things were over, he would pay for his plane ticket so he could fly directly to every ruin the King of Conquerors had ever visited, and that he would also prevent Kenneth from looking for him for a while, giving him enough time to follow in the footsteps of the King of Conquerors.

Upon hearing this, Weber, who had been on the verge of death, finally calmed down.

Fortunately, this matter wasn't too troublesome; it was just a simple preparation... right?

After glancing at the list of items that Loewy had entrusted to him for arrangement and preparation, especially the items labeled "Gold Grade," "Gem Grade," "Special Type," and "Artificial Magic Eye," followed by numerous scenes, Weber even thought he was hallucinating.

But after repeatedly checking, he realized that this was not a hallucination, and that he had stepped into some unknown vortex again.

Although Luo Wei told him that he could choose one he liked from among them, as long as he was sure he could control it, it was better for him not to know the whole story.

But Weber, being quite self-aware, took nothing and asked no questions. He was no longer the naive man he was a few months ago; he understood that secrets he shouldn't know were better left unknown.

He's not some great detective; sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Moreover, even if Luo Wei gave him the Magic Eye, with his third-rate skill level, he would only waste it. On the contrary, once it was exposed, it would bring him great danger.

Weber saw it very clearly.

So, with him, Luo Wei, and the others working overtime, the matter was almost resolved in about two days.

……

Three days later, at dusk.

After declining Rowe's invitation to dinner and finishing everything, Weber, who clearly sensed something was amiss, specifically warned Rowe before leaving: "Don't do anything reckless."

Although he longed to accompany Rowe, the thought of the important figures on the invitation list he had sent out made him wisely hesitate. Webber knew that as a third-generation magician, he wouldn't be of much help; instead, he would become Rowe's weakness, and someone would use him as a point of attack against Rowe. Therefore, he could only silently offer his words of advice and blessings before hastily leaving the manor, which was about to become a place of trouble. Then, before Kenneth might assign him a new mission, he rushed back home to pack his bags, embarking on a spontaneous trip.

Meanwhile, on the other side—

Nestled in the River Rhon Valley east of Maidstone in Kent, England, the magnificent castle, situated in the middle of a small lake, has suddenly become lively tonight. This castle is no ordinary place; its history dates back to 857 AD, when it served as the English royal family's country residence, earning it the nickname "The Queen's Castle" and the title "The Queen of Castles." It was one of the most popular venues for aristocratic banquets.

Initially, Rowe really didn't want to go through the trouble of renting a venue so far away. He originally planned to get things done as quickly as possible at the Crowley family's estate in the hills behind the house, since it would be both convenient and hassle-free to hold it on his own turf. If a fight broke out, none of the guys who came would escape. But who could have imagined that Kenneth would fly into a rage when he learned that Rowe was planning to hold a dinner party at home, berating him for being too casual and careless, and for not taking the matter seriously at all. Subsequently, Kenneth simply bypassed Rowe and directly rented the prestigious Leeds Castle for him as the venue for the event.

For a moment, Luo Wei was at a loss for words.

The majestic castle stands silently in the middle of the lake, like a mysterious fortress that has stepped out of a fairy tale. To enter the castle, one must step onto the long stone bridge and approach it step by step.

The bright stars twinkled softly above the castle, their light and shadows shimmering on the pristine lake, creating a hazy and dreamlike scene.

The castle's perimeter was brightly lit, the warm yellow light filtering through the night and reflected on the lake's surface, creating a shimmering effect. Viewed from afar across the lake, the entire castle resembled a ruby, quietly shimmering with a crimson glow in the darkness, exuding a captivating and noble aura.

The banquet hall was bustling with activity, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation. People dressed in their finest attire moved among the crowd, their glasses clinking and creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

Representatives from hundreds of families, each with a name and surname, gathered together, numbering approximately four hundred people.

This number indeed exceeded Luo Wei's expectations. He originally thought that around two hundred people would be enough, but he never expected that all of them would come. Some who were not invited also shamelessly sneaked in under the pretext of accompanying other families, intending to get a share of the pie.

They raised their glasses and chatted and laughed together in the banquet hall.

The waiters working in the castle perfectly exemplify what top-notch professionalism means. They move gracefully among the bustling guests, their keen eyes capturing every subtle need, striving to ensure that every guest leaves happy and satisfied.

"It looks like it's working well..."

On the second-floor corridor, Kenneth squinted at the situation below, feeling a slight sense of relief.

After all, that brat Luo Wei told him too late, and time was too tight, so this was all they could manage. Although it couldn't compare to the banquets of those big families, the scale was still respectable. Now the democrats couldn't say anything, much less accuse them of looking down on them.

Moreover... everyone knows that none of the guys chatting and laughing below came for this so-called dinner party; their goal is something more valuable.

At this moment, Luo Wei stood beside him, forced to change out of his familiar alchemist's robes and into a suit. His arms were crossed, resting on the railing, his gaze as calm as still water, reflecting the figures of the guests below without stirring a ripple. His gaze was cold and piercing, inexplicably reminiscent of a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to strike; a chill crept up his spine.

Although his suit was identical to those worn by the guests downstairs, his overall demeanor was completely out of place. He lacked both elegance and composure, and possessed neither dignified solemnity nor any other distinguishing presence; instead, he exuded an aura of bone-chilling coldness and unfathomable mystery. The moment someone's gaze met his, it was as if an invisible barrier blocked their view, making it impossible to see through him in the slightest. Upon first meeting him, one might even subconsciously feel: 'This is the kind of wondrous feeling a magician should have.'

"Barthemello, Tramberlio, Meastia... Hmm, quite a few people have come this time. The heads or heirs of the three major factions of the Clock Tower have all come..."

Loewe knew almost all of the people who had arrived.

"Of course, after all, this was issued to the outside world in your own name. Any family that has any interest in that wealth will definitely come."

Kenneth nodded; he also spotted someone he knew in the crowd.

He glanced at Luo Wei, who seemed lost in thought, clearly considering something. He instinctively assumed Luo Wei was nervous about seeing so many important figures and was trying to reassure him. But then he heard him mutter, "If... all of these people were to die here, I reckon the current structure of the Start-up Realm would collapse and be reorganized. Even if it were to re-form, it would be significantly smaller, right?"

Kenneth: "..."

For a moment, Kenneth's expression went from astonishment to horror, and then he turned his head sharply, only to see that Rowe had already put away his original expression and was calmly looking down.

The change in attitude was so swift that it was as if the shocking words he had just uttered were merely an illusion.

However, compared to these guys, a middle-aged man in the crowd with a goatee and wearing a red suit surprised Rowe more.

"Tokiomi Tohsaka?!"

Not only was Rowe surprised, but Kenneth, who was standing next to him, called out his name directly.

You even invited him?

"I don't know. I asked Weber and the butler to consider it. They probably invited him because of Sakura's status."

"That makes sense...that's reasonable too."

Kenneth nodded slightly, about to say something more to Rowe, but the next moment, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had discovered something interesting. Then, his gaze shot like an arrow, "whoosh!" across the crowd, landing directly on the petite figure beside Tokiomi Tohsaka, his eyes full of inquiry and curiosity.