[] Ask about the Sakatsuki household... What led them to joining this war?
"Tell me about the Sakatsuki household. What led them to joining this War?" You asked as you leaned back in your seat.
"Oh that? I thought you would be asking more pointed questions. In any case, what the Church knows is that they've struck a deal with the Luctworth and a third party in making this war. Most probably for protection purposes given the capabilities of their bloodline," Caren explained from the other side of the booth, "Can you imagine? A vessel capable of granting miracles in this day and age. No doubt Magi would be all over a family like that. The elders saw this threat and moved to gain the favor of a Noble Family."
"So they're doing it to protect themselves? By offering up their children as sacrifices?" You murmured with a frown.
"I suppose you could look at it that way. The Luctworth representative, that Doll, she's tasked to winning the War for them. Who knows, maybe she's given the mission to perform a wish to benefit that household," Caren offered with a shrug. She then cleared her throat and said, "Their reasons seem to one of desperation instead of malice and the Luctworth have taken the role of Samaritans to help them."
Bullshit. You knew what that family was like. There's no way they wouldn't capitalize on this tool. You fought them enough times and you lived with them at a young age.
You weren't stupid enough to accept that they did this out of goodwill. Given the tone of her voice, it would seem like Caren had the same idea too.
"I don't know why you're looking for these answers, but you'd best be careful. You may just end up losing sight of your goal," Caren said with a bored tone.
"I just needed answers and this should be enough," you replied as you looked down with a grim look, "Still, you said there was a third party in the creation of this war. Can you tell me anything about that?"
"Oh," Caren murmured as she tapped her cheek, "Unfortunately I don't. But it seemed that person was the one who provided the means of turning the Grail into what it is now."
"Someone who could have stolen the Einzbern's secret?" You blinked in surprise.
"There's a rumor going on that all these Petty Wars... These Subcategory Wars were created by one person. If you have the connections and means, that person will show up to provide you a Grail. The church is investigating this at length but we're observing for now," Caren replied as she crossed her arms, "Some undying pests are in need for exorcisms, I'd say."
You don't know how to take that but it seems that the church has its hands full as well. Still, the Sakatsuki family have it rough relying on your family for protection, going as far to use the Holy Grail Ritual for their end.
Whatever the Luctworths did, they managed to convince the Sakatsuki that this was a viable path to ensure their protection. It does make sense though, if the Luctworth represent wishes for the protection of the Sakatsuki family, it would be a tempting thing for them to gamble on. What better protection to have than one granted by a miracle?
"Thank you for your time," you told her as the door opened courtesy of Assassin leaving first, "I'll be keeping your words in mind."
"Try not to trip and fall," Caren said as she too stood up. She stepped out of the booth and shut it behind her as you did the same, "One thing however, Mr. Derrinsmith."
"What is it?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.
Caren stared at you with the same stony look on her face before she raised her arm, "Rejoice, good sir. You'll be able to grasp your wish at the end of this tedious path. Should you become weary, the Church's doors are always open to provide you with respite."
You had a bad feeling about that.
"I'll pass. Thank you again, Sister," you said with a nod before you turned away. The nun stared at you for a second before she walked off.
You got what you needed. You wondered if Miyu was aware of this arrangement. If this war goes well for the family, then they would only have to give up Miyu herself and acquiring protection from the wish. It sounds like a reason they could convince a child with but that depends on whether the Luctworth will go along with it.
You were deep in thought but you were quickly taken out of them as you stepped out of the church. Your Command Seals stung and you felt Assassin stir nearby.
"Derrinsmith?" A voice called out nearby, making you look up. Oh boy...
You were greeted by the sight of a woman with long brown hair dressed in a sharp suit. An eyepatch covered her eye as she gave you a smile before stopping before you.
Your command seals stung.
"Fancy meeting you here. I never took you for being a religious person, Miss Phamrsolone," you replied with a polite nod.
The woman shook her head and said, "I had business with the staff inside. What about you?"
"How strange. I was on business too for a moment," you replied as you smiled right back, "It's nice to see a familiar face though. Are you on leave from the Clocktower?"
"Yes. I believe that a vacation is needed once in awhile," Miss Phamrsolone replied as she crossed her arms.
"Funny. I never took you to be the type," you noted with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, we were only classmates for one class after all. Would you like to have some coffee? My treat if you're willing to wait," The woman said with a friendly nod.
Rejoice
[] Accept
[] Decline
[] Order Assassin to kill her.