Chapter 20: Chapter 021: Tokiomi Tohsaka—Eliminated!
While Reiji was executing his ambush on Diarmuid,
Tokiomi Tohsaka was in his study, pondering his next strategic move.
Though he was deeply saddened by the death of his old friend, Risei Kotomine,
He forced himself to maintain his usual grace and composure.
After all—
The Tohsaka family always upheld elegance.
And even in his grief, he had to suppress his fury.
Watching this pathetic attempt at self-restraint,
Gilgamesh clicked his tongue in annoyance.
To him—
Nothing was more irritating than a man forcing himself to wear a fake expression.
Of course—
At the very least, Tokiomi treated him as a king,
Following proper courtly etiquette.
So, Gilgamesh couldn't be bothered to voice his complaints.
However—
He also had no interest in sticking around.
So, before Tokiomi could bore him any further,
Gilgamesh grabbed a bottle of wine and left the room.
"Tch. This guy is such a dullard."
"His apprentice, though… now that's someone far more interesting."
While Gilgamesh was enjoying his drink,
A knock echoed against Tokiomi's study door.
Taking a deep breath,
Tokiomi calmed his emotions.
Then—
He returned to his usual refined demeanor.
"Ah… Kirei, it must be you."
"Come in."
When Kotomine Kirei entered,
His face was as expressionless as ever.
Seeing this—
Tokiomi felt his emotions stabilize.
After all—
Even though Kirei's father had just died…
He wasn't showing any sorrow at all.
And so, Tokiomi reassured himself—
If Kirei could remain composed,
Then surely he could do the same.
Tokiomi's Final Order
"Kirei…"
"I know you just returned."
"But you understand our situation, don't you?"
"Your Assassin was eliminated by my impulsive mistake."
"The Church can no longer protect you."
With a deep breath,
Tokiomi stood up from his chair.
He reached into his desk,
Retrieving a gemstone-encrusted sword and a plane ticket.
Then—
He handed them to Kirei.
"You must leave for Europe immediately."
Tokiomi Tohsaka sighed heavily, his gaze lingering on Kotomine Kirei.
"When the Holy Grail War is over... or if I manage to kill that Reiji first…"
"If not—then it will be up to you to finish the job."
Even for Tokiomi, maintaining his composed facade was becoming increasingly difficult.
He stood silently, turning his back to Kirei.
Then—
A faint sigh escaped his lips.
"Risei… I'm truly sorry."
Hearing this, Kotomine Kirei slowly drew the Jeweled Sword,
his footsteps carrying him silently behind his teacher.
"No… Sensei."
"Even in death, my father served his final purpose."
Before Tokiomi could react—
A sharp pain pierced his chest.
The Jeweled Sword severed his Magic Circuits instantly.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
Then—
His body collapsed to the ground, his own blood pooling around him.
In his blurred vision, he saw something truly unsettling—
The face of his ever-serious apprentice…
Twisted into a delighted grin.
"My father's death gave me… a taste of something fascinating."
"But I must say—"
"Killing you with my own hands…"
"Brings me even greater joy…"
"AHAHAHAHA!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
Watching his former teacher lie lifeless in a crimson pool,
Kotomine Kirei didn't feel grief—only amusement.
Hearing the commotion, Gilgamesh arrived swiftly.
Upon seeing the scene before him—
If it had been Diarmuid, he would have attacked Kirei without hesitation.
But Gilgamesh?
He merely paused for a moment.
Then—
He laughed as well.
"I suspected you were hiding something interesting, priest."
"Now I see it with my own eyes…"
He approached Kirei leisurely, then extended a hand toward him.
"So? How about we clean up the filth together?"
"Those vermin daring to lay their hands on MY treasures… must be erased."
Kirei glanced at Gilgamesh briefly.
His focus, however, was on something else—
His own reflection in Gilgamesh's golden eyes.
It bore the same twisted grin.
"Of course, King of Heroes."