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Chapter 1: The Old Man Acht
The Einzbern Castle - December 1937
"We have already made our preparations and readied the catalyst, Elder Jubstacheit." the white haired homunculus spoke.
"And what about Eliza? Has she been prepared?" Jubstacheit inquired.
"Yes, she's already in Japan. We've sent Willa with her for security."
"Good. Keep me updated."
"What do you mean the base was attacked?" The Elder roared. "The war hasn't even started yet and you're telling me we lost both Eliza and Willa? Who would even dare to mess with the equilibrium beforehand?"
"We aren't sure who the assailant was, but both the Tosakas and the Matous have sent word that they weren't behind it." the maid responded.
"Tch." Acht almost bit into his lip.
"How long would it take before we could make another grail worthy vessel?"
The Elder was always a very calm and collected being, but this foolishness and attacking the form of the Lesser Grail beforehand? Even the emotionless would boil over such logic.
"Elder Jubstacheit. We have already prepared a backup, but since we assumed that Eliza was going to be the one, the new vessel was never able to contract a servant. And making a new one who could do both… " one of the servants uttered.
"Would take us too long." Jubstacheit spelled out.
"How about hiring someone, Elder?" a maid acquiesced.
"We can't contact a mercenary mage at this point, it would take months to filter through someone who'd align with our goals…" he frustratingly stated.
"But we need someone to represent us!" one of the other Elders of the family protested.
Jubstacheit calmed himself down, for feeling emotion this intensely even under such a circumstance, was not dignified of the acting family head, much less an Einzbern. He sat in his chair, examining the situation in his head.
"Then, I will go."
"What?" several servants and some of the Elders of the family balked at his declaration.
"You can't be serious! You're our family head!" the maid protested. "The assailant who attacked Eliza and Willa is still in Fuyuki!"
"Who else can go?" Acht responded calmly. "There's nobody else at Einzbern, who could supply a servant, especially as powerful as the one we intend to summon."
"….." The hall was filled with silence.
"The other Elders of the family will take over for the time being. We can't risk losing our spot, no matter what. Acht affirmed. The Einzbern dream must be seen through, even if we lose here."
Fuyuki, Japan - January, 1938
"So you understand the situation, Ritza?"
"Yes Elder. I am to become the new Lesser Grail." the short haired homunculus responded.
"An adequate answer. I will keep a part of what we recovered from Eliza to myself, until the time and the conditions are right." Acht responded.
../ Abiding by the summons of the Holy Grail, if thou dost accede to this will and reason, answer me! /….. Avenger!!!
The burning fields in front of Fuyuki Church.
Many masters have already failed…. Many distinguished servants were defeated….. Even my servant turned out to be nothing but smoke..... And my rage feels like it won't exhaust itself…. But. My enemy still lies before…. So I will…..
A staff pierces through a certain insect infested impression of a magus.
"You were the one behind this, weren't you, Zouken?" Acht furiously accused.
"Was it that obvious, master of the dolls?" a hollow body of the man who was, spat out.
"Why? Why attack the host of the Lesser Grail before the war had even started?" the Elder, now looking rather agitated, and placing his hands on Zouken's neck, demanded to know.
"Isn't it apparent, puppet? I simply wished to have the advantage this time." Zouken grinned back, coughing all the same.
"I've heard enough. For violating one of the most important parts of our war when you are a leader of a founding family yourself, you will die here and now, insect." Acht stated.
With that, Jubstacheit performed a spell powerful enough to clear that infected eyesore completely. He felt rather tranquil because of it.
Fuyuki Airfield - February 1938
A certain officer was confronted by Acht.
"You were the defeated master that represents the Reich, Major Reiter, I believe?" the Elder smiled.
"What of it, Head of Einzberns? I thought your interest wasn't in the politics of Germany. Or in any national politics anyway." the snarling, though beautiful officer replied.
"That might be the case, Major, but even so, with you failing in the acquisition of the grail, do you think your nation will take you back with open arms?"
"....." Reiter looked conflicted.
"I have an offer that could interest your government and save your hide." Acht offered.
"What do you have in mind?" the woman in uniform replied.
The Einzbern Castle - 2019
"Elder Jubstacheit, Elder Jubstacheit! Wake up, Elder Jubstacheit!"
"Patrizia? Is it time already?" An old man clearly weakened answered.
Patrizia, one of her newer apprentices after the incident, was a young woman in her twenties, with a rather collected disposition, although there was no denying that she had inherited her grandmother's looks quite well. Patrizia's purple hair was even styled right after her grandmother.
"Yes, master, the other magus are already here to start! I know your sickness is getting worse, but we can't start the procession before you." a young woman responded.
"I see. Excuse me. I will be up in a bit."
"Esteemed guests of the Einzbern family! I am sure you all know why you're all here! However, even then, as the 8th Head of the Einzbern family, let me thank you for arriving here in quick haste!" Jubstacheit voiced over his courtyard, while six other magus turned their looks on the battered Elder.
"A new Holy Grail War is finally upon us. But this won't be that event some of you might think of that was in the Far East! Some chuckled at that statement.
This will be The Great Grail War, here in Germany itself! And by choosing to answer my calls here, you have chosen to be the Masters of the Einzbern faction!"
"Failure here is unacceptable!" Jubstacheit loudly declared.
With that, Acht looked over the people he had chosen. Victory was already very close at hand.