Fate/Zero: A Different Path

Chapter 42

3 months before

A hand circled down upon the leathered surface of a worn out map, tapping twice on an approximate location

"Are you sure this is the place?"

"I don't know. If only you can put effort into your acting as much as you bother assisting me, then I won't be going around here doing it myself"

Hunched over the table was Zelretch and me. Both of us look at the map laid before us with some degree of concentration. Mostly on my part, as the old man seems distracted

This is one of the few times I wish my companion can be more professional.

He's a man who has too much free time, but I'd expected minimal standards from someone of his caliber when it comes to punctuality

"Must you be that angry with me, Kiritsugu?

"Wizard Marshal. I have had more trouble dealing with a child with autism than I did you. There is no point testing my patience"

Unfortunately enough, Zelretch has a talent to surprise and disappoint anyone he meet, regardless of how long they've known him for

"Such...vivid language you used, my student" The Wizard Marshal chuckled beside me "I knew you are anxious because we've just located Rhongomyniad, but driving here without preparation might not be the best idea"

"My preparation is you" I look at the old man "What better protection than having the almighty Second Magician by my side?"

The shameless admission elicit a snort from him. Zelretch shook his head, and I turned around to hide my smirk

We both know it's pointless talk

He could have just told him about her location beforehand using his Magic, but such interference might just fracture the timeline more.

In essence, there are restrictions when using Kaleidoscope. Grey's location being unknown is directly connected to the limit of his observation

I gestured to a nearby bookshelf. Zelretch's gaze followed my finger, raising an eyebrow when it landed on a sealed parchment

The man walk around the table, and unfurl another map. This one looking more recent with charts indicating the geography of England

"So you've pinpointed her location, huh?" He surveyed the map, before stopping at the end "South East of England. Beautiful place"

"From what I see, the villlage must have lie somewhere inbetween the mountains in Cornwall. That's surely where the holder of Rhongomyniad stay" 

I replied, not taking my eyes off the map on my desk 

Cornwall, the same place where Avalon was first extracted and stolen by me. Now doesn't that bring back memories of the past?

It is where I first found Avalon. The first step into the hell known as the Fourth Grail War. Quite the joyful experience to reminiscene about 

"We're going now?"

My reveries was broken by the sound of the old man's voice. I looked at Zelretch, who had rolled up the parchment and slid it back in his pocket

"It is imperative that we do so as early as possible, for time is of the essence"

"Seems like so" He smiled "Time is indeed of the essence. You've always been like this"

I said nothing. Sighing. Zelretch made for the door, most likely going outside for a walk or make preparation for the journey

Just as the door was about to close, it paused. Zelretch's voice sounded from outside