Chapter 34: Zod and the Fifth Holy Grail War (1)

"Congratulations on becoming a war hero, Secretary."

"You flatter me, Mr. President."

Zod.05 stood in his medal-laden uniform, offering a crisp salute. The President of the United States leaned back in his Oval Office chair, eyeing him with a calculating gaze.

"Thanks to you, public perception of Espers has improved significantly. We can even target their voting bloc now—it's two birds with one stone. Even if it was unintentional, you’ve proven your utility."

"It is curious then, Sir, why a unit full of such 'useful talent' was supported with such low-quality supplies during the campaign."

"You have a narrow mind, Secretary. From now on, I shall see to it that you are supported abundantly with the finest luxury goods."

"'From now on,' you say...? (Should I just kill him?)"

A surge of murderous intent flared within Zod, but he suppressed it with practiced ease before speaking.

"For what reason have you summoned me?"

"I want to rebrand 'The League' with a heroic, patriotic image. I intend to establish it as a state-managed organization under direct government oversight..."

"You mean to say the U.S. government wishes to manage The League?"

"Correct. The Department of Defense will take charge of it."

"Am I to understand that you are asking me to hand over all authority regarding The League to the State?"

"You heard me correctly, Secretary. Is there a problem?"

Faced with the President's peak audacity, Zod felt a familiar irritation prickling at his nerves. This man had driven the Espers toward a meat grinder of a battlefield, hoping they would die off; now that they had returned successful, he tossed them a single medal as a token of 'national prestige' while plotting to suck them dry of their worth. His mindset was indistinguishable from that of a common mafia don.

Zod compartmentalized the annoyance and looked the President dead in the eye.

"I'm afraid that is out of the question. As the Secretary of the Superhuman Department, I alone shall retain authority over The League."

"Secretary!"

"I said... I shall retain authority."

"Ah... right. Yes, you are indeed the only man for the job..."

Falling under the weight of Zod's hypnotic suggestion—infused with the density of the Greater Grail's magical energy—the President immediately retracted his plan to hand The League to the DOD.

"Then... I shall be taking a leave of absence for a while. I plan to take some rest in the Far East."

"Very well. Go and rest. Just ensure you hand over your duties to the Undersecretary before you go..."

"I will."

Zod offered a shallow nod and exited the Oval Office.

"Welcome back, Secretary."

"Yeah..."

Waiting outside was Mata Hari, who broke into a cold sweat as she gauged Zod’s visibly foul mood.

Thud.

"Dammit... I’m going to have to get rid of that President eventually!"

Entering the car, Zod irritably yanked his tie loose, venting his frustration. To soothe him, Mata Hari leaned in close, offering the provocative sight of her cleavage. Experience had taught her there was no better way to vent his dark moods. She unbuttoned her blouse further, presenting herself to him. Zod accepted the offer without hesitation, running his hands over her skin to dispel the lingering stress of the meeting.

"We are still in public. Can that not wait until later?"

Artoria Alter, who was in the driver's seat, shot a disapproving glance toward the back seat. Mata Hari only smirked at her.

"Oh my~ Artie-chan, are you jealous?"

"This wench...! (Twitch)"

Having her buttons pushed perfectly, Artoria turned to protest to Zod, but he merely gave her a lukewarm response.

"Artoria, just drive..."

"Dammit! Can't you just make my chest a little bigger too?!"

"You’re cute and cool just the way you are, Artoria. If Mordred saw you with a larger chest, she wouldn't know how to act. I like you as you are right now."

"Guh.... Th-That's playing dirty...... (//////////)"

Zod’s rare display of affection—delivered with a bright, charming smile—completely disarmed the King of Knights, sending a deep flush to her cheeks. Watching this, Mata Hari thought that Artoria Alter was just as much of a pushover as Janette (Jeanne Alter).

"Artoria, it's almost time, isn't it?"

"Ah... yes. In a few days, the Holy Grail War will begin in Fuyuki City."

The Holy Grail War.

It was a battle for the Greater Grail, an omnipotent wishing machine created by the Three Founding Families of Fuyuki: the Makiri (Matou), the Einzberns, and the Tohsakas. Seven Servants are summoned to engage in a slaughter until only one pair remains... a bloody struggle to reach the Root via the Grail.

Zod had already decided to participate in the fifth iteration of this ritual, which was scheduled to occur in Fuyuki within the coming days.

"This time, I’m only taking Mata Hari with me."

"Why are we being left behind?!"

Artoria Alter immediately demanded an explanation, unable to accept the decision. His answer was short and concise.

"Janette and you are the Undersecretaries. You have to hold down the fort while I’m gone."

"Gunu-nu......."

Stumped by his perfect logic, Artoria Alter ground her teeth but stopped her protesting. She knew her Master preferred women who were reasonably compliant.

"Fufu~ It looks like I win, Artie-chan."

"You truly are the most wicked woman!"

Artoria Alter eventually snapped at Mata Hari’s teasing, but seeing Zod’s indifferent, watching eyes, she was forced to swallow her groan of frustration once more.

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