[Snow is always cold, just like people's hearts, it always feels chilly.]
The snow kept falling.
Not long after, a sleek yellow taxi sliced through the snowy veil, racing from a distance before stopping near the suburbs. It was around six in the evening, right in front of the Tohsaka residence.
"Wow, didn't think you'd know someone big from the Tohsaka family," the old taxi driver said, pulling over and eyeing the grand mansion gate.
"Are you a distant relative or something?"
"No, I've just met the head of the Tohsaka family a few times," Alex replied, shaking his head as he pulled out his wallet.
"That's still pretty amazing. Not many get to meet someone like that." The driver adjusted his gloves and added, "So, want me to drive you to the side entrance?"
"No need. It's just after New Year, and since I'm visiting, knocking on the door myself shows more sincerity."
Alex handed the driver a large bill, waving off the change. It was New Year, a little extra tip wouldn't hurt. He stepped out, snapped his fingers with a crisp snap, and said, "Leave here, delete the dashcam footage, and forget you brought me."
"Yes, sir..." The driver nodded blankly, slammed the door, and sped off.
...
Five minutes later, at the Tohsaka gate.
Knock, knock, knock
Alex climbed the stone steps and banged the metal knocker on the iron gate. The loud clang startled sparrows perched nearby, sending them flapping away. But after a while, no one answered. Feeling the cold metal under his hand and staring at the stiff, frozen gate, he sighed inwardly with a mix of annoyance and helplessness.
Visiting a normal house unannounced might just earn you a scolding or a mistaken identity as a thief. But the Tohsaka family? That was different. To a magus, a home wasn't just a house, it was a workshop, a sacred stronghold of research and defenses. If he forced his way in or sneaked inside, the magus within would sense it instantly and treat him as an enemy. It'd be war.
So, despite his growing frustration, he stood in the snow and kept knocking.
Knock, knock, knock!!
Still nothing. He pulled the knocker again, raising his voice. "Is the head of the Tohsaka family home? I'm Alex Crowley, magus from the Clock Tower and head of the Crowley family, here to visit."
He glanced around, grumbling to himself. These old-school magi were ridiculous. Like some Clock Tower fossils, Tohsaka Tokiomi clung to the past, ignoring modern conveniences.
'No doorbell on a mansion this big? What is this, the Edo period? And no phone either, just write a letter and send a familiar. What a pain.'
'Does he think this retro nonsense is stylish? Why not ditch the lights and toilets too, go full medieval?'
Of course, he kept these complaints silent. He was on their turf, after all. Even as a Clock Tower noble, he had to play nice, especially since he was here to 'borrow' their daughter.
After seven long minutes in the snow, the gate finally creaked open.
Creak!!
"Welcome, Head of the Crowley family," a refined, deep voice greeted.
Alex looked up. A middle-aged man with a neat red goatee, dressed in a sharp red suit and holding a cane, stepped out. Beside him was a graceful woman with long black hair, radiating a gentle charm.
They'd taken so long because Tokiomi insisted on picking the perfect suit to uphold the family's image. His wife, Aoi, thought keeping a guest waiting was ruder, but she didn't argue.
Red suit, goatee, that elegant posture—yep, Tohsaka Tokiomi, the infamous 'Scourge of the World' from Fate. And the woman? Tohsaka Aoi, his wife.
Alex nodded politely. "Happy New Year, Head of the Tohsaka family, and Mrs. Tohsaka."
"Happy New Year, Mr. Crowley. It's been a while," Tokiomi replied with a smile, matching his courtesy.
As the host, he couldn't afford to slight a Clock Tower noble. After a few pleasantries, he gestured inside. "This way, please."
"Alright." Alex followed.
Tokiomi led him through a spacious courtyard. Like many magus families obsessed with appearances, it was decked out–stone paths, gardens, shrubs, and a ruby-studded lighthouse. It screamed wealth.
To Alex, though, it was just decent. His own family's setup was better, and compared to true old nobles, this was tame. What stood out were the ruby lamps forming a barrier, the lurking familiars, and hidden magic circles. The defenses were solid.
'Good thing I didn't try anything dumb.'
He didn't dwell on it, following Tokiomi along a side path to the main entrance. Tokiomi, impressed by Alex's manners, thought, 'Not bad for a Clock Tower noble. Even after his family's setbacks, he's still got that dignity.'
At the door, Tokiomi pushed it open. "Please, come in, Mr. Crowley."
"Than—"
Before Alex could finish, rapid footsteps clattered down the wooden stairs.
"Daddy!"
A lively, childish voice rang out, making Tokiomi's face stiffen.
Alex turned. A little girl with black twin-tails and a red butterfly hairpin ran toward them, grabbing Tokiomi's sleeve with a grin until she noticed Alex. "Who are you?"
"Rin! What's with this behavior? And don't be rude to our guest. Have you forgotten Tohsaka manners?" Tokiomi's tone sharpened.
"I-I'm sorry!" Rin shrank back, her smile wilting. At six or seven, her father's scolding clearly scared her.
Aoi opened her mouth but stayed silent, not wanting to upset Tokiomi in front of a guest.
"My apologies, Mr. Crowley. My daughter's still learning," Tokiomi said.
"It's fine. It's New Year, kids should be excited to see their dad. I'm the one intruding," Alex replied smoothly.
He crouched to Rin's level, smiling. "Hey, little Miss Rin. Don't be scared. I'm Alex Crowley. Just call me Alex. Nice to meet you."
"...Alex Crowley? A foreigner?" Rin mumbled.
"Rin, introduce yourself properly," Tokiomi prompted.
She straightened up. "Um, nice to meet you. I'm Tohsaka Rin. Pleased to meet you."
"Good job, Rin. Very polite," Alex said, patting her head.
Then, a second girl in a purple dress stepped out from the living room with Aoi. She had black hair and a cute, round face but looked shy, lacking Rin's spark. She resembled her mother.
At Tokiomi's call, she approached Alex. "Happy New Year, big brother. I'm Tohsaka Sakura. Nice to meet you."
Tokiomi smiled, pleased, and turned to Rin. "See, Rin? Learn from Sakura. Always be graceful, not reckless."
"Fine, I get it, Father," Rin pouted.
Alex smirked inwardly. 'Perfect. She's still here. My timing's right.'
Then, to Tokiomi's surprise, he pulled two gifts from his pocket—gems, red for Rin, purple for Sakura. "Here, Sakura and Rin. New Year presents for you."
"Wow, so pretty!" Rin exclaimed, snatching hers.
Sakura glanced at Tokiomi, who nodded with a smile. "Go on, take it. It's Mr. Crowley's kindness."
Alex hid a grin. 'It's all according to the plan.'