Lord ElMelloi II is a mystery series that breaks from the conventions of the genre. Specifically the convention of using the question of Howdunit to determine Whodunit. When urban fantasy normally sets into this territory you see writers structure out their magic system to fit within this magical structure. Lord ElMelloi II on the other hand tosses convention out on its head and decides to play Calvinball instead. In the Nasuverse theres a tendency for rules to be made to be broken. Lancers Gae Bolg is a sure kill except for when it isnt. Like in Calvinball rules changes are rolled out however and whenever necessary never really contradicting each over but always coming out when narratively convenient. Consequently when magic is brought out in the context of a murder mystery its not particularly predictable. Instead as a viewer our insights are more related to character motivations than to anything else. Hence the question becomes not howdunit but rather whydunit. This doesnt mean the show doesnt cheat it cheats like a motherfucker. The Calvinball magic system rules allow them to spring new wrinkles in a case whenever it seems dramatically appropriate and a significant character pops out of the aether during the shows climax with nothing to previously establish their existence. The show follows Waver Velvet who is now a teacher at The Clock Tower the academy for magi in the Nasuverse and is following in the footsteps of his teacher Keyneth ElMelloi whose catalyst Waver stole in order to take part in the Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero and in turn allowing him to summon Iskandar. Now as an adult Waver has been changed by his experiences both with the death of his mentor douchebag though he was and now Waver has set himself the goal to rebuild his former masters class while also trying to change a mage society that provides opportunities for mages of lesser bloodlines. This leaves Waver with something of a class full of misfits including some weve met in alternative universe works like Caules from Fate/Apocrypha. Further because Waver is socially something of an outsider hes been adopted into the ElMelloi family but does not personally possess that familys clout this gives him that outsider advantage. Hes a person that people can call on to help resolve situations where things get messy both magically politically and in the case of the mysteries in this show physically. This is also reflected with his character he refuses to be identified as Lord ElMelloi instead insisting on being referred to as Lord ElMelloi II. The show also starts partway through Wavers career as a teacher and as an investigator. Hes got a supporting cast around him already who have their general roles that they play in solving mysteries. Probably the most significant one of these is Grey Wavers Watson figure and also a literal Saberface for reasons that are somewhat expanded on in the show. This makes this show something of an interesting mess. The characters are interestingly written and fans of the franchise especially Fate/Apocrypha will enjoy the guest appearances. However those looking for a satisfying mystery will likely be sorely disappointed.