Ultimately, Rider didn't ask any more questions, even though his curiosity was evident.
"Alright," Shinji patted Sakura, who was nestled beside him. "Go wash up and get some rest. All the pain and sadness you've endured ends today."
"Brother," Sakura looked up suddenly. "Will you think I'm dirty?"
"Of course," Shinji answered without hesitation.
Seeing Shinji's matter-of-fact expression, Sakura's face froze.
But then Shinji raised a finger and continued, "Tears are clean inside the body, but once they come out, they attract dust and bacteria. Not to mention you cried yourself into a little mess. Did you also get snot on my clothes? What am I going to do with them?"
"Pfft!"
Sakura couldn't help but laugh at Shinji's exaggerated disgust, rubbing her head against his shoulder.
"Brother, you're mean."
"Sakura, did you wipe your snot on me just now?"
"I did not!"
"Then what's this sticky stuff on my shoulder?"
"There's nothing there! You're so annoying!"
"Ah, sorry, I think it was already there."
"Brother—!!"
While Sakura went to bathe, Shinji resumed fiddling with his laptop, handling some work.
As he browsed files, Shinji spoke, "Sakura's body has been affected by those crest worms for a long time. Even though they're gone now, it will take a long time for her to regain her abilities as a mage"
"That means the mana you can get from her is very limited. Servants rely on their Master's mana to exist and act in this world, so you can't use your full power."
Rider asked, "Are you suggesting I find mana elsewhere?"
"No, not at all," Shinji replied without looking up. "I don't want ordinary people getting involved because of the Holy Grail War. Honestly, Sakura and I have no interest in participating. It's up to you; if you want to join, I can help with some minor issues."
"Why would you help me?" Rider asked, frowning slightly.
"No reason, really. I just think if you have a wish, you'd feel dissatisfied just sitting around. I won't pry into your wish."
Rider didn't respond immediately, pondering the young man before him. Though seemingly naive, he was shrewd and inscrutable.
Despite knowing Shinji wasn't lying, something felt off. Someone who could disguise and endure for ten years couldn't be easily read.
Rider remained skeptical about Shinji's lack of interest in the Holy Grail or any wish. Everyone has desires, and his indifference was suspicious.
Suddenly, a chilling yet plausible thought crossed Rider's mind. With a hint of urgency, he asked, "Could it be that the Holy Grail is within your reach?"
Shinji couldn't help but laugh at Rider's misunderstanding.
"Don't overthink it. I warned you, being overly curious about a man is the first step into the abyss."
"But the feeling you give me..."
"Well," Shinji paused his work, resting his chin on his hand, "besides a small sense of duty and responsibility, most of my actions are driven by spur-of-the-moment interests. I'm not interested in the Holy Grail right now. Do you understand?"
Rider didn't reply, lost in thought again.
Shinji smiled and continued, "You're not entirely wrong, though. If I wanted the Holy Grail, I might have a chance, even if I'm weaker than the proper magi in this war."
"But..."
Shinji raised a finger, interrupting Rider, "I said I'm not interested in the Holy Grail right now."
Seeing Shinji's friendly smile, Rider held back his questions, sensing no deceit in him.
"Don't worry," Shinji resumed typing on his laptop. "Since you're my sister's Servant, if you want to participate in the war, I can help you without involving Sakura and me."
"Help... how?"
"Who knows," Shinji shrugged, not answering directly. "It depends on your decision. If you don't want to participate, you can enjoy modern life. Living with a beauty for a while isn't bad for a man."
"I..."
Shinji interrupted again, "This might sound like manipulation, but it's true. You don't need to worry about Sakura; I can protect her. Think about yourself. Opportunities like this are rare."
"What an unoffensive, blatant manipulation," Rider murmured.
"Good, think it over. Sakura will understand; she's a considerate girl."
With that, Shinji returned to his work.
Seeing Shinji engrossed in his laptop, Rider sighed softly.
He's really an inscrutable man.
Click, click, click. The sound of light, quick footsteps approached as Sakura, wearing slippers, hurried over.
Before Shinji could say anything, Sakura sat beside him on the sofa, wrapping his arm in hers and leaning on his shoulder.
"Sakura, it's already past midnight. You should sleep," Shinji said, glancing at her.
Seeing Sakura, wrapped in a towel with her hair still damp and face slightly flushed, Shinji couldn't help but think to himself.
How could she be even more tempting than before?