After dinner, by the time Shirou had finished washing the dishes, it was already 2 a.m.
Shirou, having taken off his apron, watched Saber enthusiastically listening to Shinji's explanation of Chinese cuisine, the eight major Chinese cuisines, and the Manchu Han Imperial Feast. He finally understood the fact that the Servant he had accidentally summoned had maxed out on foodie attributes.
"I see, China is indeed a great country. Just the Manchu Han Imperial Feast alone has 108 delicious dishes, it's truly amazing."
Shirou, sitting down next to Saber who was expressing such admiration, spoke helplessly, "But ordinary people don't have many opportunities to eat such a grand feast, Saber."
"Uh," Saber looked as if she had been choked, her excitement and anticipation instantly disappearing, replaced by some regret and reluctance.
"And when it comes to Chinese cuisine, I only know a few dishes, which Shinji taught me."
Hearing this, Saber clenched her small hands under the table, and the luxurious dream that had sprouted in her heart disappeared completely due to Shirou's words.
"Alright, enough nonsense. It's time to talk about serious matters, Emiya-kun."
Rin put down her teacup and spoke seriously.
Upon hearing this, Shirou's expression also turned serious and he straightened up.
After a brief discussion of the situation, Rin glanced at Shinji, who was lying on the floor yawning and swiping his phone out of boredom.
"It's surprising. This guy really told you everything he knows, and explained it so thoroughly. He truly treats you as a real friend."
"Shinji has never been a stingy person," Shirou said with some gratitude, also looking at Shinji.
"But it's really surprising that after understanding the Holy Grail War, you still fully disclosed your information and the fact that Saber can't accept your mana to me, an enemy."
"Well, that's because," Shirou scratched his cheek in embarrassment, "although after Shinji explained, I did understand what kind of event I got involved in, but I—"
"Wait!" Rin suddenly realized something, staring straight at Shirou with furrowed brows, "Could it be that you haven't made up your mind yet?!"
Shirou didn't respond, but the complex emotions flashing in his eyes betrayed him.
Smack!
"You almost died twice and still haven't made up your mind, what's wrong with you?!"
Seeing Rin suddenly slap the table and get unusually angry, Shirou was momentarily at a loss for words.
"It's too noisy, you outdated twin-tails," Shinji said indifferently, picking his ear with his pinky. "Anyway, scolding him over this is pointless now. Go to the church and find the Overseer first. Maybe after hearing from the Overseer, he will make a real decision."
"Who are you calling outdated twin-tails?!" Rin glared at Shinji fiercely but then clenched her fists with some reluctance, "Besides, I'm not just angry about this..."
Saying that, Rin suddenly turned around, clutching her head, and knelt on the ground, talking to herself in frustration, "Ah! It's so infuriating! Why is this kind of guy Saber's Master?! If it were me, winning this war would be a piece of cake!"
Hearing this, Shirou couldn't sit still, stood up, and retorted, "Are you saying I'm not qualified?"
"Isn't it obvious? You're just a novice!" Rin turned back with a face full of certainty.
Shirou fell silent. Having witnessed countless arguments between this honor student and Shinji, he already had a clear understanding of her true nature.
The words of the red devil were not false.
"A novice? I think you are the one," Shinji slowly got up from the floor. "Trying to summon Saber but ended up with another class, Miss Clumsy Magus? Honestly, I can't understand how you could summon the wrong one."
"What did you say, kelp-head!" Rin gritted her teeth once again.
"Just now from your words, I could tell that you originally wanted to summon Saber, right?"
"That's right," Rin turned her face away with her arms crossed.
"Then the summoning process should involve using a corresponding relic prepared in advance. If there were no unexpected incidents, you could most likely summon the Heroic Spirit associated with the relic and the class that suits that Heroic Spirit. So I really can't understand which step you messed up, Miss Magus of a prestigious family~"
"Of course, I know that!" Rin retorted stubbornly, "It's just..."
"Hey, wait a second," Shinji suddenly seemed to realize something, showing a somewhat strange expression, "You didn't use a relic for the summoning, did you?"
Seeing Rin's surprised expression, as if her secret had been uncovered, Shinji couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Pfft! Hahaha—! What a fool, a real idiot. Trying to summon the desired class without using a relic, is this really a Magus from a prestigious family? Ahahaha—"
Watching Shinji laughing uncontrollably, clutching his stomach, Rin's forehead gradually turned black, and a large red cross appeared on her forehead.
Just as Rin was about to explode, Shinji stopped laughing at the last second, cleared his throat, and began to explain the difference between summoning with and without a relic.
"...Summoning without a relic means randomly summoning a Heroic Spirit who has had similar experiences or a similar personality that matches well with the summoner..."
After hearing Shinji's explanation, Shirou, rubbing his chin, secretly glanced at Saber, thinking: Does that mean Saber and I have similar personalities and match well since I also summoned without a relic?
"A good match?" Rin thought of Archer, who was currently watching from the roof, and wondered: Am I really a good match with that guy? Why does something feel off?
Shinji continued speaking to himself, "But this can also be an advantage, as Heroic Spirits who have similar personalities or experiences can understand and cooperate with their summoner more easily.
However, Heroic Spirits summoned with a relic usually don't have this bond, so in past Holy Grail Wars, it wasn't uncommon for Masters to be betrayed or killed by their Heroic Spirits summoned with relics."
"I see," Rin nodded, then snorted lightly, "Well, I knew that! I did it on purpose! After all, it's better to choose a trustworthy Heroic Spirit with a good match to fight together!"
"Why are you being so stubborn? I wasn't finished yet." Shinji rolled his eyes and continued, "Because summoning without a relic is too random, few people do it. Even if the Heroic Spirit matches well, their strength is unknown. Therefore, later Magi usually research the legends and deeds of various strong heroes before the Holy Grail War starts to find a suitable Heroic Spirit and actively seek the corresponding relics. That's the correct order, understand?"