"For you, it's a simple condition. During this Holy Grail War, for the damage caused to the city..."
"OK!" Shinji agreed before Kirei could finish, leaning back in his seat. "I will compensate for the damage to the city's buildings and land."
"Hey, Kirei," Rin looked at Kirei strangely, "Isn't this the responsibility of the Mage's Association and the Church?"
"The Mage's Association and the Church are also tight on funds."
Rin: (Sweat drop)
"A little money is nothing to me. So, is my business concluded?"
"No, there's a second matter. I heard you've collected a painting that holds a subtle significance to the Church."
"Are you talking about that 'Savior' painting? Sorry, I bought that artwork with my own money, so there's no way I'm giving it away for free."
"Hmm," Kirei pondered for a moment, "Name your price."
"Ten billion... dollars."
Hearing the price Shinji quoted, Rin was stunned. Ten billion dollars, converted to yen, and then to fifty thousand yen per gemstone, would be... Rin's mind couldn't calculate it, but what shocked her more was Kirei's response—
"Agreed. Someone will come to your house to collect the painting."
"But didn't you say the Church is tight on funds?!"
"Rin, that painting is not just a famous piece; it is also a relic. Its subject matter holds a delicate significance for the Church. Moreover, the price is quite reasonable. If it goes to auction, it would only fetch a higher price."
"Tch!"
Rin clicked her tongue, turning her head to keep herself from being blinded by the allure of money. For some reason, Shinji seemed to radiate a golden glow in her eyes at that moment! It was hard to look directly at him without getting drawn in!
"So, is my business concluded? I'll leave now and leave the rest of the time to you."
With his hands in his pockets, Shinji stood up and turned, walking towards the door under Kirei's gaze.
He could sense it: a wild Lancer was perched on a tree in the backyard, and behind the soundproofed closed door of the side room, a wild Gilgamesh was... playing video games.
For Shirou, he initially refused to participate in the Holy Grail War.
Because you can't just make me participate immediately.
First, I have to refuse to see what he says, and also, I have no reason to fight—
What?!
The disaster from ten years ago is related to the Holy Grail?!
Damn it! I'm in!
So, within ten minutes, Shirou left the chapel.
Seeing Shirou shaking hands with Saber in a strategic partnership, Shinji couldn't help but marvel internally.
As expected of Kirei, when he gets serious, his efficiency is unparalleled!
"Alright, let's head back."
Shinji got up first and started walking down the slope.
Rin, Shirou, and Saber followed, but unlike before, Rin's attitude towards Shirou had become colder.
Shirou noticed this change but understood why. After all, they were now technically enemies. Rin hadn't attacked him outright, likely out of consideration that he was still a novice and due to Shinji's presence.
"Wait, what about the car to go back?" Rin asked after descending the slope.
Shinji turned back, looking at Rin with exasperation, "I don't care. I gave you a lift here, so figure out your own way back. Besides, I'm not a Magus, and since you've decided to participate in the war, it's better if I keep my distance from you."
"But going back alone, we might encounter Servants. It's safer together, right?"
Seeing Rin's supposedly concerned expression, Shinji looked at her with disdain.
"Well, fine, I won't expose you this time. Let's go together. Just remember to keep your Servant in spirit form; I don't want my company's employees to become witnesses and then have to silence them."
As he spoke, Shinji pulled out his phone from his pocket and started searching for a contact.
Remembering something, Shirou spoke up, "I almost forgot, Shinji, thank you very much for telling me so much about the Holy Grail War earlier."
Without looking up, Shinji replied, "No, you don't need to thank me. If anyone should be thankful, it's me."
"Huh? Thank me? For what? I haven't done anything to help you..."
Rin crossed her arms, turned away, and snorted coldly, "Of course, because Emiya-kun, you became a Master, this guy doesn't have to become a Master and participate in the war."
"What?! Shinji, you..."
"That's right, this guy was also chosen as a candidate by the Holy Grail. He had Command Seals, but because of you, he no longer has anything to do with the Holy Grail."
"Let's just leave it at that," Shinji said nonchalantly, as if the matter didn't concern him.
"Shinji, can you answer me seriously?"
Feeling the seriousness in Rin's tone, Shinji stopped what he was doing and looked her in the eye.
"What?"
"The reason you're not participating in the Holy Grail War, is it because you think the war is too simple and trivial, and if you took it seriously, you'd win 100% and find it boring?"
Hearing Rin's question, Shirou's expression could no longer be described as surprised. But upon further reflection, this reason did seem to align with his friend's character.
Saber frowned at this question, as this personality reminded her of someone she had encountered before.
"Well, about that..."
Before Shinji could finish, Saber, standing next to Shirou, sensed something and immediately moved to protect him, her serious expression indicating a powerful enemy.
"Hey, are you done talking?"
Not far behind them, a cute silver-haired girl, with a sweet voice, asked softly.
Why was she so intimidating? Probably because of the burly figure standing behind her.
Only those with Luck below A rank would meet Berserker!
"Berserker..."
Rin's eyes widened in disbelief, stunned by the immense power of the newcomer, which defied common sense!
"Ahem." Shinji suddenly rolled his eyes upward, pretending to be blind, "Huh? What's happening? Why can't I see? How strange."
Seeing Shinji pretending to be blind and turning to run, Rin's forehead was covered in black lines. It seemed her earlier question was pointless.
"Eh? Matou-niisan is here too, what a coincidence." Illya poked her little head out, giggling, "It's the second time I've met this big brother too."
"Huh? I can't hear anything either."
Seeing Shinji pretend to be deaf, Rin really wanted to kick him.
"Matou-niisan?" Illya tilted her head cutely, "What's wrong with you?"
"Uh," Shinji stopped, not turning around, "As long as I don't look, I'm not a witness, right?"
"Hahaha, you're so funny, Matou-niisan."
"Don't attack yet!" Shinji raised his hand, despite Illya saying, "I wasn't planning to hurt you," and pulled two tickets from his pocket.
"Illya! How about a deal? I'll trade these for my safety!"
"Huh? Shinji, you know her?" Shirou asked in surprise, then noticed the tickets in Shinji's hand, "Spring Sakura Amusement Park All-Day Pass... uh."