"Okay!"
Hearing Illya's excited response, both Rin and Shirou stumbled and nearly fell.
In contrast, Shinji seemed completely at ease. He turned around and walked toward Illya with a big smile.
"Wait, Shinji—"
Shirou tried to stop him, but Shinji just gave him a reassuring look as he passed by without stopping.
'Archer, be ready.'
Rin watched Illya with a serious expression, as Illya eagerly eyed the amusement park tickets in Shinji's hand. Rin didn't dare breathe loudly, her hand already in her pocket, gripping a gemstone tightly, ready for a battle to break out at any moment.
Saber, too, was prepared, holding her invisible sword wrapped in the Wind King Barrier.
Illya took the tickets with a look of pure joy and excitement.
"Thank you, Matou-nii-san! I've never been to such a place before. I've only seen amusement parks in books and magazines. I really want to go!"
"Hahaha, really? Then cherish this opportunity. My family's amusement park brings together the best attractions from amusement parks around the world. It's fantastic!"
"That new amusement park is also owned by your family?" Shirou muttered, his mouth twitching.
"Spring Sakura... Spring Sakura. I see."
Illya murmured softly, then showed a hint of understanding and a barely noticeable trace of sadness in her eyes. "I envy Sakura-nee-san for having such a good brother."
"No, no, I'm just an unworthy brother, that's all," Shinji said with a sheepish smile while secretly remaining vigilant, unsure if this little girl might suddenly say something unpleasant and turn hostile.
"But," Illya giggled, "it seems a bit lonely to go alone."
"What?" Shinji chuckled and squatted down. "Do you want big brother to accompany the world's cutest princess to the amusement park?"
Pfft—!!
Rin nearly spat out, feeling like countless flying curses were flying through her mind.
Where's your dignity?!
Don't you have any shame?!
Does this person have no shame?!
"Hahaha," Illya laughed, her voice like silver bells, making the night exceptionally pleasant. "Big brother really knows how to talk. I like people like you. So don't worry, I won't kill you."
Shinji didn't show any relief at Illya's response. Instead, he smiled and looked Illya in the eye.
"I didn't mean that. I just wanted to say, if you feel lonely going to the amusement park alone, I can make time to go with you."
Seeing Shinji's sincere and friendly smile, Illya blinked, then started to look dazed.
"What's wrong? Is it not okay? Is there another big brother you want to go to the amusement park with?"
Shinji stood up, still smiling.
At this moment, Illya seemed to make a decision. She elegantly lifted her skirt and began to introduce herself to Rin and Shirou.
"It seems a bit late for introductions. Nice to meet you, Rin, and the big brother over there. My name is Illyasviel von Einzbern."
"Einzbern..."
Rin's expression grew more serious. She had suspected but never thought it would be true. At the same time, Saber showed a brief unnatural expression, but it was so fleeting that only Shinji noticed.
Ignoring Rin's reaction, Illya looked directly at Shirou, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
"So, big brother over there, how about a deal? If you accompany me to the amusement park tomorrow, I won't kill you today."
Shirou instinctively took a step back. Hearing such dangerous words from a cute, sweet-smiling girl was hard to believe.
And why choose him? Although they had met briefly on his way back from work, he didn't know this little girl.
For a moment, Shirou didn't know how to respond. But then he saw Shinji giving him a subtle nod, an unspoken signal.
"Alright, if there's no fighting today, I'll go."
"Shirou!" Saber called out with a frown.
"Saber, your wound from Lancer hasn't healed yet, right? So it's better to avoid fighting today. And it's safe during the day, isn't it? The Holy Grail War only happens at night."
"But you can't trust the enemy—"
Before Saber could finish, Illya interrupted with joy, "Great! Let's meet at the amusement park entrance at ten tomorrow! You must come! Matou-nii-san, too! And no bringing anyone else!"
"Huh? I thought you didn't need me."
"How could that be? I really like Matou-nii-san too!"
While Shinji and Illya chatted, Rin suddenly realized.
These two traitors left her behind and fled to the safe zone!
At the same time, Illya looked at Rin, smiling, "It seems Rin doesn't need an invitation, so..."
Rin felt a chill run down her spine, and her palms started to sweat.
'Stay calm, Rin. If possible, don't say a word. The most important thing now is to find a way to retreat.'
'What are you talking about, Archer? This brat is clearly bad news! Prepare to fight!'
"...Deal with her."
Sensing the killing intent in Illya's casual words, Rin felt cold all over but kept her guard up, ready for battle.
"Well, well, it's better to leave now. If I'm seen as a witness, it'll be bad."
With that, Shinji started walking towards the path that led past Rin and Shirou, seemingly making room for them to fight.
"Shinji," Shirou murmured, hoping Shinji would do something or give him advice.
—Should I join the fight? Are you just going to leave Rin behind? Not going to help?
But Shinji said nothing, his hands in his pockets, head down, walking slowly.
"...Although I originally planned to say this, if I scare you two big brothers into not wanting to play with me tomorrow, that would be troubling."
Illya spoke again, her voice showing a hint of trouble, then she seemed to think of something, leaning forward with an angelic smile.
"I know! Rin, I'll give you a chance. If you kneel and beg for mercy, I'll let you go today."
"What did you say?! You little—"
Rin's anger flared, but before she could finish, Shinji, who had just reached her, kicked her in the butt.
Thud!
Rin's knees and head hit the ground simultaneously, leaving her stunned.
Shirou was stunned too.
Saber was also stunned.
Even Illya was stunned.
"Sorry, I just saw a fly and instinctively reacted."
Shinji scratched his head, grinning sheepishly, "What were you saying? Whether to fight or not? Anyway, I won't interrupt. Goodbye."
With that, Shinji left before Rin could react, making a quick escape.
Illya recovered from her brief shock, retracted her killing intent, and smiled, "See you tomorrow, Matou-nii-san~"
'Rin, let's go.' Archer kindly reminded.
"Matou Shinji!!!!!!"
With a scream that pierced the night, Rin got up, using all her strength to charge after Shinji.
As for Illya, her anger was so overwhelming that it overshadowed any plans she had against her.
Seeing them leave, Shirou glanced at Illya and then belatedly turned to follow, with Saber only putting away her invisible sword and leaving after Shirou had gone some distance.
"Big brother, don't forget~"
Shirou's steps faltered, and he nodded slightly.