Bazett had already developed a deep hatred for Caster, which only Shinji was aware of. Influenced by her internal sense of justice, Shinji believed that Bazett's hatred for Caster, who drained the life force of ordinary people, might even surpass her hatred for Kirei.
Caster might be the first Servant Bazett wanted to eliminate!
(Note: The Bazett in FSN is slightly different from the one in Magical Girl Illya. For more details, you can play FHA. She's a woman full of contradictions. The game was shared in the group earlier, feel free to try it out.)
Two-on-two? No, it should be three-on-two!
Realizing this, Shinji noticed he had let his smirk show. "Oops, I couldn't control my expression..." He shook his head, then smirked again. "But... I really do have a taste for mischief... I feel like a villain..."
Who would have thought that Shinji's greatest asset wasn't the system or his hidden abilities, but his masterful manipulation of human nature? This was a skill only the highest-level villains could possess!
...
February 4th, Monday.
Homurahara Academy students were enjoying their lunch break.
Yawning, Shinji had just stood up when he saw Rin waiting outside the classroom. Shinji knew she was probably there to share information about Caster with Shirou.
So, he didn't plan to greet Rin, but...
Seeing Rin grab his shirt and stop him with a rather unpleasant expression, Shinji was momentarily confused.
"What's up?"
Rin frowned, turning away with a huff. "Do I need to remind you again?"
Lowering her voice, she continued through gritted teeth, "You've been dragged into that war more than once. If you keep risking your life, I'll really stop caring about you!"
Understanding she was concerned, Shinji didn't mock her this time. He nodded, gave a perfunctory response, and turned to leave.
Seeing his dismissive attitude, Rin's veins bulged in frustration.
"Where are you going?"
"To find Mitsuzuri."
"I mean, what are you doing this afternoon…" Rin suppressed her anger. "And Mitsuzuri is fine; she was in class this morning. Before worrying about others, take care of yourself!"
"I just need to talk to Mitsuzuri about something…" Shinji sighed and waved her off as he walked away.
"Wait! Are you skipping class again? Where are you going?"
"Are you my mom or something?" Shinji stopped, turning back with a strange look. "And isn't it obvious? I'm going to take a nap. Can't you see these dark circles?"
Rin finally relaxed, putting a hand on her hip. "Alright then... But remember, don't go out tonight."
"Yeah, yeah, I got it."
...
Outside the Archery Club.
After being called out by Shinji before finishing her lunch, Mitsuzuri was puzzled by his request.
"…So, you want me to invite Sakura out when we go shopping or hanging out and introduce her to some good friends, but not tell her it's your idea."
Shinji nodded. "Yes, you're the only ones she's close to. I thought about asking the girls in her class, but I don't know any of them."
"So, what's your goal?" Mitsuzuri asked curiously.
"Think of it as a brother wanting his sister to be more cheerful. Can you help me?"
"Alright, I owe you a big favor anyway. Leave it to me!"
Seeing Mitsuzuri agree with a playful wink, Shinji sighed in relief but then wondered about her words.
Owe me a favor? When? Could it be...
Noticing Shinji's puzzled look, Mitsuzuri leaned in close to his left shoulder and whispered, "I can't remember the details, but I vaguely recall seeing you when I was out of it... So, thanks."
Hearing this, Shinji's brows furrowed.
"Mitsuzuri, listen…"
"Don't worry," Mitsuzuri interrupted him cheerfully. "I'm not interested in the hidden world or whatever, and I won't blab about it."
"…Good, and thanks for helping with Sakura."
...
In the afternoon, as Rin had guessed, Shinji promptly skipped class and school.
Sneaking out, something he used to do as a boarding student to go to internet cafes, was a skill he retained and even honed in this life.
Even though Taiga in the office spotted him through the window and shouted for him to stop, she couldn't catch him.
...
In New Town.
As Shinji passed a hotel he occasionally visited, the automatic doors opened, and out walked someone he knew well!
—Lancer in casual clothes, flanked by two scantily clad girls!
Seeing Lancer, laughing and chatting with the two girls, Shinji remembered Lancer's words from the previous day:
"A good woman isn't just about looks; it's about the soul."
Watching the three of them, Shinji nodded heavily, thinking: He's right! And who knew Lancer was so charitable! It's touching!
At the same time, Lancer noticed Shinji, his expression freezing.
"What a... coincidence…"