1 AM
In a neat and quiet room, Shinji was experiencing a severe test involving aspects of humanity, morality, law, and ethics.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
The clock on the desk seemed to be timing this critical test for Shinji's life. Each tick of the second hand felt like a heavy blow to his heart.
Swish, swish...
After writing down the formulas her brother had just taught her, Sakura, who was sitting close to her brother, stopped and closed her notebook.
"That's enough for today, Sakura," Shinji said with a gentle smile. "If we continue, you won't be able to get up tomorrow."
Seeing the warm, unwavering eyes of her brother, Sakura, despite feeling a bit emotional, nodded obediently.
"Okay!"
...
Click!
After Sakura left the room with her books and closed the door, Shinji leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.
Those few hours were torturous!
A see-through nightgown? Are you kidding me?
You can see everything!
I told her to wear more clothes, but she said it was hot? Sakura, do you want a spanking or something?
"Sigh—"
Shinji sighed again. In just a few days, Sakura had mastered the art of seduction, and her skill level was skyrocketing.
Luckily, with his two lives of experience and firm resolve, he hadn't fallen into her... trap!
Any other man with a bit of a temper and less experience wouldn't stand a chance!
Yes, he definitely needed some good tea to calm his nerves tomorrow!
Shinji nodded in agreement with his own thoughts.
...
Meanwhile, in the Twin Towers of the mountain town.
Having clearly understood (or rather imagined) that Shinji was her true Master and his plan was for her to switch sides when the time was right, it had already been two days!
Although Rider disliked Shinji intensely, she could only curse him in her mind since he was her Master.
No wonder he sometimes made me call him "Master" in certain situations; it turns out he really meant it!
What a... detestable man.
And how confident is he? Why is he so sure I'll follow his orders and switch sides in the end?
And those "sweet words"...
Such as "This shyness is also a kind of cuteness~", "This stubbornness is also a kind of cuteness~", "Shall I dig out all your cuteness and show you?"
Why did I really believe him?
Rider suddenly recalled Shinji's words from their first meeting—When a woman becomes too curious about a man, that's the first step into the abyss!
Did he plan all this from the beginning?
Was he certain I'd fall into the abyss from the start?!
So terrifying!
His confidence, bordering on arrogance, rivaled that of the man who had taken her head, even surpassing it!
Rider sneered inwardly; such useless traits had indeed been passed down.
But compared to him, Shinji seemed much smarter, not showing any naive or foolish traits.
(Rider didn't know that Shinji's claim about his mother being a descendant of Perseus was just an excuse to save face.
In reality, Shinji only knew his mother's name in this life and didn't even know what kind of magic she specialized in.
—A pitiful woman tortured and transformed by the old worm, who finally died in agony after giving birth to him.)
Thinking this, Rider glanced at Bazett, who was walking slowly from her room, feeling a bit of pity—
Another woman being used by him without realizing it!
Unlike herself, who had actively realized this harsh truth after taking a risk, this woman was being fooled completely, not knowing she was just a tool for him!
But then, Rider thought, even though she was smarter than Bazett and realized this harsh truth, it was of no use.
Can I resist?
Of course not; I'm just a Servant (a weak entity) who must obey her Master. Whatever he tells me to do, I have to do it.
In that moment, Rider began to lament her fate as a Servant—used mercilessly by her Master without being able to resist.
But then...
It's been two days without any contact?
I've accepted this harsh reality, so shouldn't he at least tell me something about his plan?
At the very least, when to act?
Just leaving me to wait?
"Rider."
Bazett's voice brought Rider back to reality.
"Today, like yesterday, we will continue to investigate Kirei Kotomine and the Caster who is draining the townspeople's life force. If there's a chance to eliminate Caster, don't hesitate."
"Understood."
Rider nodded, turned into spirit form, and disappeared from the living room. Despite Rider's unusual sympathy for Bazett, Bazett was very satisfied with Rider.
She did whatever was asked, didn't talk much, and was highly efficient. Bazett even felt a bit guilty.
Rider was doing all the work while she couldn't reveal herself due to various reasons...
"Thank you, Rider," Bazett said sincerely.
...
2 AM
Just as Shinji was about to fall asleep, he suddenly sensed something.
Looking at Rider, who had appeared by his bedside, Shinji was momentarily confused.
What's she doing here?
Taking a break?
Rider didn't speak, possibly assuming that Shinji knew why she was there!
Yes, she had come to inquire about his plan!
Seeing Rider remain silent, Shinji became even more puzzled. Was she sent by Bazett to protect him due to his repeated involvement in the Holy Grail War?
Unable to figure out the reason, Shinji decided to stop thinking about it. After all, with free tea in front of him, it would be foolish not to drink it.
This was the second time he had been handed a pillow when he felt sleepy.
Seeing Shinji's calm demeanor, Rider sneered inwardly:
Even after I've realized the truth, he still says nothing! What a detestable man!