"Did you master that magical sword technique?"
Seeing Saber, who had stopped her pointless argument with Archer at some point and come over to him, Shinji was a bit surprised at why she was speaking to him, but he responded politely.
"No, I've only grasped a tiny bit of its essence. With a long time and a lot of practice, there might be a slight chance I could replicate that incredible sword technique."
"I see."
Saber nodded slightly, then turned her gaze to Sasaki Kojirou, who had finished dressing and was now casually sitting on the steps.
At the same time, Kojirou noticed her gaze, smiled slightly, and stood up.
"What? Do you want to continue, Saber? Although I've thoroughly enjoyed myself today, I'm not opposed to enjoying it even more."
Saber didn't reply. Instead, she glanced at Archer, who was standing with his arms crossed, looking away, clearly not intending to get involved.
"Hey, let's go, kid," Archer said to Shinji, turning to leave.
Shinji, appreciating the offer, followed suit, stepping down the stairs. Before leaving, he glanced at Kojirou and the conflicted Saber, who was clenching her fist.
It wasn't until Shinji was halfway down the long staircase that Saber made up her mind, relaxed her grip, and turned around. Before turning, she promised Kojirou that she would return to settle things with him.
Kojirou accepted her promise and then looked at Shinji, who was halfway down the stairs. "Young warrior, if possible..."
"The wine and snacks will be delivered in the morning," Shinji said, waving behind him, cutting off Kojirou's words.
"Very well."
With that, Kojirou sat down on the highest step once again.
...
At 4:30 AM, Shinji, having descended the mountain gate, looked back at the long stairs, then turned to the sky, which was starting to lighten, feeling rather speechless.
Being targeted even while sleeping at home was quite something. What made him even more speechless was Saber's next words of gratitude.
"Matou Shinji, Shirou mentioned that you helped with the measurements when choosing my clothes. Thanks to you, the casual clothes fit perfectly. I'm very grateful."
Seeing Saber sincerely thanking him, Shinji was unsure how to react and wondered if he should make a sarcastic comment.
Of course, it wasn't just Shinji; even Archer's expression turned strange.
"No need to thank me. I just offered a bit of advice. Shirou picked the fabric and style."
Fabric?
Archer's expression grew even stranger. Despite his fragmented memories of the Holy Grail War, he was sure such an event had never occurred!
"By the way, although it's a coincidence, you did save me..."
Shinji, resting his chin on his hand, continued, "So how about I treat you to breakfast as a token of my appreciation?"
As soon as he said it, Shinji realized it might be unnecessary. Archer would surely refuse, and Saber, having sneaked out, would likely prioritize returning quickly...
"!"
Saber's ahoge stood up, and her expression became conflicted!
Seeing her reaction, Shinji sighed inwardly.
Emiya, you must believe me. I had no intention of seducing... cough, I mean, detaining your Saber. It was just a casual offer!
"If you want to eat, come along. It's on the way back. You can take some for Shirou if you're worried about him."
"!"
...
The Chinese bun shop on the shopping street wasn't open yet, but because Shinji knew the owner, he knocked and called out. The owner, a wavy-haired lady, opened the door.
As the iron gate opened, a rich aroma of buns wafted out, and Saber perked up!
"Sister Zhang, can we get four baskets of buns?"
...
Watching Saber, who was carrying a bulging bag of food in one hand and eating a freshly steamed bun with the other, Shinji couldn't help but worry about his friend's future finances.
After all, he and Archer had shared one basket of buns, which was more than enough for breakfast for two families. Saber, on the other hand, was devouring three baskets of buns, and it still might not be enough.
"Thank you for your generosity, Shinji," Saber said with her mouth full.
"Swallow before you speak."
Archer looked annoyed but felt a strange sense of nostalgia.
It was as if he was thinking: So that's what Saber was like back then...
While Archer was lost in his thoughts, a soft, sweet voice came from behind Shinji.
"It smells so good! What's this delicious food?"
Illya's voice pulled Archer back to reality, and Saber quickly stuffed the remaining bun into her mouth, chewing and swallowing it while looking alertly at the newcomer.
"Relax, Archer and Saber."
Illya grinned and walked forward, then looked up at the sky, "It's already dawn. The Holy Grail War prohibits fighting during the day, and we might become allies soon."
"Allies?"
Archer frowned, not understanding, but Saber wasn't surprised.
In fact, Shirou had mentioned to Saber last night that Illya wanted to team up to take down Caster, and Saber had replied that she would need to ask for Rin's opinion first.
Five minutes later, Archer learned about this from Illya. Without showing any opinion or emotion, he left ahead of time.
Shinji believed that Archer felt extremely frustrated. After all, the most unbearable thing had happened!
"Illyasviel, until Shirou and Rin agree, I won't consider you an ally!"
Leaving that statement, Saber also quickly left with her large bag of buns.
Only Illya, who had just received a large bun from Archer with the excuse of not wasting food since Rin couldn't finish it alone, and Shinji remained.
"Mmm! It's delicious!"
Watching the innocent young girl, Shinji smiled slightly and, after some casual conversation, left.
There was no need to remind her to be careful alone. Besides a certain golden-haired citizen, Illya didn't need to worry about her safety in Fuyuki City!