On the other side, at Ryuudou Temple.
Shirou and Rin had just come out.
If Rin hadn't suggested leaving it to Kirei to handle, Shirou would have dug a pit for Kuzuki to be buried right there.
After all, it's a temple, so it wouldn't be hard to find some incense sticks for the grave. Convenient, really.
Shirou had even planned to pick some flowers for a bouquet to mourn Kuzuki, but he gave up on that idea eventually.
"From tomorrow, we'll be enemies, Emiya. Be prepared," Rin said.
"Yeah... you're right," Shirou replied, remembering their alliance only lasted until Caster was dealt with. He then recalled how much Rin had taught him over the past few days and expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for everything these past few days, Tohsaka. You've taught me a lot."
Looking at Shirou, who was sincerely thanking her, Rin folded her arms and looked away, huffing, "Just don't be so naive. If I get the chance tomorrow, I won't hesitate."
"Yeah, I got it. Thanks again for everything." Shirou turned to Ilya and asked kindly, "Ilya, you're going home, right? Are you sure you'll be okay alone?"
"Hmm?" Ilya tilted her head, seemingly puzzled by the question.
"I mean, it might be dangerous for a little girl to go home alone..." Shirou started but then noticed Berserker nearby, scratching his head awkwardly. "Oh, right, Berserker's with you... I guess my worry was unnecessary."
"Were you worried about me and wanted to take me home?" Ilya asked with an innocent smile.
"Well, with Berserker..." Shirou trailed off, chuckling again.
"Yay!" Ilya cheered and, without waiting for Shirou's response, jumped into his arms.
Shirou blushed and whispered, "Hey, Ilya... don't just jump on me like that..."
"I want Shirou to take me home!"
"Well, okay then..."
...
Parting ways with Shirou, Rin watched the four of them—Shirou, the bouncing Ilya, Saber, and Berserker—walking away. She knew exactly what was happening.
The alliance against Caster was over, but judging by Ilya's behavior, her alliance or friendly relationship with Shirou was certain.
At that moment, Rin thought of an article she had read about a man who, after becoming wealthy, was seduced by a young woman, abandoning his weathered wife who had struggled alongside him. The story felt all too true!
All men are pigs!
Hmph! Lolicon!
"It looks like Emiya Shirou and Ilyasviel are now on the same side."
"Ahh..." Rin sighed, hands on her hips, then turned around. "Let's go back, Archer. I need to find a way to cut Ilya's connection to the leyline."
She stopped, sighed again, and muttered, "Though I doubt there is a way... Ugh, so annoying!"
Archer comforted her, "Rin, don't worry too much. If you want to win, Berserker is a mountain everyone must face. Everyone but that naive Emiya Shirou knows this. Finding a strong partner..."
"You mean Rider? Do you think you and she can defeat Berserker?"
"Not certain, but it's better odds than facing Berserker alone. Others will think the same. Otherwise, no one stands a chance."
...
At the Einzbern mansion, under the pretext of "checking her prosthetic" and "offering a massage to relieve stiffness," Shinji had been stalling for over an hour...
But he couldn't break through Bazett's final line of defense.
Outside the bathroom, Shinji washed his hands while Bazett, blushing, rinsed her mouth.
"Feeling more relaxed, Bazett?" Shinji asked, his smile warm and trustworthy.
Bazett remained silent, turning her flushed face away.
"You're always too tense, Bazett. It's not good for you."
Shinji continued, feeling helpless against Bazett's internal walls of steel.
"It's hot! I need a shower!" Bazett exclaimed, pushing past Shinji to enter the bathroom.
...
In the living room, Shinji lay on the couch, flipping through old newspapers covered in dust.
"Health product scams from seventy years ago? And... elopements?"
Reading a story about a wealthy young lady eloping with a poor young man, Shinji's expression grew increasingly strange.
Could one of the Edelfelt twins who participated in the Third Holy Grail War have been inspired by this news to run off with a man?
"Hmm?"
Lost in thought, Shinji suddenly noticed Rider standing in front of him, staring coldly.
"Rider, is something happening outside?"
From the bathroom, Bazett's voice called out, "Rider, did you notice anything?"
Having never left, Rider responded without hesitation, "No. After dealing with Caster, everyone went their separate ways. The streets are clear."
"I see. It seems Fuyuki City will be quiet tonight. Rest well, Rider."
"..."
Bazett didn't realize Shinji was struggling against Rider's intentions.
Poor Shinji. Even without encountering other Servants, he couldn't escape...
"Are you crazy?!"
"Bazett's still here!"
Shinji's internal struggle went unnoticed by Rider, who remained expressionless, her frustration carving scratches into the wall outside.
...
After an hour-long shower, Bazett returned to the living room, still avoiding Shinji's gaze.
She mumbled, "Stay here tonight. Find a guest room. Head back in the morning."
Then she hurried to her bedroom.
Rider, standing by the couch, licked her lips, a challenge clear in her eyes.
It was as if she was saying, "Think you're tough? How did I just beat you?"
Shinji wasn't bothered, even clicking his tongue. A minor setback meant nothing to him. He had won many times before and would continue to win.
In this tiny battlefield, he feared no one.
Shinji smiled as he planned his next move, mentally taunting Rider: "Don't worry, Rider. I won't even set up a soundproof barrier. Let's see who surrenders first..."
Rider panicked, realizing Shinji was serious. She had been too arrogant earlier!
"Ugh...!"
Before Rider could back down, Shinji pulled her into the fray.
And so, the night began.
...
At 5 a.m.
Bazett, who hadn't slept well, entered the living room to find Shinji lounging on the couch, legs crossed, flipping through an old Finnish dictionary.
Rider, her back to the room, was also reading a book on the balcony.
Seeing Shinji's slender fingers turning the pages, Bazett blushed slightly.
Noticing her, Shinji put down the dictionary and smiled warmly, "Good morning, Bazett."
Bazett tried to remain composed, "It's morning. Have Rider take you home. Don't wander at night anymore."
"Sure."
Shinji stood, and Rider put down her book and stood too, though she didn't turn around.
Seeing Rider's cautious movements, Bazett thought she was worried about her mystic eyes and didn't notice anything amiss.
"Seriously, don't wander at night again."
"I understand."
Shinji walked towards Rider, who sighed in relief, wrapped her arm around his waist, and disappeared.
Finally, she could revert to spirit form and refresh herself!
...
February 8, morning.
After Rider dropped him off at home, Shinji took a long bath, greeted Sakura when she woke up, then went to his room to sleep.
He figured the Holy Grail War would end tonight and needed rest after last night's ordeal.
Why did he think he wasn't smart? It's a story from his past life.
As a child, Shinji thought he was clever until one day he heard, "Smart people check what hairstyle suits them before going to the barber…"
Realizing he was just overconfident, Shinji knew he wasn't truly smart.
Since then, that saying reminded him to work harder, knowing he was just a kid needing to strive more.
Would Shinji also check his hairstyle before the barber? No, that was for smart people!
He wasn't smart.
...
After dropping Shinji off, Rider didn't return to the mansion immediately. She went to a large bookstore and found a Chinese dictionary.
After carefully looking up the words she needed, she clenched the dictionary tightly and tore it to pieces!
If someone had looked closely, they would have seen certain words Rider focused on: Matou Shinji! fuck you ahhhhh...!