Shinji was beyond speechless. His family's stock was the best in the world, never dropping since it was listed. Although there was a slight dip due to unilateral sanctions from a certain domineering country, the stock rebounded with the recent release of the second-generation smartphone and improved balance scooter.
The cutting-edge network signal base station business, in collaboration with neighboring China and Russia, had already begun small-scale regional coverage trials.
In short, it was stable.
"Anyway, I won't hold it against you for insulting our family business. This deal is a sure thing."
Glancing at Luvia, who was feigning disinterest but occasionally sneaking glances, Shinji leaned closer to Rin and whispered, "Let's discuss this privately after school."
"I'll trust you for now."
...
Watching Luvia proudly drive off in her luxury car, Shinji was still puzzled by her parting words that sounded like, "You've successfully piqued my interest."
Is she casting herself as the domineering CEO and me as Cinderella? When will she push me against the wall and kiss me?
Would I resist, or... not resist?
"Ugh! What's she so smug about?" Rin scoffed, crossing her arms disdainfully. "She's just a loser acting all high and mighty!"
"Tohsaka, I don't think Luvia is..."
"Shut up, Emiya! After just one day, I already understand what kind of person she is! And that surname... Edelfelt. It's obvious what she's like!"
"Edelfelt... so what's the deal?" Shirou asked curiously.
"My basement has records of the Edelfelt family. They're a prestigious magic family from Finland. Although noble, they have a mercenary-like family creed, finding joy in conflict and plundering places with good stuff, known as the most elegant hyenas on land!"
As Rin explained, she shot a resentful glance at Shinji, suspecting Luvia came for him.
"Uh?" Shirou was confused.
Rin sighed and continued, "In simple terms, they're a war-loving family. Seventy years ago, they came to participate in a ritual in Japan. The Edelfelt sisters, both renowned magicians, ended in a tragic defeat. The younger sister died, and the older sister returned alone."
Shirou finally understood, hurriedly asking, "Tohsaka, the ritual seventy years ago..."
"Yes, it was the Third Holy Grail War. That's why Luvia hates Japanese people. But we can't see things too simply. Those twin sisters reportedly had a terrible relationship. Some say the younger sister died in a fight between them."
"No, the younger sister of the twins didn't die, even though she defected."
Hearing this, Rin was stunned, looking at Shinji who had spoken.
"She married one of the participants in the Third Holy Grail War, taking the family's magic crest with her."
"Uh? How do you..."
Before Rin could finish, her sharp mind connected the dots, her eye twitching as she stared at Shinji.
Knowing when to stop, Shinji didn't elaborate. With Rin's intelligence, she would soon figure out who the younger sister married.
"So, who did the younger sister marry if she didn't die? Someone you know?"
"No, she's dead!"
Seeing Rin's sudden outburst, Shirou didn't dare ask further. He quickly left, saying he needed to help with the archery club.
"I see... no wonder she hates the Tohsaka family..."
Rin muttered, rubbing her forehead, understanding the hatred towards her. If it were her, she would be furious too. Defecting was one thing, but taking half the family's magic crest? Unforgivable.
Rin thought of something, murmuring, "But if they really had a bad relationship, the older sister wouldn't have hidden her sister's whereabouts. She would have reported it to the family and started a war."
Shinji nodded, "Exactly. To protect her sister's chosen happiness, the older sister lied about their estrangement and vowed the Edelfelt family would never set foot in Japan again."
"Old people sure know how to create trouble..."
Rin sighed, then looked at Shinji with a curious expression, "Why do you know so much about this? Aren't we all from the Three Great Families?"
"Because I'm a genius."
Rin was exasperated by Shinji's arrogance, thinking it would surely lead to his downfall. She'd be there to laugh when it happened.
"Now that we've figured out Edelfelt's story, what about you? She came for you, probably knowing you might recreate a true miracle. What's your plan?"
"What plan?"
Shinji asked as he walked.
Rin, annoyed, quickened her pace, "Don't play dumb! She's obviously targeting you..."
"By the way, Tohsaka, about that deal..."
"If it doesn't yield a seven-figure profit, don't bother!"
"Rest assured, it's a sure thing," Shinji patted his chest and whispered in Rin's ear, "I know you have a magic wand. Lend it to me, and I'll pay handsomely..."
Shinji couldn't think of a way to trick her, but money might work on someone short on funds.
"How... how do you know?!"
Rin stammered, shocked. What else did he know?
"It goes back to six years ago when I saw a certain twin-tailed girl gathering many elementary school kids in the park."
"Wha... what?! You saw that?! Do you know what happened?!"
"Uh-huh. That little girl gathered her friends in the park and, like an '80s superstar, made a speech..."
Shinji took a deep breath, raised his hand theatrically, and called out, "Everyone~ Thank you for gathering here today~"
"Shut up!!!" Rin, blushing, stopped him, looking defeated. "I know about that. I caught the ones who ran. But why did I do it?"
"Because of the wand's transformation ability," Shinji shrugged. "That wand, made by Zelretch, can transform the user into a parallel world version of themselves. For example..."
Understanding, Rin rested her chin on her hand, "I want to make a good cup of tea but am terrible at it. With a wave of the wand, I'll become a version of myself from a parallel world who is good at making tea."
"Exactly."
"That doesn't sound too bad. So why did everyone run?"
"I don't know, but that transformation really surprised me."
"Wait," Rin suddenly realized, her expression changing, "Transformation? What kind of transformation? What happened then?!"
"Gothic Lolita outfit. I wish I had a camera then. I would have taken a picture... Ouch! Why did you hit me?!"
Rin, fists clenched, trembled with anger. No wonder she lost so many friends six years ago!
Gathering everyone, waving the wand, and transforming into a Gothic Lolita in front of them... of course, they'd run!
"That bastard...!"
Seeing Rin's anger, Shinji quickly steered the conversation back, "Tohsaka, the deal! The deal!"
Rin hesitated but finally refused, "No way! If that thing comes out, who knows what contract I'll be forced into. And if a self-proclaimed magical girl appears in Fuyuki, what then?"
Shinji nearly blurted out his excitement, but suppressed it. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Don't worry. Give it to me, and it won't bother you anymore. Also, think of it as renting—I'll pay you 1 million yen per week. Deal?"
"Deal!"
Rin inwardly confirmed her plan: live off the high rent from that damn wand for life!
1 million yen a week... 4 million a month... 50 million a year...
I'm rich!
...
Back home, Rin rummaged through her room and found a box. She gestured for Shinji to open it.
No way was she touching that wand and risk being forced into a contract and transformed again.
"Leave it to me! From now on, it won't bother you anymore!"
Shinji confidently opened the small wooden box.
"Rin, I'm so moved~ After six years, you've finally come around~ Finally ready to use me to become the best magical girl! I'm so touched~~"
Hearing the wand's voice, Shinji nodded inwardly. This shameless voice, it's got to be the same. It can work!
"Wait, Ruby, I have something to say!"
As a fellow 'gentleman,' Shinji picked up the wand.
"Is this the famous Matou Shinji, who swam in a freezing river in just cute swim trunks?"
"How do you know?" Shinji was surprised, then glanced at Rin, whose face had turned unnatural.
"Oh my~ Rin was so inspired by that scene~"
"Shut up!!"
Rin regretted agreeing to rent the wand. It knew too much of her embarrassing history!
"Anyway, that doesn't matter, Ruby, I..."
Shinji leaned in and whispered, too softly for Rin to hear. She caught words like "old lady" and "girl," while Ruby occasionally nodded.
"I see! Though it's sad to part with Rin, I have to agree! Goodbye, Rin! I'll always remember you!"
Seeing Ruby's sudden shift and fake sentiment, Rin was at a loss for words.
"Leave and never come back!"