Upon sensing Rider entering his room, Shinji opened his eyes. Seeing Rider's face, now colder and more ruthless, Shinji had a good idea of what she was thinking.
Feigning helplessness, Shinji sighed lightly and said, "Rider, I'm a patient right now. Taking advantage of someone's weakness is..."
Hearing this, Rider thought it was indeed a great opportunity for revenge and slowly approached Shinji, licking her lips along the way.
"Matou Shinji, you will lose today!"
"But if you want to take care of a patient, at least put on a nurse's outfit?"
"Huh?" Rider was momentarily stunned, then smirked inwardly. This Master, even in the face of danger, still thought of new tricks. Truly despicable!
Fine, I'll grant this dying man's last wish. This will be my mercy as the inevitable victor! Tonight, I'll show you what it means for the servant to rise and sing!
Believing the battle was already won, Rider returned to her room to find the clothes she had secretly ordered online a while ago, meant for collection.
Unbeknownst to her, she had once again fallen into Shinji's trap of feigned retreat.
...
At dawn, Shinji, having fully recovered after a night of rest, sat gracefully at the dining table, leisurely eating the breakfast his diligent sister had prepared.
The toast was rock hard, and the fried eggs were slightly burnt, likely from being overcooked.
"Brother, I'm sorry. I couldn't control the heat..."
Sakura showed a hint of apology, but Shinji didn't mind. It was, after all, his sister's handmade meal. Just a bit hard, it didn't bother him at all.
"It's okay, I don't mind."
Rider sat upright nearby, silent before the charred eggs and toast on her plate.
For one, she had fallen into Shinji's trap last night and lost completely. Secondly, Sakura was also her (maid's) master.
"Rider, aren't you going to eat?" Sakura looked at Rider, feigning great remorse. "It's my fault the eggs are like this..."
"N-No, it's fine."
Rider replied softly, hurriedly picking up the knife and fork to cut into the blackened eggs, her hands trembling as she brought a piece to her mouth.
Knowing from sight alone that the black pepper seasoning was definitely excessive, Rider steeled herself and swallowed the piece whole without chewing.
After breakfast, Shinji was entangled by his clever sister, who had already sensed he was going out.
I lent him to you last night because I was generous. Stay far away during the day and don't disturb my time with my brother!
This is what Rider read from Sakura's eyes. Though reluctant, her guilt led her to obediently go grocery shopping.
"Brother, I bought a lot of new clothes online for this season. Can you give me your opinion on which looks good? Online shopping is different from buying in-store, so..."
Hearing his sister's request, made in a sweet, pleading tone while clinging to his arm, Shinji immediately agreed. He couldn't resist such charm.
...
After witnessing Sakura's two-hour fashion show, Shinji couldn't help but marvel at his sister's talent.
Her coy, inviting expressions were exactly like those described in novels, even surpassing them!
Her mix of innocence and shyness was unparalleled!
If this were another type of novel, she would undoubtedly be a femme fatale!
"System, could my sister also be a reincarnator with a system? This is clearly high-level charm magic from a novel!"
System: "..."
"Brother, who are you talking to?"
Sakura peeked out from behind the curtain, looking puzzled. Through the gap, Shinji could see glimpses of restricted scenes.
Something is wrong with Sakura!
How did she understand what men want in just a few months? Natural talent doesn't even begin to describe it!
Phrases like "coy rejection" and "half-hidden allure" came to mind, but Shinji struggled to find more words.
"Nothing, just talking to myself. Sakura, you've finished trying on the clothes, so come here, I have something to tell you."
...
During the Golden Week holiday, with no recent disturbances, Rin spent her days immersed in researching rings and the Jeweled Sword in her basement.
"Rin, there's a call from the Magic Association."
Hearing Archer's call, Rin raised her head from the blueprints, frowning. "Didn't they say not to involve the Tohsaka family? What a hassle."
"The caller claims to be the Second Magic User, Zelretch."
"What?!"
Rin's composure shattered instantly. She quickly stood up, pushing her chair away, and rushed out.
Zelretch, the mentor of her ancestor and a true magician of this world, was calling her?!
...
Watching Rin fawning over the phone, calling "Master" sweetly, Archer was speechless.
"Yes, I know a bit about the cards..."
Hearing something surprising, Rin blinked, then her eyes widened in shock.
During the call, Rin's expressions ranged from astonishment, excitement, confusion, to feigned calm.
Even a comedy king known for rapid-fire expressions would praise her acting talent.
"Sure, leave it to me. Wishing you good health and a long life."
Ending the call with fervent greetings, Rin hung up, her face turning grim.
"What happened, Rin?"
"Master assigned me and Luvia the task of collecting the cards together. If we succeed, I can enter the Clock Tower without completing the Jeweled Sword project and be accepted as a disciple."
"That's great news, congratulations, Rin."
Archer sincerely congratulated her. His Master had longed for such an opportunity, spending countless hours in the basement.
"And..." Rin clenched her fists, her tone changing as she looked at Archer. "Master said the simplest way to enter the Mirror World is through the Kaleidoscope Wand left in my house..."
"There's a way to enter the Mirror World? How convenient!" Archer felt his Master was doubly blessed.
"But there's a problem..." Rin's eyes showed signs of struggle, regret.
"What problem?"
"Previously, I rented the Kaleidoscope Wand to Matou Shinji..."
Hearing this, Archer's face went blank, then he consoled her, "I thought it was lost. If it's just rented, we can get it back."
"The rental agreement has a ten billion yen penalty for breach..."
Archer: ...
"Not only have I already received two months' rent, but as far as I know, Shinji granted the wand freedom. Master said that unprincipled wand can traverse parallel worlds freely. If it runs to another world..."
Archer: ...
"Anyway, let's search around Fuyuki City first for any magical girls..."
"Magical girls?"
Archer recalled the girl often seen training with Saber and Shirou at night.
"Do you have any leads?" Rin asked.
"Maybe a little..."
"What is it?!" Rin asked excitedly. Before Archer could answer, the doorbell rang.
Ding-dong, ding-dong!
...
Letting a proud Luvia into the house, Rin watched her critically survey the living room with disdain.
"I didn't expect the Tohsaka family to be so shabby. If I didn't have business with you, I wouldn't have stepped into this place filled with poverty."
Seeing Luvia's contempt, Rin's anger flared, and she retorted, "If you don't want to come in, then get out!"
"Well..." Luvia, crossing her legs, set down the tea Archer had just served. "But there are commendable points, like this gentleman's excellent tea-making skills."
"Archer..."
Rin gritted her teeth, glaring at Archer. She hadn't even asked for tea, and yet he had served it promptly!
"Let's get to the point. You must have received Zelretch's message?" Luvia took out two Servant Cards from her pocket.
"Those are..." Rin's eyes widened, recognizing the cards Bazett had collected.
"Zelretch sent these Servant Cards. Honestly, I could handle this alone, but since he wants us to cooperate, so be it. Now, bring out the Kaleidoscope Wand as instructed by Master."
"Uh..." Rin was at a loss for words. "Actually, there's a small issue..."
"Don't tell me you lost Master's magic item."
Seeing Rin's struggle, Archer finally spoke up, "The Kaleidoscope Wand is in Fuyuki City, and I know where."
"Archer!"
Rin's face lit up with joy. Despite his quirks and her amnesiac dreams about his true name, Archer always came through in critical moments!
...
Late at night, at the Emiya residence.
After five minutes of explanation, Shirou finally understood what the Kaleidoscope Wand and Mirror World were.
"So, you're looking for that strange wand?"
"Shirou-san, how could you call Ruby strange? She's a spirit of love and justice!"
Ruby, who had been secretly observing, appeared, floating in the air and complaining.
"Ruby~~" Seeing her target, Rin clasped her hands and started her persuasion. "It's been a long time. I've been so worried about you..."
"Now that you see I'm fine, there's no need to worry~"
Rin twitched, then continued, "Hahaha, what are you saying? I was very concerned..."
"No need. Ruby-chan is now free and has found a new master! No interest in old magical girls."
"Who are you calling old..." Rin's true nature showed as she clenched her teeth.
"Look!" Ruby flew to the newly arrived Miyu, introducing her solemnly. "This is Ruby-chan's new Master, Miyu-chan~"
"I... I want to help collect the cards too..." Having eavesdropped, Miyu stammered out her desire to assist.
"Huh?"
Everyone but Ruby was stunned by her words.