The sun was rising in the eastern sky as the caravan of [Orco] traveled toward the small town of [Gusnansel] for a stopover and rest. The journey, which was usually undertaken during the morning, had been forced to continue overnight due to the monster attack. Although such attacks were rare, a second wave was often more powerful than the first. So, even if they managed to repel the initial [Kobold] attack, there was no guarantee that they would remain safe in the same spot. The worst-case scenario was that the [Kobolds] would return with a larger, stronger group.
Gruduk gruduk gruduk...
The drivers whipped their horses to move faster. The [Orco] caravan rushed toward its destination, which was now in sight. Most of the passengers were still on edge after the attack. Some were wounded and receiving treatment. The tense atmosphere was thick with silence, reflecting the passengers' collective anxiety.
But in the last cart of the caravan, a loud female voice broke the silence.
"WHAT! You're going to enroll in [Silverleaf Academy]?" Saria, the [Elf, exclaimed.
The conversation between Shirou and Saria, which had started awkwardly, gradually became more comfortable. Saria had loosened up, showing her face more openly than before. Her blonde hair now flowed freely over her shoulders, and her pointed ears were clearly visible, distinguishing her as an [Elf]. Her green eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Shirou.
After introductions, their conversation had shifted to discussing their respective travel plans. Saria intended to study magic in [Altena, a city of magic where expert mages gathered. [Altena] reminded Shirou of the [Clock Tower] in London, the headquarters of the magi. When Shirou mentioned his plan to enroll in [Silverleaf Academy, Saria strongly objected.
"Why would you want to study there? That academy only teaches philosophy and military science. Are you planning to become a philosopher? Or a military commander? It would be a waste of your magical talent," she said in a lecturing tone.
[Silverleaf Academy, located in the capital of the Kingdom of [Rakia, focused on teaching philosophy and military science. This was heavily influenced by Ares, the founder of the kingdom. Shirou wasn't particularly interested in studying either of these subjects.
"Actually, I got a suggestion to apply to that academy," Shirou remembered Arther-san's face as he spoke. "[Silverleaf Academy] is said to be offering scholarships." Shirou felt guilty about letting Arther-san down. The man had saved him, nursed him back to health when he was unconscious, and supported his decision to go to school.
"You'd be better off coming with me to [Altena]. They'll appreciate your magical talent there. I've never seen magic like yours before," Saria said, piquing Shirou's curiosity.
"What do you mean? What kind of magic are you used to seeing?" Shirou asked.
Saria pointed to herself with her right hand. "We [Elves] are born with the natural ability to perform magic. The kind of magic I'm familiar with is the kind that [Elves] perform." Then, Saria squinted her eyes and looked at Shirou suspiciously. "But I've never heard of a [Human] who could do magic without a god's blessing. Have you ever joined a [Familia, Shirou-san?"
Hearing that, Shirou could only give a wry smile. "No, I've never met a god."
"Then how are you able to perform magic, Shirou-san?" Saria asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Shirou hesitated for a moment, considering whether to keep the existence of [Magecraft] a secret. In this world, magic seemed to be commonplace, but the [Magecraft] he practiced was different and could attract unwanted attention.
Taking the easier route, Shirou answered, "It seems I have a natural affinity for it, just like you [Elves]." He spoke a partial truth. Shirou had been born with a magical potential, embedded in his soul as [Magic Circuits]. But the magic he practiced was different from what Saria had in mind.
With an expression of awe, Saria said, "Wow, the world is indeed vast. I never imagined I'd meet a [Human] who could summon swords like you, Shirou-san."
Shirou smiled. "It seems you really love magic, Saria-san. What motivated you to leave your hometown to study it?"
Saria leaned back against her seat, smiling as she recalled her past. "When I was a child, I saw the [Nine Hells] magic performed by Riveria Ljos Alf when she returned to the Forest of Alf."
"[Nine Hells]?"
'Is she a legendary mage in this world, like Merlin and Solomon in mine?' Shirou wondered.
"You don't know? She's the strongest mage in [Orario, the city of adventurers. Even though you're from the [Far East, you should've heard of her," Saria said, shaking her head. The ends of her hair swayed gently against her cheeks.
"When I was a child, I watched her demonstrate one of her most powerful spells in an open field," Saria continued her story.
Shirou realized that, unlike the magi in his world, the mages in this world seemed more open and didn't keep their magic a secret from ordinary people or other mages. Shirou agreed with the magi in his world—it was better to keep one's techniques hidden so as to maintain an element of surprise against enemies and prevent them from preparing countermeasures.
Imitating her idol, Saria recited the incantation with a serious expression, "Harbringer of the end. The White Snow. Blow with the wind before the twilight. Closing light, the Freezing land. Blizzard, the Three severe winters—my name is ALF!"
"WYNN FIMBULVETR!" Saria shouted, imagining that she had successfully cast the spell. With her serious demeanor, Saria raised her magic staff in her right hand, but the gesture came off as more cute than impressive, like an adept mage.
Saria continued her story with dramatic flair, "Crystal ice formed as far as the eye could see. It was as if time itself could stop because of her magic. I stood in the front row, and I could feel the cold of her spell."
Remembering the awe-inspiring sight, Saria smiled. "Seeing such incredible magic inspired me to become a mage."
Chuckle.
Shirou couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
Feeling teased, Saria glared at Shirou. "What's so funny?"
"Eh, I'm just glad you're opening up more now." Remembering how she had initially ignored him, Shirou continued, "You seem to really love magic, speaking about it with such enthusiasm, even though you were so quiet before."
After a brief silence, Saria explained, "Actually, this is the first time I've ever spoken to a [Human]. I grew up in my hometown's forest, never seeing the outside world. But for the sake of my dream, I said goodbye to my parents and ventured out into the world. At first, I thought [Humans] were greedy, dishonest, and deceitful."
Then Saria smiled gratefully, "But I was wrong. There are good people too, like you, Shirou-san."
Unused to being praised, Shirou felt his cheeks heat up. "It's nothing. I'm not that good."
Shirou felt undeserving of such praise for what he had done. He had saved Saria of his own free will. Shirou lowered his head.
For a moment, the atmosphere became awkward again. Shirou wanted to break the silence and start a new conversation.
Just as Shirou was about to speak, the driver called out, "We've arrived in the town of [Gusnansel]. We'll regroup here tomorrow morning to continue the journey!"
Saria pulled her hood back up, gathered her belongings, and stepped out of the cart first. "Come on, Shirou-san," she called from outside.
Having packed his things, Shirou followed Saria out of the cart and walked alongside her. "Where are we going?"
As they walked, Saria scanned the buildings in the town of [Gusnansel]. The town seemed smaller than the previous one. The part of [Gusnansel] they were passing through was filled with street vendors. Merchants had already set up their stalls, and housewives were crowding around to shop.
Saria's gaze settled on a small eatery at an intersection. "How about we have breakfast first?"
"Sure, I'd like to try some local cuisine," Shirou replied.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Saria cheerfully hurried ahead of Shirou and entered the eatery.
Shirou quickly followed Saria through the eatery's wooden door. Inside, the staff was busy serving customers, and the place was bustling with people enjoying breakfast. Most of the tables were already occupied, but Saria had managed to grab a small table in the back corner.
"Sit here, Shirou-san," Saria gestured for Shirou to sit across from her at the small table.
Following her invitation, Shirou took a seat directly in front of Saria, with the table separating them. Saria handed him the menu. "What would you like to order, Shirou-san?"
After scanning the menu, Shirou made his choice. "One traditional pasta dish and a glass of water."
Hearing that, Saria called the waitress and ordered, "We'll have two servings of traditional pasta and two glasses of water."
Shirou raised an eyebrow. "The same order?"
Saria smiled playfully. "I also want to try the local cuisine."
Starting a new topic, Saria asked, "So, Shirou-san, have you changed your mind about attending [Silverleaf Academy]?"
"To be honest, hearing your argument about that school makes me doubt if it's the right choice," Shirou replied.
"See? Then why not come with me to [Altena]? We can study magic together, Shirou-san," Saria said, already imagining it.
'Studying magic together at a magic academy... it reminds me of when Tohsaka asked me to continue my studies with her at the [Clocktower] as her [Magus Apprentice].' Shirou remembered Tohsaka inviting him to study together during the final phase of the [Grail War]. Shirou could still picture Tohsaka sitting on the desk, hugging her knees as the sun set.
'I wonder how she is... I hope she's okay,' Shirou thought. Thinking about what might have happened made Shirou's mood even gloomier. Being far away from them, Shirou felt powerless to help.
"...san, Shirou-san," Saria's voice finally reached Shirou's ears.
"Eh, what is it?"
"Breakfast is served. What were you thinking about?" Saria leaned in and looked into Shirou's eyes with concern. From that position, Shirou could clearly see the [Elf]'s beautiful face and the pointed ears she hid beneath her hood.
Shirou stammered as he replied, "Eheh... nothing, I was just thinking about home."
"[The Far East], right? Your hometown," Saria recalled their previous conversation.
Saria continued, "I sometimes miss my friends back home too. We grew up learning magic together. But now I've decided on my goal, left them all behind, and I won't regret the path I've chosen!" Saria declared, clenching her left hand.
"No regrets..." Shirou could only smile bitterly. Saria's words resonated with what was in Shirou's heart. Even though he was separated from Rin and Saber, Shirou Emiya should have no regrets and should keep fighting.
"That's why, Shirou-san," Saria wagged her finger, "before you continue your journey, you need to be sure of your goal. You've come a long way from home; don't waste it by enrolling in the wrong school." Saria was still trying to persuade him.
"Alright, I'll consider it," Shirou said, still uncertain about his choice.
"Don't take too long... If you're set on enrolling at [Silverleaf Academy], you'll continue the journey with the [Orco] caravan," Saria explained.
"But... if you change your mind and want to study with me," Saria placed her hand on her chest, "we can find another caravan heading to [Altena]. This city is frequented by travel caravans since it's at the border, so it shouldn't be hard to find one," Saria explained as she began her breakfast.
Following Saria's lead, Shirou also started enjoying his pasta, understanding why the eatery was so popular.
'Studying magic with this [Elf] girl doesn't sound too bad,' Shirou thought.
Perhaps [Altena] wasn't as bad as the [Clocktower], which ignored morality. The mages in this world were very different from [Magus]. With this in mind, Shirou leaned more towards going with Saria to [Altena] rather than fulfilling Arther-san's hopes of him taking a scholarship at [Silverleaf Academy].
After breakfast, Saria paid for both meals. When they left the eatery, Shirou protested and tried to repay the money she had spent. As they walked, Saria replied, "At least let me repay your kindness, Shirou-san."
"I saved you because I wanted to; you don't need to feel indebted, Saria-san," Shirou insisted.
Taking advantage of the situation, Saria countered, "Then I treated you because I wanted to; there's no need for you to repay me, Shirou-san."
"..." Shirou was left speechless, unable to respond.
Shirou and Saria walked along a path by the side of the road. Horse-drawn carriages passed by in the middle of the street, and some were waiting for passengers on the roadside. The stone-based buildings with European medieval designs gave a classic impression to Shirou. Beside him, even with her hood on, Saria's bright mood was palpable.
"Fufufu, Shirou-san, you should get used to accepting other people's kindness," Saria chuckled behind her hood.
Unintentionally, Saria's words struck a chord in Shirou's heart. Shirou felt like the kindness of others was wasted on him. Feeling uncomfortable, Shirou changed the subject. "Saria-san, where are we going next?"
Saria stopped walking and placed her finger under her chin. "Hmmm, actually, I still want to explore the city. But it would be best if we booked a room at an inn first. We wouldn't want to be left without a room to sleep in tonight."
"Then let's find an inn," Shirou began scanning the buildings around them.
The pair of friends, from different races, began searching for a suitable inn. They started looking in the area around the eatery where they had eaten. That area was on the outskirts of the city and was filled with street vendors. Finding no inns there, Shirou and Saria continued searching towards the city center.
As they moved towards the city center, the main street became increasingly crowded with horse-drawn carriages. On the sidewalk, Shirou walked on Saria's right side, right next to the main street. On the left side were luxurious buildings with spacious courtyards surrounded by high fences.
"Shirou-san, look over there! There's an inn!" Saria pointed to a building directly across the street.
From across the street, they could see that the inn had two floors. The walls were painted dark blue with black patterns. In front of the inn stood a sign that read [Tresha Inn] with stylish, colorful writing.
After observing the inn's building, Shirou said, "Let's check it out; it might be suitable."
The two of them looked both ways, checking for any approaching horse-drawn carriages. Just as they were ready to cross, they heard a young man's voice calling from behind, "Excuse me, sir, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Shirou turned around. "Yes, what is it?" Saria, who was standing beside Shirou, lowered her head to hide her face.
"Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Tyler Henry." The brown-haired young man extended his right hand. He was dressed in a white shirt layered with a black coat, giving him a formal appearance.
"Shirou Emiya," Shirou shook the young man's hand. There was something familiar about him.
After the handshake, Tyler said, "First of all, I want to thank you for saving me and the passengers of the [Orco] caravan." The young man bowed his head in gratitude.
"Glad I could help," Shirou smiled. He was relieved that the monster attack hadn't resulted in any casualties. That was also thanks to Tyler-san's timely announcement. If he had been late, the passengers would have been overwhelmed by the [Kobolds].
"That's why, as the city secretary of [Gusnansel], I'd like to invite you to visit the town hall," Tyler gestured towards the building right next to them. "After hearing about your actions, the Mayor of [Gusnansel] also wishes to meet you."
It turned out that the luxurious building beside the road was the town hall. Shirou was quite impressed with the building's architecture. The building was supported by grand marble pillars standing proudly in front. It was adorned with beautiful carvings of rose flowers and vines. The front yard stretched wide, with neatly trimmed grass.
Shirou glanced at Saria, concerned about her identity as an [Elf]. His eyes seemed to say, 'What do you think, Saria-san?'
Saria tugged on Shirou's arm and whispered in his ear, "I'll wait for you at the inn across the street, and I'll book a room for you too. Be on your best behavior in front of the Mayor, okay?" Saria smiled teasingly at Shirou.
"Thank you, Saria-san," Shirou responded with a gentle smile.
Saria waved her hand, which Shirou returned. Then she crossed the street and entered the inn. Shirou's eyes followed Saria's movements until she went inside.
"Actually, you could have brought your girlfriend along to the meeting, Emiya-san," Tyler broke the silence.
Hearing the word 'girlfriend,' Shirou felt a bit embarrassed. "No, she's just a friend. Besides, she's not interested in attending the meeting."
Noticing Shirou's embarrassed expression, Tyler smiled. "Oh, my apologies for assuming, Emiya-san. But you two make a lovely pair."
A young man and woman traveling together in the same carriage, having breakfast together, exploring the city, and searching for an inn, with one booking a room for the other—it did seem like something a couple would do.
'Thinking about it that way, it does sound like we're a couple,' Shirou realized. He didn't want that to cause misunderstandings and make Saria uncomfortable. Even so, he was Saria's only traveling companion.
Tyler continued his words and then walked on, "Alright Emiya-san, let me escort you into the city hall." Shirou obediently followed Tyler through the city hall gate.
Only fate knew that his meeting with the Mayor of [Gusnansel] would open a third path for Shirou Emiya."