Chapter 174

"August, get ready. I've heard it's customary in this country to visit your neighbors after moving into a new home, so let's..."

Understanding his young mistress's intentions immediately, August quickly nodded and excused himself.

"Yes, understood."

...

Feeling the persistent gaze on him finally disappear, Shinji guessed it had something to do with that second Magic user who had once tricked him.

"Honestly, holding a grudge like a child. What kind of adult has such a petty attitude?"

Shinji couldn't help but shake his head, though he was somewhat troubled by the golden-haired visitor delivered to his doorstep.

If the other party insisted, should he accept it willingly? Or should he pretend to refuse and then reluctantly accept it later?

It's such a complicated dilemma...

Wait...

Shinji suddenly remembered something from reading the Mahou Shoujo Illya manga in his previous life. It confirmed that the young lady had witnessed Shirou jumping high!

So, did she see it in this world?

Probably... not?

"Master..."

The revolutionary fire had been extinguished without even a spark remaining. Rider stood before Shinji.

Seeing Rider had also noticed something, Shinji smiled lightly and said, "Don't worry, your mission hasn't changed. Your task is to eliminate any magicians approaching Sakura with ill intentions. This time, it seems they're coming for me, so you don't need to worry."

Noticing her Master's casual and unconcerned demeanor, Rider nodded silently.

"Brother~"

Switching to his usual expression, Shinji looked at the approaching Sakura and asked, "Sakura, how's it going?"

"I've notified everyone except Mr. Gil. However, preparing for such a large banquet is too much for one person..."

Seeing Sakura's worried expression, Shinji smiled warmly and stood up slowly.

"Don't worry, I'll handle the chefs. Besides, I'm sure... he'll be happy to help."

"He?" Sakura tilted her head, tapping her chin with her finger. "Do you mean Emiya-senpai?"

"Well..." Shinji rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. His sister's guess wasn't wrong, so he didn't know whether to deny or confirm it.

"Anyway, don't worry. He'll be here to help before noon."

With a smile, Shinji grabbed his fishing gear and headed out.

...

"Ahh~ Where can I find a chef for the banquet?"

At ten in the morning, Shinji sighed deeply at the familiar pier, finding a spot next to Archer's fishing spot.

Archer snorted inwardly. Sakura had already informed Rin about Shinji's banquet this morning.

I won't attend. If I do, Matou Shinji and that golden guy will just glare at me, and I don't want to endure that!

So, I came out to fish under the guise of patrolling. Even if I fish all day, I won't go to that banquet! Never!

"By the way, are you interested in being the chef for the banquet?"

Looking at Shinji smiling at him, Archer snorted and refused without thinking.

"Not interested!"

"It pays well, you know. And the rate isn't low."

Archer scoffed, "Matou Shinji, don't think your tricks will work on me like they do on Rin!"

"Is that so?" Shinji showed a troubled expression, then pulled out his phone from his pocket. "I'll ask Tohsaka then..."

Hearing this, Archer's expression darkened. He knew his Master well. If he hadn't taken on the patrolling task himself, she might have kicked him out to find a part-time job!

Seeing Shinji's smirk and hearing him dial the number slowly, Archer felt an urge to scream but ultimately decided against it.

"Alright, I'll help. No need to call Rin."

Seeing Archer reluctantly agree, Shinji showed a grateful expression.

"Thank you so much, Archer! You're just like a friend who always selflessly helps when needed!"

You ****!

Archer cursed inwardly: Just say Shirou's name already! You're the one like Emiya Shirou!

"The menu and the budget for purchasing ingredients are with Sakura. Just find her when you arrive."

"Got it."

Clenching his fist and gritting his teeth, Archer quietly agreed, packed up his fishing gear, and left with an empty bucket.

Not long after Archer left, Gilgamesh arrived at the pier, hands in his pockets, watching Archer leave with great interest.

"Shinji, this show has kept the king waiting for a while."

Shinji remained calm, still waiting for a bite, and replied casually, "Gilgamesh, don't you think the process is more interesting than the inevitable conclusion? Or are you just impatient?"

"The king's patience is beyond your comprehension!"

"Then why the rush?" Shinji smirked and asked, "By the way, there's a banquet at my place tonight. Interested?"

"Having the king attend a banquet with those mongrels? Your audacity grows, Shinji!"

Shinji shrugged, not responding, but inwardly he thought: If you're so confident, then don't show up tonight! Can you swear you won't?

"I've got a bite!"

Seeing the line tug, Shinji stood up excitedly. Finally, a big catch!

"Gilgamesh, care for a little competition?"

"Hmph, a challenge for the king? I'll gladly accept!"

With that, Gilgamesh summoned a set of high-end fishing gear from his treasures, seemingly prepared.

...

As they became engrossed in their competition, evening fell. Losing by half a pound, Shinji conceded, taking his biggest catch of the day and leaving.

Gilgamesh, watching Shinji leave, pondered for a moment. Should he attend the banquet he had refused earlier?

...

At 8 PM, seeing Gilgamesh, who immediately clashed with Saber upon arrival, Shinji sighed.

Weren't you disdainful of attending such a banquet?

"Archer! What are you doing here? Didn't you say you wouldn't come?"

Seeing Archer, who was meticulously plating dishes, Rin was surprised.

"While looking for a banquet chef on the street, I ran into Archer, who volunteered..."

Seeing Shinji explaining, Archer wanted to deny it, but seeing Rin's surprised expression, he swallowed his words.

"Well done! Keep it up!" Rin gave Archer a thumbs-up, then whispered to Shinji, "Pay me directly. Remember, he's a Servant, so his fee should be higher than a regular chef's, at least..."

"Yes, don't worry. I'm known for my generosity, right? Emiya?"

"Uh?" Shirou, trying to mediate between Saber and Gilgamesh, was stunned but nodded, "Shinji is quite generous... in every sense."

Seeing Archer back in the kitchen, Shinji joked, "Your Servant's cooking skills are impressive. He's very diligent. How about I hire him for a seven-figure monthly salary?"

Huh?!

Hearing this, Rin perked up. Though the idea of her Servant working for Shinji felt odd, the thought of seven figures...

"Add... one more digit..."

Seeing Rin tremble and raise a finger, Shinji shrugged, "Forget it. It's beyond budget. Let's pretend I didn't say anything."

Rin instantly protested, hurrying after Shinji.

"Wait! If it's eight figures starting with nine... no, eight, we can discuss!"

"Forget it. I prefer Sakura's cooking, right? Sakura?"

"Yes!"

Sakura, who was helping, smiled gently, relieved her brother wouldn't eat food made by someone suspicious. Only she could cook for him!

Archer, relieved while grilling meat, feared Rin might sell him to the Matou house. Working there would be a nightmare!

"This body forged with a knife!"

"Heart of broth, a cook's spirit!"

"Across countless kitchens, unbeaten!"

"Never retreating, yet without a true peer!"

"He stands alone in the kitchen, immersed in cooking!"

"Thus, his life is filled with meaning!"

"This body is Infinite Cuisine!"

Hearing Shinji muttering while watching Archer cook, Rin frowned, "What are you saying? Is this a poem? It makes no sense."

"Hahaha, just impressed by your Servant's cooking skills, speaking my mind."

Bam!!

Slamming the knife into the cutting board, Archer glared at Shinji, "Please don't speak while I'm cooking. If possible, leave now!"

"Sorry, my bad."

Shinji apologized with a smile, then left the kitchen.

"Archer, I didn't know you'd get so angry if someone disturbed you while cooking." Rin nodded thoughtfully, then waved to Archer, "I'll leave you to it. Good luck~"

Watching Rin leave with Shinji, Archer felt on the verge of breaking down, even considering giving up and returning to the Throne of Heroes!

Shinji's muttering... even altered, he recognized it as his Unlimited Blade Works chant.

He'd never used it yet!