Chapter 299

Luvia admitted that she had mixed feelings about Shinji, including a bit of dislike. She never really liked people who were arrogant due to their talents.

But there was something else as well.

Shinji had saved the day twice—once against Gilgamesh (young Gil) and once against Darius Einzbern.

He was decisive and efficient.

He possessed a keen insight that saw through everything, much like Gilgamesh.

Despite his arrogance and tendency to act based on his whims and interests, he could remain calm in any situation.

And there was something about him—an unfathomable strength.

These were Luvia's observations and conclusions about Shinji over this period.

"Right!" Luvia suddenly remembered something, her expression changing instantly. "I almost forgot, that guy once..."

Gave her a big slap!

Yes, that was it!

It was because of that humiliation that she decided to stay here, to someday return that humiliation to him!

"Thank you, August. I think I've finally found the reason why I stayed in Fuyuki. It's because of the insult that guy gave me! As the future head of the Edelfelt family, I cannot allow such a thing! I had decided to return that humiliation, but I somehow overlooked it…"

Seeing the young mistress clearly misunderstanding and stepping into a misconception, August decided not to reveal the truth she hadn't realized yet.

After all, forcing the issue wouldn't help. Some things she had to realize herself through her interactions with the head of the Matou family.

The reason she stayed wasn't because of some dissatisfaction or the need to return the insult, but because the person was worthy of respect and service.

There was a subconscious desire to serve a worthy master hidden deep in her heart.

Luvia hadn't discovered this trait within herself yet. August, with his vast life experience, noticed it but chose not to say it aloud.

August believed it was best for the young mistress to realize it on her own. He also believed that one day, she would see that compared to Gilgamesh, Shinji would be a better choice.

Of course, this depended on Matou Shinji not running off again, giving the young mistress more opportunities to get to know him.

...

The next day, in the afternoon.

The Matou household received visitors for the first time.

Kirishima and Miyu!

Along with them were Julian Einzbern in his Homurahara uniform, Angelica, Beatrice, and...

Illya, who seemed to be there just for fun.

Kirishima had taken time off from her part-time jobs to visit and express her gratitude for helping with their identities and school admissions.

Not only for herself and Julian but also for Miyu, who would be entering the fifth grade after the summer vacation. Kirishima felt she had to come and thank Shinji for that.

Despite the fact that she had nothing much to offer.

After exchanging pleasantries and enjoying lunch, they prepared to leave since Kirishima and Julian had to get back to work in the afternoon.

Interestingly, both Kirishima and Julian worked at the same place. This was intriguing, given that Julian clearly didn't like Kirishima but still chose to work with her.

The only explanation was that he was tsundere.

As he was about to see them off, Shinji suddenly remembered something and approached Julian.

"You... can create blank dolls, right?"

"What for?" Julian frowned.

"I'll provide the materials, and the blank dolls can offset your debt. Plus, I'll add a reward. What do you think?"

Julian thought for a moment before asking, "How many?"

"Let's start with ten. Can you do it in two weeks?"

"Sure."

Julian nodded and turned to leave, his hands back in his pockets, as he said coldly, "No need for extra reward, consider it repayment for your help in this world."

Do you know how much a blank doll costs?

Shinji wanted to remind him but held back. Julian's resolve was firm, and a simple comment wouldn't change his mind.

Maybe he could have Rider give a symbolic amount as a gesture later.

"By the way, where's that shameless wand?"

"Ruby said she never wants to see you again. She said you were very violent and inserted something hard into her..."

Shinji interrupted Illya, "Wait, wait! Why do you make me sound like a pervert? I only used tools like a screwdriver, and I even repainted her with super high-quality, expensive paint!"

"Speaking of which, Matou Shinji, are you researching Ruby to study the Second Magic? What's the result?"

"Well, I have some leads," Shinji answered honestly. "If I spend a long time on it, I might get somewhere. But as you know, my interests can disappear suddenly."

Seeing him shrug after saying that, Illya couldn't help but think of him as a complete pervert.

The Third Magic was one thing, but now even the Second Magic...!!

"So, Matou Shinji, when will you have time to study the Third Magic? Didn't you say before that you could fully understand it if you spent enough time on it?"

"Forget it. That kind of troublesome thing will take an unknown amount of time. Let's just leave it."

Knowing what she was after, Shinji waved dismissively, then turned to look at Miyu, who was happily walking beside Kirishima.

"By the way, Illya, why don't you go to elementary school like that little girl? You won't have any playmates once she starts school."

"Hmph! There's no way I'd go to a boring elementary school like Miyu."

Seeing Illya turn away, Shinji didn't push further. It was her decision.

It was said that Illya had been quite happy lately, spending time between the two Emiya Shirous. Shirou aside, Kirishima was also good to her.

Rumor had it that Kirishima even told Illya that despite the different worlds, she considered her a sister because she was Kiritsugu's daughter.

"Illya, hurry up!"

"Coming!"

After responding, Illya ran excitedly to Miyu. In some ways, she was still just a child!

...

With one week left before school started, Shinji avoided going out due to the heat.

Every day, besides playing with Saber, chatting with Sakura, or sparring with Rider without any specific time or place, he spent his time gaming.

His opponents were Gilgamesh and Gilgamesh.

They had been visiting Shinji's house frequently lately, spending entire days in the game room!

Seeing her Master being ignored because of this, Rider couldn't help but think that Gilgamesh might also be her rival.

Although he was a man, he was too frequent a visitor!

She had to be wary!