C95

On April 9th, 1994, Shirou kept his promise to Ilya and took her for a walk. As they strolled, Ilya was busy doodling in her notebook, capturing every experience they had in Fuyuki City.

Suddenly, a voice caught Shirou's attention. He turned to see Shinji, a blue-haired boy, sitting on a red bench and waving at him from the bed of a small truck.

In the driver's seat was a young man with a similar appearance, holding a cheap cigarette in his mouth and giving off the impression of a greasy middle-aged uncle. The back of the truck was surrounded by boxes of snacks, including bubble gum and chips.

Shinji put down his textbook and climbed out of the truck, walking towards Shirou.

"Hey Shinji, how's it going?" Shirou greeted him with a nod, then asked, "So, what's going on with your family's store?"

"Nah, nothing's happening with the store," Shinji replied, shaking his head. "Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Shirou said with a shrug, gesturing towards the truck. "What's with the truck then?"

"Don't you remember? Tomorrow's the school sports festival. There's bound to be a lot of people, including parents, coming to watch. And where there are a lot of people, there's a market. That's why I suggested to my dad that we should move our goods close to the school and set up shop at the entrance gate." Shinji explained.

Shinji then handed Shirou a pink towel. "This one's for you."

Shirou noticed the familiar style of the towel and asked, "Did you spread the rumor that I like pink?"

Shinji felt embarrassed and chuckled awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with Shirou. "Uh, this... hahaha..."

Shirou sighed, "You really have a knack for business, don't you?"

Shinji's gaze then fell on Ilya. "And who might this be?"

"I'm Ilyasviel von Einzbern, but you can call me Ilya. Nice to meet you, big brother," Ilya introduced herself with a smile.

Shinji reached into his pocket and took out two pieces of candy. "These are our homemade milk candies. They're really good. Here you go, Ilya."

"Thank you, big brother," Ilya gratefully accepted the candies.

"No need to thank me. Just in case someone asks where you got the candy from later, you can tell them you bought it from the Matou Convenience Store located at 70 on third east commercial street in Shinto. And don't forget our order hotline, it's 031-5776-65..."

Shirou couldn't help but interrupt, "Hey! Shinji, don't advertise here!"

Shinji looked embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, sorry, I just got carried away."

"Shinji!" The young man driving the truck called out.

"I have to go. My dad needs me. I still have to memorize 100 words, an article, do some deliveries, and post some ads. I have a lot on my plate today. See you later, Shirou. Come play at my place sometime and don't forget to treat me to your mom's goat milk dessert!" Shinji said as he waved goodbye to Shirou.

As he watched the Matou father and son leave, Shirou couldn't help but smile.

The Fourth Holy Grail War brought a lot of destruction, including the destruction of Miyama's old town. But it also brought some positive changes.

Due to the devastating effects of the war, all of Miyama town's old infrastructure was completely destroyed, providing an opportunity for the city to be rebuilt and modernized.

Shirou's actions during the war also helped to bring hope back to the people, who had previously lost all hope. Some individuals, who were once doomed to die, survived and found new paths in life. Shinji and his father, Byakuya, were among them.

Ilya continued to document in her notes: "April 9th, Friday - Received my third gift. A big brother named Shinji with seaweed hair gave me two pieces of candy."

As Shirou and Ilya walked to their meeting place with Kiritsugu, they could hear two voices arguing with each other.

"Why would Grandma agree to pair us up?"

"Do you think I'm happy about going to Finland? If it weren't for Dad forcing me, I wouldn't go at all! You blonde drill hair!"

"What? What did you call me? drill hair? You have no manners at all!"

Shirou's ears were met with a horrible sound and he turned to see what was going on. He saw Rin in the midst of an argument with a blonde girl, surrounded by a group of butler-clad men. Despite the spectacle being a source of entertainment for onlookers, they didn't dare to linger due to the intimidating presence of the butlers.

"Oh~! It's the big sister who gave me the 'spiritual compensation'!" Ilya exclaimed, pointing at the blonde girl.

The blonde girl, upon noticing Ilya, stiffened and pointed at her, saying, "You...how did you get here?"

"Oh? Spiritual compensation? What's this about, Luviagelita Edelfelt?" Rin asked, squinting her eyes.

"What spiritual compensation! I, I, I don't know anything about that! Don't make false accusations!" Luvia panicked.

"Hey? I remember it clearly," Ilya countered, opening her notebook. "April 5th, Tuesday. Big sister's car almost hit me, then she got out and gave me the spiritual compensation."

"Hohoho~?" Rin's eyes narrowed.

"That was just an accident, I tell you! Auguste was driving perfectly fine. That girl was the one who walked into the road without looking," Luvia exclaimed, pointing a finger at Shirou. "And you, commoner over there, weren't you there too? Say something!"

Rin's eyes also landed on Shirou. "Oh, look who's here. The black-hearted Fujimaru,"

"It seems my presence is a bit low today, Rin," Shirou replied with a smile.

Rin hugged herself and backed up a couple of steps, shivering. "I've told you before, don't call me by my name. It gives me the creeps," Rin said with feigned disgust.

"Okay, Tohsaka Repeater?"

"That'll do," Rin nodded.

"Pfft~! Tohsaka Repeater!" Luvia laughed.

"Do you have any objections?" Rin waved her fist and then looked at Ilya, teasingly saying, "Spiritual compensation, Golden Drill Hair."

"Shut up! Don't call me drill hair!" Luvia hissed, her teeth clenched tight. She then cast a quick glance at Illya and Shirou, realizing that they were not alone. She quickly composed herself and regained her noble demeanor.

She looked at Shirou and asked, "Is your name really 'black-hearted Fujimaru'?"

"No, it's Fujimaru Shirou," Shirou corrected her.

"Shirou... Fujimaru?" Luvia repeated.

"Yes, Shirou," he confirmed.

"Oh, the pronunciation of this Japanese name is so strange," Luvia commented before turning to Rin. Her elegance disappeared and she said, "Anyway, finish your drop-out procedures quickly and come to Finland with me, my 'little sister'!"

Luvia emphasized the word "little sister".

Rin raised an eyebrow. "What a joke. Do you really think you're older than me?"

"I was born on January 3rd," Luvia announced. "I've looked up your details. You were born on February 3rd. Sorry, but I'm a month older. When we become 'twins', you have to address me as elder sister."

Rin gritted her teeth. "How...how detestable! I lost this one."

Shirou: "..."

"Hey, Fujimaru!" Rin yelled, her finger pointing at Shirou. "You'd better be ready tomorrow. Don't let us beat you in pole vaulting and then cry about it!"

"Yeah, got it," he responded with a nod.

Rin huffed and rolled her eyes. "Ugh! You're no fun. I can't even talk to you anymore!" With that, she took Luvia by the arm and stormed off.

Ilya observed the exchange, taking notes.

Later, Shirou led Ilya to the designated meeting place with Kiritsugu. To his surprise, he found not only Kiritsugu but also Irisviel, two white-haired maids, and a black car. Behind the wheel was Maiya Hisau.

"Mommy!" Ilya exclaimed, her face lighting up as she ran towards Irisviel, who scooped her up into her arms.

Irisviel looked at Shirou, giving him a gentle nod. "Caster, I must thank you for taking Ilya around Fuyuki City."

"No need to be polite," Shirou replied, shaking his head and smiling. "And now that the Holy Grail War is over, please call me Fujimaru Shirou, not Caster."

"Alright," Irisviel said.

Irisviel, Ilya, and the two maids sat in the car. Ilya leaned out the window and waved at Shirou, a pure and sweet smile on her face. "Big brother~! Thank you for giving me so many wonderful memories! Goodbye~!"

Shirou waved back, saying, "Goodbye!"

Ilya's smile remained as she retreated back into the car. "Next time, I definitely want to see your pole vaulting!" she called out to him.

Shirou nodded, "Hmm."

As the car drove away, Kiritsugu smoked in silence, watching it leave.

Shirou turned to Kiritsugu and posed his question, "So, it will take roughly seven years to complete?"

"Correct, about seven years," Kiritsugu affirmed.

Shirou pressed on, "What are the chances that the child will forget her past?"

"About seventy percent," Kiritsugu replied, "Her soul is still young, and despite the aid of the Puppet Maker and the Grail Crystal you provided, the probability of being reborn as a human and forgetting everything is over 70%. We did not keep this from her."

Shirou let out a heavy sigh, "No wonder she was so adamant about documenting everything. She must have been terrified of losing her memories." He turned to Kiritsugu, "I don't quite understand why you're staying behind. Why don't you accompany them to the Puppet Maker? Seven years is a long time to be alone, won't you feel lonely?"

"No," Kiritsugu replied firmly. "Even if they're not physically present, they're always with me, in my heart. Moreover, the Puppet Maker has no desire to see me. Even if I were to use my Magic Crest to seek her out, she would refuse to meet with me."

"Is that so..."

Shirou watched as the vehicle drove off into the distance. He understood that the Homunculi produced by the Einzbern family, such as Irisviel and Ilya, had relatively short lifespans due to their purpose as vessels for the Holy Grail. The only way to extend their lives was by reincarnating them as humans.

However, the process of transforming non-humans into humans was an arduous task, even for the renowned Puppet Maker. With the aid of the Grail Crystal, however, it could be done.

"Given our history, I suppose I should be grateful that you haven't killed me yet. You have no obligation to provide me with the Grail Crystal."

Shirou responded coolly, "I'm not helping you. It's the Grail Crystal that's aiding you," before turning and walking away.

"Holy Maiden of Winter..." Kiritsugu muttered under his breath before also departing.

...

In the back seat of the car, Irisviel turned to Ilya and asked, "Did you manage to find any happy memories?"

Ilya nodded enthusiastically, "Mm! On April 5th, I received my first and second gifts. The following day, Kiritsugu took me to a café. On April 7th, we enjoyed a child-set meal together. On April 8th, big brother took me to the Ryuudou Temple to make a wish. And on April 9th, I received my third gift... Oh, I almost forgot! I made a wish to that green-haired uncle, asking to never forget any of these wonderful moments."

Ilya beamed with a sunny smile as she clutched her notebook tightly, "These are all my favorite memories."

As the black car journeyed on, it gradually disappeared into the horizon.

...

As the sun sank behind the western hills, the once-vibrant surroundings grew dim, and the only source of illumination came from the flickering streetlights. Shirou, heading home, opted for a less crowded route with fewer people.

Tomorrow, the school will be holding its annual sports festival, and Shirou's pole vaulting event is set for 3 PM during the seventh competition. He has heard rumors of a meme circulating in the Nasuverse about his pole vaulting being broadcasted worldwide by Alaya, but he knows deep down that it's just a fantasy. Shirou was no Archer, he was Fujimaru Shirou, with his own set of karma to resolve.

So, he decided to make tomorrow's pole vaulting as tame as possible, not wanting to intimidate the other children in case more serious students decided to participate.

As these thoughts filled his mind, Shirou made his way home. But the next moment, a sudden pain in his abdomen caused him to double over, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

--Shrrrip! Squelch!!

Glancing down, he saw a hand with blood, piercing through his abdomen from behind.

With a crack, the hand was pulled from Shirou's back. He fell to the ground with a thud, staring up at the figure standing behind him.

It was a vision of otherworldly beauty that sent shivers down the spine of all who beheld her. She was a girl with hair as blonde as the sun, clad in a pristine white long-sleeved shirt and a flowing purple skirt that seemed to ripple like a river in the wind. Her golden locks whipped around her like the tendrils of a crazed demon, as if possessed by some dark force. But it was her eyes that truly set her apart - pools of crimson that glinted with a sinister, almost otherworldly light.

"ROA!!!" The voice was filled with killing intent as if it had come straight from the depths of hell.

Confusion overwhelmed Shirou. How did this person appear out of nowhere? Who was she? As he tried to make sense of the situation, it dawned on him with a jolt that the girl in front of him was none other than the vampire princess, Arcueid!

But what was the reason for her sudden appearance? What could have brought her to this place? These questions echoed relentlessly in Shirou's mind as he lay on the ground, gazing up at her with a mixture of shock and confusion.

...

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