Chapter 7

: The Brand New Matou Family

"I just hope that you can support the Matou family," Shinji said. This was the purpose behind Shinji's revelation of Zenjou Aoi's secret and his discussion about Sakura's future, to ignite Kariya's determination.

Although not mentioned frequently in the Fate series, being a magician is an incredibly expensive profession. The sustainability of every magus lineage is built upon substantial financial support, and the Matou family in Fuyuki City, Japan, is no exception.

The main source of income for the Matou family comes from renting out the "Sacred Ground," which is a land rich in magical energy. Only magus can manage the "Sacred Ground," and with Zouken's passing, if the Matou family doesn't have a new magus to oversee this task, their financial resources will significantly decline.

While the Matou family also has some secular industries that are reasonably profitable, they pale in comparison to the income from Sacred Ground rentals. It becomes difficult to sustain the daily expenses of the main household and various branch establishments.

Therefore, for the Matou family to continue, Shinji and Sakura need a worry-free environment for their growth. The rental of Sacred Ground businesses must not encounter any issues.

Shinji is only six years old, and he has only recently regained his qualifications as a magi. He has not received professional training and is not a match for Kariya, an adult who has undergone a period of magecraft training. It is clear who is superior or inferior.

Furthermore, the Matou family's Sacred Grounds are spread throughout the country, requiring interaction with local magus lineages. It is unsuitable for a six-year-old child. Therefore, whether it is for Shinji, the Matou family, or even for Kariya himself, he must become a competent magus.

As for Kariya's aversion to magecraft, it is inherited from the family. It is an aversion to the repulsive "worm magecraft." On this matter, Justeaze had something to say:

"Zouken, no, the original magecraft of the Matou family was not 'worm magecraft,' but rather a legitimate magecraft based on the 'water' element. Zouken's collection of books contained information in this regard, and I have some understanding of it. You can try to learn it."

Hearing the words of this powerful magus who killed Zouken, Kariya dispelled his remaining concerns and promised, "I will become a qualified magi as quickly as possible, for Sakura, for..."

"For yourself," Shinji interrupted. "Uncle, do you despise Tohsaka Tokiomi, who wants to send Sakura to the worm's nest?"

"I despise him, very much," Kariya's hatred towards Tohsaka Tokiomi was palpable. He stole the woman he loved the most and sent her daughter to the worm's nest. The people Kariya hated the most in his life were Zouken and Tokiomi, and now that Zouken was dead, only Tokiomi remained.

"Then let's work hard. If you meet Caster's requirements within a year, you will have a chance to defeat Tokiomi," Shinji said, showing a devilish smile. "If you miss this opportunity, there may never be another chance."

"One year." As Kariya listened to Shinji's words and looked at his smile, a term buried deep in Kariya's memory slowly surfaced: "Holy Grail War?"

"That's right, the Holy Grail War," Shinji snapped his fingers.

In Justeaze's eyes, a dazzling light shone, not because of magecraft but because of Shinji's determination.

"...Holy Grail War..." A blazing flame burned in Kariya's eyes filled with anger, resentment, and unwillingness. "Good, very good. The Holy Grail does not matter, however. I just want to defeat him... Brother."

"Ah, I understand." Although their relationship as brothers was not strong, they had an unspoken understanding of their childhood. Byakuya understood what Kariya meant. "I'll take care of the logistical support, just like I have always done. That is, what do you both want right? Shinji and Miss Justeaze."

"You truly are my father," Shinji said, not surprised by his father's behavior.

After observing him for some time, Shinji was certain that this character, who had only made a few appearances in the Fate series, was undoubtedly clever. Born into the Matou family, living under the shadow of a tainted family, yet still able to maintain a relatively correct outlook on life and the world. Although he did not live a completely smooth life, he was immune to sorrow. How can such a person be considered simple?

"Let's not call me father anymore," Byakuya waved his hand. "I know my child, and you are not him."

"No, you are my father. Although some things have happened, I am indeed Shinji Matou; there's no mistake. There may be some behaviors that seem out of place to you, but it's just because I gained some life experiences unexpectedly." Shinji patted his face and placed his favorite expressions. "Like the time you took me out for a drink and ended up losing me, or the time you took me out to play but forgot to bring money, and also..."

"Stop, stop," Byakuya raised his hand repeatedly. "I believe you are my son, but seeing my son so mature, as a father, I can't help but feel that something is off."

"Well, I'm sorry about that," Shinji's mouth twitched. "How about finding you a stepmother and having another child? The brothers and sisters were also fine. After all, there's no one to control you now."

"Is it normal for children to talk to their father like this?" Byakuya rolled his eyes.

Shinji also rolled his eyes. "As far as I know, yes, and there are quite a few. I heard those words just over ten days ago when I passed by the villa at the corner of the main street."

"..." This time, it was Byakuya's mouth-twitching. "Instead of learning what's good, you specialize in learning what's bad."

"There's nothing wrong with that, big brother," Kariya smiled. "At least this time we have a sense of home."

"Yeah, this feeling isn't bad at all," Byakuya chuckled.

Shinji leaned back on the sofa and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This will be his home from now on. Although this home was different from a typical family, he did not want it to be cold and devoid of warmth.

A small head appeared on the door with large sparkling eyes.

"Big brother, Uncle, father..." It was Sakura Matou, dressed like a small princess.

"Come here," Shinji waved at Sakura.

Sakura ran lightly over and smiled sweetly at Shinji. "Good afternoon, big brother. You have a bad sleeping habit."

"Ah, big brother was wrong," Shinji apologized sincerely. "I'll make sure to correct it next time."

"Mmm, Mom said, 'A good child admits their mistakes and changes.'" Sakura said seriously. "Hmm... I can't call her Mom anymore, I should call her Auntie Tohsaka."

"It's okay. Outside, you can call her Auntie Tohsaka, but at home, call her whatever you want," Kariya's face was filled with affection.

"Isn't it best if you call me Uncle and call him Dad?" Byakuya nudged his brother with his elbow, teasing. "I wouldn't mind."

Kariya blushed, wanting to retort but unable to resist the temptation of being called "Daddy" himself. He was caught in an awkward situation, not knowing how to respond, which caused both the Shinji and Byakuya to burst into laughter.

Although Sakura did not know what they were laughing about, she still laughed.

Soon, Kariya also started laughing.

Unbeknownst to them, Justeaze, who had been observing them coldly, had a faint smile at the corners of her mouth.