C276

She walked away from the scene, her hand cradling her forehead, tears glistening in her eyes.

Shirou: "..."

"Can't this person ever just listen to others?" Shirou thought inwardly, a hint of exasperation tugging at his thoughts.

"Big brother, are you feeling hungry?" Sakura raised her head, her eyes filled with concern.

Shirou pondered for a moment before responding, "Hmm, perhaps..."

"Um..." she hesitated, her gaze fixed on Shirou.

"What's the matter?" he asked, sensing her hesitation.

"It's nothing. I just can't help but feel that you've changed a lot, big brother," she confessed

He smiled gently and replied, "You've changed a lot too, Sakura."

Sakura's eyes brightened, but then she suggested, "So, big brother, it's already late. Would you like to have something to eat first?"

"No need for that, Sakura. Take me home, let's see if it's still the same as I remember after more than eight years," he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

"It's different now," she revealed, a smile gracing her lips.

"Oh?" his face lit up with genuine curiosity.

Sakura's smile widened, "Dad started his own company, and we moved to a big house! Of course, it's nowhere near as grand as your palace, but it's still lovely."

"How do you know what my palace looked like?"

She chuckled softly, "Because, big brother, you are the Eternal King, and tales of your magnificent palace have been described in books! It's said to be adorned with glistening gold and precious gems, with an enchanting allure that captivates anyone who sees it. And there are whispers of beautiful women summoned by the Eternal King, drawn from far and wide..."

"Wait a minute, hold on!" Shirou interjected, a touch of confusion evident in his voice. "I can understand the part about gold and gems, but where did this notion of beautiful women being summoned from all over come from?"

"Huh? Isn't that how it goes? I mean, it's written in books that the Eternal King, as the ruler of the kingdom, exercises the privilege of summoning exceptionally beautiful maidens to the palace to become his concubines..." Sakura's voice trailed off as she noticed Shirou's increasingly gloomy expression. "Um, why does your face look so grim, big brother?"

Shirou's face fell as he replied, "Is that supposed to be a history book or a work of fiction?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment before responding, "Well... it's more like a storybook, to be honest..."

After a brief pause, she added, "It was written by a French author several hundred years ago."

"Do you happen to know where this author's grave is? I feel compelled to pay my respects."

"I... I don't know," she admitted, a touch of helplessness in her voice.

Shirou let out a weary sigh. "Never mind then. Let's head home first. I'm eager to return."

"Okay," she nodded in agreement. However, deep within her heart, she silently vowed, I should consider getting rid of those storybooks. How could they tarnish big brother's reputation like this? they shouldn't have made his little sister read them!

As Sakura and Shirou walked down an unfamiliar path, making their way towards an unfamiliar home, they couldn't help but notice the curious gazes and hushed whispers from passersby.

"Is that some kind of cosplay?" one person pondered aloud, their tone filled with curiosity.

"Is this a new trend?" another wondered.

"Look at that! He's so unconventional."

"Keeping his hair long, he almost looks like a woman!"

Passersby couldn't help but direct their pointed fingers and whispered comments toward Shirou, their curiosity piqued by his attire—the majestic King's Armor of Camelot.

Crafted from gleaming mithril and adorned with intricate dragon engravings, the armor had an unmistakable aura of regality. However, in their eyes, it bore an uncanny resemblance to a cosplay outfit.

Yet, it was evident that this was not the era of otaku culture, and the pedestrians found themselves grappling with the unconventional sight before them. Their reactions showcased a struggle to accept such an eccentric display amidst the fabric of their everyday lives.

Sakura's anger was palpable, her furrowed brows and tense expression revealing her frustration. In contrast, Shirou's countenance remained surprisingly calm. However, beneath his composed exterior, a storm of emotions churned within him.

As they drew nearer to their destination, a sense of trepidation began to engulf Shirou. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. After being away from home for eight long years, his heart had yearned for this moment of return. But instead of anticipation and joy, an unexplained fear gripped him tightly.

Why was this happening? Why, as he stood on the threshold of reuniting with his past, did a sense of unease pervade his thoughts? The questions swirled in his mind, casting shadows over what should have been a moment of peace.

Sakura led him to what was supposed to be their home, but as they arrived, a wave of astonishment washed over him. The structure that stood before him deviated significantly from the two-story house etched in his memories. In its place now stood a three-story white house, complete with a charming courtyard. While it couldn't rival the grandeur of the Tohsaka mansion, let alone his palace, it possessed an air of decency and elegance.

"Big brother, what's the matter?"

"I... I'm feeling a bit apprehensive," Shirou admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He hesitated before proposing, "How about we postpone this and return another day?"

Sakura shook her head gently, a warm smile gracing her lips. "There's no need for that, because... this is your home, brother."

He nodded in response to Sakura's assurance, his apprehension gradually easing. As Sakura opened the door, he took a deep breath and stepped inside.

What greeted him was an unfamiliar entrance, its layout and decor diverging from the images etched in his memory. As he processed his surroundings, his attention was drawn to a woman seated on the sofa, engrossed in watching a television drama.

The melodramatic storyline unfolded on the screen, capturing Shirou's attention momentarily. The male lead mustered the courage to confess his love to the female lead, only to be tragically interrupted as she was struck by a speeding car, sending her soaring three meters into the air. The impact was depicted in a jarring close-up, intensifying the dramatic effect.

For a full ten seconds!

"Sakura, where have you been? Why did you return just now?" The woman's voice carried a mix of surprise and concern as she stood up, turning to face the doorway. Her appearance hadn't changed significantly, the familiar features of Shirou's mother still recognizable. However, there was a newfound maturity in her demeanor.

Feeling a wave of awkwardness, Shirou scratched the back of his head and gathered his courage to speak. "Um... Do you perhaps need someone to accompany you while watching dramas? It may sound strange, but I am actually your child who went missing several years ago. My name is Fujimaru Shirou, and I happen to have some free time now. Can I join you in watching dramas, mom?"

Tears streamed down the woman's face, overwhelming her emotions.

"Um... please... please don't cry. I..." Shirou grew flustered, unsure how to handle the situation.

"Come here!" Mrs. Fujimaru exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of urgency and longing.

"Huh?" he blinked in surprise.

"I told you to come over! No, I'll come over instead!" Mrs. Fujimaru swiftly walked toward Shirou, reaching out to grab hold of his hand, pulling him closer.

"I happen to need someone to watch TV with!" her voice choked with emotion, as she turned away, tears streaming down her face.

As he was being led by his mom, Shirou's gaze softened and he let out a gentle smile. "I'm back."

On the opposite end of the sofa, a small girl with vibrant orange hair, who had been dozing off, suddenly perked up, her curious orange eyes cautiously observing the unfamiliar figure standing before them. "Hm...?"