C291

Arcueid grumbled, "You know, I'm technically an escaped convict. That dingy little cell I was trapped in? It was pure torture."

"Who told you to go around claiming you'd be the next big light novel author, only to miss three deadlines?" Shirou retorted. "Consider yourself lucky your editor hasn't strangled you yet. That's something."

"Hmph. My editor doesn't stand a chance against me. Plus, even if he managed to kill me, I'd just come back to life. I'm the True Ancestor, a legendary being that can't be defeated!" she boasted proudly in some weird postures.

Shirou couldn't help but facepalm. This woman was always a bit foolish, and now she had added a touch of chuunibyou to the mix.

While he couldn't deny that Arcueid was, in fact, the True Ancestor, it didn't excuse her chuunibyou behavior.

As for how she ended up like this... it was likely due to that one time he took Arcueid to visit the Emiya household and she happened to catch a glimpse of the vampire-themed anime Illya was engrossed in.

After that, she started devouring vampire-themed manga and novels she found online, and it only fueled her chuunibyou tendencies further.

Gone was the graceful White Princess; now, all that remained was a chuunibyou True Ancestor.

What concerned him the most was that this chuunibyou frequently visited his house, raising worries about Ritsuka being influenced by her behavior.

Shirou handed the takoyaki to Ritsuka and turned to Arcueid, asking, "Did you manage to finish your manuscript?"

"Of course! Otherwise, my editor wouldn't have let me out of that cramped cell," she responded with a hint of pride.

He raised an eyebrow. "You didn't use your Mystic Eyes on him, did you?"

She passionately protested, pointing at her own eyes in discontent. "How is that even possible? It's been ages since I last used my Mystic Eyes!"

Shirou shrugged, taking a seat on a nearby chair. "Well, that's a relief,"

Arcueid's frustration grew. "What do you mean, 'that's a relief'? Why would you doubt that I'd resort to using my Mystic Eyes? Seriously!"

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open as she spoke. "The King always said to trust your subordinates, believe in your loyal friends, and most importantly, believe in Arcueid."

He couldn't help but interject, "The King never said any of that! You clearly added it yourself! Besides, shouldn't you consider burning that notebook?"

"No way! I've poured my heart and soul into every word written in this notebook. I refuse to let it be destroyed!" She continued flipping through a few more pages and recited, "The King also said that a self-written notebook is precious and should never be burned, especially Arcueid's notebook."

Shirou: "..."

Back in Camelot, this woman had a mischievous streak and even picked up the habit of taking notes, just like Artoria.

However, while Artoria and the others were diligently recording important information, this woman was merely doing it for fun.

She even wanted to play as a knight.

Ritsuka held the takoyaki in one hand and curiously leaned her head towards Arcueid's notebook. She was genuinely intrigued by it. Every time Arcueid pulled out the notebook and began with, "The King said," Her brother appeared helpless and at a loss for words, as if he had been defeated by Arcueid's words.

Hmm!

Ritsuka couldn't help but think that this notebook could be the ultimate weapon to defeat her brother!

However, Arcueid swiftly collected the notebook and tucked it back into her pocket.

Ritsuka persisted, pestering her. "Can you please let me have a look at that notebook?"

"No," she firmly refused, not willing to give in.

Ritsuka huffed and pouted, "Ugh, if you don't want to show me, then forget it! You're such a cheapskate!"

Shirou pulled his homework out of his backpack and began jotting down his answers.

Sakura grabbed a glass and poured lemon water for him.

He smiled and said, "Thanks, Sakura."

Arcueid's eyes locked onto the takoyaki in Ritsuka's hand, her mouth watering.

"You want some?" Ritsuka asked.

She eagerly nodded, unable to contain her desire.

"Hehehe..." Ritsuka flashed an angelic smile and playfully said, "Not gonna share."

She then proceeded to devour the takoyaki, relishing every bite herself.

"Wuu..."

Just then, the doorbell rang, emitting a classic "ding-dong" sound.

Shirou got up, ready to answer the door, but Arcueid stood up with a grin and declared, "I'll handle it. No worries!"

With a swift motion, she dashed towards the door and peered through the peephole.

Within seconds, her body was drenched in a cold sweat, and she trembled uncontrollably.

The three of them exchanged puzzled glances, curiosity etched on their faces.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Shirou asked.

"Uh... Shirou, I'm gonna hide in your room, okay? Just don't mention to them that I'm here!" Arcueid stammered, her voice filled with urgency. She darted into Shirou's room, hastily snuggling into the cozy bedding, trembling uncontrollably.

Intrigued, Shirou cautiously opened the door.

Standing there were several people in black suits, sporting sunglasses. It was like something out of a thriller movie—a terrifying criminal organization!

"Uncle Kariya?" Sakura, wearing a white apron, squinted at the leader of the black-clad group, clearly puzzled.

"Oh, Sakura." Kariya nodded in her direction before turning his attention to Shirou. He asked, "Fujimaru Shirou, is Arcueid in your house?"

"What did she do? What's happening here?" Shirou asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Kariya's fists tightened, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he explained, "That woman... She missed three deadlines and somehow escaped from the basement! And she even left a taunting drawing of a ghostly face with the words 'Can't catch me, lalala.' It's a challenge to us, the editors!"

The group of black-clad individuals behind Kariya seethed with fury.

Shirou felt a cold sweat break out. That woman... She had actually managed to slip away.

"Have you seen her?"

Shirou pointed towards the stairs, betraying Arcueid without hesitation. "She's in my room. I've put up with her for far too long. Please make sure to take her away."

"GO!" Kariya snapped his fingers.

A group of female editors dressed in black swiftly ascended the stairs.

Before long, Arcueid, bundled up in her blanket, was securely bound and carried back down.

"Shirou, I trusted you so much, and you've betrayed me! This is too much! Too much!" Arcueid's voice cracked with anguish. "I will curse you! Curse you! You'll never find seasoning packets when you buy instant noodles! This is the curse of the True Ancestor! You're doomed! Doomed!"

"Farewell to the invincible legend," Shirou muttered, closing the door.

"No--!"Arcueid's eyes filled with despair.

He turned around, watching as the golden retriever was carried away in its packaging. Finally, his ears could enjoy some peace and quiet.

"Will she be mad, brother?" Sakura asked, her concern evident.

"That woman was just fooling around, having her own fun," he replied, pulling out a chair and returning to his homework.