C414

In the middle of July, the evening glow of summer stretched from the western horizon to encompass the entire world. The silent crimson hue resembled a brushstroke on a canvas, altering the color palette of all pedestrians.

July 20th marked not only Illya and her friends' birthdays but also the celebration of the Summer Fireworks Festival. Cities worldwide, Tokyo included, hosted fireworks festivals, totaling seven or eight in number. Fuyuki City was no exception.

After the daytime birthday celebration had concluded, Shirou and the others didn't disperse. Instead, upon Ilyasviel's suggestion, they decided to explore the festival together.

"Big brother, I want to eat takoyaki!" Ritsuka said, giving his sleeve a little tug. Her finger pointed towards a takoyaki stall right by the roadside, where the golden-brown takoyaki balls were emitting an irresistible aroma.

He glanced at the stall, "You've already had dinner."

"But I'm still hungry!" she pouted, giving him that classic puppy-dog look.

After a brief moment of thinking it over, he let out a sigh and headed over to the stand. He asked the vendor, "How much for a serving?"

"500 yen for a box, six tasty bites in there. How about getting a box for your little sis?" the vendor said with a cheerful smile. He had already figured out which of the two wanted the takoyaki.

Shirou forked over the cash and handed the box to his sister.

Grinning ear to ear, she said, "Big brother, you're the best!"

He gave her a playful tap on the forehead and quipped, "This is a one-time thing, remember."

"Sure thing," she beamed, then picked up a skewer and went on, "So there are six in here. Two for you, big brother and big sister, one for Ruby."

He raised an eyebrow, "And what about the last one?

"Hehehe," she smiled mischievously without giving an answer.

Naturally, that last takoyaki was meant for her demonic friend!

The streets were bustling with people, all waiting for the fireworks to illuminate the night sky—an exceptionally lively scene.

He held her hand, and they wandered down the street together.

"Huh? isn't that Artoria-neechan?" she nudged him and pointed at someone nearby.

He followed her gaze and saw Artoria, wearing a white dress, perched on a street-side seat, vigorously digging into a box of stir-fried noodles. A bunch of other food boxes were stacked up beside her.

Considering they'd all gone their separate ways to enjoy the festival, bumping into Artoria here was quite the surprise.

He strolled over with his sister in tow and offered a friendly wave of greeting.

Artoria was deep into her noodle feast when a voice broke her concentration. She looked up, a bit puzzled, and spotted Shirou making his way towards her. Quickly, she scrambled to find a tissue, dabbing at her lips and fixing her appearance on the fly.

He casually reached into his pocket, pulled out a tissue, and offered it with a reassuring smile. "No need to panic."

Blushing, she accepted the tissue and dabbed at her face, still avoiding direct eye contact. "I... I ended up making a mess in front of you, my king," she mumbled, her embarrassment evident.

Ever since arriving in this world, she had been meticulously managing her eating habits to avoid any embarrassing slip-ups in front of her king. Yet, as soon as they were apart, she gave in to her cravings and feasted like there was no tomorrow.

He wrapped his arm around Ritsuka and settled down beside her. Then he asked, "Where's Gray? Isn't she with you?"

She shook her head, "She's off having fun with Illya and the others."

"Ah, that's good then," he nodded.

"Yes," Artoria's features softened a touch. She added, "I'm really glad that she's finally taking her first steps forward."

Pausing briefly, she recalled something and reached for a few food boxes nearby. She extended them to him, asking, "My King, would you like to have some?"

"I just ate," he waved his hand, "Did you buy these?"

"No, Arcueid treated me to these."

"Where's Arcueid then?"

She gestured with her hand, indicating a nearby toy store. "She saw some interesting crosses for sale there, so she went to check it out."

Shirou turned his gaze in that direction and immediately spotted the blonde woman.

It was practically bound to happen. The toy store seemed to be a hotspot for parents with their four or five-year-old kids. Amidst the crowd, Arcueid stood out like a sore thumb, enthusiastically sifting through toys.

With her distinct appearance, it was nearly impossible not to notice her.

Ritsuka couldn't help but scoff, saying, "She seriously acts like a child sometimes. I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like that!"

"Big brother, there you are."

At that moment, Sakura, deeply engrossed in a conversation with Irisviel, caught sight of him, and her face brightened up.

With a warm smile, she approached, her steps light and graceful. She settled down beside him and said, "What a coincidence, brother."

Of course, things were not as they appeared. she had intentionally separated from him, taken a roundabout route with Irisviel, and ingeniously looped back.

Why? Well, it was all in the name of creating a coincidental encounter, a destined meeting. She had even entrusted Irisviel with keeping Ritsuka occupied on the sidelines, ensuring that she could enjoy a private moment with her big brother.

Surely, through this destined meeting, her brother would recognize the threads of fate and affinity they shared, right?

Sakura maintained an elegant appearance, a sweet smile gracing her lips. But beneath that facade, a subtle smirk played on her lips.

Artoria had joined them, but it didn't concern her. She had completely figured out this person; Artoria was merely a loyal dog, not a threat. She was someone she could manipulate. The true threat remained Arcueid.

However, that annoying blonde cockroach seemed to have disappeared, and Sakura could naturally...

"Huh? Shirou?" Suddenly, Arcueid burst out of the toy store, her surprise evident as she looked over at his group, "You're here too?"

A shadow flickered across Sakura's expression.

He nodded.

Irisviel settled beside Artoria, who instinctively shifted to take the seat next to Shirou.

"What's going on, Saber?" Iri looked at her with curiosity.

She hesitated briefly, then replied, "Oh, it's... nothing, Iri."

To be honest, after being tricked by Iri a few times, she had a good understanding of her personality. She was quite certain that Iri was no longer as innocent and pure as she had been during the Fourth Holy Grail War. Instead, she had worsened significantly. Yet, Artoria couldn't quite pinpoint the exact ways in which she had changed for the worse.

"If it's nothing, why are you sitting so far away from me?"

Artoria lowered her head, eating her noodles in small bites without saying a word.

Iri rested her chin on her hand, a smile playing on her lips as she looked at her.

Artoria: "..."

Suddenly, her huge appetite vanished.

Her intuition told her that a massive malicious intent was locked onto her.

Arcueid sat between Shirou and Sakura, effectively pushing Sakura aside.

Sakura could no longer maintain her fake smile. She gritted her teeth, ready to argue with her, but Arcueid just hugged her and treated her like a big teddy bear to play around with.

"Unhand me, you blond, pesky roach!"

"I'm Arcueid, and I'm definitely not some stinky blonde roach," she quipped, holding onto Sakura while giving her head a gentle pat. "You're a good girl, remember that. Random nicknames aren't nice. Only well-behaved children are likable."

"Release me, Arcueid...!"

She struggled in vain, unable to hold back tears of helplessness.

Artoria on the side couldn't help but show a sympathetic look.

"Oh dear, oh dear," Irisviel said with a delighted smile, "This is quite a treat. I'm so happy, I get to appreciate another cute face."

Ritsuka looked at Arcueid, who had effortlessly subdued Sakura, and couldn't help but wear an expression of admiration.

She had never expected Arcueid to overpower her big sis so easily. Despite Sakura's sweet appearance, she possessed a fierce personality. It was truly impressive!

In that moment, she greatly admired Arcueid.

Shirou ruffled Ritsuka's hair. On his left sat Sakura, subdued by Arcueid and looking a bit defeated, while on his right was Artoria, quietly eating with her head down.

Before him stretched a bustling street, and now and then, he caught glimpses of Rin and Luvia pointedly avoiding eye contact, while Astraea attempted to play mediator. It was a scene filled with liveliness.

Not too far away, atop a commercial building, Gil leisurely sipped red wine from a tall glass, his gaze sweeping over the city illuminated by lights. Beside him, the Chain of Heaven swayed gently.

Shirou couldn't help but let a smile bloom on his lips.

How wonderful.

...

Miyu and Gray were walking together in a different part of the festival. In front of them, Chloe and Illya were happily chasing and playing with each other.

Without meaning to, Miyu also smiled a little. She liked this feeling.

But then she looked at the time and said, "Illya..."

Miyu's voice was gentle, like a quiet whisper that wasn't too loud. It felt like a soft touch, similar to a small cat gently scratching an itch in your ear. Because of this, Illya and Chloe didn't catch her words.

Gray looked at her and asked, "Miyu, what's the matter?"

"The fireworks will start soon. We were supposed to watch them together, but Illya and Chloe seem to have forgotten."

"Let's go remind them then," Gray suggested.

"Okay,"

They hurried towards Illya and Chloe, but accidentally bumped into someone as they turned the corner.

Miyu stumbled back due to the collision, but Gray was there to catch her and help her steady herself.

Once she regained her balance, she promptly said sorry to the person she had bumped into, "I'm really sorry about that."

"Lady Miyu."

A voice rang out in a chilly, detached manner, reaching her ears. Miyu looked up and her eyes widened in surprise.

Right in front of her stood a woman with a captivating presence. She had flowing golden hair and intense blue eyes, yet those eyes seemed strangely empty, lacking any emotion.

The woman was dressed in a white top and a flowing black skirt, giving off a timeless beauty.

Yet, as Miyu gazed at the woman's face, an immense wave of fear engulfed her. Her small frame began to shake uncontrollably.

"An... Angelica...!"

Instinctively, she stepped back a few paces.

Gray noticed and asked with confusion, "Is she your friend?"

Miyu didn't respond; she simply trembled as she stared at Angelica.

Kneeling slowly on one knee, Angelica's vacant blue eyes remained locked onto her. She spoke, "I've come to bring you back, Lady Miyu."

Gray glanced at Angelica with interest and then back at the trembling Miyu.

Just then, Ruby flew over and asked, "Miyu, what's the matter? Why aren't you going after Illya?"

Miyu clenched her teeth, "Ruby, lend me your power!"

"Hey, hey, hey, Miyu! It's a festival, and there are so many people around..."

Before Ruby could finish speaking, Miyu swiftly grabbed her and tucked her against her waist. In a flash, she transformed into Kamen Rider Ruby. Pulling out a huge hammer, she swung it towards Angelica.

However...

A thunderous "boom" echoed as the hammer, intended for Angelica, struck the ground on the opposite side instead, causing the earth to shatter.

This unexpected twist stunned not just Gray, but also the passersby on the streets. They were all shocked and began to scream in fear, scattering in all directions to escape.

"What... what are you doing?" Gray was confused.

"Stop talking. Run, Gray!" Miyu shouted.

Meanwhile, in the distance, lightning crackled and flashed, and a bolt of thunder streaked towards Miyu.