Chapter 9

As the sun set in Orario, the glowing neon lights and the bustling sounds of people filled the air after Shirou's busy day. There wasn't much he could do that day. He arrived in the late afternoon, and after meeting Syr, he spent his remaining time wandering around the city. From Shirou's perspective, Orario seemed like a peaceful and orderly city. While it couldn't be called wealthy, the residents he observed looked happy.

After his stroll, Shirou made his way to keep the promise he had made to the waitress he met earlier. Standing before him was a restaurant with a sign that read [Hostess of Fertility]. "This is the restaurant where Syr works," Shirou muttered, then opened the door to enter.

He was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant. [Hostess of Fertility] welcomed guests with a warm and cozy vibe. Though it wasn't luxurious, the restaurant had a unique elegance that invited anyone who stepped inside.

The restaurant's walls were decorated with soft colors and simple designs, creating a relaxing and pleasant environment.

The waitresses were young, attractive girls in green uniforms, wearing aprons and maid headbands. They came from various races. Shirou noticed a pair of cat-people with black and brown hair, respectively, carrying dishes to the rowdy restaurant customers. A blonde Elf with cold blue eyes was pouring drinks. And a human girl with light blue hair sat waiting at a table in the center of the restaurant. It was Syr, the girl Shirou had promised to meet.

Syr sat there, looking as though she was waiting for someone. Shirou, who had already spotted her, approached. "Hey, have you been waiting for me long?" Shirou asked as he sat down beside Syr. Her eyes widened, and she smiled. "Hmm, so you finally came. How could you let a pretty girl wait for you?"

Before Shirou could respond to Syr's teasing, the light blue-haired girl called out, "Mama Mia, one special order for the main table!"

Cold sweat began to form on Shirou's forehead. The money he brought to Orario was limited, coming from his Kobold hunt.

Seeing the panic on Shirou's face, Syr's smile widened. "Ara, Shirou-san, could it be you don't have enough [Valis]?"

The scent of winter lavender flowers grew stronger from Syr's body, as if it intensified when she successfully teased him. Not wanting Syr to think he was some pervert who enjoyed sniffing women he had just met, Shirou turned away and sighed. "Haaah, looks like I'll need to find a side job because my savings have been squeezed dry by a certain waitress."

Syr giggled at Shirou's complaint. "If you can entertain me tonight, maybe I'll help you find a side job."

Hearing Syr's ambiguous words, Shirou was taken aback, and embarrassment began creeping onto his face. He shook his head vigorously, trying to get rid of the strange thoughts. "So what do you mean by 'entertain,' Syr?"

Syr had been watching Shirou's changing expressions, clearly amused. She giggled, feeling satisfied after teasing him.

"Don't get any strange ideas. You're new to Orario, aren't you?" Shirou nodded.

"So, tell me something interesting from your hometown," Syr continued.

"My hometown?" Shirou thought back to his home in Fuyuki. The traditional house Kiritsugu left behind, which was clearly too large for him.

Syr observed Shirou as he smiled to himself, reminiscing about his past. "Yes, your hometown. Surely there's something interesting there, right?"

Shirou nodded slowly. "Fuyuki… It's not a big city like Orario, but it's full of memories. There are many places I loved, like the park near the river or the summer night market that was always lively. But what left the biggest impression on me was my home. A traditional, large house with a peaceful atmosphere. However, behind all that tranquility, a lot of things happened."

Syr's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "A lot of things happened? What do you mean?"

Shirou paused for a moment, contemplating whether to talk about the Holy Grail War and the chaos he had experienced. But he decided not to go too deep. "I… went through a lot there. Battles, losses, and meeting people who became important to me. Even though there was a lot of sadness, I cherish every moment I experienced there."

Syr nodded slowly, seeming to understand there was more behind Shirou's words. "Sounds like a place full of memories. I'm glad you shared that with me. Maybe one day you can show me that place."

Shirou gave a faint smile. "Maybe. If fate allows."

The food they ordered finally arrived, filling the air with a delicious aroma. "Enjoy, Shirou-san. This is one of the best dishes at [Hostess of Fertility]."

Shirou nodded and began eating, feeling a bit more relaxed, though his mind was still filled with memories from his past. Syr, on the other hand, continued to watch him with a warm smile, enjoying the conversation and the company of this mysterious man.

Amidst the warm and comforting atmosphere, Shirou felt a brief sense of peace, something he hadn't experienced in a long time. However, beneath that peace, there was a feeling that something big and unexpected awaited him in Orario. Something that would test the limits of his abilities and perhaps lead him to a fate even greater than he had ever imagined.

After enjoying the delicious meal for some time, Shirou looked around the restaurant, realizing how warm and welcoming it was. But he knew that staying in Orario wouldn't be easy, especially with his dwindling funds.

Shirou decided to ask, "Syr, do you know of any cheap inns around here? I need a place to stay while I look for work."

Syr smiled softly, thinking for a moment. "Hmm... A cheap inn, huh? There are a few places in the city, but I have a better idea."

Shirou looked at her curiously. "What idea?"

"There are some rooms upstairs in this restaurant that aren't being used. Mama Mia sometimes rents them out to people who need temporary housing, especially if they work here. I could talk to Mama Mia for you," Syr said, her smile widening.

Shirou looked surprised but also relieved. "Are you serious? That would be really helpful. But, would it be okay for you and Mama Mia?"

Syr shook her head. "Of course. Besides, I'm sure Mama Mia wouldn't mind, especially if you can help out here in return. How about it?"

Shirou pondered for a moment. Working at [Hostess of Fertility] wasn't what he had in mind when he first arrived in Orario, but it would give him a place to stay and a chance to get to know the city better. Plus, he couldn't keep relying on others without making an effort himself.

"If Mama Mia agrees, I'd be very grateful. I'll help out here to cover the cost of my stay," Shirou said firmly.

Syr smiled excitedly. "Great! I'll go talk to Mama Mia right now. Wait here."

Syr got up and walked toward the kitchen, where the loud voices of the chefs could be heard. While waiting, Shirou felt a warmth in his heart, something he hadn't felt since leaving Fuyuki. He couldn't help but be grateful for the kindness Syr and the people of Orario had shown him so far.

Not long after, Syr returned with a wide smile. "Mama Mia agreed! You can stay in one of the rooms upstairs. But in exchange, you have to help out here every day. What do you think?"

Shirou nodded confidently. "That sounds fair. Thank you so much, Syr. I'll do my best."

"Great! Come on, I'll show you to your room," Syr said as she led Shirou to the stairs that went up to the second floor.

As they walked upstairs, Shirou felt that although he was far from home and facing a lot of uncertainty, he wasn't alone. In Orario, he would make new friends and perhaps fulfill his dream. With renewed determination, Shirou prepared himself for the challenges and adventures ahead.

Syr's POV

As Shirou followed my steps up to the second floor, I couldn't help but keep watching him. There was something incredibly intriguing about this man, something different from the other adventurers who often came to Orario. Though he smiled and spoke politely, there was a shadow of darkness behind his deep brown eyes. Like a once-sharp blade, now dulled and rusted.

I had seen many people in Orario—adventurers, merchants, even people from far-off places. But Shirou Emiya... he was a puzzle that piqued my curiosity. His soul, which should have been filled with youthful vigor, seemed tired, like a war veteran who had lost his innocence far too soon.

When I looked at him more closely, I could see invisible scars beneath the surface. He hid them well, but not from someone with trained eyes like mine. Every movement he made, the way he spoke, even the way he smiled—it was all a shield. A defense to protect himself from deeper wounds.

"What have you been through, Shirou-san?" I wondered to myself. What could have damaged a soul so deeply at such a young age?

I remembered the first time I saw him earlier today. His gaze, though gentle, carried a heavy burden. Like someone who had witnessed too much death, too much suffering. That wasn't something that time alone could heal, especially if the wounds were etched so deeply into his heart.

While he appeared calm and courteous on the surface, there was something within him that drew me in. A strange allure that made me want to know more. Would he ever open up to me? Or would he continue to keep his secrets locked away, letting the rust in his soul consume him from within?

But one thing was certain—I wanted to see what lay hidden behind that shield. Maybe not now, but someday. I wanted to understand who Shirou Emiya really was and what had shaped him into the person he had become.

When we reached the door to the room that would be his new home, I turned to him and smiled. "This is your room, Shirou-san. I hope you'll feel comfortable here."

He returned my smile with a nod, though I could see a hint of confusion in his eyes. Perhaps he was wondering why I was being so kind to him. But that wasn't something for him to worry about right now.

I knew I had to be careful. Someone like Shirou could be a danger to himself if not treated with care. Yet, beneath all the hardness and damage, I could sense something pure within him. Something that hadn't been completely lost, even though it was buried under layers of darkness and pain.

"Shirou-san," I said softly, "if you ever want to talk or need anything, don't hesitate to come to me, okay?"

He seemed surprised by my words, but then that soft smile returned to his face. "Thank you, Syr. I'll keep that in mind."

I just nodded and left him there, standing at the door of his new room. As I walked back downstairs, I couldn't stop thinking about how fascinating this man was. Shirou Emiya was a mystery, and I was determined to uncover all his secrets, little by little.

Because even though his soul seemed rusted and scarred, I was sure there was something beautiful hidden inside. Something worth discovering.