chapter 43
11 PM.
Shinji stepped out of the dilapidated Western-style mansion, hidden in the forest atop a hill, but didn't rush to return home.
Under the moonlight, he concealed himself and made his way unhurriedly to his school—Homurahara Academy's high school division.
…
The Matou Residence.
Just as Shinji returned home and said, "I'm back," he hadn't even closed the door before Sakura, who had been waiting at the entrance after hearing the door open, affectionately took his arm.
"Welcome back, brother."
After closing the door, Shinji turned and smiled indulgently.
"Go take a bath first, the water's already prepared."
Sakura pulled Shinji along, urging him.
"Alright."
Moments later, watching Shinji disappear at the top of the stairs, Sakura's expression once again turned dark.
A very strong woman's scent, the same as yesterday.
It must be a woman outside... no, it must be a cat that sneaks around!
Her brother was the one who cared for her the most; it was impossible for him to have another woman. It was just a cat that seduced him.
Thinking this, a silent, dark aura began to rise within Sakura.
Seeing Sakura like this, Rider revealed herself and tentatively called out, "Sakura."
"Oh," Sakura snapped out of it, covering her mouth in surprise and muttering to herself, "What was I doing just now? By the way, brother's clothes seem dirty. I need to prepare clean clothes for him after his bath."
With that, Sakura quickly went up the stairs.
After the bath, it was already past midnight.
Wearing the fresh clothes Sakura had left in the changing room, Shinji came to the living room.
"Sakura, did you take my clothes?"
Shinji asked, puzzled.
"Ah, they looked dirty, so I took them to wash."
"Dirty? But I only wore them for a day," Shinji said, scratching his head. Does my sister have a cleanliness obsession?
"Yes, very, very dirty. You probably didn't notice," Sakura said with an unusually sweet smile, "Stained with something that can't be washed out in one go (a woman's scent), but don't worry, I'll clean them thoroughly."
"Alright, maybe I really didn't notice."
Saying this, Shinji picked up the package he had left in the living room, said goodnight, and went to his room.
At his desk, under the lamp's light, Shinji frowned, one hand on his chin as if deep in thought.
At the end of Shinji's gaze was a puppet's left arm.
This arm was bought from a dollmaker Shinji happened to meet during a trip last year, at a high price, of course, in the name of the company.
If one took the time to investigate thoroughly, they could trace it back to Shinji, but at this critical moment, no one would bother.
"Though I'm not sure if I'll need it again, it's better to be prepared. If things don't work out with Bazett, I'll have to use the second plan."
With a sigh, Shinji began working meticulously, disassembling, studying, inscribing miniature magic arrays, and then reassembling.
It sounded simple, but by the time Shinji finished, it was already 3 AM.
This was his first time inscribing arrays on such intricate items, almost like a more complex and mentally exhausting version of crafting.
After reassembling the arm and placing it in a nearby box, Shinji wiped the sweat from his forehead, stood up, and sprawled on the bed.
—This should be ready for use.
At this hour, considering the situation, that expired twin-tail should be searching for the King's relics in the basement by now, right?
Shinji thought idly and soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile, in a basement of a Western-style mansion not far from Shinji's home, a twin-tailed girl, just having found a magically sealed wooden box left by her father, sneezed out of nowhere.
"Achoo!"
Rin rubbed her nose, muttering, "Why do I feel so annoyed?"
At 4 AM, Shinji woke to rustling sounds. Opening his eyes, he saw Rider standing beside him.
"I told you, on the third time, there would be punishment."
Sitting up, Shinji looked at Rider with interest. Rider remained silent, and Shinji activated the isolation barrier in the room.
When Rider felt the connection with Sakura being severed, her expression didn't change. Even when Shinji, who said he would punish her, reached out to touch her long hair, she remained emotionless.
"Forget it," Shinji sighed, releasing Rider's purple hair. "Since nothing happened, I'll let it go."
"Just a moment ago, I felt your rising desire. Why did it disappear suddenly?" Rider finally spoke.
In summary, Shinji interpreted Rider's question as—
Are you done? Just touching my hair did it? Wow, you recover fast!
Holding his head in exasperation, Shinji waved his hand to lift the barrier and said, "Do you know how much psychological damage that question causes me? That's enough, just leave."
If it weren't for Sakura being home, you'd be finished!
Rider, unmoved, continued to look at Shinji quietly.
"You've beaten me," Shinji sighed, glancing at Rider. "My mother is a magus lineage passed down since the Age of Gods. Do you know the name of the man who started it all?"
"Who?"
"The man you have a grudge against. Well, I don't want to poke at your wound. Just leave now."
Yes, a mature adult must learn to find their own... way out, not just give up!
"Thank you."
Leaving this cryptic thanks, Rider turned and left Shinji's room.
Shinji didn't know that Rider was not only curious about him but also had other questions.
After a few days of contact, Rider could keenly sense that this man seemed to be deliberately steering events toward a predetermined direction, working hard for it.
But strangely, this man showed no desire for the Holy Grail, which seemed illogical.
After careful consideration, Rider returned to Shinji's room, trying to get an answer to her puzzlement.
But she realized that this man would never reveal his true intentions to anyone at this stage.
What could be confirmed was:
This man indeed had no interest in the Holy Grail but wouldn't remain inactive in the upcoming Holy Grail War.
The reason he didn't punish her proved that he didn't entirely see her as a familiar or tool, surpassing most magi.
Detective Rider's daily analysis of Shinji ends here!