Invitation

Next morning,

Kanade slowly opened her eyes as the warmth of sunlight passed through the window. She was covered by a soft sheet which sloppily hid her beautiful naked suit.

Contrary to her pitiful and pleading look in front of her father last night, there was only a frigid calmness within her gaze right now.

She stood up in front of the mirror beside the bed. Looking at her curvaceous body, an icy smirk surfaced on her thin, charming lips.

"Pathetic. Just like those men, he's too gullible despite his cheap pride."

Her father's reaction was just like what she had imagined.

Despite being initially forced into the act as he had said last night, she was honestly not that against it nowadays.

When she saw those men lusting after her body, degrading themselves and lowering their intelligence to the level of animals, doing as they pleased to get her to 'react' according to their wishes; she felt a strange, and pleasant sense of accomplishment.

They thought they were in control, while in truth, she was the one leading them on from behind. That sight of them falling for her charm and body was truly an entertaining and enjoyable sight for her.

"Why do you even keep that scummy, brutish man around, Kanade?"

A curious voice sounded from behind Kanade.

On the bed, there was another woman who was lying around, watching Kanade with a curious look on her pretty face.

Even just by looking at her, one could tell she possessed a perfect, goddess-like beauty many men would hope for.

Her long, rose-colored hair was like a sign of her wild, and passionate desire. Her stature was fine enough that men couldn't help lavishing at the thought of having an unforgettable night with her even if they had to trade their life in exchange.

Her white warrior dress gave her a pure, valiant aura; while her gesture and the whip on her hand suggested she was quite a lustful and wicked lady. That contrast in her disposition increased her charm even further, enamoring many men who laid their eyes on her.

"I... if I just outright kill him, won't it be too cheap for that bastard father of mine? Besides, his dick still has a use– to satiate my lust."

"Ohh~ isn't that a reward for that scum instead?"

Kanade was quiet for a while. Then, with a cold, sadistic smile on her, Kanade replied to Rider,

"By letting him have his way with me, I will slowly and gradually ensnare him, making him unable to live without my body. When the time comes, if I dump him... Heh. I wonder if he would still be able to live on, or would he kill himself there and then?

"Even if he's unable to take that step, another small push should do the trick, no? After all, there would be plenty of men who would do the job given some 'incentive'."

Kanade stated lightly with a cold laugh. She dressed herself with a towel as she prepared to take shower.

She looked back toward Rider as some matter seemed to cross her mind just then. "Ah, about that mysterious gaze from yesterday, how's it? Can you know who that person is, Rider? Following me from the station until I went home... Was he some sick stalker? Yikes!"

"Nah. He was too slippery, I couldn't track him down. Besides, counter-reconnaissance is not my forte, don't expect too much about it, girl."

"....."

"What's with that look?! I am a queen, alright? That kind of odd work should be the job of my cute and brave soldiers, not me.

"And, since I couldn't keep track of that person, at least we know that that person is not a normal human. There is a high chance they are Servant too." Rider shrugged in annoyance.  

She didn't find it shameful she was unable to find out that mysterious person's identity. After all, her expertise was not in such crude works.

"...but, as expected, the Grail War is really interesting. There are lots of fine specimen around. Hey, Kanade, can I have a taste of that man once? Pretty pleasee~??"

Hearing Rider's words, Kanade appeared to smile a little as she thought of a certain young man.

She still remembered her feeling back then when she first saw him that day.

As his cold, penetrating glare looked down on her when he defeated her at that match back then... That young man easily defeated her like he was merely swatting away a pebble from his path.

That peak confidence which was bordering on arrogance...

Just remembering that scene from back then already sent a shiver down her spine.

Her face blushed red like a ripe tomato.

She really wants to see how his expression would look like when he is enamored by her charm then.

Would he still has that cold, apathetic look on his face? Or, perhaps he would show her an even more interesting expression she has yet to see.

"Nope, no can do. He IS my 'prey' after all."

"...you know, good sisters should share each other's pie, girl." Rider was slightly pouting hearing Kanade's refusal.

"Hmm. Ah, I see. Sharing is caring, isn't it?

"Then let's just go at it together! Of course, it will be after I get a bite first."

Kanade had a bolder thought now.

"Together? You mean 'that' kind of thing?"

"What else do you think?"

"You– you're really interesting, Kanade. Now, I'm even more looking forward to it. Fufu♪"

Rider was giggling lightly before she disappeared from Kanade's view, as she had turned into a spiritual form.

He seems to like a woman with a pure, gentle and graceful persona. I was sure it won't take long to take him down, but even until now...

Kanade was feeling quite annoyed at that moment.

When she was taking a bath, her mind wandered on the thought of her progress on that young man. In all these times, despite her subtle and leading advances, he still did not take a step further with her. It was as if there was always something else which prevented him from taking action further.

Does he even see me as a woman?

I bet he does! But then, why did he not take the bait...?! Is he part of the herbivore group??

Last time, I used the pitiful card, and he did look quite concerned indeed. Perhaps, should I use a bolder approach next time... 

As she thought so, Kanade had finished dressing up herself. She was already wearing Homurahara Academy uniform, and her long, raven black hair was tied neatly into ponytail style.

After she put on her glasses, she now appeared like a tall, proper young lady befitting the image of an intellectual beauty.

"Not bad."

Looking at her image on the mirror, Kanade secretly licked her lips as she felt satisfied.

But even this line up seems like not enough to take him down. Aren't you quite a troublesome one, fuu~

Half an hour later...

When Kanade had arrived at the Homurahara Academy, 

"Huh? Ryan hasn't arrived yet?"

Kanade was looking at Ryan's empty seat as she talked with one of Ryan's friend. When she glanced at the clock, at this time, Ryan should have arrived by now.

"Nah, it's the opposite actually. He arrived at early morning, just that he immediately went to the teacher's office for a while before he went back home again."

"..Oh.

"Kanade, about that time, can we.. you know, again?"

That young man whispered to Kanade with some eagerness in his voice. He looked rather excited, his eyes roved over her body as he gulped slightly.

"That– that time was only a mistake... Don't talk about that thing again, Kawasaki..."

"But, you liked it, right?"

"No– it's not like that! I like Ryan... aren't you his friend? Don't you have any shame betraying him like this?" Kanade looked angry. Though since they were still in the class, she restrained her voice so as to not attract the others' attention.

"If Ryan man up and asked you out earlier, I would have mostly given up now. But you know, isn't it a waste for you to just wait for him like this? Perhaps he would even love a girl who has more experience in this kind of 'intimacy'?"

"...no, that's nonsense–!"

"Or, do you want me to tell him the whole thing? I guess he might be in for a surprise later~"

"Y- you're really an awful man, aren't you, Kawasaki?" Kanade spoke softly with bitter look on her face. She apparently relented to his suggestion despite looking unwilling.

"Now, that's a good girl, Kanade."

With a satisfied smirk on his face, Naoto Kawasaki went back to his seat.

Meanwhile, Kanade secretly licked her lips as she had a strange light within her eyes.

"Moron."

. . .

That morning, after handing his permission slip to the school, Ryan had immediately gone back. Anyway, since he already accumulated sufficient credits and racked many achievements, Ryan decided to skip school until graduation. The school also didn't make it hard for him after he told them he needed time alone to prepare for university exam; being an overachiever had some benefits after all.

At the moment, Ryan was currently packing his necessities and experiment materials in preparation to move away. It was already the time for him to move into his own residence. His recent experience told him that sharing a house with Shirou was not enough for him.

Some time ago, Ryan had succeeded his rights over the previous Kazami house from his deceased parents. There was a little problem with his other blood-related uncle and aunt, but it was already solved with the help of some intimidation and money.

He had even finished refurbishing the Kazami house since few weeks ago. However, out of habit, Ryan still preferred to live in the Emiya residence as usual. He only stayed at Kazami house for short time before he left it alone again.

But that changed now.

He needed a place where he could do his experiment without disturbance; basically he wanted to have his own private workshop.

But, most importantly, he couldn't enjoy bringing a girl home if he still stayed in Emiya residence!

Yesterday, Ryan honestly already felt Shirou's and Sakura's presence since they stepped into the gate. However, at that time, he was already at critical moment, so he felt it was a waste to not continue the act for a short while. It would agonize him for long time if he was stopped in the middle of it back then…

There might be others who felt that experience was a thrilling event, but unfortunately, he was not such person. Since that time, Ryan really felt the need to have his own personal space.

"Do you really need to do this, Ryan?"

Shirou, dressed neatly in uniform, looked at Ryan with some confusion.

"Ah, no need to feel bad about it, Shirou. We're still gonna see each other often. Besides, it would be a waste to leave that place alone all these times. Well, I'll be back here for dinner some times, so don't shoo me away at that time, ok? Haha!"

Ryan had already packed his belonging in boxes. He was only waiting for the moving agency to carry them to Kazami house in the Shinto Town.

Shinto Town itself was still part of Fuyuki City, it was a newer district built by the local government in attempt to expand the modernization and provide more clean and sterile area. It, however, received a setback since the disaster caused by Fourth Holy Grail War had demolished around hundred buildings, thus slowing the pace of city development.

The Emiya residence itself was located in Miyama Town, it was part of the old structure of Fuyuki City. Since the these two towns were separated by Mion river in the middle, Ryan would have to expend some time for a trip back and forth, but it was not much trouble for him.

"Since you have decided, then so be it… but you can still think of this place as your home, Ryan." Shirou scratched his hair lightly.

He was caught off-guard when Ryan suddenly spoke about moving away after the celebration last night. From the looks of it, Ryan only said that to inform him, it was apparent that he had thought about the matter for some time already before he decided to talk about it.

After living together all these years, Shirou knew he could not persuade Ryan once Ryan had made up his mind. Despite looking easy-going and frivolous most of the time, his brother was actually pretty stubborn at times.

"I will go first then... don't forget to lock the door, bro!" Shirou spoke as he already walked to front door.

"…Yeah. I know."

Ryan looked at the key in his hand; that was the key for Emiya residence's.

Ryan knew it was the way Shirou saying to him that he should come back to visit often.

"Jezz… this little guy has really grown up, heh."

Knock. Knock.

Not long after Shirou left, there was a knocking sound on the front door.

'Oh, is it the moving service? They're quite fast.'

Ryan thought calmly.

However, when he opened the door, he saw someone else he was not expecting to meet.

"Pardon me, Sir, there is an invitation letter for you."

A woman with purple, neck-length hair was standing in front of the door. She was wearing formal attire, looking like a strict office lady. Although she tried to sound polite, Ryan could feel the stiffness within her voice.

"We hope you would grace your appearance at the designated date and occasion, Sir."

From the letter, Ryan could see the symbol of Clock Tower in its seal.

'Ohh…'

"Is that so? I hope this invitation will be worth my time, miss Enforcer."

With an intrigued smile on his face, Ryan looked straight at the lady in front of him, causing her to tremble slightly despite her effort.

Ryan felt his interest was piqued as he glanced at the invitation letter in his hand. Yet, what truly drew his attention was the familiar woman standing not far from residence's gate.

"What? You miss me already, lady?"

Ryan laughed lightly seeing her. The memory of yesterday's affair was still fresh on his mind.

"You wish! I am only here to make sure you don't do anything to that little girl!"

"You think I am some kind of lustful beast? Even I have my principles, lady."

"Guess your principles have gone to the drain last time. Hmph." She snorted slightly. It looked like she still held a grudge against Ryan for their previous incident.

"Well, there are times that even my principles couldn't hold candle to the call of nature." Ryan shrugged.

Isn't your principles worthless then?!

She was fuming as she thought about it.

"Well, anyway, I have received the invitation. Don't disturb me for a while, ladies, I still have some matters to do. You can go back first."

"....." After hearing what Ryan said, both women were silent as they glanced at each other. The purple-haired lady then nodded discreetly to Ryan before she walked back, dismissing herself from the place along with the assailant lady. 

Looking at the time, the moving agency should have arrived by now.

As soon as he thought so, Ryan saw there was a truck slowly neared the Emiya residence, it soon stopped near the gate as several workers soon came down from it.

"Good timing."