Chapter 13: Day 5 ②

“I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and accept the situation with Tohsaka—though truthfully, I haven't accepted it! But I’ll act like I have and conceded the point, because it would be a shame for a girl your age to be homeless. But tell me, who in the world is this blonde girl? You never told your big sister about this girl!”

Fuji-nee, finally freed from the state of being pinned down by Saber, pointed at her and shouted at me. Whether it was because she'd been logically defeated by Tohsaka, or because Saber had subdued her physically, her previous momentum had dwindled, and her voice was subdued.

If I'd heard these lines before she was talked down and started rampaging, I might have respected her as an understanding big sister figure, but hearing it now just sounds like a sore loser's complaint. Also, I think it's bad form for a grown-up to point a finger at someone.

Seeing Tohsaka after Fuji-nee's question, she gave me a knowing look. It seemed like this was my cue to explain.

Even if I had to explain, my mouth doesn't run as smoothly as Tohsaka's. I thought about it for a bit, but the only thing I could come up with was linking her to the person whose purpose for leaving the country was unknown.

“...Ah, well, she's the daughter of an acquaintance of Dad's from abroad, apparently. She came to Japan relying on Dad, but it seems she hadn't secured lodging. I couldn't just leave her out on the street, could I?”

“Kiritsugu's? He certainly seemed to have a lot of acquaintances overseas.”

I tried to explain as naturally as possible, but I wondered how the listener was taking it. I glanced over at Tohsaka, who was glaring at me with an anxious look. Fortunately, Fuji-nee’s reaction was normal, so I guess it went okay this time, but it seems I don't have the talent for telling lies without getting caught.

“...Huh?”

After finishing her sentence, Fuji-nee stared blankly toward the kitchen. Following her gaze, I saw Archer returning, wiping her hands on an apron. Putting aside the fact that she was using my apron, she must have been washing the cooking utensils until now. I need to thank her later.

“Um, are they maybe twins?”

“Ah, yes. I forgot to mention it.”

“Hmm, they're beautiful girls. So, that's why they're here. I see, I see.”

During this time, Archer sat down next to Saber and whispered something to her. Looking at them like this, it's like watching a pair of close twins. Although their personalities are different, their aura and manner of speaking are similar, and when I think about it that way, the idea of them being twins, even if they aren't completely identical, feels quite fitting.

“So, what are your names?”

Fuji-nee, nodding as she received the full explanation, seemed satisfied and asked Saber and Archer themselves.

Of the two who had been talking, Saber quietly stepped forward in front of Fuji-nee.

“My name is Lia. Those who are close to me call me Saber.”

“...Huh?”

An unexpected phrase came from Saber's mouth. I couldn't help but widen my eyes and stare at her. As I stood dumbfounded, Archer stood beside her.

“I am Alto. Likewise, those who are close to me call me Archer.”

And she followed in the same tone, saying the same thing.

...Wait, 'Lia' and 'Alto'? I've never heard those names from them, so are those their true names?

I thought they would introduce themselves as Saber and Archer... but no, come to think of it, those aren't suitable as names. While Saber alone might be okay, if Archer is also present, most people would probably tilt their heads and wonder if they were code names or pseudonyms.

Since Fuji-nee is an English teacher, maybe that helped? Although, whether such consideration is necessary when dealing with Fuji-nee is another matter.

Thinking this was Tohsaka's idea, I looked over and saw the tea in her hand was frozen mid-air. She was completely rigid, stuck in the motion of bringing the cup to her mouth. Judging by her surprise, it seemed Tohsaka hadn't been informed either.

“Lia-chan and Alto-chan, is it? You two really look alike! Since 'Saber-chan' and 'Archer-chan' aren't cute, shall we call you Lia-chan and Alto-chan?”

“That is fine.”

“I am Fujimura Taiga. And I'm Shiro's big sister figure!”

“Is that so? We look forward to your guidance.”

I could only watch in silence as the two gave perfectly synchronized replies, unable to keep up with the conversation.

No, but seriously, it's amazing. Hearing them speak the same words in unison like this makes it feel like watching a performance.

...Also, as her younger figure, it's embarrassing that Fuji-nee's way of speaking sounds younger than theirs.

“Alright, alright, so what did Lia-chan and the others come to Japan for?”

Fuji-nee tilted her head and smiled as she asked, holding up her index finger. It seemed she was trying to act like a supportive big sister, but I was frantically trying to think of a way out.

I didn't think Saber would be able to answer that question well. I needed to step in and cover for her... but nothing came to mind, so I sent a glance toward Tohsaka. We communicated with just our eyes. She seemed to have understood and nodded.

“Fujimura-sensei, they are—”

“To protect Shiro from all enemies. Kiritsugu told us as much.”

Saber cut off Tohsaka's attempted cover, answering directly. At Saber's words, the movements of Fuji-nee and Sakura froze. I was left completely to observe the unfolding situation.

It seems that for Saber, having the quick wit to handle a situation like this was no trouble at all. And she is clearly a better speaker than I am. Even though I know the full story, she made it sound as if Saber and Dad knew each other.

“—Um, wasn't it for sightseeing?”

“That is certainly part of it.”

Fuji-nee dropped the condescending smile she had been wearing, placed an index finger on her temple, and started to groan, muttering, "Hmmmm."

“...If you say you're going to protect him, I suppose you're confident in your skills? Lia-chan, can you do Kendo?”

“I am not called by the name Saber for nothing.”

Fuji-nee’s tone, which had been friendly just a moment ago, suddenly became defiant and challenging. ...Why is this happening?

Saber, on the other hand, was clearly not intending to back down when the topic turned to swordsmanship, easily accepting the obvious provocation and putting on a battle-ready smile.

This looks like it’s going to turn into a bad situation. Or maybe it already has.

“Fuji-nee, stop it. It’s morning, and we don’t have time. Hey, isn’t it almost time we need to leave for school?”

I stepped between Saber and Fuji-nee, facing them to try and stop them, but Fuji-nee ignored me, shifting her gaze away from Saber. Her eyes landed on Archer.

“Your name was ‘Archer,’ Alto-chan, wasn't it?”

“...? Yes.”

“In that case, is it safe to assume you’re skilled in Kyudo (Japanese Archery)?”

“It is a heterodox path to call it Kyudo, but I am proficient to a certain extent.”

Oh no! Now she's targeting Archer! Fuji-nee and Archer’s exchange continued before I could stop them.

“In that case, would you mind coming with us to school now?”

“I have nothing else to do while Shiro and Rin are at school, so I don't mind.”

Is Fuji-nee planning to make Archer shoot an arrow at the archery range?

Wait, wait! I know both Saber and Archer are incredibly skilled in swordsmanship, but that doesn't guarantee the same for archery.

I heard that Saber, being a Heroic Spirit, only has aptitude for Saber. I don't think she's completely unskilled, but Western archery and Japanese Kyudo are different things in the first place. Relying on the assumption that she’s an Archer (Bowman) is overly optimistic.

More importantly, Fuji-nee, bringing an outsider onto school grounds is an abuse of authority and mixing professional with private affairs. Is that okay for a teacher? Is Homurahara Academy going to be alright?

“Well, Shiro. Let's hurry and eat breakfast.”

At this point, Fuji-nee's mind probably won't change. Even if Archer can't shoot, I think Saber will be able to defeat her in Kendo, so things might work out. But if that happens, the story will get complicated again.

For now, there is nothing more I can do. I can only pray that Archer has excellent archery skills so the conversation can end easily.

Whatever happens, happens, I thought, shoveling the rice from my bowl.

After breakfast, we all left the Emiya residence at the time Sakura usually leaves. Fuji-nee had things she needed to do as a teacher and headed off to school ahead of us.

While walking to school, we were drawing a lot of attention, despite it being early and having few students around. Walking to school surrounded by the four beautiful girls—Sakura, Tohsaka, Saber, and Archer—would draw eyes no matter what. Looking at the situation, I was buried in a field of flowers, not just 'a flower in each hand.' While others might envy me, being surrounded like this actually makes me feel self-conscious.

Saber and Tohsaka formed a group and were talking in hushed tones. Perhaps some kind of magic was at work, as I could barely hear their voices. Judging by their serious expressions, it was likely related to the Holy Grail War.

The remaining women, Sakura and Archer, walked side-by-side, seemingly engrossed in a discussion about cooking, specifically about Western recipes and techniques.

I was inevitably left out, walking alone, sandwiched between the two groups.

“Matou.”

“...Yes, Tohsaka-senpai.”

We were about halfway along the school route when Tohsaka suddenly spoke to Sakura.

At Tohsaka's call, the smile on Sakura's face from her cooking conversation with Archer stiffened.

“You don't need to come to Emiya-kun's house anymore from now on.”

“—Huh?”

Sakura asked back, sounding like she didn't understand what had been said.

I immediately realized the reason. It's true that if she hangs around my house, she might get caught up in Servant battles. I'm a participant in this war. It would be much safer for Sakura not to come over for a while. If I were to ever involve Sakura in something so bloody, I would regret it forever.

“We are here, so you don't need to be here, nor do you need to look after Emiya-kun.”

She wasn't wrong. Come to think of it, that is the correct solution, but still, Tohsaka. Isn't that too blunt a way to put it?

“...Senpai, am I in the way for you too?”

After a moment of silence, Sakura finally spoke, forcing the question out of the back of her throat, looking determinedly at me. Her intense expression and gaze made me straighten my posture.

“I have never thought of you as being in the way, Sakura. But I think it's better if you don't come over for a while.”

“—If that is what Senpai says.”

After that, Sakura looked down and fell silent. Had I hurt her feelings? I couldn't tell.

...Afterward, no one spoke, and we arrived at school just as we were.

“Oooooohhh...”

The sound of a bullseye echoed through the quiet dojo. After the sound, the dojo filled with voices that sounded like a collective sigh.

“...Phew. Has that satisfied you?”

Archer, emerging from her zanshin (follow-through), asked Fuji-nee with a faint smile. Her posture and demeanor were flawless. There was nothing to criticize.

Archer was wearing a Kyudo uniform, which she had borrowed as a spare from Mitsuzuri. Despite her blonde hair, the Kyudo uniform looked stunningly good on her. It even seemed to emit a sense of modesty and sacredness, like that of a woman involved in Shinto rites.

After arriving at school, we headed to the dojo, where Fuji-nee was waiting. She immediately blurted out to Archer, "Try shooting at that target."

I thought a simple explanation was probably warranted, but now I realize it wasn't necessary.

The result was astonishing. She shot eight arrows, and every one was a bullseye (Kaichū). All the arrows were drawn right into the center of the target.

“Uuugh! It's not over yet! Kyudo is no good in close combat, after all! We'll have a match in Kendo tonight!!”

Fuji-nee pointed a finger directly at Saber and declared this before rushing out of the dojo. I feel like her eyes were teary—what could be driving her so hard?

Tohsaka and I, who were sitting seiza (kneeling) beside Saber, watched Fuji-nee’s retreating figure.

I guess she had nothing left to say regarding Kyudo to Archer. She probably intended to say that if Archer was worse than me, she wasn't needed, but as mentioned earlier, there was nothing to fault.

She’s going to be thoroughly crushed tonight. And this time, in her own specialty. Poor Fuji-nee.

After Fuji-nee left, everyone's eyes naturally gathered on Archer.

Holding the Wakyū (Japanese bow) at chest level, Archer looked around, wondering what was happening, perplexed by the strange atmosphere.

“Emiya, who is this girl? Is she transferring to this school?”

Mitsuzuri, who hadn't turned her attention to Archer, grabbed my shoulder and asked with great intensity. I couldn't tell if she was acknowledging a rival or trying to recruit a new club member, but her forcefulness was undeniable.

I guess I have no choice but to answer in this situation... This whole mess is all that reckless tiger's fault.

“This is Arc... Alto. She's not planning to transfer to this school. She and this girl, Lia, are apparently twins.”

I answered what she asked first. The Kyudo members' interest also shifted to Lia, who was mentioned in the same breath. In no time, the two were surrounded by Kyudo club members.

“So, how do you know her, Emiya?”

“Ah, she's apparently the daughter of one of my dad's acquaintances. She came to me relying on Dad.”

“—Huh. But she's good. The way there wasn't a hint of disorder from her Yugamae (preparing to shoot) to her Shagyo (shooting form) made me feel like I was watching you, Emiya. I'd say she's your equal in terms of shooting?”

“Ah, yeah, maybe.”

Archer’s shooting, the eight stages of shooting (Shaho Hassetsu) from the Ashibumi (footing) to the Zanshin (remaining form), was like a complete work of art.

I’ve never watched my own shooting from the side, but this was the first time I felt the same certainty of hitting (bullseye) before another person shot, that I usually feel before shooting myself.

I never imagined Archer could shoot so magnificently—Kyudo doesn't just focus on the result of hitting the target; what's important is the posture and, furthermore, the inner self. Archer seemed to know that the purpose is the spiritual discipline cultivated through the series of actions.

While it feels strange that Archer, who must be a foreign Heroic Spirit, can shoot a Japanese bow, the fact that she can means that's just how it is.

By the way, in that sense, my Kyudo is heterodox (Jadō). ...Watching Archer's shot, it doesn't feel like it can miss. Speaking of which, didn't she also say that her way was heterodox?

Perhaps, as Mitsuzuri said, Archer and I are equals, or rather, the exact same kind of heterodox.

Archer, the subject of the conversation, and Saber, who looks identical, were completely overwhelmed by the female members of the Kyudo club.

Perhaps because they look younger than the members, they were being asked questions, having their hands and hair touched, and even hugged, much like a pet.

“So, where are you two staying? Should I show you around town? Emiya probably doesn't know any decent places, right?”

Shinji, who was rarely at morning practice, pushed his way through the female members and smiled at the two. Naturally, the attention of everyone in the dojo focused on the two who were questioned.

“No, thank you. I must remain by Shiro's side. I am familiar with the town's structure, and I am lodging in Shiro's house, so that won't be necessary.”

The previously bustling dojo went silent. Shinji, who asked the question, remained frozen with a fixed smile.

...I feel like this is causing a huge misunderstanding.

“Lia-chan is staying at Emiya's house, so Alto-chan is too? And wait, Emiya, didn't you live alone?”

Mitsuzuri cautiously asked Archer, then glared intensely at me.

All I could do was send a message to Archer with my thoughts, pleading with her not to say anything reckless. Just to be clear, I unfortunately do not possess abilities like telepathy.

“Yes. Shiro has been looking after me in many ways. I'm sleeping in the detached room, which has a lock, so I have no inconveniences whatsoever.”

Archer smiled sweetly at me. She understood what I was trying to convey.

Since the situation wouldn't get any worse for the time being, I sighed in relief. —Even so, Archer's outfit and smile are unfair.

“Well, I suppose so. I didn't think Emiya had the guts for anything else.”

“Uh, well, Fuji-nee has left, so we should go too!”

All I could do now was retreat before any more secrets spilled out.

I thanked Mitsuzuri, who was laughing heartily, and led Archer and Saber toward the exit.

“Shinji, sorry for the commotion.”

“Ah, Emiya!”

I called out to the still-frozen Shinji, shook off Mitsuzuri's voice, and stepped outside. I walked out, holding their hands, and tried to calm my breathing.

“Honestly, Fuji-nee is a handful.”

“Shiro.”

“Hm? What is it, Archer?”

“I am still in the Kyudo uniform.”

“...Oh, sorry.”

...In the end, Tohsaka came out later with Archer's clothes, so she changed into those, and I decided to return the borrowed Kyudo uniform to Mitsuzuri later.

I didn't have the courage to go back into the dojo after that. I didn't know what questions I'd be interrogated with in that atmosphere.

Emiya Shiro, who had already quit the Kyudo club, was already a nuisance for showing up regularly, and causing such a fuss would certainly not please those around us.

“Haa. ...Well, then.”

According to Tohsaka, a boundary field is about to be deployed at the school. Until we find it, we can't deal with it.

I watched Saber and Archer head back to the house and began walking toward the main school building.