Chapter 20: Day 6 ④

"By the way, why are you here, Illya?"

Shirou, who had already finished the taiyaki he had just bought, asked Illya, who was nibbling on hers while swinging her legs gleefully on the bench.

Incidentally, I had just received permission from Shirou and was stuffing a second one in my mouth. Even the second one didn't bore me at all. As expected of Edomae-ya.

"Why? I'm just out for a walk."

Illya swallowed the taiyaki in her mouth properly before answering Shirou's question. Perhaps the amount she could take in one mouthful was small, as she still had about a quarter of the taiyaki left in her hand.

"Oh, a walk. This area is lively with a shopping street, even if it's not quite the New Town. Ah, speaking of which, you didn't live in Japan, did you, Illya? Are you staying in a hotel or something?"

"No, I moved here. You see that forest outside of town? There's a castle there."

"There is a forest that's private property, but, uh, a castle...?"

"That's right. We went to the trouble of moving the entire castle over here."

In response to Illya, who spoke proudly, Shirou frowned and looked up at the sky. He probably couldn't imagine what she meant by just "castle."

"I don't really get it, but it's a huge house, anyway?"

"Yeah! It's super-duper big!"

Saying this, Illya spread her arms wide, trying her best to express the castle's size with her whole body.

The sight was lovely and childlike, but Shirou seemed worried about the content of her story, and his expression clouded over with concern for Illya.

"You're not living alone, are you?"

"Why would I be? I have Berserker, and Leysritt and Sella are here too, so I'm not alone."

"I see. That's good then."

Shirou visibly sighed in relief, pressing a hand to his chest. Illya, in turn, looked at Shirou with a puzzled tilt of her head.

"Hey, Alto. I don't really understand what Shirou is saying."

As soon as she seemed to have swallowed her taiyaki, Illya asked me. How was it when I met Illya and heard the same story? Ah, right.

"Shirou is worried about you. He's concerned that you might be lonely, having moved into a big house all by yourself."

"A-Alto!"

Hearing Shirou's flustered voice, I blinked several times. Was that unnecessary? But, well, I only answered what she asked, and it's not like it's something that needs to be hidden.

"...Hmmmm."

Illya stared intently at the panicking Shirou. After looking at him strangely for a while, my comment and Shirou's attitude seemed to bring understanding, and she smiled.

"Shirou is kind of warm."

"Whoa!"

With that bright smile, Illya leaned towards Shirou and hugged his arm.

Shirou supported her shoulder with his free right hand to keep her from falling, and he seemed to soften his expression at her childlike action. But then, he glanced at me and looked panicked.

Indeed, Lia would have yelled, "Ilyasviel, get away from him!" But since I know there's no danger to Illya, I won't stop her, especially not during the day.

I smiled at Shirou to reassure him. Seeing this, Shirou inexplicably broke out in a sweat and looked confused. Illya, still clinging to Shirou's arm, was staring hard at my face, so intently that an onomatopoeia would have fitted.

"Somehow, Alto, you're like Shirou."

"—Eh!?"

Illya suddenly blurted this out.

"No, wait, Illya. Comparing me to her is rude to Alto. Look, if you say 'alike,' you must mean Lia, right?"

"Mmm-mm. That's not it. Not the face or the appearance, but the way you laugh, or your casual gestures."

I met Shirou's eyes as he glanced nervously at me, clearly gauging my reaction. My thoughts, which had stopped for a moment at the sudden comment, hastily started moving again.

"T-That is absolutely impossible! The notion that Shirou resembles me is absurd and should never—"

Damn it. Last time it was Lia, and now it's Illya!?

I thought I was acting like Saber even in my laughter and gestures, yet was my imitation so poor that Illya noticed it after only ten minutes of meeting me?

Illya chuckled in front of me as I desperately tried to explain myself.

"Oh dear, see? Shirou looks hurt because you denied it so flatly."

Agh!? Shirou was slumped over in dejection!

"Sh-Shirou! That's not what I meant! It was a figure of speech, or rather—"

It's true that I would be hurt if Saber flatly rejected me. But what am I supposed to do about it now!

"Ah, Berserker's waking up."

Illya, who had been laughing at the sight of me panicking and Shirou looking dejected, suddenly stood up, looked into the distance, and murmured to herself.

Neither Shirou nor I could react to the sudden change in Illya, and we could only stare at her.

"Big brother, let's talk again next time then. Thanks for the taiyaki."

While we stood there in a daze, Illya ran off, exiting the park. Without doing anything, we simply watched Illya leave, and Shirou and I were left behind on the bench.

"What was that?"

"...I don't know."

Having had the wind knocked out of us, we sat on the bench for a while, spaced out.

After finishing my taiyaki, I threw the paper bag into the park's trash can and started walking home. My steps felt somewhat lighter than on the way out.

—Ah, right.

"Shirou."

"What is it?"

"There's something I'm a bit concerned about, and I would like us to stop by a place."

"Alright. As long as it's not too far out of the way."

"In that case."

I rarely get to go out, so I have to take this opportunity to run my errand.

I turned off the path we were on and into a side street. After walking for a few minutes, we arrived at the stairs leading up to Ryudou Temple.

The stairs were quite steep, and the temple beyond no longer bore any trace of what was called an "Fallen Leyline"; everything was faded and decayed. From the perspective of spiritual or life energy, it was like a monochromatic photograph.

As we got closer, I felt a strong, vibrating sense of pressure emanating from Ryudou Temple, as if it were rejecting me.

...This must be the Bounded Field said to be laid over Ryudou Temple. I now understood why Saber called it a demon's gate for Servants. It was considerably powerful. A Servant who carelessly tried to touch it would surely be repelled. Moreover, despite the Leyline being decayed, not a single flaw could be seen in the Bounded Field itself.

Since Shinji hadn't provided any information, neither Rin nor Shirou knew Caster's location. I wondered if Caster's base might have changed because of my presence, but the Servant's presence was still coming from Ryudou Temple. It seemed Caster had made her base at Ryudou Temple this time as well.

"What's wrong, Alto? Uh, this is Ryudou Temple... is something here?"

"Yes. I can sense a Servant's presence from the structure up there."

"Is that true!?"

"Yes. This mountain collects the life energy from all over the town. The enormous amount of magical energy I can sense from this distance, and the magical knowledge capable of manipulating the life energy—this is a guess, but it must be Caster. Even if the Master changed the flow, I don't think they could deplete the magical energy this much. Furthermore, there is a faint presence from the gate as well. Due to the weakness of the presence, it might even be Assassin."

"Depleted..."

"They probably over-drew from it. This kind of land should be overflowing with life energy. However, almost none of it can be sensed now."

Incidentally, I noted internally that I wasn't actually sensing Assassin's presence, perhaps due to his characteristics as a Servant, or my own thin presence as an irregularity. I couldn't sense Assassin's presence even when concentrating my mind.

However, if Caster was summoned, Assassin should be summoned as well. Since I said "maybe," it wouldn't be a problem if he wasn't there.

"Could the temple's people be the Master? If so, Issei might be in danger."

"Shirou, let's return home for now. Talking about this only among ourselves won't help us deal with it. We should definitely consult with Rin."

"Ah, you're right. Let's hurry back."

We turned around and quickly headed for the Emiya residence. We were running the whole way back to get there as fast as possible, but I was struggling to keep up with Shirou.

The packages in my hands were a nuisance, but more than that, my short skirt occupied my mind, making it hard to run properly. With the hem threatening to flip up in the wind, taking large strides was the most I could manage. Even that was a decent speed, but skirts are really inconvenient after all.

"I see. So, there's a Master at Ryudou Temple."

"Yes, there's almost certainly no mistake."

When we hurriedly returned home, Rin and Lia were sipping green tea. The combination of these two and green tea somehow felt quite out of place...

Well, that aside, Shirou and I, who had rushed back, immediately finished reporting the matter of Ryudou Temple to Rin and Lia.

"As Alto says—that land is a place where life energy gathers. It's an Fallen Leyline. There is no place more suitable as a base."

Lia, who was listening nearby, spoke as if remembering, supplementing our explanation. It was Rin who opened her eyes wide upon hearing it.

"Huh? I thought the Tohsaka house was the Fallen Leyline?"

"I am not privy to the details, but that land should have been fully functional."

"...How do you know that, Lia?"

"Did I not mention it? I was summoned to this land once before."

"Summoned to this land? What kind of probability is that!—Then, is this not the first time Alto has been summoned to this land either?"

"Yes."

I nodded quietly. It was more like the era I lived in than being summoned, but I couldn't say that.

No, since I'm here like this, I don't really feel like I ever died in the first place.

"Hah. Seriously, you two, do you have some kind of karma with this land?"

Rin slumped onto the table, exhausted.

Certainly, participating in the Holy Grail War multiple times must be an incredible probability, though I don't know the specifics. Well, I, the one who was summoned, don't really understand it myself.

Anyway, since Rin seemed to have calmed down, I should continue the discussion. I need to fully convey information about the enemy territory to Rin and Shirou, or else their future judgments might become uncertain.

"Let's get back to the topic. Ryudou Temple, despite being a place where life energy gathers, had its spiritual energy depleted. The word 'dead ground' is perhaps most appropriate for that place right now."

At my words, Lia's expression momentarily turned suspicious. Then it immediately became tense.

Saber knew the land was sacred. Lia must know it too. The fact that she reacted like this meant she simply couldn't believe it.

Even I could recognize that it was a place where spiritual energy used to gather. It must have been a rich land before.

"Even so, why are so many Masters concentrated here? Me, Shirou, Shinji, and one at Ryudou-kun's temple. Too many people related to the school!"

Rin fumed at something, saying, "Oh, come on!" She seemed agitated for a while, but then she calmed down. She straightened her posture, looked around at everyone present, and finally turned to Shirou.

"Now then, based on the current information, what should we do next? Emiya-kun, what are your thoughts?"

Faced with Rin's serious eyes, Shirou thought for a while before opening his mouth.

"Well, about the Master at Ryudou Temple, I think we shouldn't make a move yet. We should observe as long as we don't know the opponent's true identity.

"Shirou, are you not planning to fight!?"

"No, that's not it. I thought we should gather information rather than launch an attack against an uncertain enemy. It's true that we might manage with Lia and Alto, but the opponent isn't foolish. They must have set up a trap."

"With the act of depleting the Leyline, the Master's Servant is undoubtedly Caster. All the more reason, since we both have Magic Resistance, Caster is by no means a powerful foe! Furthermore, no matter what traps are set, we will not be caught off guard! We should launch an attack tonight!"

I felt a sense of déjà vu watching Lia challenge Shirou. —Ah, that's right. I recall having a similar argument last time.

At that time, we didn't know it was Caster just from the information that a Servant was there, but Saber and I clashed in opinions just like now. And in the end, Saber charged in alone in the middle of the night.

"But that doesn't mean we're guaranteed to win without getting hurt, does it?"

"Shirou, are you intending to acquire the Holy Grail without a single scratch!?"

Lia slammed both hands on the table. The teacups on it tilted from the vibration and then returned to place.

Lia seemed quite heated up now that she knew an enemy was present.

"That's not right. I'm not thinking about anything that convenient. It's just that it's Lia and Alto who will be fighting."

"What is the problem with that! If you have something to say, say it clearly!"

"If I get hurt by participating in the Holy Grail War, that's fine. I think it's inevitable as long as I have the will to participate. But even so, I hate the thought of girls like Lia and Alto fighting and getting hurt!"

Lia stood stunned and gaping. She seemed unable to comprehend what was said, and her movements stopped for several seconds.

Rin, who was listening next to them, covered her face with her hands and turned away. But her shoulders were trembling, and it was obvious she was laughing.

"T-Those words are an insult to us! We are Knights! Withdraw your words!!"

"I heard you're a Knight, and I know it! But that doesn't change the fact that you're a girl!"

Lia was furious, her face flushed red. However, Shirou didn't back down either. The argument, where their opinions didn't align, became needlessly heated as it changed direction.

As for me, I could only avert my eyes and sit quietly, shrinking back. Well, Lia somehow started including me as a Knight, but of course, I have no such past. I'm not a noble Knight that can be grouped with Lia, but I can't openly state that, which makes me feel awkward.

"Both of you, calm down a little!"

Rin, whose laughter had subsided, intervened, unable to bear the sight. The two stopped arguing and fell silent, but Lia was looking at Shirou with cold eyes, and Shirou was resolutely not looking away.

"Hah. Honestly. ...So, Alto. What do you think? I'd like to hear everyone's opinion, just in case."

The gazes of the two who were glaring at each other focused on me. Both seemed to be anticipating my opinion, and I could feel strange thoughts like "Naturally, he agrees with me" or "Alto is different from Lia."

Now, what should I do? Recalling the previous war, I first considered what would happen if we attacked Ryudou Temple.

First, there's one obstacle before actually fighting Caster. We have to figure out how to deal with it. It's the Assassin who's likely at the gate. We haven't confirmed his presence this time, but we should assume he's there.

Regarding Assassin's combat ability, he reportedly pushed Saber back with sword skills alone. He possessed nothing like a Noble Phantasm, yet he fought on equal terms or even better than Saber. If that was the case for Saber, it might be difficult for me, Saber's imitator, to even engage him in combat.

However, we have two Servants. One could fight Assassin while the other three bypass the main gate. Even if that one were me, with Saber's physical abilities, I should be able to stall him.

As Lia said, both she and I would be at an advantage against Caster due to our compatibility, and with Rin's support, I don't think we would be at a disadvantage.

But—

"I believe we should wait for now."

The moment I said it, Lia looked at me in disbelief. She looked ready to loudly object at any moment.

"—The reason?"

Rin held Lia back with her hand and questioned me. Without her, the discussion would surely have fallen apart.

"One is the strange presence near the gate. The possibility of a second Servant—likely Assassin—being there. The other is the terrain advantage. Traps may be set, and they may not necessarily be aimed at us. These two points raise the possibility of the Masters, Rin and Shirou, being harmed. Additionally, and this is the most important reason: I believe we should prioritize the School Barrier. We still haven't grasped the true identity of the Servant who set the barrier, but that Servant is a definite enemy. If we become unable to exert our full strength due to fighting Caster, and the School Barrier activates, we will be forced to react defensively. Furthermore, in that gap, we might not be able to protect our Masters if Berserker attacks. Therefore, shouldn't we eliminate the enemy that is surely approaching first? Caster can wait until after that, can't she?"

I don't think Berserker will attack immediately, but there's no need to say that out loud. I have an unspoken agreement with Shirou to keep the meeting with Illya a secret.

Besides, the Holy Grail War is already deviating from the one I know. It's better to conserve our combat strength to handle unforeseen circumstances.

It's true that Issei and the others are a concern, but the school is clearly more serious. It's frustrating to know danger is approaching and not be able to act, but if we don't do this, we might not be able to save the students at the school.

"...I see. Alto seems to be the most level-headed. The alliance was only supposed to last until we defeat Berserker, but there's no point in getting defeated by pushing too hard here. Regardless of whether we cooperate when defeating Caster, I agree with Alto's opinion for now. —Besides, Lia said she wanted to go tonight, but tonight will surely be impossible."

"Rin, why is that?"

Lia seemed to have accepted it for now, and she asked Rin calmly.

"Just a little something. I have to teach your Master some magecraft."

Rin looked somewhat subdued. I feel like I've seen Rin make that face before. Uh... I think Tohsaka looked like this after the previous war's Berserker fight.

I realized. Ah, right. She's going to create the Switch. Indeed, if she does that, Shirou will be out of commission for the whole day, and Rin will use jewels, which will be a not-insignificant financial loss.

Tohsaka's opinion was that they're meaningless if you don't use them when needed, but it seems she hasn't completely detached herself from the cost.

"—I understand. Although I am somewhat unconvinced, Alto's opinion was certainly to the point. I may have been a bit too short-sighted myself. ...By the way, I forgot to ask, what were you two doing until this late hour?"

I remember it was already past two when we arrived home. It was because we were talking with Illya in the park. Looking at the wall clock now, it was half-past three. Just in time for a snack.

"We just bought some taiyaki."

"Taiyaki? Was that the fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste?"

"Ah, yes. That's right. I bought taiyaki for you two as well. Want some?"

"Yes. I knew of their existence, but I have never tasted one. How interesting."

"Yeah, I feel like something sweet right now too."

Lia jumped at the offer. She said she was "interested," but it was probably just a pretense. Her body was leaning forward slightly.

Rin seemed to want one too. It was quite rare for her, as she usually avoids snacking due to her weight.

Now, where's the paper bag with the taiyaki...? —Wait, what? Ah, yes. Maybe, or rather, definitely.

"In that case, Alto, the taiyaki—"

"...I forgot to buy them."

"Eh?" "Eh?"

"Ah, right. I remember thinking I needed to buy more on the way back, and then—"

Shirou finally realized it too.

"Shirou? You're not saying there are no taiyaki, are you? That would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?"

"No, I'm sorry. I completely forgot—"

"You're not saying there are no taiyaki, are you?"

Lia approached Shirou with a fixed smile. Why did she repeat the question even though Shirou had answered? She must have heard him; it was terrifying.

"Emiya-kun. So, you bought some for Alto but not for us, is that it?"

While Lia was focused on Shirou, Rin started questioning him now. I felt like the argument was straying from the original point.

"W-Why am I the only one being attacked!? Alto is the one who ate your extra shares in the first place!"

"Sh-Shirou!?"

You sold me out! You're saying that here! Damn you! Traitor!

"Ohhh, so Alto ate our share..."

"Alto, I look forward to seeing how you plan to atone for this. Fufu."

A red devil and a hungry lion were closing in on me. Behind me was a wall. There was no retreat. Actually, even without a wall, I don't know how to escape these two.

A few minutes later, I was running at full speed towards the house with a bag containing several taiyaki.

I had absolutely no time to worry about the hem of my skirt like I did earlier.