The drive wasn't too eventful. No one talked much, which Shirou didn't mind too much. Illya would stare out the window, and Sella would robotically drive. Once they reached the outskirts of the forest, Shirou was relieved. There would be no more awkwardness, at least for now. Shirou looked at the forest, remembering everything that transpired. At least this time he wouldn't be fighting for his life.

"Shirou, let's go," Illya said, walking ahead of the others. Liz began walking, and so did he. As they continued to trek their way through the vast forest, Shirou noticed the oddity. The part of the forest unlike the rest. The area had a large crater on the ground. Remnants of the battle that took place, that wouldn't be healed soon. Maybe it would never fully heal.

"Shirou must walk. No time staring at ground." Liz called out to the boy. He was deep in reminiscence over past events, not acknowledging the voice. That was until someone tugged at his sleeve.

"Shirou, come on." The boy snapped out of his trance at the girl's voice. He nodded his head, continuing the journey. It took a while, but they made it to the castle. It was in pristine condition, not a spec of damage on the outside. It was still a beautiful structure, a marvel that remained undetected by the masses. It stood out from the rest of Fuyuki, for all the right reasons. Shirou quickly followed behind, entering the main hall. As he approached, he heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Leysritt and Milady." She darted her eyes over to the unknown presence. Shirou arrived, getting in the woman's line of sight. She gawked at the foreigner's appearance.

"Leysritt, what's he doing here? You explicitly said you were picking up milady!"

"Lied." Liz bluntly said, in her emotionless voice. The woman known as Sella turned to Illya.

"Milady, is it wise to bring him here? You shouldn't be okay with bringing outsiders here." Illya shrugged at this notion, indifferent to the entire thing.

"Shirou isn't an outsider, Sella. He's family, and besides he's been here already. There's nothing to hide from him."

"Sella lost, 2-1."'

"Hmph, I see you told the ruffian about your past. Very well, I'll tolerate Emiya-sama if Milady accepts his presence."

"Thank you, Sella."

"Sella, don't be mad, Shirou good."

"Will see about that. Come, Lessyritt, we'll make lunch for Milday and Emiya-Sama." She said the "Emiya-sama" with clear disdain. As the two maids headed to the kitchen, the siblings were left to themselves. Illya stared on, looking at the main hall.

"So, your maids sure are...interesting." Shirou tried to break the silence, but Illya was unphased. Like Shirou in the forest, she was reminiscing on a particular event. No, a specific sentence said that day. She didn't think much about it before, but with Shirou here, how could she not?

"You're still so merciless, Illya."

The red knight who she hated. She hated that he wouldn't die, despite her Berserker's strength. His existence was an enigma, and yet he called her Illya. Not Illyasviel like the rest, just Illya. Once she absorbed his soul, it became clear who exactly he was. In her immediate frustration after the long battle, she didn't care. It then dawned on her later, when her mind was clear. What once was hatred, turned into something she couldn't describe.

"Hey, Illya? Are you okay? You are zoning out more than I did in the forest." She turned to the boy, looking him over. She hoped his hair would never turn white and remain their bright red. His skin changes due to over-exertion. His bright gold eyes changed into soulless silver ones. Maybe it would be right to tell Shirou about him. To tell him not to over-exert himself for his dream. That would wait for now, maybe another day.

"It's nothing, Shirou. I was thinking about the past." She put on a smile, making it as sincere as she could. Shirou looked at her, not completely convinced by her words. He recognized something even she failed to notice.

"If you say so. Anyway, how did you repair the castle so fast? You said you would tell me once we got here."

"Sella and Liz did it."

"How?"

"I don't know, they did it. If you want more details, ask them."

"I don't think I should disturb them. Especially Sella, she wouldn't like it."

"Oh? Are you sure you aren't scared? Is Shirou afraid of Sella?" She deviously smiled at the boy.

"No, they're working in the kitchen. I don't want to disturb them." The girl was still deviously smiling, much to his annoyance. "Illya, I'm not scared." The smile was still plastered on her face. "Okay, you can stop now." Illya relented, before taking his arm.

"Come on! She took him up the stairs, catching Shirou off guard.

"Hey, Illya, slow down! We might trip! The girl didn't take any notice, continuing her fast pace. They got up the stairs and went down the corridor. Then, they reached a big door, leading to the outside. Illya turned to him.

"I'm going to get the boring place out of the way. Don't get too excited, okay?" The girl gently opened the door, revealing what was out there. What lay bare were flowers of varied colors on the ground. Illya took note of Shirou's blank expression, thinking she was right about how boring the place was.

"You don't seem interested, Shirou. I knew this would be boring."

"This is boring? Everything is well-kept here. The colors are vivid and varied, the flowers are nicely grown. I can even see some beginning to bloom."

"It could be better, it isn't extravagant enough for my taste. There should be fountains covering the ground. Or having large vines decorate the place. That way people would be amazed."

"Does that matter? It's natural looking, you shouldn't artificially change it. This isn't an attraction at a theme park, it's a quaint garden."

"I suppose you're right." Naturally, the question came of who tended to the garden. Was it Sella or Liz?

"By the way, who planted these flowers?"

"It was Sella. She takes great care with the flowers here. When we got here, the flowers weren't maintained well. She started making changes. Hopefully, there will be flowers all over the courtyard."

"Yeah, that would be nice." Shirou thought back on the stern woman, she had sides of her he didn't know. Hopefully, he could see her different sides while he resided here.

"So, this wasn't boring, was it?"

"Nope, not at all." After that, the siblings continued to walk around the courtyard, Illya explaining things to him. What stood out to him was her fascination with walnut trees. She passionately talked about them, her expertise in full view.

"Shirou, Illya, food ready." The two of them looked back to see Liz calling for them. She escorted the two to the massive dining room. On top of the elegant table were various dishes. The maids had gone all out, showcasing their skills. Sella looked on at the two.

"Emiya-sama, you're in for a treat." Liz nodded at her words.

"Shirou, enjoy. Sella passionately cooked, to impress you."

"Leysritt! I cooked because it's my duty! Why would I passionately cook for him?"

"Well, if you did, thanks, Sella," Shirou said, with full sincerity.

"Let's eat!" She said, with a very slight shade of red tinging her cheeks. The meal was pleasant, a fulfilling pleasure for everyone. Once done, Shirou got up, and everyone looked at him.

"Where do I do my dishes?"

"Shirou, give dishes. I will do it, don't worry."

"I appreciate it, Liz. But, I'm used to doing my dishes. I could help with doing everyone's dishes."

"What are you playing at? Your attempts at generosity are disingenuous!"

"Sella, paranoid. Come, Shirou, you can help me." Liz had a small smile on her face, guiding Shirou to the kitchen. Sella followed behind, putting on her annoyed look. All Illya did was laugh at the interactions.

The three of them began working on the dishes. Morel like, two of them were doing the dishes. Sella cleaned them and Shirou loaded them. All Liz did was watch. Sella wasn't a fan of the arrangement. This was something Shirou noticed immediately.

"Sella? Is something wrong?"

"You shouldn't be here! Leysritt, you should be doing the dishes, not him!"

"Pass."

"Looks like you're stuck with me," Shirou chuckled. Sella grumbled something to herself. Shirou wanted to take a chance and try bonding with the disgruntled maid.

"Illya told me about the courtyard. I think the work you did is beautiful. The flowers are amazing."

"Flattery won't change my opinion of you, Emiya-sama."

"All I'm doing is complimenting you. Being rude to a guest isn't proper etiquette, Sella," The boy teasingly said to the maid.

"Shirou, right, not proper, Sella."

"I swear, the ruffian has you under his charm." She took a deep breath, before continuing "Fine, thank you for your kind words. At least you're interested in the flowers. I tried my best to salvage the area."

"How bad was it?"

"Very bad, the last person failed to maintain it. The flowers could have died in their deplorable states. I hope to plant more, and fill the courtyard with flowers everywhere."

"I can help with planting. That's if you want me. It could help me spend time with you, Liz, and Illya."

"You want to spend time with me?"

"It would make Illya happy. Besides, you'll enjoy it too. We will all work under you, helping with your goal."

"You make a good point, Emiya-sama. However, there's a problem. I don't have enough tools and gloves for all of us. Perhaps, I could go out and get them."

"No need, Sella. I have a solution. You don't have to spend hours looking for supplies."

"And, what would it be?"

"Trust me, you'll see tomorrow."

"Trust you?" She looked at Leysritt, who nodded. Sella sighed in response. "Even though this seems like a terrible idea, I'll trust you."

"Thanks, Sella, you won't be disappointed." The duo continued with the dishes. After that, Illya continued to show Shirou around the castle. They went through a multitude of rooms. Shirou enjoyed the happiness Illya showed. Dinner was also pleasant. At least more enjoyable than lunch. Shirou elected to help once again with the dishes. As nighttime came around, Sella showed Shirou to his room. It was a dirty attic. Myriads of cobwebs adorned the area. A lone sleeping bag lay on the floor.

"This is your room. Do you have any complaints?"

"Complaints? Of course, I have complaints! There's no way I can sleep here the entire night!"

"Oh? Calm down, Emiya-sama. This was the only room available for you," she put on a devious smile at his frustration.

"Fine, I'll try to make this work. I won't object to this...for now."

"I will." Both of them turned around to see a furious Illya.

"Sella, he can't sleep here! What are you thinking?"

"Milady, I-"

"It's alright, Illya. I can handle being here."

"Fine, then I'll sleep here too. There should be another spare sleeping bag up here." She gave Sella a sour look, before finding one and falling asleep on the floor. Both Shirou and Sella looked at each other, and then back at lllya

"Illya, you can't sleep here. It's uncomfortable."

"He's right, Milady! This is unfit for you, this place is dirty!"

"Since you both care ever so much, I'll go back." She grabbed Shirou before continuing. "My only condition is, he's coming with me." Sella looked at the stubborn girl. She relented, knowing Illya wouldn't budge.

"Fine if it makes Milday happy, I'll allow it."

"Good." As the two siblings began walking away, Sella called out to the redhead.

"Respect her room," she coldly said. Once they reached Illya's room, some memories came back. Being tied up here and then his subsequent rescue by Saber, Tohsaka, and Archer. Illya noticed too, looking at Shirou with a sad smile.

"If you don't like my room, I can find somewhere else. Don't worry, I'll understand."

"No, it's alright. Although, where am I supposed to sleep?"

"In my bed!"

"It's your bed, Illya. I don't want to intrude."

"You're weird, Shirou. I brought you here so you could sleep in my bed. Now you try objecting? The bed is big enough for the both of us." Shirou sighed and made his way onto the bed, Illya followed, hugging Shirou.

"I had fun, Shirou," she beamed.

"Yeah, so did I. Tomorrow should be fun, I heard-" But his words were cut off as Illya instantly fell asleep, still hugging him. Shirou followed, going to sleep as well.

The next day, Shirou woke up and saw Illya brushing his hair fondly.

"Come on Shirou, it's time for breakfast." Shirou got up and made his way to the dining hall. Like yesterday, the food was nice. Like yesterday, Shirou helped with the dishes. After an hour, Liz made her way to Illya's room. She was dressed differently, in casual clothing. She was wearing gloves, overall, and her hat was different.

"Shirou, Illya, Courtyard. Sella in a good mood, let's observe." Liz told the duo.

"Right, the flowers." Liz nodded in response.

"Don't make Sella's mood worse, Shirou. Your solution must impress."

"It will, don't worry." He and Illya left for the courtyard. When they arrived, they noticed Sella was dressed up similarly to Liz.

"Milady, Emiya-sama suggested something quite smart. Which shows he has a brain." Shirou rolled his eyes in response.

"Since it's getting warmer, and we are in Spring, I decided we should all plant flowers." She sighed, looking at her tools. She only had a set for herself, not for the rest.

"Alright, Emiya-sama. What's your solution?" Shirou went up to the tools and began his analysis of each object.

"Trace on." With those words uttered replicas were made instantly. There was enough for everyone. Illya and Liz looked on in amazement, and even though she tried to hide it, so did Sella.

"There let's begin, everyone!" With that, the next few hours were dedicated to the planting of new flowers. It was messy work, but eventful.

"Shirou, look!' The boy turned his head, to see Illya furiously digging into the ground.

"Illya, you're digging too much. You should be digging gently, like this. Shirou showed her how gentle he was working. He looked around and saw Sella and Liz setting up the ground with soil. They would plant actual flowers, leaving the seeds to Illya and him.

"Oh, I see!" She started digging slowly, like Shirou. They were planting seeds in many places. Illya would waltz around everywhere, as Shirou happily followed her. Shirou looked on watching Sella. She looked happy, a genuine smile on her face. It seemed everyone was enjoying themselves out here. As they concluded, Shirou went up to the woman.

"Looks like you were having fun." The tall woman looked at the redhead.

"I suppose I should show you my gratitude. Thank you, Emiya-sama. You did have a good solution."

"Does this mean you like me?"

"No."

"Thought so," he let out a small laugh. "Illya had a lot of fun out here, she was thoroughly amused."

"Yes, it was a nice sight." Shirou nodded in agreement.

"Despite my opinion of you, you do make her happy. At least you're good for something."

"Wow, two compliments from you? Careful Sella, you might actually like me."

"As I said, I don't." She began walking to the door, before stopping. "But you do have your merits. I'll see you at dinner, Emiya-sama." Shirou was the only one out in the courtyard. He looked up to the sky, this was definitely an interesting trip. He then began walking, closing the door on the courtyard.