Chapter 37 : consultation

"Hachiman-sama, please "

"Hachiman-sama, this is it "

"Hachiman-sama, leave it to me "

"Hachiman-sama "

"Hachiman-sama "

"Hachiman-sama "

Umm, what is this? No, I understand the situation.

Half a day after my battle with Berserker, I finally woke up as the sun was starting to set.

I was lying in a room in the Emiya mansion, wrapped in bandages all over my body, with Medea by my side.

When they heard that I had woken up, Emiya, Tohsaka and the others came running over and called out to me. What can I say, well... I was just grateful.

He also explained what happened while I was sleeping.

After we successfully defeated Berserker, it seems that for some reason it was Lancer who retrieved me. He disappeared immediately afterwards, and it's unclear what his intentions were.

Illyasviel was brought to this house.

Apparently, Masters who lose their Servants can be cared for by the church that oversees the Holy Grail War, so there was talk of leaving him there, but at Emiya's insistence, it was decided to look after him here. When he woke up, he was surprised to see two maids come to greet him.

By the way, there was a system that protected fallen Masters. Tohsaka looked away and said, "Oh, what? I didn't explain that, did I?" but it was the first time she'd heard of it. No, it's fine, whatever.

As for me, I just lay there after that. It's not that I was celebrating the holiday or anything, I just couldn't move.

His body is in bad shape, so it will take time to recover. It's not impossible to heal him all at once with magic, but the damage is so deep that there's a chance he'll be left with some kind of disability, so they've decided to heal him to a certain extent first and then increase his healing power. Well, whatever works for him, as long as it heals him, that's fine.

Apparently there was nothing that could be done about my right arm. He seemed apologetic, but it made me feel even more embarrassed.

No, it's certainly a problem, but to be honest, I was prepared to die. If I get away with only losing one arm, I'll be under the illusion that it's a good thing.

Tohsaka said she knew a skilled doll maker and would look into it. I wondered why a doll, but it was probably something related to magic. I don't know the details.

And so it was dinner time.

Although he's still far from fully recovered, he's recovered enough to move around and is now sitting at the dining table in the living room.

Perhaps because the number of guests had increased, or perhaps to cheer the guests up, the dinner was extravagant. It seems that the second maid, Sera, had worked hard.

However, because I have some damage to my internal organs, I was the only one who had a different menu. It was egg porridge, produced by Media and supervised by Emiya, which was easy to digest. Apparently, Media only made my portion when I asked him to.

Medea was diligently taking care of me when my body wasn't listening to me.

Honestly, this is a great help, and I don't intend to suspect that the media is plotting something at this point. I don't...

"Hachiman-sama, yes, ahhhh "

...Please spare me the public executions.

The media has no ulterior motives. Probably. At least I don't sense any malice. I even see hallucinations of a tail wagging back and forth. It's not a dog, it's a fox.

My body still doesn't move well, and it's quite difficult for me to feed myself.

But, those piercing stares really hurt. I'm not good at being the center of attention.

"...Look, it's fine if you're lovey-dovey, but I wish you'd be a little more reserved in public."

No, it's hard to tell that to me.

Tohsaka's exasperated voice didn't seem to bother her at all. Medea didn't pay any attention to it and blew on a bowl of egg porridge before handing it to me.

I hesitated but had no choice but to put it in my mouth. Wow, he was smiling so much.

I turn my face away from everyone in the room and chew. I can't taste it at all.

After enduring the humiliating play, we finished our meal and had tea time. No, it was Japanese tea. I think I could hold a teacup.

"Please, Ilya."

"Thanks, Sera."

Illyasviel was elegantly sipping black tea all by herself. Emiya was feeling down after receiving a ton of criticism from Sera about the way she made the tea.

It's amazing how familiar these three are. Liz is also casually munching on rice crackers.

I was nearly killed, and to Tohsaka I was Archer's enemy, but it seems that the matter had been settled during the day.

I don't really understand, but it seems that in order to obtain the Holy Grail, in addition to surviving, you also need to obtain Illyasviel, something to do with the vessel.

However, it is not possible to leave something that concerns your life entirely to others.

"Hey, Illyasviel."

"Illya's fine. What is it, Hachiman?"

"So, Illya. Do you have any plans to return to the Holy Grail War?"

My words make me nervous.

As long as he had his Command Spells remaining, he could make a contract with a Servant in his absence and once again seek the Holy Grail.

Aside from Medea and Saber, the only remaining Servant is Lancer, but this cannot be left unresolved.

However, contrary to my inner wariness, Ilya flatly denied it.

"No. I don't need any servants other than Berserker."

There was no falsehood in Illya's eyes as she spoke. It seemed that these two also had a bond of sorts.

As I was secretly impressed by this, Ilya added something with a mischievous smile.

"Ah, but if it's Hachiman, I'd be happy to make him my servant, you know?"

That word caused a different kind of tension to run through me. Whereas the air was just stiff, now it felt like there was a chill mixed in.

"...Sorry. I don't know what you're talking about."

"That's why I said I'd make you my partner. Hachiman is free right now, right?"

"Sorry. That's not possible."

"Eh, why not? It's fine. You're saying you'll let me take care of you?"

Eh, why? Wouldn't you normally back down if someone said that to you?

No, seriously, please stop. You've completely torn me apart and I really don't like you. If I wasn't used to trauma, I'd be running away. Even without that, the pressure from the media and Sera has been intense for a while now.

"Hey, what do you mean, let me take care of you? Thanks to you, we're in a position where we need your help."

"Oh, I see. Then I'll be Hachiman's servant."

This time, the air froze. Umm, Caster? The teacup you're holding tightly has a crack in it.

"...Um, Ilya-san? What are you really talking about?"

"This is my first time taking care of someone, so please forgive me if I make any mistakes. Ah, I'm really looking forward to it."

"No, that's why I didn't agree to it. I have a bad feeling about this, so please stop. I learned my lesson from my sister a long time ago when it came to taking care of a young girl."

"...I don't mind letting you do some naughty things, okay?"

Stop blushing, you brat. And Serah, please stay quiet and stop glaring at me, it's scary.

"I told you I'm not a lolicon. So stop giving me that disdainful look, Tohsaka."

"As I said before, I'm older than you. I'm okay with 18 content, you know?"

"picture"

I froze up without thinking, but it's not my fault, right? It can't be helped, right?

"Oh, it did react a little. Oh well, I guess that can't be helped."

"No wait g "Ugh!!!""

Ah, the media is broken.

"Enough already, you fox! Don't you understand that I'm not calling you?"

"You're the vixen, right? Anyone who has nothing to do with this could please keep quiet?"

"What do you mean it's irrelevant?! I am Hachiman-sama's Servant! I am enough on my own!"

"Your current master is Rin, right? Even your command spell is on Rin..."

"That's how it is!"

"Ouch!!!"

When I turned to see what was going on after hearing Tohsaka's scream, I saw Medea stabbing Rule Breaker into Tohsaka's left hand. No, the tip of the blade had only penetrated shallowly and there was no blood coming out.

When he pulled out the Rule Breaker, he found a translucent, sticker-like Command Spell stuck on the tip. Eh, is that how it's used?

"Now, Hachiman-sama, take this!"

He raised the Command Spell on the end of his weapon as if to say, "I got it!", and pointed it straight at me. Amazing, there was not the slightest bit of gratitude.

Not knowing what to do, I stare at the raging Command Spell with half-closed eyes. Is this thing even alive?

"... Stop it, Caster."

It was Tohsaka who interjected. Although she was puffing on her left hand with tears in her eyes and saying it didn't look right at all.

"If Hikigaya-kun is truly important to you, then you shouldn't be his Servant anymore."

"Why?!"

Medea attacked Tohsaka, but Tohsaka answered without wavering.

"The only enemy remaining is Lancer. In the Einzbern Forest, Lancer let Hikigaya-kun go. I don't know what his intentions are, but it's unlikely he'll come back to kill Hikigaya-kun again."

...I see. Since I can't imagine Saber targeting me now, if I can just do something about Lancer, at the very least there won't be anyone targeting me because of the Holy Grail.

"However, things may be different if Hikigaya-kun becomes a Master again. If we are concerned about his safety, Hikigaya-kun should get off here."

"……yes"

Medea looked at me sadly, then stuck the Command Spell on Tohsaka's left hand. "Is that how it is?"

After checking the Command Spell, Tohsaka then spoke to me.

"Well then, I'll take care of Caster. Just like we agreed on the contract."

A contract... Ah, that one. When Tohsaka or Emiya lose their Servant, they ask them to become Medea's Master in their place. I remembered that well.

I nod and answer.

"Yes, I look forward to working with you."

"Hachiman-sama! Even without the Command Spell, I am still your servant!"

"No, that's fine. You'd feel more comfortable with a female master rather than a male, right? At the very least, there's no chance of receiving sexual harassment orders."

"I will do whatever embarrassing order is desired by Hachiman-sama!"

"Bobbyyyyy?"

That was a bit too much to ask, and Tohsaka and Emiya spat out the tea they were drinking. My hand also slipped, and the teacup I dropped broke into pieces with a dull thud.

I glanced over at the two of them coughing and clutched my head.

"Don't say that... Poor Emiya, get me the cloth."

I reach out to clear the table... but then I remember that I don't have a right hand. It's much more inconvenient than I thought.

As I was gathering the broken pieces together again with my left hand, Emiya let out an impatient voice.

"Oi! Hikigaya?!"

"What? Ah..."

Following Emiya's gaze, I looked down at my own hand, which was covered in blood. It looked like I'd been cut by shrapnel, as there was a large wound on my palm.

I wondered why I hadn't noticed it before, and then I immediately remembered. Oh, come to think of it, I don't have any sense of pain.

Suddenly I realized that all eyes were on me.

"...Ah, don't worry about it. It's not a serious injury."

I don't actually care that much. I just need to be a little more careful. So stop looking at me like that.

"I guess things can't continue like this... Okay, I've decided! When I get my hands on the Holy Grail, I'll use it to heal Hikigaya-kun."

Tohsaka suddenly declared.

"I'm grateful, but is it okay? It's the Holy Grail after all."

"It's fine. I never had any intention of doing anything with the Holy Grail in the first place. I only participated in the Holy Grail War to prove my abilities as a magician."

…Is it possible to trade lives for such a reason? I don't understand it...

But well,

"I see. Thank you, that helps."

"There's no need to worry about it. I'm just paying back a debt. Caster won't complain, right?"

"Of course! Hachiman-sama, please wait!"

"Then I'll aim for the Holy Grail for that purpose too. I don't have any wishes either."

This is Emiya. What's with having three Masters and not having a single wish? No, it's a relief.

Saber, who had been watching everyone, spoke with a gentle smile.

"Well then, the final battle will be between me and Caster. I won't lose, right?"

"You're being hasty, Saber. We need to defeat Lancer first, right?"

Everyone laughed at Tohsaka's words.

It's a calm atmosphere that I haven't experienced for a while. It's a bit ticklish, but not too bad.

It's still too early to relax, but I guess I'll relax for today.

The after-dinner chat had come to an end, and I returned to my room.

Of course, I can't take a bath, so the media will have to dry me off later.

Once that's done, all that's left is to go to sleep, but there's something I need to do before then. Or rather, something I've done. Apparently Emiya wants to talk to me alone. What is it?

"Hikigaya, sorry to keep you waiting."

"I'm not really waiting or anything... what are you talking about?"

Perhaps it was a difficult thing to say, as Emiya's cheeks turned red and he fidgeted... Hey, I hope this isn't a turn of events that will make Ebina-san ecstatic.

"H-Hikigaya!"

"Wait, calm down! I have my heart set on Tozuka!"

"Give me some advice!"

...Huh? Consultation?

"One More"

"So, I mean... I think I like you, Saber. Don't make me say it again, it's embarrassing."

Apparently I hadn't misheard. But you're asking for love advice, right? To me.

"...Yeah, I understand that. So, why are you asking me about it? You should ask Tohsaka about that sort of thing."

This is a bit of a mismatch. Do you think I'm popular? If so, you should go see a doctor. Not an eye doctor, but a brain surgeon.

"No, asking a girl for advice is too much of a hurdle. Besides, Hikigaya, you're dating Caster, right?"

"One More"

It seems he lost consciousness for a moment. It seems the damage was great after all.

"No, so you and Caster are lovers, right?"

As I continued to escape reality, Emiya relentlessly pursued me.

"No, that's not it..."

"Eh? But it just looks like they're dating. Caster is like that too."

Well, I guess so. I'm not some pseudo-deaf protagonist, so I'm not going to say I don't know what the media thinks. But even so, I think it's a bit strange that the possibility of a misunderstanding crossed my mind.

But, to be honest, I'm happy that he likes me, but when it comes to how to respond to that, I honestly have no idea. I have no experience at all.

After I explained these things, along with how I didn't think I could be of any help, Emiya let out a deep sigh.

"I see... Since you're dating a Servant, I was thinking maybe you could give me some advice or something."

"Sorry I can't be of any help. But as a general rule, in the end, things like this just happen the way they will, right? Well, I don't know if it's okay to apply this case to the general public, though."

"...That's right. Okay, I'll ask Saber out on a date tomorrow."

Emiya had a determined look on his face. ...Well, Saber would be able to handle a surprise attack, so it should be fine during the day.

"Well, I can only say the usual things, but do your best."

"Yeah. What about Hikigaya? Are you going to invite Caster?"

"I'll pass. With this body I'll attract a lot of attention and my life will go down to 0 in no time."

Plus, it's a pain to go out. I'm joking, but it's really hard to go out.

"I see... It will be inconvenient for a while, but please bear with it. It's called the all-purpose Holy Grail. It can even heal Hikigaya's body."

"Hey. You guys, don't push yourself too hard. It'd be boring if you came all the way here and then died, right?"

"I'll keep that in mind. Well then, good night, Hikigaya."

Emiya said as he left the room.

…I never thought the day would come when I would be asked for love advice. I'm sure Saber likes Emiya, but what is the relationship between a human and a servant really like?

What is the lifespan of a Servant? If their Master continues to provide them with magical power, can they continue to exist even after the Holy Grail War is over?

The Holy Grail War is nearing its end. My personal battle is already over. I managed to survive. But...

I lay down in bed thinking about the future of media, which may not even exist.

Meanwhile,

Medea: "Oh no, what should I do? What if Hachiman-sama is approached by Shirou-sama?"

Illya: "Calm down a bit, Caster. That would be embarrassing."

Saber: "There's no need to worry, Caster. There's no way Shirou would ever attack an ally."

Illya: "Well, that's true. Shirou would be more likely to be the one being attacked than the one attacking."

Saber: "That's true. But don't worry. In the unlikely event that someone attacks them, I will definitely protect the two of them."

Caster - "R-Really? It'll be fine, right? They both seem to be on the receiving end, so even if they get attacked, they won't attack, right?"

Illya "Well, I guess the reversal of roles is one of the joys of this world."

Caster "Nooooooo! What should we do? Hey, Saber , what should we do!?

" Saber "Calm down, Caster! The friendship between those two is real. There's no way they'll have a falling out now."

Caster "You're worried because they get along so well, aren't you? !?"

Rin (They don't seem to understand each other...)