Chapter 38 : Rest

"Hachiman-sama, yes, please."

"Yeah, thanks."

He takes the teacup from the media and sips the tea.

Laughter from a variety show echoes from the television.

The shoji doors leading to the outside were left open because it was warm for February, and through them you could see into the garden where a lost tabby cat was yawning sleepily.

I could hear the sound of a car engine passing through the street on the other side of the wall.

I pierce a bite-sized piece of chestnut yokan with a toothpick and bring it to my mouth. Delicious.

It's peaceful.

"No way!?"

Their peaceful daily lives were quickly shattered by the sudden appearance of the demon "Tosaka."

"Who's the demon?!"

"Don't read people's minds so naturally. What's wrong with you, Tohsaka?"

"No, it's not what. Why are you relaxing like this? The Holy Grail War isn't over yet."

"Well, there's nothing I can do."

The only enemy remaining was Lancer. However, although their real name was known, there was almost no other information available about him. Even if they wanted to find his hiding place, they had to start by searching for clues.

Meanwhile, on our side, Lancer has already discovered our base, and I have Illya as a burden to carry.

Although his fighting power is high overall, the only one who can go head-to-head with Lancer is Saber, who is currently dating Emiya.

Due to the consecutive battles, not only myself but the other members were also feeling the strain. So we decided to take today as a day of rest.

"That's true, but..."

Tohsaka rests her chin on her hand and mutters in a bored voice. In other words, she's bored of doing nothing. I'm good at lounging around, but this guy doesn't seem to be good at that sort of thing.

"Well, I can understand how you feel, but we can't really act carelessly. Just be patient."

I don't think he would go searching for Lancer on his own, but I wanted to make sure.

Considering his actions in the Einzbern Forest and his true identity, Lancer is expected to be a very heroic Heroic Spirit, but according to what Tohsaka and the others have said, he also has some not so heroic actions.

This probably means that there is a lack of coordination between Lancer and his Master.

In other words, Lancer may not be compatible with his Master in terms of personality. It's possible that he is being forced to submit against his will.

Lancer personally probably wants to face Saber head-on, in other words, in a duel, so even if we get a little too close, she might miss us.

However, that Master was different. If he tried to find her without Saber there, it would likely backfire.

In any case, without Saber there's no point in talking. There's nothing to do but rest quietly.

"Hachiman-sama, please have some more."

"Ou"

I took the teacup from Medea and sipped again. Seeing us like that, Tohsaka opened her mouth with her eyes half-closed.

"...Why don't you guys come and play too?"

"Why do I have to get tired on purpose? Holidays are for resting."

"Why do you smell like an old man? Caster, are you really satisfied with this?"

"I'm happy enough just to be by your side, Hachiman-sama."

"We're more like an old married couple than a lovey-dovey couple... Haa... If I don't get a boyfriend soon, Ayako might get there before me..."

"Emiya was taken by Saber."

"Wh-w-why did Shirou show up here?!"

Well, before I knew it, I started calling her by her name. I don't know who Ayako is, though.

As we continued our idly conversation, we suddenly realized it was lunchtime.

"Excuse me."

Sera came into the living room carrying a tray of food.

"Uh, dinner?"

Perhaps attracted by the smell, Liz, who had been in the next room, also got up. By the way, wasn't she also a maid?

By the way, neither of them are wearing maid uniforms, but clothes borrowed from Tohsaka... Although Liz looks like she's having a lot of trouble with her chest area.

I left the clearing of the table to Medea and Tohsaka and headed next door.

"Well, I'll go wake up Illya."

"Illya, can you wake up?"

"...Ah...Hachiman...?"

Ilya had suddenly started feeling unwell this morning.

I don't know the details, but it seems to have something to do with Illya being a vessel. I've heard that she'll recover if she rests for a while...

This is one of the reasons why I don't leave this house. Emiya was also very worried about Illya, but Tohsaka and I forced her out. Don't keep Saber waiting, you idiot.

"Can I get some food?"

"Yeah……"

I supported her back and helped her up, and Illya nodded weakly. She didn't seem to be forcing herself. She didn't seem to be trying to act tough.

When I returned to the living room with Ilya, lunch was already prepared. The menu was fried udon noodles. It was probably to accommodate Ilya who was not feeling well. I mean, I can't even make something like this.

"Illya, ahhh."

"Ahh..."

Liz was feeding Illya just like she used to do to me. Illya didn't seem particularly embarrassed and just ate normally.

On the other hand, I can't do that.

"Hachiman-sama, ahhh "

"...I'll eat it myself."

"No. It will harm your health."

"Well, I need to get used to using my left hand now..."

"There's no need. I'll take care of you forever."

It's a battle that unfolds every time we eat, but so far I've lost every time. If he takes my fork away, there's nothing I can do.

This time too, they ended up being pushed through and were at the mercy of the media.

"...Ahh, would you like to?"

"No need..."

Sera and Tohsaka were having a conversation like in a comedy skit.

I prefer quiet.

However, it's disgusting to see such a normally loud person be so quiet. I hope Illya recovers quickly and gets back to causing trouble like before.

There was a time when I thought that way too.

"I'm bored! Hachiman, let's go play somewhere!"

In the afternoon, Ilya recovered rapidly, and by evening, he was like this. It seems that the saying "rest will make you better" really meant it. By the way, didn't you say that you're older than me?

"You've just recovered from an illness, so be quiet... Besides, there's probably nowhere to go and have fun at this time of night."

Well, if it was just for fun it would be fine, but if there's a condition of "safety" attached, it's honestly suspicious. Illya should understand that, but she doesn't seem convinced. As expected of a young lady.

"I want to go outside for just a little while! I'm tired of sleeping!"

Well, I can understand how you feel. I was bedridden all day yesterday after all. By the way, the reason for that was this guy. I won't say it though.

"Hachiman... no...?"

Illya rests her chin on the table and tilts her head cunningly, her eyes watering.

If it were an average opponent, it would be an instant KO with such cuteness, but unfortunately for me, I'm a veteran loner. I'm not going to be shaken up by something like this. However, next to me, Liz-san is cutely imitating Illya, which makes it even more intense. In short, I'm really shaken up.

"There's no other way..."

Perhaps unable to bear seeing my panic, Sera sighed and muttered.

"Hachiman-sama, I'm sorry but could you please do some shopping for me?"

"shopping?"

"Yes. It's about time to prepare dinner, but there are a few things missing. Could you help me?"

...There's still some time before the sun goes down.

"Got it. I'll take notes."

"Eh! Hachiman is the only one who's not being fair!"

Don't you understand, this little girl?

I received the note from Sera-san and stood up. Before I knew it, the media was standing next to me.

"Well, why are you here?"

"If Hachiman-sama is going out, I will of course accompany him."

That's right. I knew it, yeah.

"And Tohsaka too?"

He half-turned his eyes towards Tohsaka, who had stood up with him.

"What if you get attacked while away from your Servant?"

Well, someone to carry the luggage is necessary. ...Huh? It's really refreshing that I don't have to carry the luggage.

"Let's go. Get ready quickly, Ilya."

"picture……?"

What are you looking at in confusion? I headed to the entrance first.

"Illya, you're going out."

"Eh? What? Wait!"

"Please return before sunset. Liz, I ask you to escort Ilya-sama."

"Gattenshochi"

"...Where did you learn that?"

While listening to this conversation, I struggled to put on my shoes. It must be inconvenient not having a right hand.

"I think it's probably around here."

"Isn't it a little further over there?"

The five of us went out together.

Since the two of them were enough for the shopping, they decided to leave it to Medea and Tohsaka, and the remaining three would go look for Emiya and the others.

Considering the date's schedule and time, she should be nearby, so I thought I'd stop by to pick her up and have a little fun.

When the members were assigned, Media wanted to be with me as expected, but in the end, she was biting her handkerchief in frustration. No, don't cry over something like this. It can't be helped, right?

Me One hand

Illya Young girl

Liz: Not interested in anyone other than Illya

It's useless for shopping.

So after we were notified that we were no longer needed, we went to the park by the river near the supermarket to check out the situation, but we looked around but couldn't find anyone. It's too late now, but what if we accidentally stumbled upon a kissing scene?

Ilya and I walk together, holding hands.

Liz had gone to check out something a little further away, so now I was alone with Ilya.

"Hehe, it looks like we're on a date too, huh?"

Ilya suddenly said this with a shy look on her face. I responded with a gentle smile.

"You idiot."

"Boo! Why?"

That's why I'm not a lolicon, I'm a siscon.

A peaceful time.

It hadn't even been a week since the night he fought with Emiya and the others, but the whole time had been a constant stream of tension and there hadn't been a moment of relaxation.

Strangely enough, I felt a similar atmosphere in that classroom after school.

Maybe that's why he didn't notice "it" approaching.

"Oh? Wow, wow."

Turning around at the sudden voice, I saw a golden man standing there.

Not only her vibrant blonde hair, but the air around her body just feels so dazzling. Combined with the sunlight shining on her body, it gives the illusion that her whole body is shining golden.

Although she possessed a beauty that was almost godlike, her cold, condescending smile ruined it all. Well, it did suit her, though.

...What is this guy?

Just before I muttered that, I felt something strange in my left hand.

I looked and saw Ilya holding my hand tightly, trembling as she stared at the man. ...Are you scared?

I looked at the man again and he was talking to himself without seeming to pay any attention to us.

"I thought I came to pick up Saber, but it seems you found the Holy Grail first."

Saber?! Holy Grail?! Is this person involved in the Holy Grail War?!

The remaining servant is Lancer, and this is his master.

He holds Illya in his arms and puts some distance between them. He looks around cautiously, but there is no sign of Lancer jumping out.

Meanwhile, the golden man slowly but casually closed the gap between us, as if we weren't even worth his attention... I mean, he's not even looking at us! Does he think we're in the background or something?!

"It's still a little early, but... oh well. I guess I'll go and collect it while I'm there."

I don't know what his "mutterings" mean, but I have a feeling something incredibly dangerous is going to happen.

Anyway, I decided to break away and looked for a course - but at that moment, the man's presence changed.

He was dead. I was sure of it.

The man didn't do anything. He just "saw" me. I can say with certainty that no magic was used.

However, just the act of "looking at him" caused a sense of despair even greater than when facing Berserker to wash over her. Was this what had gotten Illya in the wrong?

As we stood there, helpless and frozen, the man walked forward with a sadistic smile on his face,

"nothing?"

Suddenly, something flew towards me from the side, causing me to stop in my tracks.

It flew towards the man while spinning at high speed, and just before it could hit the man, it bounced off with a hard metallic sound and pierced the ground at my feet.

It was a huge silver-white weapon - a spear? An axe? It was a weapon with a huge axe blade at the end of a long handle, about three meters long. It might be an axe spear, a halberd.

When I turned my eyes to where it had come from, I saw Liz standing there with her arms down. It seemed like she had thrown it.

Liz then put her hands on a station wagon parked nearby and lifted it up, saying "Heave ho!", and then...what?!

Blinking didn't change the reality, and Liz hurled the van at the man.

The man didn't panic, and simply muttered the words, "It's in the way," in a bored voice. At the same time, a magic circle appeared in the air and something shot out, piercing Liz along with the station wagon.

The van exploded in mid-air and Liz collapsed with a hole in her stomach. What on earth is this?!

"Liz!"

"Don't move, you idiot!"

Ilya tried to shake me off and run away, but I jumped on her and stopped her. Since she only had one arm, it didn't work and I ended up crushing her with my entire body.

Normally I would have made excuses in my mind about that, but I didn't have the luxury of doing so. I was surprised at Liz's brute strength, but this man's fighting power was not normal. He was almost like a servant. Isn't he a master?

The man looks at me again. Unable to bear the pressure of his gaze, I can only bow my head. I almost feel like I'm kneeling.

"You seem to know your place, don't you?"

As I held Ilya down and waited, the man seemed to stop nearby. A voice came down from above.

"But when it comes to the most important thing, etiquette, they have no idea. Well, there's no point in expecting courtesy from the common people."

Grrr

Along with the words, his head is stepped on.

Although there was no force being used, it was clear that he could still crush it.

"You were Caster's former master, weren't you? It seems you've lost your Command Spells, so I don't mind letting you off the hook, but now...?"

Who is this man? What does he know?

That didn't really matter. As long as I could escape this place, that was all that mattered.

I lost all sense of time and had no idea how much time had passed, but then suddenly the pressure disappeared.

"Haaah!"

Saber suddenly appeared and slashed at the man with a furious slash. The man jumped back and dodged it with ease.

"Are you okay, Hachiman?"

Perhaps they heard the explosion and rushed over. Whatever the case may be, we're glad they were saved.

"Yeah, Illya and I are fine. But Liz over there..."

"...I see. I'll distract Archer. In the meantime, you can rescue her and escape."

"Archer? What are you talking about?"

"That will be explained later."

"...I understand."

There are a mountain of things I want to ask, but right now the most important thing is to get through this situation.

Saber glared at the man without letting her guard down, but the man calmly spoke.

"Saber,IMeI understand that you couldn't wait, but isn't that a little indecent?

"Why are you here?"

"It's decided. It's only natural that he will come to welcome his bride."

"You're still talking nonsense like that...!"

She was very curious about what they were talking about, but it would be bad if she didn't leave while the man's attention was still focused on Saber.

While trying to hide my presence as much as possible, I headed towards Liz's location as quickly as possible.

His earlier vision wasn't a mistake; the man's attack had hit Liz directly in the abdomen. However, she somehow managed to survive.

Considering her incredible strength, Liz may not be human. Considering that Serah said she was a bodyguard, she may be a homunculus tuned for combat.

Before anyone knew it, the man was wearing golden armor and holding a sword, clashing with Saber.

Saber seemed to be overpowering the man.

If Saber was right, that man must be Archer. There's no way he could beat Saber in close combat.

However, the man seemed relaxed, and it was Saber who seemed more anxious.

Eventually the man leaps back to put some distance between them. Saber tries to pursue him, but is stopped by a magic circle that suddenly appears.

There was that attack again.

As the distance between them increased, the positions were easily reversed, and now Saber was on the defensive.

Magic circles appeared one after another and continued to fire magic bullets at Saber. I see, it was definitely Archer.

Eventually, Saber was no longer able to fend off the attacks, and they began to graze her body.

"Saber!"

A sword came flying towards the man, who dodged it with ease, but stopped his attack and turned his attention in that direction.

On the other side of Saber and I was Emiya. That attack must have been his.

"Get in the way, mongrel."

The man said in a sulky tone and pointed one of the magic circles at Emiya.

At that moment, I finally saw the attack, which had been so fast that I hadn't been able to see it until then.

Something resembling a sword handle is growing from the center of the magic circle. It appears to be shooting swords.

"Start ProjectionTrace On!"

Apparently Emiya could see it too, as he projected an identical sword and sent it flying.

The two swords clashed in the middle - Emiya's sword was easily shattered, and the man's attack landed right at Emiya's feet.

"Whoa!?"

Emiya flinched, but the man seemed unsatisfied with that, and he created four new magic circles and aimed them at Emiya.

"How disrespectful. Who gave you permission to survive?"

Spitting out their displeasure at Dew, they all unleashed their magic swords at once.

"Shirou!"

Saber yelled.

Previously, the attack had deflected it's trajectory, but this time it didn't seem like it was in time.

When the smoke cleared, a shield of light resembling four petals appeared from the other side. I think it was something called Ajax.

"You bastard! Don't get too cocky, mongrel!"

Seeing the unharmed Emiya, the man lifted him up, then created a dozen magic circles in one go――But did you do something that would make you so angry!? You're still the one overpowering me, aren't you!?

Anyway, just when we thought another barrage of shots was about to begin,

"...! Don't get in the way! That's presumptuous!"

The man suddenly grabbed his head and yelled.

"...Tch!"

With a click of his tongue, the magic circle disappears and he turns away.

"I'll come again, Saber. Next time, be prepared to receive me."

And with that said, he disappeared.

"What was that, huh...?"

That was all I could manage to mutter.