Finally, just as twilight was coming to an end, Emiya Shirou managed to leave Fuji-nee's office with considerable difficulty.
Initially, Fujimura Taiga had intended to go home together with Shirou.
After all, it had been two whole months since she'd eaten Shirou's cooking—she'd practically wasted away from hunger!
Now, seeing Shirou alive and well, she couldn't resist the urge to freeload at his house for dinner.
But after hearing Shirou mention that he planned to visit the Matou household first, Taiga decided to head to Emiya's residence alone instead.
Today's meal was definitely hers to freeload!
"I'll bring Sakura along, too. She's been anxious every single day for these past two months—barely eating, dozing off during classes."
Taiga didn't particularly care how late dinner would be; compared to timing, delicious food was infinitely more important.
Was there anyone who could cook better than Emiya Shirou?
At least, Taiga hadn't encountered such a person during these past two months.
Scrreeech!
With the sharp braking sound of his bicycle, Shirou stopped in front of the Matou house and pressed the doorbell.
"Senpai?! What brings you here?"
Sakura covered her mouth in surprise, eyes widening at seeing Shirou unexpectedly appear on her doorstep.
She had planned to go home with Shirou today, but Shinji had intercepted her midway, and soon after she'd seen Fuji-nee dragging Shirou into her office.
"You'll stay home quietly today!"
Shinji had grabbed Sakura's wrist tightly, glaring coldly at her, his tone allowing no argument.
"Don't even think about sneaking off to that guy's place—it's Grandfather's order!"
Hearing it was her grandfather's command, Sakura instantly stopped resisting, her face pale with despair.
But what she never expected was for Shirou to show up at her home. She'd deliberately kept her address a secret precisely to avoid this.
Yet Shirou could have easily asked Fuji-nee for Sakura's address—after all, every student's home was on file at school.
"Sakura, Fuji-nee asked me to come and invite you over for dinner," Shirou gently smiled, extending an invitation toward the slightly panicked Sakura.
"And who might this visitor be? Why not invite him inside to sit?"
But before Sakura could respond, a chill crept up her neck, freezing her limbs. A raspy, aged voice echoed from behind her.
Her body stiffened, immobilized by fear.
"You must be Sakura's grandfather. It's our first time meeting; thank you for always looking after her."
Seeing the old man gradually emerge from the shadows, Shirou quickly discerned the elderly man's identity.
Shinji and Sakura had mentioned before that besides themselves, they lived with an elderly relative.
"No need for thanks. Sakura often speaks highly of you: kind-hearted, always helpful. You came all this way, please, come inside."
Matou Zouken stepped aside, clearing a path and beckoning Shirou in.
"Thank you. Actually, I wanted to discuss something with Shinji anyway."
Rather than simply inviting Sakura for dinner, confronting Shinji about Sakura's situation was Shirou's true intention.
"No, Senpai—Fuji-nee must be anxiously waiting. Why don't we go back and cook first?"
Seeing Shirou about to enter, Sakura's anxiety spiked. Despite Zouken's oppressive presence, she instinctively grabbed Shirou's hand, desperately pleading with him to leave.
Her gaze begged him silently, her hands trembling.
But Shirou was never particularly good at reading emotions—otherwise, he'd long since become Sakura's boyfriend rather than lingering indefinitely between friend and lover.
"Don't worry about me, Sakura."
Gently pulling his hand free from hers, Shirou walked resolutely into the Matou house. He could no longer stand by and let his friend suffer such abuse.
After mastering Breathing Techniques and enduring numerous battles, Shirou's bearing had subtly changed. He'd grown far more confident.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have so directly confronted Shinji at the Matou household.
In the past, he might've believed it was their family matter—none of his business.
Though the Matou household was fully lit, Shirou felt a cold chill as he entered the living room, as if countless unseen eyes watched him.
Maybe I'm overthinking things; Sakura's family is supposed to be normal.
Shirou glanced around cautiously, shaking off his suspicions. Everything appeared completely ordinary—nothing suspicious stood out.
Sakura quietly followed, head bowed low behind Shirou.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
A certain seaweed-haired young man stormed towards Shirou, fury etched plainly on his face, as if he wanted nothing more than to devour Shirou alive.
"Cough! Cough!"
Matou Zouken suddenly coughed violently, prompting Sakura to quickly support him.
Shirou looked worriedly at the elderly man whose health seemed fragile, concern filling his eyes.
"Hmph!"
Seeing this, Shinji swallowed back the bitter words bubbling up inside him.
"Sakura, serve tea to our guest."
With his cane tapping softly against the floor, Zouken led Shirou and Shinji slowly to the sitting area, sitting down carefully.
"I heard you disappeared for two months. Sakura was quite worried and searched everywhere. Where exactly have you been all this time?"
Zouken was genuinely curious about Shirou's sudden disappearance and reappearance.
Anyone tasked with monitoring someone would naturally become curious about their target's whereabouts during such a long absence.
"I took a summer job and lost track of time. Sorry for causing worry. Has Sakura been okay these past two months?"
Shirou scratched the back of his head awkwardly, offering a vague explanation.
"What could possibly happen to her?" Shinji muttered bitterly, shooting a vicious glare toward Shirou.
"Is that so?"
Zouken easily sensed that Shirou was hiding something.
Moreover, observing Shirou closely, Zouken could clearly see his physical capabilities had vastly improved, and his magical energy had noticeably strengthened.
Though not significantly, it was obvious that Shirou had opened additional Magic Circuits during these two months of absence.
Zouken's interest grew even stronger.
Clink.
The gentle sound of cups touching the table rang out as Sakura served tea, standing quietly beside Shirou.
"So then, what brings you here today?" Zouken asked lightly after taking a small sip.
"I want to speak privately with Shinji."
Shirou's expression was earnest. He didn't know if this seemingly kind old man was aware of Shinji's abuse towards Sakura. If Zouken wasn't aware, Shirou certainly didn't wish to involve him and potentially make him Shinji's next victim.