108 After Returning to Chiba
After Gudako and Mash went to sleep, Shirou suddenly realized he was alone again. It had been so lively just moments ago, and now this sudden quiet felt a little uncomfortable.
It was like sitting on a roller coaster that had been moving at high speed—when it finally stops at the starting point, your body still feels like it's flying.
At that moment, Da Vinci approached, smiling sincerely at the boy: "Thank you for your assistance, Shirou. On behalf of all of Chaldea, we express our gratitude to you."
"No, we're supposed to help each other, right? Besides, when something like this happens, I can't just sit by and do nothing." Shirou looked at Da Vinci and asked, "So, do we have any missions coming up?"
"Not for now. This time it was an unexpected incident, and our forces weren't enough, so we had to ask for your help. From now on, focus on resolving the issues in your world.
I also plan to have Mash go back to school to continue her studies." Da Vinci said with a smile.
"Yeah, that's perfect." Shirou nodded.
"Then what's the situation with Artoria?" Shirou asked.
"As she said, she wants to go to your world. But due to the rules of that world, it's difficult for a Servant to live there.
However, if there's a Holy Grail, along with my genius assistance, it's a different matter. Though it may require a roundabout way, in theory, it's possible." Da Vinci explained.
"But it seems like you made some kind of deal with her, right? It's not some shady contract, is it?" Shirou asked.
"I only agreed to help her reach your world on the condition that she assists Chaldea. That's all. How fortunate! The powerful ally I wanted to find for you is now secured—a beautiful woman with a deep connection to you!" Da Vinci said with a laugh.
"Haah… I can't shake the feeling that it's not that simple," Shirou said suspiciously, looking at Da Vinci.
"Hahaha, that's just because you're tired—it's an illusion," Da Vinci laughed, trying to change the subject. Then she turned to Holmes and asked, "About your purpose in returning… alright, I approve. You found something, didn't you?"
Holmes packed his pipe with tobacco, lit it, and took a puff:
"As expected of Leonardo Da Vinci, you grasp things quickly. When I was absorbed by Moriarty, I obtained a lot of information from him. From his conversations with the demon Bael, I learned that three Demon Pillars are still alive. Specific details and their locations are
unknown. They abandoned the Human Order Incineration, each pursuing their own desires, and are lurking somewhere in the world."
"It seems the incident is far from over," Da Vinci said.
Holmes nodded: "Yes, Da Vinci. While the Human Order Incineration is resolved and the Shinjuku Phantom event ended successfully, the world is still full of mysteries. Additionally, there's one matter there that concerns me greatly…"
"What matter?" Da Vinci asked curiously.
"…No, it's too early to talk about it now." Holmes shook his head, deciding to withhold it for the moment.
"Ah! Speaking halfway is so frustrating!" Da Vinci exclaimed.
"Good, if it worries you, all the better. Now, let me start investigating. Leave the matter of the Servant going to Shirou's world to me. I'll also tamper with Chaldea's records to cover it up. Blending reality and illusion to make things seem reasonable—that's my specialty," Holmes said with a smile.
"Hmph… I see! From an objective standpoint, geniuses like you really are infuriating!" Da Vinci frowned.
The surrounding staff nodded in agreement.
"Huh? What's going on? Why are Shirou and everyone giving me such cold looks?" Da Vinci asked in confusion.
"Well, just experience the pain of working with a genius," Shirou said lightly, smiling.
He wasn't part of the staff, so he didn't have to consider rank or status.
"Eh? Eh?" Even a genius like her was a bit baffled—why was he targeting her? Weren't they supposed to be united against the ever-secretive Holmes?
Afterwards, Holmes began his investigation.
Da Vinci looked at the boy: "Well, for today, let's send you home first. We'll discuss the next plans tomorrow."
"Fine. Let's leave it at that for now. Thank you all for your help as always. See you next time," Shirou nodded in agreement.
"Eh… not staying for dinner?" The Chaldea staff looked disappointed, glancing at Shirou.
"Ha, next time, I guess." Shirou said with a helpless smile.
At that moment, Holmes spoke: "Boy, a parting word for you. 'While carrying out justice is certainly something to be proud of,
don't be blinded by that feeling. Most of the time, humans must find happiness in ordinary daily life.'"
"Yeah… thanks, Holmes." Shirou reflected on the advice.
While he could rely on himself to save the world, he realized family and friends were also important; he couldn't neglect them.
"Then goodbye." The boy used the teleportation device and left Chaldea.
Blue light spun, lightning flashed, passing through the time-space tunnel. In the next moment, Shirou returned to his home kitchen.
Outside the window, it was completely dark; the living room lights were on, but no one was there. He took out the bag containing the magical beast and opened it, and the white dog ran out.
"Woof woof!" The white dog emerged and sniffed around, then ran affectionately to the boy when it saw him.
Shirou crouched down and petted Cavall II, checking its condition.
"Come, lie down!" "Woof."
The dog obeyed and lay down on the floor.
"Shake hands!" "Woof."
The dog placed its paw in the boy's hand.
"Hmm, seems like you're in good shape. You're really strong, Cavall II. Alright, get familiar with your new home, and later I'll make a little nest for you." Shirou patted Cavall II's head and stood up, feeling relieved.
At that moment, Komachi, hearing noises from the kitchen, walked over: "Brother, where did you run off to? Cooking dinner and sneaking out? If I hadn't covered for you, Mom and Dad would have called to look for you!" Komachi said.
"Yo, Komachi, feels like it's been a while since I last saw you," Shirou said with a smile.
"What nonsense are you talking about? When you came back with a bunch of clothes earlier, I helped you then, didn't I?" Komachi said, looking at her brother with mild disdain.
Shirou glanced at the clock in the living room and realized less than an hour had passed since he was teleported to Chaldea.
"Woof!" At that moment, a large white dog emerged from behind Shirou.
"Ah! What a cute dog!" Komachi's eyes lit up as she ran forward and petted the white dog's head. "So well-behaved~! So well-behaved~! What's your name?"
"Cavall the Second," Shirou introduced.
"Cavall? A foreign dog? Wait, why the 'Second'?" Komachi didn't even know where to begin with the teasing.
"Well, if it's hard to say, you can just call him 'Second' for short," Shirou said.
"Oh, I see!" Komachi responded with a smile. "Wait! Are we keeping him?"
"Yes, a friend's dog. I'll take care of him for a while," Shirou replied.
"Brother, you have a foreign friend? How long will you be taking care of him?" Komachi asked.
"Hmm, I'm not exactly sure. Anyway, Mom and Dad don't mind us having a pet, so just treat him like part of the family," Shirou said casually.
"Hmph… I feel like there's some hidden story here, but… oh well, for being so cute~!" Komachi hugged the white dog and nuzzled it with a cheerful laugh.
"Woof~!" The white dog, being held, curiously scanned the surroundings. Although separated from its female owner, as long as it stayed with the male owner, it would see her again soon, right? Thinking this, Cavall II gradually accepted this new environment. Enjoying three meals a day and walks twice a day, it had no complaints.
Afterward, Shirou explained the situation to his parents, promising to be responsible for training, caring for the dog's daily needs, and keeping the house clean.
"Since this is rare for you to ask, and you promise to take good care of the pet, I'll agree," Hikigaya's mother decided.
"Woof woof!" Cavall approached cutely, wagging his tail to charm the adults.
Since they were often busy with work outside, having a few pets at home to accompany the children was a good idea.
Besides, the white dog was extremely intelligent, could understand human speech, and kept itself clean even in an environment like Shinjuku, far above ordinary dogs, so there was no reason for them to oppose it.
Thus, Cavall II successfully became a new member of the family.
Afterwards, Shirou dismantled his old clothes piece by piece. Buttoning one onto another piece of clothing and stitching the middle part carefully, he completed a small bed dedicated for Cavall II.
Seeing this, Komachi laughed: "So finally, all those outdated clothes of yours are put to use, huh, brother?"
After settling the white dog, the boy went to the bathroom, splashed his head with cold water, and tried to clear his slightly confused mind.
He had indeed fought continuously for several days and nights in Shinjuku in 1999.
But returning to this world, just a few hours ago he had been in modern Shinjuku shopping for clothes with his school friends.
Everything had returned to normal life.
The outside was no longer dark all day, and the kitchen had fresh flour, vegetables, and meat, ready for cooking. No need to eat miscellaneous ingredients paired with canned meat anymore.
Shirou's current symptom was a sense of temporal displacement, like someone waking up groggy, seeing orange-red sunlight, unsure if it was morning or evening; or feeling as if one had dreamed for a long time, but waking to find only a few hours had passed; or while playing an engrossing game, blinking and suddenly feeling extremely hungry, realizing lunch was skipped and it was already afternoon.
These moments always carried a little sense of the surreal.
He first cleaned the house thoroughly.
Once the windows, chairs, and furniture were sparkling, Shirou finally adjusted.
When it was time for school, he went to the school.
The next day at noon, Shirou pushed open the door to the Service Club room.
Three girls of the same grade were already there, sitting at the long table doing their respective activities.
In the middle sat Yui, chatting on her phone with friends, lightly smiling, the bun on her head occasionally swaying.
On the left, Asuna had headphones on, playing a game on her phone, lightly brushing her light brown long hair aside, exuding a composed elegance even while gaming.
On the right, Yukinoshita sat quietly with a thick book, her glossy black hair cascading behind her, eyes focused as she scanned the pages from left to right, a serious look on her face.
After so many days apart, he missed them. Shirou cheerfully greeted his classmates: "Hello everyone~!"
Unfortunately, they didn't seem to appreciate it.
"Shirou? Are you okay? Do you have a fever?" Yui tilted her bun, looking puzzled at the boy.
"Why are you smiling for no reason? It feels a little strange," Asuna also looked concerned.
"Yes, if you feel unwell, speak up. If you're fine, it's just a little weird," Yukinoshita said while seriously flipping through a thick book, not even glancing at him, giving a dismissive comment.
"Good afternoon! Shirou-senpai!" Mash ran over smiling.
"Yo." Shirou looked at the pink-haired girl who had run in cheerfully, ready to observe what would happen next.
"Good afternoon! Yui-senpai, Yukinoshita-senpai, Asuna-senpai" Mash smiled, greeting the senior girls in the club room.
"Ah, hello, Mash-chan." Yui waved cheerfully.
"Mash, you look energetic today," Asuna said, patting the pink-haired girl's head.
"Did something nice happen?" Yukinoshita put down her thick book and looked at the girl, asking.
What's going on? Such a difference in treatment! Shirou thought frustratedly.
After Mash explained that Shirou had gone to save another world, the girls finally understood the situation.
"Sorry, Shirou! Please forgive me, hehe," Yui said, approaching with a flattering smile.
"It's okay. It was my side too. As long as you understand, that's fine," Shirou said, seeing her smile, he had nothing more to complain about.