Chapter 60: One Cannot Survive Without Eating
After school.
"Shirou, I'm going to buy groceries. Do you want to come along?"
Hearing Sakura's words, Shirou nodded. "Let's go."
"I want to go too! Me too!" Illya quickly trotted over to catch up.
The three of them headed to the supermarket near their home.
"What do we need to buy?" Shirou asked as he pushed the shopping cart alongside Sakura.
"First, we need beef." As Sakura spoke, she walked over to the freezer section and began her selection. Shirou stood by her side, helping her check the items.
Suddenly, a voice called out in greeting. "Oh? If it isn't Sakura and Orihara."
Sakura turned toward the voice. "Mitsuzuri-senpai, what a coincidence."
Mitsuzuri Ayako smiled and started chatting. "It is a coincidence... By the way, are you and Orihara here to buy ingredients together?"
"Yes, we are." Sakura nodded with a smile, then glanced curiously at Ayako's overflowing shopping cart. "Is Mitsuzuri-senpai buying in wholesale?"
"No, this is for today and tomorrow. After all, making a larger batch makes it more delicious, right?" Ayako shrugged. "Adding more ingredients makes the flavor more interesting."
"Is that so... So, what are you planning to make tonight?" Sakura asked, tilting her head.
"The menu?" Ayako tapped her chin, looking thoughtful. "Today I'm planning to make gratin. It's simple, but it's a home-cooked staple in my family, and it's easy to make a lot of it."
Hearing Ayako's answer, Sakura nodded. "I see. That sounds lovely."
"Doesn't it? Well, I should probably get going." Ayako smiled and waved goodbye to Sakura and Shirou.
"Alright. See you at school tomorrow then." Sakura politely waved back.
As Shirou accompanied Sakura through the rest of the supermarket and they were leaving with two heavy bags, Ayako's voice rang out again.
"Orihara!"
It turned out she hadn't left yet, but was waiting at the supermarket entrance. Seeing Shirou and Sakura come out, Ayako jogged over to Shirou.
"Hmm? Is something the matter?" Shirou looked at Ayako with confusion as she approached.
Ayako pulled out a package containing salmon. "I bought this in the supermarket too, but take it as a thank-you gift for walking me home that night."
Having said her piece without giving him a chance to respond, Ayako placed the box of salmon fillets directly into Shirou's hands. With no other choice, Shirou took it.
"Well then, goodbye for real this time!" After saying that, Ayako hurried away, leaving Shirou and Sakura no opportunity to speak.
Looking down at the extra salmon in his hands, Shirou shrugged. "Looks like we'll have to change tonight's menu slightly. Let's have butter-grilled salmon and mushrooms!"
"Is that so... Alright then." Sakura nodded and began constructing the recipe in her mind.
Upon returning home, Shirou and Sakura went to the kitchen together to start on dinner. As for Saber, she had already caught the scent and was standing by the kitchen door, observing the cooking process. For a gourmet, watching delicious food being prepared is a form of enjoyment in itself—and a great way to work up an appetite.
"Now, first, let's add some sake before seasoning." Recalling the cooking steps, Sakura poured cooking sake over the sliced salmon. "Sprinkle salt on both sides and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Once the moisture comes out, wipe it dry with a paper towel... Hmm, next is slicing the onions and carrots..."
As Sakura murmured to herself, Shirou had already finished slicing the required onions.
"Then break apart the shimeji mushrooms and season the salmon with salt and pepper."
The preparation of the ingredients was mostly complete. Sakura took out some tin foil and layered the onion and carrot slices on top. "Layer the onions and carrots, then sprinkle some crushed consommé cubes. Place the salmon and mushrooms on top, then add the butter..."
Next, Sakura folded the foil shut and placed it in the microwave to heat.
"And there we have it. Finished."
Having witnessed the entire cooking process, Saber clapped her hands in deep admiration. "That is truly incredible!" From the stars in her eyes, it was clear her praise was heartfelt.
To a gourmet, an excellent chef is worthy of respect.
After dinner, Illya, feeling she finally had her chance, ran over and clung to Shirou's arm, refusing to let go. She insisted he play with her no matter what. However, at that moment, there was a knock at the door. After Sakura opened it, Rin and Scáthach walked in, greeting everyone energetically.
"Yahoo! It's been a while, you all must have missed me!"
Rin, who intended to sit on the sofa, was immediately met with the stares of Illya and Shirou as soon as she approached.
"This place is full!"
"Waaah!" Rin was deeply dejected and retreated to the kitchen, only to find Sakura and Saber washing dishes.
"Ah, Nee-san is here. Perfect, come help us take out the trash."
"Eh—!?" Not expecting this kind of treatment upon her arrival, Rin carried the trash bag out of the house with a mournful expression.
Meanwhile, Scáthach walked over to Shirou in her high heels and looked down at him. "Our promised duel—just when exactly do you intend to fulfill it?"
Shirou, who was currently in a PK match with Illya, focused a bit more. He unleashed a rapid combo that left Illya staring blankly with hollow eyes before he finally looked up at Scáthach.
"Honestly, why are you so obsessed with dueling me..." Shirou stood up somewhat helplessly. From behind him came Illya's voice: "Shirou! Hurry up and finish so you can come back and play with me!"
"I know, give me a few minutes," Shirou replied.
Hearing this, Scáthach narrowed her eyes slightly. "Thinking you can defeat me in just a few minutes... you underestimate me too much."
A few minutes later in the backyard, Scáthach lay sprawled on the ground, completely drained of strength—likely unable to even stand. Her clothes were torn in several places, and the translucent purple mesh covering her body was shredded significantly. The post-defeat disarray looked quite... mature.
"Wha—! How is this possible!?"
Because he had just promised Illya he would play with her, Shirou had no interest in a prolonged, back-and-forth sparring session with the Queen of the Land of Shadows. Consequently, a serious Shirou had defeated the Queen in a mere instant, showing no mercy at all.
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