Chapter 211: Really Can't Be Helped
"A truce?"
Irisviel looked puzzled when she heard Hachiman Hikigaya's words. She and Artoria hadn't intended to fight in the first place—why would a truce be necessary?
"After all, neither side has the intention to fight right now. But if we continue to stay on guard against each other…"
"I understand! Rather than constantly being wary of each other, making everyone tense today, it's better to sign a truce from the start and enjoy today. We can decide whether to fight tomorrow… Am I right, Mr. Hikigaya?"
"That's right!"
Hachiman nodded, then looked at Irisviel's pale face tinged with a hint of illness, waiting for her response.
"I agree! We've just arrived in Fuyuki today and had no intention of engaging in combat. Signing a truce is naturally the best!"
Irisviel agreed to Hachiman's suggestion without hesitation. Not only had she not received any orders from her beloved Kiritsugu Emiya, but with Sakura present, she couldn't possibly command Artoria to attack Hachiman and the others.
In a quiet café, the magical contract was signed. By the time the two groups came out, the tense atmosphere had completely dissipated.
"Um, if possible, how about we all have some fun today?"
Spreading her arms under the midday sun, Irisviel suddenly turned to the three of them, who were about to leave, and made the suggestion.
"Have fun together?"
Hachiman furrowed his brow instantly.
Although they had signed a truce and Artoria wouldn't attack as expected, Hachiman wasn't ready to let his guard down completely.
According to his original plan, he should have parted ways with Irisviel here, continued accompanying Sakura to shop, and used Karna's perception to continue tracking Matou Zouken.
But with the woman in front of him…
Seeing Irisviel's genuine, sincere smile, Hachiman looked down at Sakura and hesitated.
"All right, then. Let's do this today."
After a moment of hesitation, Hachiman nodded, agreeing to join Irisviel for the outing.
"Eh?"
Sakura, who had been holding Hachiman's arm, suddenly looked up in surprise.
After locking eyes briefly with Hachiman, she quickly lowered her gaze again.
"Onii-chan, did you agree because of me?"
Placing her left hand over her heart, Sakura could feel her heartbeat racing. A wave of joy from being cared for by someone she liked spread through her, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
"Really happy, huh?"
Seeing the curve of Sakura's lips, Hachiman breathed a small sigh of relief. His choice hadn't been wrong—Sakura was clearly looking forward to spending time with a motherly figure.
"All right, let's go!"
Irisviel's excited voice suddenly rang in his ears.
Hachiman felt someone grab his arm, pulling him forward as they ran.
"W-wait, Lady Irisviel! Running through the street like this—"
"I won't attack today!"
Watching Hachiman, Sakura, and Karna run further ahead, Artoria exchanged a serious look with Karna.
"Since Master has signed a temporary truce with your side, I will naturally follow it."
Ignoring the underlying tone in Artoria's voice, Karna quickly followed Hachiman's departing direction after stating his stance.
"Let's hope so…"
Suppressing an inexplicable sense of unease, Artoria let out a light sigh and followed after them. After all, she had sworn an oath as a knight to protect Irisviel from any harm, and as a knight, she would honor her promise.
.
.
.
"What's this?"
After wandering through a clothing store on the street with Hachiman and Sakura, Irisviel's attention was drawn to a nearby arcade.
The dazzling array of game machines instantly lit up her eyes.
Like a child, Irisviel let out a cheer and ran into the arcade. She leaned over a claw machine, observing for a moment, then turned to Hachiman and asked:
"This, um, is a claw machine. Look, if you put a coin in here…"
As he explained how to use the claw machine, Hachiman took a 500-yen coin from his pocket and inserted it into the machine. Then he skillfully operated the mechanical claw and picked up a small crocodile plush toy.
"Wow, amazing!"
Seeing Hachiman grab the toy in one attempt, Irisviel, thinking it would be simple, immediately looked expectantly at Artoria.
"All right…"
Noticing Irisviel's gaze, Artoria reluctantly stepped forward, taking out a 10,000-yen bill from her pocket to insert into the machine.
"Wait a moment!"
Seeing Artoria's action, Hachiman twitched and hurriedly interrupted.
"What is it?"
Artoria looked at him in confusion.
Seeing her still hadn't realized, Hachiman covered his face with his hand. Though Servants gain basic modern knowledge after being summoned, inserting bills into machines wasn't included.
"Do you think this slot can fit that paper money?"
Hachiman pointed to the small coin slot on the claw machine and then at Artoria's slightly wrinkled bill.
"But Mr. Hikigaya, didn't you just put a coin in there?"
Hearing him, Artoria frowned.
"I used a coin! Bills can't go in!"
Hachiman then took another 500-yen coin from his pocket, waved it in front of her, and inserted it into the machine.
"This time, consider it my treat, but next time, remember to use coins."
"Thank you for your advice. I'll follow it!"
Artoria nodded seriously and then gestured to Irisviel, who had been eagerly waiting.
Irisviel immediately rushed to the machine, mimicking Hachiman's movements to operate the claw and reach for the toy behind the glass.
As expected, Irisviel, playing such a machine for the first time, came away empty-handed.
"Saber…"
Unable to get a toy herself, Irisviel looked toward the seemingly serious, stiff-faced Artoria for help.
"Really can't be helped…"
Showing a helpless expression, Artoria kept her eyes on the small lion plush at the back of the machine. Following Hachiman's advice, she went to the counter, exchanged for twenty 500-yen coins, and rolled up her sleeves, ready to try.
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