116 Shirou
Time passed quickly. After the final exams, the school entered its vacation period. The selected high school students were about to embark on a three-week journey.
That night, the stars were dim, the moonlight faint, shrouded by a light mist, and only the warm lights of home illuminated everything. A family sitting together for dinner was a simple kind of happiness.
Tonight, the Hikigaya parents had no overtime and returned home early.
In the kitchen, Komachi, wearing an apron, was busy preparing dishes and running back and forth. Shirou tried at least to help set the table, but she firmly held him in his seat, not letting him assist.
"Sit still, big brother! Tonight, you're the main character! Leave everything to Komachi!" she said, with a face that brooked no refusal.
"Hmm…" Shirou felt unusually idle and uncomfortable, but under Komachi's insistence, he had no choice but to sit and scroll through his phone.
"Just now, Komachi earned high points for her efforts~!" Komachi said cheerfully as she walked into the kitchen, humming while bringing the finished dishes to the table.
This time, she had put considerable effort into making two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup.
The first vegetable dish was braised greens with tofu, called "Heian vegetables." The second was fried baby potatoes, cracked open, sprinkled with pepper, cumin, and other spices, releasing a fragrant aroma.
"This counts as a French home dish, right? Komachi, where did you learn this?" Shirou asked in surprise.
"Hmph, a friend taught me! Komachi is also capable of growing! And there's a surprise coming next!" Komachi said proudly, returning to the kitchen.
This time she brought out a clay pot wearing red Taiji-patterned oven mitts.
Inside was duck and radish soup, delicious, with translucent radish, crisp and sweet.
"Hmph, impressive, right? Komachi has now crossed Eurasia and mastered various cuisines! Although I still can't compare to my teacher, Erina-chan," she said, smiling.
"Erina…" Shirou recalled the blonde young lady he met at the last meeting and realized a serious problem. He looked at his sister and asked, "Why? You became her disciple? Komachi, you've always learned cooking from me since you were little, right?"
"But big brother is still big brother! It's not like that kind of relationship," Komachi shook her head and went back into the kitchen.
"Eh? Wait, Komachi! I think it could still be okay even if we're siblings!" Shirou felt he couldn't accept it—how could his student of many years become someone else's disciple?
"No! As long as you're Komachi's big brother, that's enough!" Komachi pouted and placed the fourth dish on the table, looking at him with unexpected insistence.
By the way, this dish was sweet and sour fish: golden-fried fish chunks with a red sweet-and-sour sauce.
The last dish brought from Chinatown was braised cold pig ears, symbolizing a safe journey.
With the abundant meal on the table, Komachi took drinks from the fridge and called to their parents watching TV.
"Mom, Dad, dinner's ready!"
"Oh, coming, coming! Let Dad see what delicious food Komachi made for us." The father, unable to contain himself, smiled and moved forward, pulling out his chair.
The mother sat down contentedly, admiring the dishes with their color, aroma, and taste. "Well, my children are so capable. I'm very gratified," she said.
"Come, big brother, eat more! Drink lots of soup! Komachi's loving cooking, you won't get this for the next three weeks," Komachi said, smiling as she served a bowl of rice.
"Dad is really touched. I hope Komachi can always make such delicious meals for me," the father said, wiping away tears.
"No, that's impossible. Dad, just eat work meals," Komachi replied without a second thought.
"After graduating university, Komachi will quickly catch a husband who can earn money, is considerate, skilled at cooking, enjoys housework, 'slightly motherly is fine,' and she'll fully embrace him and marry him!"
"That's reliable, Komachi," the mother said appreciatively.
"Of course, Komachi will visit Mom often," Komachi added, acting obedient.
"?" Shirou looked at his sister in confusion. That type of talk seemed familiar—who was she thinking of?
Sensing his gaze, Komachi blushed, looked away, and quickly changed the topic. Raising her cup of drink, she said with a smile: "Well, to celebrate big brother going abroad for the exchange program tomorrow, let's toast!"
"Cheers!!!" Three drinks and a beer can clinked together.
"By the way, Shirou, have you confirmed everything's ready? Mom will check one more time," his mother asked. Even though her son rarely required concern, this was his first time traveling so far alone.
"Don't worry. Everything's ready—clothes, shoes, down jacket and gloves for cold protection. Other daily items can be bought there," Shirou said.
"No! Big brother, there's a big problem!" Komachi interjected.
"Eh? What problem?" Shirou looked at his sister in confusion. Clothes and shoes were enough, and accommodation and food were arranged by the school. What could be the issue?
"You didn't notice? Your travel bag is too small!" Komachi said.
"No? I didn't plan to bring too many things anyway," Shirou replied.
"You really don't get it! What matters isn't when you go, but what you bring back!" Komachi raised a finger and shook it, explaining patiently. "People who took care of you, helped you, made meals for you—shouldn't you show gratitude now? So, gifts for family, friends, and little sister are necessary."
"So tonight, all your efforts were for this purpose?" Shirou finally understood. Komachi would never miss a chance to show herself and redeem her points.
"Yes, big brother, you understand quickly! Don't forget the older sisters too. And most importantly, definitely remember to bring souvenirs for Komachi! Each country should have at least one specialty, and if it's something tasty, even better," Komachi said, sparkling and folding her hands.
"That's true, I got it," Shirou nodded, realizing this had been a blind spot.
"Great!" Komachi raised her fist happily.
"Dad, may I borrow your suitcase?" Shirou asked.
"Sure, I'll give it to you after dinner," Dad said, drinking beer.
"Dad, give the biggest one to big brother!" Komachi suggested. The more he could bring back, the better; she would gladly receive anything besides the gifts she planned to send.
"But then we'll have to reorganize everything again," Shirou said helplessly.
"I'll help too, hehe," Komachi said energetically.
"You really are easy to understand," Shirou said, looking at his sister's slightly cunning smile.
"Komachi just wants big brother to be happy on his trip, and for Komachi to be happy too," she said with a toothy grin.
With Komachi's help, the clothes were transferred from the small box into the large suitcase, and the preparation was completed quickly.
The next morning, under the family's send-off, the boy left the house.
"Big brother, remember to bring souvenirs and come back safely!" Komachi waved happily.
"Got it!" Shirou replied, heading toward the subway station, and from there to Narita Airport in Chiba to meet the others. Their first destination was Jiujiang, Jiangxi in China, with one transfer along the way.
The two accompanying teachers were already there. Hiratsuka-sensei was coordinating students via her phone, while another male teacher in his forties handled registration. Other students arrived gradually, greeting one another and passing time while waiting for the rest.
Shirou found a place to sit nearby and sent farewell messages to friends wishing him well.
"Have a safe trip, and send me interesting photos~!" — Yui Yuigahama "Report when you arrive safely." — Yukino Yukinoshita "We'll also support you here. Be careful in battle, and come back safely." — Asuna
Shirou smiled slightly, feeling comforted by their care.
Then another message came: "Shirou, Saber Artoria Alter has successfully infiltrated your world. The landing spot is not in Japan, so don't worry. You should meet soon. Now, enjoy your journey. Bye." — Da Vinci
"Ah… what's meant to happen happens. Thank goodness she's not in Tokyo yet; Eri's life should be safe for now."
"Hmph… Shirou-kun, are you chatting with a girlfriend right now?"
A calm, slightly magnetic voice reached his ear, accompanied by a warm breath.
Shirou turned quickly and saw the black-haired beauty wearing a hairband—Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Utaha wore a light blue coat over a plain sweater, with a gray-and-white long scarf around her neck, peeking out with a light smile at him.
"Oh, it's you, Kasumigaoka-senpai," Shirou said irritably.
"Ah, such a discouraging response," Utaha said.
Though she spoke that way, there was no hint of disappointment on her face.
"Senpai, you seem happy to see me," Shirou commented.
"Yes, thinking of that golden-haired loser gives me a sense of joy," Utaha admitted openly.
Meanwhile, on the plane, Eri was sulking, quietly complaining: "Why is it Kasumigaoka Utaha with Shirou!!"
"Sawamura-san? Are you unwell?" Two female classmates nearby looked at her in surprise.
Eri quickly switched back to her elegant young lady persona, smiling politely: "It's nothing. Thank you. I just feel a little sad thinking of parting from family and friends."
"Ah, that's good. Truly a proper young lady," one of the girls commented.
"Yes, not only cute but also kind and elegant," another said, clasping hands in admiration.
"No, please don't say that. Everyone here is excellent, so please get along with me properly," Eri said, sparkling, though in her mind: 'Ugh… Shirou, save me! What if I have to do exchanges with the British? Hiratsuka-sensei is such a troublemaker…'
"Ah-choo…! Huh? What's this?" Hiratsuka-sensei sneezed at the airport.
Since students were grouped differently, Hiratsuka Shizuka, responsible as a chaperone, was also following Shirou's itinerary closely as his designated recommender from the principal.
So Shirou's first stop was China, and naturally, Eriri, who had only been assigned to the UK exchange program, was separated from him.
Of course, by the second week, Shirou would arrive at the exchange site in the UK and meet up with her.
For now, Eriri could only leave things to fate and try to maintain her young lady image during this week. Thanks to her father's guidance, her London accent was decent, but her vocabulary was far from sufficient—she could only manage simple conversations.
Outside Narita Airport, the teachers conducted a headcount and, once everything was confirmed correct…
"Since everyone's here, let's go inside," Hiratsuka Shizuka called to the students, leading them together with another male teacher in his forties through security, luggage check, and other procedures.
Once everything was completed, the plane was ready, and everyone lined up to enter the cabin.
Following their seat numbers, Shirou took the left-side aisle seat. Kasumigaoka Utaha sat to his left, while Hiratsuka-sensei sat on the aisle on the right.
At this moment, aside from Utaha quietly reading, the other students showed excitement, their voices slightly louder than usual. Shirou found this understandable—leaving home for the first time and traveling abroad with peers was novel for young people.
Hiratsuka-sensei, meanwhile, was bouncing with excitement, using a mobile app to enthusiastically browse for fun places and gourmet foods at their destination.
"What?" Shizuka Hiratsuka sensed a strange gaze and looked curiously at Shirou.
"Nothing, I just suddenly thought that sensei really is young," Shirou remarked.
"Hahaha, speaking such blunt truths! Even if you praise me, it won't get you any perks," Hiratsuka laughed, patting his back, then took some candies from her pocket and placed a few in Shirou's hand. "Here, have a piece of chocolate."
'Well, free candy, fine. But if you know her temperament, she's actually pretty easy to handle…' Shirou thought as he unwrapped the chocolate and put it in his mouth.
He also thought: 'If this goes smoothly, when I need to leave the group and deal with those Black Mud Servants, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.'
Utaha, sitting beside him, quietly observed Shirou, with a look as if she were seeing him in a new light.
"Senpai, want some?" Shirou offered the chocolate to the headband-wearing girl.
Utaha firmly declined: "No thanks. Shirou-kun, you're surprisingly skilled at flattering women to gain favor. What's your future goal? A freeloader? Or maybe a house-husband?"
"No, if possible, I still want to be a partner of justice," Shirou answered honestly.
"Pfft… haha, Shirou-kun, you really are interesting," Utaha said, momentarily stunned, then laughed at his unexpected answer.
"I'm seriously answering you! Nowadays, even if you tell the truth, no one would believe it, but I'm serious. Just like you believe in becoming a top-class novelist, I also hold true beliefs," Shirou sighed.
"Hm… as I thought, Shirou-kun, you're really good at making girls like you," Utaha said meaningfully.
"Really? I've never intentionally tried to flatter girls," Shirou said, puzzled.
"No, it's that slightly indifferent yet gentle attitude that's deadly for girls. It's like the protagonist of a galgame… no, maybe like the protagonist in the novel I'm reading," Utaha said, flipping a page in her classic literature book casually.
"Is that a compliment? By the way, what novel are you reading, senpai?" Shirou asked.
"The Tale of Genji. Since we're going to China, I want to brush up on relevant cultural knowledge," Utaha said.
"That's by Murasaki Shikibu, right? Shouldn't we read Chinese novels if we're going to China, like Dream of the Red Chamber?" Shirou asked.
"Shirou, that's a layman's way of thinking. It's like how a writer considers their audience. This is a cultural exchange event. According to the FGO logic, what do you think the other school wants to hear from me?" Utaha asked.
"Um… Great China v587, Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu, Tang Zong, Song Zu, at least Spark-class, with Ganjiang & Moye defeating v100 Ge'er Gong and sea monsters in one sword, Li Bai's swordsmanship EX or something?" Shirou hesitated.
Utaha gave him an approving look and continued: "Hm, you're not completely stupid. Reading The Tale of Genji is just right. In that era, Japanese nobles used Chinese characters for official
documents, and in dialogue often quoted historical materials and classics recorded in Chinese books.
The novel also references many lines from Records of the Grand Historian and Strategies of the Warring States, most often quoting Bai Juyi: Bai Letian. Murasaki Shikibu not only quoted but also adapted them, weaving the imagery into the story. So if I casually mention some of these plots, the other side will feel respected, applause will follow, and everyone will be happy."
"Senpai, you're really amazing… no wonder you became a bestselling novelist," Shirou said, wiping sweat off his brow.
"Shirou-kun, what nonsense are you saying? I'm a bestseller because I'm naturally gifted and my writing moves many people," Utaha corrected firmly.
"Haha, right…" Shirou smiled, feeling that whenever they talked about their own specialties, both Utaha and Eriri's aura seemed very different.
"Well, to reach this point, I also have to thank certain people," Utaha continued.
"Really?" Shirou was somewhat surprised that this proud senpai would say that.
"When my first novel was released, sales were poor, nearly canceled. Then a well-known blogger online promoted it, and the readership grew. Only by the fifth volume did I become a bestseller. I sincerely thank that unseen blogger, Magical Merli!"
"Magical Merli!?" Shirou exclaimed.
"Hm? You've heard of them too, Shirou-kun? Though we've never met, they claim to be a high-ranking international student named Emiya. Shirou-kun, do you know of any student named Emiya in the second-year classes?" Utaha asked.
At that moment, a magical seal in Shirou's mind automatically unlocked—a message that only appeared under certain conditions:
"Shirou, possession summoning usually costs something, so I took it myself. Don't thank me. Goodbye." — by a certain flower magician who keeps trying with girls and teasing men even from a high tower.
"Shirou-kun? Shirou-kun? Why are you spacing out?" Utaha asked.
"Ah, no… Magical Merli, the one you mentioned, is Merlin from the FGO story, right? I was really startled. Maybe this is done by him… something like that… hahaha," Shirou said, nervously laughing.
Utaha stared silently at him, like she was staring at an enemy, and finally said coldly:
"Shirou-kun, are you underestimating me? Or underestimating people who like 2D culture?"
"Sorry…" Shirou apologized. Though he was telling the truth, he still said sorry. This world was one where even the truth often isn't believed.
The plane flew past islands, over the sea, heading west toward Xunyang Branch, International High School in China.
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