Extra chapter cliffhanger today so drop some PS please?
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"Hmnn hmnn hmnn, hmnn hmnn hmnn."
Today, Eichi was in an exceptionally good mood.
When he woke up, he received a message from the Holy Grail.
The hypothetical data for the first Heroic Spirit had been fully collected.
"That old man is quite capable."
In Naobito's view, once these two matters were resolved, Eichi's "return" to the Zen'in Family would be certain. They would no longer have to constantly be suppressed by the Gojo Family's Six Eyes.
Therefore, Naobito put great effort into the two requests Eichi made.
Whether it was finding a recommender for a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer or promoting fate/stay night as Eichi had requested, he personally oversaw everything.
Because of this, his subordinates also worked with great dedication to promote fate/stay night.
A hundred-year Dynasty, a thousand-year Family.
The Zen'in Family was exactly that kind of Family, one capable of interfering with the "Dynasty."
So, this time, even some officials personally participated in promoting fate/stay night.
What followed was a sharp increase in the "hypothetical data" for Heroic Spirits.
"Put away all these scraps of paper and books. If the environment is too messy, it might leave a bad impression."
Humming a cheerful tune, Eichi tidied up everything in the room and carefully cleaned the floor and walls.
Before he knew it, it was already noon.
"Phew."
Suppressing his excitement, Eichi walked to the front of the summoning circle.
He raised his right hand, and the Cursed Energy within his body began to flow out.
"Declare!"
"Your body shall be under my command, and my fate shall be with your sword."
"If you are willing to answer the Holy Grail's summons, follow this will, obey this reason, and respond."
"I hereby swear."
"I am the one who becomes all the good of the world, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world."
"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, the Guardian of the Scales."
The golden chess piece emitted a dazzling light. A massive surge of Cursed Energy poured into it from both the Holy Grail and Eichi himself.
For a moment, wind and thunder roared.
The light grew brighter and brighter, and Eichi raised his hand to shield his eyes.
A few seconds later, the strong winds dissipated and the thunder vanished.
The room returned to calm, but a new figure appeared within the summoning circle.
Her skin was pale and soft as snow, her golden hair coiled neatly behind her head, and her blue-and-white skirt armor gave off a dignified, solemn air.
"I ask you, are you my Master?"
Artoria looked at Eichi with her jewel-like emerald eyes and asked in a calm, commanding tone.
"It is I."
Eichi raised his right hand, revealing the crimson Command Seal on the back of his hand.
"Servant, Saber, I have answered your summons. Master, please give your command."
Looking at the Command Seal, Artoria nodded slightly and continued.
"No need to be so wary. We are in a safe home now."
Artoria nodded in understanding, and the Holy Sword hidden by the Wind King Barrier in her hand dissolved into Cursed Energy and disappeared.
"My name is Azuma Eichi, you can just call me Eichi. Saber, may I call you Ria?"
"You may, Eichi."
It was just a form of address, and Artoria had no objection.
The two looked at each other in silence.
It's over, it's over, what should I say now?
Being stared at so intently by Artoria, Eichi felt a little nervous.
Grumble~
The first sound came from Eichi's stomach.
"Uh, that."
The sudden noise made Eichi feel embarrassed.
"Would you like to go out and eat something together, Ria?"
Eichi extended an invitation.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but when he asked, Artoria's eyes seemed to flash with a faint glint.
"Hunger is a great enemy. Let's go now, Eichi."
"You should take off your armor first, Ria. There are no enemies here, and people might find it strange if they saw you wearing it."
Heroic Spirits were different from Cursed Spirits. They could appear in a spiritualized form, invisible to ordinary people, or in their physical manifestation, appearing just like normal humans.
Upon hearing this, Artoria calmly removed her white armor, revealing the blue long dress underneath, a perfect blend of knightly grace and royal elegance.
The two quickly arrived in the bustling Shinjuku district.
"Eichi, what is this?"
"That's taiyaki. Would you like to try it?"
"Mhm."
Artoria nodded without hesitation.
"Boss, two taiyaki, please."
Soon, two freshly made taiyaki were handed to Eichi in paper bags.
"It's a bit hot, be careful."
"Mhm, I know. Munch."
No sooner had she spoken than Artoria took a bite.
Eichi smiled at the sight and began eating his own taiyaki.
The crust was rich with egg flavor, and the filling was soft, sticky, and sweet.
It truly lived up to its reputation as one of Shinjuku's best taiyaki. It was delicious.
"Eichi, what is this?"
"Let me see. This is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The outer layer is topped with ketchup, and inside are vegetables and noodles. Want to try it?"
"Mhm."
"Boss, two Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, please."
"Here you go."
Two okonomiyaki covered with colorful sauces were placed in transparent boxes and handed to Eichi.
The two continued strolling down the street as they ate.
"Eichi, what are these meatballs?"
"Takoyaki. Want to try them?"
"Octopus?"
Artoria frowned slightly.
"Let's skip it. Let's look over there instead."
She pointed toward a ramen cart across the road.
"Which flavor do you want to eat?"
"Mhm, that's a very difficult decision."
Artoria studied the wooden sign engraved with the menu, looking completely serious.
"Should we order one of each?"
"Can we?"
"Of course."
Ramen carts are small, so they can only serve a few varieties at a time.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Artoria nodded, her noble demeanor showing naturally.
"Boss, one of each ramen, and two bowls of Shin Ramen."
Because ingredients in Japan were limited, the flavor was often mild. Unless it was a specialty shop, even Shin Ramen wasn't too spicy.
"Hey, young man, can you really finish all that?"
"Don't worry, boss. Wasting food would be shameful."
"Please wait a moment."
The ramen chef smiled in relief and began preparing the food.
But what happened next left him completely stunned.
He had thought all those bowls were for the young man.
But after finishing just one bowl of Shin Ramen, Eichi put down his chopsticks and turned toward the petite girl beside him with a blissful look, watching her devour all eight large bowls of ramen.
Not even a drop of soup was left.
"It was very delicious. Thank you for the meal."
Seeing the chef's wide-eyed stare, Artoria politely thanked him.
"Huh? Oh, please come again."
"Eichi, let's go to the next place."
In just one hour, Eichi's standing in Artoria's heart had risen sharply.
"No problem."
The two quickly arrived at the next stall.
"Boss, two… one serving of oden."
No, I can't eat anymore. I'll just watch Artoria eat.
Due to the conditions of her lifetime, Artoria had never enjoyed good food, so after becoming a Servant, her appetite became astonishing.
Her explanation for this was, "This is to replenish Cursed Energy."
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)