Chapter 28: Sorry, I Have a High Sex Drive
Under Illya's watchful eye, Shirou skillfully prepared the meal.
He cut the bamboo shoots into thin slices about the size of macaroni, sliced the onions thin, and cut the chicken thigh meat into small chunks. He used a peeler to shave off the tough outer layer of the asparagus stalks and then parboiled the bamboo shoots in salted water until they were firm.
After boiling, he cut the bamboo shoots into smaller pieces and started boiling the macaroni in a large pot of water.
For the final steps, he greased a frying pan and sautéed the chicken, onions, and bamboo shoots in order. He then added the macaroni, water, and milk, adding the stew mix once it reached a boil and adjusting the flavor and consistency.
"Place it in a heat-resistant dish, top it with asparagus and cheese, and finally sprinkle on some breadcrumbs, and it's done."
He also prepared taiyaki, tempura, and miso soup to ensure the dinner was hearty.
Once the task was complete, Illya thoughtfully intended to help Shirou unfasten his apron since his hands were full with the dishes. However, because of her small stature, Illya had to stand on a nearby stool and tip-toe to succeed.
Shirou carried the tray filled with dinner into the living room.
"Dinner's ready!"
Unsurprisingly, the first to arrive was Saber. Sakura followed out of the bedroom shortly after, her face bearing her usual smile, though she seemed to be deliberately hiding the back of her right hand. Finally, Medea appeared.
"Alright, last one. Hurry up and pour me a cup of tea. Be as respectful as a flight attendant serving fine wine and caviar to a first-class passenger."
Hearing this, Medea frowned slightly and put her hands on her hips. "I was just busy setting up bounded fields. This is for everyone's safety."
"Oh, nice work," Shirou nodded.
"Hmph~ Of course it is!"
Medea was clearly pleased by Shirou's praise, tilting her head up slightly with a happy expression. "I said I would protect you, after all. How could I do nothing?"
"Yes, Medea is truly thoughtful," Shirou said with a smile.
Hearing this, Medea's face instantly turned bright red, and she immediately looked away.
"S-suddenly saying things like that, are you an idiot!?"
"Not at all. I was just so moved I couldn't help myself."
Shirou's words caused Medea's head to droop lower and lower. Judging by the reddened tips of her pointed ears peeking through her hair, it was clear she was currently in a state of extreme embarrassment. Seeing this, Shirou stopped teasing her and turned his gaze toward Sakura.
"What's wrong with your hand, Sakura?"
Sakura's expression instantly turned panicked, and her hand instinctively recoiled beneath the dining table.
"Ah... i-it's nothing...!"
The cover-up was so obvious it was below the level of an elementary schooler. Sakura, having been raised under the gentle education of Irisviel and her maid Leysritt, was simply too kind and well-behaved.
Seeing the situation, Sakura didn't want to hide it any longer. She extended her fair right hand, revealing the crimson patterns appearing on the back.
"Um, Shirou, I don't know how I obtained this..."
"Command Spells, huh..."
Shirou wasn't particularly surprised. It wasn't strange at all for Sakura to be qualified to participate. Obtaining Command Spells meant that she herself desired to join this Holy Grail War.
"The Holy Grail War? That sounds like fun! I want to join too!" Illya said with some excitement.
Shirou raised an eyebrow at her words. Illya should also be eligible, but since she didn't have Command Spells now, it meant...
"We're already at full capacity here, Illya," Shirou discouraged her.
Upon hearing this, Illya lowered her head in disappointment. "Is that so... what a pity..."
Seeing the girl looking a bit down, Shirou pulled out a magic wand.
"Here, this is for you, Illya."
"Is this a gift?" Illya took the red magic wand, her eyes lighting up instantly. "A gift from Shirou... I'll treasure it!"
Seeing Illya cheered up and the peaceful atmosphere in the living room, Shirou had just breathed a sigh of relief when he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.
Ding-dong—!
"It seems we have a guest." Saber looked toward the door.
"In the middle of the night? Who is it?"
Shirou walked somewhat reluctantly to the entryway and opened the door. He was immediately met with a twin-tailed girl and a woman dressed in purple.
"..." "..."
The air seemed to freeze for a moment as both sides stared at each other in a brief, silent stalemate. After nearly half a minute, Rin finally flushed with embarrassment and spoke to Shirou somewhat awkwardly.
"Aren't you going to invite us in for a bit?"
"At this hour... what exactly did you two come here for?"
Shirou narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing them. Both Rin and Scáthach guiltily looked away.
"As I thought—you're here for a free meal!"
Hearing Shirou say this, Rin's face turned bright red, and she started waving her hands wildly to explain.
"N-not at all! I... I just finished eating and came over to check things out! Yes, that's it!"
Seeing her like this, Shirou didn't plan to argue further. He turned to look at Scáthach, who was standing next to Rin.
"And you? A Heroic Spirit shouldn't need to eat, right?"
"I don't need to, but that doesn't stop me from having a taste, does it?"
the Queen of the Land of Shadows said in a casual tone. Since it wasn't time for battle yet, Scáthach maintained a languid demeanor. However, that attitude combined with an outfit that was either daring or borderline "not for children" created a very strong sense of temptation.
Shirou seriously pondered why he felt this way, and finally realized the root cause was simply that he had a high sex drive.
Having understood this, Shirou had a sudden epiphany.
"Fine, fine, come in."
Shirou turned directly back toward the living room, not forgetting to remind them: "Remember to close the door."
"I told you I just came to check on things!" Rin was still stubbornly making excuses.
"Yeah, yeah, sure."
Shirou couldn't even be bothered to refute her. Rin walked into the living room, her cheeks puffed out in anger.
"By the way, there's one more thing."
"?" Shirou looked at her with a confused expression.
"Mitsuzuri told me earlier that we need to prepare for the Cultural Festival. She wants to have a preliminary meeting first. I've already agreed; come over tomorrow after school. It will be held at my house."
After listening to Rin, Shirou shrugged. "And?"
"And so you have to go," Rin said, looking at Shirou.
"Are you serious?" Shirou's brow twitched.
"I didn't plan on inviting you originally, but Mitsuzuri insisted that you be included," Rin said in a very reluctant tone.
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