Although Su Mo had no idea what exactly Illya wanted to ask of him, when it came to a request from his adorable daughter, refusal wasn't an option.
And while it seemed a bit excessive to go through all the trouble of traveling through time just to deliver some divine summoning research, it was now clear that Illya had no other hidden motives. Once Su Mo grasped that, night had already fallen—it was time to sleep.
Illya quickly rushed to Irisviel, who was looking at her with a suspicious expression, and whispered something. Clearly trying to brush off the secret request from earlier, Illya expertly distracted her mother.
And then—
"Alright, Mama Iris and I are going to bed now!" Illya announced cheerfully, effortlessly locating futons and an empty room in the Matou residence.
Just before leaving, she gave Su Mo a very deliberate wink—reminding him not to forget their little "meeting" later that night.
Su Mo nodded back, just as naturally.
Night visits like this were nothing new to him. Back when Akiha was young, she often got scared and would come running to him at night, clutching her pillow. Though he'd just recently reunited with Illya, he already had a good grasp of her personality—so none of this felt unfamiliar.
Once Illya and Irisviel left, it was like a queen's presence had vanished from the room. The tense atmosphere among the others—Sakura, Kiyohime, and Okita—lightened immediately.
Kiyohime, who'd been nervously avoiding eye contact, perked up the moment the "future daughter" departed. She immediately tugged on Sakura's sleeve and leaned close to whisper, "Master, you have to believe me. I'm your Servant—I'd never betray you!"
Despite her fervent tone…
"…"
All she got in return was a deadpan look from Sakura.
—You've already been called "Mama Kiyohime," and you expect me to believe this nonsense?
"Ugh…" Kiyohime let out a weak cry, unable to argue. But then she clenched her fists and reignited her determination.
"If Master doesn't believe me, then I'll prove myself with actions!"
"Prove…?" Sakura blinked.
"I told you before, didn't I? I promised to support you!" Kiyohime said earnestly. "And I meant it. Just watch—I'll fulfill that promise tonight."
"Tonight, I'll do everything I can to give Master a private moment with Lord Su Mo. I'll even make sure the two of you are alone together in his room!"
"This isn't for anything else. It's simply to prove one thing."
"I, Kiyohime, do not lie. I am innocent!"
Originally, Sakura had serious doubts about Kiyohime's intentions. But after hearing all that, a spark of temptation lit up in her eyes. A chance to be alone with Su Mo-oniichan…
"Kiyohime-oneechan, are you really not lying this time?" Sakura asked, still a bit hesitant.
"Of course not!" Kiyohime thumped her chest with pride. "Just you wait, Master—I'm going to clear my name tonight. Trust in my performance!"
Betting it all on a girl's pride, she was determined to succeed. Kiyohime hated being thought of as a liar more than anything else. With that oath, and Sakura's hopeful gaze on her back, Kiyohime launched into action. She walked over to Su Mo, just as he was talking with Okita.
Seeing the Saber-class Okita Souji, Kiyohime was momentarily reminded of how adorable she had found her at first. Because Okita had always treated Sakura so well, Kiyohime had held a positive impression of her too.
But ever since Illya blurted out the words "Mama Kiyohime," she hadn't forgotten the look of pure shock on Okita's face. And as a fellow girl…
In that moment, Kiyohime had only one thought: Victory.
Facing Okita now, she felt a subtle but definite sense of triumph. Even though she didn't currently have feelings for Su Mo, if Illya's words about the future were true…
That meant…
She had won. Kiyohime—of all people—had come out on top. She had overtaken her own Master and outmatched the senior Servant, Okita Souji.
…Well, it felt a little wrong to think about beating her own Master. But still, knowing that she would one day win Su Mo's heart filled Kiyohime with joy. To think she could rise above so many other girls to become the final victor—Kiyohime couldn't help but feel pleased with herself. It seemed Su Mo's taste wasn't too bad after all.
At the very least, he could appreciate her beauty. And just like that, Kiyohime's fondness for Su Mo took a big step forward in her heart. Even so, Kiyohime was a girl with principles! Since she had made a promise to her Master, she would never make a move on her Master's beloved. She had that much integrity. With that mindset—wanting only to create a chance for her Master—Kiyohime quietly approached as Su Mo spoke to Okita.
"Tonight, let Kiyohime sleep with Sakura," Su Mo said. "Okita, you come to my room. I have something I need to discuss with you." Hearing those words, Kiyohime was utterly stunned. What was going on? Weren't things going her way? How did it suddenly become Saber being invited for the night?
As a mature and dependable (questionable) young lady, Kiyohime naturally understood what such an invitation meant. When a man invited a woman over at night, it rarely ever meant something purely innocent.
Seeing the joy blooming on Okita Souji's face, Kiyohime immediately caught on. She understood.
Clearly, Saber had heard about her future "defeat" and was now trying to alter that future by going on the offensive. After all, the two already had mutual feelings for each other. It wouldn't be surprising if things smoothly progressed to the next step.
If that happened… the future would surely change. Which meant—Kiyohime wouldn't win. No—more importantly, it meant her dear little Master was about to lose to Okita Souji!
This is a crisis!
Realizing this, Kiyohime felt grateful that she had rushed over just in time. If she had hesitated even a second longer, everything would've been too late. With no time to consult Sakura, Kiyohime made a snap decision—for the sake of her Master's future happiness.
"Wait a moment, Lord Su Mo!" she interjected loudly.
"You just said… you wanted me to stay with Master tonight, right?"
Su Mo, who was in the middle of speaking with Okita, turned toward her curiously and nodded. "Yes, is there an issue?"
"Umm…" Kiyohime hesitated, pretending to look conflicted.
"I believe your arrangement might be… a little inappropriate."
"Master was just recently rescued by you, and she's still a bit timid. On top of that, today, two unfamiliar guests moved in."
"With her personality, she's likely feeling a bit uneasy right now. It might be hard for her to sleep properly."
"I think… it would be better if someone she's more familiar with stays with her tonight."
She carefully chose every word, not wanting to lie, but clearly nudging Su Mo toward the outcome she wanted—hinting desperately that he should be the one to accompany Sakura tonight.
"…You might be right," Su Mo said after a pause, recalling Sakura's personality. "As expected of you, Kiyohime. You're really considerate of Sakura's feelings." That praise came sincerely from the heart.
Su Mo had always cared deeply about Sakura, of course. But being a man, there were certain things he didn't notice as easily. That was exactly why he had originally arranged for Okita to stay with Sakura every night. Looking back, his decision to let Kiyohime take over that role really had been the right call.
"Lord Su Mo, you flatter me."
Hearing his heartfelt praise, Kiyohime—gifted with the ability to distinguish truth from lies—couldn't help but beam.
Hold it in… don't smile too much!
If Master sees it, she'll definitely think I'm trying to steal a march!
While Kiyohime was fighting to contain her grin, Su Mo suddenly posed another question.
"But if the idea is to have someone familiar stay with her, why not you, Kiyohime?"
"We've only just met yesterday, sure—but I think you're more than capable of comforting Sakura."
Su Mo truly trusted Kiyohime's ability to take care of children. From the very beginning, she had gotten along with Sakura quickly. With her around, Sakura shouldn't feel too anxious. That fresh praise from Su Mo just about broke Kiyohime's composure.
Lord Su Mo is so good at complimenting people!
And it's all genuine too!
How is anyone supposed to resist that?!
No wonder her future self had fallen for him. Even so, Kiyohime didn't forget her mission. She immediately shook her head.
"While I really do like Master, the truth is… she doesn't fully trust me yet."
"So right now, I don't think I'm capable of putting her at ease."
"Only someone she knows better could do that."
Every word she spoke was technically true—though she conveniently left out the reason Sakura didn't trust her.
It wasn't that their bond wasn't strong. It was because Sakura suspected Kiyohime of trying to run off with Su Mo behind her back! But of course, there was no need to say that out loud.
"You two don't trust each other yet?" Su Mo looked a little surprised.
He thought back to earlier, when Illya had spoken up. At the time, Kiyohime and Sakura had been whispering to each other, acting like the best of friends. If anything, they looked close enough to argue.
But… Su Mo also knew he didn't quite understand how female friendships worked.
"If that's your judgment, then I'm sure you have your reasons," he said, accepting her explanation without hesitation. Then he turned to Okita with a regretful look.
"Looks like you won't be coming to my room tonight after all."
"…Yeah." Okita nodded as well. Watching how calmly the two of them reacted—and thinking back to Su Mo's complete trust in her earlier—Kiyohime felt an explosion of guilt in her chest.
Lord Su Mo treats me so well… he trusts me completely…
And yet I just misled him.
She felt like she should just drop to her knees and beg forgiveness right then and there. Let herself be punished however he saw fit. But then she thought about her dear Master.
This is for her happiness—it's worth it!
One day, I'll repay Lord Su Mo's trust properly!
With that resolve in mind, Kiyohime was not prepared for what came next. Just as she was feeling guilty but determined, she heard something that left her utterly dumbfounded. Having reached an understanding with Su Mo, Okita let out a sigh and glanced at Sakura with a soft smile.
"Well then… I'll go sleep with Sakura tonight, like always."
After all, if the point was to have someone familiar around, she was clearly the best option. She'd already been the one accompanying Sakura each night up until now. Sure, she was a little disappointed she wouldn't get to spend time with Su Mo. But a child's emotional comfort came first.
Okita didn't hesitate to agree.
And when Kiyohime heard that—
Kiyohime stood frozen in place. Wait, no—this wasn't how it was supposed to go! She had come here to have Su Mo stay with Master, not Saber! She opened her mouth, ready to object, but before she could speak, Su Mo turned his gaze toward her.
"If Okita is going to stay with Sakura tonight," he said calmly, "then Kiyohime, you can come to my room instead. Besides, you're due for some mana replenishment."
As he spoke, he glanced toward Sakura and delivered his final decision without hesitation:
"Sakura, I'll borrow your Servant for the night. Okita will keep you company."
…Oh no. It was over. Everything was over. Kiyohime didn't dare turn around, but she could feel it—that searing glare from her little Master, sharp enough to kill.
Didn't you say you'd help me?
Then why are you going to Su Mo's room yourself?!
Mouth opening and closing silently, Kiyohime wanted to explain herself—but where would she even begin? No excuse would help now. It would only make things worse.
"Master… please believe me…" she muttered feebly, her voice so small even she couldn't hear it. Somewhere along the way, she had lost the courage to speak up at all. And so, under Sakura's deadpan stare, Kiyohime—the once-proud wingwoman—lowered her head in defeat and followed Su Mo into his room.