"Hmm, I've been waiting for you, big brother…" Sakura said, proactively pulling out a chair.
"Sakura is such a good girl…"
Breakfast was still a Japanese-style meal, and Ryougi Raku said he was used to it, feeling no pressure.
"My lord…" Matou Kariya spoke up.
"…Hm?"
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Matou Kariya proactively asked what he should be doing.
Seeing the two begin to discuss matters, Matou Sakura, although curious, simply ate her meal without interrupting.
"…Do as you see fit. Haven't you always wanted to defeat someone? If there's truly something to be done, I'll tell you…" Ryougi Raku said with a hint of deeper meaning, glancing at Matou Kariya but not mentioning the person's name, perhaps considering Sakura's feelings.
"Thank you! I know what to do!" Matou Kariya looked at Ryougi Raku gratefully, his heart filled with excitement.
"…The breakfast tastes good." Not continuing the topic, Ryougi Raku praised the food.
"…Huh, big brother likes the food Sakura made?" Matou Sakura looked up, her big eyes blinking, and said happily, her flushed little face very cute.
"Oh? Sakura is already cooking at such a young age?" Ryougi Raku was a little surprised.
Matou Kariya chuckled awkwardly after hearing this and said, "Sakura wanted to learn how to cook ever since she arrived, and she's actually quite talented at it…"
Ryougi Raku nodded, indicating his agreement.
"Sakura will definitely make a good wife when she grows up, hahaha!" Ryougi Raku laughed heartily, teasing her.
Sakura just blushed and didn't say anything.
Although he knew that Matou Sakura often cooked for Shirou in the future, he hadn't expected her to be cooking at such a young age.
He glanced at Matou Kariya; perhaps this man had also taught Sakura. It had to be said that Matou Kariya was indeed a good man… After breakfast, Ryougi Raku prepared to go out… "Big brother is going out again today?" Matou Sakura asked timidly, looking up with her small face.
"Yes, I've been quite busy these past few days…"
"If you need anything, just let me handle it!" Matou Kariya volunteered.
"No need, it's just a habit. It's not about investigating the enemy or anything; I just always feel like something interesting is going to happen… Kariya, you just stay on standby. When needed, deliver a fatal blow to the enemy!" Ryougi Raku replied.
"Then big brother, please come back early, and be careful…" Matou Sakura said softly, lowering her head.
"Hehe, Sakura is so cute, I'll definitely be back early, big brother…" Ryougi Raku chuckled, gave a wave, and walked out with Lancer, who had been in spirit form… After a few steps, Ryougi Raku felt an impulse to look back. Sakura was waving at him from the doorway. He chuckled and waved back.
Perhaps it was because Ryougi Raku wasn't much older than her, so there wasn't a significant generation gap, and combined with the fact that Ryougi Raku had indeed saved her, Matou Sakura felt very good about him… A desire to be close to him always surfaced… The number of pedestrians in Fuyuki City had noticeably decreased recently, even during the day. The recent murders had truly caused a stir.
Ryougi Raku's premonition was indeed correct; something fun was about to happen… "Hahaha! Isn't this Lancer's little Master!" A boisterous voice came over loudly and unreservedly. Just by the tone, one knew that only Rider could do this… "Rider, did you have any harvest last night?" Seeing Rider and his Master, Waver, Ryougi Raku stood by the roadside and asked with a smile.
"Oh? Such keen perception! You even knew about last night's events?" Rider was quite surprised after hearing this.
"Just a natural talent." Shrugging, Ryougi Raku didn't elaborate on the specifics.
Rider didn't mind, just continued talking to himself: "Hmm, I did find Caster's workshop, but there was no trace of Caster inside." He didn't mention the horrific state inside; such things were not meant to be boasted about.
Nodding, Ryougi Raku said thoughtfully, "Last night Caster went to find Saber, but he was defeated by Saber and Lancer. It seems you missed him because of that, Rider."
"Oh, oh? Is that so! Ah, what a pity, I missed a battle!"
"No pity. That Caster, who betrayed this war, has no hero's honor!" Ryougi Raku replied to Rider's sigh.
"Hahaha! Even you say so, it seems there's really nothing to regret!" Rider laughed heartily, his words also revealing his admiration for Ryougi Raku… "By the way, Rider, you're out so early, is there anything good happening?" Ryougi Raku suddenly asked about the main topic for himself.
"Oh dear! I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it. How about it, Lancer's Master, since I've met you here, I formally invite you to the banquet I'll be holding tonight!" Wearing his world map outfit, Rider grandly waved his hand.
At the same time, he patted Waver's shoulder: "What a pity! My little Master, just this little chick, can't properly drink with me!"
"Hey! Rider!" Waver, finally getting a word in, glared at his Servant, clearly displeased.
But Rider naturally didn't care about his feelings, only asking, "How about it? Interested?"
"Of course, since it's an invitation from you, Rider, I naturally can't refuse!" Ryougi Raku showed a hearty smile unbefitting his age.
"Master!" Hearing such an easy agreement, Lancer dispelled his spirit form and said anxiously. Fortunately, there weren't many pedestrians here, so his sudden appearance didn't cause a greater commotion.
"…It's alright, Lancer!" Ryougi Raku smiled and shook his head.
"Lancer, though I admire your loyalty! Such caution is not befitting a hero!" Rider said, looking at Lancer.
"Hmph! If it were just me, it wouldn't matter, but I need to be more careful about Master's safety!" Lancer was naturally angered by Rider's mockery.
"Rest assured, Lancer! Tonight, how about we temporarily cease hostilities? If anyone dares to instigate war, I, Iskandar, swear by my name that I will crush them!" With boundless Domineering, Rider raised his head and made his guarantee.
"In that case, I am relieved…" Lancer nodded. Lancer trusted the Conqueror King's reputation.
Seeing that everything was finally settled, Ryougi Raku asked, "Then where is the location, Rider?"
"Hmm, that…" Rider scratched his head, a bit confused. It seemed he had thought of the banquet but forgotten the location… "Ah, I've got it! Let's use the castle where Saber lives! It looks quite nice there!" Rider clapped his hands and decided.
"…Alright, then I shall visit tonight." Ryougi Raku nodded, sighing helplessly at Rider's tendency to think of things on the fly.
"Hmm! Well, I need to continue searching for the wine I'll need tonight! I've recently discovered that some modern things are quite good!" Nodding, Rider was very satisfied with modern food and drink.
"Rider, you go on, we'll be waiting!"
"Hahaha! That's for sure! Alright, little Master, let's go!" Pulling Waver, Rider turned and continued his quest for wine.
"Ah, ah, ah! You idiot, gently, gently, you're going to break me!" Waver cried out in pain at Rider's immense strength.
Watching the two leave, Ryougi Raku shook his head and gave a wry smile.
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(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) ‹ (TL : More Chapters @patreon.com/c/Gooberilla)