For Sakura Matou, today was a special day.
Ever since she was little, she had always lived under the protection of others.
Her father's protection.
A man with the composure of an adult, who carried himself with elegance at all times.
Her mother's protection.
Gentle and graceful, a woman who seemed the very embodiment of a Yamato Nadeshiko.
Her sister's protection.
Though only a year older, her sister excelled at everything with effortless ease.
When Sakura was bullied by boys around her, that sister would step in without hesitation, earning the admiration of children and the praise of adults.
Until now, Sakura Matou had always lived within their protection.
But starting today, they were no longer her family.
Tokiomi Tohsaka stroked her head and gave his final words.
"Sakura, you are gifted. You possess the rare talent to fulfill the Tohsaka Family's long-held wish.
After you go to the Matou family, do not forget the Tohsaka name. Do not forget the pride of being a Magus."
Sakura Matou could not fully understand his words.
She only realized that Tokiomi Tohsaka was no longer speaking to her as a father, but as a Magus.
Aoi Tohsaka pulled her into an embrace, tears streaming down her face.
"You did nothing wrong. But since you were born into a Magus Family, you must learn to accept this fate."
Sakura Matou understood the woman's helplessness, and in turn comforted the grieving Aoi Tohsaka.
Rin Tohsaka clenched her small fists, her face on the verge of tears, yet until the very end, she said nothing and shed none.
It was the first time Sakura Matou had ever seen her like that.
So even my sister can make that kind of face… she thought quietly.
And just like that, she was sent to the Matou family.
Sakura Matou vaguely understood why she was the one chosen.
Because she was obedient, well-behaved, and quiet.
Rin Tohsaka, though outstanding, had too strong a personality. If she were sent to the Matou family, she might cause trouble someday.
That was something Tokiomi Tohsaka, who valued the family name above all else, could never allow.
In other words, Sakura Matou's greatest strength was obedience.
So she tried her best to be obedient, so the adults would not be disappointed in her.
So she accepted everything in silence. She did not want to be seen as a disobedient, troublesome child.
Regarding Tokiomi Tohsaka's decision, she did everything she could to show acceptance and compliance.
Sakura did not want anyone to realize that she might have even a trace of rebellion in her heart.
Even if it was only a little, she wanted to prove she had her own value.
At that moment, an out-of-place voice broke in.
Sakura Matou looked up and saw a boy about her age.
With a displeased expression, he stood facing Tokiomi Tohsaka, a man decades older who carried an overwhelming presence.
"Your daughter clearly doesn't want this."
Huh… how could that be?
This was the first time anyone had seen through Sakura Matou.
She had not shown even the slightest sign of resistance. How did he know?
Many kind people had cared about her, yet no one had ever seen through her disguise.
But he was different.
He did not see her as the quiet, obedient girl who always hid behind her sister.
He saw the grievance she kept buried deep inside.
He was completely different from everyone else, and her heart began to pound uncontrollably.
"Sakura, you don't want to leave the Tohsaka Family?"
Faced with Tokiomi Tohsaka's question, she could only hurriedly deny it.
Perhaps, when she lied, Sakura Matou was thinking this.
It's enough if he is the only one who knows how I truly feel.
"Thank you for speaking up for me earlier in front of Fa… Uncle Tohsaka.
And also… I'm really sorry. I lied earlier. I actually don't want to leave the Tohsaka Family…"
On the way home, Sakura Matou nervously apologized to him.
Even though he was standing up for me, I still… did something truly awful.
However, the boy replied casually, "It's nothing. I'm already used to betrayal."
Sakura Matou's face turned pale. "Th that…"
"Just kidding."
In the glow of the setting sun, the boy gave her a gentle smile.
Shirou was not so petty as to hold a grudge against a six-year-old.
She had lied back then, but it had been forced by the situation.
Besides, it had not caused him any harm, and since she realized her mistake and apologized afterward, she was still a good child.
After all, fairies would never think they were even a little bit wrong.
"…"
The girl parted her lips slightly.
At that moment, Sakura Matou felt as if everything around her had come to a standstill.
She had never understood what "love at first sight" meant before, but now she did.
"Shirou-nii-san… no…"
At nine that night, Sakura Matou tossed and turned in an unfamiliar bed.
"Shirou… no, that's too familiar…"
"Amamiya-kun… no, that's not right either. Shirou is older than me…"
After thinking it over again and again, "big brother" still felt like the most suitable choice.
It was not that Sakura Matou wanted Shirou to actually be her brother.
Unlike Shinji Matou, Shirou was more mature.
Gentle, steady, and considerate.
Brave and fearless, yet full of a sense of justice.
He matched every image of the "ideal older brother" in her heart.
If "big brother" did not work, was there any better way to address him?
At only six years old, she did not know.
Perhaps when she grew up, she would find a name that suited him even better than "big brother."
Until then, she would call him "Shirou-nii-san."
Knock, knock, knock.
The cold sound of knocking shattered her pleasant thoughts.
It was Byakuya Matou.
"Grandfather is looking for you."
Sakura Matou nodded obediently. "Understood. I'll go right away."
For some reason, the middle-aged man who had become her father glanced toward the corner of the room, as if he could not bring himself to meet her eyes.
"Get ready and come quickly. The Matou family's Magecraft training begins tonight."
...
...
Sakura Matou walked along the dim, unlit corridor.
Compared to the Tohsaka mansion, this place was damp and oppressive. It would feel frightening even to an adult, let alone a child.
But Sakura was not afraid.
Just knowing that Shirou also lived in this mansion made her feel there was nothing to fear.
He was only seven years old, yet he could stand before Tokiomi Tohsaka without the slightest fear.
That was something even her older sister could not do.
Once again, Sakura Matou found herself wanting to grow up faster.
She wanted to grow up as soon as possible.
To become a wonderful girl.
Not just so she would no longer be afraid to walk alone at night.
She also wanted to catch up to her sister and become someone who could draw Shirou's attention.
So tonight's Magecraft training had to be taken seriously.
But… before that, it should be fine to give herself a little motivation.
Yes, before going to Grandfather, she would go say good night to Shirou-nii-san.
If she could see him smile gently at her, that would be even better…
With that thought, Sakura Matou changed direction and headed toward the guest rooms on the second floor.
"Sakura, where are you going?"
At the corner, a hunched figure emerged from the darkness.
The impatient Zouken Matou had come to find her himself.
"Didn't I tell you to come to me immediately?"
"I'm sorry… Grandfather, I'm coming right away."
Sakura Matou quickly lowered her head and followed after him.
What a shame. It looked like she would not get to talk to Shirou-nii-san tonight.