2:30 p.m., outside Spring Sakura Amusement Park.
Even after Illya disappeared from Shirou's sight, he still could not figure out why her childlike excitement had vanished so suddenly, or why she had suggested leaving early.
He still had so many questions he wanted to ask, such as what connection there was between himself and Einzbern.
Shirou was not stupid. After recalling how often his old man went abroad and had mentioned Germany to him before, he realized that the one connected to Einzbern was probably his old man.
Kiritsugu's destination was likely Einzbern. But what exactly was the connection between them? And what was Kiritsugu's true purpose in going to Einzbern?
Shirou could not make sense of it no matter how hard he thought. He wanted to ask Illya, who seemed to know something, but she had taken her leave first.
"Hey, are you reluctant to part because you didn't have enough fun playing with the little girl?"
Shinji's voice pulled Shirou back from his thoughts.
"Don't joke around. I was just thinking about something," Shirou explained helplessly, before suddenly recalling something else. "Say, Shinji, do you know about Einzbern and Kir—"
Shinji shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "I know a little, I guess. But don't expect me to tell you. Getting involved is a hassle."
"True..." Shirou nodded.
Seeing Shirou accept that explanation, Shinji shook his head helplessly. "Anyway, you might not get an answer from me, but you can ask someone connected to this war. That guy might know something."
"Who? Illya?"
"No. That priest."
Kirei Kotomine. The moment Shirou thought of that man, an indescribable sense of unease rose within him. It was not hostility born from sensing danger or finding him untrustworthy. He simply felt that he should never meet that man again,