The Heroic Spirit Swordmaster Appears

After seeing Musashi off, Shirou turned around and saw the silver-haired girl still standing in the hall, her eyes fixed on him.

Shirou asked doubtfully, "Illya, why don't you go up and see the room together? Or do you want a room on the first floor?"

"No! I'll sleep in the same room as you, Shirou!" Illya said.

Shirou looked at the girl with a troubled expression and said, "Eh~? But Illya is already a lady, so she can't stay in the same room with a boy, right?"

Illya said quite confidently, "Even a lady is the same as a family member! Besides, it's a sister sleeping with her brother, what's wrong with that?"

"Awooo!" the Great White Bear roared.

"Yeah, Shirou wants to sleep together too~!" Illya said.

"I really can't do anything with you, alright then," Shirou said helplessly.

Illya raised her hands high and cheered, letting out a silvery laugh, saying, "Haha, tonight I have two Shirou sleeping with me~!"

After that, Shirou went outside to boil water with firewood to prepare hot water for the girls to take a bath, and also prepared some clothes for them to change into, which he put in a basket on the cabinet. Then he told them to take turns going in.

In the bathroom of the thatched hut, he built a bathtub out of wood. As long as he poured boiling water from the mountain spring, it would be exactly the same as a bathroom in later generations.

After the girl finished her bath and changed into her bathrobe, her cheeks flushed and her skin glowing pink and warm, he led her into the room.

"Then let's decide on the mattress and put it like this." Shirou took out the new mattress and quilt from his room, placed them on the tatami mat, and began to arrange the bed.

They moved his original bed to the far left, then placed a new bed in the middle, which became Illya's sleeping place, while the Great White Bear lay on the right.

"Mmm!" Illya looked around, feeling warm and cozy nestled inside, and nodded in satisfaction.

In his past life, when he met Illya, he was just a high school student who hadn't even stepped into the world of Magecraft. Now, however, he has lived his entire life, died once, and been reborn into another world, where he has lived for over ten years. In addition, through possession, summoning, and fusion with another version of himself, he has experienced many lives.

But the girl seemed to remain frozen in that moment, still the same as before. She possessed a devilish mischief, was willful and reckless, unconventional and illogical, yet her knowledge of the Holy Grail War was second to none. She smiled as she did cruel things according to the rules of the Magecraft's world, after all, she was born for this purpose.

But apart from that, she knew nothing. The Einzbern Family's 'grandfather' only saw her as a expendable tool to realize the Third Magic. Apart from teaching and forcing her to learn the Magecraft to deal with the Holy Grail War, the techniques to deal with enemies, and psychological tactics, he considered all other knowledge superfluous. In the end, this grandfather was nothing more than a puppet terminal left behind by the disciples of the Third Magician.

She is an artificial human, the pinnacle of Einzbern technology, whose sole mission is to win the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. Beyond that, the outside world has no connection to her. Therefore, she is completely ignorant of human common sense, morality, and laws. Like a newborn infant, she cannot distinguish between good and evil, nor does she feel that killing is wrong; her actions are based solely on her own whims.

Although Illya is the child of a homunculus and a human, as an Einzbern, she underwent modifications by the Einzbern Family before birth, when she was still forming in her mother's womb.

Therefore, the internal structure of his body is mostly biased towards the non-human side. By the time he was eight years old, he weighed less than 15 kilograms.

From the very beginning, the Einzbern decided on Illya's life. Her body and mind were designed with the sole purpose of the Holy Grail War in mind, and her talents and abilities were optimized to be produced as a backup for the Lesser Grail.

If Kiritsugu successfully wins the Holy Grail and completes the Einzbern experiment, perhaps she can be adjusted to have a body like a normal human, capable of growing healthily and freely.

However, the moment Kiritsugu obtained the Holy Grail, he betrayed the Einzbern Family and relinquished it. The girl was destined to take over her parents' responsibilities and participate in the next Holy Grail War, and as the daughter of a traitor, she suffered all kinds of harsh and cruel treatment. The girl endured the pain of despair and transplanted the most Magic Crest among all the Master in the history of the Holy Grail War, and from then on, her body could no longer grow.

Inside a snow-covered castle, a girl lived a solitary life, having never been in contact with the outside world before participating in the Holy Grail War. Her only companions were her fellow androids, whose abilities were inferior to hers and who were always expressionless.

From the age of eight onward, in those years living in that cold and unfeeling castle, the only person the girl could communicate with was the mute Berserkaer.

The girl's past experiences destined her to not know how to get along with others. She had complicated feelings for Shirou, hatred for Kiritsugu for abandoning her, and a certain expectation for her only relative in the world.

They harbor goodwill in their hearts, but don't know how to express it.

She hesitated between killing her brother and wanting him to stay by her side. Because the Holy Grail War was dangerous, she wanted to protect him, and the only way she could think of was to use force to bring him to her home and imprison him.

Because he didn't know how to interact with humans, and was afraid that he would leave him like his parents had, the only thing he could do was turn him into a lifeless doll...

Of course, she did not succeed. After that, Shirou and Artoria miraculously defeated Heracles. Illya did not want to return to Einzbern, so she stayed at the Emiya Residence.

"It's really incredible. I never expected to meet Shirou in this world," Illya said softly.

Shirou chuckled softly and replied, "Really? I never expected to meet you like this. Hey, Illya, if there were a way to keep you here, would you... no, what I mean is, Illya, I hope you can live with me. I'll find a way to keep you here, to use the Holy Grail to regain your true body, as a human, as my family. Come home with me."

Looking back, she was always all alone back then, with only two homunculus maids by her side, taking care of her daily needs and acting as her protectors. Yet, she was so endearing, for in this world, she had no one to rely on but Berserker.

Yes, at that time, Shirou did not become Illya's support.

In her previous life Illya lived in the Emiya Residence, but he failed to protect Illya. Even though Saber destroyed the Holy Grail at the last moment, Illya's body still suffered damage caused by the magical power of six Servant. Homunculi don't have long lifespans to begin with.

Illya lived for less than a year after the Holy Grail War ended, and was never seen again.

After that, he followed Tohsaka to London to study Magecraft, letting go of all his ties and embarking on the lonely path of a champion of justice. He ultimately died in a nuclear power plant. He never regretted what he had done, only feeling injustice and regret for the misfortunes of those around him.

So when Shirou met Illya and Chloe, the magical girl he encountered in Chaldea, Shirou was both surprised and delighted by their spirited nature. He was happy that they could have a happy childhood and sincerely wished that Chloe could overcome all difficulties and find happiness.

But they were ultimately beings from another world, with different experiences. The Illya he first met was already dead.

So, Shirou was truly moved to be able to meet the girl he knew again in this world. In this way, Illya's life could continue through this special effect.

Due to the mechanics of the Throne of Heroes, fallen heroes are immortalized, allowing these Servant to descend as Servant and forge deep bonds with the people who survive in this world, thus continuing their legends.

This is an opportunity, a chance to start over.

At first he hesitated, but as the words were on the tip of his tongue, he understood what he meant. Shirou realized that the girl knew what he meant, so he no longer asked, but made a request.

Shirou directly expressed his hope that Illya could live with him from now on.

I want to treat the girl in front of me to some delicious food, take her to Tokyo, and to Disneyland. I want to introduce her to my parents, Komachi, and her friends, and get her into school so she can meet some interesting people.

Shirou wants to see her smile genuinely and brightly every time; that's what he's thinking right now, and he wants to do everything for her.

"A new home? Does Shirou have a new home now?" Illya asked, puzzled.

Shirou nodded and said seriously, "Yes, a lot of things have happened to me, I'll tell you in detail later. Anyway, I have a very lively home now. Ah, Saber is there too, although she's a Heroic Servant now, and in Alter form at that."

"We can also go to Chaldea side fun. As long as we repair Chaldea's connection with the outside world and reconnect the complete passage to Hall of Heroes, many Servant will definitely return."

"Even Berserker Heracles, and Irisviel, the embodiment of the Holy Grail fragment, are there. If you want to live there, we can stay there for a while." Shirou racked his brains, trying hard to persuade the girl.

"Mom! Shirou, have you seen her? Has she ever been to Chaldea?" Illya grabbed Shirou's hand anxiously and asked in a hurry.

"Yes, before the world changed, the Servant of Chaldea," Shirou said, adding that it was all the result of the white god.

"Really, really, can I see Mom?" Illya asked again, making sure.

"Yes, although the situation is different, she does indeed possess the memories of being with you Irisviel. After all, this is Chaldea, which has the technology to summon multiple Servant, and therefore infinite possibilities. Even gods can be summoned through special procedures, so those of us who have deep ties with the Holy Grail are easily summoned." Shirou nodded and said.

In fact, Kiritsugu was also once at Chaldea. If he could be brought back to Chaldea, the family would be reunited. Although that person is actually the same person with different experiences in a similar parallel world. But a righteous killer who controls time at three times the speed is super cool!

However, it's unclear whether Illya agrees on this point, so it's best not to discuss it further for now.

"Hmm! I'd like to go visit Chaldea side." Illya turned her head, then, thinking about the question, looked worried and said, "But at Shirou's current home, will your family welcome me?"

"Of course! I promise." Shirou answered without hesitation.

Illya rolled her eyes, a mischievous smile spreading across her face, and said, "Well, even if they object, I'll stay. Since Shirou invited me so sincerely, how could I refuse? Besides... I am Shirou's older sister after all, so wherever Shirou is, I'll be there too!"

"Haha, that's so Illya, isn't it? But I think it's unnecessary to worry. After all, Illya is so cute, my family would never object," Shirou replied with a smile.

Illya blushed upon hearing this and nudged Shirou with her head, saying, "Really! Shirou is still the same as always! But I'm looking forward to it, because I liked Taiga and Sakura at the Emiya Residence! Rin is a bit annoying, but it won't be boring with her around."

"Awoo!" The Great White Bear nearby heard the conversation, leaned over, and nudged Illya.

"Shirou asked if it could come along too?" Illya translated.

"... Hmm, okay, as your familiar, with the power of the Holy Grail, it can appear independently as long as it's by your side, right...? I'll persuade my family!" Shirou was a little hesitant, but he still mustered his courage and agreed, thinking: 'Since I already have a dog, I might as well get an even bigger pet.'

"Great! It's decided then! Haaah!" Illya felt relieved after receiving Shirou's assurance and couldn't help but yawn.

"Yes, it's late now, so let's go to sleep," Shirou said.

"Okay, then... please cover me with the blanket, please~!" Illya lay down on the mattress, hiding her hands behind her back, and said in a coquettish tone.

"Yes, yes, then the lights are out." Shirou chuckled as he tucked the blanket around the girl.

"Mmm, so warm, goodnight." Illya snuggled closer to the blanket and replied with a smile.

"Good night." Shirou stood up and extinguished the oil lamp on the small table.

The clear, transparent moonlight outside shone through the white paper windows into the room, bringing a faint blue hue to the otherwise dark space.

"Um, Shirou," the girl said softly.

"What? Illya?" Shirou asked.

"I'm so incredibly happy right now," Illya said softly, a smile playing on her lips, her eyes closed.

"Mmm," Shirou replied softly.

As night deepened, only soft, soothing breathing remained in the room. The moonlight streaming in through the window emitted a white glow, seemingly blessing the man and girl, and everyone in the house, ensuring a good night's sleep.

Chapter 372 The Heroic Spirit Swordmaster Appears

The next morning, the chirping of birds in the woods woke the inhabitants of the hut.

Gudako was lying on the mattress, opened her eyes. However, for some reason, her head was now turned from the headboard to the middle of the bed, half of her body was off the mattress, and the pillow was pressed under her chin, with some of it still visible.

The girl sat up, took a deep breath, and felt her body filled with the freshest, unpolluted air, with a slightly cool sensation. She instantly felt refreshed and full of energy; it seemed she had indeed slept well the night before.

Gudako rubbed her eyes and came downstairs.

Good morning, Gudako-neechan~!

Afeng was already up and helping Shirou prepare breakfast. She placed the dishes Shirou had made on a tray, then ladled out a bowl of porridge and put it on the table.

"Good morning, Shirou-senpai. Good morning, little Afeng."

"Oh, Musashi and Illya are already up and washing their faces. Go wash up too, then come eat." Shirou said, looking at the pot without turning around.

"Yes~!" Gudako replied in a drawn-out voice.

Then, once everyone had arrived, we began to eat. Chef Shirou had prepared a nutritious breakfast, including millet porridge that had been simmered over a low flame until it was crystal clear, along with side dishes such as pickled vegetables and pickled radishes made by the farmers. Each person also received a grilled fish, which helped us get our mental and physical state to its best.

"Alright! Let's get ready to go to the city!" Musashi stood up, picked up the Myojin-giri, and said.

"Whoa!" Gudako raised her fist and shouted in Celtic style of encouragement.

"In the city!!!"

"Yay!!"

At this moment, Afeng and Tsuke stood up with their eyes lit up and asked, "Musashi- neechan, are Gudako-neechan going to the city?"

"Do Afeng and Odasuke also want to go to the city?" Musashi asked softly with a smile.

"Mmm~!" Afeng nodded repeatedly.

"Grandpa! Is it okay? Afeng and Tian-zhu both want to go to the city to play, please!" Afeng pleaded.

Shirou pondered for a moment, then looked at Musashi and Gudako and said, "Then I'll leave them in your care. They won't cause any trouble and can even help with some light chores, so they won't be a useless burden. Once we get to town, you can take them to see your acquaintances; they won't get in your way."

"Yes, yes! I'll help~! Tasuke will be good and won't cry anymore~!" Afeng nodded repeatedly.

Musashi laughed and said, "Haha, even I have no intention of letting children under ten years old help with chores. Anyway, Afeng and Tasuke will come with us to the city."

"That's great!" Afeng exclaimed.

"Thank you." Shirou understood that since he was also going out, leaving the two children in the house like this, even with the barrier, he still didn't feel at ease. So entrusting Afeng and Tasuke to Musashi and the others to take care of them was a good solution.

Musashi and Gudako understood this meaning and readily agreed.

"Don't worry, Shirou-senpai," Gudako said, bowing respectfully.

"It's more fun to walk with someone than to walk alone, and it's even more fun to walk with four people!" Musashi said with a smile.

The two children were happy to go outside with their older sisters, otherwise they would just stay cooped up in the village.

"I understand. I'll head over and meet up with you after I've finished dealing with things here," Shirou said.

So the people in the hut split into two groups and headed in different directions.

Musashi carried the Myojin-giri on her shoulder, leading the way, with a large blue bundle on her back. She swayed the bundle, feeling its weight once more, and felt utterly satisfied. Overjoyed, she revealed a slightly goofy smile.

Inside was food that Shirou had prepared for them, since female Saber Class Servant seemed to have quite a big appetite, so Shirou made enough for ten people.

Gudako, holding the little hand of Afeng who was carrying Tsuke on his back, followed behind, chatting and laughing, as if they were on a picnic.

"La la~ la! Let's go to the city~! Let's go to the city~!" Afeng hummed happily, while the baby in the swaddling clothes behind him also babbled along.

"Afeng, Tasuke, are you looking forward to going to the city?" Musashi asked with a smile.

Afeng looked up and laughed heartily, saying, "Yes, there are many interesting things in the city, and Princess Kiyohime and the dancer Tamamo- nee are there too."

"Tamamo? Kiyohime?" Gudako looked up in surprise, thinking, "It seems I have a lot of acquaintances in this world, but why a dancer and Princess? Is there any connection between them?"

The girl was completely baffled.

At this moment, Afeng revealed a sweet smile and explained to Gudako, "The dancer Tamamo- neechan and Princess Kiyohime- neechan both said that if any fox spirit or philanderers appear around Grandpa, we should find a way to report them. They'll buy me and Tsuke delicious food and fun toys as a reward."

"Ya ya~!" the baby Tasuke cried out as well.

"But we don't see any foxes in the village. We've seen cats, but they haven't come to steal anything from our houses," Afeng said, lowering his head with some regret.

"Ahaha, I see," Gudako replied with a dry laugh.