Da Vinci's Declaration / Jalter's Guilty Conscience ...

"Ah, don't misunderstand. I'm a regular here. I just tasted this and knew it was your cooking, Shirou, so I wanted to say hello. After all, you wouldn't want me in the kitchen over there, would you?" Da Vinci said with a smile.

"You... you really do know everything," Shirou said, somewhat annoyed.

"Yes, of course! Don't you know who I am?" Da Vinci said with a smug smile, showing no modesty whatsoever.

"So what brings you here? What brings you here?" Shirou asked helplessly.

"The reason? Isn't it obvious? It's rare to be surrounded by so many high-quality handsome men in one close-knit space, enjoying the pleasure of being surrounded by multiple good-looking men at the same time," Da Vinci said matter-of-factly.

Chapter 513 Da Vinci's Assertion

"Huh? Is that so?" Shirou said in surprise.

"Hmm, like Alexander in his youth, with that lovely face, but beneath it a well-trained and strong body. Although he looks slender, his body fat percentage and muscle strength are actually close to perfect. Ah... just looking at him, my artist's heart is already restless! I want to paint his nude! He's naked, and I'm naked too!" As Da Vinci spoke, he hugged his body with both arms and began to writhe, drool almost dripping from his mouth.

"Ha..." Shirou stared blankly at Da Vinci, the former acting director and also the school's dean of students.

"And then there's Siegfried. Legend has it that he bathed in Dragon Blood, giving him defensive capabilities comparable to dragon scales—invulnerable to swords and spears, impervious to water and fire. Only one part of his body is vulnerable because it's a blind spot. I don't see that as a flaw; rather, it's like the incomplete beauty of the Venus de Milo."

"I just want to get close and see that part of his body with my own eyes. It must be a lovely pink. If possible, I'd like to try penetrating it once more." Da Vinci's face flushed with a seductive blush, and he entered a state of extreme excitement.

"And then there's that... that dark and dangerous side of him. Any artist would want to pry it open and see for themselves. This kind of forbidden and aloof man is particularly suited to whips and straitjackets. First, we'd use ropes to restrain him..."

"Hey!!!" Shirou shouted, stopping the perverted transvestite from continuing to spout her twisted fantasies in public.

"Yes~ Shirou, you were the one who told me to say that." Da Vinci composed himself and scooped up another spoonful of fried rice, saying, "Mmm~! Delicious~! Especially the way the rice and egg are blended together, there aren't any impurities at all. (Monthly fee group 694936135) This is definitely the kind of deliciousness that you could only achieve by smashing ten thousand eggs when you were a kid."

"No, no, if we're talking about who has a grudge against ten thousand eggs, it should be you, right?" Shirou retorted.

"That's a huge misunderstanding. People admire the stories of celebrities who achieve success through hard work and gain worldwide Ilseong. Celebrities attract a lot of gossip, and I understand their perspective. But unfortunately, I haven't painted ten thousand eggs. If I wanted to, I could find ten thousand better methods than that monotonous, deliberate practice," Da Vinci said, shrugging.

Shirou nodded and said, "Well, I don't dislike the idea of hard work, but I have to admit that geniuses do exist in this world. Such beings are those who can, in their area of expertise, effortlessly overcome what others would take years or even decades of hard work to achieve, and then create new breakthroughs."

Da Vinci laughed and said, "So, the so-called method of achieving one's goal by smashing ten thousand eggs seems inefficient and reckless. Why would I do that? On the contrary... you and that girl..."

And another thing! Don't underestimate yourself, Shirou. In this world, besides geniuses, there are also specialists who can do that. Everyone has their own unique talents; this is a philosophy that holds true in both the East and the West. In your field, haven't you already left many people behind? Not seeing your own strengths and not taking your advantages seriously is also a form of arrogance. And some people will be hurt by your careless attitude."

"All I can do is a limited number of things. Aside from daily accumulation and a bit of luck, there are no shortcuts. If you have a good method, please teach us," Shirou said, shaking his head.

"Unfortunately, only you can save yourselves. Rather than finding a better way, what you should do now is to let go."

Although I am an omnipotent and perfect person, I am not omnipotent. When faced with unavoidable dangers or multiple things I want to achieve, I will make choices. Given the same time and conditions, even a god wouldn't do much better than me.

In this respect, you, White God, are far too greedy. Even in the deep sleep of the process of dissolution, you still want to find a world where everyone can be happy.

With his power and time, he could have achieved anything by simply pursuing his desires. But instead, he chose the happiness of others, relentlessly fragmenting his own power. The probability of that happening is incredibly small.

"But at least it's possible to bring happiness to the people around us," Shirou argued.

"Ah, indeed, they really are very similar. Whether it's the black Jeanne d'Arc or you, it seems that in terms of stubbornness, this is a kind of manifestation of what is called 'couples resembling each other'?" Da Vinci pondered, resting his chin on his hand, before continuing after a while.

"You've probably heard of the six degrees of separation theory in mathematics, which means that you can connect with any stranger you pass by through just six people."

In other words, people you don't know are often acquaintances of your friends, or acquaintances of your friends' relatives. If you follow this pattern five times, there will be no strangers in your city. If you extend this ratio to the whole world, you'd still be only about twenty people away from the chief of an African tribe.

So, if you want the people around you to be happy, the number of people involved is far greater than you imagine. It's like trying to get seven billion people to roll a 6 every single day without using any cheating methods.

"While it's theoretically possible, finding that point would be like trying to explore the edge of the universe in a rocket limited to the speed of light. At least, the White God's world power as fuel wouldn't last that long. Continuing like this would only result in a complete waste of your world power," Da Vinci said, looking at Shirou.

"I know all this. The thoughts of gods who act unconsciously may be very grand, but for me now, the pursuit is really just a very small happiness."

We only value the present. If we don't try to do something, the chances of success will be even lower, even if it's only one in ten.

"We're just doing everything we can within our capabilities. Jeanne d'Arc of Arc just wanted to provide those children with a safe haven. Isn't that enough?" Shirou retorted.

Da Vinci shrugged and said, "Well, from a consequentialist perspective, these aren't perfect, and the choices you made weren't rational. But what's important isn't my aesthetically inclined evaluation, but your own thoughts..."

Just then, Alexander from the kitchen ran over and interrupted the conversation, saying, "Mr. Shirou, another customer has placed an order."

Chapter 514 The Guilty-Hearted Jeanne d'Arc Alter

Shirou waved in that direction, which was his way of agreeing.

He turned back and looked firmly at Da Vinci, saying, "Yes, now that I am human, I understand the powerlessness of being human. Even though I am just a phantom in the dream of a higher-dimensional god, I have no regrets. Being able to spend my limited lifespan with them is enough for me; I have no more desires."

All I can do is what I can in front of me. When she laughs, I laugh with her; when she cries, I'm by her side. That's what it means to be human, isn't it? Now, compared to the lofty white god, I live more like a human being.

"Is that so? I'm sorry I can't help you," Da Vinci said, nodding.

"No, thank you so much for coming here and giving us advice. I'll head back to the kitchen now, please enjoy your meal." Shirou bowed to the woman and went inside.

Da Vinci rested his chin on his hands, watching Shirou leave, and muttered to himself, "Ah, it's still the same as always. Even knowing it, you still do it."

Just like what that girl is doing now, if all she wishes for is for her and you to be happy together, then with the protection of the world's power, even if she wishes for the Black Holy Grail, everything will go smoothly.

Even if that girl wants to make some unrealistic wishes like a young girl dreaming of becoming a famous actress or a world idol, with that world power and the Holy Grail, at least you can be guaranteed a worry-free life for a hundred years.

However, she chose the least cost-effective option, distributing the power of the world to allow rootless, adrift beings such as Phantasmal Spirit, counterfeits, elves, the undead, and special Servant transformed from the electronic world to gain physical bodies and find a place to settle in the human world.

However, by continuously dividing a treasure worth 100 million yuan among new entities, the treasure will suffer irreversible damage during the division process, and its value will depreciate as a result.

For example, if 100 million yuan were to be distributed among one person, the result would likely be less than 50 cents per person. This is because the labor and time costs of distributing the money far exceed people's imagination.

Therefore, this world did not become the refuge for her and her kind, as the silver-haired girl had initially envisioned. This small world was destined not to last long, and all the Servant gained only temporary pleasure, nothing more than a fleeting illusion.

"Is that so? Since you understand everything, then I have nothing more to say. Alex, check please!" Da Vinci said softly, watching Shirou's departing figure, and waved.

"Huh? They're leaving just like that?" Alexander ran over and looked at Da Vinci.

"Yes, thank you for your hospitality. I had a lot of fun, so it's time to go back now... Goodbye." After paying, the black-haired woman turned and left without looking back.

"Oh... goodbye, no, farewell forever." The handsome young man seemed to understand something, changed his words, and replied with a smile.

After that, the kitchen staff were finally able to catch their breath after the last batch of omelet rice was served to the women's table. It was only then that Shirou realized that the ingredients in the basket behind him had been completely used up.

"Madam, that's amazing! Today's sales are three times yesterday's! The customers are all saying they need to go to the gym to lose weight, so they've all gone home now." The red-haired pretty boy said excitedly, looking at the bill on the computer.

"The new chemical reaction that occurs when delicious food is combined with a beautiful person is truly intriguing," said Arjuna, a handsome man with dark skin, resting his chin on his hand.

"Well, in short, the customers are happy, everyone is happy, and that makes everything perfect," Arash said with a hearty laugh.

"Lulu... Thank you... No, I hate it... No, that's not right either..." Gilles de Rais stared at Shirou with a complicated expression.

"Emiya! Don't think that just because you helped my shop, I'll acknowledge you! The Eternal Virgin! What a sublime existence! She doesn't need to respect that God, because she is already more dazzling than any god!"

Whether it's the Dragon Witch who chooses vengeance, the Holy Virgin who chooses forgiveness, or the Christmas of their childhood, they are gods! They are the beings this world needs! They are the true, one and only gods!

Therefore! Blasphemy is unacceptable! Even if the goddess is currently infatuated with you, it will only be for a fleeting moment. No!! She would never like someone like you under any circumstances! Lulululu! Even if she's been deceived, I won't approve! Absolutely not!"

Gilles de Rais was hysterical, talking to himself and then contradicting himself, pointing his long, sharp nails at Shirou and shouting.

"No, no, even if you say that, whether you agree or not, the four of us just want to live peacefully in this world. And you shouldn't forcefully interfere with their thoughts. If you restrict them too much, they'll only become more disliked."

Shirou looked at Bluebeard helplessly and said that he really had no way to reason with this crazy, morbid, and doting father.

Perhaps only those three girls knew how to deal with a guy like that. Although it was they who banished Gilles de Rais to this place and ordered him to keep a distance of three kilometers from their home.

"I absolutely do not approve!" Gilles de Rais said.

"Come on, don't get excited."

"Mama-san, calm down. Manager Shirou is a good guy."

Siegfried and Alexander together caught Gilles de Rais in their arms.

"Yes, we can rest assured now that we've entrusted the child to him," Arash said with a smile.

"Compared to other shady men, this is definitely the best. After all, that child is too easy to fool." Arjuna nodded in agreement.

"Traitors...even you have betrayed me...!!" Gilles de Rais cried out in despair.

"I guess I'll head back now." Shirou watched as another group of guests left, leaving the area temporarily empty. He took off his hat, washed it, and prepared to leave.

Just as he was about to leave, the door was opened first, and a beautiful silver-haired girl rushed in.

"Huh?!" Black Saber looked up and saw Shirou's face, then froze in shock.

"Ah, Jeanne d'Arc, I didn't expect to see you here. So you come here to play too. Everyone's here." Shirou smiled and greeted her.

'After all, the people here are like Jeanne d'Arc's closest friends, even like family. Sure enough, even though Gilles de Rais was forbidden from visiting her, she still came to see them.' Shirou thought with relief.

However, the silver-haired girl took a step back in a panic and cried out, "Shirou... Shirou, why are you here!"

"Ah, I had some things to investigate, and I happened to be here helping out," Shirou explained, looking at the silver-haired girl with a puzzled expression.

"Is... is that so? Ah... is that so? I was just passing by and happened to come here to take a look, really just by chance!" The silver-haired girl said in a tone that was different from usual.

Shirou looked at the girl in surprise, unable to understand why she had such a flustered expression, like an old man who had just walked into a hotel room arranged by a brothel and was caught red-handed by his wife.

Chapter 515 The Choice of Happiness

The sky had already turned past dusk, with only the last golden rays remaining, and night was approaching. The sun had moved to the other side of the earth, while starlight from the universe shone in.

"Shirou... why are you here?" The silver-haired girl composed herself and asked, trying to appear calm.

Shirou scrutinized the girl; the skin between her brows and eyes trembled slightly, and her gaze was unfocused, suggesting she was still wavering. Actually, Shirou didn't object to her coming here, but seeing her current appearance, he found her rather adorable, so he decided to hold off for now.

"Hmm, what do you think I came here for?" Shirou asked, suppressing a laugh as he looked at the silver-haired girl.

"Huh?! Why... why?" The silver-haired girl took two steps back in surprise and asked.

"I'm just kidding. Of course I came here to have fun, aren't you the same?" Shirou said with a smile.

"Ah! I came here to have fun too! Is that not allowed?!" The silver-haired girl realized that the more she explained, the less clear things became, and finally, she gave up and yelled in a fit of rage.

Shirou patted the silver-haired girl's head and said, "Okay, but remember not to come back too late."

"Ah... um, I understand. You're so long-winded." The silver-haired girl blushed, but she wasn't actually that annoyed by Shirou's pat on the head.

The Imitation Heroic Spirits all smiled sincerely upon seeing the silver-haired girl's arrival and came to greet her.

"Sister! You're finally here! Listen to me! The shop is especially lively today." The handsome young man, Alexander, smiled brightly and pounced on the woman, saying this.

"Ah, don't suddenly lunge at me!" Black Saber quickly reached out and caught him, then, using the momentum, spun him around on the ground before regaining her balance. She warned him, "Seriously, what if you get hurt?"

"Hey, sorry." The handsome young man stuck out his tongue, clenched his little fist, and lightly tapped his head. By design, he was the obedient younger brother.

"Jeanne d'Arc, good evening. Mingming, could you have called and let me know? I'd come pick you up," Siegfried said as he approached.

"Ah, welcome back, Jeanne d'Arc." Arjuna also came forward.

"Hey, Jeanne d'Arc, Manager Shirou saved some food for us, let's have dinner together," Arash said with a hearty laugh.

Handsome men of various styles surrounded the silver-haired girl.

"Oh! Jeanne d'Arc! My Jeanne d'Arc!" At that moment, Gilles de Rais also ran out of the kitchen, raising his hands high and shouting with great excitement.

The silver-haired girl frowned, glanced at the other person, and cursed, "Shut up! Gil, you're disgusting! Just stand there and Don't Run closer!"

"Lulu... How could this be!" The madam collapsed to her knees, raising her hands to the sky in despair.

"Well then, I'll head back now. Otherwise, those two might make a mess of the shop," Shirou said with a light laugh. To the silver-haired girl, the people here were like close family.

"Ah, um," the silver-haired girl replied.

"Come visit again, Shirou- nii! Oh, and here's your pay for today. The hourly wage for a kitchen helper is 1500 yen, this is 6000 yen, and then there's the customary blessing service for the guests, making it a total of 50,000 yen!"

"No need, I'm just helping out," Shirou said with a light laugh, politely declining.

"Is that so... I understand! Then next time, let's help out at your shop." Alexander rolled his eyes, made a plan, and then said with a cute and harmless smile. He wanted to recruit someone as capable as Shirou, and even if he couldn't, he wanted to learn some Secret Technique for dealing with women from Shirou.

"Ah, whether you help or not is another matter. You're welcome to play anytime," Shirou replied with a smile.

"Oh, it's a date! We'll go when we're free."

"Take care, Shirou- ge."

"Let's have a drink together next time."

Arash, Siegfried, and the others also bid farewell to Shirou warmly, seeing Shirou off as he left the store.

"Huh? When did you two become so close?" the silver-haired girl asked in surprise. What exactly happened in this shop while she was away?

"Well, let's sit down first, and I'll tell you slowly later," Alexander said.

"Lulu... I hate it so much..." Gilles de Rais was left alone on the ground, crying as he spoke.

Shirou walked out of the Black Tea House and headed outside. After crossing a street, he ran into an acquaintance.

"Hey, Manager Shirou, it's a rare sight to see you here today." The man walking towards them was the middle-aged man who had previously come to the shop for coffee, a man with a decadent artistic air.

"Mr. Hector, I've seen your exhibition outside; it's a real shame." Shirou said to the man.

"Whatever, I'm going to grab a drink now, want to come along?" Hector waved his hand and said with a smile.

"No, I'll pass on the alcohol. How about we come to my shop? We don't have alcohol, but you can have as much coffee as you like," Shirou invited.

"Never mind then, coffee next time. It's getting late, I guess I'll want something stronger. If you're not coming with me, I'll go find Arash. Goodbye then," Hector said, waving his hand.