Breakfast Once Again / The Killer Appears! ...

This time it was different! Shirou saw a vertical tube that appeared out of thin air on the blonde girl's body. It looked a bit like a health bar or mana bar in a game, but the contents inside were black, filled with ominousness and chaos. It was currently at about half full.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" Eriri asked Shirou in confusion, seemingly having no memory of what had happened before.

"Eriri, please call me Shirou. I'll be more used to it that way," Shirou said, looking at Eriri.

Before they learned each other's true identities, they addressed each other by their names and interacted very casually and naturally. However, once they arrived here, they had to adhere to etiquette and rules in order to conform to the norms of nobility.

"... What? Why are you saying this all of a sudden?" The blonde girl stared at Shirou for a moment, her eyes glistening with tears, then walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. She no longer seemed to be in a hurry to go to the dining room.

The two maids exchanged a glance and said in a cooperative manner:

"Guest, your change of clothes are here. We'll go prepare breakfast now. Please come back in a while."

"Okay, thank you." Shirou nodded.

At this moment, only Shirou and Eriri remained in the room.

"Of course, I can't just abandon you no matter what," Shirou said, looking at the blonde girl. Yes, he would find out the truth no matter what and take Eriri and the other girls involved to leave this world.

"Really?" The blonde girl's eyes shone with hope, like a lost child seeing family coming to find him. She grasped Shirou's hand and asked excitedly. At that moment, the black aura within the vertical lines on her body trembled slightly, indicating a change.

"Of course! We grew up together, I certainly wouldn't abandon you," Shirou tried to comfort the girl.

At this moment, Shirou clearly saw the black aura in the vertical line on Eriri's body recede downwards.

Could this be related to the last incident? Shirou wondered to himself.

"Even though we are half-siblings, you won't abandon me?" The blonde girl asked Shirou, tears welling in her eyes.

"Yes, of course." Shirou nodded again. The girl speaking these words in Eriri's guise made his heart ache. In this world, the girl's relationship with the protagonist was the same as Eriri's relationship with him—childhood friends.

As the saying goes, "love me, love my dog," how could he possibly abandon her?

The blonde girl could no longer hold back and burst into tears, her pitiful and haggard appearance laid bare before Shirou.

Shirou realized that the girl in the story felt the same way about the protagonist, and that she wouldn't kill him just for the money.

She was constantly filled with worry, uncertainty about the future, grief over her father's death, and the devastation of being deceived into having so many half-sisters. Now, she had to face the division of the family property and share a room with a group of unfamiliar girls, all of whom were constantly vying for her attention.

All of this weighed increasingly heavily on the blonde girl's heart, especially after arriving at the castle. However, he was unaware of this, leaving the girl to bear the pressure alone.

But if it wasn't to fight for the inheritance, what reason could have driven her to commit murder? And what about Kouko-san's death? This world remains shrouded in mystery.

Chapter 708 Breakfast Once Again

"But... I heard that my uncle is going to send some of his people away to inherit my father's land in a faraway place," the blonde girl said, expressing her worries.

Shirou continued to comfort the girl, saying, "Well, if you don't want to go outside, then stay here. I'll find a way to sell the property there and come back here to live. And even if we take the worst-case scenario and don't inherit this estate, we can still stay and live here."

With Shirou's comforting words, the dark aura around Eriri continued to dissipate, finally stopping at about one-third of its original size.

"Alright, let's go to the restaurant first, everyone else is getting impatient," Shirou said.

"Okay, then hurry up and change your clothes." Eriri naturally took Shirou's clothes from the stroller.

"Are you going to help me change my clothes?" Shirou asked the girl with a light laugh.

"Who wants to help you!" Eriri blushed instantly, threw her clothes at Shirou, and quickly walked towards the door, closing it behind her. Leaning against the door, she whispered, her face still flushed, "Tch, it's not like I haven't seen it before..."

After changing his clothes, Shirou followed Eriri into the dining room. Roswaal, the head of household, and his sisters were already seated.

"Good morning, everyone." After greeting everyone, Shirou sat down in an empty seat, and then the spoiled Kirino slapped his thigh.

"Too slow!"

A thunderbolt flashed through Shirou's mind as he recalled memories of the other girls present. Yes, he actually knew all the girls there.

Several years ago, the protagonist was taken by a man to visit some friends' homes. The man held his hand and they arrived at a certain place by carriage or boat.

The man kept saying similar things to him back then...

"Shirou, let's get acquainted."

"I have a very close relationship with the owner of this place, so please get along well with me."

"Shirou, if you have your eye on any girl, don't be shy, remember to tell her!"

However, the explanation given at the time made it sound like he was being arranged to go on blind dates with those girls. As a result, the girls who were unaware of their true identities developed feelings for Shirou, only to find out that they were actually siblings, leading to this situation.

Although none of the girls said it outright, this fact actually caused each of them to feel pressure and anger, because the person they liked was their half-brother.

It turns out that Shirou had met all the girls here before, at least once. His father had taken him to many places and visited the girls' families. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Shirou realized that his father had a close relationship with the woman living there and had even told him to get along well with the woman's daughter.

Kirino is nominally the daughter of the Knight Commander of the Guard Regiment; Ayase is the granddaughter of a tax official and a member of parliament; Kuro Neko is the daughter of a baron and runs a tailor shop catering to nobles; Saori is the daughter of Viscountess who inherited her husband's title as a widow; Kyoko is the granddaughter of a maritime merchant family from the Far East; Hime no Toki is also the daughter of a foreign landowner who came here to live with her father after her family fell on hard times and has been living in Small Town on the outskirts of the city.

Then everything proceeded as it had in the previous memory. After breakfast, Roswaal brought up the matter of distributing the family property, and then said that apart from Shirou, only one person could remain in the town, and the others would be relocated to other places to inherit their father's property. He also let the girls decide among themselves who would stay and who would go.

"If you have any questions, please speak up now," Roswaal said after explaining the details.

Shirou noticed that Roswaal's clownish grin at this moment made it seem as if he was watching a good show and even looking forward to the competition between Shirou and the girls.

"Yes, I have a request!" At this moment, Shirou's Kouko-san, stood up just like last time, indicating that she was giving up her inheritance rights and only wished to stay here and manage the castle's library. All she wanted was a few meals a day; she asked for nothing else.

Shirou discreetly observed the expressions of those around him. The other girls looked at Kyoko with varying expressions—some incomprehension, some disdain, and some envy... However, since Kyoko had voluntarily given up the competition, they naturally had no reason to object.

Kyoko bowed to Shirou, pleading for his consent.

"I understand, but before that, I have an idea I'd like to discuss with everyone!" Shirou said.

"Oh, tell me about it," Roswaal said, smiling at Shirou.

"What is it?" Kirino and the other impatient girls all looked at Shirou and sat up straight.

Shirou looked at each of the girls and said with a friendly smile:

"No matter what, we are siblings, so I think that whoever inherits what property, the others can help fulfill one of the other's urgent wishes, provided that this wish does not harm anyone else."

In that case, everyone could find happiness and wouldn't feel resentful. Of course, as the older brother, I will lead by example. If anyone else wants to stay like Kyoko, I will take good care of you. I will make sure you have no problems with food or clothing. I am determined to make sure you are happy."

"You idiot~! If you can get something so easily, then it can't be called happiness," Kirino said irritably.

"You! How can you talk like that! Brother, you're thinking of us." The Kuro Neko said to Kirino.

"You're so nagging, I understand without you saying it. I'm just saying he shouldn't be such a pushover!" Kirino retorted, waiting for the Kuro Neko to refute her.

"..." Ayase was standing to the side, looked at Shirou speaking, her gaze shifting. Her hands, which were under the table and covering her stomach, clenched into fists. She hesitated, bit her lip, and then gave up.

Shirou thought that if that were the case, it would at least alleviate the pressure on his sisters and ease the conflict between them, perhaps preventing those tragedies from happening. If possible, Shirou would actually prefer to simply relinquish his inherited fortune to resolve the dispute, but for now, he had to follow the plot. He needed to find the murderer tonight and bring this matter to a close.

Chapter 709 The Murderer Has Appeared!

After the meal, the other girls went their separate ways to do what they wanted. As heirs, they were free to do as they pleased as long as they didn't leave the castle.

Eriri and Hime no Toki both prefer to stay in their rooms, especially Hime no Toki, who won't come out at all unless it's for a meal. Shirou, on the other hand, stayed at the restaurant he had to pass through to go out, drinking tea alone.

After a while, Roswaal came out, having changed into a long robe for going out. Shirou quickly stood up; he had been waiting for this moment.

"Hey, Shirou, didn't you go back to rest?" Roswaal said to Shirou with a smile.

"Hmm, are you going out?" Shirou asked.

"Yes, I received an urgent notice that I need to go to the capital for a meeting," Roswaal replied to Shirou in his distinctive singing voice.

"Is that so? But if you leave, I'm worried it won't be safe here. There are no men here besides me. If thieves or something breaks in, the consequences could be dire," Shirou said, expressing his concerns.

"Don't worry, no one dares to enter my castle yet," Roswaal said with a smile.

"Please rest assured, guest, Lord Roswaal has set up defensive Magic Circle in the vicinity, so it's impossible for anyone outside to get in here," the pink-haired maid chimed in.

"Is that so... I understand. Please be careful on your way." Shirou nodded. Due to plot limitations, he didn't sense the Magic Circle and was instead blocked from going outside by a black wall.

"Thank you for your concern. Well then, Ram, I'll leave this place to you." Roswaal turned to the pink-haired maid Ram and said.

"Yes, I understand, Lord Roswaal," Ram bowed and replied.

Shirou knew he couldn't persuade them and could only watch Roswaal leave. As expected, changing an NPC's mind was incredibly difficult in the world of stories, and if it involved the main plot, it was destined to be impossible. Since he couldn't change their minds, he turned his attention to the other girls.

Shirou left the restaurant and headed towards the library inside the castle. For this era, although papermaking and printing techniques had been introduced from the East, they had not yet been improved and perfected, and were still relatively expensive in terms of cost.

For example, to support a student's education, one relied on wooden boards and blackboards, and books were shared. Apart from churches and other public facilities, only nobles and merchants were qualified to collect books. The number of books a family possessed often represented the family's wealth and status.

The castle houses tens of thousands of books, accumulated by ancestors over four hundred years ago. For Kyoko, who loves reading, it's a treasure trove. Whenever she has free time, she immerses herself in it.

Shirou quickly found the woman, who was engrossed in reading a book, completely unaware of what was happening in the outside world.

"Kyoko, Kyoko ~! Kyoko ~!" Shirou called the girl several times, but she didn't respond.

"Ah... ah! Brother! I'm sorry! I just saw it and that's how it is!" Kyoko woke up from the book with a start and quickly apologized to Shirou.

"It's nothing, I just brought some hot water to have a cup of tea with you," Shirou said, carrying the kettle.

"Brother, I can do this." Kyoko quickly sat up from her chair and said timidly.

"Don't worry about such trivial matters, please sit down." Shirou for the girl to sit down, then expertly prepared some tea and handed it to Kyoko.

"Thank you." Kyoko took the teacup, blew on it, and then took a small sip. The rich aroma filled her mouth, perfectly suited to her taste. She couldn't help but smile and exclaim, "What a wonderful aroma!"

"I'm glad you like it." Shirou nodded and sat down. This was the tea that Kouko-san had loved to drink back in the real world. Although he didn't know what effect dying here would have on the Servant, Shirou wasn't going to let the woman die again.

"Brother, thank you for your concern. Please speak freely." Kyoko was a very intelligent woman. She closed her book, put it aside, and quietly looked at Shirou.

"Well, the reason I came here this time is actually to ask you what your requirements are regarding the inheritance. It's really unfair to make you give up everything. Think about what you want, and I'll try to compensate you." Shirou said gently to the woman.

"Brother... thank you so much. Kyoko 'm already living a life of luxury. You provide me with a place to stay and three meals a day, and you even give me time to read. I'm truly grateful," Kyoko said, clasping her hands together.

"Is that so? Let's put that suggestion aside for now. Tell me what you think of later." Shirou casually continued, "By the way, as the older brother, whether I can protect my sister is also a matter of face for me. So I hope you can tell me honestly, since we came here, has anyone bullied you?"

Shirou hopes to find some clues about the assassin from Kyoko. Was that night an accident or murder? Did they just happen to run into intruders? Or was it an inside job?

However, the other party's reaction was beyond Shirou's expectations.

Kyoko looked puzzled and surprised at Shirou, then shook her head and said, "Bullying? No... I look like I'm from a foreign land in the East, but among the people here, even though I'm not very close to the sisters, no one has ever argued with me, let alone bullied me."

"Yes, but promise me, if you encounter any problems, please don't hesitate to ask. We can work together to figure it out." Shirou nodded and said sincerely.

"With your words, brother, that's enough," Kyoko replied with a relieved smile.

"Then I won't bother you any longer, I'll head back now," Shirou said, sitting up.

"Yes, brother, please take care." Kyoko replied obediently.

After leaving the library, Shirou didn't go back to his room. Instead, he quietly hid in the dining area, finding a dark corner where he wouldn't be exposed to the light.

Time passed quietly, and night fell. The lights in the other girls' rooms were turned off, and the vast castle fell silent.

Kyoko was so engrossed in reading in the library that she lost track of time and returned to find the lights off. Carrying a lantern, she walked towards her room, passing by the restaurant along the way.

Unaware that a Black Shadow was following her from behind, holding a gleaming dagger, silently approaching her and about to stab her in the back.

"Don't even think about it!!!" Shirou suddenly rushed out and blocked the dagger that was thrust down.

The woman in the Black Shadow was stronger than he had imagined. Due to the limitations of the plot, Shirou's hands, which were only those of an ordinary young man, were suddenly unable to stop the momentum of the dagger. He could only press it down towards himself, and it was about to stab him in the chest.

"Brother..." The Black Shadow holding the dagger, upon recognizing Shirou who had jumped out, let out a heartbroken cry, filled with sorrow, helplessness, and resentment. He then abandoned his attempt to stab Shirou, releasing the dagger which fell to the ground.

Kyoko got up, picked up the small lamp that had fallen to the ground, and the faint light shone on the face of the Black Shadow, revealing her true appearance.

Kyoko looked shocked.

"Ayase..." Shirou called out the girl's name.

"Shirou- nii-san..." Ayase looked at Shirou, her expression filled with grief.

Ayase is the granddaughter of the town's tax collector and a member of parliament representing the commoners. Although she does not hold a noble title, she wields considerable influence in the town and is considered an emerging force in the national reform movement.

"Why did you try to kill me, Miss Ayase? We're sisters, aren't we? And I've never offended you before!" Kouko-san looked at the dagger lying on the ground, lowered her hand that was holding the lantern, and asked the murderer in bewilderment, having survived the ordeal.

Ayase suddenly raised her head and looked at Kouko-san. Her expression turned ferocious and terrifying, and she roared as if her mouth was wide open:

"That bitch! I wanted to stay by my brother's side, but she just gave up everything so easily! I gave up my inheritance, just to stay in the library?! How could I let her get away with it! Damn it! If I can't stay by my brother's side, then I won't allow any woman to get close to him either!!!"

Yes, Ayase was jealous of Kyoko, who could so easily declare that she wanted to stay by Shirou's side and give up everything. So in the first loop, she killed Kyoko and then framed Eriri.

"Ayase, I didn't expect you to think this way. Why didn't you tell me? Why did you go to such lengths?" Shirou looked at the crazed girl and asked. If the girl had any grievances, he would definitely help her.

Ayase looked at Shirou, took two steps back, placed her hands on her stomach, and said with a bitter smile, "Brother... do you know? I'm carrying your child, I'm already three months along."

"What..." Shirou looked shocked. A thunderbolt struck his mind as fragments of memories with the girl surfaced.

The protagonist meets the girl, and because they get along well, they often spend time together. When he is sixteen, he visits Ayase's house with his father. Because his father has drunk too much, they stay overnight. Then, at night, the girl, wearing a sheer, transparent nightgown, knocks on the door and comes to his bedside. And so, this relationship continues.

At this moment, he also noticed that the girl had a slender figure like a model, but her stomach was slightly protruding.

Chapter 710 Ayase is pregnant with Shirou's child

Ayase's family in this world is, to put it bluntly, a family of politicians, and even members of parliament in the early stages of their careers.

As we all know, when a new force is first established, chaos and bloodshed are inevitable. Because there are no clear rules, there are no bottom lines, and all sorts of bizarre methods are used. Assassination, fighting, unclear authority, and yet they have a lot of power, and because the law is imperfect, it is full of gray areas and is not restricted.