Chapter 556

[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]

“I was once instructed by Madam to treat you as I would my own master,” Sella said.

“Hmm, was that what she said…? I don’t think you need to go quite that far.”

Sella turned and headed for the living room, leaving Shirou behind.

Shirou watched her go in silence.

Her steps were light, and even from behind, she seemed to be in a good mood.

Still, he could understand her desire to protect her mistress.

As always, a warm, relaxed atmosphere filled the living room of the Amamiya residence at breakfast.

Suddenly, Fujimura Taiga seemed to remember something while drinking her miso soup. She set down her bowl and chopsticks and began counting on her fingers.

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… eight? Huh?

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… eight?!”

“What are you doing, Tiger?” Illya asked on everyone’s behalf.

“There’s something wrong with the number of people at the table today.”

Muttering to herself, Taiga swept her gaze over everyone—

And stopped at Tiamat, who was sitting beside her.

She sprang to her feet, finally realizing something was amiss.

“Y-you… Who are you?! Why are you sitting at our family’s breakfast table like you’ve always belonged here?!”

“I am Mother,” Tiamat introduced herself, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Whaaat?!”

Taiga clutched her head.

“How did this happen?!

“Just when I thought things had finally settled down, someone else moved in without me noticing!

“How did it come to this? This house has turned into some kind of dream hot-spring inn…

“No, if you count Tohsaka and Sakura, it’s practically a girls’ school!”

“Tiger! You’re too loud!” Illya protested.

“Disciple Zero, calm yourself,”