Chapter 573

My heart has never been pounding like this before.

The man I could only approach in my dreams is now within my reach.

Even though the whole world was hostile to me, he still extended a helping hand to me, a complete stranger.

Bazett's mind was in a state of flux, making it difficult to think.

"Alright, that's all for the emergency measures."

Shirou raised his head and said, "I am Shirou Amamiya."

"Bazett... Bazett Fraga MacRemis."

She bit her lip, preparing to confess everything to Shirou.

"Miss Bazett, where do you live? Let's talk back at your base. Staying here might lead to another attack."

After that, Bazett took Shirou to the mansion he was temporarily using.

Generally speaking, Magecraft should not bring outsiders into their premises.

Never mind... it should be fine, right?

Bazett looked at the red-haired boy following behind him, a small surge of nervousness and excitement welling up in his chest.

This is the first time I've ever invited someone of the opposite sex into my home, and it's Shirou's doing it... That's wonderful!

"I'm sorry... there's nothing here, so I can't make you tea."

Bazett stood awkwardly in his room's doorway and said.

She not only traveled light to Fuyuki City, but also did not buy anything after arriving. The entire room contained only a few items to ensure the most basic living standards.

Bazett stared at the floor, embarrassed, and said, "If... if I had known you were coming, I would have..."

"You should have bandages, right?" Shirou asked.

Bazett paused for a moment, then took out the first-aid kit from under the bed.

Shirou gestured for her to sit down by the bed and bandaged her wound.

"..."

Bazett held his breath.

I felt that the distance between us was closer than before.

With Shirou Amamiya carefully tending to his right arm right in front of him, Bazett's heart raced again.

"Mr. Amamiya..."

"Just call me Shirou. You're older than me, aren't you?"

"Shi... Shirou... kun."

Bazett's cheeks burned just from calling the boy by his name; he simply couldn't manage it.

Fortunately Shirou was focused on bandaging the wound, so he didn't see the embarrassing situation.

"You're very good at treating wounds."

"Because it doesn't require any Magecraft talent."

Shirou laughed self-deprecatingly and neatly rolled up the bandage.

"Alright, you can rest for a bit. I'll go make some tea. May I use the kitchen?"

Bazett shook his head.

Even if you go to the kitchen, there's nothing there, just canned food to stave off hunger.

For Bazett, who has an extreme pursuit of efficiency, as long as food can maintain vital signs, the only difference is how long it takes to finish eating.

"Instead of that, please listen to me, Shirou."

Like a child who had made a mistake, Bazett spoke up before Shirou could ask a question.

"My identity is that of the Sealing Designation Enforcer sent to Fuyuki City by the Mage's Association."

My job is to investigate a certain person in Fuyuki City... actually, it's you, Shirou Amamiya. Should you be added to the Sealing Designation list?

Bazett blurted out his purpose, but Shirou casually replied, "I know."

"Huh? You know... what that means?"

"Your mission was leaked. I knew from the beginning that you would be investigating me, and of course, I already had all the information, including your background."

Shirou confessed to Bazett.

Karen would be furious if she found out, oh well...

Bazett exclaimed in surprise, "So, the Rider who attacked me just now was...?"

"Ah, she probably attacked you to protect me... I'm so sorry."

Shirou bowed his head in apology.

He didn't explain everything to Bazett.

This attack could have been avoided from the start, but Shirou tacitly approved of Rider's actions—a fact he didn't reveal to Bazett.

If we let her leave Fuyuki City like this, she might report unnecessary information to the association.

Therefore, from the perspective of using both kindness and severity, Shirou tacitly allowed Rider to attack Bazett, and then saved her.

"...!"

Bazett's eyes widened.

Shirou continued, "Miss Bazett, I hope you can keep it a secret from the Association... about your Servant in Fuyuki City."

Of course, there are also things about me...

"I...!"

Bazett's mind was in complete chaos.

I can't agree to that right away...

She regretted saying that.

His life was clearly in the other party's hands, yet he uttered such arrogant words.

If Shirou wanted to, there was no way I could leave Fuyuki City alive, right?

Shirou stared at Bazett's face.

"Hmm... it still doesn't work."

I am truly grateful to Shirou for saving my life, but as a member of the Mage's Association, I must report the situation truthfully—"

"I understand. By the way, Bazett... would you like to become my ally as well?"

Bazett suffered cardiac arrest.

This sudden sneak attack was even more effective on her than the Rider's attack.

The Female Magus with short, rose-red hair stared at the boy who was beaming with a cheerful smile, her mouth slightly agape.

"Huh? I've become Shirou's ally?"

"Yes, if this continues, Bazett probably won't be able to leave Fuyuki City alive."

Rider is not Servant I have a contract with; she will not obey my commands...

Although she left tonight, there's no guarantee she won't attack you again tomorrow.

But if you're willing to become my ally, I might be able to persuade Rider to stop hunting you down.

Bazett hesitated for a moment. "Allow me to ask... the conditions for becoming a companion... it really is still..."

"Yes, concealing Rider's existence, and also regarding the Sealing Designation... I'm counting on you."

After going around in circles, we're still talking about the same thing.

However—when Shirou changed his wording, Bazett's psychological burden miraculously disappeared.

I didn't betray the association; I joined Shirou's side and became his ally.

It sounds wonderful.

"..."

Bazett pursed his lips and fell into deep thought.

No, perhaps there's no need to even consider it.

Compared to the Mage's Association, which doesn't appreciate me, Shirou is the one who is truly willing to accept me.

They took the initiative to extend an invitation to me, even though it was our first time meeting.

"How about it? If you need help with Magecraft, or finding a job... I can try my best to provide that."

Although this place has nothing compared to the association.

But if I can stay by Shirou's side, one day I will be able to find my own value.

"I see."

Bazett and Shirou locked eyes.

"I am willing to leave the Mage's Association and become Shirou's ally."

As she spoke, she solemnly extended her uninjured left hand and clasped the boy's hand.

"Call..."

They persuaded Bazett more easily than they had imagined.

Just as Shirou was thinking this, Bazett asked.

"What should we do next? Do we need to sign a contract, like Self-Geas Scroll or something?"

"There's no need for that."

Hearing Shirou say that, Bazett frowned. "Is a verbal agreement enough?"

"Um."

"Once I return to the association, I might betray Shirou."

"Bazett wouldn't do such a thing."

Why can you make such a assertion?

After she asked that question, Shirou replied, "That's why I invited you; I can say that with such confidence."

"..."

Bazett turned his face away in a panic, avoiding eye contact with him.

My face must be red again; I've lost count of how many times it's blushed tonight.

"Now that Bazett is my ally, I'll tell you more about me."

"Why..."

The Female Magus looked flustered, Shirou asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

It's okay if you don't say anything.

Bazett bit his lip and said softly:

"I don't want to hear it all at once; I want to... get to know you gradually through our interactions."

"?"

Shirou, of course, had no idea that it was Bazett's innocent and naive girlish heart that had triumphed over her usual efficiency-oriented nature.

"It's definitely easier to explain things from the beginning."

I don't want to hear it!

Bazett covered his ears, Shirou had no choice but to give up.

"Then I'll take my leave now. You should get some rest."

"Ah...! They're already leaving?"