Chapter 722

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

“Isn’t that rather rude? Even if it’s you, Shirou, I’m going to get angry.”

But Shirou remained completely unmoved.

What was more, the atmosphere around him had changed.

He had not cast any magecraft.

He was simply releasing dense magical energy from his body.

Yet that energy exerted an astonishing pressure on Aoi Tohsaka.

The air grew as heavy as lead, making it difficult to breathe.

Her skin prickled, and she could barely remain standing.

Aoi’s shoulders trembled. Only with difficulty did she suppress her shivering.

It was completely different from the magical energy of her former husband, Tokiomi Tohsaka.

Tokiomi was a gentleman and a scholar. His magical energy was carefully controlled, as rational and disciplined as the man himself.

But Shirou’s was different.

This was not a difference in personality, nor a matter of their respective skill as magi.

At their very foundations, they existed on entirely different levels.

Her respect and obedience toward Tokiomi had been rooted in tradition—in the belief that she should defer to him because she was his wife.

The pressure she felt now was something entirely different.

As a magus, this boy was far more capable than her former husband.

For the moment, that was the only thought left in Aoi’s mind.

“Mrs. Tohsaka.”

Shirou placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You won’t tell anyone about Irisviel and me, will you?”

Aoi did not answer.

“You won’t tell anyone, right?”

He looked at her and asked again.

“Y-yes… I swear I won’t tell anyone. This will remain our secret forever.”

Aoi had yielded completely.

“…Very good.”

Shirou studied her, apparently satisfied by her compliance.

Volume Nine: Chapter 441 — Aoi Tohsaka

After her shower, Aoi sat quietly on