Will you come tonight?

The Sakura household was quite lively this morning, with Illya, the Master of Berserker, sitting primly at the living room table.

Because the living room was warm, Illya had shed her purple coat and white scarf.

The purple dress top paired with a white knee-length skirt made Illya look even more adorable than usual.

Since Sakura Masayoshi had gone out for his morning exercise early, only Sasuke, Kaoru Sakura, and Illya were at the breakfast table.

Whether it was because of some special occasion or simply because of Illya's presence, the breakfast was noticeably more lavish than usual.

Three side dishes and a soup.

Even the miso soup was significantly more extravagant.

However, Sasuke didn't want to say much about Illya's arrival; he only hoped she wouldn't cause any trouble.

Kaoru Sakura was serving rice for Illya and asked with a curious expression:

"Illya, you actually know Shirou Emiya too?"

Illya's expression became somewhat indescribable as she took the rice and replied:

"I've known of him for a long time, though he only found out about me recently."

"Kaoru, what kind of person is Shirou Emiya in your eyes?"

Kaoru Sakura didn't know how to answer at first, scratching her head as she said:

"Although Shirou Emiya is quite famous at school, to be honest, if you asked me to describe what kind of person he is, I really wouldn't know how to put it."

"In everyone else's eyes, Shirou Emiya is the pseudo-custodian, the Brownie of Homurahara Academy."

"As long as you ask him sincerely, he will help you no matter what."

"He gives off the feeling that... other people seem more important to him than he is to himself."

"But I can't say for sure; after all, although I've met Shirou Emiya a few times, most of what I know is just hearsay."

Illya fell into deep thought, eating her meal in silence, her mood somewhat complicated.

However, Illya had a particular fondness for the breakfast Kaoru had prepared; the fact that she had eaten two bowls of rice and finished the miso soup was proof enough of her satisfaction.

Looking at Kaoru, Illya smiled happily and contentedly:

"Kaoru, thank you for the sumptuous breakfast."

"This is my first time tasting Japanese cuisine."

Illya had heard of Japanese cooking before, though she really didn't want to bring up that man...

Recalling the past, Illya's expression turned sour, perhaps even angry.

But Kaoru didn't notice any of this.

Hearing that it was Illya's first time eating Japanese food, Kaoru's expression instantly turned regretful. She took Illya's slender, fair hand and said sincerely:

"If I had known this was your first time eating our food, I would have made my specialty!"

"But it doesn't matter, Illya, don't you live nearby?"

"If you want to eat my cooking again, just come find me!"

"How about tomorrow at noon?!"

Before Illya could respond, however, Sasuke, who had been silent until now, spoke up:

"Kaoru!"

Although Sasuke only called her name, Kaoru immediately understood what he meant.

Kaoru didn't quite understand why her brother was so unwelcoming toward Illya, especially when Illya looked like such a cute, adorable mixed-race girl.

It was already boring enough not being able to go to school.

Grandpa spent every day reading books.

Her brother was a total mute.

Kaoru really hoped Illya could come over to help her pass this boring time.

Therefore, in a rare act of defiance against Sasuke's wishes, she persisted:

"What do you say, Illya!"

"I will definitely let you taste some excellent cooking!"

Illya didn't know how to respond for a moment.

It was true that Illya appeared to be a girl of only about nine years old, but the circumstances surrounding her were extremely complex.

In reality, Illya was already eighteen this year, but her appearance had been frozen at the age of nine.

Although Sasuke didn't yet know the specifics, the information relayed back by his Shadow Clone yesterday made it clear to him that Illya was no ordinary mage.

Last night, through his Mangekyou Sharingan, Sasuke could clearly perceive the vast amount of magical energy within Illya.

Moreover, Illya's physical constitution differed slightly from that of a normal mage.

In short, Illya's condition was highly complex; even the Mangekyou Sharingan could only discern a rough outline.

Faced with Kaoru Sakura's invitation, Illya glanced at Sasuke to the side; after all, he did not welcome her.

Kaoru Sakura assumed Illya was afraid of Sasuke, so she immediately stood up, ran to Sasuke's side, draped herself over his back, and said with a grin:

"Don't mind my brother; he doesn't like to talk and often wears a sour face, but he's actually a pretty good guy."

"You could say... hmm... the type with a sharp tongue but a soft heart?"

"Big brother, you'll agree, right?"

"Right, right, right?"

Faced with Kaoru Sakura acting so spoiled and practically hanging off him, Sasuke let out a sigh:

"Then get off my back first."

Seeing Sasuke's attitude, Kaoru Sakura understood that her brother had agreed, so she immediately turned to look at Illya and asked with an excited expression:

"Illya, you'll come tomorrow at noon, right?"

Illya smiled, but it was clear that she was feeling somewhat conflicted herself.

Things were not supposed to develop this way.

However, looking at Kaoru Sakura's expectant gaze, Illya compromised and replied in a soft voice:

"Mm, I will come tomorrow."

Hearing this, Kaoru Sakura was overjoyed and went up to hug Illya, like a cat seeing catnip.

There was no helping it; Kaoru Sakura had absolutely no resistance to anything cute.

It had been a long time since anyone had held expectations for her...

Illya felt her emotions being affected and pushed Kaoru Sakura away:

"But I should head back today..."

As she finished speaking, Illya stood up, put on her coat and scarf, and prepared to leave, looking at Sasuke with a faint smile:

"If possible, could you walk me home?"

The expressionless Sasuke stood up; he knew Illya wouldn't be so easy to brush off.

However, Kaoru Sakura had a different thought in mind. In her heart, there wasn't a single child or girl who wouldn't be attracted to her brother, and the same went for boys!

Take the children and girls in the shopping street, for example; they were very fond of Sasuke, and some boys even held him in immense respect.

So, in Kaoru Sakura's eyes, Illya, who was still just a little girl, must have had the same idea.

But it was clear that Illya did not have such thoughts, but rather held a mindset of teasing him.

The three of them had completely different thoughts at this moment.

With Kaoru Sakura speaking up for Illya, Sasuke knew very well that he couldn't escape this.

Even if he used tending the shop as an excuse, it would be of no use, because Kaoru Sakura would definitely say she would watch the shop.

So, he might as well see what Illya was actually up to.

Sasuke stood up without a word, picked up the gray coat from the hanger, and walked downstairs.

Illya naturally understood and followed closely behind.

After going downstairs and waving goodbye to Kaoru Sakura, Sasuke set off to walk Illya 'home'.

They walked all the way out of the shopping street without either Sasuke or Illya saying a single word.

It wasn't until they reached the next intersection that Illya suddenly spoke up:

"Do you intend to not say a single word?"

Sasuke looked down at Illya, who was quite a bit shorter than him, and said expressionlessly:

"What do you want me to say?"

To this, Illya only smiled faintly:

"Sasuke, you are very interesting."

"Are you coming tonight?"