"Lately, I've always seen you spacing out, Brother."
In the Matou Family study, Matou Sakura sat across from Matou Shinji, watching her brother with curiosity.
"This isn't spacing out, Sakura."
Matou Shinji did not look up, merely turning a page in his book. A lock of wine-red hair hanging over his forehead swayed along with the movement of his head.
"Reading isn't simply about reading the words on the page. You need to delve into what lies behind those words."
"Understanding is the best path to learning magecraft."
"Is that so?" Sakura nodded, still somewhat confused.
After a long silence, the only sound in the study was that of pages turning.
"Still, it does seem like your mind isn't really on your reading either."
Matou Shinji looked up and smiled at Matou Sakura.
"Mm."
Matou Sakura did not hide it. She merely pressed her lips together and nodded.
"I had a nightmare last night. It made me think of Father, and now I feel a little... Ah, no, Lord Tohsaka, the head of the family..."
Matou Sakura was indeed Tohsaka Tokiomi's daughter, but she had now been adopted by Matou Kariya. Whether in the world of magecraft or the ordinary world, the person she should call "Father" ought to be Matou Kariya, no longer Tohsaka Tokiomi.
"The Matou Family has no such rule. No matter what, Lord Tohsaka is still your father." Matou Shinji smiled. He felt that his little sister was perhaps being a little too restrained.
"In any case, we've been sitting long enough. Let's go out for a walk."
Setting down his book, Matou Shinji rubbed his neck.
Sakura's face brightened with delight.
"Mm!"
They left the room and entered the courtyard. Though they said they were going out to relax, in reality, they could only play