Journey to Find Heroic Spirits

"Senpai, we're out of money..." Mashu said worriedly, stating their current predicament.

They had hastily performed a Spirit Transfer from Chaldea without bringing their wallets, and this was Fuyuki City in the 1990s; even if they had money, it might not be usable.

"I wish Mr. Emiya were here. I kind of miss his cooking."

Mashu began to reminisce about the food at Chaldea, especially Mr. Emiya's superb culinary skills. Thinking about those delicious meals, her mouth started watering uncontrollably.

"Yo! I think I heard someone say my name."

A familiar voice called out from behind them. Mashu immediately turned around, and upon seeing who it was, exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Emiya!"

Yuxian also turned around and, seeing Emiya with his short white hair and casual attire, managed a weak greeting with the little strength he had left.

"Old Woman!"

"Hey! Hey! Master, I'm Heroic Spirit Emiya, not 'Old Woman'!" Emiya rolled his eyes in exasperation, protesting Yuxian's address.

"Got it, Old Woman. I'm starving!"

Yuxian had blurted out the first address out of habit, as he used to call Emiya that all the time. The second time was deliberate; since he'd already said it, he didn't intend to change his habit.

Mashu, helpless against Yuxian's peculiar sense of humor, decided to change the subject. "Mr. Emiya, Senpai is about to collapse from hunger. Please make him something to eat quickly."

Emiya shrugged, looking like he couldn't help it. He was easygoing and didn't bother with such trivial matters.

Meeting Yuxian and Mashu here also greatly surprised him. Emiya beckoned to the two of them and said, "Follow me."

Matou Residence, Dining Room.

"Ah—I'm alive again." Yuxian, after finishing the meal Emiya had prepared, sprawled back onto the chair and patted his belly without any regard for his image.

Mashu, unlike him, was not so ill-mannered. She thanked him earnestly, "Mr. Emiya's cooking is amazing. No wonder Miss Artoria can always eat so much."

Yuxian noticed Mashu's serious expression, but her words were full of unintended humor. He gained a deeper understanding of Artoria's appetite.

After eating their fill and resting for a while.

Once Emiya had cleared the table, Yuxian sat up seriously, looking at him with a stern expression.

"Tell me about your situation. Why are you here? When I came in earlier, I saw 'Matou' written outside. This is the residence of the Matou family, one of Fuyuki City's Three Great Families, right?"

On the way, Yuxian had been too weak from hunger to speak, but his mind had been processing a lot of crucial information.

Emiya pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, slowly explaining, "I arrived here a year ago. I was in the Chaldea kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone when I suddenly appeared in Fuyuki City. I couldn't contact Chaldea, so I ended up living in the Matou residence."

"What about Zouken Matou?"

Yuxian didn't want to linger in the old worm's territory any longer than necessary; just thinking about it gave him goosebumps.

Emiya paused for a moment and said calmly, "Zouken Matou, he's already dead."

"You killed him. The Hero of Justice, Mr. Shirou Emiya." Yuxian's tone was calm, and he was certain Emiya had killed Zouken Matou, which somewhat put his mind at ease. He had no fondness for the old worm and would have applauded his death.

Emiya remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

Yuxian didn't dwell on how Emiya killed Zouken Matou. As an agent of the Counter Force, Heroic Spirit Emiya killing a person or two wasn't unusual.

Emiya disliked killing, but if someone met his criteria for needing to be killed, he wouldn't hesitate. Zouken Matou perfectly fit that criterion.

"Then what about Sakura Matou? Don't tell me she's still with the Tohsaka family. You should know that Tokiomi Tohsaka would definitely have her adopted out, either to the Matou family or another Magus family," Yuxian asked with concern about Sakura Matou's situation.

He felt immense sympathy for Sakura Matou's plight. Upon hearing of Zouken Matou's death, he immediately thought of this ill-fated girl.

The moment the old worm died, Sakura's fate should have changed, though he didn't know if it was for better or worse.

Emiya explained, "A year ago, I happened to encounter Zouken Matou taking Sakura from the Tohsaka residence. I intercepted Matou on the road and rescued Sakura. Today, she and Shinji went out to play."

"As expected of a reliable Senpai," Yuxian sighed. Then, as if struck by a thought, he looked at Emiya with a strange expression. "I never would have imagined, Emiya, that you, with your honest face and serious demeanor, would be into raising lolis!"

Mashu, who had been listening intently to their conversation, gasped and covered her mouth with disbelief, looking at Emiya.

"Master!"

Emiya slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his eyes wide, glaring at Yuxian. His dark face turned bright red, as if he had been greatly insulted.

"Alright, alright, just a joke, don't get worked up." Yuxian gestured downwards with his hand, signaling Emiya to calm down. "Besides, what's wrong with raising lolis? I think it's quite nice."

Seeing that the two were about to argue, Mashu quickly intervened, "Senpai, please be serious and don't joke around! Mr. Emiya, please don't be angry. You know Senpai is always like this, not serious."

Emiya took a deep breath before sitting down again. He knew Yuxian meant no harm; otherwise, he wouldn't have just glared.

Yuxian didn't tease Emiya further and shifted the conversation back to business. "Who is the current head of the Matou family? The Holy Grail War is about to begin, and the Matou family is one of the Three Great Families. Who do you plan to have participate? Will you act yourself?"

Emiya was silent for a moment, then said softly, "The current head is Sakura."

"Hey, hey! You said you weren't... oof" Yuxian's words were cut short as Mashu covered his mouth, afraid he would say something inappropriate again.

Yuxian could only give up. After he promised not to make any more comments about Emiya, Mashu let him go.

Emiya continued, "Kariya Matou has returned. He will be the Master representing the Matou family in this Holy Grail War."

"Kariya Matou, that half-baked Magus? He's probably not cut out for it," Yuxian said. He knew Kariya Matou as a loser and didn't expect him to achieve anything in the Holy Grail War; it would be good enough if he didn't become a burden.

"It doesn't matter. My goal isn't to be the final victor of this Holy Grail War."

Emiya didn't retort. He also didn't believe Kariya Matou would be the victor, especially since someone he knew very well had summoned a Servant he was also very familiar with in this Holy Grail War.

"What are you planning to do?" Yuxian asked.

"I'm going to put an end to the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City, once and for all!" Emiya declared resolutely.

"As expected." Yuxian had already guessed Emiya's objective, and he covered his forehead, a headache already forming. "Just the two of you and Kariya Matou, it probably won't be easy."

"It's not just the two of us."

"Who else?" Yuxian asked curiously.

"She'll be back soon. And with the Master and Mash now, our chances are even greater." Emiya said mysteriously, refusing to reveal who "she" was, making Yuxian's curiosity burn like a cat scratching at his insides.

After finishing their conversation, Emiya stood up and looked at Yuxian with a solemn expression. "Master, I don't know why I broke my contract and left Chaldea, but I wish to form a contract with you again and become your Servant."

Yuxian looked at the earnest expression on his face and calmly replied, "Signing a contract with me means you'll have to obey my commands. Aren't you afraid that after we sign the contract, I'll immediately order you back to Chaldea?"

"I believe in you!" Emiya met Yuxian's gaze directly.

Yuxian fell silent. This trust made him feel ashamed. He had actually been planning to flee back to Chaldea immediately if danger arose.

"Senpai!" Mash called out to him anxiously from the side, seeing Yuxian's lack of response.

"I will do my best to help you achieve what you want, but only within what I deem feasible."

Yuxian didn't make any absolute promises. He didn't want to deceive Emiya, and Servants weren't easily fooled.

"Yes, Master!" Emiya agreed without hesitation.

Yuxian extended his right hand. The Command Spells on the back of his hand flashed with light, and the contract was successful.

On the screen, the current number of contracted Servants changed to: 2

Section 3 Chapter 3 Magical Girls Are the Best

Emiya instructed the servants to prepare rooms for Yuxian and Mash. He was now the de facto guardian of Sakura Matou, the head of the Matou Family.

Kariya Matou was unwilling to manage the household affairs, and Tsuruno Matou had no talent for magecraft. Therefore, they dared not voice any complaints about Emiya's decision.

Yuxian settled down comfortably in the Matou residence. Zouken Matou was dead, and without that stench of insects, the environment here was quite pleasant.

The Matou Family was one of the foremost great families in Fuyuki City, possessing immense wealth. The furniture and appliances were incredibly luxurious, and with servants at their beck and call, life here would be very comfortable.

It would have been perfect if not for the damned Holy Grail War.

A short while later, Kariya Matou returned with Sakura and Shinji. Kariya had taken them out to play earlier.

They each carried quite a few items, showing that Kariya doted on the two children. He was especially fond of Sakura, as she was Makiri Sakura's daughter, treating her even better than Shinji.

Seeing Sakura with her black hair, Yuxian felt a great sense of relief. Children should be happy and carefree; cruel destinies could go to hell.

Emiya introduced Yuxian and Mash, explaining that they would be living under the same roof from now on and that getting acquainted was necessary.

Sakura was a bit shy and timidly greeted them before immediately hiding behind Kariya again, secretly observing the two. Shinji, however, was quite bold and showed no signs of stage fright, puffing out his chest as he introduced himself: "My name is Shinji Matou."

Yuxian had initially wanted to talk to Sakura. The sight of young Sakura instantly captivated him, making him want to pat her head.

But Sakura Matou seemed very shy and kept hiding behind Kariya. Yuxian had no choice but to give up, believing that as they lived there longer and she gradually became familiar with them, there would be opportunities.

Kariya nodded at the two with a calm expression before leaving with Sakura and Shinji.

Yuxian felt no dissatisfaction with Kariya's indifference. He knew Kariya had no interest in the Holy Grail War. If it weren't for Sakura, Kariya wouldn't have returned to the Matou Family at all.

However, Kariya's attitude made Yuxian a little worried. The knot in Kariya's heart remained a hidden danger, and he feared problems might arise later.

Yuxian couldn't say anything explicitly at this moment and could only take things one step at a time.

He was just an ordinary person, not Gudako, who could tear Goetia apart with her bare hands.

If it weren't for Emiya, Yuxian would never have gotten involved in this Holy Grail War. Finding a safe place to hide for a while and waiting for the Holy Grail War to end would have been the best option.

Mash, seeing Yuxian's troubled expression from the side, mistook it for worry about the impending Holy Grail War and gently comforted him, "Senpai, please don't worry. Mash will always be by your side to protect you."

Yuxian smiled. His kouhai was always so thoughtful.

As evening approached, Yuxian and Mash were chatting in the living room when a childish voice called out from outside the door.

"I'm back!"

This was followed by the sound of hurried footsteps, and a small figure appeared in Yuxian's sight.

Her long silver hair cascaded down, yet it didn't look messy. She wore a cute brown hat on her head. She was dressed in a light-colored sailor uniform with "Homurahara" written on the chest, the school uniform of Homurahara Academy in Fuyuki City. A small brown backpack was slung over her shoulders, bouncing with her every step, and it didn't seem heavy.

"Master!"

"Illya!"

Illya ran into the Matou Family's living room, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Yuxian and Mash. She let out a joyful shout and rushed towards them.

Yuxian was also very happy to see Illya. He liked her a lot. Seeing her rush towards him, he opened his arms in turn, ready to catch her as she flew into his embrace like a swallow returning to its nest.

Bang!

Illya threw herself onto Mash, hugging her tightly. Her soft little face nuzzled into Mash's embrace as she affectionately said, "Mash-neechan, Illya missed you so much. I thought I'd never see you again."

Yuxian stood there awkwardly, then sheepishly retracted his outstretched arms. He turned and patted Illya's little head.

"Oh, it's Illya. Did you miss me?"

Illya pulled away from Mash and stood up straight, facing Yuxian. She said with utmost seriousness, "Illyasviel von Einzbern, I have answered your summons. Are you my Master?"

Yuxian blinked, then smacked his forehead. He looked at Illya's mock-serious little face speechlessly. "Where did you learn that line?"

"Huh? Isn't that how it's supposed to be?" Illya tilted her head, blinking in confusion. "Big Brother said that's the line Servants use when they're summoned by their Master."

Mash giggled softly beside them. Yuxian glanced over, and she immediately put on an innocent act. As soon as Yuxian looked away, she started to chuckle again.

Emiya, wearing a white apron, emerged from the kitchen where he was preparing dinner for everyone.

Yuxian glared fiercely at Emiya, inwardly scolding him for teaching Illya such nonsense.

Just because I summoned a Servant once, does he think everyone is as stiff and formal as Artoria? Have you ever seen someone who curses you as 'mongrel' right off the bat? Have you ever seen someone who calls you 'Mom' the moment they appear? If you haven't, then don't just teach things randomly. Magical Girls should stay cute and adorable.

Emiya looked utterly bewildered by Yuxian's glare, unsure of what he'd done to offend him. He turned and went back into the kitchen.

Ignoring Mash and Emiya, Yuxian looked down at Illya, his expression instantly softening with warmth and kindness. "Illya, you don't need to do that. This time, it's not you being summoned; I came to find you."

"Oh..." Illya scratched her head, a look of understanding dawning on her face. But then she immediately stopped thinking about it and said happily, "Master, let's sign our contract quickly! I want to go back to Chaldea. I haven't seen Kuro and the others in so long."

Facing Illya's hopeful gaze, Yuxian felt a pang of regret. "Illya, there's no one left at Chaldea right now. Mash and I came to find everyone."

"Huh?" Illya's face fell. She had really hoped to see her friends at Chaldea again.

Mash hugged Illya from behind and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, Master will definitely find everyone."

"Mhm!" Illya nodded heavily, then looked up at Yuxian again, her voice full of pleading. "Master, please hurry and find everyone."