Chapter Three: Magical Girls Are the Best

"Senpai, we have no money..." Mash voiced their current predicament worriedly.

They had hurriedly used Spirit Transfer from Chaldea without bringing their wallets, and this was Fuyuki City in the nineties. Even if they had brought money, there was no guarantee they could use it here.

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

Mash began to miss the food at Chaldea, especially Emiya's incredible cooking. Thinking of all that delicious food, saliva kept filling her mouth.

"Hey! I think I heard someone mention my name."

A familiar voice came from behind them. Mash immediately turned around, and when she saw who it was, she cried out in delight, "Mr. Emiya!"

Yuxian turned around as well. Seeing Emiya's short white hair and casual clothes, he used what little strength he had left to barely greet him.

"Housewife!"

"Hey! Hey! Master, I'm Heroic Spirit Emiya, not a housewife!" Emiya rolled his eyes helplessly and protested the way Yuxian addressed him.

"Got it, Housewife. I'm starving to death!"

The first time, Yuxian had blurted it out from habit. That was what he had always called Emiya before. The second time was deliberate. Since he had already said it, he had no intention of changing the habit.

Mash had no way to deal with Yuxian's bad sense of humor, so she could only change the subject. "Mr. Emiya, Senpai is practically starving to death. Please get him something to eat quickly."

Emiya shrugged, looking like there was nothing he could do about Yuxian. He was easygoing and did not bother over such trivial details.

He was equally surprised to run into Yuxian and Mash here. Emiya beckoned to them and said:

"Come with me."

Matou Family, dining room.

"Ah—I'm alive again." After finishing the food Emiya had made, Yuxian slumped back in his chair and patted his stomach without the slightest regard for appearances.

Unlike him, Mash did not lack manners. She thanked him earnestly, "Mr. Emiya's cooking is amazing. No wonder Miss Artoria can eat so much every time."

Yuxian found Mash's expression utterly serious, yet what she said was full of things to complain about. His understanding of Artoria's appetite deepened considerably.

After eating and drinking their fill, they rested for a while.

After Emiya cleared the table, Yuxian sat up properly and looked at him with a grave expression.

"Tell me about yourself. Why are you here? When I came in just now, 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 here, Yuxian had been too hungry and weak to ask Emiya more questions, but he had been considering much of the key information in his mind.

Emiya pulled out a chair and sat down beside the table. "I arrived here a year ago. At the time, I was preparing breakfast for everyone in Chaldea's kitchen when I suddenly appeared in Fuyuki City. I had no way to contact Chaldea, so I stayed with the Matou Family."

"Where's Zouken Matou?"

Yuxian did not want to linger too long on the old worm's turf. Just thinking about it made goosebumps rise all over his body.

Emiya paused, then said flatly, "Zouken Matou is already dead."

"You killed him. Mr. Shirou Emiya, ally of justice." Yuxian's tone was calm, but he was certain Emiya had killed Zouken Matou. That put him somewhat at ease. He had not the slightest good impression of that old worm, and upon hearing of his death, he had nearly wanted to clap and cheer.

Emiya remained silent and did not deny it.

Yuxian did not dwell on how Emiya had killed Zouken Matou. As an agent of the Counter Force, it was hardly strange for Heroic Spirit Emiya to kill a person or two.

Emiya did not like killing, but if someone met the standard he believed warranted death, he would act without hesitation. Zouken Matou fully met the conditions for him to act.

"Then what about Sakura Matou? Don't tell me she's still with the Tohsaka Family. You should know Tokiomi Tohsaka would definitely give her away for adoption. If not to the Matou Family, then to some other Magus family." Yuxian asked about Sakura Matou with concern.

He deeply sympathized with Sakura Matou's experiences. Upon hearing of Zouken Matou's death, he immediately thought of this girl with such a tragic fate.

The moment the old worm died, Sakura's fate should have changed. He simply did not know whether it had changed for the better or worse.

Emiya explained, "A year ago, I happened to see Zouken Matou taking Sakura away from the Tohsaka Family. I intercepted and killed Zouken on the road, then saved Sakura. Today, she went out with Shinji."

"As expected of a dependable senior." Yuxian sighed, then seemed to think of something. He looked at Emiya with a strange expression. "I never expected it, Emiya. You look so upright and serious all the time, yet you're raising a little girl!"

Mash, who had been listening seriously to their conversation, let out an "Ah!" at Yuxian's words. She covered her mouth in surprise and looked at Emiya with disbelief.

"Master!"

Emiya slapped the table and stood up. His eyes widened as he glared at Yuxian, his dark face flushing red as though he had suffered a tremendous insult.

"Alright, alright, it was just a joke. Don't get worked up." Yuxian pressed his hand downward, signaling Emiya to calm down. "Besides, what's wrong with raising a little girl? I think it's pretty good."

Seeing signs that the two might start arguing, Mash quickly tried to smooth things over. "Senpai, be serious. Don't make such random jokes! And Mr. Emiya, please don't be angry. You know Senpai has always been this unserious."

Emiya took a deep breath before sitting back down. He knew Yuxian had no malicious intent. Otherwise, merely glaring would not have been enough.

Yuxian did not continue teasing Emiya and turned the topic back to business. "Who is the Matou Family's head now? The Holy Grail War is about to begin, and the Matou Family is one of the Three Founding Families. Who are you planning to send into battle? Will you do it yourself?"

Emiya was silent for a moment before saying softly, "Sakura is the head of the family now."

"Hey, hey! And you still say you're not—mmph!" Before Yuxian could finish, Mash covered his mouth with one hand, afraid he would say something inappropriate again.

Yuxian had no choice but to give up. Only after he promised not to make fun of Emiya anymore did Mash 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'll probably have a hard time handling it, won't he?" Yuxian naturally knew Kariya Matou, that loser in life. He did not think Kariya could accomplish much in the Holy Grail War. It would already be good enough if he did not hold them back.

"It doesn't matter. My goal is not to become the final victor of this Holy Grail War."

Emiya did not argue. He likewise did not believe Kariya Matou could become the victor. After all, in this Holy Grail War, someone he knew very well had summoned a Servant he knew very well.

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

Emiya said resolutely, "End Fuyuki City's Holy Grail War once and for all!"

Just as I thought. Yuxian had long guessed Emiya's objective. He covered his forehead, unable to help feeling a headache coming on. "With just you and Kariya Matou, it probably won't be easy."

"There are more than just the two of us."

Yuxian asked curiously, "Who else?"

"She'll be back shortly. And now that Master and Mash have joined us, our chances are even greater." Emiya wore a mysterious expression and refused to say who it was, leaving Yuxian as curious as a cat being scratched.

After explaining everything, Emiya stood up and looked solemnly at Yuxian. "Master, although I don't know why my contract was dissolved and I left Chaldea, I hope to form a contract with you again and become your Servant."

Seeing the serious look on his face, Yuxian said calmly, "Making a contract with me means you'll have to obey my orders. Aren't you afraid that after we form a contract again, I'll order you to return to Chaldea immediately?"

"I trust you!" Emiya looked directly into Yuxian's eyes.

Yuxian fell silent. This trust made him feel somewhat ashamed. He had originally been thinking that if he encountered danger, he would immediately flee back to Chaldea.

"Senpai!" Seeing that Yuxian had not responded, Mash called out anxiously from the side.

"I'll do my best to help you accomplish what you want to do, but only within the limits of what I consider feasible."

Yuxian did not make an absolute promise. He did not want to deceive Emiya, and Heroic Spirits were not so easy to fool.

"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 formed.

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

Magical Girls Are the Best

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

Kariya Matou had no desire to manage the family's affairs, while Tsuruno Matou did not possess even the slightest talent as a Magus. Neither dared complain about Emiya's decisions.

Yuxian settled into the Matou Family residence with peace of mind. Zouken Matou was already dead, so there was no longer that rotten stench of insects. The environment here was quite good.

The Matou Family was one of Fuyuki City's leading great families and possessed considerable wealth. The furniture and appliances in the house were exceptionally luxurious, and servants were available at their beck and call. Living here would be very comfortable.

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

Before long, Kariya Matou returned with Sakura and Shinji. Kariya had taken them out to play earlier.

Each of them carried quite a few things. It was clear Kariya doted on both children, especially Sakura. Since she was Makiri Sakura's daughter, he treated Sakura even better than Shinji.

Seeing Sakura's black hair, Yuxian felt greatly relieved. Children should be happy and carefree. To hell with cruel fate and everything like it.

Emiya introduced Yuxian and Mash to them. Since they would be living under the same roof in the future, it was necessary for them to get acquainted.

Sakura was somewhat afraid of strangers. She timidly greeted them, then immediately hid behind Kariya again and secretly observed the two of them. Shinji, on the other hand, was quite bold. He showed no nervousness at all, raised his head and puffed out his chest, then introduced himself. "My name is Shinji Matou."

Yuxian had originally wanted to talk with Sakura. Sakura as a child had instantly won him over with her adorable appearance, making him want to pat her head.

But Sakura Matou seemed very shy and kept hiding behind Kariya, so Yuxian could only give up. He believed that after they had lived here for a while and gradually became familiar with one another, there would surely be opportunities.

Kariya nodded flatly at the two of them, then left with Sakura and Shinji.

Yuxian did not resent Kariya's coldness. He knew Kariya had no interest in the Holy Grail War. If not for Sakura, Kariya would not even have returned to the Matou Family.

Still, this attitude worried Yuxian somewhat. The knot in Kariya's heart remained a hidden danger, and Yuxian feared something might go wrong when the time came.

At the moment, Yuxian could not say anything outright and could only take things one step at a time.

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

If not for Emiya, Yuxian would never have involved himself in this Holy Grail War. Finding somewhere safe to hide for a while and waiting for the Holy Grail War to end would have been the best choice.

Seeing Yuxian's troubled expression, Mash thought he was worried about the coming Holy Grail War and comforted him softly, "Senpai, don't worry. Mash will always stay by Senpai's side and protect you."

Yuxian smiled. His junior really was the most considerate.

At dusk, Yuxian and Mash were chatting in the hall when a childish voice came from outside the door.

"I'm back!"

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

Her long silver hair fell loose around her shoulders without looking messy, and she wore a cute brown hat. She had on a light-colored sailor uniform with the words Homurahara written across the chest, the uniform of Homurahara Academy in Fuyuki City. A small brown schoolbag was slung over her back, bouncing as she ran. It did not look heavy.

"Master!"

"Illya!"

Illya ran into the Matou Family hall. Seeing Yuxian and Mash, she cried out in delight and rushed toward them.

Yuxian was equally happy to see Illya. He liked Illya very much, and when he saw her flying toward him, he naturally opened his arms, ready for her to throw herself into his embrace like a swallow returning to its nest.

Bang!

Illya crashed heavily into Mash, wrapping her arms around her. Her soft little face rubbed against Mash's chest as she said affectionately, "Big Sister Mash, Illya missed you so much. I thought I'd never see you again."

Yuxian froze there awkwardly. He could only withdraw his outstretched arms in embarrassment, then turned and patted Illya's little head.

"So it's Illya. Did Illya miss me?"

Illya rose from Mash's arms, stood straight in front of Yuxian, and said solemnly, "Illyasviel von Einzbern, answering your summons. I ask of you: are you my Master?"

Yuxian was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smacked his forehead. He looked speechlessly at Illya's deliberately serious little face. "Where did you learn that line?"

"Huh? Isn't it supposed to be like that?" Illya tilted her head, blinked, and asked in confusion, "Big Brother said that when a Servant is summoned by a Master, that's how they make their entrance."

Mash quietly snickered at the side. Yuxian shot her a sideways glance, and she immediately pretended nothing had happened. Once Yuxian turned back, she began secretly laughing again.

Emiya wore a white apron around his waist and was preparing dinner for everyone in the kitchen. Hearing the commotion, he came out.

Yuxian raised his head and glared viciously at Emiya, silently blaming the guy for teaching Illya all sorts of nonsense.

He had only summoned a Servant once. Did he think everyone was as serious and stiff as Artoria?

Had he ever seen someone start off by calling you a mongrel? Had he ever seen someone appear and immediately call you Mom? If he had not, then he should not teach people nonsense. Magical Girls should stay cute and adorable like Magical Girls ought to be.

Emiya looked utterly baffled by Yuxian's glare, having no idea how he had offended him. He turned around and went back into the kitchen.

Ignoring Mash and Emiya, Yuxian lowered his head to look at Illya, and his face instantly became gentle and kind. "Illya doesn't need to do that. This time, you weren't summoned. I came to find you."

"Oh..." Illya scratched her head as if she understood, but she quickly stopped thinking about it and said happily, "Master, hurry and make a contract with me. I want to go back to Chaldea. I haven't seen Kuro and the others in so long."

Faced with Illya's expectant gaze, Yuxian could not bear to tell her, "Illya, there's no one in Chaldea right now. Mash and I came to find everyone."

"Ah?" Illya's expression turned dejected. She desperately hoped she could see all her friends at Chaldea again.

Mash hugged Illya from behind once more and whispered comfortingly into her ear, "Don't worry. Master will definitely bring everyone back."

"Mm!" Illya nodded heavily, then raised her head to look at Yuxian again and said pitifully, "Master, you have to find everyone quickly."