I, Ritsuka, the Siscon Grand Hero

His grandfather was Fujimura Raika, the boss of the Fujimura yakuza group. He was the old man who always looked out for Kiritsugu and Ritsuka. So, Taiga's family was quite wealthy, extremely wealthy. Being a teacher was probably just a hobby for her.

After all, Taiga herself could take down several yakuza thugs by herself.

"Right, I'll tell Taiga tonight to wake Shinji up tomorrow morning. With the key to the Matou residence, Taiga will probably kick down Shinji's room door."

A smile spread across Ritsuka's lips, a mischievous grin that made Sakura let out a wry smile. Shinji was bound to have bad luck. If Taiga, that single woman, witnessed Shinji lying with a minor, let's hope Shinji's head wouldn't be smashed by a tiger bamboo sword.

The topic of Shinji dropped, and the two began to chat about the day's events and various trivial matters of life.

About ten minutes later, Ritsuka stopped at the entrance of the elementary school section. A familiar figure stood there quietly, like a unique landscape, as her classmates dispersed.

Standing on tiptoe, Miyu peered through the crowd of parents picking up their children, searching for someone. However, she didn't see Ritsuka and Sakura on the other side and let out a sigh.

Her sister had told her that she had duty today and would likely be late...

"Miyu!"

A familiar voice called out from behind. Miyu turned her head and looked in the direction of the voice. "Sister?"

"Miyu, I'm late. Did you behave well in class today?"

Having cleaned up again before leaving, Ritsuka, who was a few minutes late, reached out and stroked Miyu's small head. The two pairs of orange eyes met.

A few years ago, shortly after Kiritsugu's death, on a certain day, Miyu's eyes, which were originally red, suddenly turned the same color as Ritsuka's.

Ritsuka witnessed that moment and came up with a plausible reason: the Divine Child had become a human child.

Ritsuka (orange pupils) = human ≈ human child. Miyu's pupil color = Ritsuka's pupil color = human = human child. The equation holds.

Of course, the real reason was...

"Yes, I was praised by the teacher for my homework today, and the teacher even assigned me the role of class monitor."

Miyu smiled slightly and also greeted Sakura behind Ritsuka. They were quite familiar with each other, as Sakura, like Taiga, often visited their home.

The three of them set off together, heading home along the familiar road.

Chatting about Miyu's school anecdotes and the helplessness of being confessed to by little boys, Sakura and Ritsuka both smiled. They had experienced being asked to confess behind the teaching building before.

"By the way, Sister, I want that book, 'The Mysteries of the Universe,' by the renowned scholar Kepler."

"And 'The Seven Wonders of the Universe.' I want to read them all."

"...Miyu is already reading books like this."

However, when Sakura heard Miyu's request, she couldn't help but click her tongue slightly. "Miyu, you're a genius."

As a genius in a certain sense, a true super-genius, Miyu herself was very capable, and her learning ability was beyond ordinary.

Ritsuka, experiencing her second life, was at least a top student, if not a genius. However, because she died at a young age in her previous life and the circumstances didn't allow her to continue in school, her academic level was only at the middle school level.

She personally didn't have much interest in learning, but the books Miyu was currently reading were professional-level academic texts.

Including "Solid State Physics," "Celestial Mechanics," and "Cosmic System Theory."

"Rather than these books, I'd prefer if Miyu read something more age-appropriate... Never mind, Sakura, can I ask you to accompany Miyu to look? I'll go buy some dinner ingredients."

Ritsuka felt a slight sweat, remembering some of the things displayed in her home that she couldn't understand at all. A sense of frustration arose, but it was accompanied by a sense of pride.

Miyu was talented in all aspects: housework, cooking, academics, etc. There was probably nothing in the world Miyu couldn't learn. Ritsuka was also doing her best to teach her what she knew.

For example, a few moves of anti-wolf fist and wolf-slaying sword techniques.

Putting a few Yukichi bills into Sakura's hand, Ritsuka watched Sakura nod slightly and wink at her. "Don't worry, Senpai."

"OK, Miyu, listen to Sakura."

At the intersection, Ritsuka turned left towards the department store, while Sakura, with Miyu, turned right towards one of the only two bookstores in Fuyuki City.

Chapter 22: The Fuyuki Tiger Who Mooches Meals and the Fallen Kingdom Brazier

"Taiga, you're already here."

Carrying the ingredients bought from the department store, Ritsuka pushed open the door and, with a helpless expression, smelled the alcohol in the room. She then punched Fujimura Taiga on the head.

Taiga, engrossed in the TV, fell to the ground from the sudden blow. Just as she was about to complain, she saw Ritsuka picking up the wine on the table, her brows furrowed as if angry. She immediately lay down on the ground, not daring to move.

Ritsuka hated alcohol. It brought back some unpleasant memories.

She didn't hate many things: alcohol, something forbidden and addictive, uncontrolled laughter...

Drinking was strictly forbidden in the Emiya residence. Moreover, besides Taiga, most of the people who came here were minors. Even the occasional visitor, old man Fujimura Raika, didn't like to drink.

Japanese law prohibits drinking before the age of 20.

"Hehehe... Yo, Miyu-chan, I'm here to visit!"

Seeing Ritsuka's displeased expression, Taiga hesitated and then tried to change the subject, greeting Miyu, who entered second, holding a book. Miyu also smiled and stepped forward to help Taiga up from the ground.

Sakura entered the room third and followed Ritsuka to put the ingredients she was carrying in the kitchen. Then, she handed Taiga, who was rubbing her head, a gift.

"Oh, a gift for me... So it's my birthday today. Thank you, Sakura!"

Taking the birthday gift with both hands, Taiga high-fived Sakura, who was at a loss, and then happily ran off to unwrap the present.

Miyu returned to her room with her newly bought book. The living room suddenly quieted down, leaving only the sound of washing vegetables at the sink. Ritsuka was preparing the ingredients she had bought today.

"Senpai, I'll help too."

Sakura looked around, then walked to the kitchen and rolled up her sleeves.

Working with both hands, she prepared dinner.

Ritsuka washed the salmon they bought and placed it in a container. A little pure rice wine was poured over it as seasoning, then salt was sprinkled on both sides and left for five to ten minutes to absorb excess moisture.

Skillfully handling the fish, Ritsuka glanced sideways at the serious girl beside her, a faint smile curving their lips.

Not far away, two figures, one big and one small, were peeking through a crack in the doorway, watching the tacit understanding unfold with great interest. Taiga's face was flushed with excitement, as if she were about to cheer for Sakura. Suddenly, a wooden spoon flew and hit her on the forehead—

"Woohoo! Ugh..."

Taiga screamed and fell to the ground. Miyu quickly pulled her away.

In the kitchen, Ritsuka, who could no longer sense anyone with Clairvoyance, silently withdrew their hand and smiled faintly at Sakura, who turned back with a bewildered look.

"Senpai, what was that noise..."

Sakura looked hesitant, but Ritsuka assured her there was no problem. They calmly placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, gesturing for her to look at the rice they were preparing to steam. "You must have misheard. No one was there."

"R-really? I thought I heard a scream..."

"You must be tired from studying, Sakura. You're just hallucinating. Trust me, when have I ever lied to you?"

Handing Sakura a basin of clean water, Ritsuka took out some dust-removing paper towels and began to dry the salmon.

Next, they took out an onion and a carrot, slicing them all thinly. The light knife danced in Ritsuka's hands, their cutting speed rivaling that of Soma Yukihira from anime. After all, their physical fitness and Clairvoyance gave them excellent control over ingredients.

The soaked mushrooms were torn apart, and pepper and other seasonings were added to the salmon. Then, Ritsuka took down the drink bucket from the high shelf and started making juice.

Three servings of juice were prepared in advance, excluding Taiga's portion. When Ritsuka had opened the bottom drawer of the refrigerator, they had seen a pile of frozen beer and sake. Taiga had already prepared her own.

Although Ritsuka disliked alcohol, it felt like a waste to just throw it away. Money was hard-earned, so they were naturally frugal. They still had to work as a bodyguard tonight after dinner, and the salary from Old Man Fujimura was quite high.

"Sakura, could you watch this for me? Something just occurred to me, and I need to check on it."

Sakura nodded gently. "No problem, leave it to me."

Ritsuka patted Sakura's head, looking at the girl whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and grinned.

Everything was ready, and there was still plenty of time. Ritsuka took out a lid and covered everything, letting the salmon marinate. Then, they took out the Crystal Dice and went to the living room.

The item had been quiet until now, but it had just given off a strange reaction. The last time it had reacted like this was a few years ago when Ritsuka met Miyu.

At that time, due to other reasons, Ritsuka hadn't paid much attention to the Crystal Dice's anomaly. Now, it was reacting again.

Sitting on the sofa, Ritsuka held the slightly floating, crystal-clear 20-sided die in their hands. As Ritsuka pondered, the 20 faces began to tumble, and finally, one face stopped in front of them, magnifying its contents.

A strong physique, but with clear signs of muscle atrophy. His upper body was bare, and a long cloth covered his face. He carried a massive bow on his shoulder.

The opposite of a hero, he was a terrifying being wrapped in killing intent.

[Alcides (Archer/Avenger)]

[Synchronization Value (0%)]

"Emmm, what's going on? Why did one suddenly appear?"

Ritsuka looked at the Crystal Dice in confusion. The menacing Avenger was in view, like a projected model.

Ritsuka had no idea why it had suddenly appeared. The first time was during the fire that swept through Shintou, where Ritsuka had picked up this 20-sided Crystal Dice.

The last time there was a significant reaction was when Ritsuka met Miyu. At that time, the synchronization value for 'Emiya Shirou' in the Crystal Dice had surged, breaking through the 30% mark.

Malice. After carefully examining the newly appeared figure, Ritsuka felt a slight chill.

This was a villain filled with killing intent, completely fallen, yet surprisingly, Ritsuka didn't dislike this figure.

Even though he was conceptually pure evil, a clear villain, there was a sense of sadness about him.

"Alcides... I think I've heard that name somewhere..."

"Ritsuka, it looks like it's snowing outside. Should we get the kotatsu out? It looks like it's going to be cold."

The Crystal Dice fell into Ritsuka's palm. Turning around, Ritsuka saw Taiga burst in, the energetic aunt appearing unusually excited.

Stepping past Taiga and into the hallway, Ritsuka paused, looking at the snowflakes falling from the sky. Although the snowfall was light, it was a beautiful sight.

"Hey, hey, Ritsuka, hurry up and get the kotatsu out."

Ritsuka glanced at Taiga, who was spinning in circles beside them, and chuckled. "Alright. Miyu, come with me to get the kotatsu."

The Fallen Kingdom Brazier.

This was a secret treasure capable of capturing the King of Britain. It was a significant item in Japanese culture, but unfortunately, Ritsuka was unaware of its 'British lore.'

The electric heater was ready, a wooden frame was set up, and bedding was placed over it, followed by a square wooden table structure.

In a clear space in the room, Ritsuka set up the kotatsu and poured a pot of black tea for Miyu and Taiga, who had already snuggled inside and looked content. The teapot was placed in the center of the table. Ritsuka then walked towards the kitchen.

Approaching Sakura, who was engrossed in her work, Ritsuka reached out and picked up the lid from the cutting board. "Sakura, you should go rest too. I'll finish the rest."

"Eh?"

Sakura was nudged in the shoulder and gently pushed to the edge of the kotatsu. Under Ritsuka's expectant gaze, she tucked her legs inside...

"Mmm—mm..."

With expressions of utter peace and contentment, the three of them—Sakura, Miyu, and Taiga—were completely captivated, body and soul, by the kotatsu, immersed in its warmth.

Outside the window was a snowy landscape, a thin layer of white covering everything. Fuyuki City wasn't the kind of place where snow piled up deeply; it was normal for it to only cover the ground in a thin layer. Ritsuka, however, wished for a heavy snowfall like they'd experienced in their past life.

That was truly beautiful, breathtakingly so.

Continuing to busy themself.

After a while, Ritsuka lifted the lid of the pot, taking out the prepared foil-baked fish. A fragrant aroma immediately filled the room.

"Dinner's ready."

Chapter 23: The Hero Named Alcides

"Snow—Yay!"

Dressed in thick clothes, Taiga dashed into the yard. Her boots crunched on the ground; the snow had already accumulated quite a bit.

Miyu sat by the corridor, hugging a newly bought book and flipping through its pages, looking every bit the diligent student. Sakura, meanwhile, was being pulled by Taiga into a snowball fight, and snowballs flew back and forth across the yard.

After tidying up Sakura's room, Ritsuka also cleaned the room left for Taiga. Carrying a bottle of warm water, Ritsuka walked down the corridor.