Chapter 190: Chapter 188: The Bustling Emiya Family
The Emiya household was now bustling with life. Once a sprawling estate inhabited solely by Shirou Emiya, it now housed several guests. Artoria Pendragon, as a Servant, resided there under the guise of being Kiritsugu's old friend. Sakura and Shinji Matou moved in after the destruction of their family home, while Illyasviel von Einzbern, daughter of Kiritsugu and Irisviel, chose to settle here instead of returning to the grand castle in Germany, bringing her maids Sella and Leysritt along.
Interestingly, aside from Shinji, all the new residents were female. Shirou felt relieved that Shinji remained part of the household; otherwise, navigating such an overwhelmingly feminine environment might've been far more taxing.
With Sakura's presence, the kitchen became a shared domain between her and Shirou, both possessing decent culinary skills. The others? They merely waited for sustenance.
Among them was Fujimura Taiga, who arrived early, curled up cozily within the kotatsu alongside Illyasviel and Shinji. A lazy Sunday morning left her equally lethargic, mirroring Illyasviel's sprawled posture—hands and feet tucked snugly beneath the heated blanket, head resting lazily on the table.
Leysritt entered next, clad casually, addressing Shirou: "Breakfast will be ready soon?"
"Almost done," he replied.
"Ah." She settled beside Illyasviel effortlessly, mimicking her lounging position. Another figure joined the lethargic tableau.
"Hey, Leysritt! Where's Sella? This is disgraceful behavior for a maid!" Sella retorted sharply, maintaining her servant-like diligence despite Illyasviel's apathy.
"Sella, stop it. Both Shirou and Sakura are capable enough—why bother working when they're around?" Leysritt countered flatly.
In just seven days, stark differences emerged between the two maids. While Leysritt embraced idleness, shedding her former professionalism, Sella retained her work ethic, albeit abandoning her formal uniform for something more casual. Yet even she couldn't resist adapting to the relaxed lifestyle fostered by the Emiya household.
Li Mo observed silently. Could this transformation stem from the Einzbern family's isolated upbringing? Even angels could fall into decadence if confined to empty castles long enough, indulging in online games rather than studies. Perhaps Illyasviel's current state wasn't so unusual?
Indeed, Leysritt had spent nights gaming with Illyasviel, while Sella grew increasingly irritable—a testament to their contrasting personalities.
"What's Master thinking about? Am I on his mind?"
"Not at all, Koyanskaya-san. You're right here; why wouldn't I just look directly?" Li Mo responded smoothly.
"Master, saying my name would surely raise my evaluation significantly!"
"Hmm… would refraining lower it drastically?"
"Of course not. You're my most beloved person, Master. But…" Koyanskaya leaned closer, whispering slyly, "Such words might trigger forbidden actions—who knows?"
*Forbidden actions.*
A phrase laden with implication.
Li Mo rolled his eyes, redirecting focus. "Alright, let's discuss matters seriously. Illya, how's your health lately?"
Given Fujimura Taiga's presence, details regarding the Grail system were omitted. Illyasviel understood implicitly—their concern for her well-being stemmed from her role as the Lesser Grail.
"My body is fine. You and Medea can rest assured."
"Good to hear. Still, do visit often. Bring Leysritt and Sella along—they're welcome too."
Illyasviel didn't lift her head, replying languidly. "Isn't Medea busy dismantling the Greater Grail?"
"True. Speaking of which, when do you plan to return to Germany?"
The question hung heavy in the air. Ultimately, Illyasviel would need to reclaim her place among the Einzberns.
"I'll wait until things here conclude."
"Before leaving, remember our discussions about your family history. Approach your elders calmly once back—it might help bridge gaps."
Each of the Three Great Families harbored flaws. The Tohsakas were notorious appliance killers, though otherwise stable. The Matous deteriorated over generations due to Zouken's tyrannical rule and declining magical aptitude. And the Einzberns?
—An entire lineage of homunculi.
Assuming Li Mo hadn't misremembered anything critical.
Illyasviel nodded faintly. "I understand. I'll go eventually—but Li-san, you must secure evidence first."
This Illyasviel seemed utterly deflated compared to the girl brimming with hatred just seven days prior. After learning truths about her father and the Einzbern family, her resolve softened considerably.
"Evidence? I'll provide it," Li Mo promised thoughtfully.
Fujimura Taiga, lost in her own drowsiness, paid little heed to the cryptic exchange unfolding before her. Laziness rendered her oblivious.