Chapter 51
Watching the wounds gradually heal, Bazett, who now had two Command Spells shaped like flower petals on the back of her hand, gave a faint smile and said, "It seems successful. However, because we used one Command Spell for the sacrificial offering and to change the Master, only two remain."
"Don't move."
Bazett wasn't concerned about that. Instead, she reached out and grabbed Shinji's still bleeding left hand.
A simple healing spell was activated.
A blue light covered Shinji's wrist, and soon, the wound on his arm completely healed.
"Thank you, Bazett." Shinji curved his eyes into a grateful smile.
"No, it's I who should be thanking you. I can now continue my mission."
"Mission, huh," Shinji murmured, then smiled again, "Actually, if you don't want to think of it as a mission, that's okay too."
"No, it is my mission."
"Sometimes, it's good to do things that make you happy, things you've never tried before, things that seem interesting. If you keep living a mechanical life devoid of joy, you'll lose yourself sooner or later."
Bazett frowned and immediately retorted, "My life..."
"No need." Shinji waved his hand, smiling as he interrupted Bazett. "It's just a suggestion; there's no need to argue with me. Most of the time, arguing is meaningless, like you wanting to argue with me now.
We both know you can't persuade me, just as I can't persuade you. In the end, we'd just part ways because of our differing viewpoints, so arguing is pointless.
Honestly, it doesn't matter, but I felt like I should mention it. If you ask why, it's probably because I've never seen you smile."
After saying this, Shinji once again curved his eyes into a sincere smile, leaving Bazett stunned. She was about to retort when she finally snapped out of it.
"That kind of thing..."
"Ah, that's enough." Shinji waved his hand, interrupting Bazett again. "I said there's no need to argue. You wanted to say that kind of thing is unnecessary for work, right?"
"...Yes." Bazett, with her arms crossed, responded softly.
Shinji exhaled lightly and continued, almost as if talking to himself, "Humans inherently have their own values. In someone else's value system, your own values might be wrong, and vice versa.
Human interactions are essentially clashes of values. There are two types: those that are similar or acceptable to oneself and those that are fundamentally incompatible.
It's a bit different from simple friend and enemy relationships. Simply put, even an enemy can have values that you might recognize."
"No, I don't disagree with your values, nor do I see you as an enemy. I just..." Bazett's tone became urgent, but she stopped midway.
"I see, so you don't disagree." Shinji smiled. "That's good. We can talk about the rest later when you have time or want to. You're about to face your battles, right? If I say too much now, it might affect your performance in the upcoming fights. It's better not to be distracted during battle."
"...Yes."
"Of course, there's one thing you should understand early on." Shinji continued, seemingly on purpose, "If you subconsciously realize that you can't continue with the current situation and contradictions, it's better to make changes early."
"Brother..."
At this moment, Sakura, leaning against Shinji's chest, finally regained a bit of consciousness and called out softly.
Standing at the door, facing Shinji, was Bazett with a cylindrical object on her back. Rider had reverted to a spirit form and was following Bazett.
"It seems our paths diverge for now, Bazett. Don't be careless and lose what you've worked so hard to regain."
Bazett uncharacteristically showed a hint of embarrassment. "If... if you need help, feel free to find me."
"Don't worry, we've completely left the world of magecraft and become ordinary people. We won't encounter any more dangers."
"The Holy Grail... if you or your sister have any wishes, I..."
Seeing Bazett, who seemed anxious to repay a favor but couldn't find a proper way, Shinji chuckled.
"There's no need. My sister and I don't have any wishes to be fulfilled by such a thing. If I had to wish for something, it would probably be a softer, more comfortable bed."
Bazett's expression turned serious, and she nodded. "A softer, more comfortable bed? Got it."
"Wait!"
Realizing Bazett was serious, Shinji quickly stopped her. "That was just an example! No need to take it seriously, Bazett! It just means we don't have any wishes. Besides, you don't need to worry about repaying favors. It may seem like I helped you, but you helped us a lot too. At least, we don't have to participate in that war of mutual slaughter anymore, right?"
Bazett didn't respond, but her conflicted expression showed she was still troubled by how to repay the favor.
"Lastly, be a bit more confident. You do have a cute side, Bazett." Shinji leaned in and whispered in her ear, "About last night, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to..."
Hearing this, Bazett's face turned red, her ears almost glowing.
"Let's go back, Rider. We need to discuss our future plans." Bazett, now flushed from Shinji's words, turned around first but didn't forget to remind, "Try not to go out at night recently. If you need anything, come find me at the Twin Pavilion during the day."
"Good luck to you both."
Shinji waved with a smile, then discreetly glanced at Rider, who hadn't turned around yet and was still in spirit form, and winked.
Does this man see me in my spirit form? Rider was shocked but suppressed her curiosity, not asking since her Master had changed to Bazett, severing her connection with the Matou family.
Thinking of this, Rider felt a faint, inexplicable sense of reluctance.
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