Chapter 14: Is Projection Just Regular Magecraft?
Tohsaka Aoi discovered her daughter was missing an hour after Rin had run out of the house.
This was because Aoi had been busy with housework and cooking during that time, and Rin usually behaved very well, never requiring excessive attention.
But today was unusual. Rin's mood seemed off ever since she returned home. However, the educational style of the Tohsaka family was different from that of ordinary households; Rin, being trained as the future family head, had a very high degree of freedom.
So, even though Aoi noticed her daughter was in a bad mood today, she did not disturb her. After seeing her daughter retreat to her room, Aoi assumed Rin was doing her homework and went back to her own tasks.
There was still a lot of housework to do in the large home, and her daughter had just returned from school, surely hungry after a day of studying. So, Aoi began diligently preparing dinner.
But when the meal was ready, Aoi went to Rin's room only to find that Rin had disappeared. She immediately panicked and rushed out to search.
As night fell, Aoi grew increasingly anxious. Due to the special circumstances of the Holy Grail War, she couldn't call the police or contact Tokiomi, worried that her daughter's disappearance would affect him.
While frantically searching in the park, Aoi suddenly spotted a familiar figure on a nearby park bench.
The girl in the red clothes was walking with a boy of the same age, seemingly engaged in conversation.
For Rin, this was the first time she had encountered a Magus close to her own age. As they became more familiar, the conversation grew much more extensive.
"Speaking of which, why do you always use 'Projection' magecraft to fight, Orihara? I remember this magecraft isn't very favored by magi; it's considered common magecraft, isn't it?"
"Because it's the only one I know," Shirou replied, spreading his hands helplessly.
In reality, Shirou's 'Projection' magecraft was merely a byproduct of the Reality Marble, Unlimited Blade Works, and could not be compared to normal 'Projection' magecraft.
However, Rin seemed to have misunderstood something upon hearing his words.
"Is that so? It seems your talent is somewhat ordinary."
Rin then, worried about discouraging Shirou, quickly spoke again.
"But you don't need to worry too much. You'll definitely learn more magecraft in the future. I believe you will certainly become a famous figure in the world of magecraft."
Shirou smiled at her words.
"Then thank you for the blessing, Tohsaka Ojou-sama."
Being addressed this way by a Magus older than herself, Rin was instantly delighted, lifting her chin proudly.
"Hmph hmph~ You're welcome. And as repayment for saving me today, once I grow up to become the strongest Magus, I'll be the one to protect you."
"That would be wonderful. I'll rely on your protection in the future, Tohsaka Ojou-sama." Shirou didn't mind playing along with Rin's performance, putting in his best effort.
Suddenly, a woman's voice called out from the park ahead.
"Rin!"
Hearing the call, Rin immediately looked over. Upon seeing the person, joy instantly appeared on the girl's face.
"Mom!"
Rin was filled with remorse, wanting to say something comforting but unable to form the words.
It was then, after a long moment, that Aoi, whose mind had been flooded with joy, finally calmed down and looked at the boy standing beside a streetlamp not far behind Rin.
His red hair swayed slightly in the evening breeze, and his clean-cut face held a gentle smile.
He seemed like a kind child, Aoi thought.
Although he was a stranger, it seemed that no matter what the world, people ultimately judged by appearance. Because of Shirou's good looks, plus the fact that he looked only about six or seven, Aoi felt only a little caution.
Of course, if she knew that the person who had saved the children and Rin, and who had also killed the murderer and abductor Ryuunosuke Uryuu, was this child with the innocent smile in front of her, she would have had a very different expression.
Aoi withdrew her gaze and looked at Rin in her arms.
"Mom, Orihara walked me all the way back." Rin's eyes darted around, carefully choosing her words, omitting the things she had seen that would cause Aoi to worry.
"I see, so that's what happened..." Hearing Rin's words, Aoi's favorable impression of Shirou increased greatly. Just as she was about to express her gratitude, she lifted her face and was stunned.
In the area illuminated by the streetlamp, bathed in orange light, the boy was nowhere to be seen.
"Hmm, where did he go...?" Rin heard Aoi's words and also looked up, her small face full of confusion.
Aoi, realizing that Shirou had quietly left, sighed softly.
"Never mind. If I get a chance to see him again, I'll thank him then."
Saying this, Aoi stroked her daughter's head. "We need to hurry back. If your father found out about this, it would distract him."
"Yes, I understand..." Rin replied, her eyes somewhat dim.
She had finally made her first Magus friend, and she hadn't gotten to talk to him more.
However, once they went to school, she'd have a chance to talk again, right? Rin thought with anticipation.
But then she remembered that tomorrow was the weekend, and her small face immediately slumped again.
.
.
.
Time moved on to Saturday.
Shirou woke up early, checked on Sakura, who was still sound asleep, and then softly went to the bathroom to wash up.
Although Sakura was currently being fostered by the Orihara couple as a distant relative, due to the lack of spare rooms in the house, Sakura had to temporarily share a room with Shirou.
Shirou had tried sleeping on the floor, but Sakura would cling tightly to Shirou's arm every night, insisting that he had to be with her. For Sakura, Shirou had become her emotional pillar.
Now completely "alone," Sakura could only rely on Shirou.
Mrs. Orihara had already prepared breakfast by this time.
"Shirou, and Sakura, come eat breakfast~"
Hearing the call, Shirou walked toward the room after washing his face, intending to wake Sakura up.
However, Sakura seemed to sense his presence and let out a faint murmur. "Mmm..."
The girl, curled up under the covers, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, then rubbed her eyes and sat up. Her expression was momentarily panicked, her eyes searching the room for something, until she saw Shirou's face next to her, at which point she looked relieved.
"Good morning... Onii-san."
"Hmm, good morning, Sakura." Shirou smiled and gently stroked Sakura's head. The latter narrowed her eyes, showing a comfortable expression.
It was then that Shirou suddenly noticed that Sakura was still wearing his clothes. The clothes she had arrived in were already quite dirty, and Shirou, worried that seeing them would remind Sakura of her unpleasant past, had discarded them.
This meant Sakura had to wear his clothes for the time being.