"It's done, Miss Lisephyr."
Kushuri sighed in resignation—but dared not disobey her.
He knew better than anyone that, despite her innocent appearance, Lisephyr bore grudges deeply. Once slighted, she'd make trouble for the offender like a little witch. Even Kushuri himself had been tormented by her over trivial matters.
"Noka," Kushuri said, turning toward the front passenger seat, "I trust you'll look after Miss Lisephyr on the way."
"Understood. I'll ensure their safety," Noka replied with a nod.
The luxury car sped toward Wincity's most upscale district, gradually revealing the city's grandeur. Lisephyr watched curiously—its architectural style so different from London's. Everywhere she looked, there was novelty and wonder.
Shirou couldn't resist glancing out. The streets bustled with life: shops in every color and corner, neat greenery lining the tarmac, couples walking arm in arm, whispering softly, children clutching parents' hands, eating takoyaki, students returning home after school.
Place like Yorifis or the Clock Tower were remote—hidden in the outskirts of London. Here, though, was real life in full bloom.
"Look, Shirou‑kun! This place is wonderful!" Lisephyr waved her arm in excitement.
She hadn't seen much of London's heart, but this city was new and exciting.
"How about going to the Seaside Park? There's so much delicious food there—treats you can't find in London."
Shirou suggested.
"Yay—let's go to Seaside Park!" Lisephyr's eyes lit up like crescents of the moon.
"Noka, head for Seaside Park—you know the way, right?"
Shirō looked at him through the mirror.
"I will! I will!" Noka replied nervously. Seeing Shirou's gaze unsettled him. Thankfully, he had a map.
"You'll see the ocean there."
"Ocean? That's wonderful! Shirou‑kun, is it very big? Are there seabirds flying over it?"
"It's huge," Shirou confirmed, "and yes, seabirds wheel above under a bright blue sky."
"And is there golden sand?"
"Of course."
Shirou and Lisephyr chatted happily as they rode. Kushuri's car followed behind, utterly baffled by their plan.
---
Seaside Park
Dusk had fallen. The last rays of the sun lingered on the horizon, the sea breeze whispering, waves lapping softly, gull cries echoing across the water.
"Wow, Shirou‑kun, the ocean is so vast!"
Lisephyr slipped off her shoes, tiny white feet sinking into the soft, golden sand. She lifted her dress with delight and dashed forward, her bright smile carefree and pure.
"Look, a crab! Shirou‑kun, come see!"
Shirou savored this calm moment—this peaceful beauty, and the joy Lisephyr brought to it.
---
At the Villa
"Use your familiar to watch the Tohsaka household. If Sakura leaves, or a stranger arrives, report to me immediately."
Shirou's tone was firm and commanding.
Tohsaka Tokiomi was a high-level mage—detecting familiars on his property would be likely. But Shirou considered it a necessary risk. Tokiomi wouldn't immediately destroy an intruding familiar. He'd investigate, which gave Shirou a chance.
To Tokiomi, any surveillance might signal involvement in the upcoming Holy Grail War—but he'd never suspect it was about Sakura.
"Yes, sir," Noka replied.
The man clearly recognized Shiro's deep interest in Tohsaka's daughter—but stayed silent. Curious, yes. But cautious.
---
That evening, in Noka's sight, Shirou retrieved a black robe and a black cat-mask from his luggage. He draped the robe around himself and covered his face. Only his deep black eyes remained visible; even his arms were wrapped in black bandages.
Though his transformed silhouette activated concealment glyphs on the robe and mask, his small frame looked childlike—not menacing.
"How do I look, Noka?" Shirou's voice came out hoarse and low, like a beast's growl.
"Um, Master, what are you planning?" Noka asked, confused.
"Hahaha... Now, you're no longer seeing a child, right? More like a small creature?"
Shirou's raspy chuckle sent chills down Noka's spine.
Noka nodded, his fear growing strange and real.
Under cover of night, Shirou black figure bounded across rooftops with uncanny speed.
Thanks to the Yorifis family's resources, finding Tōsaka household in Wincity was easy.
Arriving outside the Tohsaka residence, Shirou frowned.
"Are those concealment runes on their gate?"
He sensed magic. A glyph barrier surrounded the property—any trespass would alert Tohsaka Zouken instantly.
At that moment, his small phone vibrated.