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After the two of them finally arrived at the base of the city wall, Bell carefully extricated himself from Aiz's supporting arm. He stood up a little straighter, though his knees were still trembling, and then bowed politely.
"Th-thank you for the training, Aiz... I'll head back now," he said awkwardly, his eyes avoiding direct contact with her face.
Aiz gave a small nod. "Alright. Be careful on your way."
But as she watched Bell hastily turn around and nearly trip over a tree root, Aiz couldn't help muttering to herself, "...Why is he always so nervous when talking to me?"
She stared at Bell's retreating back with genuine confusion. Was I that scary during training just now? Or is he like that with everyone...? she wondered, tilting her head slightly.
Growl~
Aiz's stomach growled again—louder this time. She slowly lowered her head, one hand pressing against her empty, protesting stomach.
"...I miss Shirou's cooking."
The words slipped out softly, almost shyly, but they were honest. She could almost picture it now: the aroma of hot broth, the soft texture of freshly baked bread, and Shirou's deft hands scooping soup into her bowl while saying, "Eat it while it's still warm."
Without wasting another moment, Aiz took a deep breath and straightened up.
"Alright," she murmured, then began walking briskly toward Twilight Manor. Her steps were light, but her eyes were filled with purpose.
If she were late and Shirou's breakfast was gone... that would be a real disaster.
Without further delay, Aiz quickened her pace. The streets of Orario were starting to bustle, with merchants setting up their stalls and carts one by one. The morning air was filled with the scents of toasted bread, meat stew, and spices. Groups of adventurers—some already fully armed and ready to head into the Dungeon, others still enjoying breakfast and chatting—passed by.
Amid the morning commotion, Aiz's golden eyes caught sight of something familiar. A small cart with distinctive lettering on the front: *Jagamaru-kun*. Aiz's face brightened, though her expression remained unchanged—but the way her steps automatically slowed made it clear she was interested.
However, what caught her attention more than her favorite potato snack was the petite woman energetically pulling the cart, twin high pigtails, an enormous chest for her small frame, and a white outfit that looked all too familiar.
"...Goddess Hestia?" Aiz murmured softly.
The two of them locked eyes in the middle of the increasingly busy street. And before Aiz could even greet her—
"WALLENWHATSIT!!"
That shrill voice pierced the morning air like a high-level offensive spell.
Aiz blinked slowly. "That's... not my name."
Goddess Hestia scurried toward her, her blue eyes blazing with energy and anger. "You've been seducing Bell again, haven't you?! I saw the look on his face when he came back—red as a boiled tomato! What did you do to him, huh?!"
Aiz tilted her head, looking confused. "I was just training him... like usual."
"Don't play innocent with me!" Hestia pointed dramatically, her chin raised like a grand ruler. "I've told you before, stay away from my precious child!"
Aiz paused for a moment, then gave a small nod. "You did say that... but I don't understand why. Bell asked for training, and I was just... teaching."
"Ughhh!" Hestia smacked her own face with both hands, utterly frustrated. "Your innocence is dangerous! Don't you realize the effect you have on boys' hearts?!"
Aiz blinked once. "...Effect?"
"ARRRRGH!"
A few passersby glanced over at Hestia, who was screaming to herself, while Aiz simply stood there, unaware that her honest and sincere demeanor had driven the petite goddess into a frenzy.
If this keeps up, I'll have to lecture Bell back at the base later! Hestia fumed inwardly.
As for Aiz? She was just staring at the Jagamaru-kun cart behind Hestia and thinking, If I buy one now... will I still have room for Shirou's breakfast?
Hestia, still fuming, suddenly noticed Aiz's sharp gaze directed... not at her, but behind her.
Right at the Jagamaru-kun cart.
Aiz's golden eyes gleamed faintly with interest, though her face remained impassive. Hestia narrowed her eyes suspiciously, then smirked.
"Hoo~ You wanna buy some, don't you?" she teased, patting the side of the cart proudly. "They're still warm, you know!"
Aiz was almost tempted. The crispy, slightly sweet aroma of the fried potatoes stabbed at her nose—something she had always been weak to. But after a moment of hesitation, she shook her head quickly, her long blonde hair swaying side to side.
"...No. I'm... waiting for Shirou's cooking."
Her voice was calm but firm. And deep down, Aiz knew—if she ate now, it would feel like... betraying Shirou. Besides, Shirou usually made Jagamaru-kun for her during breakfast anyway, and for some reason, his version always tasted more special.
"Guh...!" Hestia felt as if she'd been stabbed by those words. Her lips twitched.
Goddess Hestia slumped forward, hugging her arms as if she'd just taken a critical hit. Abandoned... by a regular customer... and by Shirou's magic hands too...
A memory flashed through her mind—Shirou, who had once helped her at the Jagamaru-kun stall, serving customers with a smile and even experimenting with new flavors that sold out on the first day.
Aiz, oblivious to Hestia's inner turmoil, simply nodded lightly and asked innocently, "By the way, why is Goddess Hestia still pulling the cart so early in the morning? Didn't... Hestia Familia just won the War Game?"
Hestia snapped out of her thoughts, immediately struck a pose—one hand on her hip, the other pointing dramatically at the sky. "Do you think I'm like Loki? Lazy, loves to drink, and shameless?! I'm diligent! A true goddess must set an example for her children!"
But inwardly, Hestia could only grimace. Sigh... still have to pay off that 200 million valis debt to Hephaestus... that Hestia Knife was way too expensive...
Aiz, as usual, responded with a flat expression, but she raised her hands and clapped softly.
Clap. Clap.
A gesture that, for Aiz, was the highest form of praise. "You're amazing."
Hestia's face immediately turned red. Not out of happiness, but because it felt... weird. Aiz, the girl who rarely spoke much, was now praising her directly.
"Uwahhh, don't do that! Your praise is too sincere, it feels strange!" Hestia complained, quickly pulling her cart back.
"Well then, I'll be going now! Don't forget to buy some tomorrow!" she called out, running off before Aiz could say anything else.
Aiz simply stood still, watching the cart disappear into the distance. The morning breeze blew gently, and her stomach growled faintly again. But Aiz remained calm.
"Shirou's Jagamaru... tastes better," she murmured softly before resuming her walk toward Twilight Manor.
It didn't take long for Aiz to reach the gates of Twilight Manor. The morning light had fully spread, casting a warm, golden hue over the castle walls. She walked slowly, her eyes sharp—not because of enemies, but for one reason: to avoid being spotted by Finn, Gareth, or especially... Riveria.
If they find out I snuck out early to train Bell... it'll be a long lecture.
With the stealth of a Level 6 adventurer, Aiz lowered her head, moving through the halls like a shadow, passing the stairs and main hall without a sound. She paused briefly when she heard heavy footsteps on the second floor—likely Gareth—then waited for the sound to fade before turning toward the kitchen.
...Success.
The wooden kitchen door opened quietly. A warm aroma immediately greeted her—toasted bread, savory broth, and one scent she could recognize from miles away.
Jagamaru-kun...
Tap, tap, cling!
The sight before her was exactly like a scene from the imagination that had crossed her mind earlier that morning.
Shirou stood with his back to her, wearing a neutral-colored apron tied at the back. In his right hand was a cleaning cloth, while his left hand busily wiped the wooden table with quick, precise movements. His red hair was slightly messy from the kitchen steam, and his face looked serious yet calm. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice Aiz's presence.
Aiz, frozen in place for a few seconds, felt something warm spread in her chest. Like this... Shirou really feels like... Mother. The little girl inside her—the young girl who had once lost everything—nodded quietly, acknowledging that feeling with peace.
Shirou finally turned when he sensed someone behind him. "Oh, Aiz. You're back." His voice was as warm as ever, showing no surprise.
Without waiting for questions or requests, Shirou turned and handed her a tray. "You must be hungry. Here's your breakfast... and, of course, your favorite Jagamaru-kun. I made a few flavors today—cheesy, spicy, and original."
Aiz accepted the tray with both hands, giving a small nod. "Thank you, Shirou."
She then sat by the window, placing the tray on the table. The warm aroma of fried potatoes and steaming rice with eggs made her growling stomach protest again.
Crunch!
The first bite of the cheesy Jagamaru-kun made her eyes widen slightly. "...This is really good."
Shirou acknowledged it with a smile and went back to cleaning. "Glad you like it."
As she continued eating, Aiz spoke softly. "Thank you... Shirou."
Shirou returned to his work, cleaning kitchen utensils and wiping the condensation off the window. His hands were deft, his expression calm.
Behind her usual blank stare, Aiz stole a few glances at him.
No words were exchanged for several minutes—just the sound of spoons and the cloth against wood. But to Aiz, that morning felt... perfect.
If only mornings like this could happen every day, she thought quietly.
After some minutes, Shirou finally finished cleaning the last table, hung up the cloth, and removed the brown apron he'd been wearing since morning. He folded it neatly, hung it up, and walked slowly to the dining table, sitting directly across from Aiz.
Aiz, who was still enjoying the last bite of her warm breakfast, suddenly felt awkward. The atmosphere, which had been comfortable, now felt slightly warmer, whether from the steam of the soup or Shirou's gaze watching her. She subtly glanced at her plate.
Just a little left. My portions are much bigger than the other Loki Familia members... is Shirou noticing?
A strange thought crept into her mind, making her cheeks flush slightly. She had never cared about such things before. But now, she wondered... Does Shirou dislike girls who eat too much?
Carefully, Aiz finished the last of her rice, then set the spoon down gently. She lifted her face and, in a slightly hesitant but still calm tone, asked, "Shirou... you don't... think it's weird for a girl to eat a lot, do you?"
Shirou paused, perhaps surprised by the unusual question from Aiz. But then he chuckled softly, his warm smile appearing naturally.
"Not at all. In fact... I like seeing you eat heartily. It feels like someone is truly enjoying what I've made."
Aiz blinked, her blush deepening slightly, but her heart felt lighter hearing that.
"You remind me of a Servant I once summoned... Saber."
Aiz raised an eyebrow. "Saber?" That name had come up a few times before—a gallant, strong, and supposedly... very elegant female knight. But...
"Was she... a glutton too?" Aiz asked curiously, voicing her own confusion.
"Yup," Shirou nodded nostalgically. "She really loved my cooking. She could even eat several times a normal portion. She'd say, 'Hunger is our true enemy.'"
Aiz stared deeply at Shirou, then slowly nodded, agreeing with the philosophy she'd just heard. "That's true..."
Then, with a serious expression and a tone as if declaring fate, Aiz lifted her plate slightly.
"In that case... seconds, please?"
Shirou snorted lightly, standing up to take Aiz's empty plate. "Alright, Servant Saber of Loki Familia. Please wait a moment."
Aiz stayed silent, but inwardly, she laughed a little. If eating a lot brings me closer to Shirou... then I'll have another plate.
***
After Aiz finished her second plate—including the last piece of cheesy Jagamaru-kun—she stood up lightly and followed Shirou, who had just finished tidying up the remaining dishes.
Walking side by side, they left the kitchen and headed toward the training hall at the edge of the Manor. The stone path connecting the main building to the training area was warmed by the morning sun. Leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and in the distance, the laughter of Loki Familia members warming up could be faintly heard.
Along the way, Aiz glanced at Shirou.
"Shirou," she called flatly, though her voice was slightly softer than usual.
"Hm?"
"During sparring later, can you project my Desperate... but a blunt version?"
Shirou turned to her with a light nod. "Of course. I'll use blunt weapons too. We don't want training to turn into a hospital visit, right?"
Aiz nodded slowly, her face still serious, but the slight relaxation in her brows showed she was satisfied with the answer.
After a few more steps, she asked again. "And tomorrow... when I train Bell again. Can I use a blunt sword from your projection?"
Shirou shrugged. "Sure. Just let me know when you need it. Besides, if the projection starts fading after three days, you can just come to me, and I'll make another one."
Aiz stared straight ahead but murmured quietly, "...Thank you."
"No need to thank me for something so small," Shirou replied with a smile.
In her heart, Aiz felt a little relieved. Day by day, she could rely on Shirou more—not just as a fellow comrade, but as someone... special.
And without realizing it, their steps, which had once been apart, now walked closer, their shoulders almost aligned, as if the world allowed time to slow down just for the two of them that morning.
As they walked leisurely toward the training hall, enveloped in the cool morning air and the sunlight filtering through the trees, Shirou glanced at Aiz and broke the silence.
"Aiz... can I ask you something?"
Aiz turned slowly. "What?"
"Why did you agree to train Bell in the first place? I mean... he's not from Loki Familia. You usually don't care about outsiders, right?"
The question wasn't accusatory—just pure curiosity. But Aiz paused for a moment. Her steps didn't slow, but the brief silence made the atmosphere feel slightly heavier.
"...At first," she said flatly, "it was because I wanted to know his secret."
Shirou frowned. "Secret?"
Aiz nodded. "Bell's strength grows incredibly fast... too fast. It's not normal. In such a short time, he's gotten stronger and even had power surges. I was curious... what made him capable of that?" Her voice was calm, but her gaze was distant, empty, as if piercing through reality and looking at something far darker.
Something she wanted to chase.
Shirou understood immediately. He knew that look. The look of someone consumed by the obsession to grow stronger, because of loss, because of past wounds that couldn't be healed. Aiz wanted to become strong enough... to face the One-Eyed Black Dragon.
To avenge her past.
Shirou tried to lighten the mood with a small smile. "In that case, did you challenge me to spar because you wanted to figure out my secret, too?"
Aiz turned quickly. "Huh?"
Her face was slightly confused, but then she answered honestly, "But... I already know about your magecraft. It's not something I can replicate. I'm not an expert mage... like Riveria."
"Hmm, that's true," Shirou nodded, then smirked slightly. "But who says I've shown you all my abilities yet?"
Aiz's eyes instantly lit up, as if flames had ignited in her golden pupils. Like a child offered a new adventure.
"In that case..." she said, gripping her sword sheath tightly, "let's hurry to the training hall!"
Shirou grinned. "You really can't resist a challenge, can you?"
They continued walking, but this time with quicker steps. The aura between them changed—no longer just relaxed after breakfast, but two warriors preparing to test each other's limits.