"... Whenever you laugh like that, it means you must be hiding something. Out with it."
"I was just thinking that it's not a bad thing you have to remain materialized, because I can help you choose clothes."
"..."
Saber opened her mouth to say something, but when it reached her lips, it turned into a sigh.
Originally, a Servant who could not spiritualize because of certain conditions should rightfully be scolded every day. But now it was actually making the Master happy, which was an unexpected turn of events. If she talked back now, it would truly be putting the cart before the horse.
"Irisviel, I do not look out of place in this outfit, do I?"
"Hmm... I think it is fine, but I am also a first-time visitor to this country, so I am still a little nervous."
If any non-Japanese national who knew the state of Japanese society at the time had heard this, they would have disputed Irisviel's words. Irisviel had measured Saber and customized her outfit before they set off.
They had received the clothes at Frankfurt Airport: a navy blue skirt, shirt, tie, and a European-style black jacket—a perfect matched set. If a girl who was only about 1.5 meters tall wore such an outfit, people might feel it didn't fit. But on Saber, it could only be described as amazing.
Her beauty was not a matter of gender inversion, but her awe-inspiring temperament made her beauty different from the flamboyance of ordinary women. Perhaps she could only be described as a peerless, beautiful youth with a refined spirit. With her slender body, fair skin, and youthful, pure aura, anyone who saw her would sincerely admire her beauty.
"It is my own choice of clothes; does Saber not like it?"
"Ah, no... It is easy to move in, and I have often worn men's clothing."
Although it would be easier for her to wear such clothes when changing into armor later, for now, Irisviel had made the decision purely out of her own interest.
Irisviel handed over all the luggage she had brought to the maids, and she and Saber walked to customs empty-handed. The maids would return home immediately after dropping off the luggage at the Einzbern Villa just outside of Fuyuki City.
The Holy Grail War was about to begin, and this time, Irisviel was not willing to sit idly by. To avoid implicating innocent people, she asked the maids to return to Germany immediately. With this determination, she handled many matters alone; thankfully, Saber was there to stay with her.
The immigration formalities were quick, and they were only a few steps away from the hall. But soon, they met an officer who seemed a little manic, with a bad attitude and a rolling gaze, which made them both feel uneasy.
"Sure enough, there is something wrong with my clothes..."
Seeing the people in the hall looking at her, Saber muttered uneasily.
"I think it is because you are so beautiful."
Irisviel had to smile bitterly because quite a few eyes were on her as well. The truth was that both of them were strikingly beautiful. Whether it was a unique costume or a combination never seen before, it all looked harmonious. The people around them weren't staring because they felt it was strange, but because they were intoxicated and envious.
"... Let's go, Saber. Do not worry about that."
Irisviel said as she took Saber's hand, though Saber kept her head bowed with a depressed expression.
"It is rare to come to Japan, so let us go and have a big meal before the war starts."
"Irisviel, it is not a question of eating or not eating..."
Irisviel half-dragged Saber and skipped towards the waiting hall. Saber looked at her expression, and for some reason, she seemed to see a brightness she had never seen before.
Irisviel, who was a little excited, accidentally bumped into someone's shoulder in her hurry. She quickly stopped and bowed her head to apologize.
"I am so sorry!"
"It doesn't matter."
It was a handsome young man with red hair, amber eyes, and a smile that made people feel as comfortable as a spring breeze.
"I told you to be careful, Irisviel...!"
Saber, who was following, hurriedly apologized to the boy.
"I am truly sorry for what just happened."
"It's fine."
Shirou waved his hand and replied with a smile. Seeing that Shirou didn't care much about the accident, Irisviel nodded.
"I can't wait to go shopping! Let's go, Saber."
"Hey, Irisviel————"
Saber was about to remind Irisviel not to be so reckless, but she was pulled along by the girl-like Irisviel and rushed into the waiting hall.
Behind them, Shirou stood in place and watched them quietly move away.
"If they have arrived in Fuyuki City, it means Emiya Kiritsugu has also arrived. It seems it won't be long before we meet again."
Muttering this, the corners of Shirou's mouth curled slightly, and he turned to leave.
...
The sun sank in the west, and the earth was bathed in the afterglow. People walked slowly on the streets as the evening breeze blew, carrying a fragrance of flowers and trees.
Located on a warehouse street adjacent to the eastern part of the Seaside Park, Shirou appeared after restoring his original appearance. The area featured harbor facilities, separating Shinto from the industrial areas further east. At night, there were hardly any people here, and dim lights lit the streets.
Driverless cranes lined the seashore, looking like giant dinosaur fossils.
"Master, what are we doing here?"
After materializing, Diarmuid spoke with some puzzlement.
"Let's try our luck," Shirou replied. "Anyway, you prefer to fight in the open, don't you?"
Hearing this, Diarmuid felt a surge of excitement that his knightly nature was recognized, and he responded with spirit.
"It is a blessing that you understand that!"
Shirou did not continue on that topic, but said to Diarmuid:
"Release your aura, Lancer."
"Yes, Master!"
In the next moment, Diarmuid released the aura unique to a Servant. As long as another Servant was not too far away, they would sense it.
After more than ten minutes, Shirou, looking at the last ray of light sinking into the horizon, closed his eyes slightly. Scenes from the plot turned like slides in his mind. Soon, Shirou spoke to Diarmuid:
"Lancer, if I am not mistaken, there should be an Assassin to the southeast. Go and kill him!"