As the first rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, the resplendent amber orbs of the young lad flickered open, signaling the commencement of a new day. Aware of its paramount significance, he sensed an urgency to perform his morning routine with swift precision before embarking on his scholastic journey. Displaying an astute anticipation, he preemptively silenced the imminent alarm on his timepiece by pressing the snooze button. The digital face displayed the hour of 5:00 AM, a pivotal moment that demanded immediate action if he were to secure unimpeded access to the bathroom before the rest of the household stirred from their slumber.
With a series of physical exertions, consisting of vigorous push-ups and disciplined sit-ups, he dutifully completed his prescribed repetitions. The tally reached a formidable count of 100 for each exercise, prompting him to hasten his pace toward the cleansing sanctuary of the shower.
Navigating the vast expanse of his abode with utmost delicacy and stealth, mindful of the repercussions that even the slightest noise might provoke, he cautiously maneuvered through the labyrinthine corridors, leading to various chambers occupied by the diverse denizens of the household. Upon finally reaching the threshold of the principal bathing quarters, a surge of relief coursed through his veins, granting him respite as he commenced his meticulous endeavors.
First and foremost, he bestowed due attention upon his dental hygiene, diligently subjecting his pearly whites to the embrace of the toothbrush's bristles. Proceeding forth, he partook in the sacrament of purification under the cascading waters of the shower, meticulously tending to his fiery red tresses. Emerging from the watery sanctuary, he swiftly enveloped his body with a towel, for time was of the essence. An impending skirmish for bathroom dominion loomed on the horizon, fueled particularly by his residing sisters. He harbored the ambition to conclude all preparations prior to the arrival of any of them at the threshold of the bathroom door.
Returning to the confines of his personal chamber, Shirou adroitly changed into garments that bore the mark of untarnished freshness. A sense of relief washed over him, for it appeared that the rest of the household had yet to stir from their nocturnal slumber, thereby sparing him potential discomfiture. However, as he gracefully descended the stairs, his tranquil thoughts were abruptly disrupted by an unfamiliar voice that resonated through the air, severing the silence that had enveloped his surroundings.
As the morning sun cast its warm glow upon the household, a gentle salutation pierced the tranquility. "Good morning, Shirou," resonated through the air, causing Shirou to startle, his footing faltering and narrowly averting a collision with the steps. His mother, gracefully perched on the couch, savored a delicate breakfast, accompanied by one of the maids who indulged in her own repast.
With an air of nonchalance, the casually attired maid, distinguished by her cropped hair and ethereal countenance, extended her morning greeting. Her striking albino features, marked by crimson eyes and lustrous white locks akin to those of his lineage, commanded attention.
Regaining composure after his precarious stumble, Shirou reciprocated the salutation, his amber eyes glancing towards the bustling kitchen. Now attuned to the subtle sounds of diligent activity, he couldn't help but inquire about the early awakening. "Why has everyone risen so early today?"
A playful gleam danced within his mother's scarlet gaze as she gracefully rose, her flowing mane of snowy tresses cascading down her back. "Well... Ordinarily, you insist on rising with the sun and tending to the household chores. However, today holds a distinct significance, does it not?" Her melodic voice carried a sense of mischief as she emphasized the occasion. "It marks the final day of your scholastic endeavors~" she sang, eliciting a weary sigh from Shirou.
"It isn't that extraordinary," he attempted to assert, only to be met with aghast astonishment from his mother.
"Not extraordinary?" She pivoted her gaze towards the occupant of the couch. "Liz! Did you hear that? He dares to claim that the culmination of his academic journey lacks significance!"
"A lamentable tragedy of youthful disposition," Liz replied with a slow shake of her head, her half-lidded gaze transfixed on the television. She nonchalantly stretched her legs upon the couch, embodying an air of leisure. Meanwhile, the sole male presence in the household diverted his attention towards the opposite end, observing Liz's relaxed state of attire.
"Sella!" his mother called out to the figure in the bustling kitchen. "Shirou deems today inconsequential!"
"I heard it, Irisviel-sama," Sella emerged gracefully from the kitchen, bearing a delicately arranged tray. Resting upon it was an exquisite plate adorned with a harmonious medley of rice, eggs, vegetables, and a refreshing glass of juice. "Indulge in your morning repast, Shirou, for today is a momentous occasion."
Sella, the epitome of efficiency as a maid, stood in striking contrast to her sister, Liz (affectionately called Leysritt). While the elder sibling emanated diligence, dedication, and unwavering industriousness, Liz favored a more leisurely approach, often found lounging, engrossed in television or engaged in playful pastimes.
Their disparities extended even to their attire. Liz, the younger of the two, sported a sleeveless shirt and shorts, accentuating her generous bust, while the elder sister consistently adorned herself in a flowing dress and an apron.
"My Gratitude, Sella," Shirou began to make his way toward the couch, where Liz made no effort to accommodate him. With a nonchalant shrug, he opted for a chair, only to face Sella's firm resistance.
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"Liz, yield your space! You monopolize the entire area," Sella endeavored to maintain composure, though her exasperation could not be concealed.
"Shirou doesn't seem to mind," Liz replied, utterly at ease.
"Irisviel-sama!" Sella exclaimed, well aware of her sister's indifference. She redirected her plea toward the nearest authoritative figure.
"Liz, I acknowledge your penchant for relaxation, but today holds significance! Allow Shirou the space he requires." Upon receiving the command, Liz promptly complied, much to Sella's gratification, although the younger sister remained displeased.
"..." Liz murmured under her breath, yet her words reached the ears of her sibling.
"Pardon me!" Sella retorted. Due to their differing levels of maturity, Sella endured a minor grievance that her sister enjoyed exploiting.
"I merely marveled at the sleekness of the television," Liz claimed, though even Shirou discerned the falsehood woven within her words.
"W-wha!"
"Ehm, hmm," Iri interjected gracefully, a subtle smile adorning her lips. "Illya still rests in the realm of slumber, and we find ourselves rather ahead of schedule. Hence, let us refrain from engaging in any combative endeavors." Sella averted her gaze, while Liz reveled momentarily in her triumphant conquest, until the matriarch's attention turned towards her. "Furthermore, I implore you to cease provoking your sister, for any consequences arising from such actions shall be entrusted to you, burdening your weekend with a plethora of chores."
In that very instant, the sisters' countenances underwent an abrupt transformation, with the elder one resuming her reign victoriously within the confines of the kitchen, while the younger one wallowed in sullenness.
Shirou, resigned to his fate, silently surrendered himself to the circumstance. All he yearned for was to procure sustenance swiftly and escape the tumultuous ambiance that epitomized his familial abode. Although he cherished each and every member dearly, there were instances when a man craved solace, especially when his family possessed a penchant for unruliness. "Well, at least Illya remains in the embrace of somnolence."
"Indeed,"
Iri concurred, gracefully taking her seat on one side, while Liz occupied the other, leaving Shirou ensconced in the midst. Together, they partook in a modest breakfast, savoring each other's company. "Originally, we had all planned to spring a surprise on you. However, Illya chose to revel in the late hours of the previous night."
"Shouldn't we preserve some surprises for her, considering the circumstances?" Shirou inquired curiously.
"Her special day had already passed, spending it with your father! Today is yours, and as a mother, I refuse to bestow any less ardor upon all the significant moments experienced by my children!" The woman exuded such exuberance that it seemed as if an incandescent flame was on the verge of engulfing her.
"The only reason I endured an additional week was due to the accident at my school. A gas leak led to a series of delays!" Shirou averted his gaze towards the television. Ordinarily, Liz did not derive pleasure from perusing the news; however, given the hour, that happened to be the programming of choice.
Iri's countenance was aglow with genuine delight as she exclaimed, "Such fortuitous timing allows me to return from my journey! Although I was unable to attend Illya's farewell, I have made it in time for yours... It is regrettable that your father could not grace us with his presence."
"Liz, ever observant, remarked upon Kiritsugu-sama's perpetual absence," mused Shirou, finding himself in agreement. Indeed, the man's extensive travels for his vocation as the head of a security company were to be expected.
They gathered around the table to partake in their meal, and before long, Sella joined them, bringing her own sustenance and settling into a nearby chair. It was an ordinary scene, characteristic of the familial atmosphere within the Emiya household.
Only one member was absent, Shirou couldn't help but contemplate. A few fleeting moments later, his vision was obstructed, either by someone or, more precisely, something. "Guess who it is~!"
"I surmise... Illya," he responded, fully aware that it was not the answer she sought.
"No. Say it properly, Shirou!" Even without casting his gaze upon her, he could sense her pouting.
"Very well, then... Emiya Illyasviel," Shirou calmly acquiesced, but his sister took exception to it, relinquishing her hold on his eyes to pinch his cheek instead.
"Shiro!" He truly ought to cease his teasing, yet appeasing her desires proved simpler than enduring a sore cheek throughout the day.
"Very well... Big Sis." As if a switch had been flipped, Illya released her grip on Shirou's face and immediately enveloped him from behind. He knew it well—the sensation of two supple cushions pressing against his back confirmed it, and she was acutely aware of that fact.
"Why do you persistently refrain from addressing me as such?" pondered the young woman, clad in her night attire. Despite the situation, Shirou made a conscious effort to divert his thoughts from her current appearance. It proved to be a challenge, given his elder sister's recent growth spurt, bringing her nearly to his height. Alas, unbecoming musings must be banished from his mind. "Rest assured, I continually shower you with an abundance of affection."
Shirou had grown accustomed to this somewhat excessive endowment, albeit with a tinge of reservation. Expressing his grievances to their mother would yield no solace, leaving him solely reliant on a certain individual who could provide assistance in this trying moment.
However, Sella intervened with timely intervention, addressing Illya with authority. "Illya-sama, upon rising, it is advisable to present oneself in suitable attire," she interjected. "As the future heir of the esteemed Emiya lineage, it is imperative to exhibit decorum."
Illya promptly voiced her protest, contesting Sella's admonition. "Oh, come now, Sella! It is but a gathering of kin."
Sella, resolute, crossed her arms and fixed Illya with an unyielding gaze. "Nevertheless, you shall soon venture beyond the confines of our familial abode," she retorted. "Unsavory habits nurtured within these walls tend to manifest in the wider world."
At that precise moment, Shirou glanced at his mother, Iri. Despite her enduring smile, a subtle diminishment was discernible, perceptible to his keen senses. It became apparent that reminding her of Illya's imminent departure for Europe in a fortnight was an unwelcome prospect. Shirou felt an overwhelming urge to take action.
"With such a disposition, finding a suitable spouse shall prove a formidable task for you," he uttered, fully cognizant that such words would surely invite trouble upon himself. Yet, for the sake of his mother's well-being, he was prepared to endure the consequences.
"In that case," Illya exclaimed, embracing him even more tightly, "I shall simply marry you!"
"We are kindred spirits!" Shirou managed to gasp amidst his breaths, as her embrace constricted him even further.
"Not by the bonds of blood," Illya whispered into his ear, just as Sella decided to intervene.
"While you reside under this roof, dear lady, you shall abide by the household regulations—"
"Mother harbors no objections to my attire," Illya interjected, finally disengaging and preparing for an escape.
"Though I am unperturbed, please spare Sella undue distress," Shirou interposed, emboldening the maid who readied herself to apprehend her charge.
"See! You shouldn't agitate me! I will require every ounce of assistance once we venture outside!" Illya exclaimed with a smile, skillfully evading Sella's grasp.
"May I at least partake in sustenance first?" she endeavored to negotiate.
"Have you cleansed your teeth?" Sella demanded, resolute in her stance.
"Yes!" The negotiation prevailed, and Sella yielded. Soon, all members of the family were settled, observing the television, assuming the appearance of a conventional household.
"... following a triumphant series of trials, the new rockets are prepared for the forthcoming space expedition. The esteemed vocalist..." At that juncture, Shirou tuned out the news and proceeded towards the kitchen sink to deposit his tray.
Before he could rise, Sella had already taken the reins. "You go and gather your belongings. I shall attend to the culinary remnants today."
"But you have already—" Shirou commenced, yet the steadfast maid interjected.
"No 'buts'!" She surged forward like a tempest, collecting each tray and hastening away to the kitchen.
"..." Shirou was left bereft of words.