"Pray, desist from such a comportment, dear Shirou," Illya uttered languidly, reclining upon her grandiose seat. "She merely tries to render your day exceptional. Moreover, fret not, for you shall be engrossed in scholastic affairs, arriving home tardy today."

Indeed, he found himself bereft of counterarguments. Shirou had forever possessed the proclivity to lend a helping hand in rectifying the school's quandaries, tasks deemed insurmountable even for the most seasoned of adults, yet he invariably unearthed a solution.

Sighing wearily, Shirou articulated, "I sincerely yearn for our educational institution to possess a more munificent budget."

"As we broach the subject of academia, do you intend to persist at Homurahara Academy, or perchance contemplate exploring alternative avenues for your secondary education?" Iri queried, tilting her head inquisitively.

"I believe I shall remain there. The high school curriculum holds merit akin to any other," Shirou responded.

"Indubitably!" Illya exclaimed, bounding up to embrace Shirou anew. "He shall graduate from the very same establishment as his elder sister!"

"Should Shirou remain resolute," Iri smiled, "yet should the notion to peruse alternative schools arise, do not hesitate to apprise me. We possess a plethora of options should you yearn for a school that... requires less mending."

"'Tis of no consequence," Shirou replied, returning his mother's smile. "It affords me an opportunity to hone my skills."

"In any case, do not neglect to confer with your kendo instructor," Sella reminded him, proffering a lunch box. "You must apprise her of your intention to resign."

"I fail to comprehend why you would undertake such an action," Iri sighed. "You could remain and, perchance, partake in championships, perchance even seize victory... and I could capture numerous photographs."

"I simply fail to discern the purpose," he expressed, accepting the lunch box. "I am capable of assembling one myself, Sella."

Today, Sella sported a subtle smile, fully aware of her valid justification to deter him from entering the realm of the kitchen.

Illya, perplexed, posed the question, "Why do you fail to comprehend the significance? It could substantially bolster your prospects of securing admission to a prestigious college, should you so desire."

Shirou, casting a fleeting gaze at the wall clock, responded, "It reached a point where the task became excessively facile. I should depart now, as tardiness is not to be entertained."

Suddenly, Iri leaped to her feet, brimming with excitement, and exclaimed, "Ah! Why don't I have the pleasure of accompanying you today? It has been an eternity since I last traversed that path with you!"

In that very moment, Shirou was overcome by a premonition—a forewarning of an extraordinary journey, one that would jeopardize his life throughout its course. Even if he managed to survive, illness and torment would render him incapable of engaging in any productive endeavors for the remainder of the day. The entire family unanimously concurred on a single principle: under no circumstances should Iri be entrusted with the task of driving, if avoidable.

"Nay, mother, such an endeavor is unnecessary!" Shirou mustered all his composure, for speaking too hastily or vehemently could potentially inflict harm upon her delicate sentiments, while insufficient effort would undoubtedly result in his stomach's vehement protests later.

"But, Shirou," his mother pouted, "When you ascend to the echelons of high school, you shall adopt an air of aloofness and shun the proximity of your doting mother."

His mental faculties necessitated a momentary reboot. "Pardon?"

"Yes!" Iri sprang to her feet, her countenance radiating unwavering determination. "You are poised to embark upon the blossoming of your youth, where the fairer sex shall dominate your attention, and camaraderie with your peers shall consume your existence! Your hapless mother shall be relegated to a mere spectator... until the day arrives when you bestow upon her the gift of grandchildren!"

"Pardon?" His cognitive faculties still struggled to keep pace with the unfolding events.

"Indeed!"

"Irisviel-sama, I believe you may be exaggerating!" Sella interjected, attempting to restore a semblance of normalcy to the conversation.

"Do I truly find myself in such a predicament? Research posits that the onset of independence for children typically commences at the age of seventeen and beyond. Behold, Illya, the young woman in question!" The mere mention of her name prompted her to sit up with greater poise. "She is on the cusp of departing our familial abode, a mere nineteen years young!"

Shirou was well aware of the imminent conversation that lay ahead. How could he not? He possessed an intimate understanding of his own thought patterns, allowing him to anticipate his forthcoming words. "Very well, this shall afford me additional time to prepare the necessary arrangements." He sealed his fate with unwavering resolve.

"Oh, indeed! I must gather my belongings and pertinent documents posthaste. Delaying such preparations would prove most regrettable." Iri promptly set off to retrieve her possessions, while the rest of the family cast pitying glances in Shirou's direction.

"You do realize she will opt for the lengthiest route, do you not?" Illya queried.

"Indeed, my dear sister," he affirmed.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Undoubtedly, you shall witness the entirety of the city!" Sella empathetically commiserated with Shirou in that moment.

"Yes, that is precisely the case."

"Shirou is an exceptionally kind-hearted young man," Liz interjected, drawing nearer to Shirou and tenderly patting his head.

"Let us hope you can return expeditiously today, Shirou," Illya requested, accompanied by a gentle smile. "Today presents an opportune moment to behold the splendor of the nocturnal sky."

Shirou reciprocated his elder sibling's sentiment with a mischievous grin, a cherished tradition they indulged in sporadically, even amidst the urban landscape. With Illya's impending departure, such moments would cease to be.

"It shall be an absolute pleasure," he mused. Shirou resolved to depart a tad earlier, despite already attending school ahead of schedule, confident that Iri would ensure his timely arrival.

…..

In front of Homurahara, a stately Mercedes-Benz 540K glides to a halt. The vehicle exudes an aura of elegance, meticulously preserved and cherished, standing as Irisviel's most treasured possession after her own kin. Its captivating presence commands the attention of passersby, who are left in awe of its impeccable condition despite its tireless voyages through the town. Truly, this automotive masterpiece epitomizes the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship during the esteemed Classic Era.

The car's graceful exterior boasts the harmonious interplay of its sleek bodywork, accentuated by fluidly flowing fenders adorning either side, while a commanding horizontally-beveled v-shaped chrome grille takes center stage. It is a marvel of engineering, where an abundance of matter is ingeniously compressed into a compact space, reminiscent of a colossal star, tenfold more massive than our Sun, confined within a sphere resembling the dimensions of New York City.

Shirou, intimately acquainted with the arduous labor involved in maintaining its pristine allure, assumes the responsibility as a hobbyist, albeit not without occasional regrets. His mother possessed an ardent affection for the automobile, despite her woeful lack of driving aptitude, which resembled either the ineptitude of a novice or the audacity of a daredevil ready to unleash chaos. Struggling to disembark from the car, the teenager collapses onto the ground, his body yielding to the strain.

Amidst his agonizing plight, Shirou's thoughts involuntarily implore, "Oh, divine forces, though I do not partake in prayer, I beseech you—grant me a new abdomen!" Even one devoid of religious belief finds themselves at such moments, when the human spirit yearns to connect with something greater, reaching out to a celestial realm in hopeful supplication.

Unbeknownst to Irisviel, she remained oblivious to her son's distress as she cheerfully disembarked from the car, basking in the blissful aftermath of their little excursion. "Wasn't that a delightful adventure, Shirou?"

"Indeed, mother, it was truly enjoyable. However, I fear I am nearing the brink of tardiness." He composed himself, determined not to reveal his perturbed state, albeit momentarily noticing a flicker of guilt in his mother's countenance due to her spontaneous detours.

"Yes... perhaps I did overreact, but it has been an eternity since we last embarked on a carefree journey through this vicinity." The family shared an unspoken understanding, a weighty rationale for their restrained silence. "Come here, allow me to rectify any disarray."

She proceeded to meticulously inspect her son's mahogany-hued uniform, the emblem of his school. While some students were inclined to embellish their attire with personal flair, he found contentment in simply unfastening a button on his blazer and leaving it at that. His mother, cognizant of his preferences, ensured that everything aligned precisely as he desired. What a truly remarkable mother she was.

"There you go. Hehe,"

Shirou was immensely elated, a genuine mirth that pervaded his being, as he reveled in the gratification derived from accompanying her on her final day of scholastic endeavors. The radiance emanating from her smile became the singular and treasured accolade that fulfilled Shirou's heart.

Expressing his gratitude, Shirou casually intoned, "I extend my appreciation, dear mother. Shall we rendezvous later?"

"Indeed, my wanderlust shall remain dormant for the remainder of this year... I yearn to witness Illya's departure, you see?" Suddenly, his mother recollected an erstwhile obligation demanding her presence elsewhere.

"Fear not," he reassured, a suppressed chuckle escaping her lips at her son's candid remark. "Sella, in her capable guardianship, will ensure Illya's well-being, despite the inevitable skirmishes she may encounter. Rest assured, she shall be nourished and safeguarded until her safe return."

"I am aware. Father echoed the same sentiment, and I must honor Illya's decision," his mother confessed, her fingers gingerly attempting to rectify Shirou's unruly coiffure, a futile battle against its stubborn resistance. "Truthfully, I yearn for the return of your former hairstyle. It befits you splendidly," she added.

Shirou, displaying a hint of discontent, retorted, "It imparts a rather unflattering impression."

"Nay, it beseeches an air of maturity upon you, irrespective of your reservations," she persisted, once again endeavoring to tame his fiery locks, to no avail.

"Fret not, dear mother. All shall be well," he assured her, silently wishing he towered over her, rendering him more adept at evading any unexpected gestures.

"Should I retrieve you henceforth?" she inquired, confirming her forthcoming plan.

"Nay, perchance. Trouble yourself not. I am capable of independent navigation," he asserted, harboring an aversion towards further vehicular journeys, fatigued by their circuitous routes.

"I understand, for a mother's concern knows no bounds. Do you grasp the weight of my solitude with Illya's imminent departure?" she beseeched, pleadingly.

"It is perfectly alright, indeed. I shall persevere unscathed. Your excessive concern is unnecessary." He comprehended her despondency stemming from Illya's imminent departure, yet he deemed it insufficient to jeopardize his own life once more. Henceforth, that decision remained steadfast.

"I shall forever fret, even if you were the mightiest man in existence, my apprehension would persist." Shirou arched an eyebrow in response to his mother's utterance.

"You don't fret as much about father." Her countenance exuded resplendence as she spoke.

"He is not my offspring." With a tender kiss upon his cheek, she imparted, "Farewell until nightfall, summon me should you require assistance, and may your day at school be filled with joy." Iri reluctantly embarked upon her departure, while Shirou earnestly wished for her secure return to their abode.

Having observed the exchange between mother and son, a few onlookers bore traces of envy, but most remained indifferent. As the bell chimed, signaling the conclusion of the final day of classes, Shirou realized it was high time he embarked on his solitary journey.

.....

The final day of classes bore little resemblance to a typical academic routine. Instead, it served as a poignant occasion for both educators and students to bid farewell to cherished companions, exchange pertinent information, ascertain the likelihood of future encounters, and engage in various personal rituals.

Most teachers simply sought an opportunity to express their farewells and reflect upon the academic year, sentiments that resonated with many receptive students. Concurrently, some individuals busied themselves with preparations for impending classes or desperately endeavored to complete lingering tasks, driven by apprehension over supplementary assessments, concerns about graduation requirements, or a desire to altogether evade further educational obligations.

Within the realm of extracurricular pursuits, such as the esteemed kendo club where Shirou and his comrades were active participants, the concluding proceedings encompassed a final gathering, accompanied by heartfelt words from their supervising teacher. "SHIRO!" resounded the enthusiastic voice, as Shirou emerged as the beloved protégé of this particular mentor.

"Tora," Shirou responded calmly, addressing the individual referred to by the endearing moniker. The subject of discussion, 'Tora,' possessed honey-hued locks, garbed in a striped long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans. Evidently discomfited by the nickname, she promptly expressed her discontent.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Although her retort entertained fellow classmates, they dispersed from the classroom upon the abrupt arrival of the teacher. "In any case, we shall be convening for a celebratory gathering at my residence later, in commemoration of an exceptional year, and I extend to you an invitation!"

Shirou calmly remarked, "I appreciate the offer, but I still have a few tasks to attend to before retiring to the solace of my abode."

His response provoked a sharp reaction from his instructor. "Shirou, you seldom partake in the company of your clubmates or any other acquaintances. By the heavens, it appears Issei-kun is your sole confidant in these parts." The teacher released a weary sigh. "To the extent that I must extend an invitation for a gathering... an event that has been known to all for weeks."

"Indeed, I failed to perceive the impending affair," Shirou replied while absently rummaging through his bag for his lunch, despite lacking any real appetite due to the taxing journey to school. "Nevertheless, I harbor no particular affinity for such social gatherings." His words were uttered with indifference.

Taiga let out another sigh. "It is precisely that apathetic demeanor that has hindered your participation in tournaments. With your presence, we could have soared to the national stage."

"But we did attend the nationals, and emerged victorious," Shirou retorted, although the lion's share of the triumph belonged to a diligent club mate, while he himself languished at home, consumed by slumber.

"Indeed, but the narrative would have been far more captivating if we had not--" Taiga began, her words abruptly interrupted.

"Very well, I shall make an appearance at your residence. Alternatively, you can escort me directly from this place," his English teacher persisted, making a concerted effort. "We shall revel for a while, converse with the lads, and derive some enjoyment, you know."

Retreating a step, the woman known as the 'Tiger of Fuyuki' adopted a non-threatening stance, triggering a warning in Shirou's mind. Whenever she desired something, she could become exceedingly insistent.

He knew this from personal experience, as his refusal to participate in tournaments had led her to follow him on numerous occasions, brandishing banners and other paraphernalia in a desperate attempt to compel him to compete.

"Sensei... What seems to be the issue?" Shirou queried, his tone devoid of familiarity, signaling his earnestness.

A minute elapsed in silence before the teacher finally took a deep breath. "Ah, it is of little consequence. It is simply that many of us are transferring to superior educational institutions and the like," her countenance betraying a concealed smile.