Issei Scenes, Part 1 - Prologue and Fate
I would like it to be known that I lasted two whole months before I redownloaded Fate/stay night. Hmmph.
Anyway. In case this ever happens again, I have laboriously hand-typed all of Issei's scenes for private reference. You may have them - I've added footnotes, and noted whenever he uses a blushing sprite.
May be edited once Heaven's Feel is translated?
Split into two parts.
It’s almost seven-thirty.
I can see a few students doing club activities outside, but there’s no sign of anyone in the school building.
But still…
“-Gah, Tohsaka.”
I bump into someone who greets me rudely.
“Oh, Student President. Are you patrolling the school building this early in the morning? Or perhaps taking care of the club rooms? Not that I care, but you’re certainly diligent.”
“Huh! What are you planning? What are you doing here? You’re not in any clubs.”
“I just felt like it. I don’t get up early like your family does, Ryudo-kun.”
“…”
The Student President makes an unhappy face.
For some reason, I seem to be his enemy.
I really don’t know why.
…Perhaps it’s just because I said “skip the temples, they’re boring” in a meeting to plan for the field trip. (1)
“…Let me ask you a question, Tohsaka. Have you been staying at school until late at night recently?”
“Nope. You should know I always go straight home, Ryudo-kun.”
“Of course. This is my job, so naturally I know about everyone.”
“I see. So you don’t even have to ask, right? I don’t know why you’re asking, but isn’t it bad to force student council jobs on outsiders?
You should collect information on your own. Don’t rely on outsiders like me.”
“Idiot, how are you an outsider!?
Don’t think I don’t know how you worked your evil deeds on our Treasurer, you fox!”
“Oh, you misunderstand. I was merely working out how much each club should receive because Mitsuzuri-san asked me to.
I think it’s only right for students to take an interest in where their money is going.”
“…H-How can damaging our Treasurer’s psyche enough to keep him off school for a week be ‘only right’ for any student? As always, I’m amazed by your way of thinking.”
“The same to you. You should keep a watch on those under you. It’s not fair to favor the non-sporting clubs.”
“I know that. That’s why I had intended to deal with the matter myself-”
“Issei, the repairs are done.”
-And then.
A guy appears who I didn’t expect to find here.
“Ah, sorry Emiya. I’m the one who asked for help, but it seems like you’re doing all the work. Forgive me.”
“Don’t worry about it. So, where next? There’s not much time left.”
“Yeah, the AV-room is next. It seems it’s been working badly for a while, but it finally died.”
“It can’t be fixed if it’s dead. It’d be quicker to just buy a new one.”
“…True, but it’d help if you could take a look at it. It could be dead to my eyes, but only faking it to yours.”
“I see. Well, let’s take a look.”
The Student President leaves with the male student.
“Issei, you there?”
“I am. You’re a bit late today, Emiya.”
He must have been studying, as Issei looks up from the paper he’s reading.
“Just you, Issei? Where are the others? Shouldn’t they be here by now as well?”
“No. Unfortunately, our members are very businesslike.
They have their set work ours, and they don’t want to come in early or stay late.”
“That’s why the student council president is doing the routine duties by himself, huh? I guess this place has its own problems.”
“No, it’s the kind of trouble I like. You don’t need to pity me.”
“Huh? Uh, no, I wasn’t pitying you or anything.”
“Hm. I’m not happy about that either, but I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it. It still means you care.”
Issei, who is organizing the papers he was reading, is the big boss of this student council room.
He’s the guy trying his best to reform this lax student council, and he’s been a friend of mine since first year.
His full name is Ryudo Issei.
Despite his old-fashioned name, he has elegant features and he’s really popular with the girls. (2)
And he’s also the student council president, so you think he’d take to it like a duck to water, but…
“Hm. Hot tea is certainly a good way to start a morning.”
He’s just sipping tea like this, so he’s not that firm.
As you can see, Issei has a plain personality.
It’s easily misunderstood, but he doesn’t involve himself in love affairs nor engage in normal student recreations.
It’s because he’s the successor of the Ryudoji Temple, up in the mountains.
He’s fine with that idea, so there’s a good chance he’ll shave his head when he graduates.
“So, what am I doing today?”
“Hm? Well, I’d like to let you sit down and take a rest first… but I guess we don’t have time. I’ll explain as we go, so bring your usual tools and follow me.”
-scene change-
“Frankly, our school’s budget is completely unbalanced.”
“I know. The athletic clubs are favored, so other clubs don’t get as much, right?”
“Right. As a result, members of the other clubs are in trouble.
I’m working hard to make the budget go to them, but I’m having trouble because it’s not clear where the money’s going.
In particular, there’s no solution for the shortages of heaters in winter.”
“I see. Oh, can you hand me the torque screwdriver? The biggest one. And the conductive wire too.
…Yeah, I should be able to fix this.”
“Conductive wire? …Uh, is this it? Sorry, I don’t know exactly. Tell me if I’m wrong.”
“You’re right. So, what was that about the shortage of heaters? Are there other broken ones?”
“Yes. In the 2nd AV room and the art room. The petitions requesting new stoves are multiplying.”
“But there’s not enough budget to meet the demand, huh? As I thought, it’s just old. Good thing it’s not broken on the inside.”
“…Hm. You think it can be fixed, Emiya?”
“Yup. In this case, old things are nice because they’re easy to understand. It’s just a shortened connection, so it should last the whole year if we replace that.”
“I see! Good job, Emiya. I’m always pleased when you’re so reliable.”
“You’re wording it weirdly, Issei…
Oh, I’ll be finished soon, so could you wait outside for a bit?”
“All right, I’ll be out of your way.”
Issei leaves the room quietly.
…It seems he assumes that I’m going to do something delicate.
“…Well, it is delicate, but…”
I place my hand on the old electric heater.
“Issei, the repairs are done.”
-But.
In the hallway is someone else apart from Issei, a girl.
“---“
I’m a bit surprised.
The person talking to Issei is Tohsaka Rin, from class 2-A.
She’s a lady who lives in a big mansion on top of the hill, a perfect honor student.
Good looking, smart, athletic, and faultless.
She’s intelligent, well mannered, and modest about her looks. People say she’s the ideal woman.
So it hardly needs to be said that the guys at my school treat her like an idol.
Though in Tohsaka’s case, she’s so perfect that she’s considered unreachable.
It’s commonly believed that only teachers and guys like Issei can even talk to her. (3)
…Well, to be honest, I’m a guy too.
So I’m one of Tohsaka Rin’s admirers.
“…”
Tohsaka looks at us as if she’s in a bad mood.
It seems to be true that she and Issei don’t get along.
“Ah, sorry Emiya. I’m the one who asked for help, but it seems like you’re doing all the work. Forgive me.”
Wow.
Issei’s an amazing man, talking like that and ignoring Tohsaka.
“Don’t worry about it. So, where next? There’s not much time left.”
“Yeah, the AV-room is next. It seems it’s been working badly for a while, but it finally died.”
“It can’t be fixed if it’s dead. It’d be quicker to just buy a new one.”
“…True, but it’d help if you could take a look at it. It could be dead to my eyes, but only faking it to yours.”
“I see. Well, let’s take a look.”
There’s only about 30 minutes left until homeroom.
I’ll have to hurry if I’m going to fix it.
I start for the AV room with Issei.
But it’s impolite to ignore her completely when we’ve met like this.
I turn back to Tohsaka, who’s standing in a daze.
“You’re up early, Tohsaka.”
I make an honest comment, then follow Issei.
-scene change-
“We barely made it. Thank you, Emiya. I caused you trouble again. I would be a failure as a friend if I made you late doing things for me.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal for me to be late. Though I guess it would for you to be…”
“Indeed. Well, I’m glad we made it.”
Issei heads to his seat, relieved.
“What a guy. How can he talk like that when he’s the one who drove you out?”
“Oh, you were here, Issei?”
“What do you mean!? You’re so cold, saying that to a friend who was listening in out of concern!” (4)
“Hm? Why would you do that? I’m not doing anything that should make you worry about me.”
“Idiot. Of course I’ll worry about you. You’re the type to lose your temper easily. Some people would cheer if you beat Shinji up, but all the girls would condemn you. It’s not good to let a friend get into a situation like that.”
“I see. You’re right now that you mention it. Thanks, Issei. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, but I’m grateful for your concern.”
“Yes, well, as long as you understand… but it’s strange. You lose your temper easily, but you’re tolerant of Mato.”
“Yeah, that’s just his style. You get used to it if you hang around him for a long time.”
“Hm. I see.”
“Yeah. If you understand, go back to your seat. Fujimura-Sensei will fly in here any minute now.”
“Haha. It’s more like her to come floating in than flying in.”
“Sorry, Emiya, about the rest of the repairs… do you have time today?”
“Well, I do have plans, but…”
It’s not like I’m just playing around.
After all, the main reason I quit the archery club is because I wanted to prioritize work.
It’s already been five years since father died, and I decided to start working to pay for my living expenses.
If you work a lot, there are some jobs you just can’t refuse.
Today’s an example.
They’re restocking inventory at work, and they asked me to come if I can as any help is appreciated.
But it’s certainly not something I have to go to. They’re probably just having people come in because they want to party after work.
“---“
There are two options. I-
1. I’ll go and help out the student council.
It’s something I’ve started.
I should finish the job I began this morning.
“I’ll change my plans. We’re finishing the job from this morning, right? Let’s finish the repairs before the exams start.”
“Thank you. Let’s go and look at the patient in the art club then.”
“All right. Oh, and clear the people out of the room, will you? I can’t concentrate with people watching me.”
“Of course. I won’t let them get in your way.”
Issei quickly walks to the hallway, and I follow him out of the classroom in a hurry.
-scene change-
The sun has already set when we leave the school building.
The school gates are already closed.
It’s seven o’clock and way past curfew. But thanks to Issei, we’re not in trouble.
-scene change-
“You helped me a lot today. I’ll certainly make up for it, so tell me if you need anything.”
“Yeah, I’ll let you know if something comes up. I don’t think anything will, though.”
I didn’t help him to get something in return, so there’s nothing I want from Issei.
“…Geez. I guess it is a problem to be too good a person. It’s helpful to have you around, but I can’t stand it when other people use you to their liking. Helping others is a good thing, but you should be more picky with who you help. You just help anyone who comes to ask you.”
“Hm? Am I that indiscriminate?”
“Yes. And that’s just going to let heartless idiots use you as they wish. You’re a busy man, so it should be okay for you to decline from time to time.”
“---“
I can’t really tell, but it seems like Issei’s worried about me. (5)
I’ve been called helpful since I was in middle school, as I don’t turn down requests for help and don’t ask for anything in return.
I guess Issei thinks that’s dangerous.
But I’m doing it because I want to, and it’s not a problem as I decline things that I think are beyond me.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about, Issei. I know myself better than anyone. Besides, helping people is a good thing. It’s not something the son of the owner of a temple should be trying to stop.”
“But I think you’re going too far that it might eventually overwhelm you.”
“I’ll take your warning. See you tomorrow, then.”
“…Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Issei leaves, looking discontented.
Issei’s house, Ryudoji Temple, is up in the mountains. So naturally, our routes home go in different directions.
It’s lunchtime.
Our school has a splendid cafeteria and most students eat there.
But there are some old-fashioned students who bring their own lunches. Two of them happen to be me and the student council president in front of me.
“Emiya, could you give me one of that fried chicken? My lunch is desperately lacking in meat.”
“Sure, but why is your lunch so plain? You live in a temple, but there aren’t any teachings prohibiting meat or alcohol, right?” (6)
“Such an anachronism. It’s just my father’s way.
He says there’s no luxurious foods for a young priest, and that I should have to work for what I want. I’m thinking of running away and joining the circus.”
“Oh, yeah, that sounds like that guy.”
Issei’s father is the priest of the Ryudoji Temple, and a bold guy who’s old friends with the old man at Fuji-Nee’s place.
You can’t expect a normal personality when he’s friends with a guy like that.
“That’s great. Well, I’ll give you one in the hope of repayment someday.”
I hand him my lunchbox.
“Thank you. This too is part of my religious training.”
Issei bows deeply.
…How can I put this? I never know what to say when things like this remind me that he’s the son of a temple.
“Oh, by the way, Emiya. Did you know there was something going on around the 2nd avenue? It’s right around the intersection where we part.”
“Intersection…?”
The intersection this morning… he must mean that clamor with all the police cars.
“I heard there was a murder. I don’t know the details, but of the family of four only the child survived. They say the older sister and the parents were stabbed to death. But what’s strange is they think the weapon was a long one, not like a knife or something.”
“---“
A long weapon? He must mean something like a sword.
It was a murder… so that must mean the sister and the parents were killed.
…I picture it.
Someone barging in during the night. Unjust violence. A one-sided pillage like an accident. Slashed parents. The sister killed without even knowing what’s going on. To the side, the child covered in their blood.
“Issei, have they caught the murderer?”
“It doesn’t seem like it. Accidents from faulty construction in Shinto, and murder here. It’s no wonder they’re making the curfew ear- what’s wrong, Emiya? Did you choke on something?”
“Hm. Nothing, what’s wrong?”
“No… I was just surprised since you had a nasty expression. Sorry, this isn’t something I should have talked about during lunch.”
Issei tries to soften the air apologetically.
…I was fine with the topic, but was I really making such a nasty face?
And then, there’s a quiet knock at the door.
“Excuse me, is Ryudo here?”
“Huh? Oh, what is it, Sensei?”
Issei addresses Kuzuki, who just entered.
It must be a simple talk about the student council, as Issei seems pretty relaxed.
“…Wow.”
That’s not something you see everyday.
Despite his appearance, Issei’s very shy. The guy who draws a line against his classmates and even his teachers is letting his guard down with Kuzuki. (7)
“Maybe they get along because they’re both so serious.”
Kuzuki Souichirou, the teacher in charge of class 2-A, is serious and stubborn.
Probably that aspect allows him to get along with Issei, who prizes order and discipline.
“---“
The two continue to talk.
All the while, I can’t get the story of the murder out of my head.
“Oh, Tohsaka’s not here.
Tohsaka isn’t around. Mitsuzuri’s worries were needless.
“Oh, who’s not here?”
“!!”
I spin around.
“So… who’s not here?”
And there’s Issei, whom I just left behind.
“Oh, i-it’s you, Issei. Don’t scare me like that.”
“Well, you were looking at the dojo suspiciously.
So, who’s not there?”
“Tohsaka. I heard that she had an argument with Shinji yesterday, so I came to see how things were.”
“Oh wow, that is suspicious. You gave your reasons without being asked. I only asked who wasn’t here.”
“…! W-what? What I do shouldn’t concern you.”
“Yes, that’s right. But it’s useless, Emiya. Tohsaka won’t be here. That’s because she intentionally skipped school today.”
“What?”
Skipped school… so, she was absent today?
“I see, she’s absent… wait, Issei. How can you say she skipped school? I don’t think she’d do such a thing.”
“Of course she will. She won’t catch a cold. As I see it, she’s evil. You’ll be eaten if you let her looks deceive you, Emiya.”
“Hm.”
Somehow, Issei’s words annoy me.
It’s true that I don’t know her, but I can’t imagine that she’s a bad person.
“You’re going too far, Issei. Tohsaka can’t be like that.”
“Hmm? What, you’re after Tohsaka too? Oh, I’m sorry. Please ignore what I just said.”
“…!”
A-after Tohsaka!? Who said anything like that!?
“D-Don’t jump to conclusions! I just thought it’d be bad if Shinji got into trouble again.”
“So you were planning to stop Shinji if he attacked Tohsaka, huh? You’re playing an unrewarded role again. …I don’t really care, but you have bad taste, Emiya.”
“It’s not unrewarded since I haven’t done it. But Issei, didn’t you say something strange?”
“Huh? You mean that going after Tohsaka is bad taste?”
“Yeah. Tohsaka is really popular. I haven’t heard any bad rumors about her.”
“Yes, none. And that’s exactly what I don’t like about it.”
Issei looks away, snorting.
“What don’t you like about it?”
“Everything. The woman is a fox, a schoolgirl, a monster. I just don’t like her physiologically. I won’t say anything bad, but you should try to hate her too.”
“Issei, don’t you always say that we shouldn’t talk badly of people behind their backs?”
“Idiot, this doesn’t count as talking behind her back. I’m speaking so that she can hear it.”
Ah, no wonder I can feel someone’s eyes from the archery dojo.
…Thank God.
I’m so glad that Tohsaka is absent today.
“Please, Issei. Restrict yourself to talking behind people’s backs.”
“All right, if you say so.
But I wasn’t insulting her at all. I was only saying that I’m on guard against her. That should be within my rights.”
“But you were saying things like monster and fox…”
…And I think the term schoolgirl is discrimination.
“No, that was just praise. There are good foxes and monsters too.
I only applied the terms to describe Tohsaka.”
Issei laughs.
“Well, I’ll be going. I’m going back to the student council room, but you’re going to work, right? You shouldn’t have time to play around like this.”
He must feel refreshed now that he’s said everything he wanted, as he leaves calmly.
I’ve known him for 2 years now, but I still don’t understand his personality. (8)
We walk up the stairs and enter the second-year hallway, and…
“Whoa!?”
…Run into the student council president.
“W-why are you with Tohsaka, Emiya Shirou!?”
I see. You are full of enmity, too, for a different reason.
“Oh, good morning, Ryudo-kun. What kind of a greeting was ‘whoa’ supposed to be?”
“Guh, I had a bad feeling when I woke up, but I never thought things would go in such an unpropitious direction-! Ah, come here, Emiya! You’ll be poisoned if you stay so close to Tohsaka!”
Issei forcefully pulls on my hand.
After looking silently at us, Tohsaka heads to Class 2-A as if nothing has happened.
“Heh, go ahead. No one’s going to stop you.”
“…”
Tohsaka silently passes by us.
And then…
“Shirou, rooftop during lunch.”
In a moment. She mutters that so that Issei would not be able to hear it.
-scene change-
-It’s lunchtime.
Since the events of this morning, Issei has not come near me, treating me like a traitor.
“…I guess I joked around a bit too much.”
I contemplate my actions for a moment.
He asked me why I was with Tohsaka this morning.
“We got close during the vacation.”
Answering like that was bad.
I think the problem is how we became close, but I couldn’t explain that, and Issei walked away dizzily.
“Hm? What is someone who boycotted afternoon classes doing here?”
Speaking of the devil, or whatever…
I run into Ryudoji Temple’s successor, Ryudo Issei.
“Yo. Is school over already?”
“Of course it’s over. I’m heading home since I don’t have anything to do for the student council, but is something wrong? You seemed to be staring at the mountain.”
“No, there wasn’t anything wrong. I just felt like going home.”
“Heh. The teachers would be out of business if people skipped class just because they feel like it. -So, I’m asking why you were looking at the mountain.”
“…Well, Issei, it’s a small thing, but has there been anything strange going on recently?”
“Well. Change is common, but nothing has drastically changed. The mountain is always peaceful, and peace makes up ordinary days.”
“Sorry Issei, I’m being serious here.”
“H-how rude! I’m serious too!”
“It looks like it. Then it’s good, I guess it was just overanxiety.”
“Fine, if you understand. I wouldn’t joke with you.”
With a cough, Issei calms down.
“…But, hm… There has been a change, but I wonder…”
“Huh…? A change? In the temple…!?”
“Yeah. Not the mountain, but the air at our temple is restless. She’s apparently an acquaintance of my father, but we’ve taken in a bothersome guest. It’s a problem because she is beautiful.
Geez, why is everyone making commotion over one woman?”
“Woman - does Ryudoji Temple have nuns?”
“No. This is a special circumstance, and we’re letting her use a room until the wedding celebration - no, but this person is so beautiful that it even captivates me when she’s getting water from the well.”
“What do you mean ‘a special circumstance’… hey Issei? Hey, are you listening to me?”
“Mm, sorry. That is why women are bad.
Reject lust, be calm Issei.”
The student council president starts to recite Buddhist scriptures.
…Geez, he’s so serious, so he’s hard to deal with when he gets like this. (9)
“Heeey, are you all right, Issei?”
“No problem. My training is insufficient, so I wish to purify myself more.”
I guess he still didn’t hear me as he disappears into the back of the town.
“Yeah, I’m coming!”
Hurried by the doorbell, I open the entrance door.
“Excuse me. I heard you were not feeling well, so I came to see how you were doing, Emiya.”
Instead.
The visitor is not some enemy or some neighbor, but a friend from school.
“Oh, it’s just you, Issei.”
“It’s rude to say that. Is that an appropriate attitude to take towards a friend who has come to see you?”
Complaining, Issei hands me a paper bag.
“Hm? What’s this? Apples?”
“It’s a get-well gift. When the person who usually never gets sick is absent from school, I should at least bring something.”
“-Hm.”
I’m grateful for his concern, but I’m not absent because I’m sick.
…And also, it seems wrong for a young student to bring apples for a sick friend. (10)
“What, Emiya? Don’t you like fruit?”
“Oh, I like them. Yeah, it’s complicated, but I’ll accept your good intentions.”
I bow in appreciation.
“…Emiya. This is a sudden question, but who is that woman behind you?”
“Huh?”
That said, I turn around.
Of course, Saber followed me here.
“Oh-“
I see. Issei must have seen Saber when I bowed.
“…It is not someone I’ve seen before. Why is such a woman at your house?”
Issei stares rudely at Saber.
He’s really bashful in front of strangers and he can be really coldhearted towards strangers or people he dislikes.
“Um, well, she’s called Saber and, um…”
“I am a distant relative of Shirou. I was treated kindly by the master of this house, Kiritsugu, when he was in my country.
I came to sightsee here the other day, and I am staying here thanks to my relation to him.”
“-Huh?”
Saber smoothly delivers a convincing story.
“So you’re an acquaintance of Emiya’s father? I hear he loved traveling. I am sure he would have the chance to meet someone like you.”
“-What!?”
Ryudo Issei, who’s supposedly bashful around strangers, easily accepts the fact.
“I see. I understand your situation, Emiya.
Your sickness is just an excuse and you were showing her around, right?”
“Uh - yeah. I guess you could say that.”
…Yeah, I guess I’m not lying, on the grand scale.
“Then you won’t mind if I intrude. Get me some tea in appreciation for me bringing it back. Let’s talk about what has happened at school these past two days.”
Issei comes in, taking off his shoes.
“…? What do you mean by appreciation? I’m busy, you know?
Let’s talk some other time.”
“What are you saying? You left your bike outside our place, right?”
“Oh… yeah. I left my bike at the Ryudoji Temple.”
“Yes. So I brought you your bike.
Even though I was busy, I went straight home without attending the student council and came here. Are you saying you cannot even give me some tea for that?”
“-Ugh.”
That’s certainly helpful.
Even though I have 3 bicycles, the one I left at the Ryudoji Temple is the most expensive one and my favorite.
“…Sorry, Saber. Can we take a little break?”
Saber nods silently.
“Sorry. Could you guys go to the living room? I’ll go prepare some tea. Japanese tea for Issei and English tea for Saber, right?”
“Wha… I-I am joining as well? I-I do not know about that. I do not think you will be able to talk freely with your friend if I am there.”
“That’s not true. Right, Issei?”
“Right. Girls are loud, but Saber-san is fine. Humble women are a part of our cultural heritage.” (11)
“See. So please go ahead.”
“Uh… yes. I understand, but Shirou…”
“What? Is there something else?”
“Could I have Japanese tea as well? I do not dislike Japanese tea.”
For some reason, Saber says so clearly.
It feels a bit weird, her saying that in her usual manner.
-scene change-
We talk about meaningless things for an hour, then Issei decides to go home.
The conversation we had in the living room was mostly about school, and I tentatively asked if there was anything strange going on, but it seems school continued on as usual.
“I’ll see you. Will you be skipping tomorrow as well?”
“Yeah. I can’t go to school this week. I have to be with Saber tomorrow again.”
“I see. Well, there shouldn’t be any problems if you are with that girl. There are suspicious aspects, but they don’t even need to be considered.” (12)
Issei nods to himself.
…Come to think of it, how was it possible for this guy, so bashful around strangers, not to hate Saber?
“Hey Issei. You were in a good mood even though it was your first time meeting Saber. What’s up with that?”
“What are you saying? I grew up in a temple. What would I do if I couldn’t tell good from evil? I do not know her origins, but her spirit is pure. She cannot be a bad person.”
“Wow. So you can tell that sort of thing? I’m a bit impressed.”
“…Well, I can’t normally. But even an amateur can tell if it’s that great.
Even a monk in training will notice divinity if a Buddha stands next to him. In other words, Saber-san is that beautiful.”
…This is rare indeed.
Issei is praising a woman.
“I see. So you like Saber too.”
That’s good.
I was worried that Issei wouldn’t like her since all she did was sit there and listen silently.
“Of course. She’s a good girl. It’s hard to dislike her.”
“Yeah. I see she’s a good girl, but she’s a little antisocial, right? She’s always like that, so it doesn’t mean she dislikes you.”
“Huh? Is she antisocial?”
“She is. She hasn’t laughed yet. She’s always had a troubled face, even when we were laughing and talking about Fuji-nee.”
“No, she was smiling quite a lot.”
“-Huh?”
That’s ridiculous.
It’s true that Saber looks peaceful sometimes.
But when I haven’t yet seen her smile even once!?
“You’re lying. I can’t imagine Saber busting her sides with laughter.”
“…No, it’s not like that.
She was smiling when she saw you smile. Didn’t you notice?”
-?
She was smiling when she saw me smile…?
“…Um. Does that mean she was making fun of me…?”
“-I see, you interpret some things rather oddly.
But you should torment yourself on that issue. Everything starts from questioning yourself. Kah!”
With his usual comments, he leaves laughing.
“Hm - what does he mean?”
He leaves me with only suggestive comments.
At least say goodbye to me, you idiot. (13)
(1) Possible, but even that seems too small to draw that much of his ire.
(2) That's something I didn't know. Girls like Issei? Wow.
(3) What about Issei lets him talk to her? I think you know, Shirou, stop denying it~
(4) The first - well, second - of many comments that I wouldn't think much of if he wasn't blushing when he said them.
(5) I think that's obvious, Shirou.
(6) Are there any Buddhist sects that don't ban alcohol? Then again, there's at least one that doesn't ban sex, hence how Issei came about. I suppose I should be happy that 'Sorrows Learned To Swim' isn't inaccurate.
(7) Important to keep in mind for DDD, though I'm sure he'd be a bit more outgoing on the community. I'm certainly more social online.
(8) He laughs at his own jokes a lot. Hmm. Also, they've known each other since the beginning of high school.
(9) Okay, remember the Kinsey scale? Remember how this fandom is the one that produced the acronym for 'gay for X'? Besides, Caster is really pretty. I really don't think this means much, although if you want to ship Issei/Caster, by all means go ahead.
(10) ...I'm not sure what Shirou means here, but I think it's that bringing apples to a sick person is more of an old fogey thing to do.
(11) Yes! I have got an honorific use out of Issei! He calls people his age he's just met -san~
(12) Shirou's totally not dating her or anything.
(13) He does this a lot. Since he's so formal with other people, I suppose it's a sign of how comfortable he is with Shirou.
Anyway. In case this ever happens again, I have laboriously hand-typed all of Issei's scenes for private reference. You may have them - I've added footnotes, and noted whenever he uses a blushing sprite.
May be edited once Heaven's Feel is translated?
Split into two parts.
It’s almost seven-thirty.
I can see a few students doing club activities outside, but there’s no sign of anyone in the school building.
But still…
“-Gah, Tohsaka.”
I bump into someone who greets me rudely.
“Oh, Student President. Are you patrolling the school building this early in the morning? Or perhaps taking care of the club rooms? Not that I care, but you’re certainly diligent.”
“Huh! What are you planning? What are you doing here? You’re not in any clubs.”
“I just felt like it. I don’t get up early like your family does, Ryudo-kun.”
“…”
The Student President makes an unhappy face.
For some reason, I seem to be his enemy.
I really don’t know why.
…Perhaps it’s just because I said “skip the temples, they’re boring” in a meeting to plan for the field trip. (1)
“…Let me ask you a question, Tohsaka. Have you been staying at school until late at night recently?”
“Nope. You should know I always go straight home, Ryudo-kun.”
“Of course. This is my job, so naturally I know about everyone.”
“I see. So you don’t even have to ask, right? I don’t know why you’re asking, but isn’t it bad to force student council jobs on outsiders?
You should collect information on your own. Don’t rely on outsiders like me.”
“Idiot, how are you an outsider!?
Don’t think I don’t know how you worked your evil deeds on our Treasurer, you fox!”
“Oh, you misunderstand. I was merely working out how much each club should receive because Mitsuzuri-san asked me to.
I think it’s only right for students to take an interest in where their money is going.”
“…H-How can damaging our Treasurer’s psyche enough to keep him off school for a week be ‘only right’ for any student? As always, I’m amazed by your way of thinking.”
“The same to you. You should keep a watch on those under you. It’s not fair to favor the non-sporting clubs.”
“I know that. That’s why I had intended to deal with the matter myself-”
“Issei, the repairs are done.”
-And then.
A guy appears who I didn’t expect to find here.
“Ah, sorry Emiya. I’m the one who asked for help, but it seems like you’re doing all the work. Forgive me.”
“Don’t worry about it. So, where next? There’s not much time left.”
“Yeah, the AV-room is next. It seems it’s been working badly for a while, but it finally died.”
“It can’t be fixed if it’s dead. It’d be quicker to just buy a new one.”
“…True, but it’d help if you could take a look at it. It could be dead to my eyes, but only faking it to yours.”
“I see. Well, let’s take a look.”
The Student President leaves with the male student.
“Issei, you there?”
“I am. You’re a bit late today, Emiya.”
He must have been studying, as Issei looks up from the paper he’s reading.
“Just you, Issei? Where are the others? Shouldn’t they be here by now as well?”
“No. Unfortunately, our members are very businesslike.
They have their set work ours, and they don’t want to come in early or stay late.”
“That’s why the student council president is doing the routine duties by himself, huh? I guess this place has its own problems.”
“No, it’s the kind of trouble I like. You don’t need to pity me.”
“Huh? Uh, no, I wasn’t pitying you or anything.”
“Hm. I’m not happy about that either, but I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it. It still means you care.”
Issei, who is organizing the papers he was reading, is the big boss of this student council room.
He’s the guy trying his best to reform this lax student council, and he’s been a friend of mine since first year.
His full name is Ryudo Issei.
Despite his old-fashioned name, he has elegant features and he’s really popular with the girls. (2)
And he’s also the student council president, so you think he’d take to it like a duck to water, but…
“Hm. Hot tea is certainly a good way to start a morning.”
He’s just sipping tea like this, so he’s not that firm.
As you can see, Issei has a plain personality.
It’s easily misunderstood, but he doesn’t involve himself in love affairs nor engage in normal student recreations.
It’s because he’s the successor of the Ryudoji Temple, up in the mountains.
He’s fine with that idea, so there’s a good chance he’ll shave his head when he graduates.
“So, what am I doing today?”
“Hm? Well, I’d like to let you sit down and take a rest first… but I guess we don’t have time. I’ll explain as we go, so bring your usual tools and follow me.”
-scene change-
“Frankly, our school’s budget is completely unbalanced.”
“I know. The athletic clubs are favored, so other clubs don’t get as much, right?”
“Right. As a result, members of the other clubs are in trouble.
I’m working hard to make the budget go to them, but I’m having trouble because it’s not clear where the money’s going.
In particular, there’s no solution for the shortages of heaters in winter.”
“I see. Oh, can you hand me the torque screwdriver? The biggest one. And the conductive wire too.
…Yeah, I should be able to fix this.”
“Conductive wire? …Uh, is this it? Sorry, I don’t know exactly. Tell me if I’m wrong.”
“You’re right. So, what was that about the shortage of heaters? Are there other broken ones?”
“Yes. In the 2nd AV room and the art room. The petitions requesting new stoves are multiplying.”
“But there’s not enough budget to meet the demand, huh? As I thought, it’s just old. Good thing it’s not broken on the inside.”
“…Hm. You think it can be fixed, Emiya?”
“Yup. In this case, old things are nice because they’re easy to understand. It’s just a shortened connection, so it should last the whole year if we replace that.”
“I see! Good job, Emiya. I’m always pleased when you’re so reliable.”
“You’re wording it weirdly, Issei…
Oh, I’ll be finished soon, so could you wait outside for a bit?”
“All right, I’ll be out of your way.”
Issei leaves the room quietly.
…It seems he assumes that I’m going to do something delicate.
“…Well, it is delicate, but…”
I place my hand on the old electric heater.
“Issei, the repairs are done.”
-But.
In the hallway is someone else apart from Issei, a girl.
“---“
I’m a bit surprised.
The person talking to Issei is Tohsaka Rin, from class 2-A.
She’s a lady who lives in a big mansion on top of the hill, a perfect honor student.
Good looking, smart, athletic, and faultless.
She’s intelligent, well mannered, and modest about her looks. People say she’s the ideal woman.
So it hardly needs to be said that the guys at my school treat her like an idol.
Though in Tohsaka’s case, she’s so perfect that she’s considered unreachable.
It’s commonly believed that only teachers and guys like Issei can even talk to her. (3)
…Well, to be honest, I’m a guy too.
So I’m one of Tohsaka Rin’s admirers.
“…”
Tohsaka looks at us as if she’s in a bad mood.
It seems to be true that she and Issei don’t get along.
“Ah, sorry Emiya. I’m the one who asked for help, but it seems like you’re doing all the work. Forgive me.”
Wow.
Issei’s an amazing man, talking like that and ignoring Tohsaka.
“Don’t worry about it. So, where next? There’s not much time left.”
“Yeah, the AV-room is next. It seems it’s been working badly for a while, but it finally died.”
“It can’t be fixed if it’s dead. It’d be quicker to just buy a new one.”
“…True, but it’d help if you could take a look at it. It could be dead to my eyes, but only faking it to yours.”
“I see. Well, let’s take a look.”
There’s only about 30 minutes left until homeroom.
I’ll have to hurry if I’m going to fix it.
I start for the AV room with Issei.
But it’s impolite to ignore her completely when we’ve met like this.
I turn back to Tohsaka, who’s standing in a daze.
“You’re up early, Tohsaka.”
I make an honest comment, then follow Issei.
-scene change-
“We barely made it. Thank you, Emiya. I caused you trouble again. I would be a failure as a friend if I made you late doing things for me.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal for me to be late. Though I guess it would for you to be…”
“Indeed. Well, I’m glad we made it.”
Issei heads to his seat, relieved.
“What a guy. How can he talk like that when he’s the one who drove you out?”
“Oh, you were here, Issei?”
“What do you mean!? You’re so cold, saying that to a friend who was listening in out of concern!” (4)
“Hm? Why would you do that? I’m not doing anything that should make you worry about me.”
“Idiot. Of course I’ll worry about you. You’re the type to lose your temper easily. Some people would cheer if you beat Shinji up, but all the girls would condemn you. It’s not good to let a friend get into a situation like that.”
“I see. You’re right now that you mention it. Thanks, Issei. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, but I’m grateful for your concern.”
“Yes, well, as long as you understand… but it’s strange. You lose your temper easily, but you’re tolerant of Mato.”
“Yeah, that’s just his style. You get used to it if you hang around him for a long time.”
“Hm. I see.”
“Yeah. If you understand, go back to your seat. Fujimura-Sensei will fly in here any minute now.”
“Haha. It’s more like her to come floating in than flying in.”
“Sorry, Emiya, about the rest of the repairs… do you have time today?”
“Well, I do have plans, but…”
It’s not like I’m just playing around.
After all, the main reason I quit the archery club is because I wanted to prioritize work.
It’s already been five years since father died, and I decided to start working to pay for my living expenses.
If you work a lot, there are some jobs you just can’t refuse.
Today’s an example.
They’re restocking inventory at work, and they asked me to come if I can as any help is appreciated.
But it’s certainly not something I have to go to. They’re probably just having people come in because they want to party after work.
“---“
There are two options. I-
1. I’ll go and help out the student council.
It’s something I’ve started.
I should finish the job I began this morning.
“I’ll change my plans. We’re finishing the job from this morning, right? Let’s finish the repairs before the exams start.”
“Thank you. Let’s go and look at the patient in the art club then.”
“All right. Oh, and clear the people out of the room, will you? I can’t concentrate with people watching me.”
“Of course. I won’t let them get in your way.”
Issei quickly walks to the hallway, and I follow him out of the classroom in a hurry.
-scene change-
The sun has already set when we leave the school building.
The school gates are already closed.
It’s seven o’clock and way past curfew. But thanks to Issei, we’re not in trouble.
-scene change-
“You helped me a lot today. I’ll certainly make up for it, so tell me if you need anything.”
“Yeah, I’ll let you know if something comes up. I don’t think anything will, though.”
I didn’t help him to get something in return, so there’s nothing I want from Issei.
“…Geez. I guess it is a problem to be too good a person. It’s helpful to have you around, but I can’t stand it when other people use you to their liking. Helping others is a good thing, but you should be more picky with who you help. You just help anyone who comes to ask you.”
“Hm? Am I that indiscriminate?”
“Yes. And that’s just going to let heartless idiots use you as they wish. You’re a busy man, so it should be okay for you to decline from time to time.”
“---“
I can’t really tell, but it seems like Issei’s worried about me. (5)
I’ve been called helpful since I was in middle school, as I don’t turn down requests for help and don’t ask for anything in return.
I guess Issei thinks that’s dangerous.
But I’m doing it because I want to, and it’s not a problem as I decline things that I think are beyond me.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about, Issei. I know myself better than anyone. Besides, helping people is a good thing. It’s not something the son of the owner of a temple should be trying to stop.”
“But I think you’re going too far that it might eventually overwhelm you.”
“I’ll take your warning. See you tomorrow, then.”
“…Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Issei leaves, looking discontented.
Issei’s house, Ryudoji Temple, is up in the mountains. So naturally, our routes home go in different directions.
It’s lunchtime.
Our school has a splendid cafeteria and most students eat there.
But there are some old-fashioned students who bring their own lunches. Two of them happen to be me and the student council president in front of me.
“Emiya, could you give me one of that fried chicken? My lunch is desperately lacking in meat.”
“Sure, but why is your lunch so plain? You live in a temple, but there aren’t any teachings prohibiting meat or alcohol, right?” (6)
“Such an anachronism. It’s just my father’s way.
He says there’s no luxurious foods for a young priest, and that I should have to work for what I want. I’m thinking of running away and joining the circus.”
“Oh, yeah, that sounds like that guy.”
Issei’s father is the priest of the Ryudoji Temple, and a bold guy who’s old friends with the old man at Fuji-Nee’s place.
You can’t expect a normal personality when he’s friends with a guy like that.
“That’s great. Well, I’ll give you one in the hope of repayment someday.”
I hand him my lunchbox.
“Thank you. This too is part of my religious training.”
Issei bows deeply.
…How can I put this? I never know what to say when things like this remind me that he’s the son of a temple.
“Oh, by the way, Emiya. Did you know there was something going on around the 2nd avenue? It’s right around the intersection where we part.”
“Intersection…?”
The intersection this morning… he must mean that clamor with all the police cars.
“I heard there was a murder. I don’t know the details, but of the family of four only the child survived. They say the older sister and the parents were stabbed to death. But what’s strange is they think the weapon was a long one, not like a knife or something.”
“---“
A long weapon? He must mean something like a sword.
It was a murder… so that must mean the sister and the parents were killed.
…I picture it.
Someone barging in during the night. Unjust violence. A one-sided pillage like an accident. Slashed parents. The sister killed without even knowing what’s going on. To the side, the child covered in their blood.
“Issei, have they caught the murderer?”
“It doesn’t seem like it. Accidents from faulty construction in Shinto, and murder here. It’s no wonder they’re making the curfew ear- what’s wrong, Emiya? Did you choke on something?”
“Hm. Nothing, what’s wrong?”
“No… I was just surprised since you had a nasty expression. Sorry, this isn’t something I should have talked about during lunch.”
Issei tries to soften the air apologetically.
…I was fine with the topic, but was I really making such a nasty face?
And then, there’s a quiet knock at the door.
“Excuse me, is Ryudo here?”
“Huh? Oh, what is it, Sensei?”
Issei addresses Kuzuki, who just entered.
It must be a simple talk about the student council, as Issei seems pretty relaxed.
“…Wow.”
That’s not something you see everyday.
Despite his appearance, Issei’s very shy. The guy who draws a line against his classmates and even his teachers is letting his guard down with Kuzuki. (7)
“Maybe they get along because they’re both so serious.”
Kuzuki Souichirou, the teacher in charge of class 2-A, is serious and stubborn.
Probably that aspect allows him to get along with Issei, who prizes order and discipline.
“---“
The two continue to talk.
All the while, I can’t get the story of the murder out of my head.
“Oh, Tohsaka’s not here.
Tohsaka isn’t around. Mitsuzuri’s worries were needless.
“Oh, who’s not here?”
“!!”
I spin around.
“So… who’s not here?”
And there’s Issei, whom I just left behind.
“Oh, i-it’s you, Issei. Don’t scare me like that.”
“Well, you were looking at the dojo suspiciously.
So, who’s not there?”
“Tohsaka. I heard that she had an argument with Shinji yesterday, so I came to see how things were.”
“Oh wow, that is suspicious. You gave your reasons without being asked. I only asked who wasn’t here.”
“…! W-what? What I do shouldn’t concern you.”
“Yes, that’s right. But it’s useless, Emiya. Tohsaka won’t be here. That’s because she intentionally skipped school today.”
“What?”
Skipped school… so, she was absent today?
“I see, she’s absent… wait, Issei. How can you say she skipped school? I don’t think she’d do such a thing.”
“Of course she will. She won’t catch a cold. As I see it, she’s evil. You’ll be eaten if you let her looks deceive you, Emiya.”
“Hm.”
Somehow, Issei’s words annoy me.
It’s true that I don’t know her, but I can’t imagine that she’s a bad person.
“You’re going too far, Issei. Tohsaka can’t be like that.”
“Hmm? What, you’re after Tohsaka too? Oh, I’m sorry. Please ignore what I just said.”
“…!”
A-after Tohsaka!? Who said anything like that!?
“D-Don’t jump to conclusions! I just thought it’d be bad if Shinji got into trouble again.”
“So you were planning to stop Shinji if he attacked Tohsaka, huh? You’re playing an unrewarded role again. …I don’t really care, but you have bad taste, Emiya.”
“It’s not unrewarded since I haven’t done it. But Issei, didn’t you say something strange?”
“Huh? You mean that going after Tohsaka is bad taste?”
“Yeah. Tohsaka is really popular. I haven’t heard any bad rumors about her.”
“Yes, none. And that’s exactly what I don’t like about it.”
Issei looks away, snorting.
“What don’t you like about it?”
“Everything. The woman is a fox, a schoolgirl, a monster. I just don’t like her physiologically. I won’t say anything bad, but you should try to hate her too.”
“Issei, don’t you always say that we shouldn’t talk badly of people behind their backs?”
“Idiot, this doesn’t count as talking behind her back. I’m speaking so that she can hear it.”
Ah, no wonder I can feel someone’s eyes from the archery dojo.
…Thank God.
I’m so glad that Tohsaka is absent today.
“Please, Issei. Restrict yourself to talking behind people’s backs.”
“All right, if you say so.
But I wasn’t insulting her at all. I was only saying that I’m on guard against her. That should be within my rights.”
“But you were saying things like monster and fox…”
…And I think the term schoolgirl is discrimination.
“No, that was just praise. There are good foxes and monsters too.
I only applied the terms to describe Tohsaka.”
Issei laughs.
“Well, I’ll be going. I’m going back to the student council room, but you’re going to work, right? You shouldn’t have time to play around like this.”
He must feel refreshed now that he’s said everything he wanted, as he leaves calmly.
I’ve known him for 2 years now, but I still don’t understand his personality. (8)
We walk up the stairs and enter the second-year hallway, and…
“Whoa!?”
…Run into the student council president.
“W-why are you with Tohsaka, Emiya Shirou!?”
I see. You are full of enmity, too, for a different reason.
“Oh, good morning, Ryudo-kun. What kind of a greeting was ‘whoa’ supposed to be?”
“Guh, I had a bad feeling when I woke up, but I never thought things would go in such an unpropitious direction-! Ah, come here, Emiya! You’ll be poisoned if you stay so close to Tohsaka!”
Issei forcefully pulls on my hand.
After looking silently at us, Tohsaka heads to Class 2-A as if nothing has happened.
“Heh, go ahead. No one’s going to stop you.”
“…”
Tohsaka silently passes by us.
And then…
“Shirou, rooftop during lunch.”
In a moment. She mutters that so that Issei would not be able to hear it.
-scene change-
-It’s lunchtime.
Since the events of this morning, Issei has not come near me, treating me like a traitor.
“…I guess I joked around a bit too much.”
I contemplate my actions for a moment.
He asked me why I was with Tohsaka this morning.
“We got close during the vacation.”
Answering like that was bad.
I think the problem is how we became close, but I couldn’t explain that, and Issei walked away dizzily.
“Hm? What is someone who boycotted afternoon classes doing here?”
Speaking of the devil, or whatever…
I run into Ryudoji Temple’s successor, Ryudo Issei.
“Yo. Is school over already?”
“Of course it’s over. I’m heading home since I don’t have anything to do for the student council, but is something wrong? You seemed to be staring at the mountain.”
“No, there wasn’t anything wrong. I just felt like going home.”
“Heh. The teachers would be out of business if people skipped class just because they feel like it. -So, I’m asking why you were looking at the mountain.”
“…Well, Issei, it’s a small thing, but has there been anything strange going on recently?”
“Well. Change is common, but nothing has drastically changed. The mountain is always peaceful, and peace makes up ordinary days.”
“Sorry Issei, I’m being serious here.”
“H-how rude! I’m serious too!”
“It looks like it. Then it’s good, I guess it was just overanxiety.”
“Fine, if you understand. I wouldn’t joke with you.”
With a cough, Issei calms down.
“…But, hm… There has been a change, but I wonder…”
“Huh…? A change? In the temple…!?”
“Yeah. Not the mountain, but the air at our temple is restless. She’s apparently an acquaintance of my father, but we’ve taken in a bothersome guest. It’s a problem because she is beautiful.
Geez, why is everyone making commotion over one woman?”
“Woman - does Ryudoji Temple have nuns?”
“No. This is a special circumstance, and we’re letting her use a room until the wedding celebration - no, but this person is so beautiful that it even captivates me when she’s getting water from the well.”
“What do you mean ‘a special circumstance’… hey Issei? Hey, are you listening to me?”
“Mm, sorry. That is why women are bad.
Reject lust, be calm Issei.”
The student council president starts to recite Buddhist scriptures.
…Geez, he’s so serious, so he’s hard to deal with when he gets like this. (9)
“Heeey, are you all right, Issei?”
“No problem. My training is insufficient, so I wish to purify myself more.”
I guess he still didn’t hear me as he disappears into the back of the town.
“Yeah, I’m coming!”
Hurried by the doorbell, I open the entrance door.
“Excuse me. I heard you were not feeling well, so I came to see how you were doing, Emiya.”
Instead.
The visitor is not some enemy or some neighbor, but a friend from school.
“Oh, it’s just you, Issei.”
“It’s rude to say that. Is that an appropriate attitude to take towards a friend who has come to see you?”
Complaining, Issei hands me a paper bag.
“Hm? What’s this? Apples?”
“It’s a get-well gift. When the person who usually never gets sick is absent from school, I should at least bring something.”
“-Hm.”
I’m grateful for his concern, but I’m not absent because I’m sick.
…And also, it seems wrong for a young student to bring apples for a sick friend. (10)
“What, Emiya? Don’t you like fruit?”
“Oh, I like them. Yeah, it’s complicated, but I’ll accept your good intentions.”
I bow in appreciation.
“…Emiya. This is a sudden question, but who is that woman behind you?”
“Huh?”
That said, I turn around.
Of course, Saber followed me here.
“Oh-“
I see. Issei must have seen Saber when I bowed.
“…It is not someone I’ve seen before. Why is such a woman at your house?”
Issei stares rudely at Saber.
He’s really bashful in front of strangers and he can be really coldhearted towards strangers or people he dislikes.
“Um, well, she’s called Saber and, um…”
“I am a distant relative of Shirou. I was treated kindly by the master of this house, Kiritsugu, when he was in my country.
I came to sightsee here the other day, and I am staying here thanks to my relation to him.”
“-Huh?”
Saber smoothly delivers a convincing story.
“So you’re an acquaintance of Emiya’s father? I hear he loved traveling. I am sure he would have the chance to meet someone like you.”
“-What!?”
Ryudo Issei, who’s supposedly bashful around strangers, easily accepts the fact.
“I see. I understand your situation, Emiya.
Your sickness is just an excuse and you were showing her around, right?”
“Uh - yeah. I guess you could say that.”
…Yeah, I guess I’m not lying, on the grand scale.
“Then you won’t mind if I intrude. Get me some tea in appreciation for me bringing it back. Let’s talk about what has happened at school these past two days.”
Issei comes in, taking off his shoes.
“…? What do you mean by appreciation? I’m busy, you know?
Let’s talk some other time.”
“What are you saying? You left your bike outside our place, right?”
“Oh… yeah. I left my bike at the Ryudoji Temple.”
“Yes. So I brought you your bike.
Even though I was busy, I went straight home without attending the student council and came here. Are you saying you cannot even give me some tea for that?”
“-Ugh.”
That’s certainly helpful.
Even though I have 3 bicycles, the one I left at the Ryudoji Temple is the most expensive one and my favorite.
“…Sorry, Saber. Can we take a little break?”
Saber nods silently.
“Sorry. Could you guys go to the living room? I’ll go prepare some tea. Japanese tea for Issei and English tea for Saber, right?”
“Wha… I-I am joining as well? I-I do not know about that. I do not think you will be able to talk freely with your friend if I am there.”
“That’s not true. Right, Issei?”
“Right. Girls are loud, but Saber-san is fine. Humble women are a part of our cultural heritage.” (11)
“See. So please go ahead.”
“Uh… yes. I understand, but Shirou…”
“What? Is there something else?”
“Could I have Japanese tea as well? I do not dislike Japanese tea.”
For some reason, Saber says so clearly.
It feels a bit weird, her saying that in her usual manner.
-scene change-
We talk about meaningless things for an hour, then Issei decides to go home.
The conversation we had in the living room was mostly about school, and I tentatively asked if there was anything strange going on, but it seems school continued on as usual.
“I’ll see you. Will you be skipping tomorrow as well?”
“Yeah. I can’t go to school this week. I have to be with Saber tomorrow again.”
“I see. Well, there shouldn’t be any problems if you are with that girl. There are suspicious aspects, but they don’t even need to be considered.” (12)
Issei nods to himself.
…Come to think of it, how was it possible for this guy, so bashful around strangers, not to hate Saber?
“Hey Issei. You were in a good mood even though it was your first time meeting Saber. What’s up with that?”
“What are you saying? I grew up in a temple. What would I do if I couldn’t tell good from evil? I do not know her origins, but her spirit is pure. She cannot be a bad person.”
“Wow. So you can tell that sort of thing? I’m a bit impressed.”
“…Well, I can’t normally. But even an amateur can tell if it’s that great.
Even a monk in training will notice divinity if a Buddha stands next to him. In other words, Saber-san is that beautiful.”
…This is rare indeed.
Issei is praising a woman.
“I see. So you like Saber too.”
That’s good.
I was worried that Issei wouldn’t like her since all she did was sit there and listen silently.
“Of course. She’s a good girl. It’s hard to dislike her.”
“Yeah. I see she’s a good girl, but she’s a little antisocial, right? She’s always like that, so it doesn’t mean she dislikes you.”
“Huh? Is she antisocial?”
“She is. She hasn’t laughed yet. She’s always had a troubled face, even when we were laughing and talking about Fuji-nee.”
“No, she was smiling quite a lot.”
“-Huh?”
That’s ridiculous.
It’s true that Saber looks peaceful sometimes.
But when I haven’t yet seen her smile even once!?
“You’re lying. I can’t imagine Saber busting her sides with laughter.”
“…No, it’s not like that.
She was smiling when she saw you smile. Didn’t you notice?”
-?
She was smiling when she saw me smile…?
“…Um. Does that mean she was making fun of me…?”
“-I see, you interpret some things rather oddly.
But you should torment yourself on that issue. Everything starts from questioning yourself. Kah!”
With his usual comments, he leaves laughing.
“Hm - what does he mean?”
He leaves me with only suggestive comments.
At least say goodbye to me, you idiot. (13)
(1) Possible, but even that seems too small to draw that much of his ire.
(2) That's something I didn't know. Girls like Issei? Wow.
(3) What about Issei lets him talk to her? I think you know, Shirou, stop denying it~
(4) The first - well, second - of many comments that I wouldn't think much of if he wasn't blushing when he said them.
(5) I think that's obvious, Shirou.
(6) Are there any Buddhist sects that don't ban alcohol? Then again, there's at least one that doesn't ban sex, hence how Issei came about. I suppose I should be happy that 'Sorrows Learned To Swim' isn't inaccurate.
(7) Important to keep in mind for DDD, though I'm sure he'd be a bit more outgoing on the community. I'm certainly more social online.
(8) He laughs at his own jokes a lot. Hmm. Also, they've known each other since the beginning of high school.
(9) Okay, remember the Kinsey scale? Remember how this fandom is the one that produced the acronym for 'gay for X'? Besides, Caster is really pretty. I really don't think this means much, although if you want to ship Issei/Caster, by all means go ahead.
(10) ...I'm not sure what Shirou means here, but I think it's that bringing apples to a sick person is more of an old fogey thing to do.
(11) Yes! I have got an honorific use out of Issei! He calls people his age he's just met -san~
(12) Shirou's totally not dating her or anything.
(13) He does this a lot. Since he's so formal with other people, I suppose it's a sign of how comfortable he is with Shirou.