Chapter 65 Decided: A Solo Raid on the Police Department
The restaurant below the hotel took the form of a high-end buffet. One section featured pre-plated set meals, while another offered platters of ham, bacon, eggs, and the like for guests to help themselves. The food, included in the hefty lodging fee, was undeniably a collection of delicacies perfect in color, aroma, and taste.
However, because of the presence of a stunningly beautiful woman with an inexplicably good mood, the culinary compensation one should rightfully enjoy after paying a small fortune had lost its status as the main attraction.
Her loose, raven-black hair draped naturally as if she were at home, and her sapphire-like eyes held a shrewd glint. With a distinct style and a specific aura that could truly be called aristocratic, she was like a radiant flower. No one passing by could resist looking back multiple times at such a rare sight.
The crowds passing by grew noisy, creating a small stir, yet the beautiful woman ignored it completely, looking full of zest.
'She must have been the type of campus belle who, since her early school days, took being the center of attention as a matter of course' Shirou thought to himself.
"Shirou, you're responsible for grabbing things from that side; I'll handle this side."
Her temperament, which dominated the room with every frown or smile, stood out exceptionally among the buffet-goers. Yet, by intimately pulling a young man along, she left absolutely no opening for anyone else to approach.
It was truly enviable!
From a male perspective, they naturally envied the youth who could accompany such an elegant woman; it couldn't be anyone else. Among the couples in the crowd, some of the men failed their "willpower check" and turned back to look.
Why turn back? It's a great question, much like when George Mallory was asked about Mount Everest and simply said, "Because it's there."
By the time they snapped out of it, several realized they were in trouble and hurriedly shifted their gaze back, only to find their girlfriends had already witnessed their wandering eyes. Since this could turn into a "bloody crime scene" depending on the circumstances, sweat instantly broke out on their backs. However, they only heard the female contingent comment casually:
"Sigh~ do you also think that sharp-looking, tall guy next to her is really handsome?"
'I owe you one, brother!'
Unlike Rin, Shirou—who still wasn't used to the eerie sensation of being discussed by strangers—cooperated with her, taking turns placing selected high-end dishes onto a table for
two. Before long, the spacious table was lined with white porcelain plates representing both their tastes.
""Itadakimasu.""
Following their habitual table manners, Rin, sitting opposite him, began to eat in small, elegant bites. Shirou also started on his toast.
"How is it?"
Rin chewed with her cheeks puffed out, resting her face on one hand thoughtfully.
"Not as good as the ones you make yourself."
"Seriously?"
"Of course I'm serious. Take the fried eggs, for example—the ones Shirou makes would be more tender, with the yolk perfectly balanced between runny and solid, and you'd even make a special sweet version for my taste."
Rin waved her hand methodically and matter-of-factly, adding a vague, serious complaint while moving her fork: "I haven't had the luxury of enjoying that lately."
Putting aside the fact that this was a classic case of "the grass is greener on the other side," her acting spoiled had a "special attack" effect on Shirou.
"Just endure it a bit longer. When the Holy Grail War is over, I'll make as much as you want," Shirou comforted her.
To get a kitchen, they'd need an apartment or a specific residential hotel. The trouble was that there were no reliable hotel options left, and many apartments in the United States required one to provide their own furniture after renting. Not to mention paying a month's rent for a seven-day stay; just screening for a suitable place would take half his life.
Clearly, there was no energy for such things during a Holy Grail War. But if Rin insisted...
"If it really won't do, I can try to find—"
"Okay, stop right there. I didn't say that. There's a difference between 'important' and 'urgent'; I know that much. Shirou should just focus on dealing with the Holy Grail War. I haven't reached the point of withdrawal symptoms yet."
Rin cut off the topic, raising a finger to stop him and flicking her knuckle as if teaching Shirou's forehead a lesson from across the table.
"Come on, let's talk business."
As a veteran expert at handling Shirou, Rin adopted the image of a pure, virtuous listener and smiled softly.
"I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back before noon," Shirou summarized simply.
Rin asked in surprise, "Going out? Without Saber?"
"Yeah. I'm going to meet some people. Bringing Saber would make communication a bit inconvenient."
Rin's elegant brows twitched slightly. She opened her mouth but didn't voice an opinion immediately. She didn't jump to conclusions but thought it over carefully. In the silence of their mutual gaze, Shirou waited for the result while Rin processed her thoughts. At the end of this strange moment where their focus was entirely on each other, Rin finally showed the expression of reaching a conclusion.
Rin said seriously, "I'll ask two questions."
"Okay."
"First question: Are you sure this is something you can handle alone?"
Shirou replied, "Alone is fine. I might not be able to avoid a fight, but it'll be easy to resolve. No danger to my life."
Regarding a fight with the specific targets he'd encounter in a moment, bringing Saber made no difference; the result would be the same. But specifically for them, some things would be better communicated without using Saber's power. This intel, gleaned from the weapons, flashed through his mind.
The conclusion: he should show them his capabilities, not Saber's.
Rin nodded slightly. Then she asked, "Second question: Does this involve Gilgamesh, Alcides, or the Servant of Death?"
"It has absolutely nothing to do with them. I'm going to the Snowfield Police Department," Shirou said.
The Snowfield Police Department—the base of the "False Caster" camp. Although it was the heart of enemy territory, it also meant that once Shirou reached the door, the False Caster camp would have nowhere to run.
As the saying goes, "like catching a turtle in a jar."
The fact that they set up such a conspicuous workshop and stayed inside was a big help to Shirou, allowing him to find them easily. The rest would be simple. The "hospitable" officers would surely welcome a friendly exchange of opinions with Shirou.
Based on clear evidence, Shirou judged that they were also among the "masterminds." They were exposed because, unlike others, they were an official institution. If Shirou wasn't mistaken, half of the people who sniped him were also military.
They certainly weren't completely uninvolved, so how high a status did they hold in this Holy Grail War? What was the relationship between them and the people who attacked Shirou?
Intelligence, of course, wouldn't be delivered to Shirou on a silver platter. But even if it wasn't...
Since he already knew their location, wouldn't it be easier for Shirou to just capture the "masterminds" in person and ask them directly?
Like a judge receiving testimony, Rin closed her eyes solemnly. Having long grown into a mature woman—supple and charming—Rin, who had long been an object of admiration in both the mundane and magical worlds, smoothed her hair. Finally, she delivered her verdict...
"Granted. I'll handle the explanation to Saber and the others. Shirou, whatever you want to do, finish it quickly during the morning. But only this once. Next time, you listen to me. Any objections?"
Shirou replied with a kindred understanding, "Understood. I'll put 300% more effort into customizing your breakfast eggs from now on."
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