JJK X FATE: Chapter 48/49

Chapter 48: I Am Your Master

"Hmnn hmnn hmnn, hmnn hmnn hmnn."

Today, Eichi was in an exceptionally good mood.

When he woke up, he received a message from the Holy Grail.

The hypothetical data for the first Heroic Spirit had been fully collected.

"That old man is quite capable."

In Naobito's view, once these two matters were resolved, Eichi's "return" to the Zen'in Family would be certain. They would no longer have to constantly be suppressed by the Gojo Family's Six Eyes.

Therefore, Naobito put great effort into the two requests Eichi made.

Whether it was finding a recommender for a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer or promoting fate/stay night as Eichi had requested, he personally oversaw everything.

Because of this, his subordinates also worked with great dedication to promote fate/stay night.

A hundred-year Dynasty, a thousand-year Family.

The Zen'in Family was exactly that kind of Family, one capable of interfering with the "Dynasty."

So, this time, even some officials personally participated in promoting fate/stay night.

What followed was a sharp increase in the "hypothetical data" for Heroic Spirits.

"Put away all these scraps of paper and books. If the environment is too messy, it might leave a bad impression."

Humming a cheerful tune, Eichi tidied up everything in the room and carefully cleaned the floor and walls.

Before he knew it, it was already noon.

"Phew."

Suppressing his excitement, Eichi walked to the front of the summoning circle.

He raised his right hand, and the Cursed Energy within his body began to flow out.

"Declare!"

"Your body shall be under my command, and my fate shall be with your sword."

"If you are willing to answer the Holy Grail's summons, follow this will, obey this reason, and respond."

"I hereby swear."

"I am the one who becomes all the good of the world, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world."

"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, the Guardian of the Scales."

The golden chess piece emitted a dazzling light. A massive surge of Cursed Energy poured into it from both the Holy Grail and Eichi himself.

For a moment, wind and thunder roared.

The light grew brighter and brighter, and Eichi raised his hand to shield his eyes.

A few seconds later, the strong winds dissipated and the thunder vanished.

The room returned to calm, but a new figure appeared within the summoning circle.

Her skin was pale and soft as snow, her golden hair coiled neatly behind her head, and her blue-and-white skirt armor gave off a dignified, solemn air.

"I ask you, are you my Master?"

Artoria looked at Eichi with her jewel-like emerald eyes and asked in a calm, commanding tone.

"It is I."

Eichi raised his right hand, revealing the crimson Command Seal on the back of his hand.

"Servant, Saber, I have answered your summons. Master, please give your command."

Looking at the Command Seal, Artoria nodded slightly and continued.

"No need to be so wary. We are in a safe home now."

Artoria nodded in understanding, and the Holy Sword hidden by the Wind King Barrier in her hand dissolved into Cursed Energy and disappeared.

"My name is Azuma Eichi, you can just call me Eichi. Saber, may I call you Ria?"

"You may, Eichi."

It was just a form of address, and Artoria had no objection.

The two looked at each other in silence.

It's over, it's over, what should I say now?

Being stared at so intently by Artoria, Eichi felt a little nervous.

Grumble~

The first sound came from Eichi's stomach.

"Uh, that."

The sudden noise made Eichi feel embarrassed.

"Would you like to go out and eat something together, Ria?"

Eichi extended an invitation.

He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but when he asked, Artoria's eyes seemed to flash with a faint glint.

"Hunger is a great enemy. Let's go now, Eichi."

"You should take off your armor first, Ria. There are no enemies here, and people might find it strange if they saw you wearing it."

Heroic Spirits were different from Cursed Spirits. They could appear in a spiritualized form, invisible to ordinary people, or in their physical manifestation, appearing just like normal humans.

Upon hearing this, Artoria calmly removed her white armor, revealing the blue long dress underneath, a perfect blend of knightly grace and royal elegance.

The two quickly arrived in the bustling Shinjuku district.

"Eichi, what is this?"

"That's taiyaki. Would you like to try it?"

"Mhm."

Artoria nodded without hesitation.

"Boss, two taiyaki, please."

Soon, two freshly made taiyaki were handed to Eichi in paper bags.

"It's a bit hot, be careful."

"Mhm, I know. Munch."

No sooner had she spoken than Artoria took a bite.

Eichi smiled at the sight and began eating his own taiyaki.

The crust was rich with egg flavor, and the filling was soft, sticky, and sweet.

It truly lived up to its reputation as one of Shinjuku's best taiyaki. It was delicious.

"Eichi, what is this?"

"Let me see. This is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The outer layer is topped with ketchup, and inside are vegetables and noodles. Want to try it?"

"Mhm."

"Boss, two Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, please."

"Here you go."

Two okonomiyaki covered with colorful sauces were placed in transparent boxes and handed to Eichi.

The two continued strolling down the street as they ate.

"Eichi, what are these meatballs?"

"Takoyaki. Want to try them?"

"Octopus?"

Artoria frowned slightly.

"Let's skip it. Let's look over there instead."

She pointed toward a ramen cart across the road.

"Which flavor do you want to eat?"

"Mhm, that's a very difficult decision."

Artoria studied the wooden sign engraved with the menu, looking completely serious.

"Should we order one of each?"

"Can we?"

"Of course."

Ramen carts are small, so they can only serve a few varieties at a time.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Artoria nodded, her noble demeanor showing naturally.

"Boss, one of each ramen, and two bowls of Shin Ramen."

Because ingredients in Japan were limited, the flavor was often mild. Unless it was a specialty shop, even Shin Ramen wasn't too spicy.

"Hey, young man, can you really finish all that?"

"Don't worry, boss. Wasting food would be shameful."

"Please wait a moment."

The ramen chef smiled in relief and began preparing the food.

But what happened next left him completely stunned.

He had thought all those bowls were for the young man.

But after finishing just one bowl of Shin Ramen, Eichi put down his chopsticks and turned toward the petite girl beside him with a blissful look, watching her devour all eight large bowls of ramen.

Not even a drop of soup was left.

"It was very delicious. Thank you for the meal."

Seeing the chef's wide-eyed stare, Artoria politely thanked him.

"Huh? Oh, please come again."

"Eichi, let's go to the next place."

In just one hour, Eichi's standing in Artoria's heart had risen sharply.

"No problem."

The two quickly arrived at the next stall.

"Boss, two… one serving of oden."

No, I can't eat anymore. I'll just watch Artoria eat.

Due to the conditions of her lifetime, Artoria had never enjoyed good food, so after becoming a Servant, her appetite became astonishing.

Her explanation for this was, "This is to replenish Cursed Energy."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 49: What to Do If You Don’t Know How to Buy Clothes for Girls

Due to her physique, Artoria wouldn't gain weight no matter how much she ate.

Because of that, the two quickly swept through the entire food street.

At that moment, a new legend was born on the food street.

After eating, Eichi took Artoria to the nearest large shopping mall.

A female salesperson was enthusiastically promoting the store's clothes to Artoria.

Never mind the handsome young man beside her, the young woman who came to buy clothes clearly carried herself like someone from an esteemed background, perhaps even a noble from overseas.

If the salesperson managed to serve her well, her commission for one day might equal a month's salary.

Thinking this, she became even more eager.

"This white dress suits you very well, Miss."

The salesperson took out a white dress.

When Artoria put it on, Eichi's eyes lit up.

Wearing the pure white dress, Artoria shed her usual dignified and heroic air, transforming into a delicate and elegant young lady.

The dress reached her calves, with blue patterns along the hem.

Thin blue straps revealed her soft fair skin and slender collarbone, and her neatly pinned golden hair added a touch of refined grace, making her look like a blooming lily.

"It suits you perfectly, Miss."

The salesperson clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling with admiration.

Eichi was already dumbfounded, so there was no need to mention his reaction.

Standing before the mirror in the dress, Artoria first nodded, then shook her head.

"What's wrong, Ria?"

Seeing her shake her head, Eichi stepped forward and asked.

"It is indeed a beautiful dress, but its light and airy fabric isn't suitable for combat."

"Eh?"

Her words made the salesperson freeze.

Combat? Did this girl just say combat? No, that couldn't be right. Why would a girl in real life need to fight?

The words that usually belonged only to fantasy stories made the salesperson's brain momentarily short-circuit.

"Don't mind it. Ria received knight training in Britain, that's why…"

Eichi didn't finish his sentence.

But that was enough. The salesperson already imagined several stories based on his half-finished explanation.

Although her expression didn't change, her eyes sparkled with growing excitement.

A noble young lady and a knight too! I actually met a real noblewoman, wow!

"Could you find me some clothes that are easy to move in?"

"No problem, please come this way."

Time passed pleasantly until evening.

Artoria wore a happy smile as she and Eichi walked side by side on their way home.

Now, she had changed into her classic casual outfit.

A white shirt paired with a blue high-waisted skirt, black tights, and a pair of brown long boots.

Eichi, who didn't understand fashion, had assembled the outfit for her based purely on his memory.

However, after she put it on, the salesperson couldn't help muttering in disbelief, "Artoria, it's the real Artoria."

It could only be said that the Zen'in Family's publicity power was truly impressive.

But as Eichi looked through the shopping list, he suddenly realized he had forgotten something.

Underwear.

"What's wrong, Eichi?"

His sudden reaction caught Artoria's attention.

"Nothing, just thinking about what to eat later."

He couldn't possibly say he needed to buy her underwear, right?

"Dinner, indeed a question worth serious consideration."

Eichi fell into a dilemma.

He didn't know how to buy clothes for girls, and while going to a regular clothing mall was fine, going into a store that sold those kinds of clothes... just thinking about it made his face flush slightly.

Who could help him?

The class representative?

A somewhat dazed girl with glasses appeared in his mind.

No, no, no, she would think he was a pervert, wouldn't she?

Besides, he wasn't even close with her.

Who else? Who else?

Did he really have so few friends?

Suddenly, a suitable candidate appeared in his mind.

"Ria, let's buy some food, then visit some relatives."

"Okay."

Entering a supermarket, Eichi bought enough ingredients for ten people, then took Artoria to their destination.

Ding-dong.

Click.

"Oh, it's Eichi. And who's this?"

Fushiguro Minako, who opened the door, immediately brightened when she saw Eichi bringing a girl.

But she was also puzzled. She should be seeing this girl for the first time, yet there was something oddly familiar about her.

"Hello, Sister Minako. This is Heroic Spirit Artoria, my new partner."

"Eichi, you really are something, calling me sister."

Minako smiled.

"Sister Minako is still very young."

"Artoria, is it? Please come in."

Upon hearing that name, Minako finally realized where the familiarity came from.

After all, Eichi was one of Toji's few close relatives, and in her eyes, he was a young man with a successful career and limitless potential.

She also knew about Eichi founding a company and producing animation. Hearing the name Artoria, she instantly made the connection.

Jujutsu really is incredible, Minako thought to herself.

When they entered, Toji was watching a horse race on TV.

For someone with Heavenly Restriction, only in such uncontrollable activities could he experience the thrill of chance and risk.

In the corner, Megumi and Tsumiki were playing with toys on a soft mat, surrounded by a small fence to keep them safe.

Eichi skillfully walked into the kitchen.

Potatoes, beef, eggs, tomatoes, green onions, salmon…

"Are you making that much?"

"Don't worry, we'll finish it."

Eichi gave Minako an "all clear" gesture.

He salted the surface of the salmon and set it aside, then started cutting potatoes and beef.

Stewed potatoes with meat, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, baked salmon… After preparing dinner for Megumi and Tsumiki, Minako also came to help.

"Eichi, that girl…"

Minako subtly gestured toward Artoria with her eyes.

"Artoria only arrived at my place today."

Eichi smiled and nodded, not really understanding her hint.

"By the way, Sister Minako, are you free tomorrow?"

Seeing Minako glance at Artoria, Eichi casually continued.

"Yes."

"Then could you take Artoria to buy some daily necessities? She just arrived and doesn't have anything yet."

"Oh, leave it to me. A girl's life needs a touch of delicacy."

Minako readily agreed to his request.

Objective achieved, Eichi thought to himself.

The next day, Eichi experienced the true fear of shopping.

Loaded with a dozen large and small bags, he followed behind the two blankly. Even with what he had stored in his shadow, they had still bought a ridiculous amount.

From small household items like a dressing table (seriously, would Artoria even need that? She looked perfect without makeup) to clothes, shoes, and other necessities.

Minako was very happy. She had finally satisfied her shopping urges and could enjoy some live gossip up close.

She didn't expect Eichi, who always acted so mature, to have such a cute side. Youth truly was wonderful, Minako sighed inwardly.

That day, Minako took Artoria through all the major malls in Shinjuku.

Eichi finally felt relief.

Why?

Why had shopping with Artoria yesterday been so enjoyable, yet today felt like this?

Still, when he saw the smile on Artoria's face as she bought things recommended by Minako, Eichi felt it was all worth it.

(To be continued.)