The sky turned dusky, the setting sun like blood.
The slightly aged tram pulled into the station at a leisurely pace and quietly opened its doors. Tohsaka Rin, wearing a hooded cloak and wrapped up tightly, stepped down from the tram.
Watching the tram gradually start up and pull away, Tohsaka Rin couldn't help but smile bitterly to herself: "In the original story, I was just being willful and reckless, taking this tram and running back to Fuyuki, right? Afterward, I stumbled upon Ryuunosuke Uryuu's child kidnapping incident and saved a group of little kids."
Stepping onto the street that had just stopped raining and still had undried puddles, she walked forward step by step, as if deliberately slowing her pace.
The personal matter Tohsaka Rin said she had to attend to last night had been delayed until dusk. For the first time in a long while, under her cloak, she had put on a skirt—the very outfit Tohsaka Rin wore during the Fifth Holy Grail War: a red top adorned with a silver cross on the chest, and a black knee-length skirt. It was the first time Tohsaka Rin had ever worn black silk stockings; she really was wearing that kind of hosiery for the first time.
Tohsaka Rin had spent the morning traveling between various shops of all sizes in Fuyuki City, gathering these items. As for the reason, it was ridiculous: she wanted that person to see the version of Tohsaka Rin she had never been able to see.
After gathering everything she needed, Tohsaka Rin had lingered in Fuyuki City for an entire afternoon. Tohsaka Rin, who could face the 27 Dead Apostles and swing her battle sword without changing her expression, felt afraid.
She hesitated until the sun was about to set before boarding the tram to the neighboring small town.
Looking at the house before her, the nameplate read: Zenjou Family.
"Berserker, wait for me here."
The spirit-formed Lancelot responded with a message of understanding, telling Tohsaka Rin to be careful and to summon him immediately if there was any danger.
Tohsaka Rin nodded and silently leaped over the courtyard wall. Relying on memories that had become somewhat hazy, she searched the interior for the person she wanted to see.
The Zenjou Family home was Tohsaka Aoi's maiden home, which meant it was Tohsaka Rin's maternal grandparents' house. When she was still with the Tohsaka Family, Tohsaka Rin had visited a few times, but both elders had passed away before Tohsaka Rin left the Tohsaka Family. With only Tohsaka Aoi as their daughter, the Zenjou Family home had been vacant for years, only showing signs of life now that Tohsaka Aoi had brought Sakura back.
The interior furnishings were simple and plain; it was an unremarkable two-story house. The choice of colors and the arrangement all revealed a quiet, elegant, and fresh style. Clearly, the owner was a refined person who preferred tranquility over noise.
As expected, Mother still loved this quiet and understated style.
Tohsaka Rin searched every room in the Zenjou Family home but did not find the person she wanted to see. Puzzled, Tohsaka Rin went to the balcony and looked out at the surrounding streets in the distance.
Not here? Could it be that they haven't moved over from the house yet? Forget it. As a brat who ran away from home without permission, I don't know how to face Mother now. Since she isn't here, it won't be too late to meet when the family reunites after the Holy Grail War ends.
Just as Tohsaka Rin was about to leave, she caught a glimpse of the person she wanted to see!
With long, pale green hair and a beautiful, dignified face, wearing a simple, pale green smock, she gave the impression at first glance of a gentle, quiet, and well-bred young lady who had perfectly completed the transition into a mother.
Tohsaka Aoi, Tohsaka Rin and Sakura's mother—the most innocent person in this world, and the person Tohsaka Rin found most difficult to face...
Tohsaka Aoi was holding the hand of Sakura, who was carrying a small school bag, as they walked from the direction of the distant station. Seeing this scene, Tohsaka Rin remembered that it was already time for school to let out. Sakura, who was only in the first grade of elementary school, still needed to be picked up by her parents.
Watching their figures about to enter the door, Tohsaka Rin couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, and she cast an invisibility spell on herself. Although she had gathered the courage to come here, she still didn't know how to face them. Whether it was Sakura or her mother, regardless of the reason, she had abandoned them without saying a word and left on her own.
"Sakura, how was your day at school today?"
"Yeah, everyone gets along with Sakura very well..."
The ordinary conversation between mother and daughter after school reached Tohsaka Rin's ears, filling her with an incomparable sense of satisfaction. Tohsaka Rin looked at Sakura's still dark and shiny hair, and heartfelt joy appeared on the corners of her lips, unable to be hidden any longer.
As long as you are safe, all my sacrifices were not in vain, Sakura. Being able to see you holding your mother's hand like a normal child, returning home safely—I have no other requests...
"Mom, Father said that after he finishes this important matter, he will bring my sister back with him."
"Really?! Sakura, is that what Tokiomi said?..."
Tohsaka Rin was stunned. Listening to what Sakura said, Tokiomi already knew she would come to participate in the Holy Grail War. However, thinking about it a little, it wasn't hard to understand. After all, the Matou Family estate being burned down and her running away happened on the same night; it was reasonable to draw such a conclusion. But what surprised Tohsaka Rin even more was...
Father hasn't given up on me yet? At least he made such a promise to Sakura. Perhaps in his heart, the Holy Grail really is above all else, but as a father, he hasn't failed his duties.
After all, I have already cleared away the meme that "It's all Tokiomi's fault" for him.
The mother and daughter had entered the house. Sakura, carrying her small school bag, quietly and consciously returned to her room to do her homework. Sakura was still as quiet and obedient as before, but the cowardice and timidity of the past were no longer visible; she had built up a sense of self-confidence and strength that belonged to her.
Is it because of my departure that Sakura has grown up by bearing the heavy responsibility of the Tohsaka Family? Is this what it means to grow up...
In her invisible state, Tohsaka Rin watched this peaceful scene: Sakura went to do homework, and Tohsaka Aoi started preparing dinner. Watching Tohsaka Aoi earnestly and skillfully process ingredients and cook, it was evident that she was very good at cooking. Unfortunately, in the three years Tohsaka Rin had stayed at home, she had never tasted it; it had always been made by the family's private chef.
Well, if I could, I would like to taste it.
---------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the story has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 chapters in advance over on my Patreon: patreon.com/TLHimejima1
Every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone and let me know.