The morning air was very cool, and with warm breath, one could even see white mist drifting before one's eyes.
It was the early morning of the second day at the Einzbern castle, and Shirou planned to return to the hotel first.
He had a premonition that there would be a big battle tonight; until then, Shirou wanted to meet Sakura.
After eating the breakfast prepared by the maids brought by Irisviel, Shirou left the Einzbern castle with Saber and walked towards a Mercedes-Benz 300SL parked in a nearby garage.
As for Irisviel, they didn't need to worry, because she was now outside the Holy Grail War, and there was no danger at all.
"I am sorry... Shirou, it is all because I cannot dematerialize..."
Saber, who was following Shirou, said apologetically.
At this moment, the girl standing beside him had her supple blonde hair tied into a ponytail. She was wearing a white shirt with a coat of the same color, a light blue skirt, and her slender, even legs were wrapped in black stockings.
Saber tightened the white coat she had borrowed from Irisviel and buried half of her face into the collar. Her eyes looked a little downcast, and even the ahoge on her head was hanging down with her mood.
"There is no need to apologize to me for this kind of thing, Saber."
Shirou shook his head lightly and replied with a smile.
Because he was worried about scaring Sakura, Shirou had now lifted his magical disguise and restored his original body.
After seeing Saber's still somewhat gloomy expression, Shirou continued to speak.
"Since you are like this, you can take better care of Sakura."
Hearing this, Saber's expression finally softened a little, and a faint smile appeared on her face.
"Shirou... If not for so much that has happened before, I really could not believe you are just a seven-year-old..."
Shirou spread his hands.
"Whoever underestimates me because of my appearance has already paid the price."
"Well, Shirou, you really are the one who can hide yourself the most."
Saber said with emotion.
It seemed that she remembered the incident when she fought Lancer at the warehouse district, and Shirou revealed his identity in one word.
"Speaking of which, when I was at the warehouse district, why did Shirou see through me at a glance?"
Hearing Saber's question, Shirou's expression twitched.
Can I say I even know your measurements?
Of course, this kind of thing couldn't be said; Shirou could only shrug his shoulders and say:
"Because I have studied Emiya Kiritsugu, I know your identity in a special way."
"Is that so...?"
It was just a casual question, and Saber didn't continue pressing the issue.
Of course, if she continued, Shirou would have a headache because he couldn't make it up.
"Let's go, Saber. You drive."
"Well, don't worry, leave it to me."
Saber replied confidently.
She has the Class Skill Riding at Rank B and is proficient in handling a variety of mounts, from ancient chariots to modern vehicles.
She can even inject magical energy to improve the speed and performance of the vehicle for a certain period.
But it was not a battle, and there was no need to waste magical energy.
Saber came to the driver's seat, and when she finally touched the steering wheel, her expression became a little excited.
Seeing the excitement on the girl's face, Shirou felt a chuckle in his heart inexplicably.
Just as he was about to tell Saber that it was okay to drive slower, the engine roared as the car started.
Vroom————!
...
Further west in the deep mountainous area of Fuyuki City, a long national highway stretches westward, backing away from the city lights.
At the front of the road, an untouched forest awaits visitors.
Along this road across the county border, the national highway winds quietly ahead.
Although there are two lanes, there are few signs of oncoming cars on the highway with its sparse street lights.
The national highway at midnight seems to have been forgotten in this silence.
In the silence of the night, a silver beast galloped in.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
Her elegant, streamlined body was as steady as a lady, and the roar of the straight-six engine was as majestic as a beast.
The person who drove this classic car to a speed of more than 100 kilometers per hour was a blonde girl with a petite body and slender white wrists.
The interior of this car is not as opulent as other Mercedes sedans.
The standard fabric seat covers are available in three styles, with silver metallic being the standard color, but red, blue-black, and pure black are also very popular.
Saber had been racing all the way as if she wanted to vent her frustration about the previous night, so it didn't take much time to get to the luxury hotel where Sakura was.
"Phew... That was a pleasure..."
Even after getting out of the car, Saber still had a nostalgic expression on her face.
Shirou couldn't help but sigh slightly when he looked at her like that.
When Saber was racing before, she was so elegant that she even used a drainage gutter to drift around a bend, but Shirou was tossed around, almost stunned.
"Let's go."
Shirou walked ahead and led the way for Saber.
It didn't take long for them to come to the door of the suite where Sakura was.
Shirou rang the doorbell, and it wasn't long before the sound of light, slightly hurried footsteps could be heard from inside.
Click————
The door was opened from the inside, and Sakura poked her head out. When she saw Shirou, a happy expression immediately appeared on her face.
"Shirou~ You are finally here!"
The girl threw herself into Shirou's arms enthusiastically and raised her head to rub against Shirou's cheek.
"I am sorry, Sakura, for leaving you alone here for so long."
Shirou stroked the girl's hair and said softly.
"Shirou... This is..."
Saber tilted her head slightly. Looking at the girl with long purple hair, her fair and immature cheeks flushed slightly, and her hands folded a little shyly because she saw someone she didn't know, Saber found it so cute.
Saber couldn't help but feel a little comforted.
Shirou then introduced Sakura to Saber.
"Saber, this is Sakura..."
After Shirou told Saber about Sakura's life, the latter's turquoise eyes grew sad.
"How could such a thing happen..."