"Hehe, how adorable! You could have just honestly said you came to see your older sister, wouldn't that have been enough? You little rascal." The woman stepped forward, slightly pouting her bright red lipstick, poked the boy's cheek with her finger, and then said with a smile. Her eyes and actions were full of allure and provocation.

Having learned his lesson from being teased by his senior, Shirou quickly looked away and surveyed the ornately decorated dress shop. Bright lights illuminated the spacious interior, making everything sparkle. The decorative items were placed perfectly, giving the shop a clean and tidy appearance.

On one side were exquisite men's suits, while the main focus was on colorful formal wear. Then, I noticed a touch of purple and black on the white background, which looked very familiar.

In the corner were stacks of thick magazines, and above the wall were small posters of evening gowns. Shirou even spotted the evening gowns that Artoria and Jeanne had worn.

Noticing the boy's gaze, the shop manager smiled and said.

"Ah~ This is our store's portfolio. I took over this store from a relative, and it's almost its 20th anniversary now. It contains all the works I've accumulated as a designer over the years."

"What are those two pieces of clothing?" Shirou asked, pointing to the poster on the wall.

"Which two? Ah! You have excellent taste!" The shop manager said approvingly when he saw the two pieces of clothing that the boy's eyes had locked onto.

"Could it be that you did some research on this to flatter me? These two are my masterpieces from many years ago. But unfortunately, not everyone can pull off dresses like these, so they've always been kept in my room and only shown during exhibitions."

"I really hope to meet a stunningly beautiful woman with flawless skin. The black one would suit a petite but aloof queen; while the purple one would be perfect for a girl with an irresistible, enchanting allure."

Can you understand? These two outfits are designed to create a look that's both dangerous and cute. If someone wore them, they'd be absolutely captivating.

When it came to his expertise, the store manager became incredibly enthusiastic and launched into a lengthy explanation.

"I see, that's right." Shirou recalled the figures of the two girls and nodded with empathy.

"Huh? Do you understand what I mean?" The woman realized that the boy's exclamation was not feigned, and the admiration and tender desire in her eyes became even stronger.

Sure enough, even in different worlds, there will still be similar existences, similar people, and similar things that will be created.

"Wait a minute? By the way, how old is the shopkeeper? Is he older than Hiratsuka-sensei? Or younger than Hiratsuka-sensei?" Shirou looked at the shopkeeper in surprise, thinking to himself.

The mature woman seemed to understand the boy's confusion, and with a charming smile, she said meaningfully, "Hehehe, boy, grow up quickly, and I'll tell you about the advantages of being a mature woman in other places later~! Just to clarify, the reason there are so many pages is because I started getting involved in fashion design when I was in elementary school."

'Elementary school? And thinking back to 1999? It seems that was at least Hiratsuka-sensei's level then...' Shirou thought to himself.

"Manager, the customer's clothes have arrived." At that moment, a shop assistant came out from inside.

"Alright, try on the clothes first," the woman said to the boy, taking the clothes from him.

Shirou took the suit, changed into it, and putting aside his character, the manager here was indeed quite skilled.

The well-fitting suit accentuated the boy's strong and muscular physique, making him appear even taller and more imposing. Standing there, he exuded a dashing and confident air, seemingly even more imposing than usual.

"Well, it's usually for banquets and dances abroad. I usually prefer sportswear," Shirou said.

"That's perfect. I also made a casual suit for you. Try it on. You can wear this for less formal occasions. I also prepared two pairs of dress shoes for you. Try them on as well." As she spoke, the woman had her employees bring up the new clothes and shoes.

"Thank you, you've gone to so much trouble." Shirou took the new clothes and changed into them. They were just as exquisite and meticulously made as the previous ones. It was a relief to have everything done here in one go, and he was happy to be able to relax.

Unlike formal wear, this casual suit has a more youthful and energetic feel. The cuffs are specially tapered to expose the thinnest part of the wrists, making the wearer appear slimmer and more energetic, and much younger.

"Not bad, not bad at all. You really suit red to you. Here, try on these shoes." The woman half-squatted down and handed a pair of leather shoes to the boy. Because of her forward-leaning posture, her full and rounded breasts rose from the horizon, with only the bottom line being covered by the smooth neckline of her dress.

“I can do it myself.” Shirou tried on the leather shoes, took two steps, and turned back to the woman, saying admiringly, “They fit perfectly. But shopkeeper, I don’t remember ever having my size measured here. How did you know my size?”

"Hehe, I can usually figure out a man's approximate size in just five seconds of looking at him." The woman's eyes darted back and forth over the boy.

Shirou wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt like he was being stared at from the front and back for more than five seconds. He figured he should leave this place as soon as possible.

"I'll take all of these. Please give me a receipt," Shirou said, changing his clothes and shoes back.

"No need, anyway, this is something I made on a whim because I rarely meet a good guy. Besides, it was made with some extra materials I had on hand. I always give special consideration to men with good figures." As she spoke, the woman's eyes swept over the boy's lower body again, circling from his buttocks to his hips.

'As expected, it had another meaning!'

Shirou insisted, "Let me pay for it. Since it's a work that the artist and creator put a lot of thought into, we can't let it be buried as an ordinary freebie."

"You really know how to say nice things. Well then, consider it a discount for our valued customer. How about a 30% off?" the alluring woman said with a smile.

"Thank you so much," Shirou said.

After that, Shirou left the formal wear store, seeing off by the store manager.

"Shirou-kun, remember to come here often in the future! Oh, and remember to call me after you graduate!" The mature woman spread her arms and made the call-me gesture, smiling charmingly.

"Phew, I feel even more tired than when we came together last time. I guess I shouldn't come alone next time, Shinjuku..."

Shirou exhaled softly and said.

After that, Shirou went to several more stores and finally bought all the necessary clothes and supplies. He then packed the items into his suitcase and dragged it home.

Chapter 116 Kasumigaoka Shiroujing

Time flew by, and after the final exams, the school was on holiday. The selected high school students were about to embark on a three-week trip.

That night, the stars were dim, the moonlight hazy, shrouded in a thin mist, only the warm glow of the lights from home illuminated everything. A family sitting together for a meal—that too is a simple kind of happiness.

Tonight, the Hachiman family's parents did not work overtime and returned home.

In the kitchen, Komachi, wearing an apron, was busy cooking and running around serving dishes. Shirou wanted to at least help set the table, but she pressed him back into his seat, preventing him from doing so.

"Brother, sit still and don't move. You're the star tonight! Leave everything to Komachi!" Komachi said with an expression that left no room for refusal.

"Hmm..." Shirou felt very uncomfortable having so much free time, but at Komachi's insistence, he had no choice but to sit down and look through his phone.

"I scored very high in terms of Komachi's points just now~!" Komachi walked into the kitchen with a smile, humming a song as she brought out the dishes she had just finished.

This time, Komachi put a lot of thought into making two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup.

The first vegetarian dish served was a stew of bok choy and tofu, known as "Peaceful Vegetables."

The second vegetable dish was deep-fried baby potatoes. The cracked baby potatoes were sprinkled with pepper, cumin and various spices, emitting a rich aroma and heat.

"Is this considered a French home-style dish? When did Komachi learn it?" Shirou asked in surprise.

"Hehe, my friend taught me that. Komachi can grow too, and there's more surprise to come!" Komachi smiled smugly and ran back to the kitchen.

This time, Komachi brought up the clay pot wearing two heat-resistant gloves with two red yin-yang symbols.

The casserole contains duck and radish soup, which is delicious and the radish is crystal clear, crisp and sweet.

"Hehe, impressive, right! Komachi is now a master chef who has mastered various cuisines across Eurasia! Although she can't compare to her mentor, Erina-chan." Komachi said with a smile.

“Erina…” Shirou recalled the blonde young lady he had met at the last meeting. He realized a serious problem and looked at his sister, asking, “Why? You’ve become her apprentice? Komachi has been learning cooking from me since she was little, right?”

“But he’s my brother, we’re not in that kind of relationship.” Komachi shook her head and went back into the kitchen.

"Huh? Wait a minute, Komachi-san. I think it's okay if we're siblings!" Shirou couldn't accept that his student, whom he had personally taught for so many years, had become someone else's disciple.

"No! As long as my brother is Komachi's brother, that's fine!" Komachi puffed out her cheeks and placed the fourth dish on the table, looking at the boy and surprisingly insistent.

Incidentally, this time the dish featured golden-fried fish pieces, topped with a red, sweet and sour sauce, completing a sweet and sour fish dish.

The last dish served was braised pig's ears, a takeout order from Chinatown, symbolizing a smooth journey.

A sumptuous meal was served, and Komachi took out a drink from the refrigerator and called out to her parents who were watching TV in the living room.

"Mom, Dad, dinner's ready!"

"Oh, here they come! Let Daddy see what delicious food Komachi made for us." The Hachiman father, who couldn't wait any longer, stepped forward with a smile and pulled out a chair.

The mother of the Hikigaya family sat down with satisfaction, looking at the delicious-looking dishes, and nodded repeatedly in praise: "Well, my children are all so capable, I am very proud of them."

"Come on, brother, eat more, and drink more soup too. This is Komachi's lovingly prepared food; we won't be able to eat it for the next three weeks." Komachi said with a smile as she scooped a full bowl of rice and handed it to the boy.

"Dad is so touched. I really hope Komachi can cook such delicious meals for you for the rest of her life." The Hachiman family's father sat down in his seat and said, wiping away tears of emotion.

"No, that's impossible no matter how you look at it. Dad can just eat the work lunch." Komachi refused without even thinking.

"After graduating from university, Komachi will quickly snag a rich husband who is good at making money, considerate, good at cooking, loves doing housework, and whose personality is a little bit like a nagging mother, but that's okay, Komachi will wholeheartedly tolerate him," and then she'll marry him!

"You're really reliable, Komachi," her mother said approvingly.

"Of course, Komachi will come back to visit Mom often," Komachi said sweetly.

"?" Shirou looked at his sister in confusion. Why did this person sound so familiar? Who was it?

Seemingly sensing the boy's gaze, Komachi blushed slightly and turned her head away, quickly changing the subject. She raised her drink glass and said with a smile, "Well then, to celebrate my brother going abroad tomorrow to participate in an exchange program, cheers!"

"Cheers!!" Three drinks and a can of beer clinked together.

"By the way, Shirou, are you sure everything is ready? Let me check it for you again," his mother asked. Although she never had to worry about her son, it was the first time he was going so far away alone, and she couldn't help but think about it.

"Don't worry, everything is prepared. Clothes, shoes, down jackets for protection against the cold, and gloves are all provided. As for other daily necessities, we can buy them when we get there," Shirou said.

“Wait a minute! Brother, there’s a big problem!” Komachi interjected.

"Huh? What's the problem?" Shirou looked at his sister in confusion. Now that she had enough clothes and shoes, and the school would arrange her accommodation and meals, there was nothing to worry about.

"Brother, haven't you noticed? The suitcase you bought is too small!" Komachi said.

"No way? I don't plan to bring too much stuff with me either," Shirou said.

"Brother, you really don't understand. The important thing isn't when you go out, but when you come back!" Komachi held up her finger and shook it twice, coaxing her gently. "Shouldn't you express your gratitude to the people who have taken care of you, helped you, and cooked for you? So, whether it's family, friends, or your sister, you should give them some gifts."

"So all this time you've been trying to curry favor with me tonight, and that's what you were after?" Shirou finally understood. As expected of Komachi, she never misses an opportunity to show off and then cash in on her Komachi points when necessary.

"Hmm, as expected of my brother, he understands very quickly. Don't forget the portions for all the ladies too. Of course! Most importantly! Remember to bring back souvenirs for Komachi, at least one specialty from each country, and if there are any delicious ones, that would be even better." Komachi said, her eyes sparkling, as she clasped her hands together.

“But you’re right, I know,” Shirou nodded. It was indeed a blind spot he had overlooked.

"That's awesome!" Komachi exclaimed, raising her fist in delight.

"Dad, could you lend me your suitcase?" Shirou said.

"Sure, I'll give it to you after dinner," Dad replied, sipping his beer.

"Dad, let's give the biggest one to my brother!" Komachi suggested. The more things her brother could bring back, the better. She would gladly accept everything except what she gave away.

"But if that's the case, a lot of things will have to be reorganized again," Shirou said helplessly.

"Komachi is here to help too, hee hee," Komachi said enthusiastically.

"You're such an easy person to understand," Shirou said helplessly, looking at his sister who had a slightly sly smile.

"Komachi just hopes that her brother will find happiness on his journey, and that Komachi will also become happy," Komachi said with a smile, revealing her fangs.

With her sister's help, the clothes were taken out of the small suitcase and put into the large suitcase, and the preparations were quickly completed.

The next morning, the boy left home amidst the cheers of his family.

"Brother, remember to bring a souvenir and come back safely!" Komachi waved her hands with a smile.

"Okay!" the boy replied and headed towards the subway station. He then set off to meet up with everyone at Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture. Their first destination was Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China, which required one transfer.

The two accompanying teachers were already there. Hiratsuka Shizuka was contacting the other students via mobile phone, while the other teacher, a man in his forties, was registering the number of students. The other students arrived one after another, greeted each other, and then spent their time waiting for the others to arrive.

Shirou found a place nearby to sit down and said goodbye to his friends who had sent their well wishes via his phone.

"Have a safe trip, and remember to send me some fun photos~!" — Yui Yuigahama

"Please let me know you've arrived safely." — Yukino Yukinoshita

"I'll be here with everyone cheering you on. Please be careful during the battle, we'll be waiting for you to come back." — Asuna

Shirou smiled slightly, feeling that it was quite nice to be cared for like this.

Then another message came in.

"Shirou, Saber Artoria Alter has successfully infiltrated your world. She didn't land in Japan, so please don't worry. I believe you'll be able to meet soon. Enjoy your journey, bye-bye." — Leonardo da Vinci

"Ah... what was bound to happen has happened, but thank goodness she's not in Tokyo right now, so Eriri's life should be saved."

"Hmm... Shirou-kun, are you chatting with your girlfriend right now?"

At that moment, a calm yet slightly magnetic voice came from beside my ear, and I could feel a warm breath on the tip of my ear.

Shirou quickly turned around and saw that it was the beautiful black-haired senior wearing a headband.

Kasumigaoka Utaha was wearing a light blue coat over a plain sweater, with a long gray and white scarf around her neck. She peeked out and looked at the boy with a light smile.

"Oh, it's you, Kasumigaoka-senpai," Shirou said irritably.

“Oh dear, that’s quite a shocking reaction,” Kasumigaoka Utaha said.

Despite saying that, the girl didn't show any sign of disappointment.

"My senior seems quite happy to see me," Shirou remarked.

"Yeah, because just thinking about that blond loser gives me a sense of pleasure," Kasumigaoka Utaha admitted without any attempt to hide it.

Eriri, already seated on the plane, complained under her breath with a long face, "Why is Kasumigaoka Utaha with Shirou?!"

"Sawamura-kun? Are you feeling unwell?" The two female classmates sitting next to me looked over and asked curiously.

Eriri instantly switched back to her pampered young lady mode, smiling elegantly as she said, "It's nothing, thank you everyone. I'm just a little reluctant to part with my family and friends."

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