Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

"...Qingzi."

Shirou looked up and asked seriously, "Do you really think that Irisviel planned the attack against us?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't think Yuzhu would harm me or Aoko."

"Can I hear your reasons?" Aoko asked.

"...It's just a feeling," Shirou replied with a very firm tone.

Although his time with Ayumi lasted only a week, it was still an unforgettable and important memory for Shirou.

When Shirou first returned to Fuyuki, he struggled to adapt to the fast-paced modern city life for a long time.

Feeling out of place, he often stood near the park and gazed at the homeless community there.

Later, with the help of the Fujimura group and the Matou siblings, Shirou finally had a place of his own (Amamiya Residence).

Although the Kuonji family mansion wasn't Shirou's actual home, it gave him a different kind of feeling of returning home—

While inside the mansion, Shirou felt as if he had returned to Orkney.

Tranquil and warm, time flows more slowly and quietly than anywhere else in the universe.

"If I absolutely must give a reason..."

Shirou said.

He didn't believe that Yuzhu would go so far as to turn her cherished mansion into a battlefield to attack him and Aoko.

“Miss Yuzhu is definitely not that kind of person.”

"I really want to record what you said and play it on repeat for Youzhu. She would be so ashamed that she would want to disappear."

Aoko smiled like a loving mother.

Although he still refused to admit it, the mage was persuaded by Shirou and agreed with his point of view.

Indeed, this mansion is an important legacy that Zhu inherited from her parents, even more important than her life.

How could Yu-chu possibly launch an attack inside the mansion?

"Hmm, so there must be some misunderstanding here..."

For example, what if the Rosehound went berserk? Just like that time I encountered it in the mansion?

The more powerful the fairy tale monster, the harder it is to control.

Let's take "The Bridge Giant," which is also one of the three major Ploys, as an example.

The world's most precious fairy tale monster, modeled after London Bridge, is actually a mysterious golem from the Age of Gods with a history of over 2000 years, a giant the size of a city (London).

However, at the age of 17, Yuju could only make the "Bridge Giant" appear to be a dozen meters tall, which was less than one-tenth of its original size.

However, Yuzhu is no longer a 17-year-old girl.

She is the last Mainst, a great witch who transcends the existing magic system.

Compared to the immense mystery hidden within that petite body, even the Grand rank recognized by the Clock Tower, the pinnacle of the magic world, pales in comparison.

Youzhu shouldn't cause any more trouble that would make the "Rosehounds" go berserk, right?

Aoko still had doubts, but after seeing Shirou's sincere gaze, she helplessly scratched her head.

"Ahhh, I got it! Just rescue Arisu, okay? Change the objective from 'Defeat Arisu' to 'Rescue Arisu'!"

The mage crossed her arms over her ample, proud breasts and said in a sarcastic tone, clearly dissatisfied:

"It's so nice to have a witch who looks so pitiful. No matter what bad things she does, the boys will treat her gently."

"If Aoko-nee gets into trouble, I will definitely help her," Shirou said.

"........."

Aozaki Aoko's voice stopped abruptly, her entire face turning as red as a ripe tomato.

"Idiot...you little brat! What are you saying all of a sudden!"

Overwhelmed with shame and indignation, the mage threw a punch.

……

……

Shirou and Aoko re-entered the mansion through the kitchen vent.

If the lights in Zhu's room were still on, it would save us trouble, but unfortunately the entire building was pitch black except for the living room.

They had to start searching from the first floor, room by room.

Because they were worried about revealing their whereabouts, they could not turn on the lights or use any lighting magic.

Shirou and Aoko enhanced their night vision with magic so that they could spot the "Rosehound" in the dark.

"By the way... Sister Aoko is a magician, right?"

"Yeah, so what's wrong?"

"Since they are magicians, they should have magic or something that can break the status quo, right?"

Before meeting Aozaki Aoko, Shirou always thought that the magician would be a modern version of Morgan.

A genius girl who can do everything and knows everything.

When trouble arises, they can pull out a solution that has never been foreshadowed before—just like the blue Doraemon in the cartoon.

But Aozaki Aoko seems to be doing differently; she and Shirou are now crawling awkwardly on the floor.

"Well, magic isn't omnipotent, you know. Besides, in my case, I'm more adept at 'breaking rules' than 'making rules.'"

Aozaki Aoko frowned and said, "You haven't been disillusioned, have you?"

"No."

"Hmph~ One day I'll show you how powerful I am."

Soon, the two had checked most of the rooms on the first floor, and now only one room remained.

Walk to the back of the lobby and turn back to the back of the stairs.

Although they thought it was unlikely to be hidden here, the two still went to the bathroom door.

However, to their surprise, light was shining through the crack in the bathroom door.

This is indeed a blind spot.

Since they couldn't see into the bathroom from the courtyard, Shirou and Aoko assumed that all the rooms in the mansion were dark.

Aozaki Aoko took a deep breath and placed her hand on the doorknob.

Upon seeing this scene, Shirou had a strange sense of déjà vu.

A very bad premonition then came over me.

"Wait a minute, Sister Qingzi...it's best not to..."

"Shhh!!!"

Aoko gestured for him to be quiet so as not to alert the enemy.

But Shirou felt that there was no enemy behind the door—

Aoko twisted the handle, pushed the door open, and stumbled inside.

"Youzhu! You are surrounded. Give up resistance and surrender!"

"........."

Kuonji Yuju stood before the mirror—wearing nothing at all.

Her fair skin was flushed from just having taken a bath.

While not exactly voluptuous, she possessed striking curves.

The witch's body exuded a unique charm that was both mysterious and noble.

"Aoko... what are you doing...?"

Yuzhu stared in astonishment at Aoko, who stormed into the bathroom, and asked unhappily, "Why did you barge in? I haven't finished using the bathroom yet."

"Why……?"

Aoko was rendered speechless by the unexpected question.

There was no fight or argument as expected, and it seemed that Yuzhu was still unaware of the "Rosehound" incident.

"No...that's what I want to ask...Arisu, what are you doing?"

With a slight frown, Youzhu said irritably, "You'll understand once you see it, I'm using the bathroom."

In Aoko's memory, Ayumi's bath was like playing in the water, and it usually ended in ten minutes.

For a witch, bathing is not a pleasure but simply a way to maintain her body.

Even Aoko's dream trip to a hot spring was met with a response from Arisu who said it "felt like a hassle," which made Aoko feel deep sympathy for Arisu's inability to appreciate the beauty of hot springs.

"Uh...don't you usually finish washing in ten minutes?"

"This has nothing to do with you."

Aoko suddenly noticed that Yuzu hurriedly hid something behind her back.

That's... a red lipstick?

Upon closer inspection, the sink in front of the girl was also covered with all sorts of cosmetics.

So... Yuzhu actually stayed here to put on makeup after taking a shower?

But why would she do such a thing?

Aoko was puzzled: Had Ayumi ever worn makeup before? She hadn't worn makeup during the day either, had she?

"Clap."

The strange sound of something falling to the ground brought Aoko back to reality.

She saw Kuonji Yuju looking towards the doorway—Shirou stood there helplessly.

"Why is Amamiya-kun also..." Arisu's voice trembled.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Aoi. I did try to stop Aoko-nee..."

"Wait, Shirou! Are you trying to absolve yourself of responsibility? We're comrades!"

"————Aaaaaaaahh ...

Yuzhu screamed and crouched down, clutching her exposed chest.

"..."

So this is what that feeling of déjà vu was all about, Shirou thought in despair.

Fortunately, he often encounters similar situations and is able to remain calm under pressure.

Shirou skillfully took off his coat and gently draped it over Arisu's shoulders.

"Amamiya-kun..."

The black-haired girl blushed and exchanged a glance with Shirou, then turned to Aoko in the bathroom.

"Even if it's a joke, this is going too far, Aoko."

"Wait, wait a minute, Arisu... let me explain! Shirou-kun! Please plead with Arisu for me!"

Aozaki Aoko kept retreating, but it was too late.

Thick fog appeared in the small bathroom—

This time it's the real "Rosehound"... the fiercest, most wicked, and strongest fairytale monster.

Yu-joo lowered her eyes and issued a cruel and merciless command—

"Go and eat Aoko's clothes, don't leave any underwear behind."

"Let's play a game!"

Obeying its master's command, the thick white fog rushed directly towards Aozaki Aoko.