"Things went a little too smoothly."
Kamiyā Yuu muttered to himself while resting his head on Busujima Murasaki's lap.
His gaze wandered absentmindedly across the elegant Japanese-style courtyard before him.
Fine white sand surrounded a clear pond in a circular pattern. Several uniquely shaped rocks rested quietly upon the white sand, preventing the scenery from becoming overly monotonous. Emerald-green grass intertwined with the white sand, creating the ancient charm characteristic of traditional Japanese gardens.
Unfortunately, the season of cherry blossoms had already passed. The enormous ancient cherry tree standing at the center of the spacious courtyard bore only sparse green leaves. Otherwise, the garden would undoubtedly have been even more breathtaking.
Busujima Murasaki gently cleaned his ears with a traditional Japanese ear-pick.
Her skilled technique, combined with her thorough understanding of the sensitive spots of his ears, made the experience exceptionally pleasant.
Hearing his muttering, she paused briefly before setting down the ear-pick and softly running her fingers through his short hair.
"Milady has always been gentle toward those around her. No matter what happens, she always considers matters from the other person's perspective first. She understands our personalities very well, which is why she supports this matter."
A trace of melancholy appeared in her expression.
"Actually, I would prefer that Milady think a little more about herself. If not for your special circumstances, then after today's ceremony, I should have followed you permanently. In that case, only Milady would remain living in this enormous house."
Even two people living in such a traditional and luxurious Japanese residence would find it somewhat lonely.
If only one person lived here, the atmosphere would probably resemble that of a ghost story.
—Though, given the teacher's personality, she'd probably get along peacefully with ghosts, too.
Kamiyā Yuu joked inwardly.
Turning his head, he asked with a strange expression:
"Murasaki, isn't your relationship with Teacher a little unusual? It doesn't feel entirely like family, entirely like friends, or entirely like master and servant."
"My relationship with Milady..."
Busujima Murasaki pondered for a moment.
"Since childhood, I was taught that I was Milady's guardian. If necessary, I would even protect her at the cost of my own life."
"However, after remaining by her side for so many years, Milady herself changed that way of thinking."
"As I mentioned earlier, Milady is very gentle. We aren't completely family, friends, or master and servant because all three elements exist simultaneously. Milady is irreplaceable to me, and I am irreplaceable to her."
She smiled gently.
"It shouldn't be difficult for you to understand. My relationship with Milady is the same as the relationship between you and Miss Sora."
After a brief pause, she softly stroked Kamiyā Yuu's cheek and laughed.
"No, there is one difference. If it were you, you certainly wouldn't make the same choice Milady did."
Faced with what was only partly a compliment, Kamiyā Yuu smiled indifferently.
"That's true. I don't have Teacher's generosity. If I were in her position, I'd rather keep an extra bodyguard beside me forever than give her away to someone else."
"Even in our current situation?"
Busujima Murasaki laughed softly as though she had already expected his answer.
"Of course."
"Coming from a man, that kind of thinking isn't unpleasant, especially when it comes from a strong man."
A faint blush appeared on her dignified and heroic face.
"Then, Yuu, please take care of me from now on."
It was an ordinary phrase, but in Japan it was also commonly used during weddings.
Its deeper meaning was: Please guide me through the rest of our lives together.
Busujima Murasaki's feelings for Kamiyā Yuu were not as profound as those she held for Uehara Etsuki.
At first, they stemmed from his status as a strong individual who had defeated her in swordsmanship, someone upon whom she could rely and with whom she could freely release her violent impulses.
Only after building upon that foundation did her current feelings for Kamiyā Yuu develop.
Uehara Etsuki had long ago given her the freedom to choose.
Busujima Murasaki also knew that one day she would leave Uehara Etsuki's side.
When that time came, she would naturally choose the type of strong person she truly admired.
...
Before evening arrived, Kamiyā Yuu prepared to leave the traditional Japanese mansion.
Uehara Etsuki had offered very little commentary regarding the matter between him and Busujima Murasaki.
That both relieved him and left him feeling strangely disappointed.
As he stepped out through the entrance hall, he noticed an unexpected visitor arriving to see Uehara Etsuki.
The guest was so unusual that she immediately drew his attention.
A silver-haired girl.
She was petite, with fair skin, delicate features, eyes as dark as pools of ink, thin lips, neatly cropped short hair, and uneven bangs.
Her aura was so extraordinary that Kamiyā Yuu found himself unable to describe her using the words normally used for women.
With only a single glance, he recognized her.
She was none other than Kirigami Ruri, the legendary figure of Japan's literary world.
Because of the industry-defining masterpiece 'Violet Blooming Garden', it was common knowledge within the industry that Kirigami Ruri and Uehara Etsuki shared a special relationship.
Therefore, Kamiyā Yuu was not particularly surprised to see Japan's great literary master visiting Uehara Etsuki.
It was worth mentioning that although Kirigami Ruri looked like a young girl, her actual age was probably close to Busujima Murasaki's.
Kamiyā Yuu could not help but think that this world truly was paradise for lolicon enthusiasts. Women's shelf lives here were almost unbelievable.
Kamiyā Yuu simply smiled in greeting.
After noticing that Uehara Etsuki had personally come outside to see Kamiyā Yuu off, Kirigami Ruri's gaze paused on him briefly.
Faced with his smile, her dark eyes showed not the slightest ripple.
She merely nodded expressionlessly in response.
The two passed by one another without any further interaction.
Still, upon seeing Kirigami Ruri, a thought briefly crossed Kamiyā Yuu's mind.
In his previous world, Nasu Kinoko had entrusted the writing of 'Fate/Zero' to Gen Urobuchi.
Likewise, Kamiyā Yuu could theoretically entrust the novel version of 'Fate/Zero' to Kirigami Ruri.
With the fame of Japan's literary giant behind it, 'Fate/Zero' would begin with tremendous popularity.
His thoughts raced.
After some consideration, however, he abandoned the idea.
Leaving aside whether Kirigami Ruri would even accept such a commercial collaboration, even if the 'Fate/Zero' she wrote ended up more exciting than the version in Kamiyā Yuu's imagination, it would no longer be the 'Fate/Zero' he envisioned.
Moreover, explaining all the settings and details would only create unnecessary trouble.
Once 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' concluded, Kamiyā Yuu's fame would inevitably rise to another level.
Perhaps not to the point where everyone in the world knew his name, but anyone interested in Japanese animation would certainly recognize it.
With that degree of popularity, the novel version of 'Fate/Zero' might not cause as much of a sensation as one written by Kirigami Ruri, but it would still generate considerable public attention.
Kamiyā Yuu felt slightly regretful.
If it were not already approaching evening and he needed to return home to cook dinner, he would have liked to get acquainted with Japan's great literary master.
The range of novels written by Kirigami Ruri was extraordinarily broad.
They included mainstream detective fiction, romance novels, classical literature, fantasy stories, light novels, and dark fairy tales.
Each field contained works regarded as pinnacles of their genre.
Among them, the animated adaptation 'Violet Blooming Garden' was generally categorized as both a dark fairy tale and a light novel.