The illustration of Shirou teaching Lefiya archery is already finished. Please check it out at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish
The soft light of dawn accompanied Shirou and Riveria as they walked side by side around Twilight Manor toward the backyard. The morning air was still fresh, and the thin dew covering the grass created the distinct scent of earth.
Strolling leisurely, Riveria glanced at Shirou before finally starting the conversation, "I'm curious... why do the members of our Familia only use bicycles in this backyard? I've never seen them try riding outside the Manor."
Shirou, walking with his hands tucked into his pants pockets, turned slightly and gave a small smile. "Loki wants Lefiya and me to patent the bicycle design first before everyone else finds out about it. So for now, Loki doesn't want the design to leak to the public."
Riveria nodded in understanding. That made sense. If the design was truly unique and innovative, it was no surprise that Loki wanted to keep it secret until everything was official. "So that's the reason... Well, it's fine. The backyard here is spacious enough for testing."
Their steps continued, and Riveria spoke again, this time with a thoughtful tone. "If you plan to patent this bicycle design, does that mean you'll be going to Altena?"
Shirou nodded. "Yes. Altena is the center of magic and scientific research in this world. The best place to handle patents and further development." He glanced at Riveria with a hint of curiosity. "By the way, have you ever been there?"
Riveria looked at Shirou briefly before nodding slowly. "I've been to Altena before, long before you joined Loki Familia."
Shirou turned to her with interest. "So, what were your impressions of Altena?"
Riveria paused for a moment, as if recalling her past experiences in the city. "They're very focused and diligent in researching magic and science. The city is filled with people who tirelessly conduct research," she said.
Shirou listened carefully. The description reminded him of the Magi from his world—they, too, were deeply dedicated to magical research, often to the point of neglecting other aspects of their lives.
However, before Shirou could respond, Riveria added in a slightly different tone, "But even though they seemed to respect me outwardly, I'm sure behind the scenes, many mages in Altena actually dislike me."
Shirou frowned. "Huh? Why would that be?" He truly couldn't imagine why anyone would hate Riveria, who was always calm, wise, and respected by many.
Riveria let out a soft sigh and gave a faint smile. "Because I can use nine different spells, while most mages can only master a maximum of three. That makes them envious and resentful."
Shirou nodded, finally understanding the situation. "So they feel threatened and jealous, huh?" He sighed. "The world of magic in Orario isn't so different from the Magi in my homeland."
Riveria glanced at Shirou with a teasing look and a small smile. "If they knew you possessed Magecraft that isn't limited by the number of spells, I'm sure they'd dislike you too."
Shirou shrugged. "In that case, you'll have to keep Magecraft a secret since I've already taught it to you," he replied lightly.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and before they realized it, they had arrived at the Manor's backyard, where the bicycles they had been discussing awaited testing.
On the terrace of the backyard, where the bicycles projected by Shirou were parked alongside Lefiya's pink one, Riveria crossed her arms and stared at them with a serious expression. The cool morning breeze gently swayed the ends of her long, emerald-green hair.
"If it's just the two of you going to Altena, that worries me," she said, her voice firm though not raised.
Shirou, who was checking the bicycle chain, turned and responded casually. "We'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about," he said with a confident smile.
Riveria immediately raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "How can I not worry? You're always trying to hide your strength to appear as a level one adventurer, and Lefiya..." She gave Shirou a sharp look before continuing, "She has magic that exceeds normal limits because of her ability to mimic other Elves' spells. The mages in Altena aren't the type to let something like that slide."
Shirou let out a light sigh. "If anything happens to Lefiya, I won't hesitate to show my power."
His golden-brown eyes gleamed with absolute conviction. He wasn't speaking just to reassure Riveria—he truly believed in his words. If Lefiya were in danger, he would protect her without hesitation, no matter the consequences.
Riveria, who had initially intended to scold him, suddenly fell silent. She felt something strange in her chest. Her heart beat faster than usual, and it wasn't out of anxiety—it was because of Shirou's resolute and confident demeanor.
To mask the sudden nervousness, Riveria adjusted her posture and said with a half-sighing tone, "In that case, there's no other choice. I'll go with you to Altena."
Shirou blinked several times, slightly surprised. "Huh?"
Riveria placed a hand on her hip and gave him an unyielding look. "I can't entrust your safety to just your assumption that 'everything will be fine.' With me there, no one will dare cause trouble."
Shirou stared at her for a moment before finally smiling slightly. "Alright, then... I won't refuse your help."
Riveria nodded in satisfaction, feeling more at ease with her decision. Yet deep down, she knew there was another reason she wanted to go. It wasn't just about ensuring their safety... but also because she didn't want to miss the chance to grow closer to Shirou.
Shirou lightly patted the saddle of one of the bicycles and turned to Riveria with a small nod. "Go ahead and pick. Any of the bikes parked here is yours to use," he said, gesturing toward the row of two-wheeled vehicles.
Riveria stepped slowly toward the bicycles, her eyes scanning each one. "They all look the same," she murmured, then her gaze stopped on the brightly colored one. "Except that pink one... clearly Lefiya's."
Shirou nodded lightly. "Yeah, you're right. Almost all of them are my projections. But the pink one is handmade—Lefiya and I made it together."
Hearing that, Riveria suddenly fell silent. A faint glimmer flashed in her eyes—a feeling she couldn't quite explain, even to herself. Lefiya has a special bike... made by Shirou's own hands, she thought. She bit her lower lip softly, not wanting to show that she felt a slight desire to have something... well, special too.
Though she knew the other bikes were projections that would only last three days, there was a quiet urge within her to have something different from the others, something that felt more... hers. But she also knew she wasn't the type to trouble others, let alone ask Shirou to make a real bike just for her whims.
Yet, an idea emerged. Why not ask Shirou to project a slightly more advanced bike? She knew his ability to create things was extraordinary.
"Shirou," she said softly but firmly. "How about... You make me a slightly different bike? Maybe something more advanced? Just for testing—it's fine if it's only a temporary projection."
Shirou paused for a moment, deep in thought. In his mind, he immediately pictured the old motorcycle belonging to Raiga, a large silver machine with a roaring engine that he used to repair in the past. But... if I summon that now, the engine noise might wake up the entire Manor... he thought with a sigh.
Then his eyes landed on the soft blue top Riveria was wearing that morning. A simple idea came to him. He raised his hand, and a blue light slowly shimmered in the air. Within seconds, a new bicycle appeared before them—blue, matching Riveria's outfit, with a sleek yet elegant design.
Riveria stared at the bike in admiration. "Beautiful... but... it doesn't seem much different from the others," she said, touching the handlebars.
Shirou smiled mysteriously and tapped the side of the handlebar. Clink. A faint mechanical sound rang out. "This one has a more complex gear system. You can adjust it depending on the terrain. I copied the system from high-class racing bikes in my old world."
"Ah, I see..." Riveria looked at him with keen interest. "You still have plenty of surprises up your sleeve, don't you?"
Shirou smirked slightly. "I save the best for those who can handle the speed."
Riveria raised an eyebrow. "You mean me?"
"If not you, then who?" Shirou replied casually.
Riveria's cheeks tinged faintly pink, but she quickly turned away and mounted the blue bike, hiding the smile slowly forming on her lips. "Alright. Show me how fast this 'surprise' can go."
Shirou watched as Riveria settled onto her new blue bike. In a half-teasing tone, he said while straightening his arm, "Want to try it right away? Or... should I hold your shoulders first so you don't fall?" For a moment, he remembered how he had steadied Lefiya when she was nervous and clumsy during her first ride. Back then, he had to support the young Elf girl's shoulders to keep her from wobbling and tumbling onto the grass.
But this was different now.
Riveria let out a soft huff, turning her head with a narrowed yet faintly smiling gaze. "You really underestimate me, don't you?"
And as if to silence Shirou's doubts, Riveria immediately pressed down on the pedal. Click! Click! The sound of the chain and shifting gears echoed as she adeptly changed speeds. With a firm push, her body glided effortlessly around the spacious field. Her long, emerald-green ponytail fluttered in the morning breeze, creating an image of grace and strength.
Shirou could only stare in awe. In his mind, Riveria was usually a calm, intelligent, and dignified figure—a pillar of strength in Loki Familia. But seeing her like this, laughing softly atop the bike, her face bathed in the gentle morning sunlight, a different side of her shone through... something free, mature, and captivating.
Unlike Lefiya, who would blush and panic when she lost balance on the bike, occasionally glancing back to make sure Shirou was still behind her—adorably clingy and cheerful in her innocence.
Two figures so different, yet somehow—both equally captivating in Shirou's eyes.
After several laps and satisfied with the sensation of controlling the bike, Riveria slowed down and turned toward Shirou, who was still watching her.
"Come on. Let's ride around the backyard. The path is long enough for a proper test," she said, nodding toward the trail on the southern side.
"Sure," Shirou replied with a smirk. He then projected an identical blue bike. Bwoom! The light formed the shape of the bicycle, and he quickly mounted it.
With a light push, Shirou caught up to Riveria, who had already started moving slowly. After a few pedals, they were side by side, riding in sync, their wheels creaking softly as they cut through the quiet morning in Twilight Manor's backyard.
The cool air, the scent of dew, and the silence broken only by the sound of bicycle chains and their occasional soft breaths. Shirou couldn't help but indulge it slightly. This morning felt peaceful and beautiful.
As they pedaled leisurely along the misty morning trail, Shirou and Riveria enjoyed their quiet companionship, accompanied only by the creak-creak of the chains and the rustling wind. Then, Riveria glanced at Shirou and said with a soft smile, "Now I'm starting to understand... why the other members of Loki Familia love riding bicycles so much."
Shirou, riding right beside her, turned and nodded slowly. "In my old world, bicycles were part of daily life. Children, adults, even the elderly—everyone used them, whether for school, work, or just leisurely rides."
Riveria raised an eyebrow slightly, her voice filled with curiosity. "Your world sounds much more peaceful than Orario. Here, adventurers risk their lives in the Dungeon almost every day, fighting monsters, bearing wounds, losing comrades... No wonder they're so excited and carefree when trying something as simple as this. These bicycles feel like an escape from the pressure."
Shirou didn't answer immediately. His gaze was fixed on the path ahead, but his mind wandered far. Yes... Japan was peaceful, he thought. The country was bustling with everyday life, yet almost devoid of extreme violence. But that was only one side of his world. He also knew—all too well—about other places. In war-torn regions like the Middle East, the sounds of bombs and gunfire were commonplace. In the alternate life of Shirou Emiya, his other self—Archer—had spent his days traversing battlefields, saving the innocent, and leaving footprints on blood-soaked soil.
But that's in the past, Shirou thought, taking a deep breath. Now, I'm in another world... This world also needs someone to fight for the weak. If Archer could dedicate his life to being a hero, then so can I—in my own way.
"I hope," he said softly, his voice calm yet filled with determination, "that one day, the Dungeon can be completely cleared of monsters... and Orario can enter an era of peace. So no one has to risk their lives every day."
Riveria turned to him, pausing briefly at the weight of his words. Then she smiled—not mocking, but with deep respect. "That's a lofty dream... but I'd never laugh at it. I'll keep supporting you, Shirou. No matter what path you choose."
They continued pedaling along the trail, letting the morning breeze brush their faces and allowing the momentary silence to envelop them in unspoken understanding. In a world of harshness, amidst the threats of the Dungeon and the darkness below, that morning felt like a small fragment of peace—a hope for a better future.
Their pace slowed as the trail gradually descended, revealing a small stone-and-wood building in the distance. The faint sound of trickling water from a nearby gutter reached their ears, and the scent of metal and charcoal greeted them from afar. The forge stood quietly behind the manor, simple yet sturdy—a place where fire and perseverance intertwined.
"Hey, Shirou," Riveria suddenly said, turning to him as she pulled the brakes. "Can we stop for a moment?"
Shirou nodded and slowed down. "Sure. Did something catch your attention?"
They parked their two blue bikes in front of the building. Click. The sound of the kickstands touching the ground, and the two stood side by side, gazing at the slightly ajar wooden door. The warm air from inside contrasted with the cool morning.
Riveria pushed the door open slowly, producing a faint creak from the long-unlubricated hinges. Shirou followed behind, letting the door close gently.
Inside, the atmosphere was different from the simple exterior. The forge wasn't large, but it was neatly organized. The walls were adorned with aligned forging tools, a small unlit furnace, and stacks of raw metal in crates. But Riveria's attention was drawn to one corner—an alchemy table, clean and orderly, with small bottles and handwritten notes.
She approached, her fingers carefully touching the wooden surface. "This... is an alchemy table?" she asked, turning to Shirou.
Shirou nodded. "Yes. Lefiya uses it. When we were experimenting with synthetic materials for bicycle tires, she helped me a lot here. The mixture was made from modified slime carcasses, so the elasticity could approximate modern bicycle tires."
Riveria listened silently, nodding slowly. A thought crossed her mind like a sudden gust of wind—she could take over that role. She had the skills, knowledge, and experience to assist Shirou here. But...
Her eyes lingered on the table, then shifted to another part of the room. She remembered the small storage room where she practiced Magecraft with Shirou. That space felt... like hers. A place where she could be herself, free from the burdens of being a High Elf or Loki Familia's strongest mage. A place where she laughed, complained, and even forgot about the outside world when she was with Shirou.
She didn't want to take everything. This forge... could remain Lefiya's. A place where the young girl shared time and experiences with Shirou, just as she had her own space in the storage room. There was no need for competition. No need for rivalry. Riveria smiled faintly, more to herself, and murmured softly, "This place... suits her."
Shirou turned, catching Riveria's quiet words. "What did you say?"
Riveria shook her head quickly, her long green hair swaying gently. "Nothing. Just thinking... this place feels more alive than I expected." She then walked slowly, quietly admiring the work of Shirou and Lefiya. Deep down, she realized that though their paths were different, the feelings growing within her remained the same.