Abnormality In Type-Moon: Madness Of Animeverse

In the quiet expanse of the Aozaki residence, the morning sun had yet to fully grace the skies. Sitting on the veranda, Roy sipped his tea leisurely.

Around him, the household bustled, each person attending to their respective duties, creating a fleeting semblance of peace. Yet Roy wasn't fooled by this illusion of tranquility. This calm was but the eye of the storm—an interlude after the chaos of two consecutive skirmishes the night before.

He knew better.

This Holy Grail War was a life-or-death gamble, and he had long resolved to see it through, no matter how perilous or hopeless it became.

"Hey, Ai. Why don't you join me for a bit?"

Hearing soft footsteps behind him, Roy turned to see Ai Hayasaka, clad in an apron. He waved her over with a warm smile.

"But… breakfast isn't ready yet."

Ai hesitated, a hint of conflict flashing across her expression.

"Isn't there anyone else in the kitchen?"

"Lady Rin is still there."

"Then it's fine. Don't let her title fool you—Rin's a culinary master. She can handle breakfast on her own."

Roy's casual assurance left Ai with no room to refuse. Removing her apron, she sat down on the veranda, maintaining a respectful distance of two seats between them. The space created a subtle barrier, enough to hint at a sense of formality but not overtly rude.

"How are you finding your stay here, Ai?"

"It's been wonderful," she replied earnestly.

"Anything bothering you?"

"Not at all. As a refugee, staying here is already a luxury. Many others don't even have this chance."

Her response was polished, an artful blend of humility and gratitude—a perfectly calculated reply.

"Is that really how you feel?"

"Of course."

Ai nodded firmly, her composure unwavering.

Roy leaned back slightly, swirling his tea as he murmured under his breath, "I see…"

His head dipped as he sipped his tea, making it hard for Ai to read his expression.

"I was thinking," Roy continued after a moment, "if staying here is too stressful for you, once the Holy Grail War ends, I could arrange for you to leave with Rin…"

"...Huh?"

The words caught Ai off guard. Her eyes widened, and for a brief second, her polished demeanor crumbled into unfiltered surprise. Regret quickly followed, mingling with confusion.

"What's wrong?" Roy looked up, his face a picture of genuine puzzlement.

"Ah, it's nothing."

Ai forced a smile, attempting to brush past her lapse. But internally, she cursed herself for fumbling such an opportunity.

Roy, on the other hand, burst out laughing.

Watching him laugh so freely only deepened Ai's embarrassment. Realization dawned on her, and she suddenly felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

"Roy-sama… You weren't teasing me just now, were you?"

"Absolutely."

Roy's candid admission left Ai momentarily stunned.

Though polite and soft-spoken, Roy wasn't above a bit of mischief. He wasn't a split personality—his personality had only been tempered, not replaced.

"Honestly, Ai, you've worked with magi before. You should know how observant we are," Roy said with a playful smirk. "Even though Aoko is exceptional in this regard, neither I nor Rin nor even Illya would struggle to see through your thoughts."

"…Fine, I surrender."

Ai let out a long sigh, rubbing her forehead in mock defeat. For the first time since she arrived, her carefully constructed facade cracked slightly, revealing a hint of vulnerability.

This was a new side of Ai.

Unlike her usual perfectionist demeanor—completing tasks flawlessly and without complaint—this brief display of humanity made her seem more approachable. Until now, she'd been a mechanical maid, performing her duties with unwavering diligence, her true feelings buried beneath a mask of obedience.

"Not keeping up the act anymore?" Roy teased lightly.

"Well, it's pointless now, isn't it?" Ai shrugged, her tone half-resigned, half-relieved. "If I keep pretending, it'll just make me look ridiculous."

Her shoulders relaxed, and the rigid posture she maintained finally softened. She exuded the kind of ease she only allowed herself in private—like unwinding after a long day of serving Kaguya-sama.

Ai had always worn her facade like armor.

Unlike Utaha Kasumigaoka, who wore her emotions openly, Ai was far more guarded. She was sharp, calculating every word and action to protect herself in an unfamiliar world brimming with dangers—both magical beasts in the wild and unscrupulous magi in the city.

This survival instinct led her to maintain a protective layer of obedience and detachment. Yet ironically, this very sharpness often alienated her from others. In contrast, Utaha's sincerity had allowed her to bond with Roy effortlessly.

"Still, my offer stands," Roy said, his tone calm and reassuring. "If you want to leave, you're free to do so."

Ai's cautious gaze softened at his words, and she allowed herself a small, genuine smile.

"Would you really let your 'perfect maid' go so easily, Roy-sama?" she quipped, her playful tone carrying a hint of mischief.

"Of course. Do I look like the kind of tyrant who'd cling to someone else's maid?" Roy's grin widened, effortlessly deflecting her playful jab.

Then, his tone shifted.

"But if Rin were to move in here… what would you do?"

The lightness drained from Ai's face as the implication hit her.

If Rin really did move in with Roy, where would that leave her?

Her heart sank.

Though currently only a guest, Ai had nudged Rin toward Roy the night before, encouraging her to visit his room. She hadn't expected her maneuvering to come back and trap her like this.

Now, it seemed like her cleverness had dug her into a hole.

She was stuck, and she knew it.

═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═

patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator

🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.

https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y