FHA Sakura-san lately (EN)

I quickly set the tray down while in retreat mode. “Yes... And thank you for the tea. I am particularly grateful for the chocolate truffles.” “Eh? Oh, that was my apology to Fuji-nee for misbehaving... Wait...” I hear footsteps approaching. And they aren't just passing by, they've stopped right in front of the room. “Saber-san, can we?” “!!” S-Sakura...!? Crap, this isn't gonna be funny...! “Saber. Some of your purchases got mixed up with mine...” Furthermore, if Rider's around, then we're way past just not being funny, it'll be outright frightening...! “――――――” “――――――!!” Our eyes meet for but a brief moment. There is no time for words. To avoid trouble, we only have a single choice...! ...I hide inside the closet. Not much of a hiding spot, but there's no other place that could possibly conceal a grown man around here. “We're coming in, Saber-sa..................” ...It's only natural that she'd be at a loss for words. Especially when being greeted in the nude. “......?!?!?!” ...Looks like it's taking a while for panic to set in... Saber is like a museum exhibit that Sakura's observing from different angles. “..................” She really should hurry up and put something on. Even Rider seems to be having a hard time. “Oh, to forget about La Fleur, of all things... I appreciate it, Sakura.” “Oh, no problem... But, um, before that! How... are you so thin?” “Huh?” “Despite the fact that, every single day, you have seconds, and you never fail to have a snack at 10 and 3!? It's not fair!” ......Um. I've got a feeling she just asked something she shouldn't have. “Are you not quite the glutton yourself, Sakura?” “It's not that I'm envious because you can eat so much! A-And besides, I do eat a fair amount when it tastes good, but then I have to worry about dieting every time, too.” “Sakura, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I will offer you a piece of advice.” “You do have a secret technique, don't you!?” “A person that enjoys their food without worry ends up having a far more delicious meal.” “I'm telling you, I can't!” However, Sakura doesn't look like she's gained any weight. Girls sure are complicated. “Look, there's no flab on your upper arms, your stomach is nice and flat, even your ribs stick out a little...” “Could it be that you have mastered some secret British dieting technique!? Or are you secretly doing aerobic exercises every day!?” “You speak as if it would be considered foul play.” “That is not it, Sakura. I simply cannot gain weight.” “――――――――――” A straight answer, like a powerful fast ball. And, like a batter that struck out, Sakura is frozen stiff. “My body stopped growing the moment I pulled the sword from the stone. For that reason, no matter how extravagant the meal, I will never gain weight, yet I can go on without a single slice of bread and never lose any.” “...Yes. While it left me unable to attain the dignity and physique worthy of a king, I felt it was quite convenient on the battlefield during times of war. However, now that I am also unable to ever reach the splendor of a woman in full bloom, I am starting to feel but a tinge of――― ―――Sakura? Are you listening?” I see. So that's what it was. I mean, really, even I thought it was kind of strange. “...Rider, what is wrong with Sakura?” “You would do well to think more about the power of your own words, Saber.” “...It is certainly unusual. The fact that the beings known as Servants are not bound by the rules of this world should be well-known to the Masters. There is nothing to be surpri―――” “You will grow strong, Sakura. Strong enough to not lose to this thick-skinned Servant.” “........................” “I am no stranger to a body complex myself. I understand your sorrow like my own.” “...Ri...der...?” “Starting tonight, let us go on a diet. I will help too. Every night, getting out of the bath, I shall mark my weight on a graph, and calculate my calorie intake.” “Ri...d...er...” “It is all right. I will always be by your side, Sakura.” “Rider, your body never changes either, does it?” “........................” N-Nothing escapes a girl's eye, eh, Sakura!? “Rider... It can't be...” “Yes, I was silent until now, but...” “Even you... You're lying, right?” “Since I am a Servant, it does not matter how much I eat... I won't get any taller than this.” Wait, were they talking about height? “T...r...a...i...t...o...r......” “Now why would Sakura be petrified? Your Mystic Eyes did not―――” “Do not worry. Lately, she has been going into a petrified state as a means of coping with shock.” “...Oho. Her body aligns itself with the Servant?” ...I see. I don't know how much of that was meant seriously, but from now on, I'll have to be careful to avoid causing her to petrify. “I see. Although I did not have any ill intentions.” Nope, just told her the cruel truth, that's all. “We shall get going then.” “Take care of yourselves.” “........................ .................. ............ ...Oof.” “S-Sakura has become quite a burden!” “Oh, no, this is normal, perfectly normal―――!” ...Have they left? I can come out now――― “Ah..................” ―――As if! “It is absolutely charming to see how well those two get along.” “Anyway, just put something on... ―――That's right, the armor.” “I see, indeed.” Finally, Saber's appearance has settled down. Rather, it's me who can now take a breath. While my mind has relaxed somewhat, I voice a random thought that just occurred to me. “Saber. About the swimsuit from before.” “Right.” “There ought to be a more suitable place to show it off. How about we go to the pool in Shinto sometime?” “.....................” Quite out of character. Scratching my cheek, I force it out. “Um, I mean... I heard a new pool opened in Shinto, so...” A brief pause. Then Saber, after taking in a quick breath, “Yes, I will gladly accompany you.” Just like that, a pool date promise has been made.