I'm Not A Master, I'm A Director (Type-Moon Fanfiction) - Chapter 40: Going Back

As the 56th Cannes Film Festival came to a close, the promotional team for Fate/Stay Night, which Shinji was a part of, received an invitation to the closing ceremony from the organizers.

Unlike the lackluster opening ceremony, the roaring success of Fate/Stay Night during the film festival exhibition made the organizers pay a lot of attention to the crew.

The staff who brought the invitation to Shinji and his team were very respectful.

The stark difference in attitude before and after this success made Shinji truly realize the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry.

For the sake of Fate/Stay Night’s promotion, Shinji didn’t engage in any provocative or embarrassing behavior that is often seen in light novels.

Instead, he attended the closing ceremony of the film festival with Waver and Rin.

However, for Shinji, the closing ceremony was as boring as the opening ceremony.

Apart from the host’s special thanks to Fate/Stay Night for adding luster to the festival, there was nothing that could capture Shinji’s attention.

As for the award ceremony, where grand prizes might be won, Shinji and his Fate/Stay Night team were just spectators.

Unlike the Oscars, where a single film could sweep the awards, the Cannes Film Festival’s jury preferred to spread the awards around, with very few films dominating the awards.

But what did that have to do with Shinji?

Fate/Stay Night wasn’t going to win any awards, and Shinji didn’t know any of the nominated films.

Throughout the ceremony, Shinji felt that he’d have been better off sleeping in his hotel room.

If he had to choose, Shinji believed that the closing film was much more interesting than the closing ceremony.

At least, it was Charlie Chaplin’s classic film “Modern Times.”

After enduring what felt like imprisonment at the closing ceremony, the 56th Cannes Film Festival officially ended. Shinji, who had successfully completed his mission, could finally go home with a smile on his face.

In the days that followed, Shinji and Waver participated in more negotiations, reaching agreements with more overseas distributors.

Even though the Time Group had a strong global distribution network, there were regions it couldn’t cover, notably Asia, where local film markets often didn’t favor imported films, believing their own productions were superior.

Shinji then reflected on his journey. He had learned that even in a world where film critics were not enthusiastic about a film, the enthusiasm of the audience could drive its success. He also noticed the emergence of a trend in the film industry towards special effects films, a trend he was proud to have initiated.

Despite some distributors not being interested in Fate/Stay Night, Shinji’s efforts had already paid off, as the revenue from selling the movie through buyouts far exceeded the production costs.

Shinji came to understand the unpredictability of the entertainment industry, and he was content with the success he had achieved.

As they returned to Japan, Shinji received a warm welcome from his family, including his younger sister Illya, who was excited about his return. She asked, “Onii-chan, Shinji is coming back today, right?”

Emiya Shirou, holding Illya’s hand, looked a bit helpless as he pressed the doorbell.

“Of course, , we’re going to celebrate tonight as a family for Shinji’s return after selling the film at a good price in Cannes.”

Shirou scratched his cheek and replied, “But Shinji didn’t even remind us when they are supposed to arrive in Fuyuki City. Even if he’s afraid of a plane delay, he could at least give us a rough estimate…”

“Welcome, Emiya Shirou.”

Shirou quickly looked up when he heard Arturia’s greeting.

“It’s Saber, huh? You-pfft!!!”

Seeing Arturia in her maid outfit, Shirou lost his sense of direction within the dimensions.

Even Illya, upon seeing Arturia in that attire, had her eyes light up, excitedly wagging her ears like a cat.

“So- so cool! Illya wants to wear this beautiful dress too!”

“No, no, Illya, you don’t need to.”

Shirou quickly pulled his little sister away to prevent her from going down the wrong path.

“Shirou, Illya, please come in.”

Arturia, unperturbed by her appearance, welcomed the two guests into the house, just like a real maid.

“Okay, I understand.”

Shirou was so overwhelmed that he forgot to ask Arturia the reason for her attire and simply followed her obediently.

“Emiya Shirou, Illya Einzbern, please have a seat in the living room.”

After leading them to the living room, Arturia didn’t linger and went straight into the kitchen.

Shirou peeked into the kitchen and saw Arturia stirring a pot with a spoon. He recognized the slightly spicy aroma of Mapo Tofu sauce.

“Sakura, what’s going on here?!”

Completely bewildered, Shirou confronted the lady of the Matou family.

“Shut up, senpai. This is the most exciting moment.”

Sakura didn’t hesitate to pull Shirou aside, gesturing for him not to block her camera lens.

“This is perfect material for extorting an allowance from my Onii-sama. Please don’t disturb it,” Sakura warned in a very serious tone.

“What’s all this chaos about?” Shirou became even more perplexed.

“Young man, you just need to wait quietly.”

“Kirei, you’re here too-pfft!!! What’s going on with you now?!”

Seeing Kotomine Kirei, who had already set the white tablecloth on the dining table, Shirou burst into laughter for the second time today.

Kotomine Kirei, holding a spoon, replied, “I’m just receiving treatment, that’s all.”

“Hey, your saliva is dripping.”

Shirou didn’t know where to begin with his commentary.

Arturia, who was still making Mapo Tofu in the kitchen, complained at this moment, “Honestly, saying ‘eating Mapo Tofu can cure May sickness’… Kirei, do you really get May sickness from this dish? Speaking of ingredients, it’s no different from regular Mapo Tofu, except for an excessive amount of chili-cough cough, it’s really spicy.”

“This- this, well… it hurts… my stomach hurts, and my chest, and I’m feeling weak all over.”

Shirou was truly lost in this bewildering situation.

Kirei suddenly clutched his stomach and feigned illness with an indifferent tone.

‘This guy… he’s using any means necessary to get that Mapo Tofu.’

Seeing this scene, Shirou could only offer an awkward but polite smile.

“I wonder if this guy wants to eat Mapo Tofu or just wants to see others make a dish he doesn’t like. His switch has been completely flipped. Does Shinji know what he’s doing?”

Shirou turned around and saw Archer leaning against the wall, his tone seemingly detached from the situation.

“Why don’t you guys explain this?” Shirou detected a certain amusement in EMIYA’s eyes.

EMIYA smirked, “Why would we when it’s so entertaining?”

“You guys…” Shirou sighed and massaged his temples. He absolutely wouldn’t admit that he was looking forward to Shinji’s return, no way!

In the kitchen, Sakura continued to record Arturia while giving her directions.

“Quick! Speak to the camera like a newlywed wife inviting her husband to eat!”

“Sakura, does this even make sense?”

Arturia looked at her inquisitively.

Sakura continued her nonsense, “Oh dear, since Onii-sama has been away for almost half a month. His May sickness must be quite severe. We need strong medicine to cure it!”

“I- I understand…”

Arturia took a deep breath, emulating the shy demeanor of a female lead from a shoujo manga borrowed from Rin. She covered her face with a spoon, pretending to be bashful.

“Dinner is almost ready, darling…”

“Amazing!!”

Sakura excitedly waved her fists and laughed triumphantly.

“With this, Onii-sama will definitely be overjoyed!”

“Hey, Sakura. You know your voice might get recorded like that, right?”

Unfortunately, Sakura was too engrossed in her own world to heed Arturia’s warning.

“What should I use next? A sexy swimsuit, perhaps? But Saber’s figure won’t work for that… How about a fancy gown… No, no, that probably won’t move Onii-sama’s heart…”

Faced with Sakura’s rapid, self-directed rambling, Arturia sighed in resignation.

Only Kirei remained seated at the dining table, silently wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth.

“Is the Mapo Tofu… not ready yet?”

Just as the situation in the Matou household’s kitchen was spiraling out of control, the doorbell finally rang.

“I’m back.”

Shinji’s voice came through the intercom into the room.

“Master!!”

‘Oh no! I forgot about my most important patient!’

Arturia’s ahoge instantly stood on end. She placed the Mapo Tofu randomly on the table and then dashed towards the door.

“Master, you must be safe and sound! Wait for me; I’ll make sure you recover your health!”

As she reached the front door, Arturia placed her hands on her knees and revealed the sweet smile she had been taught by Sakura countless times, directed towards Shinji Matou outside the door.

“Master! Welcome back!”

Shinji, standing at the door, was momentarily stunned by Arturia’s maid outfit. However, unlike Shirou, the well-traveled Shinji quickly regained his composure and energetically greeted Arturia.

“Arturia, long time no see. Did you miss me?”

His mood was excellent due to the profits he had made in Cannes this time.

Seeing Shinji so lively, Arturia breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s great; it seems your May sickness has already improved, Master.” Arturia smiled and patted her chest. “Not having your magic circuits exhausted is truly a relief.”

Shinji raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Magic circuits exhausted? Saber, what kind of curse are you wishing on me? Do you really dislike your Master that much?”

“Huh? Uh…?”

Arturia’s ahoge wobbled twice.

Shinji, noticing something amiss in Arturia’s endearing demeanor, furrowed his brow and detected that something was off.

“Tell me, what’s going on?”

So, Arturia quickly explained the “May sickness” to Shinji, painting it as a terrifying ailment.

And then, Shinji promptly dismissed it.

“May sickness is not the kind of illness you’re worried about, Arturia!” Shinji chuckled and waved his hand. “And someone as diligent and hardworking as me, how could I possibly get May sickness? Illya is the only troublemaker around here.”

“…”

Seeing Arturia blush, becoming utterly embarrassed, Shinji immediately stopped laughing.

“Uh, Arturia didn’t mean it like that… Um, what are you doing?”

Arturia, trembling all over, quietly closed the front door, blocking Shinji outside.

“Sorry, Master. You might have to wait a little while to get inside.”

Arturia turned around and gave Shinji a smile devoid of any warmth. Then, with one hand holding the shining Excalibur, she marched into the Matou residence with determination.

On that day, a massive pillar of light rose in the residential area of Fuyuki City.

According to post-incident investigations, this explosion was caused by a gas leak.