Shizuka Is Being Targeted

"Thank you for your cooperation."

"Let's go find that female teacher and try to get an exclusive interview!" the bearded man decided.

"What about that video recording? Should we use it or not?" the man in the baseball cap asked, fiddling with the digital camera.

"Nonsense, delete it! They can just play the live performance video, that's enough." The bearded man waved his hand and made the decision.

"They're finally gone." Shirou watched the men from the TV station leave, and he breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he didn't have to worry about attracting too much attention anymore.

"Shirou, what are those people asking these questions about? What are they filming? What are they doing?" Jeanne d'Arc asked, puzzled.

"Ah, those are people from the TV station, probably making a program," Shirou said.

After all, for Paris, which has been suffering and depressed lately because of the dream world, having some lively events is quite worthwhile to promote. And thinking about it this way, it seems that the female principal has done a lot of public relations work.

I wonder if Teacher Hiratsuka's singing will still have an effect after being broadcast on television.

"A television station? You mean the kind of thing that puts things into that metal box called a television?" Jeanne d'Arc asked, not quite understanding.

"You could say that, but there's a lot of division of labor involved. Just know that if you get interviewed by them, you might end up on TV," Shirou explained.

"Huh? What's so great about being inside that kind of glass?" Jeanne d'Arc was even more confused. Although she had gained some common sense after being summoned to this world, there were still many things she didn't understand.

"Hmm... so it's true that there's nothing to be happy about for you." Shirou nodded. After all, in Europe, and even in the Western world, Jeanne d'Arc was already a symbol of religious culture. Her worldwide fame was probably similar to that of Confucius in China.

Literature, art, television, film, and even politicians use Jeanne d'Arc's story to promote their own ideas; stories about Jeanne d'Arc of Arc can be found all over the world.

Especially in France, it exists as a national symbol.

Throughout history, prominent figures and those in power have promoted Saint Joan of Arc's qualities. Some have championed her nationalism and her spirit of defending her country, while others have praised her loyalty to her Lord and admired her devout religious faith.

Saint Joan of Arc was born in the early 15th century, during the later stages of the Hundred Years' War.

Because France was suffering repeated defeats in the Hundred Years' War, she received a divine revelation in church at the age of 16. After much effort, she successfully predicted the course of the war and gained the opportunity to meet the King. After several twists and turns, she obtained the authority to lead a contingent of soldiers into battle and lifted the Siege of Orléans, which would later determine the course of the war.

Once they joined the army, they were treated like male soldiers. Everyone had their hair shaved short and wore the same armor to the battlefield. They relied on divine revelation to gain the approval of the army leader and lead the soldiers to victory. There was no opportunity to get close to acquaintances.

Although she always formulated a strategy, raised the flag, took the lead in the charge, made Akechi decisions, and achieved incredible victories time and time again.

In just two short years, she went from achieving one miraculous victory after another to being captured and burned at the stake, transforming from a rural girl into one of the most famous legends of medieval Europe. To this day, her tragic death and the spirit embodied in her story are still told and circulated.

It was Joan of Jeanne d'Arc's sacrifice that aroused hostility towards England among all France people and awakened their sense of identity with the concept of the same nation and the same country.

Thus, in the decades that followed, they fought with increasing ferocity, and finally, at the end of the Hundred Years' War, they reclaimed most of the territory that France had lost from England.

As a world-renowned Saintess, Jeanne d'Arc wouldn't have any extra reaction to appearing on television.

"Anyway, that's good. After all, becoming famous would cause trouble in many ways. Jeanne d'Arc, you don't want to be approached and talked to wherever you go, would that be too much trouble?" Shirou said.

"Hmm, that's true." Jeanne d'Arc nodded, seemingly understanding.

What Shirou didn't know was that the video of him and Erina cooking together was filmed by France onlookers and uploaded to YouTube. Several of the videos quickly garnered over 10,000 views.

'The Eastern God of Cookery Flame Cooking Skill.'

'A couple who are both renowned chefs in the country decide their arguments by cooking.'

The culinary master transformed into a soulful singer, reinterpreting classic songs to thunderous applause.

Not long after the people from the TV station left, someone else came looking for them.

This time, two female students from the Paris Branch School walked up to the boy. The petite and cute girl with long, curly black hair stepped forward, followed by the blonde girl with a single ponytail.

"Shirou... Shirou... Shirou ~" The black-haired girl blushed and looked at the boy, speaking in a slightly rolled "r" tone.

The girls in Paris seem to have mastered some kind of profound skill; just by calling someone by their name, the tone of their voice can vary in three different ways.

"What is it?" Shirou placed his hand in front of his chest, blocking the girl's burning gaze, signaling her to stop and not come any closer.

"Um... um..." The girl blushed and awkwardly put her hands down.

"Excuse me, is there something wrong?" Shirou asked the girl helplessly. Her attention-grabbing behavior had attracted more and more onlookers.

"Um... um..." The girl covered her flushed face, but the words just wouldn't come out.

The speaker wasn't in a hurry, but the onlookers were getting incredibly anxious.

"Ugh! Seriously! If you don't tell me, I'm going to tell you for you!" the blonde ponytail girl next to the curly-haired girl shouted unhappily.

"No, no, I can say it! I'll say it!" The curly-haired girl quickly stood on tiptoe, covered her friend's mouth, and said in a panic.

"Go for it!!!" The onlookers silently clenched their fists for the lovely girl, offering their blessings.

"Hey! Shirou!" the curly-haired girl shouted at the boy.

"Is that so?" Shirou replied hesitantly. This French girl was acting strangely; she couldn't speak clearly. Was she a stutterer? He couldn't be rude to her.

So Shirou looked at the curly-haired girl and gently comforted her, saying, "Don't rush, take your time, I'll be here listening to you finish."

'Why don't you just agree already?! It's so obvious, why are you still looking confused?! Don't rush, take your time!' What on earth is going on?! The surrounding crowd thought of crows flying and a Divine Beast of alpacas running past, and they were all about to rush forward and yell at the boy.

"Thank you... Shirou!" The curly-haired girl's face seemed to turn even redder. She felt a warm glow in her heart, deeply moved, but she couldn't let such a good boy wait any longer.

The girl mustered her courage and asked the question she wanted to ask.

"Shirou! Are you coming to cook again tomorrow?! I'm the manager of the Cooking Club, and I'd like to invite you to the Culinary Department to exchange ideas with everyone, and of course, to taste and evaluate each other's dishes, hehehe." The curly-haired girl revealed her foodie nature as she spoke, drooling uncontrollably.

Upon hearing what the girl said, Shirou suddenly realized that the blonde girl next to him was the female chef from the Culinary Department who had participated in the cooking competition with him that day.

"Ah, I see. That's fine. As planned, I should also have an archery demonstration, but I'm free the rest of the time. Thank you for the invitation. Actually, I learned a lot from tasting everyone's food today." Shirou nodded in agreement.

"Really? Thank you so much!" The girl with curly black hair said gratefully, wiping the drool that was about to spill from her mouth.

"Great! That means we can eat Shirou and Erina's cooking together again tomorrow!!!" The black curly-haired girl turned around and hugged her best friend with a blonde ponytail.

"Yes, yes, watch your image, you're about to drool again. Let's go back and let everyone know," the blonde ponytail reminded her friend.

"Hehe, well then, Shirou, goodbye~!" The girl with curly black hair smiled happily, waved to the boy, and then took her friend's hand and walked towards the Culinary Department students.

The onlookers around them froze as if they had choked, then looked very annoyed, covered their faces, and turned away angrily.

"What have I been standing here for all this time for?"

"From now on, if I ever see a girl running up to someone with a blushing face, I'll slap her!"

"Huh? What's wrong with them?" Shirou looked around at the people in confusion. They all had expressions that said they no longer believed in love. What was going on?

"Don't ask me, hmph!" Jeanne d'Arc turned her head away unhappily. If that girl hadn't left so sensibly, she would have wanted to set her on fire! Honestly, she didn't know why, but every girl she met in the outside world made her feel a little annoyed.

Chapter 199 Shizuka is Targeted

Meanwhile, Shizuka Hiratsuka was being watched by a group of strange people.

"Eh? Me, a singer? Haha, you're joking." Shizuka Hiratsuka laughed and waved her hand, indicating that it was impossible.

The person speaking to her was a man in a flashy suit and sunglasses, who handed Shizuka Hiratsuka a business card.

"Please don't refuse yet, this is my business card."

Shizuka Hiratsuka took the business card and was startled. "Huh? The company behind Super Sonico? Really?!"

"Seriously, if you agree to sign now, I can guarantee an immediate promotional campaign, ensuring it'll be a bestseller, at least in Paris. Then we can export it and then sell it domestically; the music market in our country is also very promising. With your amazing singing ability, you could become a superstar in less than three years, and with a little effort, performing at the Red and White Song Festival during the New Year wouldn't be a dream!" The man nodded, bluffing as he spoke.

"Impossible, no way! I'm not that old for high school idols!" Shizuka Hiratsuka waved her hands.

"No, no, it would be a waste not to showcase your beauty and youth. Even if you're not an idol, you could still be a pure singer, so..."

"No, and besides, I also have the honorable profession of teacher," Shizuka Hiratsuka said, stepping back.

"It's okay! You can even work as a teacher. Once you become a singer, you'll be able to meet famous singers and actors." The talent scout in sunglasses continued, unwilling to give up on this gem of a person.

"Gulp." Shizuka Hiratsuka swallowed hard. She wouldn't admit that she had felt a flutter in her heart for a moment just now.

"Don't listen to him! Sony, that nouveau riche, isn't for you. Our Warner Music is the best choice for you!" Just then, another group of people ran over.

The leader snapped his fingers, and the people behind him handed over a bank card and a contract with a pen attached.

"Sign her, and the 500,000 yuan signing fee in this bank card is yours! The stars he talks about, our Warner Music will always pay more, never less."

"No... to be honest, I don't really have much of an ambition to become a singer. My ideal job is to be a teacher, like in Great Teacher Onizuka)!" Shizuka Hiratsuka clenched her fist and said passionately.

"What nonsense are you talking about! Once you become famous, you can always go back to teaching if you want! But the opportunity to become famous may only come once in your life, so hurry up and sign it." The wealthy and arrogant man tried to grab Shizuka Hiratsuka's hand and said.

"Hey! What are you trying to do, grabbing my hand? I already said I'm not signing, can't you understand me?" Shizuka Hiratsuka stared coldly at the man, clenching her fists, ready to explode.

At this moment, a group of elderly men and women rushed up.

"Sir, that's extremely rude of you."

"As a gentleman, you shouldn't make such a rude request of a lady."

At this moment, the French elderly people rushed over and stopped the man who was harassing Shizuka Hiratsuka, in fact saving the man's life by half.

"No, thank you for your kindness, but I refuse," Shizuka Hiratsuka said calmly, shaking off the man's hand.

"Well said! Ladies and gentlemen, could you please be quiet for a moment? She shouldn't be in the filthy entertainment industry, but should instead dedicate herself to God's reward."

Just then, a kind-looking, seemingly very devout clergyman, holding a Bible, walked towards Shizuka Hiratsuka with a smile. He was the local priest and wanted to invite Shizuka Hiratsuka to join the family of this faith.

He swore that the woman before him was absolutely perfect to be a nun who would dedicate her life to the Lord.

"Father Allen C., let it go. Jing is such an outstanding girl. Back home, there's no way she'd become nun if she wanted to pursue such a wonderful boy."

A Puritan stepped forward and blocked the priest's path, saying with a smile.

"Let's go!" The elderly couple winked at Shizuka Hiratsuka.

"What! That guy actually wants me to become nun? Nun can never marry?! What a vicious guy!" Shizuka Hiratsuka glared fiercely at the priest. If no one was around, she would have really wanted to grab him and beat him up, but she decided to slip away.

Having summoned Marta through possession, Shizuka Hiratsuka transformed into a Black Shadow and instantly fled the area.

The boy who witnessed this scene asked curiously, "Hmm? What's wrong with Teacher Hiratsuka?"

"Did you eat something bad?" Jeanne d'Arc of Arc, who was eating a pastry with both hands, asked with a puzzled look.

At that moment, the boys from the Chiba Branch School found the boy and waved and called out to him.

"Hey, Shirou, come help me out!"

"Okay!" Shirou replied, then turned to the silver-haired girl and said, "Jeanne d'Arc, you can explore the academy by yourself. I'll come help you."

"Oh, I know, I know! Shirou, if you want to go, go ahead. You don't need to tell me all this. It's not like I can't take care of myself." Jeanne d'Arc waved her hand impatiently and walked away to find something interesting to do, wandering around.

Shirou ran towards his classmate, and upon closer inspection, he noticed that the classmate was carrying a long piece of wood.

Shirou stepped forward and asked, "What is this for?"

"Didn't the teacher tell you? The performances are all over, but there's a bonfire party tonight. It doesn't seem like this is a tradition here, so we'll have to set it up," the boy said, pointing to the open space near the boys' dormitory.

"I see. Where is the timber?" Shirou asked.

"Go straight up this way, the warehouse is the one with the door open. The other men are also heading this way, you'll know where they're coming from. The timber we need has already been selected, we just need to move it to the muddy square in front and stack it up," the boy said, pointing in the direction.

"I understand," Shirou said.

"Oh, please, a man who never says no!" the boy said, giving a thumbs up.

"What's with this nickname?" Shirou muttered, but still headed up to the storeroom.

After walking for a short while, I saw two familiar faces. They were carrying a long wooden plank towards me. It looked like they were trying to light up the entire square with such a long plank.

"Hey, that's great! The warehouse is in that building over there, right?"

"Oh, Shirou, yes, it's up there," said the man in front.

"Shirou, you're just in time. Teacher Hiratsuka seems to be trying to carry the wooden planks over by herself. The rest are very heavy and long planks, and she definitely can't lift them. Hurry up and go help her."

Inside the warehouse, the long-haired female teacher, who had been hiding to avoid those troublesome people, came to help.

At this moment, she rolled up her sleeves, squatted down, and struggled to hoist a piece of wood, about two meters long and so long that it would take an adult man's two hands to wrap around it, onto her shoulder.

Shirou quickly went forward and helped lift the nearly 100-pound piece of wood from behind the teacher.

"Oh, Shirou, you're here. No need for help, I can manage on my own." Shizuka Hiratsuka said, carrying the timber and standing up, looking quite relaxed.

"Teacher... even if you can lift it up because of Marta, if you carry it out like that, it will scare a lot of people," Shirou said with a laugh.

"It really is! Luckily you arrived in time." Shizuka Hiratsuka finally realized what was happening and said in surprise, looking at the boy with relief.

However, if she were to actually do that, perhaps talent scouts, priests, and elderly people alike would be too afraid to approach her.

"Shirou, I need to discuss something... This time, I'll carry the timber on your shoulders and then support you from behind, is that alright?" Shizuka Hiratsuka suggested softly, feigning gentleness.

"No, that would just look stupid, so you'd better just help carry it, teacher," Shirou said mercilessly.

"Oh..."