Chapter 109

He spent his final moments with his family, and after handing over these drafts to them, he passed away peacefully.

After learning about Oripathy and those infected, this open-ended conclusion actually evokes a subtle sadness.

It is a kind of sorrow that is difficult for ordinary people to understand, but that those infected understand very well.

"It really is..."

After flipping through a few more pages and confirming that they were all rather pointless, Shirou closed the book.

These kinds of novels that don't require much brainpower are quick to read; you can finish them in just a few hours.

In comparison, Shirou's progress on Mr. Xue's first book is less than halfway done.

If it weren't for Minmin's constant, death-like appearance, Shirou might have consulted her about the questions in the book.

After all, the Snow Pheasant only has a relatively shallow understanding of these things.

"Have you finished reading? What are your thoughts?"

A-Xing, who was standing next to him, asked while scrolling through his phone.

He's been coming along these past few days, saying he's familiarizing himself with the way so that if Shirou and Ansuo are busy, he can bring them over instead.

But the real purpose was to check the situation here.

It's not that he wanted to say it, but he said that Ansuo is one thing, and it's normal for children to be easily fooled.

But Shirou really does trust others too much.

Take himself as an example. He was trusted after helping out for a few days and was even given the important responsibility of being able to come and go as he pleased and help take care of the cash register.

Even though he's retired from crime, he still looks like a bad guy! Didn't you see how scared the children were at first?

"I don't have any particular thoughts, but I feel like a lot of places have been beautified."

"Put the book on the bookshelf, "Shirou replied.

Although this book is a bestseller, it has been embellished in many ways, especially when describing other people's views on infected people, where the negative aspects are almost glossed over.

"Of course, how can we increase public acceptance if we don't beautify it? Books that are too bloody, dark, and realistic don't meet the public's needs."

Hearing Shirou's words, A-Xing said helplessly.

He himself is one of the masses, so he can understand this level of embellishment.

"I know, after all, it's an inspirational book."

Shirou shrugged and said.

It's not that he dislikes this type of book; in fact, he plans to buy a few and put them in Fuyuki Store for everyone to read.

"Let's not talk about that for now. I've received news that there have been many cases of infected people going missing in the Slums lately. Please keep an eye on things."

We didn't dwell on this topic for too long, since A-Xing didn't understand infected people.

So he changed the subject. He had known about this for a long time, but because it was still a small-scale affair, he hadn't told Shirou.

After all, the channels through which he obtained information were somewhat unusual.

But things are different now. The matter has gradually spread, and the entire Slums is in some chaos as a result.

He needed to give Shirou a heads-up, but he wasn't worried about Shirou getting into trouble; he was more concerned about himself than Shirou.

What he was worried about were the children inside.

Especially those who frequently travel because of appliance repair needs.

So these days, when handing over appliance repair orders, A-Xing usually goes along by himself.

"Huh? An infected person has gone missing?"

Upon hearing A-Xing's words, Shirou frowned slightly.

Like A-Xing, Shirou's first concern was not for himself, but for others.

"Yes, no one knows where they've all gone. If it weren't for the large number of missing people, they might not have been discovered yet."

A-Xing revealed some things, and he has more information than what is circulating outside.

"Didn't the Knights of the Round Table intervene?"

Upon hearing about the large number of missing persons, Shirou's first thought was of the Knights of the Round Table.

After all, they are kind, law-abiding citizens, and the first thing they do when they encounter a problem is to Knights of the Round Table, unless the situation is truly critical.

"The Knights of the Round Table... might not be manpower-efficient, plus the missing are all infected, and from the Slums no less."

Seeing that Shirou seemed to trust the Knights of the Round Table, A-Xing explained in a slightly more tactful tone.

After all, Hoshiguma works for the Knights of the Round Table. If she finds out that I've been talking badly about the Knights of the Round Table, I might have to drink for days.

The kind of wine he paid for.

Thinking about Hoshiguma's drinking capacity and then about his own wallet, A-Xing became more polite in his speech.

"I see."

After hearing what A-Xing said, Shirou could probably understand what the other person meant.

"Ahem, but I can tell you that the Knights of the Round Table actually started investigating a long time ago, but they don't have many people and the progress isn't very fast. They have already stopped some infected people from being taken away."

Seeing that Shirou was starting to doubt himself, A-Xing hurriedly shared some more confidential information with Shirou.

Oh my god, if Shirou suspects the Knights of the Round Table, it won't just be a matter of losing his wallet; he might just be crushed to death.

Although Hoshiguma didn't say it explicitly, she'd gone to such lengths that it's hard to believe A-Xing didn't have designs on Shirou.

"I see."

After learning about these things, Shirou's depressed mood improved considerably.

"Don't mention the rest. I got this information from other places, and it wouldn't be good if it affected the case."

A-Xing said irritably.

Shirou is still too young and doesn't understand the dark side of society.

It's not good to be affected by such a small thing.

But whether it's just my imagination or not, Shirou A-Xing... seems to have gotten taller and stronger?

How could that be? If he remembered correctly, Shirou should have already passed puberty, how could he still be growing taller?

I guess it's because I've spent too much time with children, so when I meet someone taller, I feel like they're tall too.

"Okay, thanks."

Shirou naturally understood this.

He also thought about how A-Xing had been going out frequently lately, probably to handle the kind of work that required him to go out.

After all, A-Xing doesn't usually like going out much, so his recent sudden increase in activity made Ansuo wonder if he was just bored and that's why he's been going out so often.

Regarding the disappearance of infected individuals in the Slums ...

If he didn't know, he wouldn't have cared, but now that he does know, he can't just sit idly by.

Shirou is gradually becoming like a mother hen.

After escorting everyone back to Fuyuki Store with A-Xing, Shirou made all the arrangements and then left.

I've been late for dinner quite a few times lately, and although no one has mentioned it much, Shirou still feels a little embarrassed.

So after explaining to everyone and cooperating with Rhodes Island's treatment and scheduling, I reminded A-Xing and Ansuo to keep the kids from going out too much recently. We'll discuss the rest via group chat later.

Technological advancements have made things quite convenient; many things no longer require face-to-face discussions.

Shirou, who was still using flip phones at the time, sighed in this way.

"Hmm... but this outfit isn't suitable if I want to check on things."

Riding his bicycle on Lungmen Street, Shirou kept thinking about what A-Xing had told him in the office.

Although with Ansuo, A-Xing, and Jie watching over them, the children are unlikely to get involved in this, Shirou is still somewhat worried.

So he decided to investigate a little, since this wasn't the first time he'd done something like this.

Previously, during the Holy Grail War, he often went out at night to investigate matters.

However, considering he needed to investigate the Slums, he should have changed his clothes.

He is currently wearing very simple clothes and pants, as well as a thin jacket with a hood. He usually pulls the hood up when entering or leaving this area.

He didn't want Penguin Logistics to get involved in this.

Similarly, he didn't want Penguin Logistics to get involved with Fuyuki Store.

As for the Holy Shroud, it's basically kept in my backpack. After all, wearing a scarf in this hot weather would be too conspicuous.

Now, besides this outfit, he also wears the Penguin Logistics uniform jacket when he goes out.

If you're going to go deep into the Slums, you'll probably need to change your clothes again.

Even though we're saying we need to replace it, we don't actually need to buy a new one.

Having worked with Penguin Logistics for so long, I've watched quite a few movies and read a lot of Shirou novels along with them.

Every purchase leaves a trace.

But... what's Projection is different. The object comes from his hands, and if necessary, he can directly extract the magic to make it dissipate without leaving a trace.

They are very suitable for doing this kind of thing.

However, if you really want to Projection it, you'll need a template.

"As for clothes... I remember that guy Projection them."

Coincidentally, Shirou remembered a red coat, which Archer had Projection onto him in the past.

Slightly altering the size of the clothes and adding a hood should be enough.

There's no need to worry about weapons; the only concern is how dangerous the Lungmen Slums are at night.

Everything is ready; now Shirou just needs to wait for night to fall.

Right now, let's fill everyone's stomachs first at Penguin Logistics.

He quickened his pace and rode his Shirou back to the dormitory at breakneck speed.

I came back a little earlier today, so the dormitory was empty.

I cleaned it before leaving this morning, so it's quite tidy.

After preparing the ingredients purchased from the market, Shirou began cooking for the day.

Considering that Shirou has been going to the Fuyuki Store a lot lately, he hasn't updated his recipe library for a while and rarely makes desserts as a side dish.

That's why I came back a little earlier today, precisely to make some desserts.

After much consideration, Shirou that what he would make this time was a dessert similar to panna cotta.

This time, instead of using milk powder, I used a black tea bag that Kong had given him a while ago.

It was only when they were discussing birthdays that Shirou realized he had his birthday in April.

It had only been a few days since the discussion began.

This means that Shirou has officially turned eighteen.

Although according to the documents the Emperor issued to him, he should be twenty-one years old.

Because it was a bit sudden, and since Shirou himself hadn't considered it, the Penguin Logistics team didn't plan to hold a belated birthday party. However, they all said they would definitely throw him a big one next year.

But gifts were indispensable. Despite Shirou's request not to spend money, everyone brought things from their own rooms to give to Shirou.

The tea bag that was delivered was a black tea she had just received a while ago. It was a gift from a junior colleague at the company, but after Shirou arrived, she had access to better black tea, so the tea bag had remained unopened. If she hadn't specifically looked for it, she might not have been able to find it.

She originally wanted to take something else, but Shirou said this was fine, so she took it and put it in the kitchen cupboard.

Exusiai's recipe was for an Apple Pie, Shirou accepted but still didn't intend to make.

He didn't want to bake Apple Pie every day; he'd rather leave that to Exusiai herself.

Croissant is simpler; she doesn't have much, just a lot of small odds and ends.

I gave Shirou a souvenir.