Chapter 110
But if Shirou remembers correctly, this item seems to be one of the goods that Croissant has been stuck with for a long time.
It has little commemorative value, but it's sold for an extremely high price, so it hasn't sold for a long time.
It has now fallen into Shirou's hands and is being displayed in the living room as a decoration.
Texas sent... a combat dagger with a scabbard.
It looked quite sharp, Shirou immediately recognized it as the short sword that Texas had often used before.
It wasn't meant to be used as a primary weapon, but rather to be concealed on one's person and drawn out for attack when necessary.
It seems like it hasn't been used for a while, and with Texas's recent tactical changes, this short sword is just gathering dust.
They said that instead of leaving it there, it would be better to put it together with Shirou's Projection products.
After all, as Shirou practiced Projection more and more, the table was filled with weapons of all sizes, and Shirou even bought a shelf to put some of the more important swords on it.
As for the Texas dagger, Shirou didn't put it with the other Projection items, but instead placed it in an inner compartment of his backpack.
However, I doubt we'll ever need it. If we really need it, we can just Projection it directly.
So it's just something to keep for peace of mind.
"Making only tea jelly feels a bit monotonous... how about adding coffee jelly?"
Looking at the black tea bags simmering in the pot, Shirou felt that making only tea jelly wasn't enough.
Sora, Exusiai, and Croissant probably wouldn't mind, but Texas would likely prefer coffee.
After looking around, I found the instant coffee packets that Texas used to drink, so Shirou brewed a small pot of coffee in it.
Soak the gelatin sheets in water until softened, then pour in the water used to soak the gelatin sheets, mix well, and refrigerate in a container.
You can adjust the sugar content and flavor according to your personal taste during the trip.
It's... very lazy and very convenient.
After refrigerating the tea jelly and coffee jelly, Shirou began preparing dinner.
"Haha, I smell it! It's the smell of sugar!"
Just as Shirou was preparing the ingredients, Exusiai rushed into the kitchen and shouted.
She rushed in because she smelled something sweet and wanted to grab an iced drink from the fridge.
Upon opening the refrigerator, Exusiai immediately noticed the tea jelly and coffee jelly stored in several containers underneath.
Exusiai has extensive knowledge of desserts, immediately recognized what these desserts were.
Just as she reached out to touch it, Shirou said from the side:
"Desserts can only be eaten after meals."
The tone of voice was as if warning a disobedient child.
Startled Exusiai quickly withdrew her hand, grabbed the can of soda she had initially intended to take, and closed the refrigerator door.
I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I feel like Shirou is gradually turning from a mother into an old woman.
Give me back the kind-hearted Shirou!
Oh, so they've been assimilated by Penguin Logistics? Never mind then.
Exusiai immediately realized that it might be because she and Croissant were too naughty that Shirou was evolving in the wrong direction.
If this continues, it feels like sooner or later Shirou will use his Projection ability to pull out a stick and chase after them to beat them up.
She didn't want that kind of future to happen!
"?"
Exusiai watched as Shirou walked out with a drink, looking terrified, and expressed his incomprehension.
I just unconsciously used a tone that sounds like I 'Exusiai doesn't like that?
Shirou understood then, and from then on Exusiai used this tactic whenever she caused trouble.
I just don't know if it will work for Croissant.
While pondering this question, Shirou prepared to put the prepared ingredients into the pot.
Soon, dinner appeared on Penguin Logistics' table.
For some reason, the way the others were looking at him seemed a little strange.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Shirou asked with an innocent look on his face.
"Cough cough, it's nothing, it's nothing."
Upon hearing Shirou's question, Croissant coughed awkwardly twice in response.
The others nodded in agreement.
The reason she was giving Shirou a subtle look just now was because the group had been quietly discussing the new topic brought up by Exusiai.
This refers to the issue of Shirou gradually becoming like a mother hen.
As well-behaved children, Sora and Texas naturally didn't have this problem, Croissant didn't feel much about it.
However, the topic sounded very interesting, so even though the others didn't think there was any problem, they still discussed it with Exusiai.
When it comes to chatting, you don't need to know too much, as long as it's interesting.
That's why when the others looked at Shirou just now, their first thought was of Shirou holding a spatula and cursing.
It's a bit strange, but it also seems quite normal?
"Let's eat. You've been busy all day."
Texas quickly changed the subject, also banishing the thoughts from her mind.
If things continue like this, she'll eventually be called by the name Shirou.
Look at the previous one called Mama Emiya, who stuffed a spicy bacon pie into a bunch of Apple Pie. I almost cried after eating it.
She didn't want to eat weird-flavored Pocky or have dinner.
Shirou knew exactly what she was afraid of.
Those things that angered and frightened the Siracusa.
"Indeed, I'll be busy lately, so I need to replenish my nutrition quickly."
Following Texas's words, Kong sighed and said.
"Hmm? We're going on a long drive?"
Upon hearing Sora's words, Shirou assumed that there would be another long-distance mission soon, and he would have to inform the shop if there was.
"No, right? It should be Kong's own business."
Exusiai was the main force in delivering the goods, thought for a moment and realized that she hadn't received any information of this kind recently, so it should be her responsibility.
Given this timing... it must be something related to the idol industry.
"That's right. There will be rehearsals for a while, and I won't be able to keep up with any long-distance trips. I might not even be able to come back to the dorm... It makes me sad just thinking about it."
As she spoke, Kong began to feel sad as she looked at the food in front of her.
The thought of the healthy meals the company would provide for her made her sad.
Since these meals were made to maintain a good figure and health, the taste was rather... unpleasant.
She could tolerate it before, but now... she wanted to ask Shirou if he could make her an extra bento box to bring over.
However, it was just a thought, since it would be too much trouble for Shirou, and Shirou might not be able to come in during the rehearsal.
"I see. But if Sora hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten that you also have an idol job."
Listening to the conversation Exusiai and Sora, Shirou suddenly remembered Sora's idol status.
You can't blame him for forgetting, since Kong reports to the dormitory almost every day, so he just forgot about it.
"Hehe, after all, the workload was relatively light before. Now we're going to get busy, the conference will last for quite a while."
Kong briefly explained his situation.
"It's alright, we'll come to see you often, don't worry!"
Croissant patted Sora on the shoulder and said that this was the same when Sora was busy in the past. Occasionally, they would find time to visit Sora together.
"That's right, don't worry too much about Kong."
Exusiai was standing nearby, then offered words of comfort.
"However, Shirou... might not be able to get in."
Texas, having eaten and drunk her fill, finally joined the conversation.
In the past, the agency would allow them to go because they were all friends of Kong.
Now that Shirou is there, things might be different.
After all, the thing idols worry about most is scandals, and management companies will definitely do their best to prevent such things from happening.
If they can't control things outside, that's one thing, but they'll definitely control things right under their noses.
"Then there's nothing I can do. But it should be fine if only you two go. I'll make some special bento boxes for you to eat together when you come."
At first, Shirou didn't quite understand what Texas was saying, but after thinking about the complex identity of the idol, he understood.
"Yay!"
Upon hearing that there was a special bento box, Croissant clenched her right hand and said happily.
Mama Emiya said it was specially made, so it must be different from the usual dishes.
In gaming terms, that's a limited-time six-star character! They only appear during special periods!
Compared to Croissant's happy expression, Sora's face showed a hint of conflict.
After all, this feels a bit like ostracizing Shirou, even though he doesn't seem to mind.
But she still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
121 Penguin Roar
Late at night, in the Slums of Lungmen.
A crimson figure wandered the streets.
A red hooded coat covered most of his body, and he wore a black mask over his face.
Only his eyes were exposed.
Some thugs, seeing strangers loitering in their territory, tried to cause trouble several times, but were deterred by the stranger's glares.
This person was none other than Shirou. After sending everyone at Penguin Logistics to sleep, he sneaked out.
It's not fair to say it was done secretly; it should be said that it was done without disturbing others.
Although Shirou didn't alert everyone at Penguin Logistics, some people still noticed his movements.
"I must say, as expected of you? You scared off those thugs with just a look. Even Texas has never done such a feat."
The tiny earpiece hanging on Shirou's ear emitted a sound, its tone full of mockery.
"Is it wrong Isv you to speak ill of Texas like that, Is?"
Hearing Isv's words, Shirou muttered his complaints under his breath.
He obtained the headphones from a drone with a box attached to it that he encountered on the way.
Seeing the Penguin Logistics logo on the box, and seeing that it kept floating in front of him and even circled around him twice, Shirou accepted it.
Inside, there's an earphone and a face mask.
After turning on the headphones, the Emperor's voice came through and bombarded him with a barrage of words, leaving his head still buzzing.
What he said was nothing more than:
"You'd do something like this that doesn't bring you any profit? Do you really think nobody knows what you're doing with that relief center?"
"If I hadn't had the foresight, your name and image would already be plastered all over the Slums!"