Chapter 128

Shirou doesn't usually smile much, much like her.

If someone has a smile on their face, it's either because something good has happened or they want to cause some trouble.

She herself is more likely the former, while for Shirou, it's probably about 50/50.

When she and Sora see Shirou smiling, it's usually because he's in a good mood.

Croissant and Exusiai seeing Shirou smile means they're doomed.

However, the force was not great; at most, it would only make the two of them feel uncomfortable for a moment.

This also makes the two of them always forget the pain once the wound heals, and when they look back and see Shirou smiling, they feel the pain again.

They're just asking for trouble.

"Texas is right."

Kong nodded in agreement with Texas's statement.

"That's outrageous!"

Exusiai and Croissant disagree.

"Stop arguing, there are other people here. Hurry up and eat your food."

Seeing the two about to reach out their claws into the air, Shirou gave them a slight reminder.

To avoid suspicion, Shirou decided to gather where others could see them. Although he felt a little uncomfortable being stared at by others, there was nothing he could do about it.

After all, he had seen many discussions about idols being attacked on television and online.

Others might not care, but Shirou felt that some necessary precautions still needed to be taken.

Nobody will be able to find any fault with it!

I wasn't quite as relaxed during this meal, since there were other people watching.

This was also the first time Shirou had seen the group eating in such an elegant manner.

So Shirou began to consider the feasibility of eating out for every meal from now on.

However, I only thought about it briefly, mainly because it was too troublesome.

"Tsk, we should have found a room to eat. It's too restrictive here."

Upon hearing Shirou's words, Exusiai noticed the gazes of some people in the distance and stopped attacking.

She could ignore it if it were anywhere else, but this was her workplace, and she knew there was a limit to how much she could mess around.

"That would mean Shirou would be all alone outside. Can you really bear to do that, Nono-nee?"

Croissant complained that she was someone who often set up a stall outside concerts, so she knew some basic facts about the entertainment industry.

Or rather, anyone who pays even a little attention understands this very well.

"That's true... It's really troublesome to maintain an idol image."

Exusiai is certainly aware of this, but she still wants to vent her frustrations about it.

"Compared to other seniors and juniors, I am considered to be relatively open-minded."

Although she deeply sympathizes with the two, Sora is still quite content. As an idol, she is already quite fortunate to have so much freedom.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Shirou, are you going out again tonight?"

Feeling that the topic had gone a bit off track, Exusiai directly steered the conversation towards Shirou.

"Hmm? Me? Tonight? We'll see. If there are no problems with Isv, I'll go out. I was almost fully recovered yesterday."

Emiya, caught off Shirou by the topic, paused for a moment before speaking.

They also showed the group the records of their conversation with Isv, all within Isv's permission.

Actually, it doesn't really make a difference whether or not permission is granted. If the Texas group wants to obtain this information, they can just apply for it.

Penguin Logistics isn't a rigid place like the Knights of the Round Table where you have to go through procedures to do anything.

However, Shirou was quite concerned about this, so he asked beforehand.

"Hmm... so Isv going to work, you have to go to work too?"

Croissant thought about what Shirou had just said. It seemed that as long as Isv was on duty, Shirou would have to be on duty too. So, as long as... cough cough, it's better not to do that. After all Isv had taken good care of them before.

Meanwhile, in the Penguin Logistics office, Isv felt a chill run down his spine and began to consider whether to accept Shirou's suggestion and order a plate of Mapo Tofu.

"I will still go even if Isv really unable to do it. After all, Isv is only helping me. It is more because I want to resolve this matter myself."

Shirou shook his head and said.

"You decide if you want to go..."

Upon hearing Shirou's words, Sora's expression became slightly complicated.

Of course, the expressions of the other people were similar.

"What's wrong? Is it strange?"

Seeing the complex emotions written all over everyone's faces, Shirou felt a little uneasy.

What exactly is this feeling of being completely seen through?

"No, it's about helping others. I often do that too. If I see someone trying to do something bad on the street, I'll stop them."

Exusiai said she also enjoys doing this kind of thing.

"You mean pointing a gun at the other person?"

Texas, standing nearby, remarked that Exusiai was indeed not lying, but the way she used it was rather inappropriate.

Have you ever seen someone pointing a gun at someone and telling them not to do anything wrong? If it were someone from the Knights of the Round Table, that would be one thing, but Exusiai is clearly not from the Knights of the Round Table.

A passerby might see this and think the one with the gun is the bad guy.

"It's filled with rubber bullets, so it's safe!"

Exusiai tried to refute this, but to little avail, earning her strange looks from everyone present, leaving Exusiai feeling somewhat defeated. "Ugh... my heart is broken! It won't heal without Apple Pie!"

"For you."

Croissant handed the Apple Pie to Exusiai, and then Exusiai was fully healed.

"Seriously... Shirou, do you need our help?"

Watching the two of them goofing around, Texas felt her blood pressure rising and quickly steered the conversation back on track.

"Let's not do it yet. You've been in Lungmen for quite a while and you've been taking action frequently, so many people in the Slums should be able to recognize you, especially the halo above Exusiai's head."

Shirou did not accept Texas's offer of help.

The main reason was that I didn't want to trouble them, since they all had their own jobs to do.

In addition, these people are considered celebrities in Lungmen, so they are easily recognized. It would be bad if the other party came looking for them.

Although it was highly likely that the boss and Isv would notice and kill them first, Shirou had no intention of gambling with their lives.

Even if there is only a very small chance, he doesn't want to gamble with other people's lives.

"... I understand. Just let us know if you need anything."

Judging from Shirou's expression, Texas had no intention of pressing the matter further.

If it were her, she would probably make a similar choice, right?

In these strange little details, she is very similar to Shirou.

"Yes, I will."

If Shirou were to rank all of Penguin Logistics, Texas would definitely be tied for first place with Sora.

The reason is simple: they don't cause trouble, they help others, and they give advice.

Exusiai and Croissant do these things!?

It is possible, but it happens less often, and most of the time it gets overshadowed by other things.

Isv not joining the battle; that would be a devastating blow.

"I get the feeling that Shirou is really busy... Maybe we should stop making breakfast for a while?"

After briefly considering Shirou's daily schedule, Sora suggested...

"So, you're not trying to ruin our beautiful morning because you haven't been able to eat lately, are you?!"

Exusiai n't sit still any longer and started talking non-stop.

"... How could that be? I'm just worried that Shirou is working too hard, staying up late and getting up early every day."

Sora's gaze drifted slightly away, avoiding Exusiai's stare.

The reason Exusiai mentioned only played a tiny part, just a tiny part. Her main concern was Shirou.

"What you said makes a lot of sense, but don't look away!"

Croissant has joined the battle.

"Hmm... not a bad suggestion. But I think I'll prepare it in advance tonight, and you can just reheat it in the microwave in the morning."

Shirou thought the suggestion of empty space was feasible.

However, considering the opinions of other foodies, we decided to compromise and change the method to prepare the food at night and reheat it in the morning.

Although this will reduce the number of dishes you can make, it's only for a short period of time.

Isv said that this matter has become a big deal, and the Knights of the Round Table has also started to pay attention to it. It is estimated that there will be a result soon.

If the other party continues to operate underground, it might take some time before the Knights of the Round Table intervenes, but this time it has gone too far and attracted too much attention.

Otherwise, such matters would generally be resolved by the Slums authorities themselves, or by some righteous passerby, C.

"Hmm... let's stick to the old method. It's only temporary. We'll get our revenge once things are over."

Seeing that Shirou had proposed another solution, Exusiai and Croissant exchanged glances and then spoke.

It's just that I haven't had breakfast and afternoon tea made by Shirou himself for a few days... but there's still dinner, isn't there?

Just eat your fill at dinner!

Once they get through this, a beautiful morning will greet them!

"That's really impressive."

Texas sighed as she watched the two overcome their desires.

Both of them did try.

"Okay, I'll take care of it as soon as possible."

Shirou accepted their kindness and had his morning work adjusted, although it was only temporary, which gave Shirou more time to rest.

The concern from others was a bit heavy, but... Shirou thought it was pretty good.

Afterwards, the group changed topics a few more times, while also observing how Kong rehearsed.

As evening approached, Kong finished his rehearsal work for the day and went out for dinner with everyone from Penguin Logistics.

However, Shirou did not follow this time.

Isv just sent a text message saying that a suspected accomplice in the bombing has been found.

Isv has been busy these past two days, reviewing surveillance footage and drone footage from the vicinity of the crime scene.

At first, I was just looking around casually, since there was no way to find them if they didn't show up. But now that they have, there must be some trace of them.

Isv was looking for that tiny trace, and he actually found it.

After all, it was quite noticeable that someone was paying attention to something else while watching the spectacle.

After multiple investigations and analysis of various reasons, Isv believes there is a 90% chance that this guy is an accomplice.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a clear look at her; that hat was just too much of a nuisance.

"Can you find a hiding place?"

Walking down the street, Shirou asked while holding up his phone.

He needs to go back to his dormitory to get his communication equipment first, and then he will go to the Slums.

Let me clarify the current situation.