Chapter 161

The car drove on the road for a short while longer.

The Emperor had taken a slightly longer route because he wanted to talk to Shirou. Now that they've finished talking, it's time to take Shirou back to work.

However, it was lunchtime, and many people came out to buy lunch after their lunch break, causing some traffic congestion on the road.

After thinking for a long time, Shirou suddenly asked:

"Boss, what did you mean by that question you just asked Director Wei?"

"Which line are you referring to? The one where the good guy is playing? I was just secretly cursing Wei Yanwu with that line, nothing more."

The Emperor, who had just been spoken to by Shirou, turned his gaze from outside the car window to Shirou.

In his view, Shirou should have many questions, but definitely not about that statement.

That was just something he used to criticize Wei Yanwu, that scheming guy who sees everyone as evil. After all, no normal person would see someone who is always doing good deeds as a bad person.

"I see."

Upon hearing this answer, Shirou was initially taken aback, but then relaxed.

"What's wrong? Did something bother you? I'm not saying this to be mean, but young people shouldn't use these pretentious, artsy tactics. Can't you try to think more positively?"

Judging from Shirou's expression, the Emperor was guessing that Shirou might have heard this sentence somewhere before, or that it touched the other person's heart.

He guessed it was the latter, otherwise Shirou wouldn't have had that melancholy youthful expression on his face.

Although Shirou's facial expressions are not usually very rich, he wouldn't normally show such an expression.

But he's not good at providing this kind of psychological counseling!

What he knows is making money and rapping, not being a psychologist!

"No... it's nothing, I just happened to be thinking about something."

Faced with the Emperor's concern, Shirou shook his head slightly to indicate that he was fine.

He was just thinking about some things.

It's just about someone who spent their whole life trying to do good deeds, but ended up with a less than pleasant ending.

The title of "158 Tactical Terminator" is well-deserved.

Back at the Knights of the Round Table, Shirou felt extremely tired.

On the one hand, I felt a lot of pressure when talking to Wei Yanwu, and on the other hand, I learned a lot of things today.

Shirou felt his head buzzing and his whole body felt unwell.

There's good news and bad news.

The good news is that he's not the only time traveler; the bad news is that it seems he's the only one left.

"Hmm? Didn't Chen and the others come back with you?"

The Knights of the Round Table member standing nearby looked at Shirou sitting in his seat, and then glanced at his two superiors who did not seem to have returned with him, so he went up to ask.

"It seems there are other things to discuss, so I came back first to take care of the backlog of work."

Upon hearing someone speak to him, Shirou quickly composed himself, patted the small stack of documents in front of him, and said...

Because he spends most of his time teaching people at the sniping range, Hoshiguma specifically placed all the relevant documents and materials here with him.

However, most of the review was handled by her and Chen, while Shirou only had some basic information to review.

Shirou doesn't get involved in things that require funding, personnel, equipment, etc.

"I see, thanks."

After learning of his superior's whereabouts, the other party didn't inquire further about Shirou's intentions. Instead, he stuck a note on the documents he was holding, placed them on Chen's desk, and went about his own business.

"Well..."

Shirou opened the drawer and saw that it contained energy drinks donated by Hoshiguma. He then took them out.

He never thought he would drink it when he first received it.

It's only morning, and he still has most of the day to work! He's seen that some busy people drink this stuff, so he might as well give it a try.

It might work.

After taking a small sip, Shirou first tasted the stinging sensation of the bubbles, followed by a sweetness that was hard to describe.

Perhaps it was a psychological comfort, Shirou felt that his spirits had indeed been lifted.

I haven't had a sparkling beverage in a while, so this sudden change feels a bit strange.

Should we still have coffee?

Looking at the half-finished energy drink in his hand, Shirou put it aside and started thinking about whether to make coffee instead.

He knew a little about coffee, after all, Texas and Kong really liked it, and there was a special brewing machine in the dormitory for him to use.

However, coffee wasn't the main point, Shirou quickly put it out of his mind, focusing intently on his work.

Shirou didn't finish processing the documents in his hand until about ten minutes before lunchtime.

I feel completely drained.

"Uh..."

Sitting in his office chair, Shirou stretched his body slightly, which had been sitting for a long time.

Keep in mind that the amount of documents he had was only a small fraction of what Chen and Hoshiguma had together, and even that was already overwhelming for him.

This made him admire the professionalism of the two people.

However, Shirou did not feel sorry for himself; he knew that everyone had different strengths.

Just like a certain angel who may not be very good at other dishes, but is absolutely amazing when it comes to desserts.

Although I personally said that apart from the Apple Pie, the other dishes were not up to standard, Shirou's tasted pretty good, and were much better than the desserts I made myself.

The main problem is that the other person is lazy and never cooks desserts except when they feel like it occasionally.

And the portions they usually serve are also on the smaller side.

"Finally come to your senses? Here, I'll take care of these too. We can finish them this afternoon."

Hoshiguma, who had already returned to work, asked after hearing the commotion from Shirou's side.

She returned about half an hour ago, but at that time Shirou seemed to be working on documents very seriously and did not notice that she and Chen had already returned.

Seeing that Shirou was serious, the two of them decided not to disturb him.

Now that the other party seemed to have finished their work, they started talking directly.

Fortunately, she had some documents that Shirou could process.

It feels great to have an assistant who lets me ditch my work!

"... How come there are still so many?"

Shirou, who had originally thought he could relax a bit in the afternoon, looked down again when he saw the files piled up on his desk and asked a soul-searching question.

This stack is twice as thick as the one he just processed!

"Director Wei just said that the Knights of the Round Table will have to strengthen its defense work, so Old Chen, Missy, and I will be quite busy these days. We will be distributing our work. Although you are only an intern, you are doing a pretty good job. I have high hopes for you."

Having distributed the work, Hoshiguma was in a great mood. Since it was close to lunch break, she took the time to have a cup of tea and explain the situation to Shirou.

The teacup she was drinking from was even a Yakuza-style teacup Projection from Shirou.

"Strengthening defenses? Is it related to what just happened?"

Upon hearing Hoshiguma's words, Shirou stopped worrying about work. He figured he could always get the job done if he had the time. What he cared about more at that moment was the defense work that Hoshiguma had mentioned.

"I guess so? The person who sent those messages is suspected of being a threat to Lungmen. You just happened to be suspected by Director Wei, which is why they did those things to test you."

Compared to Shirou, Hoshiguma was quite clear about what could be said and what could not. After briefly organizing her thoughts, she explained the current situation to Shirou.

After all, Wei Yanwu also said that we should try to build a good relationship with Shirou. His combat strength is top-notch, and even if he is not a member of the Knights of the Round Table, it would be a good thing to be on good terms with him.

"A person who poses a threat to Lungmen..."

Shirou murmured the words Hoshiguma had spoken.

Based on his conversation with Wei Yanwu, who seemed quite wary of the Black Serpent and Koschei, Shirou felt that there might be a connection between the two.

"Don't think too much. Just finish your work first. Also, the Knights of the Round Table recently received a security request from the MSR. I'll arrange for you to go there then."

Seeing that Shirou seemed quite conflicted about this, Hoshiguma changed the subject.

There's no point in dwelling on this; they can only strengthen their defenses, but they can't neglect their daily work.

In particular, she remembered that Sora from Penguin Logistics was an idol of MSR. Every year at this time, they would hold a concert and apply for security requests from the Knights of the Round Table. She would arrange for some people who usually worked hard to go there to relax.

Let Shirou go this time. He knows the people there, so it might be a little convenient for him.

In addition, she also knew that Shirou hadn't given her much time to rest. He was either busy at Penguin Logistics or in the Slums, and now he was also busy with the Knights of the Round Table.

This is even more dangerous than Old Chen! At least Old Chen could distinguish between being serious at work and relaxing after work, and he understood the importance of balancing work and rest.

Shirou's side was like a gear, constantly turning and never stopping.

"MSR...?"

Upon hearing this unfamiliar term, Shirou was puzzled.

I feel like I've heard that somewhere before?

"Pfft, don't you care about your own people? Don't you know Miss Sora is a famous idol under MSR?"

Seeing Shirou's bewildered expression, Hoshiguma couldn't help but find it amusing.

"I only knew she had an idol career, but I didn't know much about her..."

Shirou said with an embarrassed expression that he did know that Sora had an idol career, but he was more interested in Sora himself than in his background.

For him, Kong is not an idol, but a member of Penguin Logistics, someone he takes care of. He doesn't distinguish between people.

"Hey, you two are taking this slacking off way too far!"

Chen, who was standing to the side, couldn't hold back any longer. If they were just discussing work-related topics before, it would be one thing, but wasn't it going too far to openly discuss idol careers now?

She was working right next to us!

Upon hearing Chen's reprimand, not only did Hoshiguma and Shirou immediately put down what they were doing and start working, but even the others who were slacking off and waiting for their lunch break also got busy.

A few more minutes passed, and finally it was lunchtime.

When the clock struck twelve and made a sound, everyone in the office stopped what they were doing.

What should I do if my boss is extremely hardworking?

We have no choice but to fight them to the death.

Chen put down the documents Wei Yanwu had just sent and rubbed his temples.

Right now, she just felt a bit of a headache. The information that guy sent was all handwritten, and there were too many cryptic messages on it.

Most of these are rather subjective terms, such as a pillar of light piercing the heavens and earth, or flower petals that can withstand all attacks...

Who can understand this?

"Old Chen, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Director Wei also said that we just need to strengthen our defenses a little. Don't push yourself too hard."

Seeing his old partner looking under immense pressure, Hoshiguma went over to offer some words of encouragement.

At this moment, she became even more certain that Old Chen and Shirou were both the kind of people who would take responsibility for things themselves.

Old Chen's starting point was simply to make Lungmen a better place.

What about Shirou?

Is it simply a desire to help others?

Thinking of that little shop in the Slums, Hoshiguma guessed.

If that's really the case... then Shirou is actually in more danger than Old Chen.

"I know that what bothers me is not those things, but that handwritten manuscript."

Knowing Hoshiguma was thinking, Chen immediately picked up the photocopied handwritten manuscript.

"... Aren't the effects described above exaggerated?"