Morning, Penguin Logistics dorm.
In the living room, Shirou, Exusiai, Croissant, and Texas were all busy.
Shirou was occupied with packing everyone's lunch boxes, including his own, while the others were preparing what they needed for today's work.
"Did everyone bring everything?"
After placing the lunch boxes on the table, Shirou asked to confirm.
Today was a bit busier than usual, since he would also be heading to report to the Lungmen Guard Department shortly.
Although he could temporarily set aside his duties as a housekeeper during his time there, Shirou still prepared breakfast and lunch boxes.
Mainly out of habit. Unless necessary, he did not really like eating out.
By "necessary," he meant special circumstances, such as gatherings or when someone invited him out for a meal.
As for cleaning and laundry, those would have to wait until he got back. Rather than saying he had given up his housekeeper duties, it was more like he would handle chores in his spare time.
If anything, his current routine resembled his school days…making breakfast and lunch before heading out, then tidying up the house after returning.
"I am all set. What about you?"
Texas packed up the hilts of her Originium light swords one by one, securing them onto her belt before fastening it around her waist.
Those were her main weapons in combat. Of course, she did not forget to bring her "mental rations" either.
Just in case, she brought a few extra packs today, she expected she might feel a bit irritated later.
"I have already prepared everything. I just need to bring the temporary ID and wear the uniform jacket. But since the jacket is too small, I will not wear it today, I will change into a bigger one when I get there."
Shirou pointed to the backpack hanging on the rack and the neatly packed Lungmen Guard Department jacket placed beside it.
"Tch, Shirou, you are really meticulous. We already said you did not have to make breakfast and lunch."
Croissant sighed in admiration.
It really was typical of Shirou. If it were her and she had to be at work by eight, there was no way she would have the energy to prepare meals for so many people.
"Exactly. Do not overwork yourself. Be careful not to end up like Yith."
Exusiai nodded in agreement while picking up three lunch boxes.
Texas would drive, Croissant would handle the cargo and she would carry the lunch boxes to the car, it was perfect task distribution.
"I will be fine. I know my limits. Let us head out, if we delay any longer we will be late."
Shirou gave an awkward smile at Exusiai's comment.
There had recently been news that Yith needed to rest due to overwork. Shirou did not even need to think to know it was probably related to him.
Because of that, he had even prepared a lavish meal and brought it over as compensation. Fortunately, Yith had not been too harsh about it.
"By the way, how are you getting there? By your bicycle?"
Texas asked.
They all knew Shirou had a bicycle for getting around. Occasionally, they would borrow it themselves.
After all, it was not practical to drive every time. For short distances, driving could be more troublesome, especially with parking.
On top of that, Shirou maintained it very well, it was extremely comfortable to ride.
Exusiai, in particular, borrowed it often, claiming it was for exercise, but usually she ended up riding it to buy apple pies.
"Yeah. Why?"
It was not a short distance to the Lungmen Guard Department, so Shirou had indeed planned to ride his bike.
"We will take you there. It is on the way. After work, we will pick you up."
After confirming his plan, Texas made the suggestion.
This had been something they discussed beforehand.
They could not control what happened during work hours, but at least during commuting times, they could "make a statement."
Shirou? He belongs to Penguin Logistics. Lungmen Guard Department, do not get any funny ideas.
That was roughly the intended effect.
Another reason was that by picking him up after work, they could somewhat prevent Shirou from being dragged into late-night outings.
Texas had seen Hoshiguma, Chen, and Swire drinking together before, though the only one who stayed sober was Chief Hoshiguma.
"Will it not be a bother?"
Shirou asked.
"Not at all. Do not be so polite. Let's go."
Croissant pushed Shirou straight toward the door, giving him no chance to refuse.
"Hey, hey…stop pushing! Pushing is one thing, but do not jab me with your horns! That hurts! And my clothes might tear!"
Although it looked like Croissant was pushing him, Shirou was actually walking on his own.
It was just that Croissant was pressing her head against his back and her horns were poking right into him.
It hurt a little, but Shirou was more worried about his clothes getting pierced with holes.
"Operation proceeding smoothly. Preparing to move to phase two!"
Following behind, Exusiai gave Texas a thumbs-up.
"Mm."
Texas, who was following beside them, gave a slight nod. She sent the message over to Sora and then put a Pocky stick into her mouth.
The drive from the dorm to the Lungmen Guard Department was not far, and they quickly arrived at their destination.
"Alright, I will head out first. Be careful on the road later!"
Seeing that they had arrived and that Texas had already parked the car, Shirou grabbed his things and prepared to get out.
He did not forget to remind them before stepping out.
"Hold on, we are getting out too."
Shirou, who was sitting in the back seat, had his shoulder pressed down by Croissant beside him.
"What are you all coming for? Are you not going to work?"
Shirou looked confused, he was unable to understand their intentions.
Was he not the one going to report in? What were they going to do there?
Cheer him on?
At this rate, he might get beaten to death by the Lungmen Guard Department on his first day.
And were they not worried about being late?
"We are worried you might not know your way around! We got permission from the Boss, we can be a bit late today, do not worry."
Exusiai, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned around to explain.
They had already informed the Boss in advance that they might be late today and he supported their decision.
As long as it could annoy that old dragon, it was a good thing.
"Oh really? Do you all know the layout inside the Lungmen Guard Department that well?"
Shirou could not help but comment.
"Of course. We are regulars!"
Exusiai stuck out her tongue, looking like she was just about to bonk her head and say "oops."
"…Fine."
Seeing their determination, Shirou knew they were definitely going along.
As for Exusiai's highly questionable statement… Shirou chose not to comment.
At the very least, recently he had not seen them getting arrested and dragged into the Lungmen Guard Department.
And so, under their firm insistence, Shirou had no choice but to let them accompany him… to report in?
It felt a bit strange.
"Hello, how can I help—?"
As the door opened, the officer at the front desk greeted them.
But he stopped halfway after seeing who had arrived.
Penguin Logistics?
Why were they here?
And not only that…why did they look so aggressive?
Should he call for backup?
After a brief internal struggle, the officer decided to face everything on his own.
"Ahem… how may I help you?"
His smile was extremely forced.
After all, anyone in Lungmen had heard of Penguin Logistics.
And if you worked in the Lungmen Guard Department, you would definitely remember their "achievements."
A portion of their workload and overtime was caused by Penguin Logistics.
At this very moment, his only concern was whether he might suddenly be blown into the sky.
Although he knew Penguin Logistics would not actually attack the Guard Department, nothing was ever absolute.
Had he not seen the three of them standing there with serious expressions? Even the red-haired one in front looked quite intimidating.
He was scared.
"Um… I received a notice to come here for a few days of work as a newbie."
Not understanding why the officer looked like he was about to cry, Shirou stepped forward and placed the notice he received yesterday, along with his temporary work ID, onto the desk.
"Hmm? A newbie? Give me a moment."
Hearing this, the officer looked confused, momentarily forgetting his fear.
Did the Guard Department hold a recruitment recently?
Why had he not heard about it?
If there was one, should there not be many newbies instead of just one?
But the notice had an official seal… and the ID checked out as well. It should be fine?
Just to be safe, he decided to inform his superiors.
"I will contact my superior. Please wait here."
After saying that, the officer grabbed Shirou's notice and ID and hurried off.
Who knew what kind of pressure he had just gone through.
"As expected of the Lungmen Guard Department, they are so dedicated to their work."
Watching the figure dash off at high speed, Shirou sighed in admiration.
This really did match his impression of the Lungmen Guard Department.
"Are they usually this efficient at work? It feels a bit strange."
Exusiai voiced her doubts.
Texas and Croissant beside her shared the same confusion.
Still, it was not a big deal, and the three of them quickly put it out of their minds.
Before long, the officer who had run off returned.
And the person who came back with him was a familiar face.
"Yo, Shirou, you got dragged in here as a newbie?"
Hoshiguma handed back Shirou's work ID and notice, greeting him casually.
Both had already been verified, and with reports from three "informants," she was not surprised at all to see Shirou here.
Though Missy would probably make a fuss for a while, after all Wei Yanwu had assigned Shirou under Chen.
Which meant that she and Chen would likely be responsible for him next, though in reality, she would probably be the one doing most of the guiding.
Chen had made progress on her current tasks recently and would likely be very busy.
"Yeah."
Taking back his documents, Shirou followed Hoshiguma's lead, along with the three from Penguin Logistics.
They did not go anywhere special, just to the break room on the first floor.
"Sorry, I cannot take you upstairs. Please make do with this."
Hoshiguma poured four cups of water and handed them out, not bothering to get one for herself.
"Got it. Unless we get into trouble, we are not allowed upstairs, right?"
Croissant spoke with the confidence of experience.
"That is right… but do not actually go causing trouble."
Hoshiguma gave a wry smile and reminded her.
"Do not worry, we have been very well-behaved lately."
Exusiai said with an unusually gentle smile.
And that was true, at least recently, the Lungmen Guard Department had not received any complaints about Penguin Logistics.
See how well-behaved they were?
"…Keep it up. And Shirou, why are you not wearing the uniform jacket? The notice says you should at least wear the jacket and black trousers."
After giving them some verbal acknowledgment, Hoshiguma turned to Shirou and asked.
The main issue was that Shirou was currently wearing the Penguin Logistics jacket. If Chen saw that, he might get scolded badly.
Chen was quite irritable when on duty.
"Officer, the size is too small."
Shirou took the uniform jacket out of his backpack and showed it.
"Got it. I will take you to change into another set later. For now, wear your ID."
That was a perfectly reasonable explanation, and Hoshiguma accepted it.
Still, she told him to wear the ID first, at least it would give him something to say if he got stopped.
"As for you three… you came to accompany him? Are you leaving afterward?"
Taking the incorrectly sized jacket from Shirou, Hoshiguma turned to the others.
"Yeah, we will head out after he finishes checking in. We will come pick him up after work."
Exusiai nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh? Looks like you are quite popular."
Hoshiguma narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at Shirou.
She could easily see through their little intentions, it was like they were declaring ownership and warning others not to make a move.
As for who the warning was aimed at… probably Missy, since she was the one who had openly stirred up this "Penguin nest."
"Hm?"
Shirou tilted his head in confusion at her gaze.
"Never mind. I will pass along your message. You can head out now."
Seeing that Shirou did not understand, Hoshiguma's lips twitched slightly.
Then she turned back to the three of them.
Shirou had essentially finished checking in and since he came through special arrangements, there were not many procedures.
Next, she would take him upstairs to start work, so their "territory-claiming plan" was bound to fail.
The most she could do was pass their message along to Missy.
"Eh? Like that… alright then!"
Croissant showed a troubled expression for a moment, but quickly recovered.
A small setback like this would not stop them.
They had plenty of plans.
"Then we are heading off. Shirou, be careful and do not let others sweet-talk you!"
Before leaving, Exusiai did not forget to warn him, she was worried he might get "converted" by the Lungmen Guard Department.
"You all are really close."
Watching the three leave through the door, Hoshiguma suddenly said.
The fact that they were so worried about Shirou leaving Penguin Logistics showed how well he got along with everyone there.
"I think they are worrying too much."
Shirou felt that everyone was overthinking things. It was not like he was going somewhere strange, this was the Lungmen Guard Department.
They must have watched too many strange movies and developed weird misunderstandings about the department. That was not a good thing.
"…"