Thanks to Texas's driving they finally reached their destination before the weather turned into a full-blown blizzard, parking the vehicle outside the village.
Shirou checked the time on his phone, it had been morning when they set out and now it was already night.
There was no signal out here so the phone was only useful as a clock or a camera.
After a moment's thought he still kept it on him, it worked well enough as a makeshift flashlight.
"Shirou, take this."
Texas handed him a backpack. Inside were the items they were delivering this time. She also gave him an earpiece for communication, using the vehicle's system as a relay the signal could cover most of the village.
Normally, they would not need it but Texas felt something was… off.
She could not quite explain it, it was just a vague sense that something was not right.
"Got it."
Shirou checked that the bag was properly sealed before slinging it over his shoulder.
Although it was dark the firelight inside the village burned brightly.
But just now, he thought he saw a child watching them warily.
A black-haired kid holding a crossbow.
There was not even a bolt loaded, he was just observing them from afar.
However, by the time Shirou turned back after a brief distraction the child had already disappeared.
Probably just curious about outsiders?
Shirou did not dwell on it. Right now, their task was to deliver the goods and find a place to camp for the night.
That was the plan they had agreed on. With the snowstorm getting worse returning by vehicle was not an option, they would have to wait until tomorrow.
Considering the various disasters and dangers that often plagued this land, Exusiai had packed enough rations for five people to last four to five days.
With additional snacks everyone brought, staying here for a couple of days would not be a problem.
The only concern was… there was no signal for their phones and there was no apple pie.
Shirou was slightly worried about whether the others, especially Exusiai and Croissant could endure that.
"Shirou, this way."
After talking with some villagers, Texas found the recipient's location.
There were not any clear addresses in a small village like this, but fortunately everyone knew each other. Asking around was enough.
Plus, as couriers, they did not run into much trouble.
"Brr… Shirou, do you not feel cold at all?"
Seeing Shirou wearing only a light jacket with his red scarf, Croissant felt cold just looking at him.
For reference, the thick coat that had originally been his was now on Sora.
"I am fine. I am used to it."
Shirou exhaled lightly.
Part of it was experience, he was used to this kind of weather. Another part was that his body seemed to adapt quickly, so he did not feel much cold aside from just a slight chill.
It was still within a tolerable range.
"That is scary."
Exusiai said as she reached out with her mischievous little hands, slipping them under Shirou's jacket and onto his back.
Warm.
Even warmer than her own body despite her wearing a coat.
Shirou immediately felt a chill down his spine, turned around and caught her in the act.
"Out!"
He pushed her hands away and tightened his jacket, not giving her another chance.
"Hey! Shirou, do not be like that—warmth should be shared!" Exusiai joked, quickly tucking her hands back into her sleeves.
She had suddenly remembered how in cold weather she would stick her freezing hands onto Croissant or Texas's back to mess with them. But Shirou's body temperature was surprisingly warm even in this weather.
Now she did not want to give that up.
"What… what? Shirou-brand heater? I want in too!"
Croissant joined in, trying to sneak her hands into Shirou's coat as well.
Under the double assault, Shirou could only speed up and move toward Texas and Sora.
Seeing him escape, Exusiai and Croissant had no choice but to give up.
After reaching the front, Shirou let out a sigh of relief only to notice the gazes of the two beside him.
"…Uh…"
Texas was staring at his jacket too, as if she wanted to try it herself.
Sora, bundled in two thick coats, was better off but still she was curious.
"At least not out here," Shirou sighed, giving up resisting but setting one final boundary.
"Your words, Shirou~," Sora said with a grin.
"Yeah, yeah…"
Shirou replied helplessly. He felt like everyone at Penguin Logistics was getting more and more mischievous.
The villagers they passed by did not seem too surprised at their arrival. At most, they found it amusing to see a young man being teased by two girls.
Soon, they arrived at the recipient's house. Sora handled the conversation, while Shirou stood by since he was carrying the delivery.
The recipient was an elderly woman from Ursus, looking kind and gentle.
The sender seemed to be her grandson but Shirou did not need to know the details. A courier's job was simply to deliver the package.
"Are you planning to stay the night here? Have you found a place to stay?"
The woman looked happy after receiving the letter and package. Seeing the worsening weather, she guessed they would be staying overnight and asked.
"Yes. Is there anywhere to stay? Or at least a place sheltered from the wind where we can set up tents?" Sora asked carefully.
If possible, staying indoors was obviously better than sleeping in tents in this cold.
"…There is no inn here. But I do have a spare room. Would you like to use it?"
The woman offered kindly with no ill intent, it was just gratitude for delivering the letter.
"I will need to discuss it with the others."
Sora neither accepted nor refused, instead pulling Shirou back to the group.
It was better to be cautious.
After discussing it with the others, all three agreed it should be fine.
"We will be careful, but it should be okay. I see a spot over there where we can park. Exusiai you come with me, we will move the car. You guys stay alert."
Texas assessed that while there was some risk, they had enough strength to handle any problems that might arise.