After arriving at Reunion's camp, Shirou took a moment to observe the surroundings.
Many people were bustling about. From the exposed faces and hands of some, Shirou could see Originium crystals. Even though they were infected, there were still faint smiles on their faces.
There were also armed personnel. They wore slightly heavier gear but it was obvious that most of it had been used for a long time, it was so worn that in Shirou's eyes, some pieces barely provided any protection anymore.
"You are… the couriers staying at Miss Dalia's house, right? What brings you here?"
Someone nearby noticed them and stepped forward.
He recognized both the villagers and his own people, and the clothing of Shirou and the four from Penguin Logistics clearly showed they were outsiders.
He also remembered that Alina had mentioned in the morning that couriers had arrived in the village, and that they should give Miss Dalia extra meat to help host them.
But now… they had actually brought a pot to his doorstep?
He glanced at the remaining meat soup in the pot. Though it had cooled due to the weather, the aroma still lingered, making him swallow unconsciously.
"I'm here to see Faust and Mephisto."
Shirou lifted the large pot slightly to indicate his purpose.
"Oh, you are looking for them? I will call them out for you."
The man did not doubt him after all he was someone Alina knew. Still, he asked Shirou to wait outside while he went to fetch them.
Even if there was not much worth stealing in the camp, rules were rules and outsiders were not allowed to wander in freely.
"Thanks."
Shirou waited with the pot in hand.
Behind him, the members of Penguin Logistics lined up neatly.
Glancing back, Shirou felt they were overreacting a bit. Was this really necessary?
He was not going anywhere. What were they worried about—him getting kidnapped?
"I am telling you, do not do this. You might scare people."
After thinking it over, Shirou felt he should at least remind them, especially not to frighten the children.
The four exchanged looks, then each took a step back.
"Is this better?"
Exusiai asked.
"…Sure."
Seeing their determined expressions, Shirou gave up arguing.
With even Texas and Sora joining in, there was not much he could do.
At least they were just standing behind him so it should be fine.
As long as nothing like this morning happened again.
Soon, Shirou saw Faust approaching with Mephisto, who was leaning on a cane.
"What is it?"
Faust looked at Shirou, who was holding the pot.
"The meat you gave Miss Dalia this morning, I made it into soup. After sharing it with the villagers, some was left, so I brought it for you two. Heat it up before drinking."
Shirou handed the pot to Faust. He struggled slightly to hold it, he was still quite short, after all.
"That's all?"
Holding the pot, Faust narrowed his eyes slightly at Shirou.
"That's all. Say hi to Alina for me."
Shirou then handed the remaining candies to Mephisto.
"…You can greet her yourself."
Faust replied.
Shirou paused and then noticed Alina walking toward them.
"I did not expect to see you again so soon Shirou. Have you thought about what I asked you this morning?"
Alina said with a light smile. Unlike before, her tone now carried more teasing than sincerity.
After all, the four people standing behind Shirou were not to be underestimated.
Hearing her words, the four immediately prepared to drag Shirou away.
"Wait, wait! She is joking, right?"
Shirou quickly stopped them and turned to Alina the instigator for help.
"Hmm… half and half, I suppose?"
Alina tapped her cheek thoughtfully.
"Guh… Shirou, hurry up and finish talking so we can leave!"
Exusiai could not tolerate the teasing and urged him to wrap things up.
"It will just take a moment."
Once they calmed down, Shirou quickly handed all the remaining candy to Mephisto.
"Thank you."
Mephisto carefully stored the candy and thanked him.
"No problem. Just make sure to heat the soup and drink it soon."
After reminding them again, Shirou turned to Alina.
Looking at her smiling face and recalling what just happened, he felt a bit of a headache coming on.
"Thank you for taking care of those two."
After giving Faust and Mephisto a few instructions, Alina sent them away. She had something to say to Shirou.
"It is nothing. I just happened to run into them."
Shirou replied.
He had been wondering why Alina felt so familiar but even now, face-to-face, he still could not figure it out.
Another unsolved mystery added to Shirou's list.
"Is that so?"
Alina said.
"Yeah. Also… about what you asked this morning, I have to decline. I still have people who need me."
Glancing back to confirm Penguin Logistics' position, Shirou spoke quietly.
If he said it out loud, Exusiai and Croissant would definitely tease him again and besides, it was a bit embarrassing.
"That is a shame. But it is fine. You just reminded me of a friend I once had, that is why I wanted to recruit you."
Alina had expected his refusal.
From this morning, she could already tell that Shirou had found where he belonged. She would not force him.
"That is good to hear. If there is nothing else, I will be going."
Rejecting someone still felt a bit awkward. Besides, Penguin Logistics was waiting, and he did not want them standing in the cold any longer.
"Wait."
Alina called out to him.
"Hmm?"
Shirou stopped.
"Shirou… if something happens, you should rely more on your companions. There is only so much one person can do."
Alina took a breath and said everything at once.
"…Alright?"
Shirou was not sure why she suddenly said that.
Maybe she was seeing him as that friend of hers?
"Then that is all. Be careful on your way back. The recent weather changes have made the creatures in the mountains a bit restless."
After saying what she needed to, Alina seemed noticeably more at ease.
If only she had been able to say those words to him back then…
Watching Shirou and the Penguin Logistics group leave, Alina thought to herself.