Over the next few days, Shirou spent his time learning basic knowledge of this world, studying cooking, and practicing projection magecraft.
His main focus was still on the first two.
After all, things here seemed rather chaotic, common sense was crucial. As for cooking… he had basically become Penguin Logistics chef, and was now urgently developing new recipes.
He even bought a notebook to write down all the recipes he could remember, just in case he forgot them.
His daily schedule became very consistent:
Wake up → Exercise → Breakfast → Study → Lunch → Study → Shopping → Dinner → Bath → Practice magecraft → Sleep
Every day felt full and productive.
"The soreness is almost gone… I can probably start increasing my training intensity."
After his usual morning exercise, Shirou noticed his body no longer ached like before.
But during these past few days, he realized something—
Everyone at Penguin Logistics was physically stronger than him.
No, more accurately, people in this world were generally stronger than modern humans.
Without using magecraft, he was definitely below average here.
After a quick shower, he put on an apron and got busy in the kitchen.
"Looks like everyone's here today, I need five portions. I bought toast yesterday, so I'll make sandwiches. I can make extra so they can take some along for work."
He prepared some beast meat, which was similar to beef. A simple sear and seasoning made it delicious. Then he added lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg.
Since it would be eaten right away, he toasted the bread for better texture, layering it in order: lettuce, tomato, sauce, meat, egg.
"Shirou, what are we having for breakfast today?"
Croissant peeked into the kitchen.
She had been the last to return these past few days, busy running a stall outside and handling food and lodging on her own. When she came back and saw Texas, Exusiai, and Sora enjoying Shirou's baked stew rice, she deeply regretted it.
Why had she wasted money outside on mediocre food when there was free, delicious food at home?
As for Sora, she had returned exhausted after work. Shirou happened to see her and made candied sweet potatoes using some gifted sweet potatoes though Exusiai ended up stealing part of it after smelling the sweetness.
"Beast-meat sandwiches. Already done, just need to cut them."
Shirou skillfully sliced the sandwiches in half and had Croissant carry them out, along with some milk and cups.
"Ohhh, sandwiches today!"
Exusiai clasped her hands sincerely. These past few days of good sleep and good food had filled her with happiness.
Texas quietly sipped her coffee, adding some warm milk Shirou had prepared.
Croissant and Sora placed the sandwiches at their seats.
Meanwhile, Shirou returned to the kitchen to prepare lunch portions for them to take along.
Since the food would sit for a while, he used pre-prepared feathered beast meat. With proper cooking, even when cooled, it would still taste good, it just needed proper storage.
After finishing, he cut each sandwich into halves, packed them into bags, and placed them into an insulated bag.
"These are for you to take along, made with feathered beast meat. You won't be back until evening, right?"
Shirou handed the insulated bag to Sora.
"Texas, if we leave now, can we make it back by noon?"
Exusiai suddenly asked seriously.
"No way. We might not even make it back for dinner."
Texas answered immediately. She knew this delivery well only if everything went perfectly could they maybe return by dusk.
But when has Penguin Logistics ever had a perfectly smooth long-distance job?
"Don't let that happen!"
Exusiai cried out dramatically.
"Don't worry, Exusiai! If we just take down the enemies quickly, we can come back earlier!"
Croissant proposed her "solution."
"That makes sense! I'll go restock my ammo!"
Exusiai immediately agreed, ready to unleash the "blessing of a hungry angel."
"…Or, Shirou could just make dinner later, right?"
Sora quietly raised her hand with a practical suggestion.
"..."
Croissant and Exusiai looked at each other, then at Shirou.
"Then just call me when you get back to Lungmen. Factoring in cleanup time, it should be about right."
Shirou thought it over and it seemed manageable. Worst case, it could be a late-night meal.
"Waaah… can I request an apple pie too? From that shop in the shopping district."
Seeing Shirou agree so easily, Exusiai immediately added an order.
"I want those candied sweet potatoes."
Croissant joined in.
"Then I'll also…"
Sora followed along.
Texas didn't say anything but from her ears and expression, she was clearly interested too.
"Alright, alright, I'll prepare everything. Also, I'll be cleaning your place today make sure all personal items are put away in your rooms."
Shirou noted all their requests. Though lately, everyone had been eating quite a lot, he might need to start paying attention to nutrition as well.
As for cleaning upstairs, he had planned it specifically for today while everyone was out, limited to the kitchen and living room.
"All packed away, don't worry! You won't find our underwear or anything!"
Exusiai struck a pose confidently.
"…I hope so."
Shirou sincerely hoped he would not run into anything awkward. When he checked upstairs earlier, he had already seen things he definitely should not have.
"Do not worry, I made sure they cleaned up everything. It's mostly just shared items, dust, and old grime now."
Sora patted her chest proudly.
"Shirou, it's fine you will get used to it if you see it enough."
Croissant patted his shoulder seriously.
"I hope I never get used to that."
Shirou brushed her hand off mercilessly, then checked the time.
"Alright, get going. You'll be late otherwise."
Only then did they realize the time.
They hurriedly grabbed their things and rushed out the door, Texas carrying the all-important sandwiches.
Watching the busy Penguin Logistics crew leave, Shirou waved and said:
Stay safe.