The next morning, Shirou and Arcueid strolled out of the hotel side by side.
With no leads to pursue just yet, he knew he had to be patient and wait for Zelretch to provide some clues. Getting antsy would only dampen his spirits and achieve nothing.
So, he decided to join Arcueid for some fun instead.
The decision brought a radiant smile to her face, as if she were a ray of sunshine, brimming with joy.
From the start, he knew that Arcueid's purpose here was purely for enjoyment, not for anything too serious.
However, her idea of "fun" was quite interesting.
While most people would opt for sightseeing in foreign lands, checking out iconic landmarks, what about her?
She would seek out those fortune-telling establishments, leisurely strolling past shops emanating a mysterious gothic vibe, and ultimately indulging in purchases like silver crosses, crystal balls, or even skull-themed accessories.
No doubt about it, this White Princess had fully embraced the abyss of Chuunibyou, with no chance of redemption.
However, in a city like London, where the Holy Church and the Clock Tower coexisted, it was only natural to come across such items up for sale.
After all, this wasn't the medieval era anymore, governed solely by the Church. It was the dawn of a new century that celebrated values like democracy, individuality, and capitalism.
And let's not forget, they weren't shy about selling unconventional items like crystal balls and skull accessories.
In this era, if it had the potential to turn a profit, even ancient creatures like primordial dragons, gods, or buddhas could be transformed into adorable, "moe" versions and put up for sale.
"Hey, Shirou, what do you think of this?" Arcueid held up a black eye patch adorned with a skull pattern, covering her right eye, and asked with a playful smile.
Shirou leaned against the wall by the door, watching her excited expression. He couldn't help but nod in approval and say, "Not bad."
"Heh, no surprises there! After all, I am the Legendary True Ancestor. Wherever the moonlight shines, it's my domain," she declared with excitement, pressing her right eye and a wide grin spreading across her face.
Shirou's mouth twitched. He often felt strange in Arcueid's presence because he lacked the same level of "chuunibyou" enthusiasm.
The customers browsing the shop couldn't help but glance at Arcueid, their expressions filled with surprise. Her Chuunibyou aura was so intense that it made them instinctively maintain a certain distance from her.
However, a few like-minded people couldn't resist being drawn to her energy. Their faces lit up, and they approached her with genuine interest.
Leaning against the wall, he observed as Arcueid engaged in lively conversations with these kindred spirits, exchanging recommendations for props and enthusiastically sharing their common passion.
Just then, a golden-haired little girl entered the shop and made a beeline for Shirou. She looked up at him with wide eyes and asked, "Um... big brother, are you Fujimaru Shirou?"
He slightly lowered his head, meeting her gaze, "Yes, that's me. What can I help you with?"
The little girl reached into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled white piece of paper, holding it out to him. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Um, someone asked me to give this to you."
He accepted the paper from the little girl's outstretched hand, his eyes scanning the English words written on it: "Do not respond to the demented with kindness. Do not respond to the malicious with pity."
Before he could fully process the message, the paper suddenly burst into flames, disintegrating into ashes within moments, leaving no trace behind.
"Ah!"
The little girl gasped in surprise, causing heads to turn as everyone in the vicinity directed their attention towards her.
Shirou's brow furrowed as he stared at the golden-haired girl, "Little girl, can you tell me who gave you this paper?"
The trembling girl stammered in response, "I-it was an uncle, a really ugly uncle with scars on his face."
Arcueid noticed the commotion and approached them, "What's going on, Shirou?"
Shaking his head dismissively, he replied, "It's nothing."
The little girl cast a quick glance at Arcueid, her timidity evident as she trembled. She stammered, "Um... Big brother, I think I should go now."
He nodded, understanding her unease, and attempted to reassure her. "That was just a prank pulled by one of my friends. I apologize if it frightened you. Here, take this candy—"
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a lollipop and handed it to the little girl.
"Thank you!" The little girl's face lit up with a delighted smile. She turned around and happily scampered away.
He turned back to see Arcueid pouting, a clear displeasure on her face. He couldn't help but asked, "What's wrong?"
With a grumble, she muttered, "That was the one I had just shared with you!"
He said with a straight face, "I wanted to share the joy you gave me with others. By spreading your happiness, everyone can experience it too."
Her expression softened as she considered his words.
"Is that so... But my happiness was meant only for you..." She shook her head and whispered softly. Then, she retrieved two more lollipops from her pocket, hesitating briefly before reluctantly offering one to Shirou. "I only have two left. Since you're my good friend, I'll share one with you."
He didn't voice his lack of interest for candy but instead nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
She beamed with satisfaction and dashed off again, brimming with excitement, to explore the assortment of props.
As he twirled the plastic stick of the lollipop, his thoughts focused on the cryptic message and the mysterious sender of the white paper. There was undoubtedly a message intended specifically for him.
The mention of a scarred and ugly man by the little girl puzzled him. He couldn't think of anyone he knew who matched that description.
Shirou mentally noted that even Zelretch, the old man he knew, didn't have any facial scars. He couldn't connect the description to anyone he was familiar with. Frustratingly, the paper disintegrated before he had a chance to use "Eternal King" to expose its secret.
With these thoughts lingering in his mind, he decided to set them aside for now and focused on being there for Arcueid during their outing. Her boundless energy kept her darting through the streets, and he followed alongside her, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Shirou was at a loss for words as they arrived at a silverware store, of all places, which happened to be her favorite spot to visit. He found it ironic that as the purest True Ancestor, known as the White Princess, she would have such an unusual fondness for playing with silverware and even purchasing silver crosses as toys.
This peculiar hobby of hers was undoubtedly influenced by her exposure to numerous vampire-themed anime.
Her peculiarities didn't end with her fascination for silverware; she also had a tendency to refer to herself with chuunibyou names and even dubbed herself a "True Ancestor Hunter" at times. In a light novel she had written, titled "True Ancestors and Demon Hunters," the protagonist was a demon hunter, with the final boss being a True Ancestor Vampire.
Shirou couldn't help but be at a loss for words when it came to her interests. However, he recognized that she fully immersed herself in these hobbies and derived immense enjoyment from them.
Perhaps for her, as long as she was happy, it was enough.
She was just that kind of willful girl.
As they passed by the department store, Shirou couldn't resist buying a few items for Sakura and Ritsuka. He picked up a can of authentic British black tea for Sakura, knowing she had a fondness for it.
For Ritsuka, he selected a large teddy bear, recalling her adoration for a plushie of that size. Moreover, she had shown significant improvement in her math exam this time, scoring 87 points compared to her previous failing grades. It seemed only fair to reward her efforts and keep her motivated.
He couldn't help but reflect on his situation. Despite being just a teenager himself, he often found himself shouldering responsibilities akin to those of a parent.
"Isn't this Fujimaru-sama?"
A voice, slightly mature and feminine, suddenly caught his attention. He shifted the big teddy bear aside and raised his gaze, only to find Adashino Hishiri standing there in a stylish purple kimono.
"Oh, I remember you..."
"Adashino Hishiri, from the Department of Policies," she introduced herself.
Shirou responded, his tone somewhat dismissive, "The matter concerning the Clock Tower is of no concern to me. If you wouldn't mind, please step aside. This teddy bear I'm carrying is too big, and I need some space."
"It appears that Fujimaru-sama has misunderstood my intentions. I'm not here to give you any trouble. In fact, you're a guest of Lord Zelretch, and nobody at the Clock Tower would be foolish enough to bother you."
"But I know there are many people who would perceive me as nothing more than a pawn in their power struggles."
Her tone shifted to a more welcoming one as she suggested, "Fujimaru-sama, your Mystic Eyes seem to be designed for scouting and investigation, which happens to align quite well with the work we do in the Department of Policies. So, would you be interested in paying us a visit?"
He sneered, "I've done my fair share of rotten things, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being around people who are just as rotten."
"Fujimaru-sama, it's unfortunate that you have some misconceptions about our Department of Policies."
"There's no misunderstanding. In a world full of rotten people, it's only natural for it to be governed by even more rotten individuals."
As Arcueid approached them from a distance, he paused and remarked, "Let's wrap it up, Adashino Hishiri. My friend is here."
He walked past her and continued walking ahead.
Adashino watched Shirou go further away and said, "Fujimaru-sama has no interest in our Department of Policies. So be it. However, your eyes have surely caught someone's attention. Please be careful."
"Whether it's my eyes or my soul, plenty of people are after me, but trying to defeat me? That's just not gonna happen!" Shirou sneered and turned to leave.
She watched him walk away and then turned to leave herself.
"Shirou!" Arcueid rushed over, holding a bunch of things.
She glanced at the departing Adashino and asked, "Who was that? Is she your friend?"
He shook his head and replied, "No, just a sly little snake, not worth mentioning."
The next morning, Shirou and Arcueid strolled out of the hotel side by side.
With no leads to pursue just yet, he knew he had to be patient and wait for Zelretch to provide some clues. Getting antsy would only dampen his spirits and achieve nothing.
So, he decided to join Arcueid for some fun instead.
The decision brought a radiant smile to her face, as if she were a ray of sunshine, brimming with joy.
From the start, he knew that Arcueid's purpose here was purely for enjoyment, not for anything too serious.
However, her idea of "fun" was quite interesting.
While most people would opt for sightseeing in foreign lands, checking out iconic landmarks, what about her?
She would seek out those fortune-telling establishments, leisurely strolling past shops emanating a mysterious gothic vibe, and ultimately indulging in purchases like silver crosses, crystal balls, or even skull-themed accessories.
No doubt about it, this White Princess had fully embraced the abyss of Chuunibyou, with no chance of redemption.
However, in a city like London, where the Holy Church and the Clock Tower coexisted, it was only natural to come across such items up for sale.
After all, this wasn't the medieval era anymore, governed solely by the Church. It was the dawn of a new century that celebrated values like democracy, individuality, and capitalism.
And let's not forget, they weren't shy about selling unconventional items like crystal balls and skull accessories.
In this era, if it had the potential to turn a profit, even ancient creatures like primordial dragons, gods, or buddhas could be transformed into adorable, "moe" versions and put up for sale.
"Hey, Shirou, what do you think of this?" Arcueid held up a black eye patch adorned with a skull pattern, covering her right eye, and asked with a playful smile.
Shirou leaned against the wall by the door, watching her excited expression. He couldn't help but nod in approval and say, "Not bad."
"Heh, no surprises there! After all, I am the Legendary True Ancestor. Wherever the moonlight shines, it's my domain," she declared with excitement, pressing her right eye and a wide grin spreading across her face.
Shirou's mouth twitched. He often felt strange in Arcueid's presence because he lacked the same level of "chuunibyou" enthusiasm.
The customers browsing the shop couldn't help but glance at Arcueid, their expressions filled with surprise. Her Chuunibyou aura was so intense that it made them instinctively maintain a certain distance from her.
However, a few like-minded people couldn't resist being drawn to her energy. Their faces lit up, and they approached her with genuine interest.
Leaning against the wall, he observed as Arcueid engaged in lively conversations with these kindred spirits, exchanging recommendations for props and enthusiastically sharing their common passion.
Just then, a golden-haired little girl entered the shop and made a beeline for Shirou. She looked up at him with wide eyes and asked, "Um... big brother, are you Fujimaru Shirou?"
He slightly lowered his head, meeting her gaze, "Yes, that's me. What can I help you with?"
The little girl reached into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled white piece of paper, holding it out to him. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Um, someone asked me to give this to you."
He accepted the paper from the little girl's outstretched hand, his eyes scanning the English words written on it: "Do not respond to the demented with kindness. Do not respond to the malicious with pity."
Before he could fully process the message, the paper suddenly burst into flames, disintegrating into ashes within moments, leaving no trace behind.
"Ah!"
The little girl gasped in surprise, causing heads to turn as everyone in the vicinity directed their attention towards her.
Shirou's brow furrowed as he stared at the golden-haired girl, "Little girl, can you tell me who gave you this paper?"
The trembling girl stammered in response, "I-it was an uncle, a really ugly uncle with scars on his face."
Arcueid noticed the commotion and approached them, "What's going on, Shirou?"
Shaking his head dismissively, he replied, "It's nothing."
The little girl cast a quick glance at Arcueid, her timidity evident as she trembled. She stammered, "Um... Big brother, I think I should go now."
He nodded, understanding her unease, and attempted to reassure her. "That was just a prank pulled by one of my friends. I apologize if it frightened you. Here, take this candy—"
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a lollipop and handed it to the little girl.
"Thank you!" The little girl's face lit up with a delighted smile. She turned around and happily scampered away.
He turned back to see Arcueid pouting, a clear displeasure on her face. He couldn't help but asked, "What's wrong?"
With a grumble, she muttered, "That was the one I had just shared with you!"
He said with a straight face, "I wanted to share the joy you gave me with others. By spreading your happiness, everyone can experience it too."
Her expression softened as she considered his words.
"Is that so... But my happiness was meant only for you..." She shook her head and whispered softly. Then, she retrieved two more lollipops from her pocket, hesitating briefly before reluctantly offering one to Shirou. "I only have two left. Since you're my good friend, I'll share one with you."
He didn't voice his lack of interest for candy but instead nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
She beamed with satisfaction and dashed off again, brimming with excitement, to explore the assortment of props.
As he twirled the plastic stick of the lollipop, his thoughts focused on the cryptic message and the mysterious sender of the white paper. There was undoubtedly a message intended specifically for him.
The mention of a scarred and ugly man by the little girl puzzled him. He couldn't think of anyone he knew who matched that description.
Shirou mentally noted that even Zelretch, the old man he knew, didn't have any facial scars. He couldn't connect the description to anyone he was familiar with. Frustratingly, the paper disintegrated before he had a chance to use "Eternal King" to expose its secret.
With these thoughts lingering in his mind, he decided to set them aside for now and focused on being there for Arcueid during their outing. Her boundless energy kept her darting through the streets, and he followed alongside her, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Shirou was at a loss for words as they arrived at a silverware store, of all places, which happened to be her favorite spot to visit. He found it ironic that as the purest True Ancestor, known as the White Princess, she would have such an unusual fondness for playing with silverware and even purchasing silver crosses as toys.
This peculiar hobby of hers was undoubtedly influenced by her exposure to numerous vampire-themed anime.
Her peculiarities didn't end with her fascination for silverware; she also had a tendency to refer to herself with chuunibyou names and even dubbed herself a "True Ancestor Hunter" at times. In a light novel she had written, titled "True Ancestors and Demon Hunters," the protagonist was a demon hunter, with the final boss being a True Ancestor Vampire.
Shirou couldn't help but be at a loss for words when it came to her interests. However, he recognized that she fully immersed herself in these hobbies and derived immense enjoyment from them.
Perhaps for her, as long as she was happy, it was enough.
She was just that kind of willful girl.
As they passed by the department store, Shirou couldn't resist buying a few items for Sakura and Ritsuka. He picked up a can of authentic British black tea for Sakura, knowing she had a fondness for it.
For Ritsuka, he selected a large teddy bear, recalling her adoration for a plushie of that size. Moreover, she had shown significant improvement in her math exam this time, scoring 87 points compared to her previous failing grades. It seemed only fair to reward her efforts and keep her motivated.
He couldn't help but reflect on his situation. Despite being just a teenager himself, he often found himself shouldering responsibilities akin to those of a parent.
"Isn't this Fujimaru-sama?"
A voice, slightly mature and feminine, suddenly caught his attention. He shifted the big teddy bear aside and raised his gaze, only to find Adashino Hishiri standing there in a stylish purple kimono.
"Oh, I remember you..."
"Adashino Hishiri, from the Department of Policies," she introduced herself.
Shirou responded, his tone somewhat dismissive, "The matter concerning the Clock Tower is of no concern to me. If you wouldn't mind, please step aside. This teddy bear I'm carrying is too big, and I need some space."
"It appears that Fujimaru-sama has misunderstood my intentions. I'm not here to give you any trouble. In fact, you're a guest of Lord Zelretch, and nobody at the Clock Tower would be foolish enough to bother you."
"But I know there are many people who would perceive me as nothing more than a pawn in their power struggles."
Her tone shifted to a more welcoming one as she suggested, "Fujimaru-sama, your Mystic Eyes seem to be designed for scouting and investigation, which happens to align quite well with the work we do in the Department of Policies. So, would you be interested in paying us a visit?"
He sneered, "I've done my fair share of rotten things, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being around people who are just as rotten."
"Fujimaru-sama, it's unfortunate that you have some misconceptions about our Department of Policies."
"There's no misunderstanding. In a world full of rotten people, it's only natural for it to be governed by even more rotten individuals."
As Arcueid approached them from a distance, he paused and remarked, "Let's wrap it up, Adashino Hishiri. My friend is here."
He walked past her and continued walking ahead.
Adashino watched Shirou go further away and said, "Fujimaru-sama has no interest in our Department of Policies. So be it. However, your eyes have surely caught someone's attention. Please be careful."
"Whether it's my eyes or my soul, plenty of people are after me, but trying to defeat me? That's just not gonna happen!" Shirou sneered and turned to leave.
She watched him walk away and then turned to leave herself.
"Shirou!" Arcueid rushed over, holding a bunch of things.
She glanced at the departing Adashino and asked, "Who was that? Is she your friend?"
He shook his head and replied, "No, just a sly little snake, not worth mentioning."
