Jeanne and Lemuen had long known that this company called Penguin Logistics was a bit eccentric, but what exactly was this company doing now?
"Do the employees of your company make a habit of killing the boss for fun whenever they have a moment? If so, would your company be interested in switching to a new boss for a change?"
The group of five now stood at the entrance of the company bar. Listening to the screams coming from inside—which sounded suspiciously like animal cruelty—they suddenly didn't know if they should even step inside.
The main issue was that the creature's cries were far too tragic. Jeanne felt the glass windows begin to vibrate slightly, as if they were about to shatter at any second.
At this moment, Jeanne finally understood why Penguin Logistics wanted a bar as their base yet chose to establish it in such a remote place where no one passed by. If a single living soul lived nearby, the Lungmen Guard Department would have rushed to the scene within five minutes. This screaming could be used as a weapon—a sonic attack that was particularly difficult to defend against.
"It shouldn't be that bad. Maybe the Emperor just got too hyped up while singing? Actually, once you get used to it, you'll find the calls quite interesting."
Exusiai and the others were already at a stage where they found this sort of screaming perfectly normal. This made Jeanne wonder exactly what these three had been through to be able to appreciate such a thing.
"Boss, still practicing new songs? We're back!"
Seeing the screaming subside a bit, Croissant pushed open the bar doors and walked in. On the counter stood a penguin, staring at the group entering with its small eyes.
Jeanne looked at the living, breathing penguin before her and suddenly worried that the next thing out of his mouth would be: "'Little' girl, want to top up some Q-coins?"
However, this penguin appeared to be a fairly proper one. Seeing them enter, he waved a flipper in greeting.
"*Inexplicable Penguin Screeching!* I didn't think you three would actually dare to come back! I thought the fines were so heavy this time that you were planning to just disappear!"
The Emperor took a sip of a cocktail from the table next to him, pushed up his sunglasses, and teased them. This penguin was dressed entirely in pop elements, looking every bit like a rapper. Only, why was he wearing a top but no pants? Was that a custom among birds?
"I feel like you're thinking about something very rude."
The Emperor spoke while looking at Jeanne, but he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he spread his wings and said to them:
"Although many accidents happened, welcome back safe and sound, girls! Welcome back to my bar!"
The Emperor flapped his wings to welcome them, no longer fussing over the massive compensation he had just mentioned.
"By the way, Emperor. Let me introduce you, this is my..."
Before Exusiai could finish the introduction, the Emperor interrupted her.
"I already know. Mostima already gave me a heads-up. Our company's 'little' ones have really caused you trouble, Jeanne, and Exusiai's sister, 'Shimmering Vigil'!"
The Emperor raised a wing and waved, welcoming them. He looked at the corresponding person as he said each name; clearly, he had truly looked into them.
"Not at all. It's my troublesome sister who has caused you problems. This child has been mischievous since she was 'little'; I imagine she's caused no small amount of trouble in Lungmen..."
Lemuen also greeted the Emperor with a smile. She was actually very grateful to this boss for being willing to take in her family's little troublemaker. When Exusiai left Laterano, she had just graduated from the academy—a person with no experience coming to Lungmen alone. One could imagine the life of searching for someone while simultaneously looking for work.
Even with Mostima helping her solve some problems in secret, Lemuen, who was still hospitalized at the time, really couldn't stop worrying about her sister, fearing she wasn't happy out there. Lemuen knew firsthand how difficult it was to restart one's life in a strange place. Plus, given her sister's personality of causing trouble every few days, finding a long-term, legitimate job in this city was no easy feat.
"Truly, thank you for taking care of her all these years. In that regard, I really must thank you. Even in a place so far from home, you've allowed her to live a happy life."
Lemuen expressed her gratitude to the Emperor very solemnly. At first glance, she could tell that Exusiai was living happily and had made good friends.
"Haha! You can't put it that way. Your sister is a great employee! I merely provided a place to work; her being able to do all this is entirely due to her own hard work!"
As the Emperor spoke, he looked at Exusiai standing nearby. At that moment, Exusiai was looking at her sister, her thoughts unknown, but hearing the Emperor's words, she smiled bashfully.
"Let's not talk about that anymore. Tonight is a fine day! Why not make it even more cheerful? Texas, bring over my collection of vinyl records!"
With that, the Emperor prepared to throw a lively party to celebrate. It seemed he really was quite happy today.
"Mostima told me. I've prepared rooms for the two of you over near their dorms. You can rest there during your time in Lungmen. If you need anything, just let me know."
Suddenly, the Emperor, who was swaying his wings, turned his head and whispered to Jeanne and Lemuen. He then began his performance, leaving the two of them to watch the scene.
"Although I'd heard some things about this place, now that I'm actually here, I feel those reports were far too subtle. Why do I feel like the Emperor is being a bit too hospitable? Is it an illusion?"
Lemuen looked at the Emperor, who treated them like family, feeling that this company was overly enthusiastic. However, she wasn't worried. A boss recognized by Mostima—someone she would even share secrets with—was equivalent to being told there was no need to worry.
"Maybe he just doesn't care about the details? But isn't this great? It saves us the trouble of finding a place to stay. Your 'Shimmering Vigil''s apartment couldn't have fit the three of us anyway."
Jeanne watched the singing penguin. For her, the more curious matter was: how exactly does this penguin talk? At first glance, he just looks like an ordinary penguin. Could it be that he has some bloodline of a Phantasmal Beast in him? But she'd never heard of a Phantasmal Beast that looked like a penguin!