At one in the afternoon.
The three boarded a Blacksteel Worldwide transport plane. While the plane was en route to Lungmen, Franka began to brief Jessica on the mission.
"This mission is a security detail. The difficulty is not high, so it's especially suitable for a newly promoted rookie like you, Jessica."
"A bodyguard mission?!"
Jessica's eyes lit up.
As it was her first mission as an official team member, excitement was a given. But alongside the excitement was nervousness, a fear of making a serious mistake. Luckily, Mr. Reeve was with her now.
"Are we escorting some kind of precious item?"
"Err... no...."
Franka somewhat awkwardly handed the mission file to Jessica.
"We're providing security for a concert tomorrow. The concert will run for three days, so we just need to be on guard in Lungmen for three days."
Jessica: "Huh?"
Lucas Reeve: "Huh?"
"Isn't this vulpo lady an elite operator? Why is she on a mission to protect a concert?" Lucas Reeve silently grumbled in Jessica's mind.
Shouldn't a few security guards be enough for a concert?
Jessica repeated Lucas Reeve's question.
And Franka gave a very pragmatic answer.
"Because... they're paying too much... They specifically requested elite operators from our Blacksteel Worldwide for the personal protection of their idol. We are a service industry, after all. As long as the price is right, we'll protect even an ordinary person. Besides, this mission is so simple. What danger could a little idol possibly be in? It's not like terrorists are assassinating idols these days. It's the perfect first mission experience for you, Jessica."
Franka's tone was casual, clearly indicating that she herself didn't think much of the mission.
Beside her, Liskarm called her out.
"It's mainly because this fat fox saw that the mission was simple, had little work, and paid a lot."
Franka clicked her tongue. "We are elite personnel from a legitimate security company. Talking directly about money seems crude. Our principle is that all clients are equal; no matter how much you pay, you are our God."
"..."
"And the time before last you beat up that client and got a complaint filed against you?"
"Tch! That client was a genuine fat pig. He actually wanted to spend only a hundred thousand Lungmen Bucks for me to sleep with him for a night. In his dreams! Am I that cheap?"
Liskarm: "So? You needed more money? What if he had offered five million at the time?"
Franka: "Get lost!! With a face like his, forget five million, I wouldn't be interested in five hundred million! You didn't see the way that pig looked at me during the mission, he was practically drooling. It was disgusting. On the other hand, he didn't even glance at you, Liskarm. Looks like I'm still superior when it comes to feminine charm. You need to work harder. Remember to eat more papaya."
".....Cow-fox!"
The two, who were supposed to be briefing Jessica, ended up bickering.
Jessica smiled.
These two senpais were a classic case of bickering lovers. Despite being the best of friends, they were incredibly sharp-tongued with each other.
Jessica, along with Lucas Reeve, started reading the detailed mission file.
Client: MSR Media Company.
Target: MSR Media Company's top idol, 'Sora'.
Details: The protection target, Miss 'Sora', is one of Lungmen's hottest new-generation idols. She was scheduled to hold a concert in Lungmen's Upper District on May 12th. However, on May 10th, she received a threatening letter, prompting the client to hire our company for security. Further details will be provided upon arrival in Lungmen after consulting with the relevant client representative.
Lucas Reeve raised an eyebrow.
Honestly.
What threat value could a minor idol possibly have?
Setting aside the possibility of crazed fans or pranks from competitors.
What true outlaw would waste their time targeting an idol? Those rich bosses are much easier targets for extortion.
Therefore, Lucas Reeve didn't pay this assignment much mind either.
Seeing that Lucas Reeve was unconcerned.
Jessica became unconcerned as well.
---------------------
Meanwhile.
At the Lungmen Guard Department.
"Old Ch'en~"
A tall female police officer pushed open the door to the office of a Senior Superintendent of the L.G.D., shouting as soon as she entered.
"The person in charge from MSR is here again. They want us to investigate the case and also hope we can dispatch officers for security on the day of the concert."
Madam Ch'en, who was already overwhelmed at her desk, clutched her head in frustration.
"Where would we find the time? It's probably just another prank by a fan. This isn't the first time. Last time they said there was a threat, and what happened in the end? We caught the guy, and he was a fan! His house was covered in posters of that little idol. The time before that too! And the time before that!"
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Madam Ch'en slammed her hand on the desk.
"Lungmen is chaotic enough as it is. Why do these companies from the Upper District love to cause trouble for us at critical times?"
"I remember that little idol is quite close with Penguin Logistics, the ones who give us so much trouble, right? Just let the Penguin Logistics people protect her. Hoshiguma, don't bother me with such trivial matters. Just handle it yourself. All sorts of riff-raff are pouring into Lungmen right now. International criminals, terrorists! Cult members!! I'm about to die from overwork. I just arrested an Ursus spy yesterday and haven't even had time to interrogate them."
"I've already taken care of it. I'll just have a few officers go to the site to act as security. I was just giving you a heads-up. There's one more thing."
Hoshiguma, who had a sharp horn on her forehead, said nonchalantly.
"The Upper District is planning to hold a socialite tea party tonight. They've sent an invitation for you. It seems that loud-mouthed young lady is planning to go."
"...."
"*Lungmen profanity* Tell her to get lost!!"