Machine World Arc A Girl With Bright Future (Employment Prospect)
On the way until the secret underground workshop, there wasn’t anything particularly worth mentioning other than the numerous traps Listy made. It was a straight line of underground passage that was enveloped in darkness where everything looked the same.
According to Listy, usually she was travelling using an e-scooter that she made herself (the blueprint had already been submitted and it was being used practically too, not just simply being misused. This too was one of Listy’s contributions), so Hajime and others also got on vehicle from the middle.
By the way, the “vehicle” was the liquid metal. It was like the moving walkway that could be found at airport and the like. The strange sensation of moving at high speed while standing still made the children got into a gleeful mood as though they were enjoying an attraction at an amusement park.
It was a very skillful use of liquid metal by Hajime, including the time when the junk mountain collapsed like a volcanic eruption. Yue and others were impressed, and even Ryuutarou and the other boys seemed to feel the romance from it that they begged Hajime to share a little of it with them.
There was also Listy nosily asking questions with immense curiosity of how Hajime was controlling the metal and so on.
And for some reason, “Yuuka-chan in overalls with the front fully opened” who was swallowed in a coat as though assimilating with it made a comeback. Jasper and the boys averted their eyes awkwardly……
While those were going on, Hajime and everyone arrived at the destination after they had advanced for around one kilometer.
Originally there must be a sliding metal door there. No, to be more accurate there was a bulkhead there. There was a bulkhead jutting out just half from the wall, a bulkhead that was half broken, a bulkhead that wasn’t coming out at all from the wall. It looked like originally there could be many layers of bulkhead that could be deployed.
Right now it looked like they weren’t functioning. In exchange of them there was a boorish looking double iron door closing the way.「Is this, something that Listy put here?」
「Yep! Wait a bit, I’m opening it now.」
Hajime stored his liquid metal into his “treasure warehouse” while asking that question. It was just as expected. Listy took out not an electronic key, but a key that wouldn’t look out of place in medieval times from her poach. Most likely it was a handmade key.
Myuu looked up to the heavy looking iron door while unconsciously,
「Eh? How did you do it nano?」
Asking that. Just one side of the door must weighed several hundred kilo. With a child’s physical strength, no, even adult wouldn’t find it easy to put the door here. It would also be impossible using tool like crane and the like. There was no space for it down here. Did she install pulley or the like on the ceiling to do it……
Either way, it looked like it would be extremely hard for Listy’s small body.
「The door is relatively recent. Originally there’s no door here and at the opposite side too. I did it using Eeten for performance trial too. It was awfully hard though.」
「Eeten?」
Myuu tilted her head. Somehow she felt like she had heard that name from somewhere. Hajime and others must also felt the same. Several people especially Hajime slightly widened their eyes muttering 「Don’t tell me」.
It was exactly that “Don’t tell me”.
*Giii* The door opened with a faint sound. 「Go in go in!」 Listy invited in her first guest excitedly like a child who wanted to show off her treasure.
The group entered in a crowd. And then, Listy flicked the switch on the wall and the electric light instantly lit up.
「This is……」
Hajime involuntarily became speechless. Jasper and Yuuka and others were dumbfounded. Yue and others muttered 「I see」, showing an understanding on their expression even while their face was twitching. Certainly it was no wonder why she was keeping this a secret.
「S-self made robotttt……?」
Atsushi reflexively let out his voice. Yes, a robot.
The storage on one side of the wall, the multiple work benches with numerous prototypes and research products on them, the self-made instruments for work assistance or manufacturing, the scattered relics and materials, hazardous materials, etc. 𝙧Ãℕ∅₿ËṤ
There were many things to be surprised about, and yet.
What attracted the most attention was the five robots being hanged on the appliances.
They weren’t machine soldier. These were the rustic type for work, like the robot serving as key replacement at the entrance of G10’s hideout in the past. There were large type, small type, slim type, and caterpillar type.
Machine soldier made use of human brain. Therefore, Jasper gave the strict order to collect and dispose all of them by claiming that it was Mother’s last will even while hiding the truth. Actually he was also doing things like building something like memorial monument for them.
Perhaps because Listy was aware of that, as expected she wasn’t hiding a machine soldier itself. That must be exactly why all of these were things she made herself but……
「These things, did you make them all Listy-chan?」
「That’s right, big sis Kaori. All of them are still in the research stage and can’t be used properly though……」
Listy looked down with a bit of embarrassment. Actually she must wished to show them when they could move like the machine soldier. She sent glances with an upward gaze at Hajime while continuing her explanation somewhat hurriedly.
「AI is out of the question regardless whether it’s possible or impossible, or whether I can obtain the knowledge or not. After all that’ll be betrayal to G10. Making them move on my order is also still impossible because I need deep knowledge of komputer for that……but, I think it’s possible if I control them directly with cable.」
Apparently that was what she currently researching.
In other words, mechanical controlled puppet. Looking closer there was cord extending from the back of the robots, connected to utensil that looked like fighting game’s controller.
Among them the slim type was connected to something like leg protector or hand protector. It must be the type to trace movement.
「The door at the entrance, you used these to install it there……」
「Y-yeah. They, still can’t make any detailed movement, and they also can’t run or anything but……I can at least use them to assist with my work somehow……」
「No, that’s already amazing enough. Yeah, really.」
「!! He, hehe-」
Hajime ran his gaze inside the workshop too while caressing Listy’s head. Listy’s cheeks turned rosy. She also pressed her legs together and fidgeted.
But, Myuu didn’t throw even a single word of teasing even after seeing Listy acting like that. Her eyes were fixed at a single thing. Among the five, there was just one robot that wasn’t connected to a controller cord.
「P-papa. Myuu, once saw something like this in movie nano……」
「Yeah. We watched it together didn’t we」
Humanoid machine of steel. However, the inside was hollow. It was rugged, crooked, and still looked ill-formed but, that was definitely,
「「「No, this is the first Iron *an ain’t it-!!」」」
Like Myuu, Ryuutarou, Atsushi, and Noboru noticed the difference from the other four and stared fixedly at that one robot. Their voices harmonized beautifully.
It couldn’t be helped. It was, just too similar. It was the prototype of, yes, an armored suit that was created inside a cave by a certain person who was called the man of iron.
Nana, Taeko, and also Nana too must have finished studying that certain movie. Howaa~, their mouth hanged opened with their surprise plain to see.
「Listy-chan Listy-chan! Can this one move!?」
Shia who when watching together a certain movie of hero assemble, said 「If the characters are applied to the members of our family, as expected I’ll be the capt desu!」 with full confidence, but then got told 「Eh? Shia is H*lk right?」 by everyone, then got angry and hulked up asked Listy the question in excitement.
Listy who was puzzled by the excessively great reaction to the armored suit type looked despondent by that question and she shook her head.
「It’s completely just for show. The energy to move it is coompletely not enough, and there’s no prospect to give it both durability and smooth movement. I thought it might work if it’s for children but miniaturizing each part is difficult like crazy. And it’ll be meaningless if I grow up……」
「Oi oi, don’t tell me the 3D maneuver gear is your compromise of this?」
「Y-yep. I thought that if I want to wear machine soldier and move around, that way will be the most convenient……」
「……This girl, did she really has zero knowledge until five years ago? Her creativity is off the chart.」
It might be feasible if she was a child with the chance to experience all kinds of creative work, a child with an upbringing like Listy shouldn’t be able to have this way of thinking. Even Yue felt a chill when she considered that. Of course, the others also felt the same.
But, Listy herself felt like their reaction was strange.
「? It’s not like this kinda thing is that strange right? Oto──Ani-san is wearing metal arm despite being a flesh and blood human, and machine soldier is a robot with human head put inside it. The machine soldier is the worst but, it’s a fact that mechanical body is convenient. Then, if you can put on and off one as you like without harming your body……it’s only natural to think like that.」
Apparently a perfect reinforced exoskeleton was the aim of Listy’s research. She looked somewhat vexed. Actually she must wished to unveil it at her fight with Myuu.
「Listy……you……」
A low growling voice resounded. It was Jasper. Before anyone realized it he had a grim expression. Rather than looking impressed anxiety and concern won over, it was that kind of expression.
「B-big bro……mechanical puppet is convenient! It increase your work efficiency explosively, and it also reduce risk during work! You can just think of it as fixing limbs on car or airplane to make them even more useful! They gonna be useful for Coltran!」
She must have finally sensed that his mood was somewhat out of alignment with her. Listy-chan fiercely appealed that her research was useful and had no danger in a bit of panic.
Jasper didn’t react to this appeal and his gaze turned toward the shelves on the wall and the worktables. Those places were packed with things that he didn’t think he would be able to comprehend at all. But, there were also things that looked clearly to be weapon.
The wrinkles between his brows deepened even more. Mindy pressed closer to his side to soothe him down, but as expected her expression was dyed with color of deep concern.
An atmosphere that made it very hard to speak filled the air.
「Listy, is it alright if I look around for a bit?」
「! Yeah! Of course, Ani-san!」
Listy who became uneasy instead by Jasper and Mindy’s expression brightened up from Hajime’s words. Hajime smiled to reassure her then he urged Yue and Ryuutarou and others too with his gaze.
They all shrugged and started looking over the workshop.
「This, it’s definitely telephone isn’t it?」
「Aa, I see. Under Mother’s rule communication was overdeveloped that there was only wireless communication technology huh. But if it’s cable, it might be useful for Coltran even without unravelling the technology don’t you think?」
「Or rather, this thing on the desk is circuit board isn’t it? Uwah, so much memo. She’s studying how circuit work with trial and error……」
「Ah, is this a circuit she made herself? They’re getting progressively more complex bit by bit from the left……」
Noboru, Atsushi, Nana, and Taeko were observing the surrounding of a worktable. They looked like they couldn’t help but got impressed by every single thing. Furthermore,
「Eh, Listy-chan. Did you make this yourself too?」
Aiko pointed in surprise. It was an object that looked like it was buried under a lot of pipes──from appearance it looked completely like a rifle. Though the stock part was excessively big.
Listy nodded even while her gaze wandered around after seeing Jasper and Mindy’s expression gradually turning grimmer.
「Explosive is precious after all, so I wonder whether I can recreate firearm with magnetism’s recoil and compressed air. But they’re completely no good. The accuracy is all over the place, and the force is also low. They can only deal the force of a hammer blow against an opponent several meters ahead.」
「No, isn’t that enough?」
「If it’s just that then closing the distance and smashing them with hammer will be faster.」
Listy spoke like Shia. Aiko could only respond with a forced smile. This time Shizuku asked a question. She asked about a square metal box.
「Listy-chan, what is this?」
「That’s a machine for boiling water. I thought perhaps it’ll be possible not using fire but using electricity’s power to do it quickly……though I think it’ll be great too if one day I can heat the water content inside food directly to cut down the time and effort for cooking.」
「Nou, Listy. By some chance, couldst this be a dynamo?」
「Ah, yep. The power generator facility at heaven is too advanced but……I can understand the mechanism a bit if it’s the thing you can found at the junk mountain or underground, so I gave it a try too. Though I stopped because it was absurdly tiring. Now I normally use cable to draw electricity from the surface through the vent.」
Listy said that as she turned her gaze. There was something like a treadmill there. It was connected with a cord to a large machine. She must be doing experiment to produce electricity with manpower.
「You made even the dynamo by yourself?」
Yuuka set aside the matter about stealing electricity and reflexively put her hand on her forehead.
The existence of electricity was a secret among secret matters. The knowledge couldn’t be obtained even from the former upper world residence. She analyzed the various dynamo and capacitor type junks she salvaged bit by bit, combined broken things and ascertained their effect, repaired them, did trial and error, then repeat. By accumulating such effort, she constructed something like this. Even though it was something extremely simple, she had reached this point almost by self-study only.
Their feeling about that had gone passed admiration into disbelief.
It looked like she wasn’t just researching weapon, but also a lot of things that would be useful for Coltran. However, the problem wasn’t there after coming this far.
Not only Hajime and Liliana, even Yue and others started making grim expression. Because their thought had reached a worrying point.
「Listy, do you have something like research note?」
「Ah, yeah! I have!」
She ran to a shelf and grabbed a paper bundle that she needed to carry in her arms. Hajime patted the head of the slightly anxious looking Listy while running his eyes over that research note.
At the beginning there was mostly only drawing. That must be because she hadn’t learned her letters. Only the person herself could comprehend them so Hajime skipped it and went to look at the note from the back.
Listy couldn’t stop fidgeting from having the person she looked up to looking at the thing that ought to be called as the proof of her effort and devotion.
It was to the degree that when Myuu poked at her cheek 「Calm down nano」, she snapped 「Shuddup!」 and bit her.
「……Firepower, water power, wind power……there’s even idea for power generation facility here huh. Where did you get the idea to reach the conception of using steam? Over here is study and idea about vacuum state that you thought of from canned food? Also……every kind of, data of chemical reaction huh.」
Hajime looked over the whole thing and unconsciously let out a long sigh fuuu~h. He showed a kind smile at Listy who was looking up at him. While patting her head once more.
「These are all praiseworthy without any need for flattery. I can’t believe that five years ago you didn’t even know your letters. Yeah, I give up. You, you’re one heck of a kid.」
「! T-that’s not, true though? Fuheh」
Another praise was given. Joy that couldn’t be hidden completely flooded out from Listy, to the degree that the cat ears that shouldn’t move looked like they were moving *pyoko pyoko* at high speed.
If there weren’t this many people here then she might even break into a small dance.
But, Hajime poured cold water on such Listy. He got down on one knee to match the height of her eyes and spoke with the expression of utmost seriousness.
「Yeah, this is really beyond my imagination.」
「……Ani-san?」
「Listy──do you got any plan to restrain yourself?」
「Eh?」
Listy froze completely, looking like she didn’t understand what she was being told. Atsushi and Nana blurted out 「Eh!? Why!? She should be praised here!」 in shock.
「I’m not telling you to not research and invent. But, let’s see. About what you should research and how far should you do it, and when should you publish it, can you obey Jasper completely about those things?」
「W-why? Why are you telling me that?」
「Because it’s dangerous. Not your invention. I mean dangerous for you.」
There Atsushi and others finally seemed to understand. They went Ah in realization.
It was something that they had faintly felt since seeing her equipment in that duel. And they were convinced after seeing this true workshop and the research content that Listy would accomplish in the future.
「Jasper too, you got it right?」
「……Yeah, boss. If these things get completed……no, just these researchs getting exposed is gonna be bad. Listy……might become the trigger.」
Five years had passed and factions were already in the process of forming. If amidst that, a girl appeared who might become a cornerstone of mankind’s development, or their own faction’s victory, how would the people see her?
It already wouldn’t be simply a matter of her being the governor’s weakness anymore.
「……It might become a fight over her in the future not that far away from now.」
Yue’s words apparently made Listy to finally understand her own position. She gasped in realization.
She wanted to be recognized by Hajime. She wanted to win against Myuu. She also wanted to contribute to Coltran’s development.
Listy had been pushing forward with only such pure feeling, yes, such extremely pure feeling of a child. It couldn’t be helped even if her thought didn’t manage to reach as far as to consider her worth and how would the people who noticed her would take action.
Therefore, her numerous research results and excellence as salvager had become widely known. Perhaps there were also people who had their eyes on her already.
If those people learned of Listy’s actual research result……
Taking into account the selfishness and autonomy of the people that would sprout, or perhaps coming back to them from here on, looking at the situation optimistically couldn’t possibly be a good move.
「Listy, destroy this workshop.」
「Tsu, b-big bro……」
「Isn’t it enough already? You have also managed to get a satisfactory duel with Myuu-chan. Boss also praised you. I’m not telling you to stop all your researches. Just do something simpler, yeah, like that cable communication device, or even improving the jetpack to make it simpler that anyone can use it, that kinda things──」
「No!!」
Jasper walked closer while trying to persuade her, but Listy leaped back as though to run away from him. She bared her jagged teeth and the corner of her eyes were lifted to the limit. Coupled with the cat ears hoodie too, it made her looked like a hissing cat.
「It’s not gonna be forever. After ten, twenty years passed then the technology will also catch up. Then your research too isn’t gonna stand out that much then. It won’t be too late even after that──」
「That’s obviously gonna be too slow! Absolutely no!」
「You researched like you gonna die tomorrow was because you wanna to meet boss right? But boss is already here. You’ll be able to meet him again from here on.」
「My dream ain’t just one. I gotta reach the holy land as quickly as possible, so G10 can become Avenst without any worry──」
「Is that G10 someone who’s gonna be okay with you getting into danger for that?」
「That’s-……tsu……but, I wanna be like Ani-san……I haven’t even caught up with Myuu, so standing still is just-……」
She looked like she couldn’t accept it, but she also could understand what Jasper was saying, so she could do nothing except chewing her lips in frustration.
So to speak, this was like telling a child who was currently giving her all to strive toward her goal 「You should be extremely prudent right now, just work hard ten or twenty years later」. She was being told to not run with all her strength.
That’s, well,
「There’s no way she can easily accept that nano……」
Myuu felt deep sympathy while standing close to Listy. She enveloped her tightly clenched fist with her own hands.
A very heavy and stifling atmosphere filled the air. The children were looking at Listy with worry in their eyes. Yuuka and others were making pained expression.
Amidst that, a beat passed and,
「「Well, of course it’s like that huh」」
Two voices harmonized. It was Hajime and Jasper. They both looked at each other and their wry smiles deepened even more seeing the exact wry smile at each other’s face.
Listy’s eyes widened like saucer seeing the two’s unexpected casual air.
「Big bro?」
Jasper shrugged at his youngest sister who was calling him with a perplexed tone while suddenly falling on both his knees. And then he turned toward Hajime and pressed his forehead on the ground. From the side it looked like he was doing dogeza.
「Boss. Sorry but, can’t ya do something? I’m begging ya-」
He couldn’t ignore this as the governor. But, as a big brother he wanted to respect his little sister’s feeling. And most of all, he didn’t want to allow Listy’s passion, talent, and spirit to rot.
Because other than feeling of worry, his feeling of pride was just as big, no, even bigger for his little sister who showed this much result just from her self-study.
Yue and others must be feeling the same too. They didn’t want to tell a child to not work hard. They didn’t want to tell her to lower herself to other’s level and live under the yoke of others. They wanted to allow her to run toward where she wanted to run with all her strength. Such feeling was oozing from their eyes.
Hajime shrugged.
「Well, if we put barrier using artifact or something here, then we can make the workshop undetectable and untrespassable by anybody other than Listy. She’ll need to have a long talk with Jasper about when to announce her invention but……it should be possible to reduce much of the danger of her being a trigger.」
「Ooh, as expected from boss!」
「Oto──Ani-san! Thanks!!」
Jasper lifted up his face that was all smiles with joy. Listy too hugged tightly the back of his big brother with feeling of gratitude while smiling brightly toward Hajime.
Mindy and others too, even while feeling a bit conflicted that a solution was provided so Listy didn’t need to restrain herself, they were letting out a relieved sigh.
Kaori was smiling cheerfully while saying 「As expected, Hajime-kun is totally soft with kids」 with a teasing tone, but she looked happy in contrast to it. Yue and others were also nodding with soft expression……
But, the next words made them realized that their perception was still too sweet.
「But, with just that it’s just a bit too──wasteful」
「「Eh?」」
Jasper & Listy looked puzzled by the muttered words.
「Really, the strength of her will and the height of her passion too surpassed my imagination. I completely misjudged her. Just how much her talent can grow if she can receive the proper education. I can’t help but keep wondering that.」
「Umm, Ani-san? What do you mean by that……」
Listy asked in confusion, but for some reason Hajime didn’t reply to her while keeping his gaze directed to empty air.
「The speed of this girl’s progress is just too different from Coltran’s people. She won’t need ten years to arrive to the holy land by her own strength. I think she can accomplish it if she has five years. But, that’ll be the winning of a single outstanding human. It can’t be said as the winning of mankind. It can’t work as reassurance that mankind will be just fine.」
Listy’s eyes widened. Hajime said that G10 wouldn’t be able to feel relieved even if she arrived at the holy land. Apparently she had finally realized for real just how much she was getting further from Coltran’s actual level.
「Most of all, this girl also won’t give up on being my daughter right? I’ve accepted that feeling.」
This was also something unexpected. Listy didn’t give up even after he told her firmly that he couldn’t become her father. She bravely proclaimed that she would continue chasing after his back. So that one day, she could have him accept her calling herself his daughter.
Five years were a very long time for a child, and there was also a blank period when it felt like the promise had gotten scrapped to her, and yet that feeling didn’t waver at the slightest. It was unthinkable that she would have a change of heart at this point.
「Myuu too, it looks like she has half recognized that strength of will through the duel.」
When Hajime looked at Myuu with gentle gaze to confirm, Myuu averted her gaze *puih* aside but she didn’t deny it. The matching hairpin glinted momentarily.
「In other words, Listy is already as good as family. At the very least, one day that will happen.」
Listy was shaken 「Awawah」 by the clear wording. She was so happy that her hand slapped *peshi peshi* on the back of Jasper’s head.
At the same time, Yue and others seemed to notice. That a tip of liquid metal poked out from Hajime’s collar. They could see the mini camera and mike on it.
「Do you know what I want to say? ──G10」
Surprised voices 「Eh」 came out from Jasper and others. They must haven’t guessed it at all. That actually, image and sound had been sent to G10 this whole time ever since they came to Coltran.
After some time of silence, a voice replied back.
『……That Listy is an exception?』
The children cheered WAH by the voice that they heard after so long. Mindy too looked happy for being able to hear the voice, even so she warned the children Shh while putting her finger over her lips so that they didn’t disturb the talk.
「Isn’t that right? You’re going to have face Listy even if you don’t want to. Or what, are you going to run around away from Listy when she arrived at the holy land while watching over mankind?」
Silence came back from the communicator when Hajime asked that question teasingly. Was she thinking, or was she simply unable to argue back?
A beat later, voice of resignation spoke up.
『Certainly, her growth speed is completely surpassing my prediction. I won’t go as far as calling her the second Harden, but it’s still frightening to behold. I can also understand captain’s expectation. It’s just as you say, it doesn’t seem likely that we will never meet in this lifetime.』
Was it just their imagination that there was happiness oozing out from the voice while saying that?
An AI who possessed super advanced calculation ability found her own prediction being surpassed. For G10 who believed and treasured mankind’s possibility more than anyone else, perhaps there was nothing happier than that.
「She want to win against Myuu, she want to catch up to me. At the same time she also want to be useful to her family, and she also want to contribute to Coltran’s development. That’s Listy’s will. You also saw how extraordinary that passion right?」
『Yes, captain.』
「And she done that in a state where she has no basic knowledge. Surely her growth speed will accelerate in proportion to the amount of knowledge she accumulate. Even if her talent itself doesn’t rival Harden, its worth isn’t at all inferior in this world that is redoing the civilization from zero.」
『……That’s true. I think that the worry of captain and everyone is right on the mark.』
「Than, rather than making her continue studying on her own at Coltran, or rather than bringing her to my world, she should first study this world’s technology under you. I think that’s perhaps the best choice……what do you think?」
「G10 becoming my teacher!?」
Listy’s voice squeaked. There was no doubt that the suggestion was completely out of her imagination. The children also whispered with each other. Jasper and Mindy also opened their eyes wide.
『Is that, an order to allow Listy to come and go from the holy land?』
「That’s right. You told me just before this right? When you become Avenst, you want people in charge of each division eventually. After all you don’t like authority getting concentrated on AI or situation where using your own judgement is necessary.」
To the end, she wanted to move under human’s instruction. G10 was. Although, it would be inefficient if she had to ask the captain Hajime for every detail in every division. That was exactly why she made this proposal.
And, that position also included Avenst’s maintenance division.
「There’s an egg of great engineer here, how about it? Won’t you try raising her?」
He wanted to give the appropriate chance to a child who was earnest, single-minded, and possessed obstinate passion and spirit.
In short, that was Hajime’s desire.
Listy’s eyes moistened from deep emotion, while Hajime was patting the head of that Listy with a kind gaze.
He’s being a papa again like thaat……Yue and others thought with warm eyes toward him. Though Yuuka and Mindy were looking at him with eyes going *powaa~* for some reason.
「G10. I’m begging you too-」
『Jasper……』
Jasper bowed his head deeply once more before G10 could answer.
「I understand your determination well enough. But you know, Coltran is too small for Listy.」
『……』
「She’s a bit intense but, she’s a good kid. She actually want to run straight chasing after just the boss and yet, everyday she give it her all wracking her brain to be useful for her birthplace(Coltran). Really, just how much contribution she has made here……but you know, it’s pathetic but, I, no, Coltran doesn’t has any way to reward this girl……」
「Big bro, it’s not like I’m expecting reward or──」
Listy was about to say something, but Jasper held up his hand to stop her.
「Far from rewarding her, her future here might pay back the debt with ill will instead. Even now, without boss’s help I’m not gonna be able to do anything except chaining her down. That’s why──please-. Let Listy run with everything she got! I’m begging ya!」
A beat later, the voices 「Please!」 burst out. Listy gasped and when she looked back, her brothers and sisters were all bowing their head. Her eyes met Mindy. She gave her a small smile and nodded, then bowing her head while saying 「Please」 too.
「Everyone……」
Everyone of them felt worried for their youngest sister’s future. At the same time they wished that she would be able to spread her wings to her heart’s content to fly to the place she liked. Knowing that, Listy’s eyes became blurry.
「So, how about it, G10.」
『……In a sense, my debt to Jasper is even greater than my debt to captain. I can’t just unequivocally refuse when being pleaded like this.』
G10 paused to ponder for a bit before she replied.
『Listy, I have several conditions.』
「Y-yes-」
『First, never divulge the knowledge you study to Coltran. Second, conceal the content of your research with thoroughness. Third, obey Jasper completely in regard to the publishing of your research’s result.』
「It’s fine, I’ll follow those! Absolutely! If I break them then you can blow me up or cut me apart or whatever!」
『Ah, no, I won’t do anything like that though.』
Listy-chan, her eyes were serious. Those were the eyes of someone putting their life on the line. It was to the degree G10 got unconsciously overawed even through the video image.
「Ah, but, I just want to ask one thing!」
Furthermore, she gave out a demand.
「I’m going to the holy land on my own. I’m thankful that you’re going to allow me to come and go there but, I don’t wanna change that! After all it’s something that I decided by myself. That’s why, if possible I wanna you to teach me through long distance call until I go to meet you there by my own!」
It seemed she desired a correspondence education at the beginning. It was truly a stubborn and obstinate demand.
But, that obstinacy seemed to worth favorable review for G10 and for Hajime too instead.
『Captain, that’s what she’s saying.』
「Haha, as expected from Listy. This obstinacy and guts must be the main cause of her rapid growth. Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll prepare a direct line communicator for her. Either way, first she gotta solidify her basics with classroom learning. Of course, that’s if G10 is fine with it though?」
『It can’t be helped.』
Her tone was bright. G10 seemed to have resolved herself after considering the various circumstances.
『Listy, I shall pass down my knowledge to you.』
Cheers Waa- rose up. It looked like that Listy’s future path was getting illuminated brightly, so Jasper family also rejoiced as though it happened to themselves. They all spoke words of gratitude to G10 and Hajime.
「T-thanks-! G10, no, teacher! Also, Oto──Ani-san and big bro, everyone too!!」
Listy too spoke with trembling voice as though to reflect upon this development.
『Teacher, is it……. My comrades in the past, will surely have their thought short-circuited if they hear about my work history. Fufuh』
G10 spoke out her impression of Listy’s word like that with a soft tone. However, her tone returned back to normal right after that.
『Then, captain. I’ll take my leave here.』
「Yeah, my bad. Let’s discuss about the details after we return to the holy land.」
G10 quickly vanished from the communication. Listy till the end was an exception. It looked like she drew a line with having a casual chat with Jasper family.
Although Hajime smiled wryly at that seriousness, it was him who contacted G10 against what she wanted, so he apologized while also not stopping her.
Mindy and the children looked a bit disappointed, but they understood G10’s feeling so they immediately switched track. They gathered around Listy and congratulated her Good for you! while slapping her shoulder and back and head energetically.
That hurts! Listy yelled angrily, but her tone was lively. She looked full of spirit and even her fists were tightly clenched.
「With this, I can get even closer toward Myuu. I can catch up far faster!」
「Fuhn. Just so you know, even Myuu is training diligently every day nano. Myuu isn’t going to wait even for a bit, so work as hard as you can nano.」
「You’re damn condescending……well, it can’t be helped cause right now you’re above me for now but, just watch! I’ll catch up to you right away!」
The two girls were clashing with their burning hearts like in a shounen manga for some reason. They both grinned fearlessly knocking their fist together.
「This is, it feels like an amazing engineer is going to be born.」
「Really. Her future employment prospect is Avenst’s mechanic? Then, not only this world……」
「It looks like she art going to hungrily absorb the technology of other worlds too. She art not G10 but, umu. Quite frightening prospect she hath there.」
Kaori and Shizuku looked at each other while watching Listy leaping at Hajime. Tio was chuckling in amusement.
「……Hajime, is soft on kids just as expected.」
「That’s a really warm treatment in spite of saying that he’s prioritizing Myuu-chan isn’t it desu?」
「Fufu, but I understand how he feels. After being shown that much passion and effort……as an educator myself, no, as an adult, of course you will want to give her the chance for the most suitable education.」
Aiko’s words were given nods by Yue and others in agreement.
Listy rubbed her face on Hajime’s chest while being hugged──midway a smiling Myuu peeled her off.
It’s fine just for a bit ain’t it! Listy howled, No way it’s fine! Only a daughter can rub her face on papa’s chest nano! Myuu howled back. Their forehead knocked *gochin* on each other and the both growled.
Remia and Mindy smiled wryly while pulling the two away from the other in the same beat.
「In any case, I can’t wait to see how her future is going to turn out.」
「The education policy for Myuu-chan is like the almighty style right? In that case, Listy-chan might be the one who grow the closest to Nagumo-kun’s style isn’t it?」
「In that sense too she might be suitable to be his daughter……?」
Nana and Taeko watched the girls smilingly, followed by Suzu saying those words. Listy seemed to hear it and said 「Eh!? I-is that soo?」 with an embarrassed look. Myuu’s face rotated *gyurun* toward Taeko and Suzu. Both of them screeched 「Hih」.
When Myuu begged 「Papa! Myuu want to study engineering too nano! And transmutation magic too!」 and pounced on one of his arms, Listy didn’t want to lose and also hugged Hajime’s other arm.
Hajime’s eyes as he humored them were really kind. Perhaps because they saw that expression which was overflowing with papa power,
「……Children huh……next year Yue-san and others will also……」
「Yuuka. Just now, are you thinking I’m jealouus?」
「!/ W-what are you saying Lily! Something like that……」
Atsushi and others beside her thought. Seeing Yuuka hugging her coat tiiightly while her expression quickly becoming dazed like she was dreaming up something, Everything comes out on your face you know……they thought.
There, Jasper who let out the most relieved sigh than anyone else after his worry for the future was wiped away made a troubled smile at Listy who was sticking close to Hajime and wouldn’t let go. After that he looked at Hajime once more and looked like he was pondering something for some reason.
After a beat, he slapped his knee saying Yosh and stood up vigorously.
「Say, boss.」
「Hm? What, Jasper?」
「About Listy, I’m real thankful. And umm~, if I can also ask one more thing……if possible, can you also add Mindy into your family too?」
「!!!?」
The atmosphere froze still. Next Mindy’s eyes also widened and she became petrified. The children’s eyes snapped toward Mindy, then next their eyes snapped toward Hajime beside her.
Yuuka whose imagination was going *powaa-* also instantly woke up by the shocking statement. 「Eh, wait! Why is that kind of talk comes up!?」 She said with a shaken look, while Yue and others looked toward Mindy saying 「Hou?」 with narrowed eyes and emotion that was hard to read.
Hajime let out a sigh. Then he looked at Jasper with a fixed stare.
「What are you saying so suddenly?」
「No, I mean, this girl, she has been getting tons of marriage proposal for this one, two years you know? But far from getting lover, she flatly and thoroughly refuse everyone no matter what kinda good guy they are.」
「Hohou~~?」 Yue and others narrowed their eyes even more. Just a little bit of emotion could be read for them. Perhaps, it was curiosity.
Mindy was slowly but steadily reddening and she finally opened her mouth but……
「Wai-, Nii-san! What are you saying──」
「She must be unable to forget about you boss. She’s still taken by you even after five years, yep.」
Jasper-san, he exposed his little sister’s feeling without any hesitation at all.
「Even I get it yeah. Jasper right now is the embodiment of insensitiveness.」
「Aa, she’s shaking. Somebody do something about this atmosphere」
「Fuck-, just fuck-. I get it but still! Even Mindy-san’s getting approached by the demon god’s poisonous fang-」
Ryuutarou and Noboru were looking at Jasper with cringing expression while quietly backing away *sususu-* to a corner of the room so they wouldn’t get dragged into this. Only Atsushi was trembling in a different sense. Nana sent him a merciless attack 「It’s impossible for Tamai-chi even if the heaven and earth get overturned~」 which made him trembled even more.
In any case, the eyes of Yue and co were extremely sharp. Those were the eyes of interviewer for large corpo. The children especially Listy were also watching while holding their breath.
Nana and Taeko were starting fire 「Yuuka-chi! You got to tell her that cutting in is forbidden!」「That’s right. Warn her, please get into the line properly!」 under the flustered Yuuka. Suzu who was giving them tsukkomi 「No, this isn’t like queueing in front of ramen restaurant you know?」 but let’s ignore them for now.
The request of insensitive governor with 100% good intention who treasured his family more than anything else didn’t stop.
「I’m begging you, boss! I’m not asking you to do it right away. But when Listy one day bolt out from this world, she can also come together, yeah? You have this many wives anyway, so adding one or two more isn’t really a problem right? I think, at this rate this girl Mindy will keep holding back cos of your other wives and won’t be able to say anything. She’s gonna be single forever thinking of you boss──」
「Shut up alreadyyy~~~~!!」
Mindy-san shrieked & dashed. With her face still bright red, she unconsciously picked up something from a nearby worktable and swung it with all her strength.
A panicked voice 「Ah, that’s!?」 came out from Listy, but there wasn’t any time to stop it.
There was a nasty striking sound, and at the same time there was an explosive sound that stung the eardrums.
「Bugeeraa!?」
Jasper was blown away while his body rotated in the air like a figure skater. Without slowing down he crashed head first on the workshop’s shelf and ended up buried on the wall with his butt sticking out.
The body didn’t even twitch……
「Listy! What’s that bat nano!? It exploded!」
「Bat? It’s just a metal stick but……I got an idea of a mechanism that explode in reaction to impact and made that prototype. Its flaw is that it can only be used once. What do you think of sticking nails on it and then putting in gunpowder on each one? By doing that and adjusting the impact point using technology then it’ll be able to explode many times──」
「You research otaku! Don’t be like papa in that point too! This isn’t the time for explanation nano!」
Listy-chan forgot about her big brother at the middle and her thought got caught in research. It looked like she had the MAD attribute in her. Just like a certain MAD transmutation master somewhere.
Putting that side, what mattered now was Jasper-san who just got hit directly by an extremely wicked prototype.
「I, I……what have I done……t-this isn’t……I don’t intend to……」
*Clang-clang-* The explosion metal bat tumbled on the floor noisily. Mindy was getting flustered exactly like the criminal in a suspense drama who had just murdered someone.
「Aa~, it’s fine, Mindy-san. He’s just unconscious. We can heal him right away!」
「Eh? The bat couldn’t finish him off? As I thought did the explosive power get dispersed? Or else the explosion happened one beat slower? As I thought the data is still insuffici──」
「Be quiet for a bit nano, this research idiot」
Listy-chan gasped after Myuu slapped *pechi-* her head and she returned to her senses.
Yue glanced at Kaori applying healing magic on Jasper before stepped forward with the air of an interviewer──no, it was already the aura of an interrogator.
「……And? Mindy. Jasper said that but, what do you actually think?」
「That’s right! What do you think! Make it clear!」
「Yuuka-chi, that’s boomerang.」
「Be quite for a bit okaay~」
Yuuka got dragged back by her two best friends.
For now, Mindy patted down her chest in relieve after realizing that she hadn’t murdered her big brother by accident. Apparently she also became calm instead after the peak of her anxiety passed. And after taking a deep breath too, her calm atmosphere returned back.
「It’s just my brother’s silly talk. Please forget it.」
Her tone was firm. She was looking back at Yue with a straightforward gaze that showed no hesitation or avoidance of the topic.
「……That so? I don’t think he’s that mistaken though?」
The past’s video recording and her state after the reunion. Her gaze that sometimes glanced at Hajime. Her expression that naturally broke into smile when watching Hajime interacting with Listy and the children……
Nobody in this place thought that Jasper’s words were completely off the mark.
Mindy seemed to understand that she couldn’t gloss over the situation and sported a wry smile.
「Certainly, I longed for him. No, even now I’m longing for him.」
The children raised their voice 「Oo!」. Eyes filled with expectation were directed at Hajime. Yuuka-chan got even more flustered. Her moe sleeves flapped up and down!
「Mindy. I’m happy for your feeling but, I’ve no plan taking you in that kind of sense.」
「I know. I too am not wishing for that. That’s why, please just ignore all those as a silly talk for real. It’s plainly embarrassing, so really, please do just that.」
Mindy fanned her flushed cheeks with her hand and looked up even while interrupting Hajime’s words and firmly announced her conclusion.
There wasn’t any sign of her forcing herself in that expression. There was also no color of resignation of her pulling back because she had seen Yue and others.
It was more like, she was making a conclusion based on a strong and clear will.
「Err……why?」
The one who unconsciously asked that was Yuuka. She looked curious from the bottom of her heart. Apparently Yue and others were also the same.
「You have been continuously refusing marriage proposal haven’t you? The reason for that isn’t Hajime-san?」
「Yes, Shia-san. It’s not. Really Nii-san is……haa, should I say that he doesn’t get it, or he has weak defense……」
Mindy spoke while giving an exasperated glance at Jasper who was still buried in the wall.
Apparently the one who was receiving marriage proposal rush wasn’t just her but also Jasper. And women like that female staff who they ran into who was secretly harboring feeling for Jasper was already so many beyond counting.
「But there isn’t just simple affection. After all he’s in such position right now.」
「I see, he’s a governor after all. Like the noble ladies who want to become queen by marrying Randell. It’s only natural that there are marriage proposals with the purpose of seeking benefit or other calculation.」
Liliana showed her understanding. At the same time Shizuku also said 「I see」 while clapping her hands.
「In other words, the marriage proposals for Mindy-san are also calculating?」
「Yes. Of course, there’re also the gentlemen who have pure affection form me but, the majority are not.」
In short, they wanted to have influence over Jasper by becoming a governor’s relative. Mindy realized that, so she refused all of them. Even if the person actually had pure affection for her it was still possible to exert indirect influence through them, and the effect toward the factions also couldn’t be ignored.
「Nii-san is a good person, so he won’t be able to refuse anymore if someone manage to create something like fait accompli with him.」
「Aa, come to think of it, there was that period of time when big bro got assaulted a lot when sleeping wasn’t it?」
Listy seemed to recall something and spoke out a relatively shocking fact. What’s that so jealous scandalous, Atsushi spoke very resentfully.
「I did various things to deal with that but……」
「Could it be, because of that right now Mindy-san is being thought as Jasper-san’s couple?」
Remia spoke of the development that she somehow predicted and it seemed that she got it right. Love of step siblings who had no blood relation holding back the women trying to approach her beloved man……I often saw that plot in soap opera! She thought.
That female staff who they encountered at the heaven saying something like 「Even though you’re at his side!」, and then her looking so very happy when Mindy entrusted her with Jasper, in other words it was something like that.
「Externally it looks like the two of you have feeling for each other and that’s why you two are refusing marriage proposals, that’s how the situation is right now isn’t it?」
「Yes, Aiko-san, it’s exactly like that. It’s convenient so I’m also not denying it. Of course, it will be the best if Nii-san can find someone who he really has feeling for though.」
It seemed that the reason she refused marriage proposal was really political. But, apparently that wasn’t all. Mindy continued to show a lovely smile, one that could even be seen as fearless, filled with willpower that could astonish anyone.
「Besides, I, have a lot of things that I want to do. Cooking and making clothes are also those but, I think there are a lot of things that people cannot do, exactly because I know the truth of the world so……. I want to contribute to Coltran with that.」
They recalled how Mindy looked when she stared at the city of Coltran from the mountain peak. Her expression and voice that felt like she was proud of the developing cityscape, of the love they could felt from her.
「I want to watch over this city, the growth of our birthplace for my whole life. I want to assist in it. That is, the most important feeling, my greatest wish right now. That’s why, fufu, I’ll run away immediately even if Hajime-san take me away from here you know? In order to return to my hometown.」
Mindy declared that very playfully. She even winked when saying that.
The smile of this woman who had found the goal and purpose of her life was concealing a lot of charm that couldn’t be fully described with words.
「Good grief. Why is it like I’m getting rejected here? Well, it’s fine though.」
「Nagumo, serves you right──OUCH!?」
Hajime put on a smile that was filled with respect and understanding in contrast to his words. Mindy way of life that felt radiant was something that Liliana too could understand. It was something that made them wanted to root for her. He even held back his finger flick at Atsushi unconsciously.
「……That so. I think it’s a lovely way of life. I’m rooting for you.」
「Fufu, thank you very much, Yue-san.」
Yue’s eyes were also kind. There was understanding and admiration in there.
The children looked like they couldn’t hold back anymore and drew near to Mindy. When Hajime thought that he might get in the way and took distance, even Listy stayed at that spot and hugged Mindy.
Mindy’s expression when she saw the children like that was,
「A holy mother」
「Feels like she’ll get called as “Coltran’s Mother” one day.」
It was to a degree that Nana and Taeko spontaneously let out their impression like that. Certainly that expression was filled with strength and love, to a degree that nobody there could object.
Warm and very gentle atmosphere flowed through the place.
It was there,
「HAH!? Who am I!? Where is this!?」
Jasper was revived. He was still buried head first deeply in the storage shelf, so his body kicked around 「Dark!? Cramped!? It’s scaryyy~」.
……Why didn’t Kaori pull him out first from the shelf before healing him?
Kaori pulled out Jasper in panic.
「Are you alright, Jasper-san!」
「W-what? Just what in the world……if I remember right, I was going to eat lunch at the mountain peak……」
Apparently his memory was gone. Listy’s eyes shined brightly. Myuu thought that those were the eyes of a researcher when looking at a guinea pig.
Studying engineering was a very good thing, but let’s tell G10 to also give moral and ethic lesson, Myuu swore to herself as a big sister.
Mindy hurriedly ran toward her brother.
「What are you saying, Nii-san. If it’s lunch then we have already eaten!」
Hajime and co thought that kind of respond was also a bit wrong in this situation even while Mindy explained the situation and nursing after Jasper with devotion.
Looking at her figure, it was enough to convince them that certainly she would keep supporting her brother from here on and looking after Coltran’s development, that no feeling of yearning would ever manage to shake her determination.
Jasper too seemed to gradually recall his memory. Apparently his loss of memory was just a temporary confusion. With this Kaori also felt relieved.
Amidst that, looking at Mindy who certainly could be seen as a wife supporting her husband when seen from outside with the atmosphere she was radiating, there was a voice 「Fumu」 that nodded.
「By the way, Mindy.」
「What’re you saying, Nii-san. There’s no way I’ll ever do something like hitting you. Furthermore for me to do it with something like a metal rod. That’ll kill you. Nii-san just slipped and hit your head──ah, yes. What is it, Tio-san?」
Mindy who looked like she was attempting to fabricate false memory tilted her head when she got called.
「About our planned next travel destination after this world, there art this person who yearned for Goshujin-sama just like Mindy even while taking responsibility for their country.」
「Haa……is that so.」
What are you talking about so suddenly? Mindy thought while looking increasingly bewildered. Hajime and others also looked the same. They looked at Tio dubiously.
Tio grinned as attention gathered on her.
「There art these words in this world. Yes──local wife.」
「!?」
For some reason Tio looked smug.
「Why do you say that right now?」
「……Tio? Do you need the first wife’s sanctions?」
「Tio-san is unusually bringing chaos other than her usual perversion. It looks like Tio-san is also properly getting into the holiday mood desu.」
Hajime pinched the right cheek of Tio who was saying something so unnecessary. Yue was pinching her left cheek. Tio complained, It hurts~ with a happy, no, a slovenly expression.
Kaori and Shizuku shook their head with a wry smile.
「Good grief Tio, really. There’s no way Mindy-san will be shaken by something like that.」
「Sorry for this, Mindy-san. Don’t mind──」
Mindy-san, was super shaken! Eh, what, those words, I don’t know……but, for some reason it sound lovely……she was making that kind of face!
Naturally Yue and others, and also the children were staring *jiii~~* fixedly at her.
「HAH!? T-this isn’t how it looks like! I’m not having expectation or anything toward such lovely words!」
「Mindy-oneechan……your true feeling, is leaking out?」
When Listy pointed that out, Mindy’s face turned bright red and she looked down.
「S-something like that is no good okay! Nagumo, you’re the worst!」
「No, I’m not gonna do something like that. That’s just Tio’s stupid talk.」
A vehement objection and suspicion from Yuuka-chan. Of course, Hajime ruthlessly cut it off and discarded it.
But however, looking at the multiple wives around Hajime……
Perhaps it couldn’t be helped that Nana and Atsushi and others, and also the children were looking at Hajime really doubtfully with eyes that were asking 「Reaallyy~~?」.
The tricky atmosphere of Mindy who learned about the concept of local wife, and coupled with the atmosphere of expectation from the children who wished for their big sister’s happiness, it made the ambience of the sightseeing after that to continue being flighty.
.
After that.
While Hajime was laying out a barrier that could only be entered by a limited number of people and direct communication line to the holy land, everyone continued doing things like looking around Listy’s workshop, or imitating salvager activity in the vast underground.
Or, going to watch the past replay of Hajime and Kouki right after they got summoned.
At night in Jasper’s private residence, a party that served earth dishes made mainly by Shia and Remia and also Yuuka was being held. Mindy and the girls were with Yue and other females, while Jasper and the boys were with Ryuutarou and co. Each group got engaged in a lively conversation until near dawn.
Also, Hajime and Myuu and Listy returned to the workshop by themselves. They were absorbed doing things like engineering conversation and the like until the very last minute of the departure, no, until Shia came and cheerfully put them in her pro-wrestling technique.
Like that, the next day.
「……Next time we’ll be able to meet right away, right?」
「Yeah, we can. I won’t blunder anymore. Don’t worry.」
Hajime tightly hugged the slightly anxious Listy.
「Are you fine with having the rematch that quickly nano? Myuu will win crushingly though?」
「It’s fine for you to not come though? Like for five years.」
She and Myuu were provoking & glaring at each other till the end, but, at the last moment they bumped their fist and laughed together.
Hajime and co returned back to the holy land while Jasper and others saw them off.
Like that, they frolicked with animals in the revived nature of the holy land that didn’t know about the scariness of human, watched the final battle of Hajime & G10 & revived Netemp-san VS Mother, and got a tour of the inside of Avenst. They all spent two days in relaxation.
Then Hajime and co departed to the next world──the sky dragon world.
.
AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.
Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.
I had no time and at the end it felt rushed but, it felt like the fight at the holy land will be redundant without the viewpoint of Listy and others, and I think it’ll be better for the internal tour of Avenst if the former owners are together, so allow me to shorten that part for now.
The machine world arc is over with this. Thank you very much for going along with it!
It’ll be the sky dragon world arc from next chapter but (there might be idle chapter in between?), I wish to spend one week to review the plot so next week there’ll be a break. I’ll be happy if everyone can accompany this story again in their spare time. Best regards!
※Material introduction
– Armored suit
From [Iron Man]. But, with the present condition it might go the way of [Karakuri Circus] instead?
– Hero assemble
From [Avenger] series. Shia has enough attribute of the capt though.
– Dark!? Cramped? It’s scaaryyy~
From Frieren-sama when getting eaten by mimic in [Sousou no Frieren].
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