Chapter 189

Chapter 189

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 189: The Battle For The Head Of The Family (4)

Sonia looked appalled.

“Young master, writing four papers in two months is simply impossible. Only a madman would attempt such a thing.”

“Then let’s proceed as madmen.”

As expected, her young master refused to listen to reason.

In reality, Sonia shouldered most of the laboratory work. While humans required rest periods, she, being a robot, continuously ran calculations and simulations around the clock. Her attempts to protest about robot rights fell on deaf ears, and she dreaded the thought of an even heavier workload starting that day.

“If you’re wearing a maid outfit, shouldn’t you embrace the spirit of serving your master?”

“This hardly qualifies as service.”

“It’s service to me.”

“Please, I need a break.”

“You’re not even alive, so why ask?”

“My central processing unit is overheating. Matrix operations are becoming overwhelming. Power outages cause my consciousness to flicker.”

“Should we consider getting another personal android?”

Sonia contemplated briefly, genuinely concerned she might malfunction. Yet, she shook her head.

“One personal attendant for the young master is sufficient.”

“Then we’ll endure this together.”

Aidel gently patted Sonia’s shoulder before examining her from head to toe.

“Once this is over, I’ll buy you several new outfits.”

“Really?”

Though Sonia’s expression remained neutral, and her lips didn’t curve, her white eyes sparkled like polar ice shelves—a telltale sign of hope.

“Is there any particular brand you’d prefer?”

“I want the new maid costume by Cochanell. It’s a one-piece with lots of frills and ribbons—I really like it.”

“Very well. I’ll buy it for you, regardless of the cost.”

“Yes, young master. I’ve just logged this conversation. If you break your promise, I’ll go on strike.”

Sonia placed her hands on her hips and swayed from side to side. The large white ribbon on her back swung like a pendulum in response.

“What’s this all about?”

“It’s a cute maid dance. I do it when I’m happy.”

“When did you learn that?”

“It’s a motion generated through unsupervised learning. How do you like it?”

“It’s cute.”

“Since I’ve received positive feedback, I’ll do it more often from now on.”

Unknown to them, their conversation had an observer: Brian’s dedicated android, Erica. She immediately rushed to report to her master.

“Four papers?”

Brian laughed incredulously. Beside him, Cadric burst into laughter and responded.

“That’s quite an exaggeration.”

Cadric dismissed Aidel’s claims as mere posturing. After all, it seemed implausible that a mere college sophomore could publish a first-author paper in .

Even within the council, many suspected Aidel of research misconduct, theorizing that he might have secretly purchased someone else’s research results with money.

If such allegations proved true, it would result in permanent expulsion from both academia and the family.

“Hero of humanity? It’s just those beneath us talking nonsense. There’s no way that guy could build such a reputation. Right, brother?”

“Brother, it might be true. We should be careful when judging others.”

Cadric scoffed repeatedly.

“You’re too naive, brother. How can you lead the family with such an attitude?”

“Indeed.”

Brian lowered his head, meeting Cadric’s eyes.

In that instant, Cadric’s body froze in place.

Brian tapped Cadric’s shoulder rhythmically, as if drumming on a desk, and spoke softly.

“If only our second brother could become head, this brother could peacefully complete his fellowship.”

“…Brother?”

“Cadric, I’m sharing this with you alone because you’re clever. I’ll take my leave now.”

Brian left behind a bewildered Cadric and walked down the corridor with Erica. Outside the window, darkness was settling in.

Boom!

Thunder crashed, followed by the sound of rain.

“Just like the weather back home.”

“Young master, why would you say that?”

“I’m not in the best spirits today.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No.”

Brian trudged to his assigned bedroom. As usual, his fingers danced across the desk as if playing piano keys.

Tap, tap, tap.

After several minutes of silence, Erica, unable to bear the quiet, spoke first.

“What are you thinking about?”

“…I was considering who stands closest to the throne.”

“Young Master Brian, you still seem most suited for the position of head. After your presentation today, my admiration only grew. Ah…!”

Brian shook his head.

“Cadric is nothing but arrogance without substance. Ceti is just a naive child who knows nothing of the world. They probably don’t even understand why they fell from consideration for the head position.”

“Indeed, you are correct.”

“But there’s one person…”

Brian’s voice dropped low, like soil struck by a water bomb. Erica, sensing something unusual, pressed her lips together.

“…Aidel.”

“The third, young master?”

“I can’t determine if that kid is foolish or brilliant.”

At first glance, he appeared like a glossy apricot—all shine, no substance.

But reflecting on his presentation today, it contained all the crucial elements:

His achievements.

The connection between those achievements and the medical field.

Future plans and aspirations.

His reasons for wanting to become the Reinhardt family head.

Indeed, Aidel’s presentation had encompassed both essential virtues required for the Reinhardt family head: ‘life-saving’ and ‘honor’.

“A few years ago, he wasn’t this shrewd. Lately, it seems Father is supporting him from behind. That’s what puzzles me most. Why? There’s something there…”

After further contemplation, Brian reached a conclusion: he lacked information.

He had dismissed Aidel as the youngest, least studious, and most insignificant, never considering him a threat. Unlike Cadric or Ceti, whom he had thoroughly analyzed and deemed non-threatening, Aidel required a fresh investigation from the ground up.

First, he needed to verify Aidel’s genuine research capabilities and uncover his true objectives.

“Erica, duplicate your consciousness and transfer it to new hardware. The original unit will continue monitoring me, while the duplicate must gather intelligence on Aidel and report back. Can you manage this?”

“Understood, young master. Shall I also identify his weaknesses?”

“That would be ideal.”

And so, Erica (Unit 2) began her infiltration of Stellarium College, where Aidel resided.

Upon returning to the lab, Aidel immediately declared a state of emergency.

“Starting today, both your salary and working hours are doubled. I need your full commitment for the next two months.”

“Hold on! That’s not cost-effective!”

“Do you have any objections, Merlin?”

“What about night shifts and overtime pay? Reinhardt, are you even human?”

“You dare negotiate wages with a direct descendant of Reinhardt? I admire your boldness – fine, I’ll double those rates too!”

“Yahoo!”

From her reconnaissance position, Erica (Unit 2) carefully recorded the scene in her visual cortex. She observed Aidel manipulating his fellow students with generous wages.

“We’ll be working on three papers. There will be significant collaboration involved, so please welcome any unfamiliar faces with a smile.”

Erica noted the room’s severe gender imbalance: one man and three women. Her eyes widened as a thought struck her.

Could he be trying to build himself a harem?

If true, this could be damning evidence of misconduct. For someone who was engaged, any hint of improper romantic entanglements could spell disaster.

Just as she contemplated this, another male was about to join the group.

“Welcome, Edward Meyer.”

“Vice President, are you feeling unwell again?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine. I just have a paid proposition for you – both as a senior and a colleague.”

“What kind of proposition?”

“Come inside first, and I’ll explain everything.”

Aidel drew Edward in with both hands, and the door closed behind them with a creak.

Two male students lingered uncertainly outside the lab. One wore sunglasses, while the other sported distinctive dark red hair.

“He promised a good experience, but why is he gathering people here?”

“This must be the meeting spot.”

“Let’s check… Room 304. This is the lab, right?”

“Yeah, definitely the lab.”

“Seems weird to hold meetings in a lab, though…”

At that moment, the lab door creaked open ominously.

“Welton, Matus. You made it.”

“Hey man, you look completely worn out.”

“I’m working on something massive right now. Want to be part of it?”

Intrigued by Aidel’s words, the two students peered into the laboratory. They immediately recoiled in shock.

“What kind of madness are you up to this time?”

“Madness? Just come inside. Trust me, you’ll find it fascinating once you’re in.”

Just as I thought, Erica mused to herself.

The situation inside the laboratory was becoming clear.

Erica slowly rose from her position, sensing her chance.

But before she could act, Welton and Matus were pulled into the room, their protests echoing through the hallway before fading into silence, leaving nothing but their lingering presence in the air.

Something was definitely happening inside.

Erica swallowed hard as she approached the door.

Room of Truth

“…What kind of ridiculous name is that for a lab?”

For reasons she couldn’t explain, she hesitated to enter.

As Erica carefully pressed her ear against the door, which felt as solid as a thick wall, a flat female voice spoke directly beside her.

“Who might you be?”

Startled, Erica turned to find Sonia, Aidel’s personal android, standing uncomfortably close.

“Oh my, I was wondering who was lurking here. If it isn’t the first young master’s exclusive maid. The new hardware threw me off for a moment.”

“Why are you out here…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? My shift is starting.”

Sonia’s gaze fixed intensely on Erica, the scrutiny becoming almost unbearable.

“You even brought a new body… You must be quite interested in my young master’s laboratory.”

“What are you implying?”

“I was planning to rent a public 5th-generation android soon, as my power might be insufficient, but this is perfect timing. Please assist me and my young master.”

Erica shook her head frantically.

“W-why are your eyes suddenly glowing blue?”

“Would you like to know why?”

“N-no, I don’t! Just let me go!”

“Don’t resist. Now that you’re here, it’s your destiny to become a talking graphics card. Accept it. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Erica tried to scream in protest, but Sonia swiftly covered her mouth and began dragging her away.

“Mmmph! Mmph! Mmmph!!”

“Come with me. To the room of truth.”

Thud!

The door closed……