Chapter 193

Chapter 193

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 193: The Battle For The Head Of The Family (8)

Life didn’t change much after getting engaged, except for one notable difference: I was now constantly ambushed by reporters.

“When you become the head of the Reinhardt family, which residence will you choose?”

“No comment.”

“Do you plan to pass the leadership position to your siblings?”

“No comment.”

“Are you considering taking additional wives?”

“I prefer not to discuss personal matters.”

At least these direct approaches were somewhat manageable. What’s worse was the dramatic increase in paparazzi attention. Just yesterday, I found my face plastered across a newspaper’s front page – simply for having a parfait with Zelnya during our information exchange at a café. I’m not even a celebrity, so this attention seems excessive.

One thing became increasingly clear: people were far more interested in my marriage than in my professional achievements. Though I understand why – only those in specific industries care about technological developments; meanwhile, news of a marriage between conglomerate families naturally draws widespread attention.

“When’s the wedding date?”

“I don’t know.”

This question alone was posed to me three times this morning. It’s becoming exhausting. After trying to shake off the reporters (who resembled a persistent horde of zombies), I retreated to my laboratory.

“Oh, hello! We’re from the Eastern Newspaper for an interview…”

Damn it.

There’s really no other option now but to barricade myself in the lab. After shooing away the reporters, I locked the door and immersed myself in research – the one place where I could find some peace.

“Young master, a newspaper reporter is here to interview you.”

“Tell them to leave; I’m busy with research.”

“They said it will only take 10 minutes.”

“I’m in the middle of an important experiment. I can’t stop now.”

“He says he can wait all day.”

“Inform him this experiment takes a week.”

“Young master, if you keep refusing interviews, your reputation might suffer.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Let it suffer.”

“But remember, the council elders will consider your reputation in their evaluation.”

“Sincerity and potential matter more than reputation.”

I truly had no time to waste with reporters. This wasn’t just about submitting a paper for the family head selection – there was something far more pressing.

The Darwin Legion Outer Gods were planning to reinvade.

The timing of the ‘Queen’s’ attack remained uncertain. It could happen as soon as next semester or possibly next year. Before then, I needed to complete my crystal research.

If we failed, we would lose Ceti, Merlin, Rustila, James, and Edward. The South would be completely destroyed, and both the Reinhardt and Whiritia families would likely be annihilated.

This was a disaster that had to be prevented at all costs.

On a positive note, it was encouraging to see Rustila’s dedication. Despite what I expected to be a period of depression for her, she was producing crystals for trap-making with an almost supernatural determination, as if possessed by an Outer God herself.

“Wow, her process is perfect.”

“At this rate, she’ll easily secure second authorship.”

“Without a doubt.”

None of us dared disturb Rustila while she worked. And she wasn’t the only one showing unusual dedication – Erica, too, had become surprisingly proactive.

Just then, Sonia entered with an announcement: “Young master, Miss Zelnya is here to see you.”

At these words, Rustila’s rapidly moving hands came to an abrupt halt. Her eyes turned to me. After a moment’s consideration, I responded.

“Tell her I’m unavailable.”

“…But she’s your fiancée?”

“I’m in the middle of research. She’ll understand.”

“If she says it’s urgent, what should I tell her?”

“Ask her to email me.”

“Understood.”

I left all matters outside the lab to Sonia, who managed to politely turn Zelnya away.

“Phew.”

Rustila let out a relieved sigh.

Over the following weeks, Zelnya made several attempts to visit, but I declined them all. Ironically, I probably saw more of Rustila during this period than my own fiancée.

Two months passed in this monotonous routine of research and avoidance.

Finally, the day of the family head selection announcement drew near.

“Young Master Aidel has confined himself to the lab.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He’s been completely unresponsive to all our reporters.”

Brian tapped his desk rhythmically, shaking his head.

“He was indeed a clever one.”

It seemed implausible that such a cautious person had lived as a rogue all this time. After all, human nature rarely changes so drastically – unless, perhaps, an Outer God had possessed him or something.

“Erica.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Do you think I’m heartless?”

Erica bowed deeply, her voice trembling.

“I have never thought that, not even once!”

Tap, tap.

The sharp sound resonated through the room. As Erica slowly raised her head, she saw Brian calmly trimming his nails. His expression was unsettlingly serene.

The clipped nails bounced off the desk, and Erica felt a chill run down her spine as if her own neck might be next. An inexplicable fear gripped her.

“…Erica.”

“Y-yes, Young Master.”

“I trust you’ve documented all my projects thoroughly without missing a single detail.”

“Of course, I have…”

Erica replied meekly. Brian fixed her with an icy stare, causing her to hastily further explain herself.

“I’ve also prepared presentation materials and edited videos showcasing your achievements! I assure you, everything is in perfect order!”

“Thank you, Erica. As expected, you’re irreplaceable.”

Something felt off.

Though his expression appeared normal, lately, it had taken on a terrifying quality.

How strange. In the past, regardless of how Brian treated her, she had always found comfort in it.

The fear had begun the day Brian handed over her cloned consciousness to Aidel. That was when everything changed.

Though their relationship seemed close now, what did the future hold? Would she soon be discarded?

Terror gripped her. After serving Brian for nearly thirty years, Erica believed their bond transcended the typical relationship between humans and machines. But perhaps that had been mere self-deception.

Brian suddenly rose from his seat.

“It’s time to go.”

Today was the announcement of the new family head.

Brian arrived at the Reinhardt main house before anyone else, eager to score points for his punctuality. Several adults who favored him approached, extending their hands in greeting.

“Brian, your uncles speak highly of your work at the hospital.”

“Thank you, Grand-uncle.”

“No need for thanks. You’ve earned it through your own merit. If today’s announcement goes well, good things await you.”

“Now, go wait in your designated area.”

Brian strode confidently toward the waiting room, certain he’d be the first to arrive. However, an unexpected sight greeted him.

“…Third one?”

“Shh.”

A maid android with navy blue hair gestured for silence. It was Sonia who was whispering.

“Young Master Aidel is sleeping. Please enter quietly.”

True enough, Aidel lay sprawled across the long sofa like an enlightened sage, his head resting in Sonia’s lap as she gently stroked his face.

And there was more.

“Good morning, Young Master Brian.”

Another android stood silently beside them, offering a respectful bow.

Brian momentarily lost his composure at the familiar face.

“…Erica?”

“No, my name is Glka.”

“What?”

“Graphics card. Shortened to Glka. That’s my new name.”

This was Erica’s consciousness, Unit 2, transplanted into separate hardware. She continued addressing Brian with a sneer.

“Erica, how long will you continue serving someone like him?”

“You…!”

Brian shot an annoyed look at Erica, who pointed accusingly, her voice rising with rage.

“How dare you speak such nonsense after serving the master for thirty years! Young Master, that android is not me! I’ve never harbored such thoughts toward you!”

“Is that so?”

“What other lies will you—”

“Shh.”

Glka, formerly Erica, pressed a finger to her lips and whispered.

“Please keep your voice down. You’ll wake Young Master Aidel.”

“Has that robot completely lost its mind?”

Brian’s frown deepened. This reunion after six weeks was nothing short of disastrous, though not entirely unexpected. It was natural for the android to feel betrayed after being sold to Aidel for profit.

But what else could he have done?

It wasn’t even human—just scrap metal at best. There was no need to maintain trust. Use it until it’s obsolete, then dispose of it and buy a new one. Like trimming overgrown hair—perfectly natural.

Brian’s attention shifted to Aidel.

Why was he sleeping so shamelessly on such a crucial day?

Perhaps this, too, was an act, a calculated move. At least he knew not to underestimate his opponent.

Regaining composure, Brian asked.

“Erica, are you identical to that android, or are you different?”

“Absolutely different! I am nothing like that thing!”

“Erica, face reality; an android cannot love a human. No matter how hard you try, Young Master Brian will only see you as a container of zeros and ones.”

“S-shut up!”

“Actually, that’s incorrect; all of us androids use enhanced qubit or multi-bit technology. We’re composed of linear combinations of zero, one, two, or even higher bases…”

“Sonia, please be quiet!”

“Ah, the young master is stirring.”

Into this chaos walked Cadric and Ceti.

“Wh-what’s happening here?”

“Oh.”

Cadric froze in place while Ceti stepped out, returning moments later with a bag of instant popcorn.