Chapter 204

Chapter 204

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 204: Bigamy (9)

Aidel remained in intensive care, dependent on a ventilator. The future of the Reinhardt family hung in uncertainty.

“Father, if I may speak.”

“Go ahead.”

“If something were to happen to Aidel… what would become of the head family position?”

Cadric asked cautiously. Arnold’s brow creased deeply at the question.

“Are you wishing death upon your brother?”

“No, not at all! I’m simply concerned about the family’s future…”

“We will follow proper protocol. The Council of Elders will convene to discuss the matter. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“I understand.”

After receiving his father’s response, Cadric immediately relayed the information to Brian. Adjusting his glasses, Brian concealed a subtle smile.

A blessing in disguise, as they say.

But he had to maintain his composure.

“It saddens me, brother. Why such concern over the head family position?”

“This is about Reinhardt’s future.”

“Even if Aidel recovers, any lasting disability would make it difficult for him to maintain the position. It can’t be helped. We should prepare ourselves for what’s to come.”

Brian gave Cadric’s shoulder his customary pat before gathering his belongings to leave the waiting room.

“Brother, where are you going?”

“To the Adelwein family home for discussions. With Father preoccupied, someone should speak with the elders.”

As Brian left the waiting room, a thought crossed his mind:

This might actually work out better than expected.

Aidel’s condition remained stable but unchanged.

Due to hospital policy limiting simultaneous visitors, few people were aware of his current situation. Only the nursing staff, attending physician, and three women had real-time knowledge of his state.

“Outer Gods… I swear I’ll kill them all.”

Rustila…

“If you’re so determined, why don’t you go out and actually train?”

Zelnya…

“Both of you, please stop fighting.”

And Ire.

The pattern had become predictable: Rustila would voice her frustrations, Zelnya would provoke her, and the two would end up arguing in the waiting room. Ire would then step in to mediate, bringing temporary peace until the cycle began again.

Naturally, Ire bore the heaviest burden. Keeping the peace between the two women was exhausting. Yet beyond her role as mediator, she carried an even greater worry – she alone knew that Aidel’s death would trigger the collapse of this world line.

“This is all your fault. Aidel ended up like this because of you.”

“What? How dare you blame me?”

“If you hadn’t been complaining about the Virgo Constellation, he wouldn’t have pushed himself so hard. Am I wrong?”

“Shut up, Zelnya…!”

“For heaven’s sake, both of you, be quiet!”

Ire barely managed to separate the two women as they lunged for each other’s throats, their argument threatening to turn physical.

“What would fighting between you two accomplish? Please, just get along for now! Do you think Aidel – that polygamist – would want to see you two pulling each other’s hair?”

Ire’s words struck home, and both women fell silent. They were exhausted from their constant quarreling. Zelnya sank into a chair with a sigh while Rustila, tears welling in her eyes, leaned against Ire for support.

Being the older sister is truly challenging.

“Instead of fighting, pray. Pray to the stars for Aidel’s recovery.”

In this era, traditional religions had largely faded into obscurity, replaced by faith in the Constellations – entities whose existence was undeniable. Perhaps their prayers to these celestial beings would make a difference.

As Ire clasped her hands in prayer, she glanced at the android Sonia, who sat motionless with closed eyes.

If the young master wakes, please alert me. If he doesn’t return, send me to the scrapyard.

Like a computer entering sleep mode to conserve power, Sonia hadn’t moved a single servo since yesterday.

The sight was heartbreaking. Though Sonia was artificial, fifth-generation androids possessed human-like consciousness. After nearly twenty years of serving Aidel, her grief must be profound.

Ire continued her vigil outside the intensive care unit, managing her bitter anxiety through a routine: napping when tired, eating convenience store meals when hungry, and studying research papers when her mind needed focus.

One paper a day – that was her rule. Aidel had taught her to efficiently comprehend research by focusing on abstracts and conclusions. Though challenging, this method accelerated learning and professional growth.

For Ire, this dedicated study was her form of prayer for Aidel’s recovery. Despite her exhaustion, she persisted.

Another day passed this way until suddenly-

“The patient’s breathing has returned!”

Could her prayers have been answered?

The sudden commotion of rushing doctors roused Ire from her paper-reading doze. As she rubbed her eyes and stood, she saw Arnold donning a mask and sanitary gloves.

“What’s happening?”

“They say Aidel is breathing independently now.”

“R-really?”

Ire jumped up so quickly she nearly twisted her ankle, but she barely noticed as she scrambled to leave.

Arnold watched as she hastily slipped on her shoes. A fleeting thought crossed his mind – could this girl be infatuated with his son? But he quickly dismissed the concern; there were more pressing matters at hand.

“Is Reinhardt really breathing on his own?”

“It’s not confirmed yet. Would you like to accompany me inside?”

“Yes, please!”

Given the early hour, Rustila and Zelnya were still asleep. Ire decided it was best to proceed quietly alone. After changing into fresh clothes, she followed Arnold past the ‘ICU’ sign.

The news was encouraging.

“It’s confirmed – his condition has improved.”

“Discontinue the ventilator and begin the weaning process.”

Under Arnold’s supervision, they tested Aidel’s spontaneous breathing. To everyone’s relief, he was breathing steadily on his own. Ire’s face lit up with hope.

“Initial assessments show normal EEG and heart rate readings. There are no signs of respiratory distress.”

“Maintain close observation for the next two days. If conditions remain stable, we can transfer him to a general ward.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ire deeply exhaled as she left the intensive care unit, only to find dozens of people waiting outside. Though their clothing varied, they shared a distinctive presence – and familiar faces.

“Who are you?”

“We’re here to visit.”

“I’ll need the patient’s name and number of visitors.”

“Aidel von Reinhardt. Eighty-seven visitors.”

“Hospital policy limits visitors to four at a time.”

“The ICU is quite spacious. Could you allow twenty people? We’ll be brief.”

What might have seemed unreasonable to others made perfect sense to Ire. These visitors were genuinely pressed for time.

“Professor Reinhardt, please accommodate their request. Aidel might regain consciousness right away.”

“You know these people?”

“Yes.”

After Ire explained the situation, Arnold nodded in understanding.

“Your timing suggests you’ve all been quite occupied until now.”

Then, he addressed the nurse.

“Given the ICU’s size and standard regulations, we can safely accommodate seventeen visitors at once.”

“But sir…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll supervise personally.”

With Arnold assuming full responsibility, the nurse android finally relented and began distributing hygiene gowns to the visitors.

“Student.”

“Student!”

“Aidel student!”

So noisy. Who’s disturbing my sleep?

“Student, student…!”

My body feels foreign and stiff, yet somehow refreshed. How long have I been sleeping? I gradually gathered my scattered consciousness, rolling my eyes beneath closed lids.

Then, I felt a rough warmth.

Rustila? Zelnya?

No.

Too rough to be Rustila’s touch, too large to be Zelnya’s hand.

Not Sonia either – her touch feels different.

More sensations kept accumulating. Warmth spread across my left arm, right arm, cheek, and forehead. Multiple hands, all radiating heat.

— ‘The God of Wisdom and Curiosity’ urges you to awaken.

Ding ding ding~ Good morning~

A gentle sound tickled my ear – perhaps a morning call, or maybe just Cartesia playing tricks. The noise became bothersome enough that I finally opened my eyes.

The ceiling came into focus – too bright to identify.

But that wasn’t what mattered.

People surrounded me like knights at a round table. As I made eye contact with one, my mind jolted as if plunged into ice water.

These people… they’re…

“Professor Feynman, Professor Stranov, Professor Renkel, Professor Ashkin, Professor Vishald, Professor Roman, Professor Irsh, Professor Maywald, Professor Hoidens, Professor Marmal, Professor Coboso, Professor O’Brien, Professor Johnson, Professor Kidel, Professor Stein, Professor Loris…?”

Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba~ ba ba ba ba It’s a beautiful day~

“Ah.”

Cartesia, you crazy woman.

You’ve finally sent me to heaven…