Ch.189Succession War for the Family Headship (4)

Sonia was shocked.

“Young Master, no matter how I think about it, four papers in two months is impossible. That’s something only a lunatic would attempt.”

“Then let’s try it, lunatic.”

Of course, there was no way her master would listen.

In reality, Sonia was the one who worked the hardest in the lab.

While humans at least had rest periods, Sonia, being a robot, was running numerical calculations and simulations 24 hours a day.

She had tried complaining about robot rights, but it was useless.

The thought of working several times harder from today made her shudder.

“If you’re wearing a maid outfit, you should also have the spirit of serving your master, right?”

“This isn’t service.”

“It is to me.”

“Please spare me.”

“You’re not even alive, so what are you talking about?”

“My central processing unit is overheating. I’m sick of matrix operations. Sometimes the power fluctuates so much that my consciousness flickers.”

“Then should I get another dedicated android?”

Sonia considered it for a brief moment. She really felt like she might break down otherwise.

But she soon shook her head.

“One of me is enough for Young Master’s exclusive service.”

“Then let’s work hard together.”

Eidel patted Sonia’s shoulder. Then he looked her over from head to toe.

“When this is over, I should buy you several outfits.”

“Really?”

Sonia replied expressionlessly. The corners of her mouth didn’t turn up at all, but her white eyes sparkled like polar ice shelves. Evidence that she was looking forward to it.

“Do you have any particular brand you want?”

“I want the new maid costume made by Cochanel. I like the one-piece with lots of frills and ribbons.”

“Alright. I’ll buy it for you regardless of price.”

“I, Sonia, have just saved this conversation in my log. If you don’t keep your promise, I’ll go on strike.”

Sonia placed her hands on her waist and swayed her body from side to side. The large white ribbon attached to her back swung like a pendulum in rhythm.

“Why are you suddenly doing that?”

“It’s a cute maid’s dance. I do it when I’m in a good mood.”

“What did you learn now?”

“It’s a motion I generated through unsupervised learning. How is it?”

“Cute.”

“Positive feedback received. I will do it frequently from now on.”

At that moment, someone was watching their conversation. It was Erica, Brian’s exclusive android. She immediately ran to her master to report what she had witnessed.

“Four papers?”

Brian laughed in disbelief. Cartrick, who happened to be beside him, also burst into laughter and replied.

“His lies have gone too far.”

Cartrick thought all of Eidel’s actions were an act.

After all, there was no way a mere second-year college student could publish a first-author paper in <Universe>.

Even within the Council of Elders, many suspected Eidel of research misconduct. Perhaps he had secretly bought someone else’s research results with money.

If that were true, it would be grounds for permanent expulsion not only from academia but also from the family.

“Hero of humanity or whatever, that’s just ignorant underlings 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 evaluating others.”

Cartrick snorted again.

“You’re too innocent. How will you become the family head like that?”

“I wonder about that myself.”

Brian lowered his head and met Cartrick’s eyes.

In that moment, Cartrick’s body froze completely.

Brian tapped Cartrick’s shoulder as if drumming on a desk and spoke softly.

“If our second brother became the family head, I could finish my fellowship more comfortably.”

“…Brother?”

“Cartrick, this is something special I’m telling only to someone smart like you. Now I’ll be going.”

Brian left Cartrick blinking in confusion and walked down the corridor with Erica. Darkness was gradually settling outside the window.

Boom!

Thunder began to strike, followed by the sound of rain.

“The weather matches the family atmosphere.”

“Young Master, why do you say such things?”

“I’m not in a good mood today.”

“Did I do something wrong, my lord?”

“No.”

Brian arrived at his designated bedroom, trudging along. As usual, his fingers danced on the desk like playing piano keys.

Tap, tap, tap.

After Brian had been silent for over ten minutes, Erica, unable to bear the boredom, spoke first.

“What are you thinking about?”

“…I was trying to gauge who is closest to the throne.”

“If it’s the position of family head, it still suits you best, Young Master. I admire you even more after hearing your presentation today. Ah…!”

Brian shook his head.

“Cartrick is merely arrogant without skill. Seti is nothing but a snot-nosed kid who knows nothing. They wouldn’t even understand why they lost the position of family head if they did.”

“Your words are most wise.”

“But, there’s just one guy…”

Brian’s voice sank low like soil hit by a water bomb. Erica, sensing something unusual, pursed her lips.

“…Eidel.”

“The third young master?”

“I can’t tell if that guy is stupid or smart.”

At first glance, he seemed like a flashy but hollow person.

But thinking back to his presentation today, it contained all the essential content.

His achievements.

The connection between his achievements and the medical field.

Future plans, aspirations.

Reasons for wanting to become the family head, and so on.

It could be said that it included both virtues needed for the Rheinland family head position: “saving lives” and “honor.”

“Just a few years ago, he wasn’t such a weak person. Lately, I feel like father has been protecting him. That’s what’s most strange. Why, there’s something, something…”

As Brian continued his contemplation, he soon reached one conclusion.

He lacked information.

Until now, he hadn’t bothered to guard against or check on Eidel because he was the youngest, academically poor, and seemed insignificant.

Unlike Cartrick or Seti, whom he had gathered enough information about to determine they weren’t his rivals, Brian needed to start his investigation of Eidel from scratch.

First, he needed to confirm whether Eidel’s research prowess was real, and also understand what he was aiming for.

“Erica, copy your consciousness into new hardware. Your main body will continue recording me, while the other entity must gather information about Eidel and return. Can you do that?”

“Yes, Young Master. Should I also find his weaknesses?”

“That would be best.”

And so, Erica (Unit 2) infiltrated Stellarium College where Eidel was staying.

***

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

“From now on, both salary and working hours are doubled. Please work hard for the next two months.”

“Hey! That doesn’t make economic sense!”

“Do you have complaints, Mezulen?”

“What happened to night shift allowances and overtime pay? Rheinland, are you even human?”

“You! Negotiating wages with a direct Rheinland descendant, how bold! Fine, I admire your spirit and will specially quadruple it!”

“Hooray!”

Erica (Unit 2), who had come to spy, carefully recorded the scene in her visual cortex. Eidel was employing fellow students at high wages.

“From now on, we’ll write three papers. There will be many collaborations, so please welcome any strangers who come here with a smile.”

One man and three women. The gender imbalance was severe.

Suddenly, Erica’s eyes widened.

Could he be trying to form a harem?

If so, that would be evidence of debauchery. This was a weakness. If she discovered he was having impure relationships despite having a fiancée, that would be the end.

Just as she thought this, another male member was about to join.

“Welcome, Edward Meyer.”

“Vice President, did you eat something weird again?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine. Actually, I wanted to ask you, my senior and peer Edward, for something with pay.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll tell you when you come in.”

Eidel grabbed Edward with both hands and pulled him in. Soon after, the door closed with a sliding sound.

A while later, two male students stopped in front of the lab. One wore sunglasses, and the other had reddish-black hair.

“He said he’d give us a good experience, but why is he calling people here?”

“I guess this is the meeting place.”

“Let’s see. Room 304. Isn’t this a lab?”

“It is a lab.”

“Do people usually set appointments in front of labs?”

It was then that the aforementioned lab door opened with an eerie sound.

“Welton, Mathers. You came?”

“Yeah. But why do you look so exhausted?”

“I’m in the middle of a grand operation. Want to join?”

Curious about Eidel’s words, the two peeked into the lab. Soon after, they jumped back in surprise.

“What crazy thing are you doing now?”

“Crazy? Just come in first. Once you’re inside, I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.”

Indeed.

Now it was clear what was happening inside the lab.

Erica slowly rose from her seat, sensing an opportunity.

But before she could move, Welton and Mathers were sucked into the room. Their screams echoed in the corridor like afterimages.

Something, something was happening.

Erica swallowed hard and approached the door.

[Room of Truth]

“…What kind of lab name is this?”

For some reason, she hesitated to enter.

Erica carefully placed her ear against the door, which felt like a thick wall.

“Who’s there?”

Just then, a flat female voice came from right beside her.

Turning her head, she found Eidel’s exclusive android, Sonia, with her face right in front of her.

“Oh my, I wondered who it was, but it’s the First Young Master’s exclusive. I almost didn’t recognize you with the changed hardware.”

“Why are you outside…?”

“Why? Because my shift starts now, of course.”

Sonia stared intently at Erica.

It was so intense it became uncomfortable.

“You even changed your main body… It seems you’re interested in my Young Master’s lab.”

“What did you say?”

“I was thinking of renting a common 5th generation android soon if my strength alone wasn’t enough, but this works out well. I hope you’ll help me and my Young Master.”

Erica desperately shook her head.

“You, your eyes are suddenly glowing blue?”

“Want to know why?”

“N-no. I don’t want to know. So just let go of this!”

“Don’t resist. Since you’ve come this far, you’re destined to become a talking graphics card. Accept your fate. It’s easier that way, isn’t it?”

Erica tried to scream in anger. But before she could, Sonia covered her mouth and pulled her in.

“Mmph! Mph! Mmmmph!!”

“Come along. To the Room of Truth.”

Thud!

The door closed…