Immortal Children

Chapter 6.2

Housekeeper Droid [2]

Translated by KuroNeko
Edited by KuroNeko

I entered the living room, removing my bag from my back and placing it on the table alongside the rifle I had slung over my shoulder. I then moved around the counter at the rear of the room to the kitchen, turning my shoulders to examine my condition. I approached the refrigerator and pulled out a plastic bottle of water, which I drank before returning to the living room to remove the remainder of my equipment.

Taking off the bulletproof vest and the belt containing the pouches and magazines. I contemplated gun maintenance as I placed the submachine gun on the table at my hip, but I was too weary to do anything about it. I unfastened the belt on my thigh holster and set it on the table with my handgun, then sat down on a neighbouring couch and sank into it.

I felt a tug on my sleeve as I stared blankly at the white ceiling.

The housekeeper droid was standing at my side before I knew it.

I heard a beep.

“Give me a break, I’m exhausted.” I said.

Constant beeping. It was a peculiar low beeping sound.

“Alright, bring me the basket.”

I was able to move my hefty body and place the equipment on the table into the plastic basket brought by the droid.

“You’ve got a gun, so be careful.”

The droid answered with a long beep.

“Oh, yeah. I didn’t imagine you’d be the sort of guy to use that word to characterise someone’s generosity.”

I sat back down on the couch as I said this.

The housekeeper droid wiped the table with a clean rag while displaying a smiling woman on the display, then went down the corridor with a plastic basket full of equipment.

Speaking of which, what happened to Kaguya?

It was unusual for her to be silent for such an extended period of time. I laid back on the sofa and closed my eyes, pondering about it.

A few seconds later, I heard the housekeeper droid beeping.

“Are you serious?” As I said this, I scowled at the housekeeper droid, but the droid was unfazed.

I was so weary and dazed that I didn’t notice the droid had returned to the room.

“You understand what I mean. I’ve been out there for days and am completely tired.” The droid responded to my words with a short series of beeps.

“All right.” I got up, annoyed, and said.

On the head display, the droid showed the face of a happy woman whistling and began cleaning the couch.

I was about to lean against the wall when I heard Misuzu’s voice.

“She will get pissed again.”

Misuzu had just gotten out of the shower, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She was dressed neatly in a white blouse and black shorts that the droid had prepared for her.

“Leaning against the wall doesn’t make it dirty in the first place. You must think I’m some kind of germ or something.” I said.

“I’m sure she likes things clean.” Misuzu then lowered her head. “I took the shower first. Thank you very much.”

Misuzu respectfully lowered her head. I feel a little embarrassed. I never expected to encounter someone as polite as Misuzu in a world where civilization has collapsed. People in this world are not particularly appreciative; they were all people who seemed to believe they deserved to be treated badly.

“You’re welcome.” I said.

After a brief conversation with Misuzu, I exited the corridor and entered the room at the far end of the hall.

I removed my dirty and charred combat clothing and placed them in a basket that the droid had prepared ahead of time.

I haven’t taken a warm shower in a long time, and it makes me feel all mushy.

I heard Kaguya’s voice while I was lathering up the soap.

『Hey, Rey. I’d like to give Misuzu some food, if that’s okay with you..』

“Of course, I’m not bothered. You shouldn’t have asked me that in the first place. Do whatever you want, Kaguya.”

『Yes. I get it.』

“Hey, Kaguya. Aren’t you supposed to be disconnected from me while I’m in the bathroom or taking showers?”

『Yeah? That’s right.』

“It’s dull to watch a naked man.”

『Huh? No way am I going to watch that. I’m not going to bother watching it!』

The connection to Kaguya was abruptly terminated.

Kaguya and I have been in communication frequently, come to think of it.

Maybe that’s why, when I lose contact with Kaguya, I experience an instant sensation of emptiness, like a hole has opened in my heart. It’s difficult to put into words how I feel when the will of another person, who was always present in my heart, is no longer there. But those emotions would soon fade. Humans are not intended to have two wills in their minds.

I used shampoo to wash my hair, but it doesn’t lather at all. The dark sewage, along with the pebbles, went down the drain. It eventually lathered up and thoroughly cleaned my hair the third time I shampooed.

I brushed my teeth while staring at myself in the vanity mirror. On the sink, there was a toothbrush in a plastic cup. Was it something the housekeeper droid had prepared for Misuzu?

My eyes in the mirror changed hue and became more luminous.

“I bet the droid would complain if I did the same thing.”

I imagined the housekeeper droid becoming irritated while clutching an abandoned cup in her hand and making beeping noises.

When I entered the living room, Misuzu was in the middle of a conversation with Kaguya about something.

“I’m getting a delicious meal. Thank you very much.”

For some reason, the housekeeper droid was cuddled close to Misuzu as she expressed her gratitude while eating a Type 17 military ration created collaboratively by Japan and the United States.

“Don’t be concerned. Simply make yourself at home.” I said.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“I’m going to bed right now. You must be exhausted, so please rest today.” I exited the room, leaving Misuzu in the care of Kaguya and the housekeeper droid.

“Good night.”

I turned around when I heard Misuzu’s voice.

“Good night.”

There are numerous rooms in the nursery’s underground base, one of which Kaguya has no control over and so cannot access or exit. The base is supposed to feature medical facilities, vehicle storage, a mechanical doll maintenance area, and even a recreation room for inhabitants.

I entered the room I’d been using as a bedroom after walking down the quiet hallway.

Set the alarm and launch the interface.

I collapsed onto the bed and slept off, smelling the pleasant floral aroma of the fresh sheets.