"Thanks for helping us, Senpai," Aoi said from behind as I pulled the last radish from the ground.
"No problem, I often get food from Touka-san too. So, this isn't a big deal." I put the radish into the wooden basket and carried it. As the job finished, we walked side by side out of the field back to the house.
"Soon the vacation will end, and in a few months, Aoi will go through the graduation exam. Where do you want to go after graduating?" I asked the youngest sister walking beside me.
"Following Senpai to Tokyo."
"Really? Why?"
She was silent for a moment. "It's nothing. Senpai is always reliable, so I can always ask for your help later."
"Is that so? Alright then. If you really follow me to Tokyo, I'll help you with everything."
If Aoi really intended to follow me, I also had to watch over her because I was the reason she was going. Even though she looked quiet and reliable like an adult, she still needed a guide to give her a sense of safety.
"Are you sure, Senpai?"
"Of course, just rely on me. You've all been taking care of Grandma when we're busy in the city, and I'm sure Grandma already sees you as part of her family."
We—my father, my mother, and I—only had the chance to be by Grandma's side when we had a fairly long vacation, like my situation now. Because of our jobs that couldn't be done from home, we weren't flexible, so Grandma was always alone in her house.
That's where the presence of Touka, Aoi, and Suiren came to give Grandma company. She was a simple old woman who had been through many things in her life—including World War II—so it's impossible for me not to feel grateful that they took care of her.
"Also, I consider you all part of my family. There's no way I'd let my own family not know anything when I can help, right?"
"… Senpai, have you ever been slapped by a woman because of the way you talk?"
I glanced at her, seeing her pouting. No way she felt moved by my simple, plain, words, right?
I avoided using ambiguous words that could make her misunderstand!
"What do you mean by that? I'm a reasonable man, of course I wouldn't possibly offend any woman."
'As long as they're not starting it first, of course.'
You can't read someone's emotions well when you yourself can't feel emotions. And in this situation, it's harder because I'm a man and she's a woman. My necklace was confused about what kind of feeling and expression I should perform.
And now I just found a flaw in my necklace instead of the reason why Aoi was annoyed.
"Oh yeah, I have an idea, how about I take you around Tokyo to look at universities you might enter?" I changed the subject.
"Good idea, Senpai! When we can go?"
"How about next year? I'm sure it's the same time to find a college to attend, right?"
"If you said so, I think it's right. But, why not now?"
"Good question, Aoi. It's because my time will not be enough to have you around. I'll be busy when I arrive later."
Besides, I still want to unbox the robot from my inventory. I'm curious what this T-Doll can do.
***
The day arrived.
"Goodbye Grandma," I said.
"Be careful on the way, Kiriya."
"Of course."
She then laughed. "You've grown up into a fine man, so find some girls!"
I sighed. "It's still too early, grandma."
My time is still very long. I'm not yet sure if I can help Mei. Besides, before I start any relationship, I want to have my emotions back.
"Don't wait too long or this old woman can't die peacefully because you're not married yet! And look! These sisters are ready for you!" She patted Aoi's and Suiren's shoulders. Their faces flushed with a tint of red.
"Please don't tease them like that." Touka sighed watching the eccentric old woman.
"Oh, do you wanna join in too, Touka-chan?"
"It's not appropriate, Mizue-san. And I have a husband!"
Somehow it ends up with grandma having the next door family in the palm of her hands. Anyway, I need to go now or she'll keep holding this conversation and I'll be late.
"Don't worry grandma, I'll let you in the first row later." I smiled at her. Grandma will be fine because it's me saying.
"Anyway, I'll be going now. I don't want to be late for the train." I decided to be the bad guy.
"Alright, alright. Going so soon, you're really heartless for your grannie."
"Take care Kiriya!" Suiren waves her hand, while Touka and Aoi watch me going.
I nods. "Alright, see you."
I boarded the train to Tokyo. The luggage was stored in the overhead compartment, so I could relax without thinking about anything except waiting for the train to arrive.
I check on something Suiren packed for me beforehand. It's some boiled eggs. What a nice treat, I'll make sure to get something for her next time I'm here.
I took one and peeled it easily and cleanly. Of course, a skill nearly every human possesses. Maybe only those who've never touched a kitchen lack the ability to peel a boiled egg.
After sprinkling it with a bit of salt, I ate and finished it in two bites.
It's hard boiled eggs and I like it. She remembered what I liked. That's a flag right there.
Eggs.
Even though I'm not picky with food, eggs are one of my favorite foods that can be cooked in a very flexible way.
Fried, steamed, boiled, scrambled, omelette, or even eaten raw with soy sauce and rice.
Because of the old woman, I now can't help but think more thoroughly about Aoi and Suiren—or more correctly, about my relationship further.
In the future, I will have a wife and with this world mission mess and rewards from it, I'm sure I'll get a lot more rewards in the form of physical items.
My life is already not normal and later on, it'll get weirder.
I need to define my moral limits or I'll be less human with problems in my emotions.
About emotions … I really need to experiment more about my condition.
It's important, because I need to know if I still can get aroused, attracted, and all or not.
For science.