kscans

Chapter 175 - Gauge Consumption

I checked the time as I left DeviPro. It was a little past four. A truly awkward time of day. I wondered if Saku-chan was home yet. Probably not. School should be over, but she mentioned something about studying with her friends in the library. Takahashi and Suzuki were at work, and so was Chika-san. Shunranman wasn't open yet either. What should I do?

"Maybe I'll go check on Setsuko-chan."

I told her to get in touch if she had any trouble after she started living in her apartment, but I hadn't heard from her. Perhaps I should go see if she was managing alright or just being reserved.

"No, I better not."

She probably wouldn't find it annoying. After all, I am her type looks-wise, and we communicate pretty well. Still, just showing my face to ask if she was having any trouble, when she hadn't contacted me herself, felt off. My regular friends and acquaintances were likely at work, and my contacts in the underworld, like the Arima brothers, were probably working as well. I couldn't think of anyone who would be free off the top of my head.

"At this rate, I should've just gone to work. No, no, I can't think like that."

I was given a day off, after all. In that case, I should be the kind of guy who mindlessly enjoys it with a big "Wahoo!". The president did tell me to let my hair down. This was no good. It seemed my chat with Sandayu had raised my social-cog-in-the-machine gauge.

"To lower that gauge, I'd say doing something stupid is the best course of action."

What to do? Should I go to one of those naughty establishments? I'd kind of stopped going since I started hanging around the kids. Ah, but still.

"I feel sort of guilty."

It wasn't like I was doing anything wrong. I didn't have a specific partner, and I wasn't going to any illegal places. Even so, the kids' faces kept flashing through my mind. I'd be totally fine with a hostess club or something, but I'm such a difficult person sometimes.

"It's not like I have to tell them I went, either."

In fact, I probably shouldn't, for the sake of their healthy development as youths. I could cook up any number of excuses, yet here I was feeling awkward all on my own. At this rate, I can't laugh at Saionji-san and Azuma-san.

"Oh, right."

I knew just the person for some mindless fun. Kawasaki. He wouldn't usually be on my primary list of people to hang out with, but for a time like this, he was perfect. He had a job, but it was like a lax self-employed gig. He might just have some time to spare. Thinking there was no time like the present, I called him, and he picked up on the first ring.

"Satou-san, is something the matter?"

His drawling, carefree voice was a comfort right now.

"Are you free? Not busy with work or anything?"
"Not at all. The job I had just got wrapped up this morning."

Kawasaki laughed over the phone, saying the budget for Kaiser's repairs and upgrades had increased again.

"What about you, Satou-san? What happened with work? I thought you were a salaryman on the surface, right?"

"Today the company ordered me to go for a physical."

I explained that I'd planned on taking a half day, but since the timing was so awkward, it became a full day off.

"Ooh! A surprise vacation! Congratulations!"

"Haha, thanks. Well, since I suddenly got the day off, I'm bored. If you're free, wanna hang out?"
"Of course! After all, you and I are best buds, Satou-san. Best buds!"

"Alright, I'll head over now."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."

I ended the call and took a breath.

"...Damn. I was just unexpectedly soothed by Kawasaki."

This is why I can't quit being friends with lunatics. He usually just drags me around, but every so often, he hits the nail right on the head. I bought a present at a nearby cake shop and flew over to Kawasaki's house.

"Welcome! Please, come on in."

"Thanks."

I handed him the gift and went inside.

"How is Robo Woman doing? It was my first time implementing the role of a TRPG Game Master."

"Ah, she's doing a great job. With the housework, too."

"That's wonderful. I'm sure maintenance is easy for someone with your power, Satou-san, but please let me know if you ever run into any trouble, okay?"

"Yeah, I'll count on you then. Oh, and thanks, Robo-Tai."

I patted the head of the Robo-Tai that brought me tea, and its eyes blinked happily.

"Say, Kawasaki. Are you interested in technology from other worlds?"

"Other worlds?"

Kawasaki tilted his head in confusion. He didn't know about the Arima brothers or Setsuko-chan, so his reaction was natural.

"Actually, about three people from another world have drifted into this one."

I'd learned some interesting techniques from the Arima brothers, and from Setsuko-chan as well. If I asked, they would probably teach me anything that wasn't too dangerous. I figured if I taught them to Kawasaki, it might help him in his fulfilling robot life. I wouldn't normally tell him unless he asked, but I was in a good mood today.

"Ooh, that sounds nice. When you say other worlds, do you mean a fantasy world of swords and magic?"

"Yeah, all three of them are from worlds like that. Are you into that sort of thing?"

"Absolutely! A robot rampaging through a fantasy world has its own unique charm."

Ah, that's true, there are stories like that.

"Modifying the skeleton of a giant into a robot. Using golem-like technology to build a robot. Stripping materials from monsters and giant insects to use as armor. It's all so wonderful!"

I was glad to see him so happy.

"So, about those unique otherworldly technologies. They might be useful for upgrading Kaiser, so please, tell me everything!"

"I'll pick out some techniques that seem like they'd be useful, then."

"Please do!"

We continued to chat, and when my teacup was empty, I stood up.

"Well, I'm feeling pretty satisfied. Shall we head out and have some fun? Is there anything you want to do, Kawasaki?"

"Hmm... I appreciate you asking, but today, I'll listen to your request, Satou-san!"

"Mine?"

"Yes. You're always so considerate of me! So today, I'll do whatever you want to do!"

Kawasaki puffed out his chest. "Just tell me if there's anything you want me to do!" Something I want to do, something I want Kawasaki to do for me...

I have one. To be precise, I just thought of one. But...

This is... hmm... Kawasaki is like a kid... No, but his actual age is well past adulthood. And he's an absolute beauty. An opportunity like this is rare. It would be far too wasteful to let it go. I looked down, conflicted.

It's not an unreasonable request... well, it is a little unwholesome... Mmm...

After a moment's hesitation, I made up my mind.

"In that case."

I voiced my request, a bit hesitantly, and Kawasaki accepted with a cheerful smile.