The next morning, after a light breakfast, Kanda prepared to accompany Lawry on her outing. He chose to drive his jet-black 2015 Ford Mustang GT—a car he had recently purchased using the compensation money he received from earlier incidents.
Joining them were several Assistroids, seated neatly in the back seats and support vehicles. Claris and Maya also escorted the group in two sleek white 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans, each accompanied by three maids for security and support.
~ One hour later ~
They arrived at a spacious city park, the same one Kanda had visited previously with his friends. The vibrant morning air carried the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. Lawry, dressed simply but gracefully, looked around with wide, fascinated eyes as they walked beneath the dappled shade of trees.
She quietly observed the people around them—couples holding hands, families enjoying picnics, children feeding ducks near the lake, and joggers weaving through paths. It was a peaceful atmosphere, one she hadn't expected to affect her mechanical heart quite so deeply.
Claris and Maya had discreetly split up to monitor the area from afar, ensuring Kanda and Lawry had both safety and privacy.
Kanda guided her gently toward a small food stall and handed her a crepe.
"This one's strawberry. I figured you might like it," he said with a small smile, taking a chocolate one for himself.
Lawry blinked in mild surprise before accepting the crepe with both hands. "Thank you, Ichijou-san. I've seen these in my data, but tasting one for real… is something else."
As they walked, she took small bites, her cat-like ears occasionally twitching at the sounds of laughter or music from nearby speakers.
After enjoying the park, Kanda brought Lawry to an amusement park nearby. There, they explored various rides and attractions: a dizzying roller coaster, a spooky haunted mansion, the charming carousel, and finally the Ferris wheel, which slowly carried them above the park, giving them a breathtaking view of the city.
Lawry seemed completely enthralled, a rare glow in her eyes as she clutched a plush doll Kanda had won for her at a game booth.
"I never imagined I would enjoy myself this much," she said, smiling softly. "It almost feels… human."
Kanda chuckled. "That's the whole point of today. You've got every right to experience joy, just like anyone else."
They later had lunch at a bustling fast-food restaurant. Lawry had expressed curiosity after seeing so many of them during their drive. Her presence attracted attention—her elegant appearance and mechanical cat ears drawing eyes from every direction. Some customers even tried to take pictures.
Thankfully, Claris and Maya's teams quickly intervened, keeping the situation under control without disrupting the atmosphere too much. Kanda watched Lawry curiously as she carefully unwrapped a burger.
"Lawry-san, how exactly does that work?" he asked, watching her take a bite.
"Well…" she smiled slightly. "The food I eat doesn't get digested in the human sense. It vanishes into an internal void chamber, but the sensory receptors in my mouth and artificial stomach allow me to analyze taste and texture. My creator wanted us to be able to share meals… so we could feel included."
Her tone softened.
"But… because of our appearance, his dream was never fully realized. Most Catians didn't feel comfortable sharing meals with us. They feared we were too similar… yet too different."
Kanda looked at her for a moment, then said quietly, "He gave you more humanity than most people I've met."
After lunch, they visited an aquarium. Lawry was fascinated by the sea life—colorful fish, floating jellyfish, sea turtles gliding through the tanks. During a dolphin show, the trainer asked for a volunteer, and to Kanda's surprise, Lawry raised her hand.
She stepped forward gracefully and, without hesitation, interacted with the dolphins in a way that amazed both the audience and the trainers. The dolphins responded to her with surprising affection, swimming in circles around her, chirping playfully.
"Umm… Miss, could I have my job back?" the trainer joked, earning laughter from the crowd.
Embarrassed but smiling, Kanda gently guided Lawry away as she bowed politely to the audience.
"I'm so sorry for the disruption," she said sincerely.
"You were amazing," Kanda whispered as they exited. "Didn't know you were an animal whisperer too."
"Animals don't judge by appearance. They only respond to what they feel."
As the sun began to set, Kanda took her to a beach—the same one he had visited before with the others. The sky blazed in hues of orange and red as the sun dipped slowly toward the horizon.
Lawry removed her shoes and walked barefoot on the sand, her eyes drawn to every shell, every crab, every shimmering wave. Finally, they reached a large boulder near the shore. Lawry climbed up and stood at the edge, the wind catching her hair and her dress.
Kanda stood nearby, watching her silhouette framed by the twilight.
"Ichijou-san…" she began quietly. "I'm… happy. I finally understand why my master used to gaze into the stars with such longing. He always spoke of the sea, of its scent and sound, how it made him feel alive. Being here now, I… I think I finally understand what he meant."
Her voice trembled slightly, not from fear, but emotion.
"This place… feels like home. Even if I don't belong here, even if I wasn't born here, I feel closer to him now than ever before."
Kanda stepped closer, his voice gentle.
"If you ever want to come here again, just say the word. I'll bring you back as many times as you want. You're always welcome."
Lawry turned toward him, eyes shimmering faintly in the light.
"...Th-Thank you, Ichijou-san. I… truly appreciate that."
They stood there quietly, the only sounds being the gentle lapping of waves against the rocks.
After a moment, Lawry spoke again, her voice soft but clear.
"Ichijou-san, may I ask something?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"I know that Eris-san and the others… may feel conflicted about me and the other first-generation Assistroids. I understand why. We look like them, but we were made… different. Our very existence was a mirror they didn't want to see."
She smiled gently.
"But we never held any hatred in our hearts. We were grateful. Without them, we wouldn't exist. And even if we were set aside, we still loved our creators. My master… he never stopped believing in us, even when others turned away."
Kanda felt a pang in his chest as her words echoed his conversation with Eris the night before. He looked at her, moved by her grace and quiet strength.
"You've got a good heart, Lawry-san. Better than most."
Lawry turned her gaze back to the sea, her expression peaceful as the last light of day shimmered on the waves.
Hearing her statement, Kanda couldn't help but recall the conversation he had with Eris the previous night in his room.
== Last night, Kanda's room ==
After spending an intimate evening together, the girls had gradually fallen asleep—except for Eris, who remained awake, her mood unusually somber.
Noticing the gloomy aura that surrounded her, Kanda gently pulled her into a hug, resting her head against his shoulder. "What's wrong, Eris? You seem... distant. Like you're carrying something heavy on your heart."
Eris stayed quiet for a moment, then softly replied, "It's nothing serious, Kanda. I've just been thinking about what I should say when I finally meet Lawry. I heard about the injustices she faced from our people… Even though her master protected her, I can't help but feel responsible in some way."
Kanda stroked her hair gently, his expression serious. "Why do you feel responsible?"
"…Lawry-san and the other first-generation Assistroids were vital in shaping our society. They served us, protected us, supported us from the very beginning, and yet they were treated unfairly. Compared to them, today's Assistroids still look and act like machines, but Lawry-san… she's almost indistinguishable from us. She acts like us, thinks like us… she even smiles like us. And yet… we turned our backs on her. That's why I feel guilty. Like we, the newer generation, inherited the benefits of their sacrifices but ignored their suffering."
Kanda lifted her chin so she could look him in the eyes. "Eris, listen to me. What happened to Lawry wasn't your fault. That pain came from a different time, from a different generation. You weren't even born when she was created, right?"
Eris slowly shook her head.
"Then you don't carry their sin. But you do have the power to change the future. Meet her. Talk to her. Let her see the kindness that still exists in Catian hearts. If you avoid her because of guilt, you'll only be adding to the pain."
He paused, his voice softening. "You know… my mother adopted me when I was very young. She loved me like her own child. But by the time I grew up enough to repay her love, she was already dying from illness. I visited her every day, smiling, pretending to be strong… even though I knew she saw through me. When she finally passed… I regretted never saying how much I truly loved her. I don't want you to have the same kind of regret."
Moved by his words, Eris gently wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "I never knew you carried such pain, Kanda… Thank you. I'll do as you say. When I meet Lawry, I'll face her sincerely—with no guilt, only honesty."
Kanda smiled faintly and hugged her tighter, and they eventually fell asleep in each other's arms. The shadow of doubt that clung to Eris gradually faded into the night.
== Back to the present ==
"Please tell her," Lawry said quietly, her gaze fixed on the horizon, "that I've already forgiven the people of Catia for what happened in the past. I hold no grudge… I only hope she can live her life without carrying the weight of her ancestors' mistakes."
Her voice was gentle, but filled with deep emotion.
Kanda, hearing the sadness and acceptance in her voice, silently called out to the system in his mind.
"AL, is there a way to help her? She said she's nearing the end of her operational time. I don't want her story to end this way..."
[You can try bringing her to a world where there are experts in automaton and puppet restoration. There, she may find someone capable of extending her life.]
"When can I travel to the next world, AL?"
[You must first complete all main objectives in your current world.]
"Then show me the objectives."
[Displaying current world objectives...]
*****
World: Asobi ni Iku yo
Main Objectives:
Objective 1
Learn about Catian Technology (50% completed)
Learn about Dogishua Technology (25% completed)
Objective 2
Meet with Lawry (Completed)
Learn Lawry's background (Completed)
Save Lawry from being scrapped (In Progress)
Objective 3
Build positive relationships with characters from this world (Minimum: 10, Current: 14/10)
Relationship Statuses:
1. Eris – 100% Love (Girlfriend)
2. Futaba Aoi – 100% Love (Girlfriend)
3. Kinjou Manami – 100% Love (Girlfriend)
4. Melwin – 100% Love (Girlfriend)
5. Kakazu Kio – 100% Friendship (Best Friend)
6. Jack – 50% Friendship, 40% Curiosity, 10% Interest (Acquaintance)
7. Itokazu Maki – 50% Friendship (Teacher-Student)
8. Antonia – 80% Familial Affection, 20% Interest (Brother-Sister)
9. Kuune – 80% Friendship, 15% Amused, 5% Interest (Acquaintance)
10. Durel – 60% Friendship, 20% Curiosity, 10% Amused, 5% Interest (Acquaintance)
11. Chaika – 90% Friendship, 5% Curiosity, 5% Interest (Acquaintance)
12. Claris – 60% Friendship, 35% Gratitude, 5% Interest (Subordinate)
13. Maya – 60% Friendship, 40% Curiosity (Acquaintance)
14. Sarah – 50% Friendship (Acquaintaince)
*****
Kanda looked at Lawry's serene face, then took a deep breath.
"Lawry-san… What if I told you there's a way to save you? To keep living, surrounded by everyone who cares about you—what would you say?"
Lawry's smile didn't fade, but her eyes softened.
"Kanda… I appreciate the thought, really. But I've been ready to rest for a long time. Ever since my master passed, I've only been holding on to fulfill the last of his wishes. Now that I have… I just want peace."
Kanda frowned. "You don't have to carry that weight alone. The people here—Eris, the Catians, even the Assistroids—they're waiting for you. They want you to be a part of their lives again."
As if on cue, the Assistroids raised a sign that read:
"Let's hang out again, Lawry! Don't leave us yet!"
Lawry turned to look. Her lips parted in surprise, and tears welled in her eyes. She reached up, touching her cheek as a single drop rolled down.
"I… I'm crying?" she whispered. "Why am I crying…?"
"Because part of you doesn't want this to end," Kanda said gently, stepping closer. "Your heart knows you still want to live, even if your mind's convinced otherwise. And I think… your master would be happier seeing you move forward than watching you fade away."
She lowered her hand and looked up at him—her voice trembling.
"You think… it's okay for me to live? Even now?"
"I do," Kanda replied. "More than okay. You deserve to live."
There was a pause. Then Lawry took a deep breath, straightened her back, and locked eyes with him—her voice, clear and resolute now.
"In that case… I want to follow my heart. Kanda, from this moment on, I offer myself to you. You remind me of him—my first master—but you're also your own person. And somehow, I feel safe with you." She placed her hand over her chest. "So let me say this clearly… I, Lawry, hereby choose you as my new master. From now on, I belong to you—not as a tool or a machine—but as someone who trusts you completely. Please… take care of me."
Kanda was stunned for a moment, then nodded with a soft smile.
"Alright… I'll do my best, Lawry. I'll protect you. So, please… stay with me."
"Thank you… Master," she said with a warm smile, one that shone brighter than the sun behind her. "To mark this moment, I'll sing you a song—a melody from my late master's memories. He used to say it reminded him of the stars above his hometown."
She closed her eyes, and with her voice clear and haunting, she began to sing.
BGM: Chihara Minori – "Oira wa Sabishii Spaceman"
The sunset glowed behind her as her voice carried across the sea, and for that moment, Kanda could only watch in awe.
~One hour later.
Kanda and Lawry going back to the house where they meet everyone there and Eris can be seen talking with Lawry after that.
END OF THE CHAPTER.