The Joys of Home

Come on, Papa Bear! This way!

You shouldn't run ahead like that, Premaya. What if you got lost?

I have a locator function. You'd find me in no time, Papa Bear.

Now, next up we should...

*yawn*

Premaya? You tired or something?

Transitioning to sleep mode in 30 seconds.

You can't just take a nap here!

Can you carry me, Papa Bear? I could use some back-pats, too...

I awakened earlier than expected. Did something go wrong?

No idea, I'm afraid. The other Premaya got tired all of a sudden.

I see... Her data recovery is progressing well, but restoration is not yet complete. Her runtime may be shorter than first anticipated.

At least she can get around a little now. I just wish she'd stop running off. She's way too curious for her own good.

Her knowledge was limited to the information stored in the auxiliary brain's database. Merely data she could access via search. She no doubt enjoys having the opportunity to learn by experiencing things first-hand now.

She is still just a baby really. I imagine she will be pretty restless for a while.

I know. Don't worry, I'll take care of her.

Heheh... I'm counting on you, Papa Bear.

Like I keep saying, can you not call me that?

So, what do we do now? I had planned to spend time with the other Premaya today.

Hmm. Shall we get something to eat?

Well, it is lunchtime. And I am pretty hungry. All right, let's do it.

Okay, just a moment. I will locate a restaurant that suits your tastes.

The search results indicate there is a restaurant that recreates old surface-dweller cuisine.

Hey, that sounds great. Let's go there!

Very well. Follow me.

Huh? Is that the restaurant?

Yes. Do you know the place?

Yeah, I've been here before.

Well? How was it?

It was closer to the taste of home than anywhere else in Elzion, but it still lacked something.

It is hard to judge with so little information about the culture of your era. Is it really so different?

The flavors of each ingredient shine through in most Baruoki cuisine. The vegetables are especially delicious. I hope you get the chance to try some.

If the opportunity ever arises, I would very much like to sample the food you grew up with.

Well, how about we head to Baruoki right now?

Feinne's probably preparing lunch as we speak.

(Master is inviting me to his hometown... And into his home?)

Although, maybe crossing space and time just for some food is a bit much...

No, we should go.

I have always wanted to meet your family, Master.

Y-You have?

And if possible, I would very much like to learn about the local cuisine of Baruoki. If I can figure out how to make it, you can enjoy the taste of home anytime you like.

I'm sure Feinne would be happy to teach you if you ask. But you're a fellow traveler, Premaya, not my servant. You don't need to do that for me.

Perhaps some old logic has carried over from when I believed myself to be artificial intelligence.

Don't be like me. Live an ordinary life, as a human. Don't let remorse get the better of you.

But it is what I want to do. Not out of obligation. Just to make you happy.

But it is what I want to do.

Well, I won't try to talk you out of it. Let's head to Baruoki.

Aldo, you're back!

Yeah, I had some things to do, and figured I'd check in on Grandpa too.

Are you done with your errands? While you're here, you might as well touch base with rest of the village guard.

I'd love to, but I'm actually waiting for someone right now.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Master!

Premaya! What's with that getup?

I thought I should change into an outfit more suitable for service.

I am in Premaya Maid Mode, and prepared to carry out any and all household chores.

I-I see. It's very different from your usual look, so you caught me off guard. We only came here for lunch, though, right?

Studying cooking is also one of my objectives.

Is this an acquaintance of yours, Master?

I'm Darunis, an old friend of Aldo's. Good to meet you.

Um, Aldo? Are you bringing another woman home with you?

Another woman?

Darunis, I already told you. There's nothing between me and Orleya. The same goes for Premaya. We're just traveling companions.

Precisely. At present, I am simply in the service of my master, so we do not have such a relationship. Therefore, I will not inquire as to which women have been visiting Master's home.

You sound kind of upset, Premaya...

Not at all. Artificial intelligence cannot feel anger.

But you're not artificial intelligence.

So I have permission to get angry?

I mean, I'd rather you didn't...

Look, if you two have some kind of mutual agreement, I won't pry any further...

So I guess you came back to Baruoki to introduce your, um, friend to the mayor?

Kinda, but we're mostly here to get Feinne to teach Premaya how to cook Baruoki cuisine.

Cooking, eh? You're already in that stage of the relationship, huh?

What's that supposed to mean?

Surely you know what it implies when a girl learns to cook all your favorite dishes?

It's not like that! That's not why I brought Premaya here!

Yeah yeah, I'm sure. You're just lucky it's me you ran into, and not May.

Why are you bringing May up?

She'd definitely be fuming if she knew about this.

Master, who is this "May" woman?

Another old friend of mine. She's a blacksmith.

(There's a woman who would get jealous if she knew I was cooking at Master's house?)

You are so popular with everyone, Master. It is an honor to serve you.

Um, thanks, I guess?

Of all the responses, I don't think "thanks" is the one you're looking for...

Anyway, I better get back to work. See you around.

Okay, let's catch up properly some other time!

Master, there is something I would like you to look at before we enter your home.

I brought some fruit as a gift for your family.

That's thoughtful of you. They smell so sweet, thanks.

They are a rare variety in Elzion. Natural products are beyond my means, so I am afraid these are synthetic.

Don't worry about that. Grandpa loves fruit, so I'm sure he'll appreciate them.

Thank you. That is a relief to hear.

Okay, no time like the present. We don't want to miss lunch.

Hi Grandpa, Feinne.

Welcome back, my boy. It's rare to see you here at this time of day.

I actually came home to ask Feinne a favor.

Aldo, are you going to introduce us to your friend there?

It is nice to meet you, Sir. I am Premaya. I serve my Master as a cyb...

Maid.

No you don't! Why would you say that?

I was concerned they would not understand the concept of cyborgs.

Just trying to be considerate, huh.

Um... Premaya's a traveling companion.

I brought her here today because she wanted to learn about Baruoki cuisine.

Really? Then you should have warned me you were coming! We don't have any food in the house!

Surely there's something lying around.

I could maybe make a sandwich, but you want to try local cuisine, right?

No, my objective today is to find out what Master usually eats. There is no need to go to any special trouble.

A-Are you sure?

Please, tell me all about his favorite home-cooked meals.

Don't be silly, you only just got here. You must be exhausted! Why don't you take a little rest first?

Go on, make yourself at home.

I can't believe Aldo would invite a woman over to his house.

That's just not possible...

Premaya? What's wrong?

Master, there is someone looking in through the window.

Huh? I don't see anybody.

He really did bring a woman home with him!

Don't worry, I don't think it's that kind of relationship. Anyway, you shouldn't go peeking into other people's houses, May. Old friends or not.

As if that's what's important right now!

Sir, I have a little something for you. I hope you enjoy them.

Why, would you look at those perfectly-ripened fruits. Thank you, my dear.

They're apparently a rare variety in Premaya's town.

Well, well. I'm honored to receive such a gift.

I'm glad you like them.

What is it? Did something catch your eye?

No, the opposite. This space must correspond to the kitchen. However... Where is the water supply?

You mean the faucet that conveniently pours out clean water whenever you want it? That doesn't exist in our time.

We have to draw water from the water prisma.

We don't have much water left. Want to go and gather some more?

Yes please!

Okay, first you touch the water prisma, nice and gently. Got it?

Nice and gently.

Master, look! Water is pouring out!

Haha! I'm glad there was something in our time that was able to surprise you!

Normally it's me getting surprised by all the futuristic technologies.

We do not have prisma you can just touch like this in Elzion. This has been a valuable experience.

Hm. What should we put in the soup?

You do not have set ingredients?

No, I mostly just use whatever we happen to have at home. I'll go check what we have left.

You have no refrigerator, correct? So where are the ingredients kept?

This way. Follow me!

See, this is where I dry our vegetables.

Huh? You dry your ingredients under the eaves of your house?

Yes, it's well-shaded and ventilated, so it's better than indoors for drying. Food lasts longer this way.

No one dries their food outside in Elzion.

Instead of relying on appliances, you simply utilize the environment. Such wisdom is rare in my time.

Okay, Premaya. Will you wash the vegetables and cut them into bite size pieces for me?

Order accepted.

I guess I'll prepare the beans next.

Huh? I thought we had more than this.

Feinne, there's hardly any salt left. Will this be enough?

It should cover us for today's lunch, but not for dinner or tomorrow's meals.

Shall I borrow some from Ashtear?

You borrow seasonings? You do not go out and purchase them?

Unlike Elzion, our village doesn't have a store that sells whatever you need.

The store doesn't stock beans, let alone salt. I usually buy mine from a peddler based in Rinde.

The peddler should come by tomorrow or the next day if he sticks to his usual schedule.

Oh? I thought I saw the peddler earlier this morning?

You're kidding! Why didn't you tell me?

Sorry... It must have slipped my mind.

Okay, I'll go track him down. Is there anything else you need, other than salt and beans?

Um...there's quite a lot, actually. I'll write you a list. Hold on.

Come to think of it, I didn't see any peddler when we arrived in Baruoki.

Perhaps he already left the village. Do you have any ideas where he'd head next?

Unigan would usually be the next place he'd stop.

Then he'll need to pass through the Karek Swampland. Hopefully we'll catch up to him there.

Still no sight of him. Maybe he's already reached Unigan?

Get away from me!

Did you hear that? My sensors indicate there is some kind of trouble ahead!

Maybe the peddler's being attacked by monsters! We have to find him quick!

Trust my luck! How am I gonna get out of this mess?

Get down!

Are you hurt?

J-Just a few scratches. Nothing to worry about.

Master, I am detecting other bio signatures in the area. My guess is more monsters.

Got it. Let's get out of here as soon as...

Too late.

We can take them. Let's go, Premaya!

You saved my life, thank you! Without the Knights here, I was just about ready to give up.

I'm just glad you're safe. We were actually looking for you anyway.

For me? Why?

Ah, I see. You're welcome to buy as much as you need. I'll even throw a little extra in.

(Fault detected. Perhaps some mechanical parts got damaged in that fight.) (The fault does not seem bad enough to interfere with the performance of my duties, however.)

Okay, you had the seasonings I'm after, but I guess you're out of fish, huh?

Sorry. I had a lot in stock, but it's a popular item.

Is this everything then?

In terms of what is available, you have selected a perfectly sufficient amount, Master.

Oh? What about this fruit?

I bought that to sell in Unigan, but it got damaged when those monsters attacked. It's not saleable anymore. If you want it, it's yours.

But it looks like natural fruit. Is it not very expensive?

No, not really. They're pretty common in Baruoki.

Premaya?! Are you okay?

Did you know that natural fruits were readily available in Baruoki?

Well, yeah. Artificial fruits don't exist in this era.

How could I have given those meager synthetic fruits as a gift? And I made such a big deal out of them being a rarity... I... I...

Honestly, Grandpa doesn't care one bit! He knows the thought that went into it, and that's what counts.

It doesn't really matter what the gift was.

PREMAYA!

I didn't realize it would shock you this much. I'm sorry, I should have told you more about my era.

No, this fault is not due to mental suffering. I think my mechanical parts were slightly damaged in the fight.

So you'll be all right? We should get you back to Baruoki so that you can rest.

No, this is not something resting can fix. I need to go back to Elzion to procure a basic repair kit.

Got it! I'll take you there right now. Just hang in there, okay?

Are you feeling better now, Premaya?

Yes, the damage would not normally be a problem even if left untreated. However, my agitation seems to have aggravated the malfunction.

So it was the shock, after all.

I'm just glad it wasn't a serious injury.

Still, we came here without saying a word to Feinne or the others. If you are late getting home, they might start to worry.

Premaya? If you're not feeling right yet, you should rest.

Physically, I am fine.

It is just...I embarrassed myself in front of you, Master.

Not enough to upset you like this, surely?

If I access the auxiliary brain database, I can usually find out all I need to know. I guess that made me feel like I could do anything. But with so little data about the civilization of your era, I was left in the dark, and was no help at all.

I don't think that's true. Feinne really enjoyed having someone to cook with. Besides, I took you home so that you could try Baruoki cuisine. Not so that you could be helpful.

But that is not enough of a reason to visit your era...

What's wrong with just enjoying yourself? Maybe it wasn't ideal for you, but when you were in Baruoki... Unable to find any information in your database, and not knowing anything about our ways...

You were in pretty much the same situation as the other Premaya, wouldn't you say?

Her knowledge was limited to the information stored in the auxiliary brain's database. Merely data she could access via search. She no doubt enjoys having the opportunity to learn by experiencing things first-hand now.

It would be nice if you could enjoy learning the way the other Premaya does.

But I get that it's probably hard for you to have fun when you're so out of your comfort zone.

No, I was confused and flustered, but I never felt uncomfortable, or inconvenienced. It is only natural for one's knowledge to be useless in a different time and place. If I got upset at something like that, I would never be able to accompany you across space and time.

Master, will you take me back to Baruoki once more?

I may not be of service, but I would like to enjoy life in your time again.

Of course. I'm all for you enjoying yourself.

What time do you call this? Did you have to go all the way to Unigan?

We had to eat lunch without you.

I apologize for making you worry. We ran into a little trouble.

But we still bought what you needed.

Whoa! You got so much stuff!

The peddler didn't have all the things on your list, so we took a little detour to buy them.

This is amazing! Now I'll be able to teach Premaya even more dishes!

That smells delicious. Is it almost ready?

Yes, I think so. I'll just take a little taste...

Whoa! What're you doing?!

Um, what's wrong?

Uh oh. I think she's switched with the other Premaya!

There's smoke! Is it malfunctioning?

Premaya, NO!

*sniffle*

Oh no. Premaya, don't cry!

Waaahh! Papa Bear yelled at me!

I'm sorry, Premaya! I just didn't want you to burn yourself on the fire.

You're so mean to me, Papa Bear! I wanna go home!

Phew! My memory got cut off for a second there.

The other Premaya came out to play.

Oh. I am sorry if she caused any trouble.

I'm fine, but Feinne and Grandpa...

Um, I have so many questions... But are you okay, Premaya?

It is not a malfunction, so there is no need to be concerned for my health.

I see... Okay, can I ask you one more thing? Why did you call Aldo "Papa Bear"?

(How do I explain? How do I make her understand when words like cyborg and AI don't exist in this era?)

It is a little complicated, but to cut a long story short... There is a baby inside me.

Hey, don't give them the wrong idea!

A baby? And that is why you called Aldo "Papa Bear"?

Yes. He is helping me look after her, as her Papa Bear.

Ho-ho. Aldo is a papa, hm?

Well, if Aldo is the father...

Does that make me a great-grandpa?

And I'm an aunt?!

No way... Aldo? You've got to be kidding me!

May! You'll blow our cover!

What are you guys doing here?

What's the deal, Aldo? You said it wasn't like that. Were you lying to me?

Explain yourself!

Congratulations, Aldo!

Everybody, calm down!

Premaya, would you mind if I explained the situation?

Of course. You will be able to explain to the people of your time far better than I can.

Ah, so she has a split personality. She has the personality of a little girl within her... And this Premaya loses consciousness when the other manifests.

Pretty much. Right, Premaya?

Yes. I think that is the best way to express it without trying to explain future technology.

Ohhh! It all makes sense now. That's why you suddenly turned so childish.

I think perhaps the delicious smell of the cooking awoke her.

Phew, what a relief! You really gave me a fright there!

Anyway, being a papa doesn't suit you, Aldo.

I think he is a very competent papa.

I appreciate you coming to my defense, but there's no need, Premaya. I'm nobody's papa.

Um, Aldo? I'm sorry to interrupt, but um...

Nomar? What is it?

The pot looks like it's about to boil over.

Oh no, the soup! I'd forgotten all about it!

It's later than I'd realized. We don't want to interrupt your dinner. Let's get going.

Right. Things got kinda out of hand here. Can't wait to talk to you again, Premaya.

I am sorry. My poor explanation caused such a commotion.

It's okay. You don't need to worry about it.

It feels a little impudent to ask this of you after causing so much trouble... But might we invite her over for dinner?

Her? You mean the other Premaya?

Yes. I want her to know the warmth of home. Do you mind?

I'm fine with it, but are you? You wouldn't be able to try the food you made.

That does not matter. I have already had a warm and enjoyable day. I would be unfit as her protector if I kept this happiness all for myself.

Well, if that's what you want, I can handle everything from here.

Feinne, Grandpa, are you okay with this?

I don't mind at all. I'm used to looking after children thanks to you two.

I'm also fine with it.

But there's something that has to be done before Premaya switches selves.

There is? What?

Who made this soup, Aldo? And why did she make it?

Ah!

*huff*

Mmm. It's really good, Premaya.

I am glad. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I have created something that you enjoy.

Okay, look after her for me.

Welcome back, Premaya. It's almost dinnertime.

Hmph.

Are you still mad? I'm sorry for yelling at you before.

Are you though?

Premaya, why don't you come over here and look at this?

The other Premaya made it. Doesn't it look delicious?

It smells so good!

Do you wanna eat together?

Yeah! Let's eat! Yay, food!

Ho-ho. What a lively thing you are.