"Hypothesis"
"Thought always precedes word… and yet I can't find the words for this moment."
A figure emerged slowly from within the elevator.
"It's good to see you, Asta."
An elegant, suited mechanical gentleman appeared before the group.
At the man's arrival, nearly everyone present offered a slight, courteous bow. Except…
Except for Clara, who was crouched in some dim corner munching on a three-hundred-thousand-credit watermelon.
"Fancy manners, huh?" Clara's mouth never stopped, steadily chewing the watermelon in her mouth.
Watching Screwllum approach, she sighed inwardly.
'Kind of makes me feel bad about plotting anything nasty against you.'
Clara finished the watermelon slice in her hand, stood up, and with a light flick, sent the remaining rind arcing precisely into a trash bin.
Then, with light steps, she made her way toward the gathered crowd.
'Yeah, right~'
...
"I apologize. I'm 4 minutes and 13 seconds earlier than the appointed time. I hope it's not a bother"
"Not at all, Mr. Screwllum. Welcome to the Herta— uh…" Asta blurted out "Herta" but caught herself immediately, quickly correcting: "Welcome to the Clara Space Station, Mr. Screwllum."
"No need for formalities, Asta. 'Screwllum' is perfectly fine."
"The 'Clara' Space Station… Even if it's just a name, it's enough to make Lady Herta concede." Even though it was merely a name change and not a change of ownership, Screwllum couldn't help but voice his admiration.
"I wonder if this Miss Clara is present at the space station. I would very much like to make her acquaintance."
"Wow, the renowned member of the Genius Society, Mr. Screwllum, actually wants to meet me? What an incredible honor for little ol' Clara~"
Before Asta could even respond to Screwllum's remark, Clara's voice floated over.
Then her figure appeared before the group, a bright smile on her face.
"Hello, I'm Clara. Pleased to meet you."
"Hello." Seeing Clara before him, Screwllum's voice carried a hint of amusement. "You flatter me, Miss Clara. Herta mentioned you in our conversations."
"If we're speaking of honor, the privilege is mine to make your acquaintance."
Although Screwllum had gleaned some understanding of Clara from his talks with Herta, meeting her in person still exceeded his expectations.
"Ah, you're too kind~" Clara beamed at Screwllum, then pulled something from her pocket… a tube of toothpaste?
"Here, a little meeting gift for you."
Clara handed the toothpaste-like object to Screwllum.
"I've heard mechanical lifeforms require maintenance. This… I blended various materials to create it. It's the most compatible, the most comfortable lubricant."
"I hope you like it."
Clara knew Screwllum would recognize what it was, but she explained anyway.
Screwllum held the lubricant Clara had given him. Even without opening it, he could sense that this lubricant was far superior to any he had used before.
Seeing this, Screwllum didn't decline but accepted it directly.
"Thank you for the gift, Miss Clara. Just as the human body requires care, so do machines."
"A lubricant of exceptional quality… I believe no mechanical lifeform could refuse it."
"And so,"
"The gift from Miss Clara… I am quite fond of it."
Screwllum first expressed his sincere thanks to Clara, then continued:
"My departure was somewhat hurried, and I did not anticipate Miss Clara presenting such a valuable gift."
"Therefore, all I can offer Miss Clara at this moment is… a promise."
Screwllum placed a hand over his chest, explaining with a gentleman's poise:
"What I mean by 'a promise' is this: whenever Miss Clara has any need,"
"No matter where you are, no matter what the issue is, regardless of right or wrong, I will help you unconditionally, to resolve that matter."
Everyone: !
Hearing Screwllum's words, everyone was inwardly shocked.
The first two parts were fine, but the last two…
'Regardless of right or wrong, I will help you unconditionally.'
These words… coming from a genius of the Genius Society.
The implications of this statement… everyone present except Stelle understood them fully…
Even Clara narrowed her eyes slightly at Screwllum's words.
Regardless of right or wrong, huh? Is it trust, or something else…
"Well then, I'll accept it without standing on ceremony."
But it didn't really matter. Since Screwllum had said it, she had no reason to refuse.
Screwllum was handing her a blank check on his life. If she didn't take the opportunity to mess with him properly later, she'd almost feel sorry for such determination.
As for whether Screwllum might turn the tables and mess with her?
Funny thought.
And actually… quite possible. Clara didn't think that, when it came to schemes, she could outplay any member of the Genius Society.
Otherwise, her title could just have "Emanator of Erudition" tacked on the end.
But it was fine. She believed in… virtuous persuasion. If Screwllum really dared to mess with her, no matter how vast the universe, no matter where he fled—her vengeance.
Would. Find. Him.
Seeing Clara accept his "promise," Screwllum nodded, then offered praise to Asta and the others behind her.
"Such collaboration between organic lifeforms is magnificent and efficient – you're rebuilding the space station far quicker than I could have imagined.."
"We appreciate your high praise, Mr. Screwllum. Would you like me to show you around? Since the last summer, we've launched several new research projects focused on silicon-based matrices." Asta accepted the praise on behalf of the space station crew, then extended an invitation.
"That sounds lovely." Screwllum declined Asta's offer. "But I have a meeting with Herta, so let's put the new surprises on hold for now.."
"I know where Herta's office is. How about I take you there?" Hearing Screwllum's words, Clara enthusiastically raised a hand.
"For Miss Clara to personally guide me—that is my honor." Screwllum placed his hand over his chest once more, giving Clara a slight bow to express his thanks.
"Alright then. Herta's been weeping and wailing in her office, waiting for you forever. Let's go."
"Very well."
...
Screwllum: Regarding Clara
She is a fascinating individual, in every aspect.
Even the most intelligent person, in her presence, is no different from an ordinary person.
Because all cunning, all clever tricks—to her, they are merely weapons in her hand.
(Put plainly: Overwhelming force shatters all methods.)
…
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