Rei Ao led Shuvi toward Couronne's dwelling.
Shuvi's quick, dainty steps contrasted sharply with Rei Ao's steady stride.
A dim blue light flickered in Shuvi's eyes as she swept her gaze across the surroundings, converting every detail into stored data.
She was an Ex‑Machina, created for the single purpose of learning, analyzing, and understanding all things.
Yet when her gaze settled on the hand Rei Ao was holding, her calculations produced a question.
"What is the significance of holding hands?"
…
The door swung open.
A faint herbal fragrance—left over from a recent bath—drifted out to greet them.
Freshly bathed, Couronne sat demurely on the edge of the bed, dressed in plain but spotless clothes.
Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders; a few strands framed her cheeks, adding a gentle softness to her features.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her nervous fingers twisted the hem of her clothes.
The pressure had turned her fingertips slightly white, betraying her tension and unease.
When she saw Rei Ao enter with Shuvi, Couronne froze for an instant, surprise flashing in her eyes.
She had not expected him to bring such an unusual "guest," and a ripple of doubt and anxiety welled up inside her.
She already knew from the chat group that the figure before her was an Ex‑Machina.
"Ah."
The corner of Rei Ao's mouth lifted in a warm smile, his eyes appreciating Couronne's current state.
It seemed she was ready to pay the price they had agreed on—offering herself to save the human village.
This village was her home.
When crisis struck, she had not hesitated to sacrifice herself for its peace.
She had confessed some of this to her younger brother Rick not long before.
Rick had not tried to stop her; nothing could be changed now.
"Um… Shuvi… shouldn't be here, right?" Couronne asked shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her eyes flitted away from Rei Ao's gaze, full of embarrassment and self‑consciousness.
Rei Ao sat down by the bed and gently shook his head.
His movements were tender, and his eyes held reassurance.
"Don't worry, Couronne. Shuvi is an Ex‑Machina. She's here to learn everything about humans, emotions and communication included. Just think of her as a rather special 'student.'"
Shuvi stepped in front of them, her scanning device flashing more rapidly.
Her voice was mechanical and emotionless.
"Analyzing human emotional expression: 'shyness.' Data insufficient—additional samples required."
Couronne blushed even deeper at Shuvi's bluntness.
She hurriedly lowered her head, mortified.
"D‑does she always talk like this?" she asked softly, a hint of helplessness in her tone.
Rei Ao nodded with a smile. "Don't mind her; she's only following her programming and curiosity.
"In fact, I brought Shuvi so she could observe the most primitive form of emotional exchange—it's the most straightforward expression of human feeling."
"Eh?" Couronne's thoughts stumbled.
In a little while she would be offering the use of her body; did that mean Rei Ao's "primitive exchange" would take place with Shuvi watching from the side?
At the thought, her heart sped up and her cheeks flushed again, red as a ripe apple.
Rei Ao took her hand; his was warm and strong, and the heat made her tremble slightly.
The warmth surged through her like an electric current.
"Couronne, are you ready?" Rei Ao's voice was low and gentle, with a hint of seductive charm.
!!!
Couronne's heartbeat quickened.
She drew a deep breath, determination flickering in her eyes.
"I… I'm ready, Rei Ao-sama. If it protects the village, I am willing…"
Her soft voice carried steady resolve.
Shuvi's eyes lit up. Tilting her head in a slightly stiff but oddly cute motion, she announced:
"Detected intense fluctuations in female human emotion. Indices of 'nervousness,' 'anticipation,' and 'determination' spiking. Requesting analysis of behavioral motives."
Rei Ao smiled helplessly.
"Shuvi, there are things you can't understand yet—but that's what makes human emotions so complex and wonderful."
He met Couronne's eyes, and she lowered hers shyly.
When Rei Ao's large hand circled her waist, her body went rigid.
The sudden contact left her momentarily at a loss…
…but under his gentle reassurance she slowly leaned back, her tension and unease gradually melting away.
…
Night had fully settled over the village.
Moonlight slipped through cracks in the window, giving the room a hazy beauty.
The hearth fire in the inner room flickered, and dusky light cast wavering shadows on the walls.
Soothed by Rei Ao, Couronne gradually shed her shyness and tension.
Her body relaxed into his embrace, soaking in warmth and security.
Shuvi, like a faithful observer, stood quietly in the corner, converting everything before her into data.
Rei Ao softly drew Couronne closer. "Couronne, how are you adapting?" he asked with gentle concern.
Couronne raised her head, eyes filled with fatigue, shyness, and a hint of dependence.
"Rei Ao-sama, I‑I'm fine…"
She shyly lowered her head again and whispered, "Thank you for saving the village…"
Sincere gratitude resonated in her words.
"You should look up when you give thanks," Rei Ao said, lifting her smooth chin—firm yet gentle.
Their eyes met.
The distance between them shrank; just as they were about to touch, Shuvi spoke up.
"Detected human intimate behavior. Data analysis shows high correlation with Emotion‑Expression 2.0. Requesting further observation and recording."
Rei Ao and Couronne were interrupted mid‑moment.
Couronne's face turned crimson, as if ignited. She buried her head in Rei Ao's chest, both mortified and annoyed.
"Shuvi, c‑c‑could you please not…" her muffled voice emerged, tinged with grievance.
Shuvi shook her head in that adorably stiff way.
"Rei Ao said observing is permitted."
Her voice remained flat; she did not understand human embarrassment.
"Haha, she really is something," Rei Ao chuckled, unbothered. Amusement danced in his eyes as he lowered his head to kiss Couronne.
What Shuvi was about to record next would be the most primal form of communication.
~~~
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