"Master. What do you think?"
"Hmmm…"
Before we opened our store, Pinna summoned me to her workshop because she told me she had finished the task I gave her.
And now, I'm standing here inside her workshop, and in front of me, there are three fully functioning appliances that I still can't believe that I'm seeing again in Acrusse.
The metallic disk on the floor is the vacuum cleaner, looking sleek, compact, and eerily similar to Pinna's Crawler Unit Two. Beside it, the washing machine, barrel-shaped with a transparent circular lid like a hungry mechanical mouth. And next to that, the microwave: boxy, simple, with buttons etched into the panel and a glass-front door.
If it's still not enough, there is my duplicated freezing box that is fully transformed. It's no longer the pumice-clay-ice chest I cobbled together. It's been reborn, looking taller, sharper, and finished in brushed metal, and fitted with side-by-side double doors and has a handle groove on each door just like a proper refrigerator looks.
Honestly, I feel like the original freezing box in the kitchen deserves to retire now. Because I still needed it to store foods, I decided to use [Copier] to duplicate it for Pinna to work on, and now the copy looks so good I feel bad for using the original at all. And I feel like I need to move all the contents over soon.
And it's so hard to believe that she made all of this in just two weeks. That's just incredibly impressive.
Pinna... she's really like the Einstein or Hawking version of Acrusse. And how lucky I am to find this brilliant woman.
Without saying a word, I walk over to her and place my hands on her shoulders, looking serious.
"Pinna."
"Yes, Master?"
Then, I break into wide eyes.
"You're amazing! This is exactly what I wanted, no, it's even better!"
"Understood. I am pleased you are satisfied, Master."
It's subtle, but I swear she's beaming on the inside.
Meanwhile, behind me, the others are crowding around curiously as Yomogi walks up to the microwave and squints at it.
"Is this oven, Motegi-chan? But why is it so small?"
"No, it's called a microwave. And it's not for baking or roasting either, just for reheating food."
"Mi…cro…wave…? But why not use a stove instead?"
"Sometimes food is better reheated in a microwave, you know."
And Yomogi doesn't look entirely convinced.
On the floor, Chantal crouches by the vacuum cleaner, tapping its side.
"Pinna, this is your toy in battle, right? Why'd you make it again?"
"Incorrect. According to Master, this is a vacuum cleaner. Function: floor cleaning. Suction-based. Distinct from Crawler Unit Two."
"Vacuum… cleaner…?"
And Chantal is puzzled.
As for Kimberly, her fingers glide over the washing machine.
"This one… looks like… a monster… with a transparent mouth…"
And she continues with her eyes on the washing machine.
"And this… is like… a cupboard... but for food… now…"
And I can't help but laugh.
"Hahahaha... so that's how you describe it, huh?"
Then, Pinna asks me.
"Master, may I begin a functional explanation?"
"Sure, please."
"Understood."
After that, she steps toward the refrigerator.
"I modified the freezing box exterior per your request. Pumice was replaced with layered metal plating for structural integrity and visual accuracy. The clay interior sealing layer now uses reinforced slime gel, hardened with Needle Bees wax and Bitch Leeches gelatin to maintain flexibility and insulation. Internal cooling system remained unchanged, its current elemental configuration remains efficient."
Wait... slime gel, wax, and gelatin?
Those are the same materials I used for the mattress in the bathroom, right?
"Next, I will now explain each device."
"Okay."
First, Pinna stands beside the metallic disk on the floor.
"Beginning with the vacuum cleaner. This unit uses an internal turbine to create negative pressure for suction. Beneath it, bristle appendages assist in dislodging dust and debris from surface areas. The collected matter is funneled into a central chamber. When activated using this switch, the device can function in autonomous pathfinding mode."
Next, she walks over to the washing machine.
"This machine utilizes a rotational drum system. Water is drawn in through the intake, agitating garments with paddle-based motion. Once washing is complete, it activates wind pressure for spin-drying, and used water is expelled through a dedicated drainage port. Detergent is added here. Capacity: eight standard garments. Overloading may reduce efficacy."
Then, she steps to the microwave.
"This unit operates via controlled thermal excitation. The core initiates high-frequency heating. I have infused the casing with Cosmic element shielding to contain heat safely. Food is inserted, door closed, and heating is initiated with this dial."
As I continue to hear Pinna's explanation, I can see Yomogi's jaw is open, blinking repeatedly like she just saw a weird circus.
"Uhh… I don't know what you are saying at all, Pinna…"
Chantal has both hands on her head, groaning.
"My brain is frying! I didn't get any of that. What's she even talking about?!"
Kimberly only mutters silently.
"Me… neither…"
And finally, Pinna turns to me.
"Do you have any questions, Master?"
I'm only silent, and honestly, I don't have any.
Not because I understand it all, but because I barely followed half of it. But still, I get it somehow because that's how those machines are supposed to work. Suction for vacuum, water in and then spin and drain for washing machine, and heat waves for microwave.
It's just Pinna explains everything like she's doing a science thesis.
After that, my eyes land on small holes on the ports of each device, and I point at them.
"Hey, Pinna, what are those?"
She looks at where I'm pointing and speaks.
"Those are where the energy source is needed to activate the devices…"
But she stops mid-sentence as if she's hesitant to continue, and I immediately know what she means.
"Those are for… magic stones, right?"
And my guess is right because she pauses when I say that.
"I still find it difficult to fully accept that conclusion. However, based on all available evidence, magic stones are the most stable and efficient energy source currently accessible in Acrusse."
"Alright. So, what do I need for each of them?"
"Understood, Master."
First, she gestures toward the vacuum cleaner again.
"This unit requires two stones: a Wind magic stone to generate internal airflow for suction and a Dark magic stone to dispose of collected debris to eliminate manual cleaning."
"Okay."
Next, she moves to the washing machine.
"This unit requires three stones. Water for intake and soaking, Wind for the rotational drying and spin cycle, and Dark for draining the used water."
"Got it."
Then, she stops in front of the microwave.
"This device needs only a Fire magic stone to serve as the heat source."
"Alright."
Well, I still have duplicates of the Fire, Water, and Dark magic stones inside my dimensional inventory. But for the Wind… I don't have any of it.
"How do I get the Wind stone?"
And suddenly, Kimberly speaks up.
"I… have one… Motegi-sama…"
"Really?"
"Yes… in my library… I'll go… to retrieve it…"
With that, she glides out of the workshop. Moments later, Kimberly returns with a green-colored stone in her hands.
"This is... the Wind... magic stone... Motegi-sama."
"Let me borrow it for a second, okay?"
"Yes..."
After I take the stone, I silently activate [Copier], making two identical duplicates appear beside the original in the blink of an eye. After that, I return the real one to her.
"Thank you, Kimberly."
"You are welcome... Motegi-sama..."
Then, I pull out the Fire, Water, and Dark magic stones from my dimensional inventory, gathering them with the Wind.
"Where should I put these, Pinna?"
And again, she gestures toward the metallic disk first.
"Begin with the vacuum cleaner, Master. The Wind stone goes here, on top."
"Okay."
I obey, finding the small slot and fitting it in.
"And the Dark stone goes underneath, in the rear compartment."
"Done."
I flip the disk and slot it in, and she guides me to the next one.
"Next, the washing machine. Place the Water and Wind stones beside the control panel, left and right. And the Dark stone goes into this back socket."
And I follow her instruction again, each stone fitting as if molded to the slots. Then, we move to the last machine.
"And finally, the microwave. Insert the Fire stone here."
I push the stone at the back of the device just as she says.
"All set, Master. Let's bring them to places."
"Okay."
And with that, I put each appliance into my dimensional inventory, and all five of us go out from Pinna's workshop.
First, I start with the bathroom. I summon the washing machine right in front of the bath door, into the spot I'd already prepped.
Next, I summon the microwave and place it neatly on the kitchen counter. Then, I turn to the old freezing box to take out everything —vegetables, meats, milk, herbs — and set them aside. Once empty, I put the old unit with [Storage], summon the new one in its place, and return everything inside.
Finally, I set the vacuum cleaner down near the living room sofa.
Then, Pinna asks me.
"Should we start the test, Master?"
"Of course."
With that, I crouch and press the power switch on the vacuum cleaner. Instantly, it hums to life and zips forward, sucking up dirt smoothly and clearing the floor as it moves.
Chantal jumps back a little.
"Whoa! It sucked the dirt! That's amazing!"
Yeah, it's not just amazing. It's way better than the vacuums on Earth. The Dark stone doesn't store the dirt, but it completely vanishes it. No filter to clean, and no container to empty.
Then, I turn toward Kimberly.
"Hey, Kimberly, can you prepare milk in a ceramic glass? The one with blue rings on the top and bottom?"
"Yes… I'll bring it... shortly… Motegi-sama..."
As I walk to the kitchen, she returns and hands the milk to me.
"Here..."
"Thanks."
Yup, I prepared this cup a long time ago. Using the same materials, Terracotta's clay with glass sand and a little coloring mineral, my [Pottery] skill has made it from the start to be microwave-safe.
After that, I open the microwave door, place the glass inside, and set the timer to one minute. And when the timer dings, I remove the glass and hand it to Kimberly.
"Try it."
She sips, and her brows lift in surprise.
"It really is… warm. Evenly warmed… throughout... Motegi-sama..."
Again, it really feels like I'm back home. A real microwave in a fantasy world. It's just incredible.
Finally, I return to the bathroom and load the dirty laundry from the bamboo basket into the washing machine, including the girls' lingerie. As I twist the Water stone, the water flows into the drum and submerges the clothes. I add a bit of soap and a dash of softener, then press the buttons to begin.
And I'm amazed by how the machine rumbles gently and starts moving.
"Amazing!"
Then, I turn to Pinna.
"What is the Wind stone for, Pinna?"
"It will activate after washing. It controls the drying sequence, Master."
"Ah, I see..."
Minutes later, the machine drains the water as the Dark stone completely sucks the liquid away. Then the drum spins so fast, the Wind stone kicks in this time to dry them.
When it finally stops, I open the lid and reach in.
"Whoa! They're damp, but not dripping!"
Yomogi follows, touching a sleeve curiously.
"You're right, Motegi-chan... that's amazing! It's so convenient, I don't have to wash by hand anymore!"
Microwave, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, and a new, improved freezing box. All of them working perfectly, and somehow, here in Acrusse… I have a genius woman who made it all possible.
Then, Yomogi excitedly turns to me.
"Motegi-chan! Can I dry the clothes?"
"Of course, there's a sun already, right?"
"Yes! Thank you, Motegi-chan!"
With that, she carefully transfers the freshly spun garments into the bamboo basket. I don't know why, but this simple task somehow brings her genuine happiness. And quickly, Chantal and Kimberly also join in.
"I'll give her a hand, Motegi-kun!"
"I… will assist… as well… Motegi-sama..."
"Okay."
And as the three of them head toward the terrace garden to dry the clothes, I turn to Pinna, who remains calmly beside me.
"Did you have any trouble while working on these, Pinna?"
"Negative, Master. I encountered no critical complications. Every task you assign is an opportunity to collect new data. Errors encountered during construction were absorbed as part of my learning process. All mistakes served as functional inputs for improvement. Therefore, I did not experience what would be classified as 'struggle.'"
"That's good."
Honestly, I'm really glad. Knowing she doesn't feel pressured is a relief, so I don't feel like using her. Maybe this new house and her own dedicated workshop really are comfortable for her.
But wait... how can an automaton like her even feel pressure in the first place anyway?
As I'm lost to my idiotic thought, she looks up at me.
"Is there another device you wish for me to create, Master?"
I hesitate a little as I scratch the back of my head.
"Yeah... actually, there is one more."
I walk over to the counter, grab a piece of paper, and start sketching. With clumsy hand gestures and all the layman's knowledge I can muster, I try to explain a rice cooker to her. Something that makes rice easier to cook, fluffier, and better. And I give her a reason for why it should be made, from how everyone here startes to love rice to how cooking on a stove isn't efficient.
"Do you think you can make that, Pinna?"
"Affirmative, Master. Everyone in this household, including myself, has developed a growing appreciation for rice. Its flavor, texture, and versatility integrate well into our current meal rotations. Additionally, your reasoning is sound. Preparing rice on a stove occupies valuable space and restricts parallel cooking processes. This reduces overall kitchen efficiency."
She pauses to study my drawing again.
"This would include a sealed container, an internal heat source, and a thermal cutoff system. The water and rice are added, and the device applies heat until moisture is absorbed and temperature stabilizes. Is this the intended function?"
"Yeah, that's exactly it, Pinna."
"Understood."
And again, I don't follow everything she says, but I still get her point. And more than anything, I'm just happy she understands what I want even when I don't explain it well.
"I will begin construction immediately. This may delay my return to the labyrinth. Is that acceptable, Master?"
"Of course, take your time. Don't force it."
"Understood, Master."
MOMENTS LATER
After Yomogi, Chantal, and Kimberly return from drying the clothes, I begin tutoring them on how to use our new appliances.
I start with the vacuum cleaner.
"This one's easy, all you have to do is press this button, and it'll start moving on its own. It sucks up dust and dirt as it goes."
Yomogi and Kimberly nod, but Chantal's already grinning.
"That's it? That's so..."
She hits the button, and the vacuum hums to life and glides forward to her, making her yelp and jump back.
"Nyaah! It's after me again!"
"It's just sensing debris, Chantal."
Next, we move to the microwave.
"This one's for reheating food, but there are rules. You can't use anything made of wood or metal. Only use ceramic dishes, and only the ones with blue rings on the top and bottom."
I hold up one of the glasses with the mentioned rings.
"The rings mark which ones are safe to put inside. If a ceramic doesn't have the rings, don't put it."
"Why… not wood… or metal… Motegi-sama…?"
"They could catch fire, Kimberly."
"Ah... I understand…"
Then, I guide them to the washing machine.
"For this one, don't overload the drum. If it's too full, it won't wash or spin properly."
Then, I demonstrate how to measure water, soap, and softener for a normal batch.
"And don't open the lid while it's running. Especially during spinning. Water might splash out, and if you're unlucky, it could even break your arm."
"Why use softener at all, Motegi-chan? Your soap's already really good."
"Softener keeps the clothes soft and adds a nice scent. With a machine like this, it helps more than just soap and water alone."
"Ahh, I see…"
As the three of them chatter among themselves, Pinna remains quiet beside me. And then, I call out to them.
"So, should we open the store now?"
"Yes!"
They head off to the dressing room, changing quickly before we all descend the stairs together.
As I walk, I can't help but think that Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna have worked hard in every part of our lives, from running the shop to fighting monsters by my side, especially Pinna, who is also building tools. And sure, I give them love and sex, but that alone isn't enough.
I want to give them more, something comforting, joyful, and new they'd never have known before, because I want to keep them smiling.