Episode 121 — Temporary Server Access

"Ding-dong."

The sound of the intercom echoed through the quiet living room. I checked the monitor, confirmed the ID, and hit the unlock button. The front gate and the entrance door clicked open in sequence.

In walked Gustav, clutching his stomach with an expression that screamed "impending ulcer," and beside him, a blonde youth letting out "Oohs" and "Aahs" like a kid at a theme park. This was the First Prince, Léonard.

"Incredible! This is fascinating, Zect! The door just opened on its own the moment I got close. I didn't sense a trace of magic—what’s the architecture behind this?"

"Nice to meet you, Léonard. I heard you’re Gustav’s brother. You definitely inherited the same 'top-tier' character model."

"Ah, forgive me. I got a bit carried away and forgot my manners. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zect."

Léonard offered a quick, perfunctory greeting before returning to his restless scouting, firing off innocent questions about the wall switches and the LCD monitors. His behavior was exactly like a high-energy beta tester who couldn't wait to break the specs of a newly installed device.

"Just sit down for a second, will you?"

I gestured to the seat across from me, keeping Tama settled on my lap. Léonard sat down and fixed his piercing blue eyes on mine.

"I must say, I’ve been hit with one surprise after another since stepping inside. Zect, who exactly are you? Felsen’s new logic is impressive enough, but the things in this manor transcend even that. Would it be too much to ask... about your origin?"

"My origin, huh? Well, I came from a world far from here. Back there, these gadgets were just standard equipment—part of the base install. They don't exist in this world, so I’m just running them here on a small scale."

"A world far away... I see. That explains why I’ve never seen anything like them. Then, what is your objective? What do you intend to do to this kingdom—to the world—with such logic at your disposal?"

For a brief moment, Léonard’s voice carried the sharp edge of royalty. I let out a sigh and leaned my recliner back as far as it would go.

"Objective? I don't have anything that grand. I just want to live here in peace. Eat decent food, nap with Tama, and sleep without being disturbed. That’s the whole roadmap."

"If you just wanted a quiet life, you wouldn't have needed to overhaul Felsen, would you?"

"If your friend was in trouble, wouldn't you help him?"

Léonard looked stunned by my answer for a moment, but then he burst into a fit of laughter.

"Hahaha! 'I just want to live in peace'! 'I'm helping because my friend was in trouble'! Those are the words of the man currently rewriting the fundamental systems of the world? Brilliant. That’s absolutely brilliant, Zect!"

After he finished laughing, he smirked and leaned back into the sofa.

"I’ve decided. I’m staying the night. I want to talk to you more."

"Léonard, what are you saying?!" Gustav barked. "You’ll be a nuisance to Zect! This isn't a state guest house!"

"It’s fine. I have spare rooms. For one night, anyway."

(The management cost of keeping him here under surveillance is lower than the cost of refusing and having him cause a scene outside. Besides, the effort required to say no is more annoying than just letting him stay.)

"Wait... what? Zect, are you sure?"

Gustav looked like he’d just suffered a system crash due to my total lack of concern.

"But Mr. Zect! There’s no telling what this man will do. Letting a member of the royal family—especially Léonard—pry any further into your secrets... it’s far too dangerous!"

"Well, then why don't you stay and keep an eye on me, Brother?" Léonard suggested. "If we both stay, your 'monitoring duty' and Zect’s 'safety' are both handled. Isn't that a perfect solution? Don't you think so, Zect?"

"Sure. One or two, it’s all the same to me. Why don't you two brothers just have a sleepover?"

Gustav looked back and forth between me and Léonard, eventually letting out a deep sigh as his shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Very well. I will take full responsibility for monitoring this man. Mr. Zect... I am truly, deeply sorry for the trouble."

Tama trotted over toward Léonard. He smiled and started scratching her under the chin. "Oh, you’re a fine cat, aren't you?"

"Meow. (You’ve got a lot of nerve, trying to stay over without even bringing a gift.)"

"Don't expect much for dinner," I warned. "The kitchen isn't running any special protocols tonight."

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