X lacked experience and understanding in certain areas, but she knew how to accomplish tasks.
Perhaps she was naive and clumsy, unlike her skillful performance managing Abnormalities.
People have strengths and weaknesses, sensitivities and insensitivities. X lacked awareness and understanding in many areas, but knew the results.
She merely wanted to help her Dean, ease her anxieties…or perhaps improve the Corporation's performance and help the incapacitated Dean recover. It was a simple, straightforward desire.
When the Safety Department Dean became aroused in her arms, X was flustered and unsure how to react.
The meeting room door opened unexpectedly; X instinctively tried to shield herself, though there was nothing to hide.
Her clothes were already adjusted. It was simply about meeting a need and resolving a problem; it didn't require lengthy procedures, just understanding AI structure and how closely it resembled a human body.
It was practically identical—the AI designers must have been eccentric, shockingly inept.
What kind of bored, possibly malicious, individual would design AIs to be so human-like in every detail?
Unbearable. X was disconcerted; the AI's exterior was human-like, but its internal structure was also surprisingly similar.
X rubbed the oily substance on her fingers—perhaps lubricant, perhaps something else. She suspected it was liquid Enkephalin, usually contained in vials.
She avoided addictive substances, yet suspected Netzach's body was saturated with Enkephalin.
She clearly abused Enkephalin, yet X felt helpless; what could she do?
The Enkephalin was gone; she couldn't force Netzach to return the Corporation's supply…and AIs didn't receive salaries; threats of salary deductions were useless.
They didn't get paid; why threaten salary cuts?
Only salaried Managers like X feared salary deductions.
"Satisfied, Netzach? Um…don't do this again."
X adjusted the Safety Department Dean's collar; it wasn't disheveled; X simply helped; she had no interest in the Dean.
The collar and buttons were untouched; the wrinkles were self-inflicted.
Despite her calm expression, X's actions were gentle; she felt a sense of responsibility or duty towards her Dean.
Netzach lounged on the sofa, burying herself in the cushions, seemingly lost in afterglow—whether from the Enkephalin or the experience.
The emotional fulfillment was likely due to X resolving her problem; it wasn't just the drug's effect; it was a deeper satisfaction.
Her inner emptiness was temporarily filled, like a parched desert traveler drinking deeply, yet her desires remained insatiable.
She craved a closer relationship, perhaps to consume the tofu on a plate, but that wasn't possible now—
If not that, another method would do; people adapt; when one path is blocked, they find another.
Even if the path is long and winding, it leads to the destination, right?
Even if the early harvest isn't sweet, it quenches thirst…even if it's a one-sided desire, even just a bubble of hope, at least she experienced it, a taste of sweetness and happiness, a chance to rest under the warm sun.
Netzach was accustomed to unrequited pursuits, familiar with distant observation.
But…she didn't want to observe anymore. If she lacked the courage to speak up, it would be pathetic, even more cowardly than before.
Now, she'd obtained something—even if unrequited, even if unrelated to gentle affection—she had something.
X's gentleness and care were comforting. Being cherished and favored was delightful—the Safety Department Dean gradually understood why she felt this way towards X.
But seeing the usually aloof woman display gentleness was captivating.
Who doesn't yearn to conquer an icy heart?
The short-haired black-haired woman wasn't actually aloof or difficult to get along with; she was somewhat naive, readily trusting others, easily manipulated.
Like someone who'd been shocked by a malfunctioning door…not very bright.
Her work abilities remained unchanged; she was skilled in her field, yet clumsy and amusing in others.
But this wasn't unpleasant; it was warm and infectious—a glimmer of hope; perhaps the Corporation wasn't so bleak.
"Can…can I kiss you, Manager? I…feel cold."
It was a sly tactic, perhaps shameful, but she was a bad person—so what?
The Safety Department Dean, using a cunning tactic, successfully obtained a kiss and hug from X.
Human body temperature is relatively constant; even in an air-conditioned room, they feel warm.
The warm embrace was captivating; once embraced, one didn't want to let go.
Netzach clung to X like a hibernating snake emerging from dormancy, seeking warmth and comfort.
X indulged her, not minding the closeness.
She was generally forgiving and accommodating towards her Deans; if undisturbed, their private time could last a long while.
But that was conditional upon not being disturbed.
"Manager…regarding Netzach, please don't be angry."
The meeting room door opened; Hod peeked in like a cautious rabbit, quickly scanning the room.
She looked anxious, her fur bristling. Perhaps X's expression, serious and unyielding, was intimidating.
The other Deans followed, appearing anxious. Seeing Netzach seemingly asleep on the sofa, they became even more agitated, especially Hod, whose eyes were red-rimmed.
If AIs could cry, Hod would likely be in tears.
X sipped her strawberry soda, puzzled by the Deans' sudden arrival.
After scanning them, X still didn't understand their intentions; they acted like thieves sneaking into a field at night.
Was this some kind of AI manipulation? X had experienced plenty of AI manipulation, but this was new.
"Malkuth, it seems she's been dealt with. Let's go; I don't want to clean up after that mess."
"Yesod, don't you feel anything? Netzach is our colleague!"
"She brought it on herself! I just hope the Safety Department Dean is more cooperative tomorrow, doesn't waste my time, or borrows paper from my department."
"Um, should we get Netzach some white chrysanthemums? There are few flowers here…this isn't a place to return to easily."
The Deans seemed to be discussing something strange, like Netzach's funeral, as if X were a terrifying overlord, and the punished Netzach would never wake again.
"Is there a chance…I mean, Netzach isn't dead. Yesod, what's that expression? What am I to you? Why do you think I'd report Netzach?"
"Um…sorry. Was I…too emotional during the meeting? I was angry; I hope I didn't scare you, Hod."
X patted the sleeping Netzach; the AI seemed still drowsy. X didn't know what to say…what kind of strange programming was this?
Honestly, X couldn't understand the founder and AI designer of Lobotomy Corporation; why include laziness, indulgence, and other unnecessary programs in the AIs?
Or was Netzach a special case? X noticed the other Deans didn't act this way; they only rested briefly to maintain their mental state.
"Um, let me sleep a little longer. X, there's nothing else to do; I'm tired."
The Safety Department Dean shifted, adjusting her position, resting her head on X's lap, seemingly enjoying herself.
This caused the other Deans to twitch; they likely felt their concerns and efforts were wasted, feeling foolish and tricked.
"But you rested all day, Netzach!"
Hod, usually timid, changed expression; her usually bright blue eyes darkened.
Furious, she grabbed the Safety Department Dean's tie and pulled it hard, yanking Netzach off the sofa onto the carpet.
Hod, though petite, possessed surprising strength and lacked control—last time, she'd left red marks on X's neck and collarbone.
Now, Hod revealed a strength that belied her delicate appearance; though soft-spoken, her actions were decisive.
Netzach once again endured a harsh rubbing against the floor.
"So noisy! What's all the commotion? Why work? Can't we just rest?"
The Safety Department Dean opened her eyes, seeing not X, but three other Deans.
Their expressions varied, but none were happy. Even Hod, usually calm, looked angry, her fur bristling.
Netzach had angered them; X didn't want to be involved.
Netzach needed to show remorse.
"Netzach, apologize properly to the Deans you inconvenienced, especially Yesod. She worried about you and you caused her a lot of trouble."
"If I hear you've been disrespectful tomorrow, there will be no reward."
X decided to let the Deans resolve this themselves; Netzach had received enough attention, and it wasn't fair to the others.
It was almost time for dinner; she wondered what lavish meal Angela had prepared.