Within the Spiral Workshop, the clack-clack of turning gears intertwined with the hiss of venting steam.
"Hmm... what should I work on next..."
Vill-V murmured to herself, her gaze sweeping over the design sketches plastered across the walls. It was rare for her to pause and ponder her next move, taking a moment to appreciate her own masterpieces in the process.
That promise she made to the green-haired auntie felt like it was just yesterday. Or was it? It probably hadn't been that long. Although she was here now, maybe staying on this island for so long had slightly warped her sense of time.
Fortunately, there were still people willing to visit her.
Even if this place was called a "prison," to her, it was just an extra-large studio.
Now, it seemed to be holding quite a few things captive as well.
'Ah, well. Guard duty isn't my job anyway, so no need to worry about it.'
"Hmm, visitors. Looks like I should go greet them."
Vill-V watched the two figures—one tall, one small—on the monitor. She snapped her fingers, and the mechanical arms on the workbench immediately began automatically tidying up the scattered components.
Vill-V decided to go prepare something. After all, she had guests to receive.
...
The Spiral Workshop, though not built long ago, had already been successfully "renovated" by Vill-V several times. So, every time Elysia and the others came by... they almost always saw it looking brand new. Whether that was a good or bad thing was hard to say.
Outside the workshop, Vya was standing on her tiptoes, trying to reach the touch screen, her height unfortunately insufficient.
Elysia chuckled and picked her up. "Need big sister's help?"
"No, no!"
Vya stubbornly stretched her arm out, her little face turning red with effort. "Vya can reach... whoa!"
The door suddenly slid open automatically, and a peculiarly shaped robot glided out. It had a cylindrical body with retractable limbs, and a smiling face graphic flashed on the display screen that served as its head.
"V007 at your service!"
The robot emitted a mechanical yet friendly voice.
"Wow, it's Little V! Hi, hi!"
Vya immediately jumped down from Elysia's arms and excitedly circled the robot. Clearly, she was already acquainted with this machine.
The robot swiveled its head agilely. "Welcome, Miss Vya. And the beautiful Miss Elysia."
It performed an exaggerated bow, almost losing its balance.
Elysia couldn't hold back a laugh. "Little V, is Vill-V free now?"
"Of course. Master is already preparing to receive you both."
V007's display changed to an arrow graphic. "Please follow me."
"Wow♪~ She's preparing to receive us? How sweet of Vill-V."
Elysia took Vya's hand and followed.
"Yeah, Sister Vill-V is super nice!" Vya nodded vigorously.
V007's display switched to a shy expression. "I thank you both on my master's behalf."
"No problem~" Vya said, imitating Elysia's tone.
...
Passing through a corridor lined with all sorts of inventions, the trio arrived before a metal door. The moment it slid open, a rich, sweet aroma wafted out.
Vya sniffed, her eyes lighting up. "Wow, it smells like ice cream!"
Vill-V, who had been in the center of the room just moments before, was now busily squeezing cream into three cups. On the counter next to her sat a strange machine emitting puffs of cold air, with several tubes extending from it, their ends dripping with colorful liquids.
"Ah, perfect timing!"
Vill-V called out without looking up, her hands never stopping. "Just a little longer!"
"Sister Vill-V, are you making ice cream!?"
Vya peeked over curiously.
"Of course! Want to give it a try?"
"Yes!"
Vya cheered and ran over.
"Me too♪~"
Elysia also moved to join the fun.
...
After receiving their ice cream.
Vya couldn't wait any longer. She scooped a spoonful into her mouth, and her eyes immediately curved into crescents. "So good!"
Elysia also took a taste and praised, "Mmm, the flavor really is wonderful!"
"Naturally, it's my secret recipe..."
"So, what brings you two here today?" Vill-V leaned against the counter, picking up a cup of her own.
Elysia took elegant little bites. "We just missed you and came for a visit♪~ Getting to eat this makes the trip totally worth it~"
"Mhm, mhm! Vya hasn't seen Sister Vill-V in so long either!"
"Well, thank you for coming to see me~ It does make me happy."
Vill-V said with a smile.
'Such a good treat should be shared with more people♪~'
Elysia sighed.
"About that... as you know, with that promise to the green-haired doctor, I can't exactly leave easily."
"Ah, what a pity..."
"Hey! How about next time we come, we bring a few more people with us?"
Elysia's eyes suddenly sparkled as she made the suggestion with a grin.
"Of course, that's fine. A bit more liveliness would be nice."
Vill-V replied with a smile. 'It'd also be a good chance to find some people (suckers) to help test the new inventions.'
The three chatted idly while eating their ice cream, the workshop filled with laughter it hadn't heard in a long while.
...
In the small art room specially tidied up for Griseo and Vya, Dystopia and Kosma were helping look after the children.
After all, it was their Captain's precious daughter. They had to help take care of her, and Blanca had always been very kind to them. Blanca also trusted these two quite a bit...
"Oh... this one is definitely Vya, right!"
Dystopia pointed at the pink-and-white figure on the drawing paper.
"Mhm, mhm..."
Griseo nodded in agreement.
Although Griseo's doodles were still somewhat abstract, Dystopia could make them out. After all, she and Elysia were depicted earlier in the picture.
Griseo continued focusing on her coloring, adding a small green dot next to the figure.
Dystopia squatted beside her, watching with interest. "Huh? This is... Kosma?"
Griseo shook her head, pointing at the green dot. "Jellyfish..."
"Oh~" Dystopia had a sudden realization.
Kosma: ... (Doesn't speak. Very introverted. Wants to speak but doesn't.)
...
"Sigh... where did Elysia and the others go this time?"
Dystopia wondered aloud. Usually, Vya would come to draw too.
"I think they go out around this time every month..."
Kosma recalled.
"Oho, Kosma, you've even figured out a pattern?"
"Yes, that's right."
Kosma replied.
"Tsk tsk, do I need to praise you for that~?"
Dystopia teased with a smirk.
Kosma was momentarily at a loss for words. "...That's entirely unnecessary."
"Alright, Kosma, bring a bit more paint over here."
"Uh..."
This bossy tone... Kosma didn't even want to comment on it anymore. Maybe he was just used to it. He silently went to fetch the paint.
It's always calm before the storm descends...
In the distant sky, a mass of dark clouds was slowly gathering.
…
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