The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

<Indeed.>

Rodion's brief agreement was firm, direct, and somehow comforting. Mikhailis knew Rodion's analytical mind was already evaluating potential scenarios, calculating risks, and devising precautionary measures. That was Rodion's strength—unwavering logic in the face of growing uncertainty.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Mikhailis rolled his shoulders lightly, shaking away lingering apprehensions. "Alright," he said, forcing brightness back into his tone, deliberately choosing levity to shift the atmosphere. "Time for the most important thing. Show me."

A subtle hiss of hydraulics sounded from the corner of the lab, capturing his attention. A soft puff of compressed air escaped as hidden doors opened seamlessly, revealing something unexpected. Mikhailis leaned forward eagerly, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

From the darkness, a perfectly smooth white sphere rolled gently into view. It moved silently across the lab floor, stopping precisely at the center of the projection area. There, it paused momentarily, as though gathering attention, before a secondary puff of air burst softly from beneath.

Mikhailis watched, utterly fascinated, as the sphere unfolded with precise mechanical grace. Panels shifted, edges realigned, and soon a figure emerged from within. The transformation was rapid yet beautifully choreographed, each motion smooth and deliberate.

When it finally stood fully formed before him, Mikhailis blinked in mild disbelief. He had expected efficiency, utility—perhaps even intimidating machinery. But instead, standing there with gentle swaying movements, was something far more charming.

The robot resembled an oversized marshmallow bear, soft and rounded in all the right ways. Its matte white exterior seemed plush, the limbs slightly pudgy, giving it an almost childlike charm. The head tilted softly as two lens-like eyes blinked to life, glowing warmly in hues of gentle blue, conveying surprisingly friendly curiosity.

Mikhailis laughed softly, genuinely delighted. The whimsical yet practical design immediately lifted his mood, chasing away lingering shadows of worry. "Rodion, you've outdone yourself. There you are, my big fluffy assistant."

He circled the robot carefully, eyes roaming every smooth curve, every subtle groove designed into its surface. Despite the charm radiating from its fluffy exterior, his keen gaze quickly noted the subtle signs of practicality woven throughout. The robot's joints, while rounded and inviting, were reinforced with visible yet elegant metal bands, barely distinguishable from decorative details. Its chest bore faint, symmetrical patterns that cleverly concealed sensory arrays, barely noticeable unless someone knew what to look for.

He placed a gentle hand on the robot's shoulder, half-expecting a plush softness. Instead, his fingers met a resilient material, soft yet firm, resistant yet gentle—just the right balance of comfort and strength.

Rodion's voice slid into the silence, utterly clinical in contrast to Mikhailis's obvious amusement.

<Designation: AL-R7. Autonomous Logistic Respondent, Model 7.>

The robot stepped forward, its movements smooth despite the gentle waddling gait. A quiet mechanical hum emanated softly from its interior, blending seamlessly with the ambient noise of the lab. It paused elegantly, standing tall and proud before emitting a cheerful electronic chirp—soft and musical enough to tug a genuine smile from Mikhailis's lips.

Then, surprising him further, it bowed with remarkable grace, bending from the waist in a smooth, polite arc. Its servos whispered softly, the sounds gentle enough to resemble an apologetic cough.

Mikhailis shook his head, fascinated. "Manners and charm—didn't know you had it in you, Rodion."

<You requested versatility and discretion. Proper etiquette ensures both.>

The robot rose back to its standing position, and its rounded arms unfolded neatly, revealing gentle graspers—delicate mechanical hands that flexed with a precision he hadn't anticipated. The fingers moved fluidly, opening and closing gracefully before seamlessly transitioning into cleaning pads. Mikhailis watched closely, genuinely captivated as hidden panels opened along its forearms. From within emerged arrays of tiny surgical tools: slender scalpels, precise clamps, and delicate pincers gleaming under the lab's soft lighting.

A quiet whistle escaped Mikhailis as his brows lifted appreciatively. "I knew you'd go above and beyond, but surgical capabilities?" He laughed lightly, shaking his head in genuine admiration. "You're spoiling me now, Rodion."

<Considering your history of reckless experimentation, medical readiness seemed prudent.>

Mikhailis rolled his eyes, still smiling broadly. "Touché."

Rodion wasn't done yet. With another soft click, a small, rectangular screen popped neatly from the robot's chest. Immediately, it displayed a friendly, animated smiley face, its eyes and mouth curving warmly. The effect was simple yet charming, causing Mikhailis's expression to soften into something quieter and more appreciative.

"You even added emotional expressions?" He asked softly, genuinely touched.

<You frequently exhibit emotional instability. This interface was designed to stabilize your psychological well-being.>

Mikhailis snorted, shaking his head with amused resignation. Even Rodion's hidden kindness was wrapped neatly in sarcasm.

Yet, the surprises kept coming. The robot emitted another gentle beep before moving fluidly across the room towards the nearby workbench. Its movements were quiet, almost graceful, as it delicately grasped a porcelain cup, carefully pouring a fresh cup of tea. Steam rose gently, swirling in delicate tendrils before dissipating into the cool laboratory air.

It placed the steaming cup onto a small, ornate saucer, then carried it back to Mikhailis, presenting it neatly with a bow. Mikhailis accepted it gratefully, chuckling softly. "If Lira finds out you've mastered tea-brewing, she might get jealous."

The robot's smiley face flashed briefly with a playful wink before smoothly pivoting toward the cluttered workstation behind him. Another soft click, and a tiny suction nozzle emerged from its palm, vacuuming dust effortlessly from the surface without disturbing a single paper or vial. It moved methodically, restoring the station to pristine cleanliness with astonishing efficiency.

Mikhailis watched the gentle spectacle, appreciation evident in his gaze. Every movement was purposeful yet gentle, precise yet somehow comforting to observe. The robot spun back around, offering him another warm, inviting gesture—a soft hug, its rounded arms open wide.

He laughed gently, feeling genuine warmth flood his chest. "You really thought of everything, Rodion. It's not just practical—it's comforting. Like having you physically here with me."

<The sentimentality was unintended, but... acceptable.>

Mikhailis grinned at the subtle concession, eyes shining with warmth. Yet, curiosity prodded him again. He stepped back, arms crossed as a playful, challenging gleam entered his eyes. "Alright, Rodion. Let's see the real magic. Activate battle mode."

Instantly, the robot's gentle demeanor shifted dramatically. Its soft, plush lines hardened subtly, limbs compressing into sleek combat positions. A low hum of contained energy filled the air, and bright, tactical runes flared vividly along its arms and back, intricate symbols pulsing with arcane power. Its friendly blue eyes shifted to a faintly glowing orange, conveying quiet, capable determination.

He stepped back in awe as its palms opened, etched runes glowing fiercely. Slender blades slid smoothly into view, their edges razor-sharp and faintly humming. The robot's back opened smoothly, panels revealing glowing crystal containers filled with softly pulsing mana. Mikhailis felt genuine awe ripple through him; this was artistry, not mere mechanics.

As if sensing his astonishment, the robot executed a flawless demonstration. A rune shield materialized, flickering vibrantly into existence, pulsing protectively around its form. With elegant precision, it spun gracefully, executing swift martial maneuvers with surprising agility. It slammed its fist downward, sending a controlled yet powerful shockwave radiating outward, pushing harmlessly but firmly against scattered objects.

Before he could fully appreciate the sheer capability, the robot shimmered subtly, leaving a ghostly afterimage as it executed a blink-teleportation maneuver. It reappeared effortlessly at the lab's far corner, posture confident and ready. Mikhailis's breath caught, genuinely impressed by the extraordinary performance.

Slowly blinking, he absorbed the demonstration, laughter bubbling up—delighted and sincere. "Incredible," he breathed softly, eyes wide and sparkling. "We're going so far with this."

Rodion's voice remained silent, allowing Mikhailis his moment of quiet admiration. The fluffy robot shifted gently back into its original, comforting form, the smiley face reappearing warmly.

Yet Rodion seemed determined to showcase even more. Without prompting, the robot approached the lab's expansive bookshelf, delicately scanning the book spines with a gentle sweep of its hand. Tiny embedded lenses emitted soft pulses of blue light, instantly cataloging every title into a projected digital archive hovering discreetly at the side of its vision.

Next, a delicate tray extended smoothly from its torso, holding an assortment of neatly arranged tools—alchemy sets, miniature soldering equipment, mana-infused diagnostic probes. It deftly organized scattered scrolls and instruments, recalibrating the complex rune machinery effortlessly.

Finally, a faint melodic tone sounded as hidden speakers emerged subtly from its shoulders. Soft music filled the lab, carefully calibrated to enhance concentration and productivity without distraction. Mikhailis laughed again, shaking his head with amazed admiration.

"Music too? Rodion, I didn't expect you to appreciate ambiance."

<Research indicates humans respond favorably to auditory stimuli.>

"Of course, purely research-driven." Mikhailis grinned warmly, understanding the AI's unique brand of subtle kindness.

The robot returned slowly to his side, resuming its friendly stance. The warm, inviting smile reappeared, projecting genuine, quiet companionship. He reached out gently, patting its soft shoulder affectionately.

"Thank you, Rodion," he murmured sincerely, appreciating every thoughtful detail of this remarkable creation.

Rodion's reply was uncharacteristically gentle, almost fond, beneath its clinical veneer.

<You are welcome, Mikhailis. Efficiency demands your comfort and safety.>

Mikhailis drew a deep breath, allowing the excitement and newfound hope to steady him. No matter what awaited them, he was ready to face it head-on—with Rodion's ingenuity, the Queen's incredible power, and now, this beautifully versatile companion by his side.