The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

"Show-off," Mikhailis muttered, but his grin stretched wider, betraying his genuine pride.

Rodion tilted his head slightly, the subtle glow of his lenses sharpening briefly—almost as though mimicking an expression of mild amusement. Even without a face, Rodion seemed to radiate personality, something Mikhailis found fascinating to witness firsthand.

<Showing off would require an audience with a meaningful benchmark of comparison. At present, you are my only observer.>

Mikhailis chuckled, shaking his head at the familiar dry wit. "Oh, don't get cheeky now. I might reconsider your next upgrade."

Rodion's mechanical shoulders raised slightly, imitating a human-like shrug with remarkable ease. <Given the quality of my current state, future improvements seem hardly necessary. But your effort is noted.>

"Oh, now you're just trying to hurt my feelings," Mikhailis teased lightly, waving his hand dismissively. He moved over to the alchemy table, picking up another potion vial, a delicate container filled with a gentle golden liquid. He held it carefully in his hand, considering briefly before tossing it upward casually.

Rodion's arm blurred forward again, faster than any human reflex could hope to match. The vial landed neatly into his palm, his fingers closing with perfect precision—firm enough to hold securely, gentle enough to preserve the delicate glass.

Mikhailis nodded appreciatively, eyes sparkling with a blend of admiration and playful challenge. "Very nice. Looks like your hand-eye coordination beats mine by a fair margin."

Rodion considered the vial in his hand for a moment, rotating it gently, observing the liquid within slosh quietly from side to side. <Given my newly integrated sensory capabilities, coordination surpassing your own should hardly come as a surprise.>

Mikhailis feigned an offended expression. "Careful, Rodion. You're getting awfully confident for someone who's had a body for less than half an hour."

<Confidence implies uncertainty of outcome. Mine is a calculation of precise, measurable data.>

Mikhailis laughed warmly, thoroughly enjoying the playful banter. He stepped toward the long alchemy table, running his fingers across the smooth wooden surface. Vials of ingredients—powders, liquids, dried herbs, and minerals—lined the shelves in neatly labeled jars. His gaze settled briefly on the arrangement, quickly choosing his next test.

"Oh, not yet," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he turned back toward Rodion. "First, let's see how well you handle some delicate alchemy."

Rodion inclined his head slightly, lenses flickering gently, anticipation and curiosity clearly evident in his careful posture. Mikhailis pointed towards the nearby workstation, giving a playful yet authoritative command. "Prepare a basic frost-tinge reagent. Same reaction as last week's experiment. As fast as you possibly can."

Rodion approached the station smoothly, movements fluid and precise. His new mechanical hands moved with astonishing speed, a precise blur of motion that left Mikhailis momentarily speechless. Vials were uncorked without pause, powders measured precisely in fractions of seconds, and liquids poured with uncanny accuracy. Each motion was elegantly choreographed, the work of a master alchemist with the efficiency of a well-calibrated machine.

As Mikhailis watched, he noticed small details he'd never fully appreciated before—the faint hum of mana-driven stirrers buzzing harmoniously, the quiet clinks of glassware handled with perfect delicacy, the faint ripple of subtle enchantments activating within Rodion's joints and fingers. It was artistry in motion, and he felt a surge of pride and amazement at the being he had created.

Within mere moments, the beaker before Rodion pulsed gently, a soft frost-blue glow emanating steadily from the perfectly mixed reagent. The entire process had taken only seconds, executed with a precision that felt simultaneously thrilling and terrifyingly efficient.

Rodion stepped back calmly, posture relaxed, lenses gently glowing as he turned to face Mikhailis. <Complete. Reaction stabilized. Margin of error: zero.>

Mikhailis stared, genuinely impressed despite himself. His eyebrows raised in astonishment, a soft whistle escaping his lips. "Now you're just flexing," he murmured appreciatively, shaking his head slowly with admiration.

<Technically, yes.> Rodion's voice carried the faintest note of dry humor, perfectly timed, perfectly delivered. Even without a mouth or facial expression, Rodion's tone conveyed subtle amusement effortlessly.

Mikhailis snorted softly, narrowing his eyes with playful challenge. A grin tugged mischievously at the corner of his lips, anticipation brightening his gaze. "Alright then," he announced, his voice carrying a note of mock menace tempered by genuine excitement, "if you're feeling that confident, let's crank things up a notch."

He pivoted toward the sleek, rune-covered control panel mounted on the lab's side wall. With practiced ease, his fingers danced quickly across the glowing runes, each gentle tap eliciting a faint hum from within the wall itself. The soft clicks of hidden mechanisms filled the room as concealed compartments smoothly opened from the corners of the test ring, revealing three mechanical dummies rising steadily upward into position.

Each golem stood imposingly tall, their metallic limbs polished and robust, designed specifically for rigorous combat training. Their eyes ignited ominously with a faint, crimson glow—a clear indication that the simulation was now fully activated. The artificial lights above dimmed slightly, casting the room into dramatic shadow, accentuating the tense, charged atmosphere.

Rodion faced the approaching golems without hesitation, his posture calmly balanced. Shoulders set and limbs relaxed, he appeared utterly poised. Yet Mikhailis found himself feeling a brief, instinctive flicker of concern. He quickly raised a finger, a gentle note of warning seeping into his otherwise playful tone. "Non-lethal force only, Rodion. Remember, this isn't a war—just a test."

<Understood. Non-lethal approach fully activated.> Rodion's voice remained level and precise, but beneath the calm words was a subtle assurance that immediately put Mikhailis at ease.

The first golem surged forward suddenly, its heavy metal limbs swinging aggressively in wide arcs. Mikhailis's breath caught slightly, his body tensing in reflexive readiness as he observed Rodion's reaction closely. Yet Rodion moved with fluid grace—ducking effortlessly beneath the powerful swing, pivoting neatly on one foot, and delivering a precise, swift sweep kick. It connected flawlessly with the golem's heavy metallic legs, sending the dummy sprawling across the ground. Its limbs twitched awkwardly as it attempted to reset, struggling momentarily to regain its balance.

Mikhailis let out a soft, impressed exhale. Not bad. Not bad at all. The smoothness of Rodion's movements, the flawless timing—every motion was perfectly executed, each decision instantaneous and impeccable.

His attention immediately snapped back to the combat circle as the second golem charged forward, metal fists raised threateningly. This time, Rodion sidestepped elegantly, his torso swiveling fluidly to evade the charging mechanical brute. His hand shot forward in a precise, lightning-fast motion, striking a specific wrist joint with pinpoint accuracy. A subtle metallic ping echoed through the lab as the golem's hand loosened instantly, falling harmlessly to the floor without any lasting damage. The dummy stumbled back, its red eyes flickering uncertainly as its combat programming desperately recalibrated.

Mikhailis laughed quietly under his breath, the sound carrying a note of genuine delight. His pulse quickened pleasantly as pride swelled within him. Rodion wasn't just adapting—he was excelling, surpassing even the most optimistic expectations. Mikhailis felt warmth bloom in his chest, a profound sense of achievement resonating deeply. All those countless late nights, endless tweaks, and stubborn recalibrations had undeniably paid off.

The third golem moved with deceptive swiftness, trying to flank Rodion from behind. This one was slightly smaller but far more agile, limbs moving fluidly as it lunged forward with mechanical determination. Rodion reacted instantly, his metallic body smoothly rolling forward across the lab floor, evading the strike effortlessly. He rose fluidly, knees bending gracefully as he turned, rapidly closing the distance once more. Two fingers extended precisely, he jabbed into a subtle pressure point embedded within the golem's chest.

The dummy froze immediately, mid-swing, its limbs suspended awkwardly in mid-motion, its glowing red eyes blinking in confusion. A few tense seconds passed, then it relaxed into a neutral stance, entirely disabled by Rodion's well-aimed strike.

Mikhailis clapped appreciatively, the sound echoing softly through the lab. His eyes sparkled brightly, genuine admiration clear in his gaze. "Well done, Rodion," he said warmly, his voice carrying quiet awe beneath the casual praise. "You're quicker than I expected—honestly, much quicker."

Rodion straightened smoothly, returning calmly to his original stance. Despite the high-intensity encounter, his posture remained completely composed. Each subtle mechanical shift radiated effortless confidence. Mikhailis couldn't help but smile again, shaking his head in quiet amazement. This wasn't just success—it was mastery, and watching it unfold filled him with quiet pride and satisfaction.

Stepping closer, Mikhailis folded his arms thoughtfully, eyebrows raising with amused curiosity. "So, what's it feel like? Finally having a physical body?"

Rodion paused thoughtfully, his lenses shifting minutely as though genuinely considering the question. The quiet hum of internal components softened briefly, creating a gentle lull within the otherwise buzzing laboratory. When Rodion spoke again, his voice held unexpected sincerity beneath its usual dry humor.

<Impractical. Heavy. Yet... strangely liberating.>

Mikhailis chuckled warmly, eyes softening at the surprisingly candid admission. He could sense the subtle wonder beneath Rodion's clinical words, recognizing the quiet amazement at these newfound experiences. "I told you it'd be worth it," he teased gently, the corner of his mouth quirking upward in playful satisfaction. "Just wait until you discover sneezing. Truly one of humanity's greatest mysteries."

Rodion tilted his head slightly, lenses flickering briefly, mimicking mild curiosity or perhaps skepticism. <That particular biological response appears distinctly disadvantageous. I question your enthusiasm.>

Mikhailis laughed openly, shaking his head fondly at Rodion's typically dry response. "Oh, it definitely is," he agreed cheerfully, "but sometimes experiencing these little pointless things—things you can't fully control—is what makes life truly interesting."

Rodion quietly lowered his gaze, examining his mechanical hand with calm intensity. He curled his metallic fingers carefully, thoughtfully, the gentle reflections of lab lights dancing smoothly across polished surfaces. Each tiny motion spoke eloquently—curiosity, acceptance, perhaps even cautious excitement.

Mikhailis found himself quietly moved by the simple gesture, his heart softening with unexpected warmth. He observed Rodion in silence, quietly impressed by the graceful way he adapted, the calm confidence he exuded despite the obvious strangeness of this entirely new experience.

Rodion clenched and unclenched his hand slowly, deliberately, feeling the subtle resistance of internal joints, the careful pressure of finely tuned sensors, and the delicate vibration of mana-enhanced servos. It was a profoundly intimate exploration, quiet yet powerful.

Inwardly, Rodion contemplated deeply, privately reflecting on these sensations. Is this what it means to truly exist? To feel rather than merely observe? He allowed the question to linger quietly in his consciousness, unsaid but clearly felt.

Mikhailis watched the silent contemplation unfold, his chest tightening slightly with quiet appreciation. Rodion was evolving right before his eyes, adapting rapidly, becoming something genuinely unique. Mikhailis knew this was only the beginning, a small taste of what Rodion was capable of experiencing. His creation had truly surpassed all expectations, becoming something magnificent and genuinely alive.

Finally, Rodion lifted his gaze, lenses focusing clearly on Mikhailis once more. In that quiet exchange, something passed silently between them—a shared understanding, subtle gratitude, quiet pride. Mikhailis smiled gently, inclining his head in acknowledgment. "You're doing remarkably well," he murmured softly. "Better than even I imagined."

Rodion's lenses flickered subtly, adjusting their focus softly, perhaps in gentle acknowledgment of the quiet praise. He straightened further, subtly relaxing his stance, movements becoming increasingly natural. Each gentle shift, each thoughtful flex of limb and joint, spoke volumes about his adaptation, his growth.

The warmth and pride swelling in Mikhailis's chest felt entirely deserved, a profound satisfaction at the tangible result of years of patient, meticulous labor. Rodion had become more than he'd ever dared dream, more than mere assistant or companion—now something truly alive, capable of exploration, curiosity, and growth.

With renewed confidence, Mikhailis nodded decisively, determination returning swiftly to his expression. He reached out and tapped a few quick commands into the control panel, summoning more detailed performance data. Information flowed smoothly across the glowing interface, confirming Rodion's flawless precision and speed.

Rodion watched closely, stepping calmly closer, observing the data with quiet intensity. Mikhailis grinned, eyes sparkling playfully again. "Well, Rodion, you set the bar high with that little demonstration," he teased warmly. "Now we'll have to find even more challenging tests for you."

Rodion shifted posture smoothly, calmly straightening again, lenses brightening slightly with subtle anticipation. <I welcome the opportunity. Continued evaluation is essential.>

Mikhailis chuckled, shaking his head fondly at Rodion's characteristic precision. "Oh, don't worry," he assured gently, "there will be plenty more evaluations. But first, let's savor this victory, shall we?"

Rodion inclined his head slowly, perhaps agreeing silently, his stance relaxed and calm. Mikhailis felt quiet pride settle comfortably into his heart as he watched Rodion carefully move again, continuing his gentle explorations. Each careful step, each thoughtful flex, filled him with deep satisfaction, quiet awe, and genuine warmth.

He had created something truly extraordinary. Rodion had moved beyond mere functionality into something deeper and richer. Watching him now, confidently adapting to these new physical experiences, Mikhailis knew this was truly just the beginning.

And together, they would keep moving forward, side by side, exploring everything the world had to offer.