I slide open the window and ask, “What’s the matter? Why are you here so late at night?”
“Did you pick up something on your mechanical life-form sensors?”
“Elder Brother, such apprehensions are unnecessary. I have visited you and Elder Sister with regard to another matter.”
Robot Girl looks the same as always, wearing the same outfit she’d had on back at the house in the UFO. Behind her, it’s pitch-black, save for the entrance of her terminal, a single light floating dimly in the middle of the villa’s expansive yard. The rest of the vehicle is hidden with advanced camouflage technology. The whole scene is like something out of a fantasy movie, especially considering Robot Girl’s inhuman beauty.
“Is there something I can do for you, then?” I ask.
“I would like to assist you.”
“Um, with what?”
“Elder Sister, you kept the promise we made and helped me transfer into your school. While my time there ended in failure, I would like to thank you for what you did for me.”
Back when we visited that amusement park as part of our pretend family activities, Futarishizuka explained to Robot Girl that everyone needs to contribute to maintain a happy family. I suspected that lesson was affecting her attitude now. Just as you might expect from a mechanical life-form, she always faithfully put what she learned into action.
“But what do you want to help me with?” I ask.
“I thought you might be struggling with the view-count contest.”
“Well, I guess I can’t deny that.”
“Then I have a proposition for you,” she says from outside the window.
Her face is blank, as usual, and it makes her look somewhat unfriendly in the dim light. That said, I feel some positive emotion in the way she pauses before continuing—perhaps kindness or consideration.
“I think you should become a VTuber.”
“Oh. That’s unexpected.” What a ludicrous suggestion. Where did she come up with such an idea? “Could I ask the reason, maybe?”
“I concluded that you would be resistant to exposing your appearance and living environment because of your association with the proxy war. VTubers are able to stream without revealing such information, and such activities also tend to get lots of views.”
“I see what you’re saying, but…”
I was familiar with the term VTuber. One such video had made its way onto my timeline while I was using a school computer to track my neighbor’s social media account. They seemed to be people who took on the guise of two-dimensional characters and used their videos as a kind of role-playing activity.
To be honest, I don’t get what’s so interesting about them. Regardless, they appear to be taking root in Japan’s culture and proving to be more than just a transient fad. Robot Girl is right, it’s not a bad choice for getting views. As long as I can play the part, that is.
“But don’t you need a hefty initial investment to become a VTuber?” Abaddon points out. “We’re already freeloading, and we don’t want to inconvenience the family any further.”
“You seem to know a lot about this, Abaddon,” I remark.
“Yep. If you didn’t notice, I’m a hardworking, studious demon.”
He’s always reminding me of how much work he puts into studying. Is he fishing for a compliment? Surely not, right?
“That is how I would like to repay my debt to you, Elder Sister.”
“You mean you’ll help me with becoming a VTuber?
“Your conjecture is correct. I will prepare all the necessities.”
If her proposal had involved asking for Futarishizuka’s help, I would have refused outright. I can’t keep depending on her for everything. But if the mechanical life-form is the one offering to help, it shouldn’t cause the family any trouble, and I can’t think of any real disadvantages.
“May I assist you, Elder Sister?” Robot Girl asks, staring straight at me.
“Hmm…”
She’s always blunt, but that makes it clear she doesn’t have any ulterior motives. That and her gestures, which remind me of a small animal, make me want to protect her. I suspect that’s how she won over all the boys in our class.
In this situation, she really doesn’t stand to gain anything from deceiving us. She isn’t capable of lying, either, so I’m certain she’s offering this assistance with no strings attached. And in that case, how can I turn her down?
More importantly, if I don’t do something fast, I’ll definitely lose this contest.
“If you don’t mind, I’d love to have your help,” I say.
“That is the response I have been waiting for.”
“But are you sure this is allowed?”
“There is no rule prohibiting contestants from helping other family members.”
She’s right—co-op play isn’t forbidden. The only thing we’re not allowed to do is use Blondie and the talking sparrow’s popularity to get more views. There shouldn’t be any issue accepting Robot Girl’s help as long as I make the videos myself.
“Okay, but are you sure you don’t want to help out your mom first?”
“Mother has come up with an idea on her own, so I have decided to wait and see how it goes.”
“Oh.”
I remember Makeup saying something along those lines to Futarishizuka during dinner—about how “currently enrolled high school girls have their ways.” She looked really proud of herself. The whole thing gives me a bad feeling. Is it just my imagination? But as long as she doesn’t bother my neighbor, I don’t care what she does.
“To be truthful, the youngest daughter wishes for Grandmother to suffer the indignity of last place.”
“Right. So that’s your motive.”
“It is one of my motives. But please believe me when I say I truly wish to help you.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
“As I thought, you are just as kind as Mother. This has shown me once again how wonderful a family can be.”
The only problem with this plan is that I know pretty much nothing about what a VTuber is or what they do.