The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

What is romance?

It could be an adventure to search for undiscovered treasure, piloting a giant robot, or unleashing the ultimate attack.

It's the exciting feeling that touches the strings of one's heart, and definitely not something as uncouth as a fetish.

At least, that's how it should be, but...

"What do you think, brother? This is an invention that combines the pinnacle of Lili's technical skills!"

Today is a clear day.

On such a nice day, in front of the mansion where we were about to depart, Lilith unveiled a shining metallic horse.

It was made of a slightly reddish metal, with a smooth body without seams that gleamed.

While it was clearly not of normal construction, the metal itself was fine as I had "Alchemized" it, but the problem was its shape.

To put it plainly, it was a horse.

...However, only the lower half.

But!

The upper half was human-shaped -- modeled after a well-proportioned woman, with large twin peaks reflecting the sunlight. Of course, the important parts were hidden, but for some reason, it was designed with only a sarashi-like cloth wrapped around, with the underboob expression being blatantly well-done. This is erotic.

Let me say it again because it's important: this is erotic.

And as if to tickle my childish heart, it had a smile overflowing with motherhood, and its soft expression had a face as perfect as if it were artificial. Well, it actually was artificial.

In short, it was a female centaur made of alloy.

As expected of my sister, achieving both romance and eros.

"Um, Lilith-san... what is this?"

Saaya raised her hand and asked, unable to hold back.

Lilith responded with a full smile.

"Of course, it's a gift for my brother."

"No, that's not what I mean. What is this unnecessarily erotic statue?"

"Hey Saaya, what do you mean unnecessary! Look at this, look! This bold design backed by subtle beautiful curves will save all the men in this world!"

"Shut up, you sexually frustrated bastard."

Nagi kicked me. It hurts.

"Are you asking about its functionality? This is an autonomous golem. It was developed as a long-distance transportation golem that pulls a special carriage. It can move for about a month with one magic power recharge."

"Is it autonomous? Like the rumored automatic golems of the Kingdom of Restamia?"

"Yes. I used Restamia's technology as a reference and incorporated an even higher performance drive formula."

"Better than Restamia's? Wasn't their drive formula a national secret?"

Restamia is known as the Golem Kingdom, specializing in golem production technology. Naturally, it's such advanced technology that even imitation is difficult, and of course, this technology is not public.

Even the great Luney Trading Company shouldn't have such lax security that they could reference it, but...

Lilith didn't lose her smile.

"I have a skill that allows me to understand magic formulas just by looking at them."

That's right.

Lilith's numerology skill "Analytical Eye" is a skill that can view past information of target objects. Of course, she shouldn't be able to understand magic formulas she's never seen before, but thanks to her "Mathematician" skill, she can understand magic formulas.

Even Restamia's robust security is meaningless before Lilith's eyes.

"So, what do you think, brother! Do you like it?"

"Yeah. I especially like the shape, the shape."

"Ufufu. I've thoroughly researched your preferences."

"As expected of my sister."

"Hawaa~"

She looked like she wanted to be praised, so I patted her head.

Lilith melted into an ecstatic expression.

But looking at it again, it's cool.

It's one size larger than a normal centaur, and the red alloy is surprisingly hard. Once this starts running, it probably can't be stopped by ordinary force.

By the way, this alloy was the result of my "Alchemy". I combined the "True Ancestor Dragon's Blood" that I got by begging Seori and "Elixir" to create the "Philosopher's Stone", and using that as a catalyst to refine metals, miraculously, I could recreate it into a different metal.

I was finally able to use alchemy, one of my long-cherished dreams of romance.

However, since alchemy is a physico-mystical art that requires a catalyst, it didn't become a skill. It would have been cool if it was written as "Alchemy" in my status... what a shame.

Anyway, I was able to transform the excess Hihiirokane and steel into a large amount of red alloy, so I gave it to Lilith as a present out of daily gratitude... I didn't expect it to come back as a golem.

"So, you mean this golem will pull the carriage?"

"Yes~ that's right~"

"Lilith-san, you're drooling."

"Huh!? I-I'm sorry for showing such an unsightly face..."

"What are you saying at this point?"

Nagi was exasperated.

The usually talented Lilith is often witnessed becoming a klutz when she's near me. Well, that side of her is cute too.

"By the way, Ruruk, what kind of performance does this metal have?"

"There are two types of characteristics depending on the processing method, but in this state... hmm, the interior has the hardness of steel and magic can pass through, but the surface layer has the characteristics of Hihiirokane, repelling magic, and its hardness is the same as Hihiirokane. Lilith, you did a great job processing it so well. Good job~"

"Fuwaa~ Brother, it feels so good~"

As I was having our usual skinship with Lilith, Saaya sighed.

"We're going to Restamia with this from now on, right? Going in with a golem using stolen technology... Are you planning to pick a fight with Restamia?"

"That's rude. Lilith is merely showing respect to Restamia by imitating their technology! Right, Lilith?"

"No, I dislike the Kingdom of Restamia, so I have no respect for them. When I went to deliver to the royal family last time, an arrogant prince insulted brother's company."

"Lilith!?"

She was fully intent on picking a fight.

Or rather, it's Lilith's company. I'm just the owner in name only.

While we were talking about this, Nagi clapped her hands.

"I don't care about the true intentions of the super clingy sister, but let's depart already. If we keep dawdling like this, it'll be dark soon. Where's the special vehicle?"

"Ah, we'll ride this after leaving the dragon city. I'll store it away for now."

Lilith put the golem into the multi-box.

Of course. We can't run such a big horse through the city streets.

"Alright, let's depart."

I looked around at the members gathered in the garden once again.

"Mm."

"Okey-dokey."

"Yes."

"Understood."

"Got it~!"

"Understood."

Elen, Saaya, Nagi, Seori, Punisuke, Lilith.

These are the members heading to the Nogana Republic this time. We'll be traveling with seven people, adding Lilith to our usual party members. We plan to aim for the royal capital of the Kingdom of Restamia first, for some sightseeing.

I teleported everyone to the outskirts of the dragon city.

"This is so comfortable~"

We were steadily progressing along the highway, riding in the golem carriage made by Lilith.

It's comfortable as the words suggest. The speed is comparable to a train, and there's zero shaking. Even on unpaved roads, there's absolutely no shaking.

That's to be expected, not only because of the golem technology, but of course, the carriage part is also Lilith's masterpiece. It's no wonder it doesn't shake, as this carriage is actually floating.

Apparently, Lilith received a holy relic from Emperor Renya that had a power core that neutralizes gravity. I had also entrusted one that I picked up to Lilith, so it seems she used those.

"M-Master~"

"There, there, good girl~"

Seori was trembling on my lap, terrified by this floating sensation. Is it fear due to her ability to fly? The other members were enjoying the scenery rapidly passing by outside the window.

"Hey, look Elenora, doesn't that cloud look like you?"

"Mm. Not at all."

"It does... like the round parts."

"'Air's Rock'"

"'Wind Bomb'"

Hey, don't play around inside the carriage.

By the way, this carriage body has a comfort level that could be called a 'moving room'. It has a living room-like structure with windows on all sides, and sofas lined up on the left and right. There's a table in the center, so it looks like a limousine. A limousine, which I've never ridden in.

By the way, it can seat up to ten people.

"Punisuke, the knife sharpening is a bit rough."

"Is that so? What should I do~?"

"Look, you need to lay the blade down more. I'll show you an example, let me borrow it."

"Okay~"

For some reason, Punisuke started maintaining a meat cleaver inside the carriage, and Nagi, the best with blades in the party, is giving instructions. They must be bored.

Lilith is in the corner seat, making some kind of accessory. You can tell from her face that she loves crafting.

"My lord, what are you eyeing?"

"Hm? The scenery ahead."

Seori, who seemed to have gotten used to the fear, sat up and looked in the direction of my gaze.

"...A back?"

"That's right."

It's the back of the golem centaur.

Of course, since the upper body is a well-proportioned style with detailed features, even the back muscles are reproduced. It's a beautiful back. The slight protrusion of the shoulder blades is nice too.

"My master... do you have that kind of taste?"

"It's in the realm of art appreciation. Just that."

"Hmm~"

What's with those suspicious eyes?

"Surely you wouldn't get excited over an inanimate object just because you have a big sister complex, right?"

"...Master, you're forgetting something."

"What?"

"I can understand everything."

"Ah!"

Subordinate communication!

N-No, you misunderstand, Seori-san! This is merely excitement towards a work of art, definitely not anything sexual! No matter how beautiful it looks, I'm not getting worked up over a metallic body, it's just my unclouded aesthetic eye awarding a cultural prize in my heart to the noble form before me--

"Master is a pervert."

"Guh!"

That's not it!

Damn, this relationship where I can't hide my emotions is nothing but a punishment game!

In that case... the ultimate move, attack is the best defense strategy!

"...But looking closely, Seori has a more erotic body than that golem."

"Hyaa!?"

Seori stepped back, covering her chest.

Hey, hey, why are you feeling in danger? I'm just complimenting you, you know?

"What's wrong, Seori, you're already fifteen, right? You'd be considered an adult in human terms, right? Your body has matured, and you could be called a grown woman at this age. That gothic lolita dress makes your adult body look young, but that gap is meant to make you seem provocative, right? Yeah, the white limbs extending from the black dress are glossy and beautiful, aren't they?"

"U-Ah, feh..."

"What's wrong, Seori? Are you at a loss for words about your own charm? Fufufu, even your bewilderment is beautiful... That silk-like skin and red lips reflecting against it are emitting a fragrant pheromone like a flower attracting butterflies. What's with that covetous face... Could it be, you want to be taken, my cutie?"

"Hii, ah, Master hit his head!"

Ah, she ran away.

Well, it's fine. I managed to divert attention, and more than that, I achieved my goal of seeing Seori's bright red face.

I'm feeling a bit excited, so I want to tease the others too. Now, who should I target next--

"What are you doing!"

"Ow, that hurts!"

I was hit on the back of my head.

Saaya was looking at me with narrowed eyes. Seori was hiding behind her back.

"Don't tease Seori to cover up your embarrassment."

"N-No, that's not what I was..."

"Well, whatever the reason, you shouldn't bully girls, right?"

"...Yes. I'm sorry."

"You're apologizing to the wrong person."

"...I'm sorry, Seori."

"U-Um... okay..."

I admit I went too far. I won't do it again. Probably.

As Seori and I shook hands to make up, Saaya patted our heads and nodded with a smile.

"Good, you apologized properly. And Seori, you're good for forgiving him."

"O-Of course!"

"...Hey, Saaya."

I asked Saaya, who was like the embodiment of motherhood.

"Want to switch bodies with that golem?"

"I'll tear it off."

"I'm very sorry."

I knew it was a slip of the tongue but I couldn't help saying it.

Also, it's incredibly trivial, but I'm probably the only one in this world doing a dogeza while moving at train speed.

The golem carriage zoomed along, carrying me in a dogeza position and my companions with cold eyes.

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Author Notes:

  Today too, Ruruk-kun suits the dogeza well

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