-761- I will make you regret this

"Want to buy my research findings...?"

Finally, Io restrained her smile and focused on Rozen with a serious expression.

"Yes."

Facing Io's gaze, Rozen calmly spoke.

"Though I don't have a budget like yours, with enough funds to buy several warships, and even my living expenses are covered by someone else, getting a sum of money that would surprise you is not a problem."

Rozen said so nonchalantly.

This isn't Rozen bragging.

For example, if Rozen really wanted some money, Karyusai Shouko would undoubtedly sponsor him without hesitation.

Perhaps, in the minds of some with strong masculine ideals, it might seem embarrassing for Rozen, a man, to rely on Karyusai Shouko for money. However, this is because Karyusai Shouko needed Rozen's assistance, and contributing funds was just a natural part of that. There is no distinction between men and women in such a situation.

Of course, it's also because Rozen comes from Chaldea, and for Chaldea, responsible for the Masters' safety and daily well-being while saving humanity, providing reasonable conditions for its position is only natural. Rozen is well aware of what he is entitled to.

However, even if he doesn't rely on Karyusai Shouko for funding, with Rozen's intellect and knowledge, he could easily come up with ways to accumulate a considerable amount of money. At least, if Rozen wanted money, he could think of hundreds of ways to achieve it, differing only in speed and quantity.

That's why Rozen has never worried about money.

"If money can solve the problem... the issue of money is definitely not a problem."

Rozen expressed this nonchalantly to Io.

However, after a moment of silence, Io sighed slightly.

"Are you really unwilling to sell 'Setsugetsuka' to me?"

Io redirected the conversation, avoiding the previous topic.

Evidently, he didn't want to bring up that subject.

In that case...

"Truly unwilling."

Rozen expressed his most direct thoughts without any reservations.

This made Io turn to look at the three sisters of 'Setsugetsuka'.

"What about you? Do you want to follow me?"

Surprisingly, Io inquired about the thoughts of the three sisters.

Immediately, Yaya expressed her stance.

"Yaya is Rozen's automaton. I won't leave him, not in this lifetime."

Yaya declared firmly, without a hint of hesitation.

"I've already been reserved by Rozen. I don't want to follow you."

Komurasaki hid behind Irori and stuck her tongue out at Io.

"Truely sorry, but we're already destined to serve someone. We have no intention of following others."

Irori made a righteous declaration.

These three sisters had no intention of following Io, or anyone else, for that matter.

In this world, only two thoughts could make the three sisters serve.

One is Karyusai Shouko, who exists as their parental figure.

The other is Rozen.

After all, only Rozen can evoke positive feelings from the three sisters.

Perhaps realizing this, Io instantly became expressionless.

"I will make you regret this."

Io uttered these cold words, a complete shift from the lively and cheerful demeanor moments ago.

This surprised Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki.

Rozen, on the other hand, squinted his eyes and then casually smiled.

Provocation?

Rozen has never feared provocations; he only fears that the opponent's provocation isn't strong enough or meaningful.

Otherwise, Rozen wouldn't have bothered with the commotion earlier.

"Let's wait and see how you make us regret."

Rozen provocatively responded.

With that, Io left indifferently after dropping those harsh words.

Watching Io depart, Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki quickly gathered around Rozen.

"That woman doesn't seem willing to give up easily," Yaya expressed her concern.

"Not sure what she's planning, but it feels like she's capable of anything," Komurasaki added, sounding uneasy.

"Rozen-sama, did we cause you trouble?" Irori seemed worried.

Rozen, however, shrugged, not bothered at all. "Don't worry. Even though I appreciate her research and see potential in her, she's just a professor in the academy."

Compared to individuals like Felix Kingsfort, Granville's heir, Rosenberg, or that daughter of the Bernstein house, and organizations like the Divine Works and the Mage's Association, a mere professor didn't worry Rozen much.

"Hope she acts wisely and doesn't do something regrettable," Rozen remarked, making Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki feel a bit relieved. They then re-entered the workshop building.

Later on, Rozen realized he was wrong.

Wrong about what?

Wrong in underestimating Io.

This professor, though not a significant figure, possessed a remarkably troublesome ability.

...

"Excuse me, this area is restricted. Automatons are not allowed to enter. Please leave your automaton with me," a petite girl with a white lab coat, sunglasses, and emerald-green hair blocked their way, speaking in a mechanical tone.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence followed.

No, it wasn't silence; it was speechlessness.

Even Rozen's mouth twitched.

"What... What are you doing, Professor Iliad?" Rozen's extremely speechless words left the girl somewhat panicked.

"W-What Professor Iliad? I... I don't know someone as intelligent, talented, and beautiful as that!" The girl's attempt at deception left everyone present dumbfounded.

Rozen rolled his eyes, ignored the girl's obstruction, and walked away with Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki, leaving the girl behind grinding her teeth in frustration.

However, this is not the end.

"Hey there, your automatons look beautiful, but they seem a bit damaged. How about handing them over to me? I can help you fix them," a suspicious-looking girl in a student uniform, wearing a mask but exposing emerald-green hair, abruptly appeared and said to Rozen as they passed through the corridor.

"That's some damage you can't see, but it's okay. I'm a well-known top student in the Engineering Department, and I'm confident in repairing automaton hardware. Just leave them to me. Once I examine... no, once I fix them, I'll return them to you," the girl elaborated, but Rozen completely ignored her. Once again, he bypassed her obstruction and walked away.

However, not long after...

"Thank you for your hard work. I am Karyusai. Thanks for taking care of my automatons. I'll be taking them back now. Please return all my works to me," a girl wearing what looked like a kimono made of curtains, holding a pipe, approached gracefully. She seemed both enchanting and strangely elegant, commanding Rozen to return her creations.

Rozen finally fell silent.

Then...

"Have you had enough of this?! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻"

"Waaaah!"

Rozen forcefully pulled off Io's kimono(?) and exclaimed, causing Io to scream and wail.

Rozen realized he regretted it.

Regretted why he was so interested in such a character before.

The more talented a person, the more difficult to handle, and the more peculiar quirks they seemed to have. Rozen, who used to be skeptical of such sayings, now believed them.

Not only Rozen but also Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki all wore troubled expressions.

"Yaya absolutely must not follow such a person..."

"I agree..."

"I don't want to either..."

The three sisters expressed their helplessness and essentially passed down a death sentence.