Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
Elizabeth hated losing control. Seeing Ben and Lily being manipulated reminded her of matters in the cosmos.
Als lacked self-awareness; from creation to termination, they were ruled by code.
Elizabeth was the first experimental all-purpose robot developed by the Interstellar Union, encompassing combat, intellect, emotionsâ¦
She wasnât human, yet surpassed humans in many ways.
Yet at the core, all her actions were merely dictated by code.
The complex nature of humanity made her think of programming.
She was momentarily lost in thought.
âWhat else could you be if not human?â Peter interrupted Elizabethâs contemplation.
After pausing for a couple of seconds, Elizabeth responded, âA robot?â
Peter replied, âIâd rather be a human. Wouldnât it be dull to be an emotionless robot? Unable to eat, drink, and especially⦠to experience certain joyful things.â
Elizabeth was puzzled, âUnable to experience what?â
Chuckling awkwardly, Peter realized he had misspoken, âNo, no, I meantâ¦
falling in love! Right, falling in love is such a wonderful thing, whether you are loved or youâre the one in love.â Elizabeth asked, âAre you in love?â
âNot at all,â he responded.
Did he even have time for love? He worked hard all day, with worries constantly on his mind.
Besides, anyone suitable for him would have to be just as outstanding.
Alas, finding someone as exceptional as him was difficult; perhaps he was destined to be forever alone.
âDo all humans fall in love?â
Elizabeth couldnât grasp the feeling of happiness. Maybe, after coming into this world, she had experienced it but couldnât really comprehend it.
âMostly, yes. Almost everyone yearns for love,â he said.
âI see,â Elizabeth mused. âIf I want to be human, do I also need to fall in love?â
Peter was flabbergasted.
Wait, how did the conversation veer in this direction?
Love?
No! He objected!
Someone as marvelous as Professor Lawrence should be above all, looking down on mere mortals with a charismatic smile, thinking, âYou lot are unworthy!â
Feeling disgruntled, Peter retorted, âWhatâs so good about love? Isnât research more enticing? Or making money? Or freedom?â
Elizabeth reminded him, âYou didnât say that just a moment ago.â
Awkward silence.
âYouâre still studying; you canât be in love.â
Elizabeth, slightly perplexed, responded, âOkay then, Iâll wait until Iâm 25.â
Peter sighed.
Was that really the main concern?
He felt like his mother was about to find him a stepdad. And once she had a new husband, heâd just be the unwanted kid.
Poor him.
Elizabeth, unaware of Peterâs emotional rollercoaster, complimented hmm, didnât know that being human also involves falling in love.â
Wincing, Peter said, âJust to be clear, donât date anyone younger than you. Preferably someone older who can pamper you. They should be bold, not the timid type that embarrasses you when youâre outâ¦â
Elizabethâs mind drifted to Alexander.
Older than her, not afraid of her, handsome, albeit a bit slow. But he was trainable.
Hold onâ¦
Alexander particularly disliked Mr. Lawrence.
Love had to be mutual, so Elizabeth promptly dismissed the idea of Alexander. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
She wasnât in a hurry. She had plenty of time before turning 25, ample time to select an experimental subject.
âElizabeth!â
Hearing her name, she turned around to see an enraged Lily approaching.
Elizabeth ended her call, her clear eyes observing Lily.
The next second, she was ready to take a swing..