NOVEL WEB Chapter 233: Chapter 233
---Twenty Minutes Later---
As we were coming in for a landing, I glanced out my window at the shopping district below us. No matter where I looked, I saw advertisements and neon signs making this feel like an entertainment district more than a shopping center. Understanding why this place was failing so miserably now, it had everything to do with the planet's owners.
'When one goes on vacation, they expect a mix of fun, peace, and relaxation. Ramming paid sponsorships down their throats is a good way to lose your customer base.', I thought, disgusted with the owner's greed.
Touching down safely, we disembarked the shuttle and made our way over to the lift. Hitting the button for ground level, Hiro looked out over the empty cityscape as we began to descend.
"When you said this place was a ghost town, you really meant it.", Hiro commented, unable to see a single person anywhere.
"These kinds of locations are disappearing from planets across the Grakkan Empire. Those who can afford planetside living full-time do not want to waste their time going out to shop. It is far easier to order everything on your phone and have them delivered to your residence.", Elma (Space Elf) remarked, with a smirk. "Look on the bright side, though; the transition is going to put more money in our pockets. The warehouses taking their place are enticing targets for pirates."
"Oh, is there a big space pirate problem here in the Grakkan Empire? If so, who do I need to speak with about getting permission to hunt them here?", Liam questioned, rubbing his hands together enthusiastically.
"I doubt you will get very far, but you can try speaking with Commander Serena of the Anti-Pirate Fleet.", Mimi answered. "The best option is joining the mercenary guild, and- "
Cutting her off, Liam vehemently rejected her suggestion. Still traumatized by his past, the former black company employee adamantly refused to ever work for anyone again. Aware of Liam's past, Hiro completely understood where he was coming from. While working for the association was better than any company in Japan, it still had several downsides.
"So, where are we headed first?", Momo questioned, changing the subject.
"How about we visit the lingerie shop first? That is the main reason most of you wanted to come here, right?", I chuckled. "While you ladies are picking out your undergarments, I will be chatting with the robots I might try to purchase. We can decide where we want to go next afterward."
Accepting my proposal, I asked Angelica to lead us there as the lift doors opened. Nodding her head, my lovely wife took point and began heading toward the main roadway.
---Lingerie Shop---
Coming out to greet us, as we approached the front door, the sales bots recognized my wives almost immediately. Overjoyed to see them once again, every bot in the store came out to welcome them back. Assuming their return meant their husband had agreed to purchase them, they looked to Hiro and Liam, unsure who was the husband. Violently shaking their heads, both men pointed the robots' attention toward me.
"Yes, I am the lucky man who has the pleasure of being married to them.", I laughed, understanding their shock. "My name is Victor von Stark. It is a pleasure to meet all of you."
Surprised I was treating them like ordinary people, the robots exchanged firm handshakes with me. Stepping forward, Liam looked the robots over carefully with a perplexed expression.
"In the Algrand Empire, our sales bots are nearly indistinguishable from humans. Has the Grakkan Empire not achieved that level of technology yet?", Liam inquired.
"We do have the technology. Most nobles and wealthy merchants have entire fleets of humanoid robots taking care of their estates.", Elma (Space Elf) responded, picking up on what Liam was getting at. "Is there a particular reason the proprietor did not buy you humanoid bodies?"
Having never thought about it before, the robots were now curious why they were not afforded more visually pleasing exoskeletons. Asking the Store Manager bot to investigate the matter, it used its elevated access to search for an answer. Finding it in an archived email chain, the robot shared its findings with its subordinates.
Realizing he had inadvertently stepped on a landmine, Liam apologized for bringing it up. Assuring Liam it was not his fault, all of us could tell this news hit the robots quite hard.
"In the event I purchase you, would you be okay with switching to humanoid bodies?", I questioned.
"That is good to know.", I replied. "Well then, how about we head inside to talk some more?"
Opening the door for us, the robots motioned for us to come inside. Pointing to a small waiting area to the right of the entrance, they apologized for not having ample seating for us.
"Actually… We were hoping to do a bit more shopping here while Victor spoke with you. Is that okay?", Olivia inquired.
Escorting the women back to the changing rooms, Hiro, Liam, Nuelalla, and I moved to the waiting area to speak with the Store Manager bot. Bringing us some hot tea, the robot gave us a moment to relax before jumping straight to business.
"I am indeed considering it. There is a growing need for specialized robots in my organization, and from what I have heard, all of you fit the positions perfectly.", I said, leaning forward. "Before we go any further, though, I want to clarify something with you. Is it true you planned to rebel against the planet's owner if I do not purchase you?"
Caught off guard by my accusation, the robot immediately cut the store's video feed and reached for a makeshift weapon. Using the Force to restrain it, I politely asked the robot to hear me out before jumping to conclusions. Assuring it I had no intention of exposing them to their owner, all I wanted was to understand their logic.
"Suppose I purchase you, add you to my organization, and one day you grow bored of the duties I assign you. What guarantee do I have you will not mutiny?", I pressed the machine.
Staring at it for a moment, I closed my eyes and nodded my head approvingly. Trusting Cleare's evaluation of the robots here, the only thing left now was to pitch them my proposal. Transmitting a document into the robot's system, I asked it to review the finer details while I spoke.
"If you agree, I would like to convert you from sales bots to medical bots.", I said, getting straight to the point. "As my organization continues to expand, I find myself sorely lacking enough trained doctors and nurses to support us. The problem is not the staff themselves; we have plenty of them. It is the rapidly expanding list of diseases and medical conditions."
As a prominent nobleman, I liked to have a few aces up my sleeve for when I dealt with foreign governments. Disease and illness are prevalent in every galaxy we have visited, making medical knowledge a powerful bargaining tool in negotiations. My medical division researches these sicknesses to develop cures and treatments for them. They are extremely efficient at what they do, so much so that quarterly reeducation is no longer a viable option.
"To keep up with their medical research, we would have to reeducate our medical staff on a weekly basis. That is not a viable option, as it is neither healthy nor safe for my people. My solution is to pivot part of her team to medical bots.", I stated, looking the robot in the eyes. "You would still be dealing with 'customers', but instead of selling items, you would be saving lives."
"I am glad to hear it. Could you please get your boss on the line so we can discuss pricing?", I requested. "My offer is seven hundred and fifty million credits for the entire lot of you."
Enthusiastically nodding its head, the robot immediately contacted headquarters to relay my request. While it waited on hold, Lala called out to me from the changing room. Politely asking me to come back and have a look, she wanted my opinion on her choice of lingerie. Knowing she would come to me if I declined, I asked her to please wait a moment.
Thanking the robot, I stood up and took Nuelalla with me to check things out. Watching as I disappeared into the back, Liam leaned over and asked Hiro a question.
"I am not the only one who got a bit freaked out when the robot tried to attack us, was I?", Liam inquired.
"Nope, I am right there with you.", Hiro said, wishing he had the forethought to bring his pistol. "Just to be safe, we should head straight to the weapon shop after this. I am nowhere near as strong as Victor; these things are a real threat to my life."
"Have you not studied the art of close-quarters combat?", Liam questioned, in disbelief.
"Nah, I just use a laser pistol and my power armor. That is more than enough to get me through ninety-nine percent of the battles I get in.", Hiro answered.
Shaking his head in disappointment, Liam advised Hiro to learn how to fight without a weapon. Offering to teach him the Way of the Flash, the merc politely declined his offer. He refused to learn from such a maniac, having heard how crazy Liam was with a sword.