Part 41: The Microwave Ophone (Temp) evolves to a more powerful form

"Hrrah!"

I pull both arms in at full force, removing the microwave's door with an unpleasant sound. The screws were loosened, but it seems to have snapped somewhere because I did it by force.

"Ahh, this means I can't warm up any more karaage..."

"Mayuri, this is no longer a microwave. It's a time machine."

"That's tyranny! Okarin, go buy a new microwave."

"I don't have that sort of money!"

And I'm doing this because it's one of the Microwave Ophone (Temp) improvements Daru told me to do. Removing the microwave door means we don't have to deal with the annoyance of opening it when we send D-mails.

Daru's tampering with the microwave's programming with the X68000, so he can disable the safety mechanism that stops the microwave when the door's open. He's already programmed the forwarding feature.



I cover up the lens with my hand.

"I told you photography is prohibited."

"...Commemoration."

"Commemorating what? Anyway, just don't shoot."

Moeka obediently complies.



When the choices were to let her leak the time machine or to silence her by forcing her into our group, I reluctantly chose the latter.

"Tch... I've gone too soft... Long ago, I would've already cut masseuse's life..."

Moeka doesn't distance herself from me, even when I start monologuing right next to her. Looks like she wants to ask something.

"What is it?"

"...Is it really a time machine?"

"It really is. I'll show you later, so you must not disclose it. Okay?"

Moeka nods at my warning.

"Alright, program complete."

After about thirty minutes of reading her technical book, Kurisu shuts it closed when she hears Daru's voice.

"Then let's resume the experiments."

"But won't Manager scold us again?"

"Heheheh, don't worry. Yesterday, I made a promise with Mister Braun. 'I swear we won't shake the building any more today'."







(I think I already had these because images in the phone memory transfer between saves.)

"That doesn't settle anything. Why you're so confident with yourself is a mystery to me."

"So in other words, is that what you want to say, Cristina? Do Mister Braun in?"

"No, it's not! Besides, I don't think a wimpy man like you could stand a chance against Manager."

"He's so muscley, you know."

With that said, it's impossible to experiment in this rickety old building without shaking it. I have no choice but to negotiate with Manager somehow. The remaining four people here look towards me in anticipation. Are they planning to sacrifice me...?!

"Tch, is that Steins;Gate's choice? ...however..."

Trying to think of a way to avoid talking to Manager, I spontaneously step up to the window and look out.

"Hmm?"



From the window, I can only see the backs of their heads, but I know who they are without seeing their faces.

"Hey, Working Warrior!"

When I call her, Suzuha looks left and right while wiping the sweat off her brow before finally looking up here.



"Sup."



The silent girl is Braun Tube Workshop owner Mister Brain's only daughter, Tennouji Nae. Looks like she came to play with her father today. When Nae makes eye contact with me, she bows her head. I return a nod, and call out to Suzuha.

"What are you doing there?"

"Can't you tell by looking? I'm polishing my bicycle."

"Aren't you working today?"

"I am. I mean, that's why I'm here."

You're polishing your bicycle even though you're at work? Does the Braun Tube Workshop have that much free time? To put it bluntly, was there even a need for a part timer?

"Is she still tinkering with her bicycle?"

I can hear Kurisu's sour voice from inside the lab.

"She was there a while ago, glaring out at me.

It seems she had a grudge against Kurisu like always.

"Hey, Working Warrior! What about Mister Braun?"

"Mister Braun? Who's that?"

"The first floor junk shop manager."

"It's not a junk shop, it's a Braun tube specialty shop, isn't it?"

Assistant's so picky. "Junk shop" was just a joke to add a little Hououin Kyouma spice to the mix.

"Ah, is that who you meant by Mister Braun? Ahaha."



The daughter diligently corrects us on her father's name. Doesn't look like she gets the joke.

"Manager's on a service trip. I don't think he'll be back for a while."

"Wh-What?! Is that true?!"

"It's true. Otherwise I wouldn't be out here skipping. Ah, Nae, keep that a secret from manager, okay?"

"Then let me ride your bike next time."

This is such a blessing! I give my gratitude to Working Warrior, shifting my attention back inside.

"You heard her. This for sure is Steins;Gate's choice. Currently, Mister Braun is absent. In other words, we can experiment to our heart's content!"



"I'm saying it's Steins;Gate's choice."

"That doesn't matter. For now, I just want to try out the Microwave Ophone 2nd Edition ver1.03."

"Second ededshin verz erosion?"

"2nd edition ver1.03."

I don't really understand that model number, but...

"Quit it with that unsophisticated naming. This improved version shall be called Heavenly Merry-Go-Round."

"The name doesn't matter. Let's just start the experi--"

A sudden shutter sound interrupts our quarrel.



How many times have I told her not to take pictures...!

"...Because, you looked happy."

Mayuri smiles happily at those words. Daru shows no apparent change. Kurisu rudely turns away.

"No way. I'm just fed up with this club."



"Who are you calling a tsundere?!"

"Ohh, Makise, you know what tsundere means?"

"...I-I don’t know."

"It certainly looks like you do. It's written all over your face."

"Mmmgh..."

Kurisu bites her lip. Looks like she's accustomed to otaku culture after all. I wonder how she got that knowledged when she's been living in America.

"...Quick, the experiment."

Moeka's tired of waiting. Ever since we told her the entire truth, this masseuse has been showing great interest in the time machine. Of course, she won't write an article. She signed a non-disclosure agreement. If she violates it, I'll confiscate her phone by force and use it as a threat.

(Anime episode six clear.)