Chapter 105
Chapter 106 The Watchful Companion
After stepping out of the shower, Lyra typed a command on the screen.
“Qivi, play a warm, cozy comedy movie. Set my alarm for seven a.m. tomorrow p>
“All right. It’s pretty late right now, and there’s nothing better than curling up in a soft bed with a relaxing film to drift off to sleep.
“Searching for the highest–rated heartwarming comedy for you. One moment please p>
Lyra dried her hair, turned off the lights, and settled under the covers to wait for the robot to start the movie.
As the room dimmed, Qivi automatically dimmed its screen to eye–protection mode.
“The movie is starting now. You can fall asleep without worry. I’ll stay right beside your bed and keep watch all night p>
Lyra narrowed her eyes, a soft, content smile spreading across her face.
This robot truly made the perfect household companion.
As it spoke, Qivi’s square body stretched and reshaped itself, gradually morphing into the proportional form of a child standing half as tall as an adult.
It was as if the machine was trying to live up to its promise of keeping watch by the bedside.
Yet Lyra preferred its original boxy form.
The last thing she needed was to jolt awake in the middle of the night and find a human- shaped figure standing over her bed. That would be far more terrifying.
She sat back up and entered a new command on the control panel, “Revert to your original form. Do not take a human shape p>
“Understood. It seems you prefer my default appearance,” Qivi replied obediently.
Watching it transform back, Lyra lay down again at ease.
Lost in the movie’s lighthearted plot, sleep quickly washed over her, and she drifted slowly into rest.
Some time later, her breathing and heartbeat steadied into the slow, even rhythm of deep sleep.
The camera mounted on Qivi’s control panel swiveled silently toward Lyra.
A faint red light flickered deep within the lens, casting an eerie glow in the pitch–dark room.
The dim glow of
With her eyes gently closed, Qivi continued playing the movie while its camera began a full 360–degree silent sweep of the entire room.
The next morning, the robot woke her right on schedule.
“Today’s perceived temperature on Secondary Ring Star is 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures shift sharply between morning and night. UV radiation is low, but you still grab a jacket to stay warm p>
Lyra woke in a good mood at the gentle reminder.
should
She threw off the covers, sat up, patted Qivi lightly, then grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.
Qivi followed her to the bathroom doorway, its childish tone bright and cheerful as it alerted her to water temperature and cleaning intensity.
“You slept nine hours and twenty–eight minutes last night, with four hours and fifteen minutes of deep sleep. You’re fully rested and energized! Let me play a lively tune to start your day off right p>
As the music played, Qivi’s square body swayed rhythmically back and forth, bobbing like a boat floating on gentle waves.
Lyra glanced over at its silly, adorable movements and couldn’t help but laugh.
It was almost like raising a little kid.
After finishing her morning routine, Lyra tidied up her room.
Right before she headed out, Qivi spoke again. “You’re leaving for work now. To better greet you when you return, may I record your off–duty time p>
Lyra typed her finishing time into the robot’s screen, switched it to standby mode, then stepped out the door feeling secure.
Once the sound of her footsteps faded completely, Qivi’s control panel flickered faintly.
During breakfast in the mess hall, Lyra noticed a large number of unfamiliar new faces.
Hadrien had laid off quite a few underperforming staff members recently. She’d tried to find him at the administration building a few days prior and failed, which must have meant he was busy handling new recruit onboarding.
After finishing her meal, she went to collect the meal carts for Building Three and started her
shift.
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Chapter 106 The Watchful Companion
Finished
Over in the logistics zone, other staff members also finished breakfast and drifted toward their work stations in small groups.
All of them froze mid–step the next second.
Several personnel in administrative uniforms stood blocking their path.
“We’re here to inquire who was responsible for purchasing and transporting the Sentinel supplies yesterday,” one of them stated.
The workers exchanged nervous glances, scrambling to recall any mistakes they might have made that would prompt a leadership investigation.
Meanwhile, Lyra pushed the supply cart toward Building Three and spotted a tall figure standing with his hands clasped behind his back.
She paused, instinctively hurrying forward to greet him.
Before she could speak, Hadrien stepped toward her and effortlessly took hold of the cart, pushing it forward for her.
Lyra was caught off guard and bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
“No need to be nervous,” Hadrien said. “I just have a few questions to ask you p>
They came to a stop once they reached the flat landing.
Lyra stared at him blankly, waiting for him to continue.
“Do you remember the gift Evin Boone gave you yesterday p>
Lyra let out an awkward, hollow laugh.
She still did not know all the Sentinels‘ names.
Hadrien reminded her gently, “The small mirror p>
At the keyword, Lyra’s expression instantly stiffened.
Hadrien’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her every reaction closely.
“You opened it, didn’t you p>
It was phrased as a question, yet his tone held unshakable certainty.
Lyra’s mind went completely blank. When she saw her distorted reflection in his helmet, her panic flared even stronger.
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Chapter 106 The Watchful Companion
This investigation came far too fast.
Finished
Seeing her frozen, dazed expression, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at Hadrien’s
tone.
“I’m not here to blame anyone. I only need to know where it is now p>
Lyra shot him a doubtful glance before staring guiltily at the ground.
If he truly didn’t intend to punish anyone for mistakes, why had so many staff members been fired recently?
The faulty mirror had passed through multiple hands before reaching her. She shouldn’t have been the one held responsible for it in the first place.
Send Gifts
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.