nhp | (Sutamai) Daily Mini Talk, 22 January 2018

22 January 2018

Characters: Hiyama Takaomi & Maki Keita.

Title: The robot and him

-Hiyama’s Office-

Maki: There’s a favor that I have to ask of you, Hiyama-kun.

Hiyama: What is it?

Maki: Our company invented an AI robot toy.

And I want you to be a subject for it to monitor.

Hiyama: For it to monitor…… What do I have to do?

Maki: You don’t have to do anything special.

Just simply talk to it, and it’ll pick up on your words and gradually be able to hold up a conversation.

Hiyama: Well now, how rather interesting. It doesn’t sound like it’ll cause me any trouble either, so I’ll gladly accept it.

Maki: Thanks, you’re a big help. I’ll come back again in about a week to check up on it.

Hiyama: Very well then.

* * *

Hiyama: ……

…… So that’s it for today.

Robot: “Good work. Are you leaving now?”

Hiyama: ……?

(Oh, that’s right. I was taking care of the robot.)

No, I’m not leaving yet. I plan to continue on working.

Robot: “<I plan to continue on working>...... Please don’t overdo it.”

Hiyama: Hmph…… To think that I would have a robot looking out for me.

I’m grateful for your concern. I’ll proceed to work in moderation so as not to worry you.

Robot: “Okay. I’m cheering you on.”

Hiyama: (It’s honestly giving me support……)

(It’s almost like that of the missus. How comforting……)

-One week later-

Maki: Hiyama-kun? I’m here to check up on the robot……

(......? This voice is…… Is he in the middle of a phone call?)

Hiyama: There’s an inspection scheduled for next week?

That’s not a problem. I’ll also be attending. Yes, I’ll leave it to you.

[Click] [Beep Beep……]

Robot: “I have downloaded the contents of your phone call just now into your calendar.”

“...... You do not have a day off this week. It is important to also take a proper holiday.”

Hiyama: I’m sorry, did I worry you? It’s okay. I’m making sure to rest.

Robot: “Understood. I will now display a recommended choice of menu that will cure you of your fatigue.”

Hiyama: Hmph. They look delicious. Perhaps I should put in a request to my head chef.

No amount of gratitude from me will be enough to repay you for your thoughtfulness.

Maki: (They’re holding up a natural conversation. That’s a huge success for the product.)

(I was actually planning on collecting the robot back from him, but……)

…… Maybe I should just give it to him like this as a present.

The toy-maker thought about how his company was able to come up with a great product as he looked upon the sight of his friend happily talking away.