2B spent quite a while recovering from the flood of information she just absorbed.
Then her gaze toward Arion changed completely, especially when it landed on his lips.
Even though it was just a kiss between lips, it made her black box unstable. Is this what Humans are?
But after calming down, she wanted to try kissing his lips again.
Seeing Arion look over, 2B quickly shifted her gaze, pulled up her eye mask, and covered her eyes, to stop the endless thoughts.
This method works well; the blinding 2B gradually calmed down, transforming from a lovestruck girl into a cool, composed woman.
"Is there anything on my face? Why were you staring at me like that just now?"
"No, I was just observing what's different between you and us androids."
2B doesn't lie to Arion; she was indeed observing how he differs from androids, just not telling him what conclusions she drew.
If he pressed, she would say.
Arion doesn't press further. He stands, looks out at the red-tinged sky, the smoke rising from every household, and asks, "Are you feeling better now? Want to eat?"
Even though they're broke now, in a couple of days the Marines will send over the bounty they earned from him.
So as a hero who saved the village, begging for credit should be possible.
"I'm an android; there's no need to eat."
"True, I almost forgot," Arion scratches his head; besides being pretty, refined, 2B's earlier performance didn't differ from a normal woman, so he instinctively overlooked it.
"Then come with me; there's some protection, etc."
"Okay."
Assistant: Reminder, given the current lack of power supply for the mech, 2B should eat moderately to maintain daily energy consumption.
2B nods, "Understood."
"Is there anything you can't eat? Like certain fish?"
Arion remembers that in the game there's a fish that, when eaten, makes the body fluids congeal and muscles turn hard, killing you.
"There is," 2B says, stroking her chin, "I've heard android rumors that the fish oil from bamboo-clawed fish can damage the processing unit, and could be deadly."
"That's actually a rumor," Assistant says, "android digestion systems can break down all organic or inorganic matter and convert it into energy for body activity; there's no data proving bamboo-clawed fish oils harm androids."
"There's no data proving it now, but can't say it doesn't exist, so best not to try bamboo-clawed fish. Let's eat something else, eel rice; it's a village specialty and should taste great."
Hearing eel rice, Arion can't help but lick his lips; he's never eaten eel rice in his life.
Whenever he sees those eel rice videos, the eel, roasted to a golden brown and brushed with sauce, always looks so mouthwatering.
Unfortunately, the small city he grew up in doesn't sell such food, so he's never tried it—quite a regret.
They leave the inn and wander around; the village, today wrecked by Pirate attacks, has many shops closed.
The only open shop is a tavern in the square, Pirates' favorite place and the village's one place that isn't easily targeted.
The tavern has a few patrons; the owner-bartender strides forward to greet them, "Saviors, are you here for a meal?"
"Yeah," Arion and 2B seat themselves, "but first, can we run a tab? Marines will bring the bounty in a couple of days, then we'll pay."
"Don't worry about tab," the owner grins, "you saved the village; consider this my small thank-you."
"Thanks, I won't be exacting."
"What would you like to eat? I recommend eel rice; it's the village specialty."
"Let's have that."
"Sure."
After a moment, the eel rice arrives in a huge bowl, with roasted eel, fried eel bones, some condiments, and two mugs of barley juice.
Presentation looks good; the dish is tender and tasty, but not as amazing as expected.
Still, 2B appears as though she just had bamboo-clawed fish and her body fluids congealed; she sits unmoving.
"Are you okay?" Arion asks, concerned, waving a hand in front of 2B's face, then gently shaking her arm until she returns to herself.
"You okay?" Arion repeats.
"Not really," 2B stares at the eel rice, "this flavor is so good that it feels as if body fluids have congealed and muscles become hard."
With that, 2B ladles another spoonful of eel rice into her mouth, then another, savoring it.
"If you enjoy it, that's fine," Arion smiles, taking a piece of eel from his own bowl and offering it to her; he also adds some seaweed and nori as seasoning, "Mix these in; the flavor will be even better."
"Thanks," 2B does as instructed, and the flavors become richer.
Finish the meal, 2B's gaze lands on the golden barley juice. "What is this? Fuel?"
"It's barley juice, it has a refreshing feel," Arion raises a cup and takes a sip, "But before you drink, I want to ask—how tolerant are you to alcohol?"
Remember, 2B's weight seems to be about 150 kg—roughly twice his.
Though she looks like a pleasantly plump pear, she's a big tank of a girl.
If she gets drunk, Arion won't have confidence carrying her back to the inn.
"Don't worry, alcohol is a good fuel for androids," Assistant explains, "so you don't have to worry about 2B getting drunk because the drink contains alcohol."
"Then I'll be at ease."
Hearing she can drink, 2B raises the barley juice and takes a sip, but the carbon dioxide inside makes her choke.
"Sorry, the taste and texture are a bit odd; not used to it."
"It's okay," Arion hands her a napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth, "This carbonated drink is normal to be unfamiliar with at first; you'll get used to it, it's the same for anything."