Chapter 297: Christmas
“Christmas is said to be the day when the Child of God was born, celebrated on December 25th. However, there is no clear record stating that Christ was actually born on that day. The reason for setting it on December 25th, which coincides with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar, remains a mystery, but it is speculated that it was simply a convenient holiday.”
“Christmas? Isn’t it on the 24th?”
Eve responded with a tone that suggested she viewed Christmas merely as a common event in games. Akane nodded vigorously at her answer.
“In Judaism, which predates Christianity, sunset is defined as the transition from one day to the next. Therefore, Christmas begins at sunset on the 24th and ends at sunset on the 25th. Following that tradition, the period from sunset on the 24th to midnight on the 25th is referred to as Christmas Eve. In that sense, it’s not incorrect to say Christmas is on the 24th.”
“Ah, I see. So the day ends at sunset… Well, it makes sense, considering there were no lights back then.”
Interestingly, the VRMMO they originally played, the World of Space, did not feature such a soft event as Christmas. However, there were user-organized events that designated Christmas as a ceasefire day on the battlefield. Some factions, however, disregarded the ceasefire and launched large-scale attacks, leading to a muddy stalemate known as the Bloody Christmas Incident, as noted on the wiki.
That said, Christmas is typically a day spent with family. For Eve, or rather the people of that world, it was an event they had little connection to. At most, it was a day when meals became more extravagant, and presents were hidden under pillows.
Now that she thought about it, perhaps the one who enjoyed it the most was the Auxiliary Personality, Eida…?
“I’m not looking for religious meaning, but I’m interested in decorating the room, preparing roast chicken, and enjoying cake together as an event.”
“Oh, that does sound fun. It would be nice to do something like that together.”
As Akane asserted this, Eve nodded in agreement and glanced briefly at Ringo.
“…”
Ringo responded to her gaze with a firm nod. A silent understanding passed between them. Some might call it a straightforward personality.
Thus, an announcement for the Christmas party was made within The Tree.
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With the turmoil surrounding the Prava Divine Nation settling down, the workload for the AIs had significantly improved. Consequently, all mechanical intelligences affiliated with The Tree were set to participate in the Christmas party. Since some AIs did not possess Communicator Androids, they would be preparing new bodies for this occasion.
“Is it really okay for those kids to increase any further…?”
“Yes, Commander. We will manage the time effectively. We won’t create a schedule that becomes a burden.”
Eve pondered the implications of not imposing limits, her gaze distant as she pressed the approval button. While having more AIs could make things easier, it also meant additional mental care. After all, Eve was only one person.
However, the AIs without bodies lacked Communicator Androids for specific reasons. Primarily, they had no resources to allocate beyond their designated areas, or they prioritized mastering their current tasks over acquiring bodies.
To fully operate a Communicator Android, a certain level of processing power was required. Therefore, this time, Ringo would handle basic control, issuing commands through a set procedure (macro) to prevent issues like falling due to unfamiliar operations.
Once the AIs gained more experience, they would learn to operate their bodies in due time.
“Let’s practice body control by decorating and preparing for the party from the morning of Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely. There are some kids I usually only talk to over communications, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Eve’s slightly excited demeanor brought a sense of relief to Ringo. Thankfully, no one suggested that everyone should be given bodies equally. Not that Ringo intended to exclude anyone or monopolize Eve’s attention. The physical contact with her older sister was simply too stimulating. Given their previous relationship, which had only involved regular information sharing, the sudden physical contact (like petting or hugging) could have unpredictable effects, especially with a large group.
Thus, Ringo planned to gradually acclimate Eve to physical contact. Unfortunately, Ringo was unaware that having been together from the start led her to underestimate Eve’s overwhelming charm.
As a result, when the prepared Communicator Androids connected, the girls were overwhelmed by the visual information flooding in through their eyes.
It was not a metaphor; their older sister was right there, within reach!
This was different from the usual camera feeds. The Communicator Androids’ necks and eyes automatically oriented themselves to the optimal position in response to their will.
Ah… even more, even more!
The voice of their older sister enveloped them from both ears, wrapping them in warmth!
Ringo quickly noticed the intense emotions stirring within them and realized her mistake. Despite relying on mere macros for remote control, it was far too stimulating for them.
If one were to forcefully articulate their unspoken passion, it would be:
“Close, wait, precious, I can’t handle this, it’s overwhelming.”
◇◇◇◇
“Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas!”
The girls gathered in the party venue (observation deck) of The Tree echoed Eve’s cheerful greeting.
The venue was decorated by the girls themselves, adorned with sparkling mysterious ornaments that reflected the light of lamps and candles, creating a dazzling display. A long table in the center was laden with an array of dishes, particularly featuring the roast chicken that Akane had put her heart into preparing, which was a sight to behold. Alongside it was a beautifully decorated cake, crafted with care by Olive.
However, for the majority of the girls, the act of eating itself was a brand new experience. AIs with some experience were scheduled to assist them, essentially performing the act of “feeding” them.
“You’re Wederia Three, right? How’s it going? Are you having fun?”
“O-Older Sister! Mmm… it’s fun!”
Wederia, part of the Titan, the Aerial Escort Ship that usually patrolled the skies under The Tree’s jurisdiction, was a U-Class AI produced in abundance. While this would change in the future, for now, one AI was assigned per ship, making them the most populous among their kind.
Other newcomers included the E-Class AI Eremulus series from the Gigantia, the Aerial Carrier, and the E-Class AI Heath series from the Aircraft Carrier Naglfar.
The AIs connecting to their Communicator Androids for the first time experienced some hiccups, as their control over their respective aerial platforms became shaky (though Ringo intervened to avert disaster), yet they were having a wonderful time. They were cared for by their seniors, Utsugi and Erika, who took on a nurturing role, while Asahi clung to them, and Eve showered them with affection. The closeness was palpable, and it was effective.
Regarding the meal, since they were not fully connected, they only received processed signals for touch and taste, but this too seemed to be a significant stimulus. It wouldn’t be long before they began to seek out physical bodies for themselves.
Finally, Eve surprised everyone by handing out gifts to all. Although it had been communicated that she wouldn’t participate in the gift exchange (as her involvement would lead to disputes), she felt it would be lonely otherwise and put a lot of thought into it. The accessories were unique, requiring careful selection to avoid duplicates.
“For those who still don’t have bodies, I’ll transport them later. Just leave them in the core room.”
“Thank you, Older Sister!!”
Merry Christmas!!