The spinning machine surrounded by the women workers looked perfectly ordinary. Its well-worn wood was smooth and rounded, no different from any other machine.
"Aip, how did it respond to you?"
"When I touched it, it trembled...!"
Aip's words drew laughter from the other women. Some stared curiously, while others teased her about wanting a man.
"It's true!"
Aip stepped forward as she spoke and, mustering her courage, touched the spinning machine. Nothing happened.
"Probably vibrations from the golem workshop next door. Everyone, back to work."
The women's Team Leader knew better than they did that there was no such thing as a machine spirit. She only said that to keep them from damaging the machines.
The workers dispersed, and Hunt, who had been holding his breath for several minutes, let out a long sigh.
Why... why had I turned into a spinning machine!?
Where was this? Was this punishment from the gods?
A hand touched him again, making Hunt tremble. "Ah, it moved again!" Aip cried, but the other workers had already gone.
"Are you... are you the Spinning Machine God?" She leaned close to the machine and asked cautiously.
A moment later, one of the cylindrical spindles began turning on its own.
Aip's scream drew the Team Leader's attention again. She saw Aip pointing at the machine and jumping up and down.
"Aip, do you need the day off?"
"N-no." Seeing that the machine had gone still again, Aip settled down.
"Are you sure?"
"Mm..."
The Team Leader walked away, and Aip returned to the machine.
After it happened twice, Aip finally realized something and whispered, "You don't want to be discovered?"
A spindle turned once.
Aip tried to steady her trembling hands and asked excitedly, "May I ask what I can do for you?"
Soon, all ten