It's a promise

"What a deserted amusement park."

Sera clicked her tongue in amazement. This was genius! With just one sentence, the Blue Federation gave up a whole day's income to clear the area for her, and all the staff served the two of them.

"Do you want to be jostled around like that? I can't stand it."

Herta frowned as he looked at Sera.

"No, no, no."

Sera quickly shook his head in denial; he didn't like being jostled.

"I was just expressing my feelings about privilege."

"Just because of that?"

The Herta's voice was filled with confusion.

"With your talent and knowledge, which are comparable to mine, you'll inevitably face this situation sooner or later. Why lament?"

"Hmm... perhaps it's because they're worried about being swayed by people's wishes and losing sight of their original aspirations?"

Sera blurted out those words without thinking.

"Of course, I won't."

"Alright, follow me."

Ms. Herta led the way, but then hesitated, turning back for a few seconds. Only after Sera met her gaze did she continue walking. Lady Herta believed that the two were equals and should not dictate who went first, but rather walk side by side.

"Ms. Herta."

The staff nodded in greeting, opened the barrier for the two to enter the roller coaster, and watched them enter without saying a word.

Are you kidding me?! Don't underestimate the bond he has with his work!

"Say what you're afraid of in advance."

What's so scary about that?

Sera scratched her head. "It's just a roller coaster. How steep can it get?"

"Waaaaah--"

Sera felt like he needed to go back to a few minutes ago; the fluctuating pace made him feel like his core was about to burst out of his body, and he even felt nauseous.

Fortunately, he didn't actually vomit; he just had that feeling. Sera turned to look at Herta sitting to the side. Miss Herta's expression remained as calm as ever, as if nothing would change her expression no matter what happened.

"Now do you still say there's anything scary about it?"

Miss Herta waved her hand, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"I'm not saying anything more."

Sera looked somewhat uncomfortable, and even her bright blue pupils lost some of their luster.

"Although there's nothing wrong with my body, this feeling is still extremely uncomfortable."

"Herta, don't you feel uncomfortable at all?"

"Absolutely not. Doing experiments is much more uncomfortable than this roller coaster ride."

Miss Herta's experiments can sometimes be quite noisy, but they don't pose any major danger.

The roller coaster finally arrived at its destination. Sera shook his head, trying to clear his head; he always did this when he felt dizzy.

"Next item, you should be able to take a break now."

Herta raised its head and gestured to Sera. Sera slowly looked in the direction Herta was looking. "It's alright... it's just the pirate ship. We can certainly hold off for now."

"Herta."

The two were sitting on the pirate ship when Sera suddenly turned to look at the Herta and said that he was going to begin mentoring a genius. Sera didn't know if he could do it.

Is there something you need?

Miss Herta showed no other expression on her face, only confusion at Sera's sudden call to her.

"How long has it been since you last came out for a stroll?"

"..."

Miss Herta didn't know how long it had been since she'd left the house. Usually, whatever she needed was delivered to her door. She was busy with research all day, much like those "homebody girls" described online.

However, Miss Herta simply didn't want to tire herself out. She created the dolls to run errands for her, and she didn't want to hire strangers.

"I'm not sure, maybe it's been about 6 years?"

Miss Herta carefully estimated the time and spoke with some uncertainty.

Why are you asking this?

"Although I haven't been to the amusement park for long, I see a sense of unfamiliarity in your eyes, as if it were my first time here."

"Even geniuses need to get out and relax more often; Herta, inspiration might just strike when you're out there?"

Sera tentatively opened her mouth.

"..."

"I will send a puppet out, and we will connect again once it arrives at the destination."

Herta thought that suggestions from geniuses similar to her were worth considering, but she didn't really want to go out; she'd rather have afternoon tea.

"Well..."

Sera was somewhat speechless. It seemed Miss Herta had the potential to become a shut-in just like him. But, surprisingly, Herta didn't seem to have any witch-like elements anymore?

Hmm... should I try taking Herta to watch anime about witches? Sera silently noted this down and decided to give it a try. After all, it's a two-dimensional game, and taking the characters in it to watch two-dimensional anime shouldn't be something they don't like.

After all, the Herta in Sera's memory carried a strong witch element, and she called her research results magic. Presumably, she liked it but got annoyed by the doubts of some old guys and just said that.

The pirate ship gradually came to a stop. Sera and Herta walked down the steps together, with Herta turning his head to the side.

"Next up is the giant swing, how about it? If you're scared, just let us know and we'll try something else."

No need to change it.

Sera shook her head.

"Since it's part of the Herta's plan, let's not change it."

Aren't you feeling bad?

Herta was slightly surprised; she didn't understand why Sera would endure the discomfort to do it.

"Because I promised Herta today, and if I don't go, Herta's plans will be disrupted, right?"

Sera answered Herta's question without hesitation. As he said, when they left, Miss Herta said that she had already made a plan and that Sera only needed to listen to her.

Herta's plan... was indeed precise down to the minute, all to ensure she saw the fireworks at the optimal viewing time, for which she obtained the exact time to play.

"A promise made must be kept. If you can't keep it but still make a promise, it only diminishes other people's expectations, and that doesn't count as a promise at all."

I like hearing that.

Herta crossed her arms and nodded in agreement. Without further hesitation, she walked towards the giant swing with Sera.

She was so dedicated because of the reward promised to her by Sera; she— the Herta —always kept her word.

Sera fastened her safety harness, took a deep breath, and frowned as if she were about to face a terrifying monster.

Wait, something's not right?

Sera. He seemed to be able to levitate; all she had to do was observe the tendency of his movement and see which way the robotic arm drifted, right?

well...

He ultimately abandoned the idea; after all, how could he truly say he'd experienced it if he didn't do it himself?

As the staff's countdown ended, the robotic arm began to slowly rise.

Sera closed her eyes, bracing herself for the storm, when the Herta's voice rang out. Sera opened her eyes and turned her head to look at the Herta.

"If you're scared, just say it. I won't laugh at you, and no one else would dare."