The familiar thrum of the Perman suit's flight was a comfort as I zipped across the city, the Copy Robot's voice a steady presence in my ear. He was guiding me, as always, to Kirei's home. It felt strange, almost illicit, to be flying towards a girl's bedroom, even if it was for "strategic resource acquisition."
I landed softly on the wide, sprawling balcony of Kirei's mansion, the familiar scent of expensive flowers wafting up from the gardens below. The French doors leading into her room were already ajar, as if she'd been expecting me. Stepping inside, I immediately understood why she'd chosen this place.
Kirei's room was a kaleidoscope of teenage whimsy and inherited luxury, a fascinating blend of her age and her father's immense wealth. One wall was dominated by an enormous, curved gaming monitor, flanked by high-tech speakers and a plush gaming chair that looked like it belonged on a spaceship. Nearby, a collection of intricately painted anime figurines stood guard on illuminated shelves, sharing space with stacks of manga and graphic novels. But amidst the tech and collectibles, there was a distinctly youthful chaos: a colorful, slightly rumpled quilt covered her large bed, which was strewn with plush animals and discarded fashion magazines. A state-of-the-art guitar leaned against a vintage-looking amplifier in one corner, hinting at creative pursuits, while a sprawling, half-finished art project – a vibrant, abstract painting – sat on an easel near the window. The air smelled faintly of bubblegum and something vaguely metallic, like new electronics. It was a space that screamed "14-year-old billionaire's daughter."
Kirei herself was curled up on a beanbag chair the size of a small car, nestled amongst an array of soft pillows. She wore oversized headphones, which she quickly pulled off as I entered, a soft smile gracing her face. She looked a little tired, her usually vibrant energy dialled down.
"Perman," she greeted, her voice a bit subdued. "Thanks for coming."
I looked around the room, trying to project a sense of mild curiosity, though my mind was still buzzing with the robot's instructions. "Why here, Kirei?" I asked, my voice modulated to sound as authoritative yet approachable as Perman's. "Of all the places, why your room?"
She shrugged, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Honestly? I'm feeling a bit exhausted to go outside today. Too much... social interaction lately, I guess." She paused, then gestured around the room. "And you said you wanted a place where others wouldn't be able to hear our conversation, right? This is the best for that. My dad's usually holed up in his office, and the staff are all downstairs."
It was true; her room was an island of privacy. We were completely alone here, surrounded by her world.
"So," she said, her eyes now sparkling with a renewed curiosity, "why did you want to meet me, Perman?"
"I need your help, Kirei," I stated, getting straight to the point. The robot had emphasized directness.
A small, knowing smile played on her lips. "Of course you do. Otherwise, Perman wouldn't have come. You only ever show up when you need something." The blunt honesty of her words hit me square in the chest. I knew it was true, but hearing it said out loud, especially with that little smirk, was... well, it made me feel a bit like a user.
I shifted awkwardly, a sudden heat rising to my masked face. What do I say to that? My mind raced, searching for a comeback, a deflection, anything.
Then, the Copy Robot's voice, calm and reassuring, echoed in my ear: Tell her you know she's very kind and always willing to help, which is why you came to her. Appeal to her altruism, not her curiosity.
"I know you're very kind, Kirei," I recited, my voice smooth and practiced, "and always willing to help. That's precisely why I came to you."
She blinked, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Her smirk softened into a genuine, pleased smile. "Oh. Well, of course, Perman. Anything for you. So, what kind of help do you need?"
"I want to buy some solar inverters from you," I explained, choosing my words carefully, "in a rather large quantity. And... without any legal documentation, if possible." I then added the crucial instruction from the robot. "It's also imperative that you don't tell anyone that Perman bought these solar inverters from you. Not your father, not your friends, no one."
Kirei's grin widened, a flash of excitement in her eyes. This was clearly her kind of secret. "Solar inverters, large quantity, no documents, and absolute secrecy?" she repeated, a mischievous glint in her gaze. "Got it. You want to keep it all off the books."
"Affirmed," I replied, feeling a strange mix of relief and unease. She understood. And she seemed perfectly willing to play along. This was either going to be incredibly easy, or incredibly complicated.