Simon hugs the twins and lets them cry against his chest. He knows how hard their lives have been in this world. Because of one pair, the rest of their kind were blamed. It's a massive problem, but the real issue lies with the foolish people who underwent a foolish procedure.
Instead of using something as basic as cryosleep, they decide to jump deep into an esoteric and untested technology. Don't know why not use what they already had and improve it? They could create a working android, yet somehow couldn't build a functioning cryo chamber? There's no way the humans of the Old World couldn't manage something that simple.
After a few minutes of silent comfort, Simon gently pushes the twins back and speaks.
"I will not leave the two of you. You are not the ones to blame. You're different people from those in the past, and I will not hold you responsible for that mistake. Even then, those two weren't to blame either. They used experimental technology and failed. I don't blame them—or you—for it."
"B-but… we were the ones who were supposed to guard the project!"
"Y-yes! We were meant to make sure everything went smoothly, but we failed!"
Simon looks at them weeping, then reaches out to wipe their tears.
"If you can't forgive yourselves for this so-called sin, then believe in me—the one who believes in you."
For the first time, they look up into his eyes, confusion and shock flickering there. Simon decides to pour his full power into it—his [Believe in the Me Who Believes in You!] power.
"Believe in me, who sees you as blameless. Believe in me, who sees you two as good. Believe in me, who sees you as Devola and Popola—not the Devola and Popola of the past."
Simon places his hands on their heads and smiles brightly.
"You two are Devola and Popola—not the ones from before. You are you! You're not them. You are Devola and Popola."
The twins stare at him for a few seconds before wiping their tears.
"Thank you, sir."
"Thank you for believing in us."
Simon laughs. "Bwahahaha! Don't call me 'sir.' Call me Simon." He grins. "So, what do you think of this place?"
The twins glance around, still sniffling.
"Did you build all of this, Si—Simon?"
Devola looks around in awe while Popola studies the army of drones.
"Yup. Hard work, but worth it. Come on—I'll show you around."
== A Few Hours Later ==
Simon takes the twins around the Oasis—the name he chose for his new home—and shows them what he's built. With their upgraded scanners, and thanks to him unlocking his [Black Box] power for them, they can now understand the blueprints and inner workings of his technology.
Because of that, they can now repair or even recreate his inventions without difficulty. With that in mind, Simon gives them an offer.
"Do you think you can help me maintain all of this? I can do it myself, but it takes time. I'll understand if you decide to refu—"
"No! We're more than happy to help, Simon! Anything you need, just ask!"
"Devola's right! There would be no greater honor for us than to serve you!"
Simon chuckles softly. If he doesn't know that they literally worship humans, he will get weirded out by their almost desperate tone in their voice.
"I'm more than happy to have you both as my assistants, Devola and Popola. For now, let's head back to my home—we'll discuss the details there."
They walk through the quiet streets and return to his home. In the dining room, Simon gestures for them to sit. They exchange confused looks but obey.
"Give me a moment. I'll prepare some tea."
"Tea?" Popola tilts her head. "What's that?"
Simon blinks. He can't believe something as simple as tea has been forgotten. He pities the androids even more. If they've lost this kind of knowledge, what else has been erased? He then remembers how little they understood about the Amusement Park. I need the pods to inform them about it after their pods access the database.
"It's a drink many humans enjoyed. Back in my country, everyone loved it. But don't worry—you don't have to drink it if you don't want to."
At that, both sisters shake their heads so quickly it's almost comical. If they weren't rebuilt by him, Simon might've worried they'd lose their heads from how fast they shook them.
"No, I want to try it! I mean, I'd be grateful to taste it!" Devola blurts out, while Popola nods furiously. "We'd love to, Simon!"
He hums, amused by their eagerness. He can feel how anxious they are even from across the room. He wants to comfort them, but he decides to set it aside and begins preparing the tea.
Simon doesn't have any real tea leaves, but he's found an alternative. He fills a kettle with water and sets it on the stove. Once it boils, he pours the water into a teapot and adds a few dandelion flowers—plants he found yesterday and decided to grow in his backyard, both for tea and food.
He stirs the mixture for a few minutes, then brings the teapot and three cups to the table.
"Thank you for waiting. This is dandelion tea. Sorry, no sugar—it's better with sugar, but I can't make any yet. Anyway, give it a try. Drink slowly, small sips, so you don't burn your tongues."
Then he realizes they're androids; boiling water won't hurt them. Still, he remembers they can feel temperature, so the advice isn't completely wasted.
"It smells nice," Devola says.
"And the taste—" Popola pauses. "It's a little sweet. I like it. I like it a lot."
To Simon's surprise, tears start forming in their eyes.
"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with the tea?"
He steps closer, ready to check them. The drink shouldn't have harmed them, but he wants to be sure.
"No, it's wonderful." Popola takes another sip. "It's the best tea I've ever had."
Simon's eyes widen as both sisters begin crying harder. Tears run freely down their faces.
"Please… tell me. Is something wrong? You can tell me anything, you know that. I'm here for you."
They exchange a look before Devola lowers her head.
"Truthfully… you've shown us too much kindness," she says softly. "Popola and I… we don't deserve it. We are sinners. What we did can never be forgiven."
"Y-you know that I—"
Before he can finish, the twins stand, eyes meeting his—still filled with tears, but now burning with determination.
"We know our sins can't be erased," Popola says firmly. Devola continues, "But we will believe in you, who believes in us. With that faith, we will atone for our sins and begin anew. We will do our best, and fulfill any role you give us, Simon."
Then they bow deeply.
"Thank you for believing in us! Let us atone by serving you, Simon!" Popola cries.
"Use us, modify us, work us to our last breath—but please…" Devola adds.
They lift their heads, eyes pleading.
"Don't leave us!" they shout together.
Simon looks at them and smiles softly. He places his hands on their heads once more.
"I promise I won't. Even when the sun burns out, I won't give up on you two. That's the promise of Simon Blackmore—and Simon Blackmore never goes back on his word."