New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (1/1 chapter)

Edelstein Kingdom

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The next day.

I woke up in a fluffy bed and changed into the coveralls that had been washed and folded at some point. Yesterday, Richter had guided me with a “This is the guest room,” and it turned out to be a very Western-style room. A bed, desk, chair, and sofa which were only the minimum furnishings.

Looking closely, each item looked like it would cost quite a bit. The bed linens were fluffy, but the mattress didn’t have any springs, so the sleep quality was bad. It was classic otherworld stuff.

When I opened the window, I got a clear view of the warehouse district in the morning.

“There’s a lot of people…” (Gentoku)

It had been dark last night, and I went straight into the warehouse, so I hadn’t noticed, but the Alexandrite Company’s warehouse was pretty huge.

As I yawned and stretched, there was a knock at the door.

When I responded, Richter came in.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” (Richter)

“Not really. The bedding’s nice but not having a spring mattress is no good.” (Gentoku)

“Ma…ttre…ss?” (Richter)

Ah, so this world doesn’t have mattresses. Seems like their style is laying soft blankets on a hard bed and putting a futon over that.

“Ojou is waiting. Let’s go have breakfast.” (Richter)

“Yeah. Hey, for a warehouse, this is a pretty nice room.” (Gentoku)

“It’s both a warehouse and an office. Behind the warehouse is Ojou’s separate residence.” (Richter)

“Is that so…” (Gentoku)

I headed to the living room with Richter. That a room on the second floor of a warehouse looked like this was surprising. Inside, sitting on a sofa, Sandrone was smoking a cigarette in the morning. And she was using my Zippo lighter.

I’d like that back, actually.

“Good morning.” (Sandrone)

“Yo. Hey, give me back my Zippo lighter.” (Gentoku)

“After breakfast, I’ll give you a job. Try creating a simplified version of this Zippo lighter that can be mass-produced. Can you do it?” (Sandrone)

“Yeah, I think I can. I’ll need a bunch of stuff though… Oh, right, where’s my bag? I thought it was with me.” (Gentoku)

“It’s here.” (Sandrone)

At Sandrone’s feet was my work bag.

I opened it and found my tools, work clothes, smartphone, wallet, and more inside.

Thank goodness…!!

“I checked it. It’s full of weird things.” (Sandrone)

“Shut up. My smartphone… Yeah, no signal, huh.” (Gentoku)

“Eh?” (Sandrone)

As I fiddled with my smartphone, Sandrone suddenly leaned in close.

“Wh-What is it?” (Gentoku)

“What is that… It’s beautiful.” (Sandrone)

“Hey, your face is too close.” (Gentoku)

Not only her face, but her huge breasts are touching my arm. Also, she’s smoking, right? So why does she smell so sweet? Even the smoke smells kind of sweet…

Sandrone took the smartphone from me.

“What is this?” (Sandrone)

“A smartphone. A communication device from my world. You can listen to music and watch videos with it… though most of the functions are dead now.” (Gentoku)

“How mysterious…” (Sandrone)

I did have a solar charger. I had music, videos, and ebooks downloaded for fun. Not sure if the sun in this world can charge it, though.

Sandrone hesitantly touched the smartphone.

Be amazed by the touchscreen, you otherworlder!

“Hey, this is…” (Sandrone)

“Sorry, but no way. This is my lifeline… Just be satisfied with the Zippo lighter.” (Gentoku)

“…Fine.” (Sandrone)

I put the smartphone in my pocket. I also had a wristwatch and calculator.

Having my work tools is a lifesaver. It’ll make things a lot easier.

Then, a maid brought in breakfast.

Yep, maids really are nice. Though not the frilly kind, they wear functional maid outfits. Maybe they’re called housemaids? As for the food… yeah, looks good.

Fried eggs, bacon, salad, soup, and bread.

Might as well ask about the classic otherworld thing.

“Hey, do you have rice?” (Gentoku)

“What’s that?” (Sandrone)

As I thought, they didn’t.

I started eating breakfast while facing Sandrone.

A knife and fork are prepared, but… wait a sec. I think I had it in my bag… Yes!!

“…What’s that?” (Sandrone)

“Chopsticks. I always carry my own. Not a germaphobe or anything, but they’re handy to have.” (Gentoku)

“…Chop…sticks?” (Sandrone)

“They’re not knives or forks. They’re utensils from my world. Alright, itadakimaaaasu.” (Gentoku)

“Ita…daki…masu?” (Sandrone)

I’m getting tired of these typical otherworlder reactions. I’ll just explain if asked from now on. Yeah, tasty… The fried eggs and bacon tasted just like I know. The bread is good too, and the salad is fresh.

When I finished everything, Richter poured me some tea.

Sandrone, perhaps for her post-meal smoke, pulled a thin menthol-like cigarette from a fancy case, lit it with my Zippo lighter. I also took out one of my own cigarettes and lit it with a 100-yen lighter.

“You still had that fire-lighting tool?” (Sandrone)

“This one’s a cheap one. Fuuu…” (Gentoku)

“…Is that a cigarette?” (Sandrone)

“Yeah. From my world.” (Gentoku)

“…Give me one.” (Sandrone)

“Sure. Give me one of yours too.” (Gentoku)

“Fine. Want to experience the flavor of the Alexandrite Company brand, ‘Stardust’?” (Sandrone)

I took one of the menthol-like cigarettes and lit it.

“…It’s sweet. But what is this? Kind of puts me in a good mood… It’s got a strange taste.” (Gentoku)

“Ugh, what the… This is gross… The worst.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone stuck out her tongue and threw the cigarette into the ashtray.

What a waste.

“Your cigarette is weird… From now on, only smoke ours. Our cigarettes, when inhaled, cause medicinal ingredients to permeate your entire body and cleanse you from the inside. I made them myself. It’s an original blend. Even the noble ladies of the Edelstein Kingdom are big fans.” (Sandrone)

“Aren’t cigarettes supposed to be bad for you?” (Gentoku)

“Huh? Don’t lump ours in with some cheap trash. Cigarettes are medicinal herbs. Of course they’re good for you.” (Sandrone)

“Tar, nicotine—what about those?” (Gentoku)

“What are those?” (Sandrone)

…So cigarettes in this world are basically like medicine, huh.

Well, I’ve been thinking about quitting anyway, so maybe this is a good chance. Once I finish the ones I brought, I might switch to otherworld cigarettes.

“Now then. Richter and I have a business meeting. You can use the processing facility in the basement of this warehouse freely, so get started on developing a ‘magic tool that anyone can use to light fire’.” (Sandrone)

“Wait, hold up. You can’t just drop that on me. I still don’t know much about this world. Give me a knowledgeable character-type supporter.” (Gentoku)

“…That’s true. Richter, call Yeran. Have her support Gentoku.” (Sandrone)

“Y-You’re calling Yeran-san? A-Are you sure about that?” (Richter)

“I don’t mind.” (Sandrone)

With that, Sandrone said, “Well then, I’ll be back in a few days,” and left.

A few days!?

Richter turned to me.

“Um, we’ll have Yeran-san to support you, Gentoku-san. So, please ask her anything you don’t understand.” (Richter)

“Yeran?” (Gentoku)

“Y-Yes… She’s one of the Alexandrite Company’s engineers.” (Richter)

“Got it. Then I’ll be waiting in the basement processing facility, so bring her over.” (Gentoku)

I headed straight for the underground processing facility.

Going down the stairs, I found a room that looked kind of like a cramped research lab.

“I see. It’s more of a product development room than a factory… So many unfamiliar tools. And this blueprint-looking thing…” (Gentoku)

It said “Magic Tool Planning Document”.

It feels like I’m not supposed to look at this… Better leave it alone.

Meanwhile, I opened my bag again to double-check my belongings.

“Smartphone, cheap suit, wallet with coins, toolbox for work, my chopsticks, solar charger, earphones… Hmm, just my usual stuff. Wonder if I could get some money from Sandrone in this world. I’ll ask Richter later.” (Gentoku)

Just as I muttered that—

The door opened, and a girl wearing a tank top, her messy hair tied with a bandana, and huge goggles came stomping over to me.

“You!! Is it true you impressed Onee-sama!? What did you do!?” (Yeran)

“…Huh?” (Gentoku)

Who is this girl?

Wearing a tank top and work pants, long hair all wavy with a bandana, massive goggles, thick gloves on her hands and she stared up at me intensely.

Girls in tank tops are nice. Really emphasizes the chest… and hers is actually pretty big.

“According to Onee-sama, you’re a ‘visitor from another world’? Is that true? She said to give you full cooperation, that you might show us all sorts of interesting stuff. Are you for real? I thought I was the only one capable of impressing Onee-sama!! Ugh… this is so annoying!!” (Yeran)

“What the hell are you? Oh… you’re the one?” (Gentoku)

“Yeran. I’m the Alexandrite Company’s ‘Magic Tool Developer’. And you?” (Yeran)

“Gentoku. Oda Gentoku… Just call me Gentoku.” (Gentoku)

“Gentoku… Weird name.” (Yeran)

“Shut it. By the way, how old are you?” (Gentoku)

“18. Hmph, don’t look down on me just because I’m young. I may look like this, but I’m a genius who possesses three elemental attributes. Onee-sama herself called me the finest magical engineer.” (Yeran)

“…Three elements? Magical engineer?” (Gentoku)

“Ah, right. She said, ‘He’s basically like a clueless kid, so treat him like you’re teaching a baby.’ Okay, okay~ I’ll explain everything you don’t understand, little guy ♪” (Yeran)

“…” (Gentoku)

Irritating… Damn you, Sandrone. Well, it’s true I don’t know anything about this world. Might as well get what I can out of Yeran.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)