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

 

 

Shop

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, having returned home, I threw my bag aside and sat down on the sofa.

“Haaaah~… this feeling of liberation!!” (Gentoku)

A two-story detached house in a corner of the noble district. It was the smallest among the houses Sandorone had selected for me. There were others too like a mansion right in the middle of the noble district, one with a pool, even some with live-in maids. But all of them were no good. I didn’t need maids, and a simple detached house was just right. This house had tall walls and was equipped with barrier magic tools to prevent intruders. This much suited my station just fine.

“Now then, first, a smoke.” (Gentoku)

With a stick of Alexandrite Company’s branded tobacco Stardust in hand, I lit it with a match. As I inhaled the smoke, a pleasant sweetness filled my body. Tobacco in this world was not just a luxury item but also medicinal. Rather than polluting the lungs, its herbal effects supposedly cleansed the organs and blood vessels. It was quite terrifying, honestly.

I’ve never heard of the term beauty tobacco before.

“Well, I don’t care about smooth skin or whatever… but I sure would like a cold beer around now.” (Gentoku)

First, a refrigerator… Or rather, this world doesn’t have refrigerators!!

They had magical tools for plumbing and faucets, and even proper sewer systems, but because there was no “ice” element in magic, there were no refrigerators or even ice. To chill things, the method was to run water through a network of iron pipes installed in a cooling box. It did get things somewhat cold, surprisingly, but it wasn’t on the level of a refrigerator or freezer.

Apparently, in snow country, they naturally have ice… How inconvenient.

“Alright, let’s make a refrigerator first. Maybe I could even make an air conditioner… and then a washing machine, and a microwave… hmm, that might be a bit tough. A vacuum cleaner might be nice too.” (Gentoku)

There were magic tools for boiling water.

If only there were tools that could produce ice. I’d heard some magic engineers were working on that.

“And then… maybe books from this world. Gufufu… Wait, am I turning into a scumbag?” (Gentoku)

A wicked idea crossed my mind. Right now, my smartphone was loaded with light novels and reference books I’d bought as a hobby. There was music too.

For example, what if I copy those books and brought them to a publisher…?

“Hell no. Even in another world, that’s totally off-limits!!” (Gentoku)

Yeah, I’m not getting into publishing. I was just a humble repairman, a technician from a construction company, and in this world, a magic tool engineer.

“Before making all that stuff… first, I need a store.” (Gentoku)

A workplace. At first, I’d thought about remodeling the first floor of this house into a workshop… but Richter had told me firmly, ‘Turning a noble district house into a workplace is out of the question’.

“Well, maybe not in the warehouse district, but somewhere with an office, space for product development, and a tool storage area… Yeah, maybe it really is the warehouse district?” (Gentoku)

The Alexandrite Company’s office had also been in the warehouse district. But matchstick sales had exploded, and the warehouse space wasn’t enough, so they ended up building a massive factory on the outskirts of the capital. Sandorone had joined the ranks of the bourgeoisie and bought herself a mansion right in the heart of the noble district.

I put out my cigarette in the ashtray and let out a yawn, just as the doorbell rang.

“Yes, yes… Oh, Richter? What’s up?” (Gentoku)

“I’ve come to help you buy a store.” (Richter)

“I’m not buying one right away… W-Wait, don’t make that face.” (Gentoku)

Richter looked at me like, “If you don’t buy soon, I’ll be the one getting nagged”.

Did Sandorone say something to him?

Richter plopped a stack of documents onto the table.

“Basically, since your company’s focus is ‘product development’, I think you just need a magic tool workshop, a place to store materials, and an office.” (Richter)

“Same as I was thinking.” (Gentoku)

“Yes. So, I’ve picked out several budget properties that are neither too big nor too small, have good security, and match your preferences.” (Richter)

“You’re fast. And you nailed my taste.” (Gentoku)

“Well, we have been working together for a year, after all.” (Richter)

Richter and I had gone out drinking several times already. He was the one who’d brought the documents for this house too.

“Should we stick with the warehouse district? There’s also the former Alexandrite Company warehouse.” (Richter)

“That place is big… I’d prefer something smaller. I want to work on the ground floor, not in the basement. Store materials in the basement, have the office on the second floor… Maybe even a bedroom for sleeping. And a shower.” (Gentoku)

“Understood. I’ve selected some properties that fit those conditions, so let’s go take a look. Also… are you really sure you don’t want a secretary?” (Richter)

“Don’t need one. Just employees are enough. I’ll look for them myself after I start operations. I want to do some things on my own too, not just have others do everything.” (Gentoku)

“Ah yes, I suppose that’s very like you.” (Richter)

“Yeah. Besides, I already came up with an idea for a new magic tool the moment I left the company.” (Gentoku)

“…I would’ve appreciated it if you’d done that while still employed.” (Richter)

“Hahaha. I really am just not cut out for company life.” (Gentoku)

That day, Richter and I went to the real estate agency to look at buildings for my new company. One of them, a brick building in a corner of the warehouse district, really caught my eye. The ground floor had a huge workshop space, big enough to fit a reciprocating engine, and the second floor had an office and two empty rooms, along with a shower and a toilet. The basement was also spacious and would make a fine material storage area.

“I’ve decided. I’ll take this one.” (Gentoku)

“Understood. As a reward for your hard work, the Alexandrite Company will cover the payment.” (Richter)

“…Wait, hold on. That’s news to me. I did save up my salary, you know?” (Gentoku)

“Apologies. That was the Ojou’s instruction… Think of it as a gift to celebrate your opening.” (Richter)

“…That girl’s actually a good person, huh.” (Gentoku)

“Um, this is hard to say, but… I think it’s more about making you feel indebted, so you won’t leave her side.” (Richter)

“I take it back.” (Gentoku)

And thus, I obtained my new company building. The exterior was a bit old, but the inside was solid. For a while, Alexandrite Company’s guards would also be handling security for me.

“Also, since we’ll be making a signboard, please think of a name for the company.” (Richter)

“Ah, I’ve already decided… ‘Oda Magic Tool Development Lab’.” (Gentoku)

“I see. Magic Tool Development Lab… It’s a pretty standard name, but that’s good.” (Richter)

“Yeah. Have the sign made with that. Next, I’ll need tools and materials.” (Gentoku)

“I’ll handle that. I’ll prepare the same tools you used at Alexandrite Company.” (Richter)

“Thanks. I know it’s weird to say it this way, but… Richter, I kind of want you as my secretary.” (Gentoku)

“Apologies. I’ve sworn to dedicate my life to the Ojou.” (Richter)

“Hahaha… Too bad. Rejected. Well then, at least hang out with me tonight. I’ve found a good place over this past year. Let’s go grab a bite.” (Gentoku)

“With pleasure.” (Richter)

With my arm around Richter’s shoulder, I headed out into the night town.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)