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

 

 

Opening of “Oda Magic Tool Development Center”

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, the store had been decided. I had brought in the tools, and the office now looked the part. I had even prepared a futon so I could stay the night if needed. The shower worked, and the toilet flushed.

Toilets in this world, surprisingly, are flush-type… Well, the sewer system is properly maintained, and with magic tools, any water-flushing mechanism can be managed.

And now, I stood in front of the workplace.

“Does it look good like this?” (Craftsman)

“Yeah, it looks great.” (Gentoku)

A craftsman was installing a sign that read “Oda Magic Tool Development Lab” (written in otherworld script, of course). It was a rather respectable-looking sign. Once installation was complete and the craftsman left, Sandrone and Richter arrived.

“My, that’s a nice name.” (Sandrone)

“So, today’s the big opening, isn’t it, Gentoku-san?” (Richter)

“Oh. What, you two came all the way out here just to say hello?” (Gentoku)

“Well, something like that. Richter.” (Sandrone)

“Yes.” (Richter)

Richter handed me a basket filled with several bottles of what looked like expensive wine. These were good wines. I gratefully accepted them.

“Thanks, Sandrone, Richter.” (Gentoku)

“Don’t mention it. Also, I heard from Richter… You’ve come up with a new magic tool idea, haven’t you?” (Sandrone)

“Well, yeah. Since gaining my freedom, I’ve started coming up with all kinds of ideas. Like refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners. Also, it’s been a bit hot lately, so maybe an ice maker… Oh, and a hair dryer for drying off after a bath would be nice too.” (Gentoku)

“I don’t really understand what you’re talking about, but it sounds promising.” (Sandrone)

“Yeah. Anyway, no point chatting out here, come on inside.” (Gentoku)

“Sure, we’ll drop in.” (Sandrone)

We headed straight to the office on the second floor. We climbed the staircase located on the first floor and went up to the second.

“Hmm, there are several rooms, I see.” (Sandrone)

“Yeah. That one’s the shower room, that one’s the toilet. Over there is an empty room, and that one’s my sleeping quarters. And… this is the office.” (Gentoku)

The office is around twelve tatami in size. There’s my work desk and two other desks I don’t plan to use. Against the wall, I’ve placed a side table… Ah, I just came up with another idea.

“I’d like to have a coffee maker. The coffee in this world is really bitter and just the way I like it.” (Gentoku)

“Coffee… You mean that muddy water? Tea tastes much better, don’t you think?” (Sandrone)

“Idiot. Not knowing the greatness of coffee just proves you’re still a kid.” (Gentoku)

“…Of all the people in this wide world, you might be the only one who can get away with calling me an idiot.” (Sandrone)

“Coffee is the supreme beverage.” (Gentoku)

Yes, in this world… coffee exists. There are no specialty shops. Roasting is primitive, and people drink lightly roasted, un-dried beans raw. it’s considered a “medicine” here.

When I found unroasted coffee beans in a shop in the castle town, I nearly cried. I bought them immediately, roasted them in a frying pan, crushed them with a kitchen knife since I didn’t have a coffee mill, and brewed it with a handmade filter since there are no filters. Honestly, it’s incredibly mediocre… but there’s definitely room for improvement.

“In the future, I might buy my own farm and grow them myself. I could mix it with milk to make café au lait, and there seem to be all kinds of beans out there I could get someday… Ahh, and there are so many different roasting methods too.” (Gentoku)

“…Well, do as you like.” (Sandrone)

Damn Sandrone… When she sees me drinking coffee like it’s the most delicious thing in the world and says, ‘Let me try some,’ she ends up spitting it out violently. Ever since then, she’s been wary of anything I eat or drink that isn’t a magic tool.

Sandrone sat on the guest sofa.

“So, what are your plans from here?” (Sandrone)

“For now, I’ll make an ice maker. Summer’s coming soon, right? I want cold whiskey and such.” (Gentoku)

“You can make ice!?” (Sandrone)

*Whoa*

She startled me… Sandrone leaned forward and brought her face up close. I instinctively pulled back.

“Y-Yeah. Probably.” (Gentoku)

“…That sounds nice. Let me know when you finish a prototype. Also… since this is a magic tool workshop, right? If I make a request, can you develop magic tools too?” (Sandrone)

“Depends on my mood. I don’t want to get too famous and not be able to take breaks. Besides, now that I’m independent, I want to do things my own way… I want to make magic tools for personal fun too.” (Gentoku)

“Hmm… What kind of fun tools are we talking about?” (Sandrone)

“Let’s see. I like fishing and camping, so maybe camping gear. Like a portable stove.” (Gentoku)

“That’s nice. Fufu, you… When you were at my company, your motivation was pretty lackluster, but now that you’re independent, you’ve suddenly become so ambitious.” (Sandrone)

“Well, that’s just how I am.” (Gentoku)

Sandrone leaned in closer again.

“Didn’t you say you don’t have any desire to get married?” (Sandrone)

“Nope.” (Gentoku)

Immediate answer.

I’m going to stay single my whole life. I’ll make magic tools in this other world, earn income, go camping, and take it easy… Actually, I want to visit a hot spring sometime. Maybe I’ll look for one in this world.

Sandrone drew her face back.

“We really are alike. I’m the same.” (Sandrone)

“Figured. I doubt there’s a man alive who could tame you.” (Gentoku)

“Fufu… You really are amusing. Well then, it seems like even if we become Ojii-chan and Obaa-chan, we’ll still get along just fine.” (Sandrone)

“Yeah, friends… or rather, business partners.” (Gentoku)

Sandrone burst into laughter…

What is with this woman?

Then, she wiped the corner of her eyes and stood up.

“Haah, I’m glad I came. It really helped relieve some stress.” (Sandrone)

“What’s that supposed to mean?” (Gentoku)

“When things get busy, I have to deal with annoying approaches from business rivals and mountains of marriage proposals to reject. But meeting you really helped me unwind. Fufu.” (Sandrone)

“Well, good for you. But be careful not to get too stressed. You’ll go bald.” (Gentoku)

“…Fufu. Anyway, I’m looking forward to that ice-making magic tool.” (Sandrone)

With that, Sandrone left. Richter gave a small bow.

“Gentoku-san. Ojou has been going through a lot lately… but meeting you really seemed to help her relax.” (Richter)

“A lot, huh… Something happen?” (Gentoku)

“…Not yet. But I believe we’ll be needing your help sooner or later.” (Richter)

“…O-Okay.” (Gentoku)

Saying that, Richter followed her out.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this… Did some kind of fantasy-world enemy show up? This world of swords and magic doesn’t have anything to do with me, so I doubt it’s my problem… but hmm… Well, whatever. Alright, time to draw up plans for the ice maker.

Summer’s almost here… Let’s try making an ice maker!!

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)