New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

The Exterior is Only for Show

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

At present, I was constructing the engine section of the motorcycle. To be precise, it was only the exterior. Even I could not build a motorcycle engine from scratch.

Therefore, I focused on creating the magic stone for “rotation”, the chain that would connect it to the tires, the magic stone for “halt”, and several other smaller components.

Since magic stones existed in this world, the overall design was fairly simple. The structure would cause the tires to rotate and stop by gripping the brake lever. Turning and stopping the tires was normally a matter of clutches and gears, but those were unnecessary in this design.

Hence, I decided to put extra effort into the external appearance.

“…It’s done.” (Gentoku)

The engine was complete.

I had felt almost like a sculptor as I shaped and refined the metal.

Before me stood a magnificent air-cooled, four-cylinder engine. Although, to be honest, it was only a shell, and the interior was entirely hollow. I planned to place magic stones inside later. The mechanism would allow easy insertion and removal, ensuring convenient replacement of the magic stones.

I gazed upon the engine, which looked like a piece of art, and muttered to myself.

“How cool… An air-cooled four-cylinder, a design that’s becoming rare nowadays. I would love to share a drink with someone who appreciates this kind of craftsmanship. Sadly, I doubt anyone would understand.” (Gentoku)

Next, I had to craft the frame, the tires, and although unnecessary, I would still make an exhaust pipe and a fairing.

Using data from the tricycle, I confirmed that Metal Orc bones would suffice for the wheels. As for the tires, instead of covering them with an additional layer of rubber, simply wrapping the hide of a Rubber Cobra around them would provide sufficient grip.

“Ah, that’s right. I should make a helmet too. A full-face type sounds ideal… Maybe I should even design a jacket and some protective gear tailored to my taste.” (Gentoku)

I could not contain my excitement.

Then, an image came vividly to my mind.

“…Packing camping gear onto the back of the motorcycle and heading out alone into the forest outside the city…” (Gentoku)

Ooh… The very thought thrilled me. It would be faster than a carriage and infinitely more exhilarating.

“If I can make a motorcycle, then a car should also be within reach. I once helped my grandfather repair a secondhand go-kart… Something like that, similar to a Mario Kart, could actually be made. In fact, if I were to release such a thing in this world, wouldn’t it be revolutionary?” (Gentoku)

Eventually, perhaps even airplanes or smartphones could be created. Well, perhaps that is going too far.

As I pondered while admiring the engine, I heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, Ossan, are you here?” (Rosso)

Since I was in the first-floor workshop, she arrived almost immediately.

Rosso, Blanche, Ao, and Verde had come together.

“Hey there! We came to visit you!” (Rosso)

“Are you busy, Oji-san?” (Ao)

“Fufu, Oji-sama, we brought a small gift for you.” (Blanche)

“Oh… So, this is your workplace, Gentoku. A development facility for magical tools. It’s quite spacious.” (Verde)

Ah, so this is what people mean by “noisy women”.

I turned my eyes away from the engine and raised my hand lightly.

“Looks like you four are as active as ever.” (Gentoku)

The newly formed group, Scarlet Camellia, had returned from Leredore and was now the talk of the adventurer community.

Verde’s addition to the group was especially surprising, given her notorious rivalry with Rosso. The two had nearly destroyed the Adventurer Guild in a massive brawl, so when they appeared side by side, laughing together, it naturally drew everyone’s attention.

Soon after they began operating as a team of four, they went on to slay a series of large and dangerous magic beasts, even multiple ones ranked SS in difficulty. Their achievements were nothing short of spectacular. Verde, whose reputation had been abysmal until recently, was now admired by many as a figure of aspiration.

Ao sighed softly.

“Our success is good and all, but it has also brought plenty of trouble.” (Ao)

“Trouble?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Adventurers from all over the world are showing up, asking to be the fifth member of our team.” (Ao)

“Being popular must be exhausting! So, Rosso, what will you do about that last open spot?” (Blanche)

“Hmm, I haven’t thought about it. Honestly, the current members are fine. What do you think, old man?” (Rosso)

“Well…” (Gentoku)

If this were a light novel, this would be the point where a timid but gifted boy would join them, gradually awaken his hidden potential, and form romantic bonds with each of them, eventually surpassing even Rosso and the others, achieving a grand victory in the final battle, and marrying all four in a magnificent ceremony wearing a white tuxedo.

“Well, I think you can leave the slot open. There’s no need to force it. Just choose someone you genuinely like when the time comes.” (Gentoku)

That seemed like the most reasonable answer.

In reality, harems were far from ideal. When multiple women revolved around a single man, there was no way such a relationship could remain harmonious like in anime or manga, unless, of course, the man had some ability to brainwash them, which was absurd. Probably.

Then, Ao pointed at the engine.

“Oji-san, what is this?” (Ao)

Ah, so she noticed the engine. Well, since it is only a shell, to an outsider it probably looks like a strange lump of iron.

“It’s a secret for now. Also, this is something I’m making purely as a hobby, so it’s unlikely to be commercialized.” (Gentoku)

“I’m curious. All of your magical tools are so fascinating.” (Ao)

“Yes! That underwater scooter you made, it blew my mind! I’m planning to use it again this summer!” (Rosso)

“Wait, you two! Don’t get excited over something I’ve never heard of!” (Verde)

“Fufu, Verde, you’ll be joining us this year. The underwater scooter is incredibly fun.” (Blanche)

“Mmm… That does sound interesting.” (Verde)

Perhaps I should make a new underwater scooter for Verde too. Green would be fitting.

“Oh, right, Ossan. Since Verde joined, could you make us some extra camping gear?” (Rosso)

“Ah, yes… I already prepared that.” (Gentoku)

I brought out a new pop-up tent, a hot sandwich maker, and a cooking set from the storage below.

When I spread them out on the table, Rosso’s eyes sparkled.

“Wow, brand new! Wait… They’re a bit bigger than before.” (Rosso)

“Yes. The ones I gave you earlier were prototypes. Now that Verde’s joined, I used better materials and slightly increased the size.” (Gentoku)

Rather than having two of the same set, I had decided to make one complete, superior kit.

As the girls picked up the camping gear and magical tools from the table, they chattered happily.

“Ossan, what’s this?” (Rosso)

“A folding knife. I made the blade from the scythe of an Edge Mantis. It won’t chip easily. I made several spares, so you can also use them as cooking knives.” (Gentoku)

“The pot… It’s big.” (Ao)

“It’s a full set, frying pan, pot, and kettle. They all fit neatly into this fireproof bag.” (Gentoku)

“Oh my, and even plates.” (Blanche)

“The plates are made from processed magic beast bones. They’re light and coated with dried Oil Toad fat to repel dirt. And here’s a cutlery set, knife, fork, and spoon, designed to be kept together.” (Gentoku)

“What’s this? A folded metal board?” (Verde)

“That’s a folding fire pit. It’s a little larger than the one you used before. You can grill meat over the included mesh.” (Gentoku)

I had also made several other items, a water tank made of a vinyl-like material, a collapsible lamp stand, telescopic poles for the tarp, four smaller folding chairs, a slightly larger table, and even a magical stove. Everything I could possibly think of.

“I designed everything to remain compact without sacrificing functionality.” (Gentoku)

“Amazing.” (Ao)

“Oh right, Ao, this is for you.” (Gentoku)

I handed her a collapsible fishing rod.

“This… is a rod?” (Ao)

“Yes. It’s shorter than the one I gave you before. The sea-fishing rod was for long casts, but this one is better for rivers. It’s ideal for daily use.” (Gentoku)

“Thank you, Oji-san.” (Ao)

Ao accepted the rod with a smile.

I also gave her a case containing my handmade sets of lines, hooks, and weights. I hoped she would continue as my fishing companion.

“That’s everything. If you find any issues while using them, let me know.” (Gentoku)

“How much do these cost? I asked for replacements, but I didn’t expect something this impressive.” (Rosso)

“No need to pay me. I might have the Alexandrite Trading Company sell them eventually, so just give me feedback on how they perform.” (Gentoku)

“Fufu, thank you very much, Oji-sama.” (Blanche)

“Grateful. Hey, let’s go fishing on our next day off.” (Ao)

“Gentoku, your creations truly are amazing. I’m deeply impressed.” (Verde)

Seeing their happiness brought me joy as well.

Just then, a new voice called out.

“Hello there! Hey, Occhan, are you in?” (??)

“Good grief, could you not yell so loudly?” (??)

Visitors again. And their faces seemed oddly familiar.

One was a blonde girl with a ponytail and a rather generous figure. The other was a boy with spiked purple hair, a scarf covering his mouth, and two swords strapped to his back.

“Oh, it’s you two… Lind and Ung, right? You’ve returned to the Edelstein Kingdom?” (Gentoku)

“Yeah, that’s right, we–… wait, huh?” (Lind)

“You’ve got to be kidding.” (Ung)

Rosso’s tone suddenly turned cold.

“Lind, Ung… What are you doing here?” (Rosso)

“Indeed. I never thought I would have to see your faces again.” (Blanche)

“That’s our line. We came to ask the old man for a job. Why are you people here?” (Lind)

“Ung.” (Ao)

“Yo, Ao. Still got that gloomy look, huh?” (Ung)

What on earth was going on? The atmosphere has grown tense.

Verde stepped closer to me and whispered.

“Why are those two here?” (Verde)

“They’re the ones I met in Leredore. It was just a brief introduction though… You’re saying you don’t get along?” (Gentoku)

“The worst kind of relationship. Rosso and I have had our share of issues, but those two, and another one, were far worse.” (Verde)

“Another one?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Lind the Yellow, Ung the Purple, and finally…” (Verde)

At that moment, a young man appeared. His hair and armor were both a vivid shade of orange, a headband gleaming on his forehead. For an instant, I thought the sun itself had walked into the room. That was how radiant and handsome he looked.

“Hello, Rosso. It’s been a while.” (Valen)

“Valen…” (Rosso)

The boy smiled at Rosso like the sun itself, then turned his gaze toward me.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Valencia Orange, third son of the House of Baron Orange.” (Valen)

“My, how courteous. I’m Gentoku, the head of this facility.” (Gentoku)

A nobleman, apparently. And yet something felt off.

Rosso and Valen were glaring at each other, as were Ao and Ung, Blanche and Lind. Only Valen continued smiling pleasantly.

“There’s a long history between these six.” (Verde)

“I see. Then, what about you?” (Gentoku)

“Shut up! I’m always left out anyway! The loneliest member of Arc-en-Ciel! Got a problem with that?” (Verde)

She shouted furiously right in my face. This was getting dangerous.

“Hold it, all of you. I don’t know what kind of history you share, but you’d better not start fighting here. Rosso, that goes for you and your team as well. No matter what you think of them, they came here as my clients. As a craftsman, I won’t compromise on that.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao/Verde)

“Heh, I like you, Occhan. You’ve got guts! I think I might actually start liking you.” (Lind)

“Yes, yes. Now then, what business do you have today?” (Gentoku)

Well, since Rosso and the others are already frowning, I may as well get straight to work.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)