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

 

 

As a Magical Technician

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I felt sorry for Lind, but no matter how many times she asked, I had no intention of creating a “weapon”.

I am a magical technician. My work is to create tools that serve a useful purpose.

She begged me many times, saying “Please~,” yet I refused her firmly. Eventually, Lind was dragged away by Ung. At the end, I felt as though Valen was watching me, but regardless, I will not make weapons.

When I returned to the office, Rosso and the others were sitting on the sofa, opening the refrigerator and beginning to drink fruit water.

“Ossan, are you sure about that?” (Rosso)

“What about it?” (Gentoku)

“Lind’s request. I did not quite understand, but a magic symbol that can endure her strength is quite an extraordinary one, I think.” (Rosso)

“Well, that is true.” (Gentoku)

I sat at my desk, continuing my paperwork.

Although I had already designed the outer structure for a four-cylinder air-cooled engine, I still lacked sufficient data to build a proper motorcycle. The document I was writing detailed the specifications of the next tool necessary after the tricycle model.

I stopped writing.

“If I were to register the magic symbol from earlier and let anyone use it freely, the quality of magical weapons would rise dramatically. Unbreakable weapons and armors with far greater offensive power might change the nature of battle entirely. However, if that technology were to be used for killing, I could not endure it.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Rosso/Ao/Blanche/Verde)

“Excessive power is unnecessary in my view. At the very least, I do not intend to contribute to that kind of evolution.” (Gentoku)

In short, I was frightened.

If I were to combine the magic symbol for “indestructibility” with “impact absorption” or “impact nullification”, it might even render the attacks of Rosso and Blanche ineffective. That would be an unfair advantage. I have no interest in aiding the sort of overpowered fantasies often seen in those isekai tales I despise.

Blanche, resting Daifuku upon her thigh, gently stroked him from head to back.

“If that is what you wish, Oji-sama, then I believe it is fine.” (Blanche)

“Yes, I think so too. But Lind might not give up.” (Verde)

“Indeed, that may be true.” (Blanche)

Even if she comes again, rest assured I will not accept it.

As the conversation ended, Verde leaned forward to look at my desk.

“By the way, what have you been writing for a while now?” (Verde)

“Ah, a new magical tool or rather, a tool specification. It is necessary for creating a certain magical tool.” (Gentoku)

“A certain magical tool?” (Verde)

“Yes. Actually, I would like your help with it. Would that be acceptable?” (Gentoku)

“What is it? Are you looking for materials?” (Rosso)

Rosso came toward me with great curiosity. Her bikini armor made her lean forward, revealing a rather spectacular view of her cleavage. I had seen it several times in person, yet it never ceased to amaze.

“It is not material that I need. I would like you to test the completed product.” (Gentoku)

“I shall do it.” (Ao)

“Oh, thank you, Ao.” (Gentoku)

“Wait a minute! I will do it too!” (Rosso)

“Well, I suppose I could lend my assistance as well.” (Verde)

“Fufu, I also trust you, Oji-sama.” (Blanche)

Those with sharp intuition might already know what comes next. Yes, after a tricycle, naturally comes a bicycle.

 

—

 

That evening, while I was working on the bicycle on the first floor,

“Gentoku!” (Yeran)

“Hmm? Oh, Yeran. Richter as well.” (Gentoku)

Yeran and Richter came to the company.

Looking outside, the sun was already setting.

“Our work is done for the day. You have been quite diligent lately, you know.” (Yeran)

“Ha ha ha. When you immerse yourself in a hobby, time simply disappears.” (Gentoku)

I removed my work gloves and stretched lightly, my bones cracking as I did.

Perfect timing. My work for today was complete.

Richter smiled warmly.

“Gentoku-san, shall we go for a drink?” (Richter)

“Sure. Oh, right! Since it is a rare chance, may I choose the place? I actually found a place through the Culinary Guild.” (Gentoku)

“Oh? You, of all people, picking a place for drinks? Sounds interesting.” (Yeran)

Yeran looked eager, while Richter touched his chin and seemed to ponder. His expression soon turned into one of recognition, as if he had guessed my intention.

I grinned at Richter and began locking up the building.

 

—

 

The place we went to was in a tavern district quite far from the royal capital’s center. Narrow alleys filled with small establishments that all shared similar layouts, a drinkers’ quarter I whimsically named “Drunkard Alley”. It was cheap, above all. There were standing bars, modest eateries, barbecue joints, and diners, all offering quick, tasty, and affordable food and drink.

We went into a mid-sized two-story tavern in the area. It was early evening, and the place was already crowded.

After I told the waitress, “Three people”, she led us upstairs.

“This is exactly the type of seat I like.” (Gentoku)

A cheap table, round stools, a seat by the window, and an ashtray were set out.

Yeran sat beside me, with Richter sitting across.

“It is just an ordinary tavern. Is this really the place you wanted to visit?” (Yeran)

“Look at the menu. Over half of the drinks here are miscellaneous spirits.” (Gentoku)

“Miscellaneous spirits? What are those?” (Yeran)

“It is a type of alcohol brewed from mixed grain, a crop from the East. It has a unique flavor and is quite common there.” (Richter)

“Oh, I see. Wait, you actually like that kind of drink?” (Yeran)

“It is the water of life.” (Gentoku)

We ordered the miscellaneous spirit, which came in a simple bottle and cheap-looking cups. Yes, this plainness was what made it perfect. Truly the best.

We poured the liquor, toasted, and ordered a few snacks to go along as we began to talk.

“Ah, work has been busy lately, but not as bad as before. Gentoku’s idea for a magical tool settled down, and mass production is the factory’s job now.” (Yeran)

“Come to think of it, you are a magical technician, right, Yeran? Have you made anything recently?” (Gentoku)

“Not recently. The development of magic symbols is stalling. Ever since you came, I have been adjusting and redesigning your prototypes for sale. I am starting to think that might actually be my true talent.” (Yeran)

“By the way, the mist sprayer you redesigned sells better than Gentoku-san’s original design.” (Richter)

“Hooray… though I do not know if I should be happy about that. Hey, Richter, how is Onee-sama doing lately?” (Yeran)

“Her work remains unaffected, but she spends much time in thought. I suspect it began after that matter involving Michaela-sama.” (Richter)

“Ugh… did that woman cause trouble with Onee-sama again?” (Yeran)

Hearing Michaela’s name made me curious as well.

“Come to think of it, I heard something about that back at the hot spring. They were childhood friends, right?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Michaela-sama is a true genius, acknowledged even by Ojou.” (Richter)

“What exactly made her so remarkable?” (Gentoku)

I could not quite grasp the situation, and Richter seemed to hold her in exceptionally high regard.

“Michaela-sama was what one would call a sheltered girl. A former baron’s daughter, raised with utmost care, always playing at Ojou’s side. However, Michaela-sama was… different.” (Richter)

“‘Different’?” (Gentoku/Yeran)

Richter, slightly drunk, continued without pause.

“Michaela-sama imitated everything Ojou did. Her favorite foods, her clothes, hairstyle, gestures… everything. She adored Ojou deeply. She even mimicked her studies and sports and astonishingly surpassed her in every field.” (Richter)

“…” (Gentoku/Yeran)

“Even in magic, which Ojou excelled at, Michaela-sama quickly surpassed her. Yet one day, she abruptly left Ojou’s side and disappeared from noble society altogether.” (Richter)

“Why?” (Gentoku)

“She sounds irritating, but if she left, isn’t that fine?” (Yeran)

“No. Michaela-sama turned away from the nobility and devoted herself to business. Ojou only heard that she had become a commoner. Later, as Ojou faced her own broken engagement and demotion, she too became a commoner and founded the Alexandrite Trading Company.” (Richter)

That part, I already knew, and Yeran nodded along.

“Then, one day, after several years, Michaela-sama came to visit.” (Richter)

“Oh?” (Gentoku/Yeran)

“And she said to Ojou…” (Richter)

 

—

 

“Sandrone-chan, you really did get your engagement annulled after all.” (Michaela)

 

—

 

“Ojou could not believe her ears. She demanded to know how Michaela-sama could possibly know.” (Richter)

 

—

 

“I knew Barion-kun was cheating, so I figured he would break the engagement in about two years. Then Sandrone-chan would probably try to live by her own strength and start a business. So, I started one first.” (Michaela)

“Eh?” (Sandrone)

“The Klein Magical Trading Company. You have heard of it, right? In just three years, I built an organization large enough to be called one of the Four Great Trading Companies. So, Sandrone-chan, would you like to work under me? Alexandrite Trading Company, was it? I can make it much bigger.” (Michaela)

“……” (Sandrone)

“Fufu. You were kind to me before. Now it is my turn to be kind to you.” (Michaela)

 

—

 

“Michaela-sama had foreseen everything. The once adorable little sister figure had anticipated everything far ahead. She built her company, foresaw the annulment of the engagement, and positioned herself so she could catch Ojou when she fell. Everything was within Michaela-sama’s grasp.” (Richter)

“…” (Gentoku/Yeran)

“Ojou refused her hand. She had founded her own trading company to live independently and grow stronger. Yet the one who extended aid was the same genius who had predicted everything and reached the Four Great Households in only two years. Ojou fell into despair.” (Richter)

“And then?” (Gentoku and Yeran together)

“For a time, she was like a hollow shell. Eventually, she recovered somewhat, resumed her work, met you, Gentoku-san, and that brings us to the present.” (Richter)

It was quite an incredible story.

I took another sip of the miscellaneous spirit.

“Was Michaela acting out of kindness?” (Gentoku)

“Most likely. Yet, there is nothing more terrifying than benevolence without malice.” (Richter)

“I think I understand what you mean.” (Gentoku)

For Michaela to predict Sandrone’s annulment years in advance, abandon noble society, build a trading company to reach the Four Great Households, and then, appear right after Sandrone decided to live on her own, smiling knowingly and saying, “I knew this would happen. Let me help you”, it must have been deeply disorienting.

“And also…” (Richter)

“And also?” (Gentoku)

“What else? Do not stop halfway!” (Yeran)

Yeran and I took a sip of our drinks.

“Abel-san. He was Ojou’s first love. When the man who had gone missing appeared alongside Michaela-sama and was introduced as her lover… well, that would be too much for anyone to bear.” (Richter)

“Pfft!” (Gentoku/Yeran)

Yeran and I both spat out our drinks at once.

Sandrone, you are carrying far too much upon your shoulders!

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)