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

 

 

That is that, and this is this.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After hearing Sandrone’s unbearably heavy past, I realized I needed to speak with her. Michaela, Abel, and Sandrone. Perhaps the grudges of Rosso and Valen were also involved. These relationships might bring a terrible crisis to the Edelstein Kingdom.

“There is no way that would happen. It has nothing to do with me.” (Gentoku)

Yes, I said it clearly. It has nothing to do with me. After all, I am an outsider. There might be dramas unfolding beyond my knowledge or incidents that could only occur in another world. It would be entirely natural for me, a transferred individual, to become the center of such events and resolve them. However, I find such things troublesome. A flag breaker suits me. After all, I did not come to this world carrying some grand mission, nor am I a kind protagonist who saves troubled girls and wins their hearts. I muttered while assembling a bicycle chain on the worktable.

“I shall leave those troublesome events to the protagonist… yes, something like that.” (Gentoku)

The bicycle chain. With earth magic art called “Alchemy”, I created the imagined chain parts, molded them, refined multiple pieces, and assembled them one by one into a single chain.

“Think simply. When the pedals are turned, the chain wheel and the freewheel rotate, causing the rear wheel to spin. That is the mechanism by which a bicycle moves forward.” (Gentoku)

I had repaired bicycles many times before. I would not make the mechanism too crude. The brakes could be supplemented with a magic stone. The frame could follow the design I used for the tricycle, and the tire tubes could be made from rubber cobra material. The saddle was a bit too hard, so I softened it. Yes, the data remained sound. I had redrawn the plans countless times, considering the principles of fulcrum, point of effort, and point of action, as well as the balance between tires, chains, and wheels. I glanced briefly at the casing of a four-cylinder air-cooled engine.

“A motorcycle. Heh… just wait, I will make you real.” (Gentoku)

Let it be said that I had made the casing of the four-cylinder air-cooled engine in advance to stir up my own motivation.

 

—

 

After producing each part, I finally began assembly. I attached the wheels to the frame, installed the chain, and fitted the tires. When I turned the pedal by hand, the rear wheel rotated smoothly. Then, I installed brake pads embedded with magic stones made from rubber cobra material. They were connected to metal cords with a lever attached to the handlebar. When mana was infused into the lever, the switch activated, and the inscribed magic symbol of “Clamp” within the brake pad was triggered. As the symbol indicated, the brake pad gripped the tire and served as the brake. When I tested it, it worked perfectly.

“Good…” (Gentoku)

Brakes were important, after all, and I had to confirm their function properly. I attached the remaining parts and finally added the bell. A switch-operated bell. That nostalgic “chirin-chirin” sound. To be honest, the hardest part of making this bicycle had been recreating that nostalgic bell sound. Well, that did not matter much.

“Complete. Prototype Bicycle Number One… wait, I forgot something.” (Gentoku)

I had forgotten to attach the stand. Without it, the bicycle could not stand. I hastily made and installed a stand.

“Now it is truly complete. Hmm…” (Gentoku)

Its appearance resembled a mountain bike, but without gears, its performance was closer to that of a city bicycle. Even though I had made calculations, it was still a handmade creation by an ordinary electrical technician and repairman like me. I could not predict how it would perform. I added training wheels just in case. Seeing them on a mountain bike looked quite ridiculous.

“For now, I shall try riding it.” (Gentoku)

The material was metal orc, so it should be durable. I mounted the bicycle and raised the stand.

“Somehow… my heart is pounding.” (Gentoku)

In front of the workshop, I straddled the bicycle and began pedaling.

“Oh? Oh… oh!” (Gentoku)

It worked. When I pedaled, the rear wheel rotated and moved forward. However, there was a slight miscalculation.

“Uwoah!?” (Gentoku)

The rubber cobra tires bounced violently even when they rolled over small stones. I might need to reconsider the tires. Then came the brakes.

“Uwooooo!?” (Gentoku)

A terrible screeching noise erupted. It sounded like the brakes on my grandfather’s old country bicycle. I checked the brake pads, but they had not worn at all.

“Well, I shall treat this as a feature. After all, my grandfather’s bicycle made the same kind of sound.” (Gentoku)

“Ah!” (Rosso)

A familiar voice called out. When I turned around, I saw Rosso and the others, along with Sandrone and Richter.

“Ossan! What is that!?” (Rosso)

“A new type of vehicle.” (Gentoku)

“My, what a peculiar shape it has.” (Verde)

“Hmm, is it a magical tool?” (Richter)

The four members of the Scarlet Camellia immediately gathered around to examine it, followed by Sandrone and Richter.

“You have made something interesting again.” (Sandrone)

“Yes. It is a prototype vehicle for data collection.” (Gentoku)

“What kind of vehicle is it?” (Sandrone)

“I shall demonstrate. Watch closely.” (Gentoku)

I mounted the bicycle again, lifted the stand, and placed my foot on the pedal.

“When this is pedaled, the rear wheel rotates and propels it forward. It is a personal vehicle, different from a horse or carriage.” (Gentoku)

““““Ohhh!”””” (Everyone)

I pedaled around the workshop several times, then applied the brakes to stop. Sandrone watched, thought for a moment, and smiled faintly.

“How fascinating. A means of personal transport, is it?” (Sandrone)

“This is only a prototype, but there is much room for customization. For example, attaching large baskets in the front and rear would make shopping easier.” (Gentoku)

“That is a good idea. Do you have a specification sheet?” (Sandrone)

“I do, but honestly, it requires quite a bit of work. And there are some problems.” (Gentoku)

“Examining those problems is my responsibility or rather, Yelan’s team’s responsibility.” (Sandrone)

“That is true. For now, I will have Rosso and the others ride it so I can identify the issues. Come for the specifications after tomorrow.” (Gentoku)

“Very well. A new form of personal transport… how delightful.” (Sandrone)

“Yes. Back where I came from, there were even people who traveled around the world with these.” (Gentoku)

“Oh…” (Sandrone)

Then, Rosso and the others spoke up.

“Ossan, can I ride it!?” (Rosso)

“Ah, I am going first.” (Verde)

“I wish to try it as well!” (Blanche)

“M-me too!” (Ao)

“Wait, hold on. I want to check for issues, so take turns and follow my instructions. The reward will be food and drinks, alright?” (Gentoku)

“Deal. So, who goes first?” (Rosso)

“Rosso first. Well then, Sandrone, that will be all for today… hm?” (Gentoku)

A luxurious carriage suddenly stopped in front of my workshop. Several guards surrounded it, and a red carpet was rolled out. The door opened, and a pink-haired woman appeared, escorted by a young man.

“Good day to you, Gentoku-sama.” (Michaela)

“Eh? Oh… Michaela, right?” (Gentoku)

Michaela and Abel appeared before my workshop. Their sudden arrival surprised me, but Sandrone seemed even more shocked.

“Oh my, Sandrone-chan. It has been a while.” (Michaela)

“…Michaela.” (Sandrone)

“It has been a long time, Sandrone. Have you been well?” (Abel)

“Abel… yes.” (Sandrone)

Ah, this feels like a love triangle. Sandrone, Michaela… childhood friends. Abel, Sandrone’s first love, now Michaela’s lover. It is like the setup for a drama.

Three guards stood by them.

“Hey there, Occhan.” (Lind)

“Hmph.” (Ung)

“Good afternoon, Gentoku-san.” (Valen)

Lind, Ung, and Valen. So, they were Michaela’s escorts. Rosso and the others left the bicycle and came closer to me. Taking advantage of that moment, Verde sat on the bicycle. Michaela smiled softly and spoke to me.

“Gentoku-sama, thank you very much for your help the other day.” (Michaela)

“Ah, yes, thank you as well. Hahaha.” (Gentoku)

What kind of reply was that? “Thank you as well”?

Then, Sandrone spoke.

“Michaela, what business do you have here? Gentoku is my exclusive magical tool technician.” (Sandrone)

“Of course, I am aware of that. I am here today to discuss a joint business venture.” (Michaela)

“A joint… venture?” (Sandrone)

“Yes. You know well, do you not, Sandrone-chan? Even if one is a commercial guild’s exclusive magical tool technician, there is no issue with taking individual commissions. You cannot refuse a request I make to Gentoku-sama.” (Michaela)

“…!” (Sandrone)

“Gentoku-sama, would you grant me a moment of your time?” (Michaela)

“Well, I am a bit busy right now. My apologies but let us discuss it another time.” (Gentoku)

The surroundings fell silent. Everyone was staring, stunned. Even Michaela froze with her polite smile still fixed in place.

“Ah, well, I am absorbed in my hobby at the moment. I will leave this to Sandrone. Hey, Verde, start pedaling slowly.” (Gentoku)

“Eh? Oh, wow!! This is amazing!! Haha, it moves!!” (Verde)

And thus, I declined Michaela’s elaborate attempt to drag me into some grand event.

Sorry, did you think an event was about to begin? Unfortunately, I am focusing on bicycles right now.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)