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

 

 

At First, It was Something Like a Moped

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

A week had passed.

Although it was already mid-January, outside it looked like the height of spring. The weather was fine and the air pleasant. Yet I sat in my workshop chair, glaring at my design drawings while scratching away with my pen.

“Hm, balance really is everything.” (Gentoku)

It was a motorcycle.

I intended to build a standard naked type first. The drawings were nearly complete, yet something about the balance or perhaps the feel bothered me slightly. Using the data from the tricycle and the bicycle, I had already reviewed the materials and the magic stones. Since magic stones were consumables, I devised a cartridge system so that the ones installed in the motorcycle could be replaced easily.

The tires made from young Rubber Cobras bounced too much. However, when I used the hide of an aged Rubber Cobra, the result was perfect. Apparently, the Rubber Cobra I had used before was too young and elastic. The older hide offered less bounce, yet was still sturdy and easy to work with.

“The wheels and the frame are good. Since I do not need a fuel tank, I will turn that area into a storage compartment shaped like one. The brakes can be adapted from the bicycle. I do not need a muffler, but it looks stylish, so I will add one. The headlight is fine. The turn signals will use magic stones, connected to the handle switch. I will add a horn as well. Ah, and I must not forget security measures. If I embed a magic stone in the key, inserting it into the body could activate all the magic stones at once.” (Gentoku)

“Hey, Gentoku! Hey!” (Yeran)

While I was muttering to myself, someone called out to me. When I turned, I found Yeran staring at me with half-lidded eyes.

“Oh, Yeran. What is it, work?” (Gentoku)

“Work is already done. You look awful though, are you okay?” (Yeran)

“Fwaaah… My shoulders are stiff. I have been cooped up too long lately.” (Gentoku)

“Wasn’t this your ‘romance’ thing?” (Yeran)

Yeran tilted her head while glancing at the casing of the four-cylinder air-cooled engine.

“It’s such a weird shape. Is this really going to become a vehicle?” (Yeran)

“It will, it will. It will be an incredibly cool and romantic one.” (Gentoku)

“Huh. Want me to help?” (Yeran)

“No, it’s fine. I want to do this one with my own hands.” (Gentoku)

Folding the drawings, I placed them into a hidden safe under the floor. In movies, this would probably be the part where people store guns or fake passports in a thick briefcase.

When I came back up from below, Yeran spoke again.

“Gentoku, let’s go drinking.” (Yeran)

“Yeah, I could go for that. I’m hungry too.” (Gentoku)

“Have you even been eating properly?” (Yeran)

“Not much. I’ve just been having too much fun lately.” (Gentoku)

“Good grief. Today’s on me, so eat properly, okay?” (Yeran)

What a good person Yeran is.

The two of us headed out to an izakaya together.

 

—

 

While eating something like oden at the izakaya, Richter arrived. For some reason, even though we changed locations every time and never made any prior plans, he always showed up. Drinking companions really were a fine thing.

After the three of us toasted, Richter spoke.

“Gentoku-san, how is your work coming along?” (Richter)

“Well, it’s more of a hobby than work, but it’s going smoothly. Ah, but I’m not releasing any specifications for this vehicle. Heh heh heh.” (Gentoku)

“I see…” (Richter)

“Oh right, Gentoku. The ‘bicycle,’ remember? I made some improvements on my own, so could you check it out tomorrow?” (Yeran)

“Sure thing. Are you planning to put it on the market?” (Gentoku)

“Yeah. I’ll finish it by February, start advertising, and move into mass production. Onee-sama said she’ll begin promotion next month.” (Yeran)

“By the way, several branches of the Alexandrite Trading Company have been converted into dedicated bicycle shops for sales and repairs.” (Richter)

“Bicycles, huh. If we make plenty of customization parts, people can personalize theirs. Tricycles, unicycles, even kickboards would be fun.” (Gentoku)

“If you’ve got data for those, tell me. No, actually, just tell me right now. I’ll try making them!” (Yeran)

“All right. Let’s see.” (Gentoku)

I explained, from memory, ideas for unicycles, kickboards, and bicycle modifications from my childhood. Yeran nodded eagerly while taking notes.

“That’s so interesting! A unicycle… can people even ride that?” (Yeran)

“I rode one in elementary school during an event. Kids are amazing, you know? They play outside during a ten-minute break. For adults, that time’s gone in an instant.” (Gentoku)

“I don’t get it, but I’ll take the idea. Richter, add Gentoku’s idea fee to his payment.” (Yeran)

“Understood. By the way, Gentoku-san.” (Richter)

“Yeah?” (Gentoku)

While eating the stew, I cracked my neck. I was definitely out of shape. I hadn’t exercised lately. Back home, I used to have a wooden dummy, and my grandfather made me strike it every day.

Maybe I should make another. My martial skills were probably getting dull.

“Has Michaela contacted you since then?” (Richter)

“No, nothing at all. Whatever comes, I’ll refuse anyway.” (Gentoku)

“I see…” (Richter)

“Did something happen?” (Gentoku)

Richter’s expression shifted slightly, but he shook his head.

“In truth, Michaela has repeatedly asked Ojou to persuade you, Gentoku-san.” (Richter)

“Why me? There are plenty of more skilled magical technician out there.” (Gentoku)

“That may be so, but my mistress believes Michaela has her reasons. Upon investigation, it seems Michaela has made some kind of deal with one of the Witches of the Twelve Constellations.” (Richter)

“Another witch, huh.” (Gentoku)

What a hassle. Which sign is it this time?

“According to what we found, Michaela is collaborating with Poisson Pisques, the Witch of Pisces, on a new magical tool enterprise. The Klein Magical Trading Company is gathering skilled magical tool engineers from all over the world.” (Richter)

“Is that so?” (Gentoku)

“You don’t sound interested at all.” (Richter)

“Not really. Complicated matters like that aren’t for me. Ah, excuse me, another ale please.” (Gentoku)

I ordered another ale. The cold ale was excellent. Crude brews had their charm, but nothing beat the refreshing taste of ale.

“So, Aquarius, Taurus, and Cancer are already taken care of, and now Pisces, huh. The Witches of the Twelve Constellations are actually following the zodiac pattern then.” (Gentoku)

“Right, that. Hey, Gentoku, what exactly are constellations? They’re about stars or something?” (Yeran)

“Yeah. They’re shapes seen in the stars, forming patterns like animals. Well, I don’t really know the details either. Basically, there are twelve star shapes called the twelve constellations.” (Gentoku)

“Huh… I still don’t get it.” (Yeran)

Yeran gave up and ordered another ale.

I sipped my drink and turned my thoughts back to motorcycle building.

 

—

 

About three days passed.

I stepped away from my motorcycle drawings and began making something directly from the design in my head.

Using my fingertip as a burner, I cut, processed, and assembled the bones of a Metal Orc. Then, I wound the aged Rubber Cobra hide around the wheels several times to form the tires and attached a seat stuffed with the ultra-fluffy wool of a Manmosheep, a kind of sheep magic beast.

I set magic stones of “Rotation” and “Grip” into the front and rear wheels, connecting switches to the grips so that they could be operated by lever. On the frame, I installed covers made from the scales of a dragon-like creature called a Pratic Wyvern. With that, it was finished.

“Alright, the moped is complete.” (Gentoku)

Yes, it was a moped.

After collecting all the data from the tricycle and the bicycle, I had advanced the motorcycle drawings to a certain level. The data from this moped would be the last step before I began constructing the full motorcycle. The moped had minimal covering, since its purpose was data collection. It was mostly bare frame.

Still, twisting the grip spun the tires, and pulling the lever engaged the brakes. It was the standard size for a moped, and when I sat on it, the seat was pleasantly soft.

All that remains is to drive it. Maybe I should attach training wheels.

“Hey, Occhan, are you here?” (Lind)

“Hmm?” (Gentoku)

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

“Oh, it’s you three.” (Gentoku)

I thought it was Rosso and the others, but surprisingly it was Lind, Ung, and Valen.

How strange. It is usually Rosso’s group.

Lind’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the moped.

“Whoa, hey, what’s that?” (Lind)

“This is a ‘moped’. It’s a kind of vehicle.” (Gentoku)

“Wow! Is that like what Rosso and the others were riding before?” (Lind)

“Yes, this is the improved version.” (Gentoku)

“Awesome! Hey, hey, can I try it?” (Lind)

“Hold on, Lind. Before that, Gentoku-san, has your answer changed?” (Valen)

Ah, so that is what this is about.

“Michaela’s offer for me to help her business, right? Sorry, but I still can’t.” (Gentoku)

“I understand.” (Valen)

“You came all this way though. Have some tea at least. I have sweets too.” (Gentoku)

They are meant for the children, but that is fine.

When I pointed toward the snacks on the sofa in the rest area, Lind immediately leapt at them.

“Yum! Hey, Valen, these are delicious!” (Lind)

“Hey, slow down a little.” (Valen)

Valen fussed over Lind, while I turned to Ung.

“You three have known each other for a long time?” (Gentoku)

“Well, yeah. We’re from different places though.” (Ung)

“It seems like you’ve got some history with Rosso’s group.” (Gentoku)

“That’s none of your business.” (Ung)

“My bad.” (Gentoku)

Apparently, that is something I should not touch.

Ung’s attitude reminded me a little of Ao’s.

Yes, that is it.

“Hey, Ung, want to try riding this?” (Gentoku)

“Huh?” (Ung)

“It’s easy to operate. Twist this accelerator grip while channeling a little mana, and the tires will rotate. Just maintain your balance while you move. To stop, release the accelerator and pull this brake. Don’t pull it all at once or you’ll stop too sharply. Squeeze gradually.” (Gentoku)

“Why me, Oyaji?” (Ung)

“No reason in particular. Let’s say Lind doesn’t seem to know moderation, and Valen would be hard to ask. You seem like you can handle mana and control it well.” (Gentoku)

“Ha, flattering me now? Fine, but you owe me something for this.” (Ung)

Ung straddled the moped.

When he lightly twisted the accelerator, the tires began to turn slowly, and the vehicle moved forward.

“Oh.” (Ung)

“Keep going! Just circle around in front of the workshop!” (Gentoku)

“Hey! Ung, that’s not fair!” (Lind)

“Lind, don’t get in his way.” (Valen)

While Valen held Lind back, Ung continued riding.

The area in front of the company was spacious. Ung rode in slalom, adjusted speed, and even performed an emergency stop, following my instructions perfectly.

“Good! Come back!” (Gentoku)

“Got it!” (Ung)

With a sharp viiin sound, the moped sped toward me at around 40 kilometers per hour. Ung eased the brakes gradually and stopped right before me.

“How was it?” (Gentoku)

“Not bad. With this, you wouldn’t need a horse. For short distances and light loads, it’s way better than walking.” (Ung)

“I see. Anything you noticed?” (Gentoku)

“It’s fine for me, but someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing shouldn’t ride it. The accelerator and brake, right? If they mess up mana control, it could get ugly.” (Ung)

“I don’t plan to mass-produce it, so that’s fine. But if I do, people probably need driving lessons for it.” (Gentoku)

“Also, I heard a magic stone crack during that last brake. If you want this to last, you’ll need at least a seven-star magic stone. And the tires, they slip a little.” (Ung)

Ung offered surprisingly precise advice. He seemed like a rough boy at first glance, but he was much more thoughtful than expected.

I noted down the points he mentioned.

“Thanks. That helped a lot.” (Gentoku)

“No problem. Just treat me to food in return.” (Ung)

“Deal. You drink?” (Gentoku)

“Yeah. Heh. You know, Oyaji, you’re better than I thought. I figured you’d be just another useless adult, hanging around Rosso and Ao.” (Ung)

“To me, both you and they are just kids, like friends really.” (Gentoku)

“Hmph.” (Ung)

I pulled the key from the moped and tried channeling mana into the magic stones, but they did not activate.

That marked the end of the experiment.

“Hey, I want to ride too!” (Lind)

“Sorry, one of the magic stones cracked. Next time.” (Gentoku)

“Ugh, that’s not fair! Ung got to ride!” (Lind)

“Hah, someone as clumsy and reckless as you couldn’t handle it anyway.” (Ung)

“Hey, both of you, no fighting.” (Valen)

Lind, Ung, and Valen really were good friends.

Or so I thought until that moment.

“Ossan.” (Rosso)

“Oji-san.” (Ao)

“Oji-sama.” (Blanche)

“Oh, it’s you three.” (Gentoku)

Rosso, Ao, and Blanche were standing there, watching me and Valen’s group.

“Ossan, why are you getting along with them?” (Rosso)

“Oji-san.” (Ao)

“This does not sit well with me.” (Blanche)

“Hey now, it’s not like that.” (Gentoku)

“Let’s go.” (Rosso)

With that, the three of them left.

What a mess. I really am not playing favorites, but it surely looks that way.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)