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

 

 

Michaela Klein

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The next place we were guided to was a spacious and luxurious room. The carpets seemed high-end, the chandelier sparkled, and the plush sofas, ornate tables, and the furnishings on the side tables were clearly expensive even to a layman like me.

Somehow, I realized that this was the reception room. Additionally, there was one more person in the room.

“Good day, Gentoku-san.” (Michaela)

“Ah. Michaela.” (Gentoku)

Michaela Klein.

She was the head of the Klein Magical Trading Company, one of the Four Great Trading Companies. A woman with pink hair, wearing a pink dress, smiled brilliantly and bowed toward me. Somehow, I responded casually, but well, it was fine.

Michaela smiled at Sandrone.

“Sandrone-chan. How did you find my workshop?” (Michaela)

“It was magnificent. There is much to learn from here… but looking at this workshop gave rise to some doubts. I must confirm them before I can respect it straightforwardly.” (Sandrone)

“Oh my. Hohoho, then let us speak.” (Michaela)

We were guided to the sofa.

Though I had been told this was merely a “visit,” it felt as if we had already reached the point of no return. From the beginning, it seemed the true purpose was to speak with Sandrone and me. Nevertheless, I also had questions… so it was fine.

Sandrone and I sat on the sofa. Richter took a position behind Sandrone. Rosso and the others… each of them positioned themselves separately: at the door, near a window, near the center of the room, and behind me.

Ah yes, they are here as guards… but I feel felt like a teacher chaperoning children who have now shifted into proper work mode.

Michaela sat next to Abel and first addressed me.

“How did you find it? Our company’s workshop.” (Michaela)

“Truly, it was astonishing. The scale is completely different.” (Gentoku)

“Ufufu. This is the largest workshop among ours. The factory is even louder, and many people are engaged in the processing and production of magical tools.” (Michaela)

“I see. I would like to see that as well… but I suppose it is inappropriate to peek into another company’s factory.” (Gentoku)

“Oh, if you are interested, it is acceptable to look. Ufufu, that is if you were to become our exclusive magical technician.” (Michaela)

Michaela chuckled. I felt as if I might be swept up by her pace.

Then, Sandrone took out a kiseru, and Richter immediately lit it. Sandrone inhaled and exhaled smoke.

“I will be direct. Michaela, you intend to monopolize the power of ‘thunder’, correct?” (Sandrone)

“Monopolize? Hmm… well, the result will ultimately be so.” (Michaela)

“Ultimately? You intend to create magical tools using the new energy of thunder, which will prevent the magic stones from breaking?” (Sandrone)

“…As expected, Sandrone-chan. Gentoku-san, you have realized it as well?” (Michaela)

“Yes.” (Gentoku)

Michaela reached into her cleavage and produced a magic stone.

“The seventh attribute, ‘thunder’… My research shows that this power can be infused into magic stones. Furthermore, the infused thunder can substitute for the energy released by the manifestation of a magic stone embedded with magical symbols.” (Michaela)

“…In other words, energy is consumed in place of the magic stone embedded in the magical tool.” (Sandrone)

“Exactly. For instance, that refrigerator over there.” (Michaela)

In the corner of the room stood a large, ornate refrigerator. I understood that such designs exist and this decoration was appropriate for the room.

“Currently, the ‘cold wind’ magic stone is functioning within it. However, magic stones are consumables… they eventually break, and a replacement is necessary. Yet, with a magic stone infused with thunder, the effect of the ‘cold wind’ magic stone is maintained while the energy is merely supplemented.” (Michaela)

“…” (Gentoku)

“Moreover, a magic stone infused with thunder remains even when its energy is depleted. In other words, by replenishing the thunder, it can be used repeatedly.” (Michaela)

“…Monopolizing thunder means that one must rely on the Klein Magical Trading Company, correct?” (Sandrone)

“Indeed. But my intention is different.” (Michaela)

Michaela’s cheerful smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

“My goal is the unification of all magical tool technicians and magical tool companies, Sandrone-chan.” (Michaela)

“…Huh?” (Sandrone)

Even I got surprised. Unification of all magical tool technicians… seriously?

“…This is no joke.” (Michaela)

“Yes. If thunder energy is made practical, there will be no need to pay for expensive magic stone replacements. Even a one-star magic stone can continuously power that large refrigerator.” (Michaela)

“…” (Sandrone)

“Currently, in the factory, magical tools corresponding to magic stones infused with thunder are being developed. All products handled by the Klein Magical Trading Company will become magical tools compatible with thunder energy. Ufufu, we plan to offer exchanges with existing magical tools. Everyone will be astonished. ‘Magical tools powered by new energy. No costly magic stone maintenance. Anyone can replace magic stones easily.’ Without disassembly, one simply opens a small lid, swaps in a thunder magic stone, and the magical tool functions immediately. Truly remarkable, is it not?” (Michaela)

“…” (Sandrone)

Sandrone fell silent.

Naturally. I would desire such a thing myself. At present, most magical tools require a replacement service if the magic stone is broken, or must be brought in for service. It can take time, and depending on the grade of the magic stone, fees can be exorbitant.

Yet, if it were thunder… no, a “battery” system? One could replace a one-star magic stone in the refrigerator by simply opening the side lid without disassembling it, and it would work immediately. Furthermore, the used magic stone remains. By taking it to the Klein Magical Trading Company for inexpensive thunder replenishment, it would be fully restored. Certainly, that would be preferable.

If the Klein Magical Trading Company completed battery-compatible magical tools, exchanges with existing tools might also be possible. Replaced tools could be modified to battery compatibility and resold. Immediate implementation might be impossible… but some magical tool companies would inevitably fail.

“Gentoku-san. I have heard that you can use the thunder attribute and are familiar with magical symbols.” (Michaela)

“…” (Gentoku)

The answer was yes.

Yet I remained silent.

“Please, will you teach me? Even the ‘Four Saints’ have attempted to use the thunder of the magic stone and produced similar magical effects… but they do not seem to fully comprehend the power of thunder. I believe you understand thunder better than anyone else in this world.” (Michaela)

All eyes focused on me.

I sank deeply into the sofa and exhaled.

“I am sorry. I cannot cooperate.” (Gentoku)

“…Why?” (Michaela)

“The reason is simple. If I did, my work would disappear.” (Gentoku)

“As I mentioned, I will employ all magical tool technicians and magical tool companies under my responsibility. I will unify the magical tool industry.” (Michaela)

“Boring.” (Gentoku)

I interrupted Michaela’s words.

Honestly, I was quite irritated.

“I love working at my own time, making magical tools I want to make, repairing magical tools brought in by old neighbors while engaging in trivial conversation, and cleaning when the sun sets before going home. If you wish to unify the magical tool industry, do so. But I will not participate.” (Gentoku)

I spoke plainly.

The unification of the industry is dull. If the magical tool industry becomes that way, I would never cooperate.

“What you are attempting is innovative. The magical tool industry may develop. But such decisions are not made by individuals. They are made by everyone involved in this industry. To be clear, Michaela… your ‘unification of the magical tool industry’ will never succeed.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Michaela)

Michaela’s gaze hardened.

Good, a magical technician’s gaze.

I returned her stare without yielding.

“You are correct. I can freely manipulate both the magical symbol of thunder and the thunder attribute. Yet I am a small man. I have no intention of using this power to develop the industry or make a more convenient world… at least for now.” (Gentoku)

“…So, the timing is not right?” (Michaela)

“Yes. It is enough that the thunder attribute has been discovered. Even without pushing forward alone, many magical tool technicians who understand the attribute will begin creating tools utilizing thunder. There may be failures, and perhaps extraordinary inventions will be born. Step by step, the magical tool industry will develop.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Michaela)

“I am sorry. I will not cooperate with you. Furthermore… I suspect that this ‘thunder’ power has some flaws.” (Gentoku)

“Eh?” (Michaela)

Michaela looked at me in surprise.

Sandrone was also astonished.

“Well, that is the way it is. Now then, I shall go home to eat. Michaela, Abel, thank you for today.” (Gentoku)

“W-Wait. Flaws, you say…” (Michaela)

“…Well, whether you believe my words is up to you.” (Gentoku)

I rose and walked toward the door.

Sandrone and Richter did not follow but watched me leave. Rosso and the others followed behind me to the doorway.

“Then, that is settled.” (Gentoku)

I opened the door and exited the room.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)