Chapter 34

After finishing lunch with Mr. Crus, I made my way to the industrial district, where a variety of factories, large and small, lined up. It was said that there was nothing mechanical that couldn't be found here, from home appliances to weapons, instruments, machinery, motorcycles, vehicles, ships, aircraft, spaceships, and androids.

I was heading to the place where I had purchased my ship, the *Patchwork*. I had bought a used ship from the store, and then rebuilt it by replacing and attaching various parts.

The factory is called *Drog Maintenance Factory*, a place that repairs all sorts of things. They not only repair items on request but also repair discarded or reclaimed items for resale.

As I entered the factory, the owner, Mr. Bill Drog, greeted me. He was a human, but due to his small stature, muscular build, protruding belly, and bearded face, he was often called "Dwarf" by the locals and his mechanic colleagues. True to the nickname, which evokes the image of a skilled craftsman, he was a top-notch mechanic, rumored to have received offers from the mechanical development departments of dozens of top companies.

I called Mr. Drog "Old Man" with respect and affection.

"I'm managing to survive somehow."

"So, what brings you here today?"

"I was thinking of getting an overhaul."

"Did you have a major breakdown?"

"Old Man Loanz is on vacation, so taking on jobs has become a matter of life and death. I don't plan on taking any requests for a while."

Incidentally, Old Man Drog knew Old Man Loanz, who had apparently helped him when he was active.

"I don't know how it got to that point, but the dock is free right now. Bring it by at 10 AM tomorrow. The forms are on the usual shelf, so fill them out."

"Got it. Thanks."

During this conversation, Old Man Drog continued to work on what looked like a vehicle engine.

While I was filling out the overhaul application form, he suddenly asked, "By the way, have you ever thought about installing custom weapons just for yourself?"

This was a question I had also been asked by Old Man Loanz. Apparently, once a mechanic starts earning a decent amount, they often want to install special equipment that gives them a unique feel. Old Man Drog apparently received such requests as well.

But my answer was always the same.

"If they break or run out of ammo, it's not easy to repair or replenish them immediately. Besides, they're expensive."

Custom-made items mean limited people can make them, and special materials are used. If they break or need replenishment, it takes extra effort and money.

In that case, mass-produced items that are easy to obtain and reasonably priced are better. Of course, I can appreciate the romance of custom items, but I don't have the nerve to risk my life for them.

"You're as usual. These days, people go out of their way to get custom stuff."

"Well, if I had to say, maybe the radar. That's the only thing I've upgraded."

Even the radar, which can detect up to 2 billion kilometers, was expensive but a proper mass-produced item.

"Even if you can't handle standard mass-produced items, you won't be able to use custom-made ones, you know."

Old Man Drog apparently accepts custom orders but turns down requests from obvious beginners or those who seem incompetent, even if they are nobles. He must have the skills to get away with it, and he might even be of noble birth himself.

The next day, after leaving my ship with Old Man Drog, I headed to the guild. I was looking for the person Old Man Loanz had mentioned and to do some shooting practice. Based on the idea that "mercenaries should be able to use weapons to some extent," they are required to undergo shooting training once a year. Usually, it's done at the end of the year, but since it was a good opportunity, I decided to do it now.

When I arrived at the reception, I noticed that the counter where Old Man Loanz usually worked was crowded with people, apparently due to a new receptionist. I couldn't find the person Old Man Loanz had mentioned, so I called him.

"Hello?"

"Hey, what's up? It's rare for you to call."

I could hear people talking in the background, as if he was at a resort.

"The guy you mentioned isn't there."

"That shouldn't be the case. His name is Alphonse Zeistall. He finished his training and replaced me. He's a serious and diligent worker."

"What does he look like?"

"Um, he's short with short blonde hair, blue eyes, and a slender build."

"Have you ever met him?"

"I asked the HR department if there was a male receptionist when I applied for leave, and they said there was, so I asked them to assign him. He was supposed to meet you in the lobby, but he was delayed due to an accident near the gate. I had to catch a flight, so I asked them to give him the instructions."

"If he's not at the reception, he might be organizing documents in the back. Ask a staff member."

"Got it. I'll check."

After hanging up, I asked a passing male staff member about Alphonse Zeistall.

"Oh, *he* is over there."

The staff member pointed to the direction of Old Man Loanz's usual counter. It made sense that it would be empty since Old Man Loanz wasn't there.

However, the counter was crowded with people, including some women. Peeking through the crowd, I saw a person with a slender build, short blonde hair, and blue eyes, but with long, flowing hair tied in a single braid. She looked like a beautiful girl, about 16 or 17 years old. Since the minimum age for staff is 18 or 19, she must have a youthful face.

Moreover, her voice was unmistakably that of a beautiful girl. Given that the male staff member had no reason to lie, the "beautiful girl" must be a "male."

In other words, the Alphonse Zeistall whom Old Man Loanz had handed over to was a "male girl"!

Old Man Loanz! He's definitely a man, but he's no different from a girl!

I decided to stay away from him. However, I couldn't complete the shooting training without going through the reception. Since it's usually done at the end of the year, I could do it then.

I was about to leave when someone called out to me.

"Excuse me, are you John Uzus?"

"Yes, that's me. Who are you?"

There was no need to ask. I cautiously turned around.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alphonse Zeistall. I've been assigned to the reception since yesterday."

The person who had been at the counter, who looked like a beautiful girl in a suit, stepped out and greeted me with a smile. The crowd that had been surrounding the counter was now silently glaring at me.

*Why is he getting a personal greeting?*

*No way! That ugly guy can't get near my Al-kun!*

*No way! I don't recognize that as a valid pairing!*

Various resentful voices seemed to echo in my head.

"Nice to meet you. What do you need from me?"

He must have identified me from the documents, but I didn't understand why he was stopping me.

"I will be handling your business until Antonio Loanz returns. Please let me know if you need anything."

His smile, which was meant to be friendly, looked like the devil's smile to me. He probably didn't mean it that way.

I had planned to introduce this male girl character eventually. She's different from Gonzales.

I appreciate any comments, feedback, or corrections.