Chapter 43

After the gun overhaul was completed, the store's door suddenly swung open, and a clearly troublesome customer entered.

First to come in were a few people who, although well-dressed and with neat hairstyles, exuded a petty criminal vibe.

Then, as if leading them, a man who looked like the boss of these petty criminals entered.

They were probably the sons of nobles, people whose status was equal to their fathers'.

They looked around the store, glancing at the display screens.

"Welcome. Do you need repairs or are you here to purchase something?"

Regardless of their appearance, if they were buying it normally, there was no reason to complain, so Linda began her usual customer service.

The man who seemed to be the boss ignored Linda and fixed his gaze on one point.

"Hey, that one!"

"That's the Kasawa R78! It's a rare find!"

The item they were talking about was the old military heat ray gun, the Kasawa R78, displayed in a case against the wall behind the counter.

While not particularly powerful for a heat ray gun, it was highly regarded for its accuracy, handling, anti-dirt performance, and ease of maintenance. It was also popular because it was the protagonist's favorite gun in a famous heist movie.

"Hey! Hand it over. Don't worry, I'll pay. I'm generous, you know!"

It was unclear why paying for a product was considered generous, but they seemed quite excited.

Were they gun enthusiasts?

Linda then said,

"I'm sorry, but that's not for sale. It's just on display. As you can see, it's clearly marked as 'Display Only.'"

Naturally, the man who seemed to be the boss raised his voice.

"What? I'm offering to buy it!"

"That's a display item, not for sale."

Linda tried to explain, but the man didn't listen, and one of his followers slammed the acrylic plate.

"Listen, do you know who we are?!"

While they probably wouldn't cause direct harm, it was clearly a dangerous situation, so I was about to intervene.

Suddenly, the door at the back opened, and Dad appeared.

"Sorry, sir.

That thing is completely broken and can't even be repaired.

It's just a shell on display. Look."

Dad opened the case containing the Kasawa R78 and began to disassemble it with tools.

The inside was in terrible condition.

It was rusted, cracked, and the barrel was slightly bent—clearly scrap.

"Got it? It's the kind of thing that would be in a museum. That's why it's marked 'Display Only.' If you still want it, I can sell it to you."

The noble, who seemed to be the boss, trembled with anger.

"Who would want such garbage! Let's go!"

He shouted and left the store.

The fact that he didn't scream, "How dare you try to sell me such a thing! I'll have you executed!" might indeed show that he was generous.

Linda sighed in relief and said to Dad,

"Hey, Dad. Can we stop displaying that thing?"

Dad, with a cool expression, replied,

"What are you talking about? It's strange for someone to want something clearly marked as 'Display Only.' Besides, if they really want it, they should want it even in this condition. I'll show it to them when they pay."

Dad then took out a well-maintained, shiny Kasawa R78.

"I'm worried it will cause trouble someday. I wish you'd stop it."

All I could do was sympathize with Linda's deep sigh.

After finishing the gun maintenance, I went to Animen and bought a few things. As the sun began to set, I was about to go home for dinner when a nearby air car honked.

Wondering what it was, I looked in the direction of the sound.

"Uzoss! What are you doing here?"

In the car was someone I thought I would never see again, someone from the clouds, the galaxy, the other side of the screen—Scoona Noswail, the ace pilot of the Planet Race team 'Crystal Weed.' She looked a bit surprised.

"Long time no see, Noswail. I'm just returning from an errand and shopping."

I was very surprised to see her but answered her question.

"Do you know there's a joint alumni meeting today?"

Her surprise made sense now.

"Yes. When I received the invitation, I wasn't sure if my work would be finished by today, so I declined. Besides, I don't have any friends I want to catch up with."

To me, it was a very normal reason.

It was the kind of excuse working adults often use, but it was also true.

Most importantly, suddenly showing up on the day of the event would cause trouble for the venue and organizers.

Noswail seemed to understand this and said,

"Right... I'll be going then."

"Sure. Have fun."

She smiled and drove off.

She would probably enjoy the reunion.

After all, she was a superstar in the Planet Race.

She wouldn't lack for topics or friends.

I needed to get home and read the new light novel I bought.

**Heroine Side: Scoona Noswail**

The venue for the joint alumni meeting was the grand hall of the 'Speras Hotel,' one of the top five hotels on this planet, Its.

Since it was for all 132nd-year students of Nour High School, the venue was already crowded with people.

"Ah! Miss Scoona is here!"

As soon as I entered, I was surrounded by women.

"Congratulations on your recent race victory!"

"Tell us about the pirate battle at the gate!"

"Is it true you're going to be in the Imperial Girls Collection?"

"Your suit looks great!"

"Ahaha..."

In that situation, all I could do was smile politely.

I've been tall since childhood, and my height increased even more in middle school. By the time I graduated, I was already about as tall as I am now.

I'm not particularly fond of girls, but for some reason, I've always been popular with them.

Even when I dress in a feminine way, it doesn't change.

After that incident, I was even more surrounded.

I've received serious confessions from girls.

I've also been confessed to by boys, but I don't really remember them.

Even after becoming a racer, it hasn't changed. About 80% of my fan club is female.

I'm not a man...

Look closely! I'm wearing a skirt!

We're the same gender!

While dealing with the women, a man approached me.

"Hello, Noswail. I've been following your achievements."

He was wearing an expensive suit and tie, with strawberry blonde hair, a natural trait.

"Um, I think... a classmate from third year..."

Of course, I know his name.

But I don't really want to say it.

I dislike this man that much.

But because of his good looks and wealth, he was quite popular even back then.

"I'm Arudih Ilebargas. That's harsh, not remembering me."

Ilebargas approached me with a smile and casually put his arm around my shoulder.

"I've been busy with races and training, so I try to forget unnecessary things."

I gently grabbed his arm and moved it away, putting some distance between us.

"Then, you should relax today. I'll keep you company."

As he said this, he leaned in closer.

I was about to slap him when a chorus of excited voices came from around us.

"Long time no see, Noswail."

The cause was not Ilebargas' actions but the presence of Rior Bannext, one of the three survivors who, like me, were forced to become mercenaries.

"Long time no see, Lieutenant."

Ignoring Ilebargas, who had leaned in, I walked over to Bannext.

I don't have a good impression of him either, but he's better than Ilebargas, who touches me and seeks a relationship.

"Let's not do this. We are, after all, classmates."

He smiled awkwardly and tried to close the distance to a more normal level.

I could see Ilebargas glaring at Bannext.

He probably thinks, "You're stealing my woman!"

To get out of this situation quickly, I searched for a friend.

I should have confirmed with a friend before checking in.

Please be here.

If not... it's the worst.

**Heroine Side: End**

I will receive my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

I'm not sure what will happen, so I will take a break from posting next week.

Depending on the situation, I may need to take a break, so I hope for your understanding.

Since I had few side effects last time, I think I'll be fine, but I'm preparing a will just in case.

I welcome your comments, feedback, and reports of typos.

The content of the will will be about disposing of dangerous items... (adult books, dangerous materials, etc.)

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**Note:** The original text includes a personal note from the author about their upcoming COVID-19 vaccine and a request for feedback. The translation maintains this personal touch.