“Lurdan Workshop has Enkalton’s highest order volume. To polish skills, only there — but the old man won’t hire me…… now bend your wrist.”
“Like this?”
“Mm, good. Don’t move.”
Contract agreed, I was being measured.
She measured arm size, thickness, and recorded numbers.
Not only that — she wanted every datum.
Right-arm weight. Finger lengths, joint positions. Fist-clenched shape — photographed from various angles.
The impact of my mana-imbued strike — how strong.
She showed interest even in my combat style.
While measuring, she pinned down use cases and rough material costs — sharp head.
“By the way, Yueli, one thing bugs me.”
“What?”
“Where will you work? Doesn’t seem there’s workspace here.”
“At Lurdan Workshop.”
”…… Wait. Your father wouldn’t hire you, I clearly heard…… mishear?”
“No, accurate. You can’t understand the old man. Use the equipment freely, but no hire. Since I came of age.”
Polish skills, but not employ.
The intent isn’t clear — agree.
The father’s words contradict.
“So I fight him daily. Hire me at the workshop~”
”…… That scale of fight, daily?”
“No, the physical expulsion was a first. Always verbal, today violent first time. ……All right, got all numbers, you can return.”
“Done for today?”
“Yes. …… Oh, right. If you have gimmick requests, tell me first. Before I draft.”
“Hidden katana. Rocket fist. Flamethrower.”
”…… Unknown concepts; teach me?”
“Sure. Oh — I have something to ask about feasibility too……”
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
“Usually here at home; visit anytime. Tell me your inn for contact too.”
After that, with lightened feet, I headed to our Enkalton base inn.
Calling it luck is premature — but I’d struck gold.
She’s a real find. Besides the two, the implements she showed were all well-crafted.
Her magic camera was much clearer than circulated ones.
She’ll surely become a renowned engineer.
That she’ll make my prosthetic is fortunate beyond words.
I should thank her father for kicking her out today.
With the prosthetic problem resolved fast, I can focus on Mashiro and the others.
With minor adjustments, the prosthetic completion phase lets me slow-time with each individually.
The destination — Father’s pre-arranged high-end inn.
“Whew…… right!”
Resolve set, I checked in, declined an escort, walked alone to the room.
I knocked.
Not since job interviews have I been this nervous over a knock.
“Ouga Veret. May I enter?”
”…………”
No reply.
Are the four out?
Can’t stand outside forever.
I inserted the key, unlocked it, opened the door, resolved.
What greeted me — four sitting properly with unusually serious faces.
I sensed: don’t joke. I lowered myself across from them.
Now’s the only moment.
Before silence settled into the air, I trembled my parched throat and spoke.
“Everyone, I——”
“Ouga…… would you go on dates with us starting tomorrow?”
“——Eh?”