A Mid-level (Middle-aged) Office Worker’s Laid-Back Industrial Revolution in Another World

"Well... what can I say? You're almost on the 6: 00 bell.

Takeo checks the clock.

"Master Takeo's... er, I know the time. Can't you make it?

Alice says intriguingly.

"I know how the clock works... but you can't make it into boulders.

Do you want to look for a clever craftsman to ask for it?

"Um... if you can understand Takeo-sama's idea, you can..."

And, the 6: 00 section bell rings.

"Was that... the clock? It's good to know when, isn't it?

Leila, your sister wanted it, too.

"So why don't we ask Mr. Leila and the others in King's Capital?

"Huh? Why?

"Because I think it's going to cost a lot.

"Will it take that long?

"I think it's going to take a lot to think about doing trial and error, right?

All we have to do is go buy what we can.

"I see."

"With that said, what is Mia doing?

I thought you were walking with me exactly?

"Mia is sleeping in my chest pocket.

Is it time to wake him up?

"Right, it's lunch.

Alice peeks into the inner pocket of the trench coat and grabs Mia up.

"Mia, it's lunch, shall we wake up?

"Ugh?... Master Alice?... Lord?... is it time for dinner?

Mia hangs around... she's grabbed, so even if she hangs around, Une is just moving... but she wakes up.

"Morning, Mia.

"Lord... good morning.

Mia waves her neck vertically as she is held back and greets her.

"Hmm? The soldier chief isn't surprised, is he?

"Yes, I was surprised enough while waiting for Master Kitamizato.

"I see."

Takeo and the soldier leader laugh bitterly.

"Me, Alice, Lady and Mia will be back at the mansion when we have lunch here.

"Yes, I understand.

I'm going back to the cloister.

"Thank you, soldier chief.

"Dear Kitamizato, Miss Alice, excuse me.

And the soldier leader leaves the store in gratitude.

The three Takeo men sat down and dropped off the soldier chief, then cheered up as they watched the lunch menu.

------------------------

"I completely forgot about the alcohol.

Takeo and the others were on their way to the green fruit shop.

"I told the soldier chief I was going back to the mansion, so it was good to make sure.

Alice says with a bitter smile.

"That's right. Mia, you can't eat today until you buy it, can you?

"Lord, I understand.

Mia nods as she rides Alice's shoulder.

"With that said, Mia, how did you get to the deepest apple yesterday?

"Dear Alice, I went to someone who smelled delicious... don't humans know?

"Is it not the same as the smell of cooking?

"No. Fresh fruit smells delicious.

Even sweeter fruits also smell sweet.

"You don't know that.

"Are humans dull?

"What do you think... what does Master Takeo think?

"Humans must be dull for what they say by Mia standards.

So I guess you can't tell between fresh ingredients and ingredients that aren't.

But... I think that's why you create delicious dishes even with non-fresh ingredients, right?

"" I see.

Alice and Mia nod.

"Didn't you cook at Mia's residence?

"I won't. I was spending some time eating fruit.

And then I was getting merchant goods.

"... is that right? Mia, you're not supposed to take it personally here, are you?

"I know, Lord.

"By the way, do you know anything fresh?

"I know everything about food... should be...

Food I don't know, I'm not sure... "

"Right... with apples, lemons, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, for example?

"I know I just said... probably.

"In the meantime, shall we try it later?

Alice and Mia snorted at Takeo's suggestion.

And when the three of us are talking, we arrive at the green fruit shop.

"Hello, Admiral.

"Oh! Alice, is it Lady Kitamizato and Mia? A stroll?"

"Hello, uncle.

"Hello -"

Say hello to your uncle who was at the store.

"What are you buying today?

"Apples, lemons and oranges today... 10 at a time, right?

Mia, Alice, lady, I need you to set the rules.

"Lord, I understand!

"Yes."

Mia and Alice begin to colour.

"... does it feel like you've got an awesome eye for it?

"Come on... I've only seen it once and...

Maybe just sweet fruit.

"I would also like Mia to help me with our purchase.

Then I'm going to get more fresh stuff.

"Right... if I get used to the city a little bit more, I'd like to make it possible for me to do it on a part-time basis.

But if you're attracted to it, you'll have to polish it all the time, too, won't you?

Can I rely on others?

"No, I don't know what the difference is between what Master Mia chose and what I chose.

I thought I'd study from there first.

I'm sure I'm going to make it easier when it comes to purchasing.

"... it might be good if studying comes first...

Please wait a little longer.

Because I won't let Mia motivate me any more.

"Oh, I expect Master Mia to be motivated about that.

My uncle at the green fruit shop laughs bitterly.

"Lord, I have chosen -.

"Dear Takeo, it's over.

Mia and Alice come back to Takeo.

"Yes, welcome back.

That was fast, wasn't it?

"It ended right away because Mia chose one after the other without getting lost.

"Good day, Mia. You did good.

"Yes, I did.

Mia answers with her chest stretched.

"Then, Admiral, give me your bill.

"Ten apples, lemons and oranges at a time.

That's 45 copper coins.

Takeo makes the payment.

"Admiral, I'll be back.

"Whoa, come back.

Takeo and the others returned to the mansion holding a paper bag containing fruit.