The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 4

Chapter 4: The Rip-off Artist Makes a Mistake

“Thank you for riding the Trans-Continental Railroad. This train has now departed from Alanis Station and is proceeding without incident toward Im City Station. Arrival is scheduled in eight hours.”

As the somewhat robotic announcement played, I was in the shower, drowning in a terrible sense of self-loathing.

“D-Damn it…! That lecherous old geezer…! Next time I see him, I’ll pluck out every last hair on his head…!”

Muttering to myself, I turned the shower knob to increase the water pressure.

The Magitek Train, packed to the gills with magical artifacts from the central air conditioning to the plumbing, had an unlimited supply of shower water.

It was perfect for this kind of penitent water-lashing.

I should have been wary the moment I heard it was ‘liquor from the Chairman of the Toneriko Company.’

It was my fault for carelessly drinking it, and what happened afterward was also my fault.

And it’s also my fault for not teaching Al that such traps exist.

In other words, it was mostly my fault… but even so, I will not forgive that old man for doctoring the wine.

“Rody-san? Are you okay?”

“Yeah… no problem.”

Sensing Al’s presence on the other side of the glass door, I instinctively froze.

This was an exchange we’d had many times back home, but in this situation, it was beyond awkward.

But still.

To think she wasn’t a young lad, but a young lass…!

We’ve been together for five years, and I never noticed at all.

I just thought it was that androgynous look specific to half-elves! Her body hasn’t even changed that much since I first took her in—!

“Are you thinking something rude about me?”

“You’re still there?!”

“Your thoughts are leaking out of your mouth again!”

Apparently, they were leaking.

Of course they’re leaking, in this situation!

“Al, I am truly sorry about this. You can boil me or roast me, do whatever you like.”

“Which one would you prefer?”

“If I had to choose, I’d say boiling…”

“Guess I’ll have to buy a pot big enough to boil you, Rody-san…! …Hehe.”

As we had this exchange that I couldn’t tell was a joke or not, Al burst out laughing on the other side of the door.

That made me relax a little, too.

“I peeled an apple for you. Please come back soon.”

“…You forgive me?”

“I wasn’t angry in the first place, you know?”

“But still.”

“Pull yourself together already!”

Her sharp command made me stand at attention in the shower.

Al can be a little scary when she’s angry.

“As long as you’re a little gentler next time, it’s okay! I’ll leave a towel and a change of clothes here, so hurry up and come out!”

“Ah, yes.”

I gave a half-hearted reply and let out a long breath.

It seems I have no choice but to accept what’s happened.

Al, the other person involved, says so herself.

If that’s the case… I can’t stay hung up on it forever.

The Magitek Train has started moving… maybe I’ll explore the train a bit. With Al.

With that in mind, I turned off the shower and then recalled my disciple’s words.

“…Next time?”

◆

“Welcome. Are you here for a meal?”

“Yeah, we missed lunch.”

“This way, please.”

The serving golem guided us to a table with smooth movements.

Unlike the gatekeeper golem I saw outside, this one was humanoid, made of a translucent white marble-like material, and had a slightly feminine form.

“Wow… it’s really moving.”

“You said that in the room, too.”

“It’s amazing no matter how many times I see it. To think something this big can move faster than a horse.”

Well, that’s true.

Al’s honest expression made me laugh, but now that she mentioned it, the sight of this massive iron chunk gliding across the land is nothing short of wondrous.

“But still, to even have a restaurant car, that’s incredible, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, for passengers in third-class cabins and above, meals are included in the fare. You can eat whatever you like.”

As I spoke, I handed the menu to Al.

“Seriously?”

“Yep. Getting food and drink 24/7 while being safely transported to your destination is the best part of this Magitek Train.”

Ever since I was a child, I’d always wanted to ride it at least once.

I went to Alanis Station many times just to see the Magitek Train, and I even went inside the station when I saw my sister off.

But this is my first time actually riding it.

Despite a little trouble at the start, I’m filled with emotion.

“In that case, I’ll have this pancake set!”

“I want meat… I’ll have this.”

I raised my hand slightly, and the same serving golem that had guided us immediately came over.

Seeing it, I understood. I see.

Their only job is to serve customers, so they don’t grimace at our appearance or make snide remarks.

They are truly ideal workers for a closed environment like the Magitek Train.

“We are ready to take your order.”

“The pancakes and the roast beef, please. And two fruit juices.”

“Very well. Please wait a moment.”

After watching the serving golem bow and walk away, I turned to Al.

“Hey, Al.”

“What is it?”

“Why were you pretending to be a different gender?”

Al gave a small shrug at my question.

“I wasn’t pretending. I just kept quiet about it.”

“And you knew I was mistaken?”

“I noticed.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

Al shot me a sidelong glance as I barraged her with questions, then pouted.

“Because you never noticed, Rody-san, no matter how long it took.”

Al’s accusing tone made me choke on my words, and all I could do was hang my head and mutter, “Sorry.”