"Holy shit, why is the weather getting cold again?" Trish shivered a little as she left the base. "Can't time just chill out and not move so fast?"
"Maybe it's because we work on so many things." Cecil replied. "So we feel time passing faster."
"I did nothing for quite a while, though…." The female warrior rubbed her chin. "By the way, Ashe has been sleeping a lot lately. Maybe that's a sign that we are already entering fall."
"You think she is a squirrel that should hibernate?" Lance chuckled.
They arrived at some kind of track with several turns. Tobias was already there, observing people working on a vehicle.
"This is amazing, Lance." Tobias said. "Did you design it? Ah, I shouldn't have asked like that. I should have known about this. Sorry, I had a lot to take care of, so I didn't look into this project."
"Credit goes to them." Lance signaled for the mechanics to continue working on the carriage-like vehicle without horses. "I just gave them some briefs."
The engineer chose to focus on building mechs, rather than making cars. Vehicles like this were important for transportation and distribution, but they didn't spark Lance's interest.
Mechs are much more complex. They are more agile than regular vehicles, also capable of climbing and fitting into narrow spaces. That's why mechs are the number one choice of war equipment in Lance's home world.
"You're going to talk about something, aren't you, Mr. Ardalle?" Lance asked the man with glasses. "Maybe we can discuss it while testing this bad boy. Come in."
Seeing Tobias raise an eyebrow, Lance chuckled. "I guarantee this thing will not explode. I said I didn't design this, doesn't mean I didn't supervise it."
Just as the mechanics finished their work, Lance, Tobias, Cecil, and Trish got on. As someone who had driven a car in his home world, Lance was the most suitable to carry out this test.
"Lets see." Lance pulled a lever, which caused a slight vibration and buzzing sound in the vehicle. When the engineer stepped on the gas pedal, the vehicle moved forward. "Okay, this is still within my expectations. They did pretty well."
Although there are still many things that can be improved, Lance feels good overall.
"This is so weird…." Trish held on to the open window. "This carriage can move without horses."
"You can do acrobatics with powered armor. Why are you surprised by something like this?" Cecil raised an eyebrow. "This thing also uses a mana stone, you know."
Lance increased the speed a little, and that triggered the two women to scream.
"So, what do you want to talk about, Mr. Ardalle?" Lance asked after the two women in the back seat had calmed down.
Tobias adjusted his glasses. "They have agreed to your proposal to invade Zashrend."
"Damn." Lance moved the steering wheel so that the magic car could turn. "I'm happy, but it's too soon. Eve can't go back to work yet. Without Eve, I'm not sure we can make maximum improvements. Her role is very crucial in this project."
"We have found a temporary replacement." Tobias sighed. "While her genius may not yet rival Eve's, I believe she can temporarily assist you."
Even though he was reluctant to have anyone else on his team, Lance had no other choice. "What's her name?"
"Jane Rufford."
It took a moment for Lance to respond. "You know that our relationship isn't very good, right?"
"That lady is the best choice. She was researching the distribution of magic through various materials, before you succeeded in doing so for those armors." Tobias explained. "Her knowledge regarding magic circles is also exceptional."
Lance could only hope that there were no complications. "How can we expect her to come?"
"She came with me."
"They want me to get to work right away, huh? This is very different from when they stopped the project." Lance sighed. "Well, after this, I will welcome her…"
Noticing that the women in the back seat were silent, Lance checked on them. They were covering their mouths with their hands, and their faces were pale.
As soon as Lance stopped the vehicle, they ran out.
"Maybe this happens because this vehicle is faster than a regular carriage." Tobias chuckled. "So the shock from the road feels more significant. The sensation is like riding a ship... Excuse me."
Tobias also covered his mouth with his hand and walked out.
It seemed like the people of this world were much better equipped to control mechs than cars. Those powered armors 'fuse' with the pilot's body, after all.
***
Lance finds Jane in Eve's room. The pink-haired woman was checking the documents there.
"I have received permission to be here." Jane spoke without looking at Lance. "I have to learn all this so I can work well right away."
"It's okay." Smiling, Lance leaned his back against the wall. "I just wanted to say welcome."
Jane stopped what she was doing, and finally, she looked at Lance. "Is that all? Why do I feel something different from your arrival?"
The engineer folded his arms across his chest. "I just want you to be a professional working here, Jane Rufford."
Jane closed her eyes. She clenched her hands into fists. However, what came out of his mouth was still his usual tone of voice. "My mission is still the same, Lance Ashbourne. I want to restore my family's name. I will still try to achieve that, even if you make it a little more difficult."
"As long as you follow the rules and do a good job, you'll be fine." Lance continued. "So, don't do anything stupid, please. That will only make all your efforts in vain."
Jane went back to dealing with the documents. "My older brother left a message for you. He said he wouldn't kill you yet because you are an important part of this country."
Lance's mouth formed a chuckle. "Good, then. I hope he's fine."
This time, Jane just glanced at Lance, saying nothing.
"Alright." Lance raised both hands. "I won't bother you anymore. Enjoy your work. Please join the main crew for dinner. I'm sure Trish's cooking will amaze you. Bye."
Without waiting for a response, Lance left the room.
After the engineer's footsteps disappeared, Jane took a deep breath. She then wiped her tears and whispered to herself. "You can do this, Jane. You are a Celeste. Your determination will never die."