Window Shopping
It was a holiday morning.
I spotted Vera walking outside through my window.
Ah, Captain! Good morning!
Out for your usual morning walk?
Yeah. And you out for deliveries again, Vera?
Ehehe, nope! I'm actually off today.
Staying inside all day was a bit much... so I thought I'd go window shopping!
...
If you're out for a walk, Captain...
Mind if I join you?
...Hehe, sure! Let's go!
The plaza was full of unfamiliar cars lined up in rows.
Vera strolled between them, humming happily.
...Ehehe, was it that obvious?
I wouldn't say I know much. I just think they're kind of cool...
Hmm?
Hello there! See anything you like?
Oh, um! Just browsing!
It's not every day you see a young lady into cars!
Most folks think of cars as big industrial machines.
But more and more compact, stylish models for the ladies are hitting the market.
Want me to show you around?
Huh? I don't mind, I guess...
How about this Ladybug? It's cute, compact, and stylish.
Wow, it's so pretty and shiny!
Haha, right? It's perfect for light trips and getaways!
It has great fuel economy and low maintenance costs.
With everything included, the price comes to about... this much.
That's...
*Gasp* Captain! I could actually afford it with my savings!
Haha, lucky you! It's on sale right now!
Just sign here and she's all yours!
Vera, impulse buying is—
Hmm... but the center of gravity's too high. It won't corner very well.
Huh?
The pylons for securing cargo are installed too high. It throws off balance.
And the suspension system is really primitive... Even a small pothole could toss everything out.
And that's just on paved roads. On rough terrain, it'd be a disaster.
Sorry for wasting your time. I don't think this one suits what I need...
...
...
...Huh? Why the sudden silence...?
Haha! You actually know your stuff, huh?
Sorry for judging you based on appearances. That was rude of me.
From here on, I'll treat you seriously.
S-seriously?!
Whew, that took forever...
I can't believe you beat down a professional dealer with sheer knowledge...
Vera... you're kinda scary...
Beat down? Don't say that! People might get the wrong impression!
I just told him what I needed... and somehow it turned into a debate...
Why do you want a car anyway?
Mm...
Ahem! This isn't something I tell just anyone...
I actually want to become a hazard courier.
Hazard courier?
Yup! Couriers are split into two types—city and hazard.
Hazard couriers handle long-distance deliveries between cities and countries.
And Lavistar's... kind of dangerous, right?
With Voidborns, Raiders, monsters, and hog gangs...
But even with all that, connecting people across danger is such a meaningful job.
Isn't that way more dangerous than being a city courier?
Mhm. It's definitely tougher and riskier...
But I actually used to be a hazard courier!
Well, I wasn't actually one myself, just an assistant.
I'd sleep under the stars, play my ocarina around a campfire...
And I even got to drive the giant cruiser Land Fortress...
Ehehe, I guess I kinda miss those days!
Sounds like you've got some great memories.
I do! My mentor's retired now, though.
Someday... I want to go back to that life.
I've got experience as an assistant, so if I find the right car, registration should be easy!
If I save up every single penny for the next three years, I might just be able to afford a decent second-hand cruiser...
Vera, you're not going to survive three years without spending any money...
Why are human bodies so fragile...?
I gave Vera a pat and walked back with her.