Chapter 197

This speculation is utterly absurd.

Clearly, Weedy could also see Medic's confusion, and while waiting for the machine to be manufactured, Weedy slightly turned to look at Medic:

"This is actually our second time meeting..."

"Hmm, when we first met, you seemed to be in charge of building Rhodes Island's sterile medical zone."

"That was a huge project; it completely overhauled the Landship's block circulation system. It's one of my proudest creations..."

So, what does this have to do with the sudden emergence of new coats?

Seeing Medic tilt his head in confusion, Weedy sighed helplessly, then gave a slightly forlorn smile:

"This might be a little off-topic, but my feelings for you are similar to how you feel right now... inexplicable, yet strangely strong..."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I originally thought you were just an ordinary employee. Your privilege level went from level three to level five, and then inexplicably to level six."

"Just when I thought this was a workplace rule unique to land-dwellers, I was suddenly told that I actually bear important responsibilities, and then suddenly I was asked to prepare an engineering system for 'Non-Entropic Applications'..."

"Should I say I'm eager to try, or that I've inexplicably formed a cooperative relationship with someone I know absolutely nothing about...? But I must prepare everything needed for you to 'install' that Tactical Unit next, that's what Kal'tsit instructed me to do."

"So, this coat..."

"It's part of the preparation. After all, you've added new Firearms Arts, and it's my responsibility to adapt the equipment to the new Firearms Arts and debug the related Tactical Unit."

"I'm sorry, I may have started doing it without realizing it while I was talking to myself. It's a bad habit of mine from when I was in Iberia."

"In short, considering your current status and the equipment you're about to equip... the standard Rhodes Island uniform isn't enough for you to customize. My template might have a bit of an Iberian influence... until you have time to design and adjust your own outfit, just use my template for now. It's better than those ugly scar-like Velcro patches."

Watching the white-haired girl play with the ends of her long hair and secretly peek at his expression out of the corner of her eye... Medic's mood, which had been low because of the Laterano affair, improved considerably.

"So, Kal'tsit told you 'everything' about me?"

"It's all the requirements, not everything... After all, I'm just an engineer with level four clearance. Don't give me intelligence information that requires level six clearance... Although I've learned a lot about all sorts of messy things on land, like Demons, Inner Guards, and Dead Soul, Medic, please be careful with your words so I don't die on Rhodes Island."

"Let's take a look at your new jacket now... Unlike your previous intern uniform, the new jacket is a multi-purpose piece of gear."

"Kal'tsit mentioned your requirements, which include numerous concealed pockets and locking systems for securing holsters and weapons in predefined locations."

"Although the Rhodes Island senior operator uniform itself specifies the color code to be used, because of your status as a member of the church, I have increased the area of black with cross decorations, while the collar and cuffs retain Rhodes Island's signature sky blue color code..."

"Regarding the materials, considering Medic's role as a field operative and the necessity of frontal combat, I've included reinforced layers of bulletproof fabric. If you're going to work in cold or tropical regions, you can replace them with appropriate adaptive accessories..."

As Weedy began her long-winded explanation, Medic's expression grew increasingly strange as he watched the new uniform gradually take shape... Because the finished product's style clashed more and more with his own, Medic could only somewhat rudely interrupt Weedy's rambling:

"... But this uniform doesn't have sleeves?"

Faced with Medic's unexpected questioning, Weedy, now wearing only a sleeveless uniform, looked down at herself with a strange expression, then responded with the same bewildered look:

"Huh? That's how it is... Don't all members of Rhodes Island's high-ranking Medical Department wear sleeveless, off-the-shoulder outfits? If you really need sleeves to protect your elbows, just wear arm sleeves."

PS: Waaaaaaah!

Woof woof cat. jpg

P. S.: I noticed everyone might be getting a little impatient, so I sped up a bit...

As for Medic's new uniform... I'll find a suitable one and post it to everyone later... If not, just think of the La Pluma uniform as an alternate art version of Rhodes Island color scheme.

6th Patriot's Gun: 215 Nana's New Clothes

Aside from the initial somewhat abrupt physical contact that surprised the cat, Medic and Weedy's relationship warmed up rapidly overall.

Weedy's rationality as an engineer allows her to quickly grasp the key points when talking to Medic, while Aegir's girlish sensibility is like the gentle tides of his hometown.

Whether it's the "pleasing the hair" approach or the various customization features that prioritize Medic's needs, this is the first time Medic, as a frontline implementer, has enjoyed the equipment customization service from Rhodes Island's Engineering Department, although the final product still left Medic with many complaints.

Whether it's the sleeveless, off-the-shoulder design or the inexplicable openings running along the spine on both sides of the back, both were brushed aside by the other party's excuse that it was necessary for Tactical Unit equipment.

Despite being an outer garment, it's not primarily intended for when the wearer is dressed neatly... The similar suit collar is always turned up, and the zipper on the front, which opens diagonally, is mostly left open so that the inner pockets and various weapon strap attachments can be accessed quickly.

Rather than calling it his new Rhodes Island jacket uniform, it's more accurate to describe it as a tactical vest with bulletproof fabric and pre-installed positions for heavy-duty ballistic plates...

Of course, at Medic's insistence, Weedy at least made protective sleeves for the cat with a black background and Rhodes Island blue trim, and sewed Velcro for attaching armbands onto the chest of the stand-up collar vest.

Medic initially thought that the Tactical Unit's spell certification would follow immediately after changing clothes, but Weedy was operating the workshop printer, indicated that this 'change of clothes' was not such a simple matter.

"No, the first day is just about getting the outerwear sorted out. The inner layer can be whatever you like, but it must be backless, and the surface area can't be small; basically, the area from the vertebral protuberance down to the first lumbar vertebra should be exposed..."

Medic's familiarity with human anatomy allowed him to quickly visualize the structure of his undershirt in his mind, followed by a bewildering opening:

"Isn't that leaving your entire back exposed?"

"Yes, after all, according to the specifications sent by Minister Kal'tsit, we need to reserve enough surface area for heat dissipation in tropical operations... The armpits alone are definitely not enough, and the chest is a key area for protection, so we can't let you expose too much... So we can only expose the back."

"Furthermore, the control interface for the Tactical Unit needs to be routed from the back, and the neural interface for the auxiliary robotic arm also runs through the back... Don't worry about a lack of protection; once the new Tactical Unit is installed, your back will be within your attack range... Perhaps the protection under your armpits is more concerning than your back..."

Watching Weedy ramble on as she used the drawing function on her Terminal, sketching and writing, all Medic could say about that sleeveless, backless outfit—probably meant to be worn with work clothes and labeled as a 'shirt'—was:

"... Is that piece of equipment really that complicated?"

"Otherwise what? It's not that the use of individual Tactical Unit is particularly troublesome... After all, the Little Cat has the help of 'family,' plus the Bru Family's special Originium Arts, which makes wireless operation possible... Logically speaking, Medic, you should be able to do it too... But the problem Non-Entropic Applications."

"This isn't Originium Arts. I don't understand the system execution standards Kal'tsit provided, but I think following Kal'tsit's requirements exactly is the right thing to do... Or are you planning to do some customization in terms of hardware adaptation?"

Medic shook his head frantically at Weedy's question.

She's just a frontline worker, what does she know about technology... Customization? If that Non-Entropic Applications system can even run and achieve the intended effects Kal'tsit mentioned, Medic would be a miracle.

Speaking of his personal equipment, Medic looked at Weedy was holding his hand and taking precise measurements, and said:

"... If it's just for heat dissipation, I have a Liquid Fabric system..."

"Liquid Fabric? Is it the kind of Liquid Fabric I know?"

Nodding, the cat then tugged at her pantyhose, which appeared to have a very high Daniel Index.

As Medic adjusted its Liquid Fabric wrapping method again, the unassuming winter tights quickly transformed into bodysuits. As the thickness decreased, the black stockings gradually revealed the skin's natural color, while the insulation function gradually lost its effectiveness.

As the surface area of Liquid Fabric covering her body suddenly increased, it instantly became a huge radiator. Even though the workshop temperature was quite comfortable, the obvious coolness still made the cat shiver.

"This is... can I handle it?"

Nodding in agreement, Medic naturally agreed to Weedy's request to touch him, since he was designing for his existing equipment.

Just as Medic was preparing to separate some Liquid Fabric for Weedy as a sample, the white-haired Aegir girl in front of Medic suddenly squatted down and directly touched the cat's calf.

So this is what they meant by 'getting started'?

Just as Medic was wondering whether he should continue separating the samples, Weedy was no longer satisfied with touching them with her gloved right hand... As the warmth of Wendy's palm reached his calf, Medic felt too embarrassed to tell Weedy, who was muttering technical terms like 'spell conductivity,' 'light transmittance,' and 'insulation level,' that she had startled him a little.

Would a normal person start touching someone inappropriately on their second meeting?

No... the artisans who help customize equipment should be similar to personal doctors... there will inevitably be intimate contact, which Medic can understand, so Weedy should just be doing her job.

Okay, let's just say that's how it is.

While Medic suddenly began to wonder if the customs and culture of the Iberia coast were even more open than he had imagined inland... while Medic was so distracted, Weedy had already completed her analysis of Columbia's high-end technology.

"Impressive... This material reminds me somewhat of some records about the Iberia Golden Fleet... I didn't expect such interesting technology to exist on land. Hmm, I'll make a note of it... Is Medic using this Liquid Fabric as an undergarment?"

Without even looking, Wendy knew the cat was nodding. Weedy ran her fingers up Medic's calf to his thigh... because it would be impolite to go any higher. Weedy's excited expression, combined with the way she wiped her hands with a wet wipe, always gave Medic the illusion that he was being disliked.

"... How about it? If I wear this, I won't have to... have such a big opening in the back anymore?"

Hearing Medic's explanation, Weedy looked hesitant... Clearly, for a senior engineer accustomed to precise calculations, using general estimates to imagine whether the result could be achieved... seemed very unprofessional to Weedy.

After quickly calculating the tactile sensations she had previously experienced, Weedy rubbed her chin with the back of her hand and concluded:

"Emmmm... I guess you can finally wear those jackets and vests that you used to hang around on for so long properly..."

"So that vest wasn't originally designed to fit the back?! Okay..."

Seeing that Medic, despite accepting the fact that she would have to wear backless dresses from now on, still cared a great deal about the style of her clothes, Weedy thought for a moment, and while continuing to record data such as waist and arm circumference on the Terminal, she seemingly casually mentioned:

"Medic, surprisingly, you have a very traditional view on clothing styles... Although the Tactical Unit forced you to change your style, Medic, you have a good foundation, and with a little modification, you should look quite good."

Even if you say that...

"In short, why not ask a professional designer?"

As she spoke, Weedy sent Medic an internal business card from PRTS.

"... Orchid... Miss... Fashion Magazine Editor?"

"She's a fashion designer; she designed my uniform. I used to have to wear protective gear in the workshop, but now look, my protective suit looks great, and it's fine for everyday wear... Medic is probably worried that overly revealing clothing might cause people to misunderstand her profession. Perhaps she should ask a professional?"

"I need to prioritize adjusting the Tactical Unit. Once Medic has finalized the design of the uniform, I'll have it made for you."

Nodding, Medic looked at this new Rhodes Island employee who had entered through Rhodes Island medical entrance, someone he, as the head of the Human Resources Department, had never even heard of. He felt he really had to meet the person.

While he was upgrading his equipment, the time he was taking up was his work time... Medic could only convince himself that improving his own equipment was also part of his job.

After questioning Weedy and learning that his equipment upgrade involved adjustments and design, and would also require a surgery involving several medical operators, which he estimated would take more than two or three days to complete, Medic felt at ease and went back to see the operator Orchid.

Even if you can't escape the fate of wearing a backless dress, at least you should dress nicely, right? Five

But it was too late today. After saying goodbye to Weedy, Medic simply sent a meeting request to Orchid through PRTS as an appointment.

Let's talk about meeting again tomorrow. (Qi)

... b

Thus came the end of 1944, December 28th... a

As the morning time announcement was broadcast, in the public lounge area on the second deck of the Rhodes Island main ship, Medic, sitting on a bench and holding a milk tea, looked uncomfortably at the snickering Radiant Cat beside her with her heterochromatic eyes of emerald and blue. "Shh..."

"What's wrong? Why are you smiling so lewdly..." Ling

"Nothing much~ I just heard that someone is finally getting rid of this awful trainee uniform, and I'm really looking forward to it." (Fin)

Listening to Hoshina's clearly insincere words, and holding Rosemary, who had been given a break by Kal'tsit because of the approaching year-end and was now playing with her tail... Medic looked at Hoshina's smiling expression beside her and felt very uncomfortable.

"What's so great about deleting the umbrella... You're clearly just here for fun..."

"After all, it's a forced backless dress~ I'm really looking forward to seeing you in some sexier outfits, Medic."

"I think I only mentioned 'changing clothes' when I was eating yesterday... Where did you hear this information about the forced backless dress?"

When asked about Medic's questions, Huang simply smiled and looked away... but Medic, of course, couldn't possibly have any problems with its intelligence management.

Aside from Weedy, who has little interaction with Huang, the person who knows they are going to change into a backless dress and understands the significance of this outfit is most likely a member of the Medical Department who will be performing Non-Entropic Applications- related surgeries on them.

And Huang is more familiar with the medical department...

"Did Su Sulo tell you? No wonder she looked at me strangely when she was eating breakfast this morning."

"Well, I guess everyone's really looking forward to it... After all, Medic, you always cover yourself up so tightly."

When Huang teased her and tried to put her arm around her shoulder, Medic reached out and blocked her friend's embrace... This was punishment for Huang's teasing, Nana decided that Huang would not be allowed to have any physical contact with her for the rest of the day.

As for Su Sulo... she was on duty today, and we even had breakfast together earlier... it's just a shame she's not here right now, otherwise Medic would have complained a bit about his information being spread around everywhere.

"The attire should be formal; uniforms should minimize personal style... and I'm bothered if I'm too unconventional and easily recognizable."

"... You seem unaware that you yourself are already quite unconventional..."

As he complained, Huang shook off his hand that had been slapped away. Compared to the physical condition of his own guards, Medic's action was almost like a tickle.

"Speaking of which, we can customize our uniforms now... I have my final Senior Operator assessment at the end of the year, maybe we can even wear new clothes together for the New Year~"

Whether it was interest in the 'new clothes' or a reaction to the word 'together', the Little Cat that had been playing with Nana's tail suddenly raised its head as Huang tried to rub against Medic again:

"... New clothes?"

"Want some Rosemary too? For new clothes?"

Seeing Huang come over and touch its chin, the Little Cat instinctively moved closer to let Huang touch it more, while seemingly lost in thought:

"... I want it, but I don't have the money..."

"After all, you bought Medic a really expensive spell glove... are you regretting it?"

Shaking her head rapidly, little Feline, as light as a cloud, stood up from the stool, then rubbed her face against Medic's until she was satisfied before gracefully landing on the ground.

"I don't regret it... it's just that I might not be able to come to the public shopping street as often for a while."

"... Because you don't have money?"

"Because we don't have money."

Seeing the Little Cat fall silent at the same time, Medic was about to suggest giving the Little Cat some pocket money... but before he could say it, Cole suddenly appeared and interrupted him with a fierce look.

Not to mention Medic, even the Little Cat looked somewhat sullen when it saw its mother float out. Then, Rosemary, with her eyes darting around, didn't wait for Cole to say anything and directly raised her hand to salute Medic and Blaze:

"Well then... I'm going to find Amiya and go take my shift at the Central Core."