Chapter 183. [Scout From The Lab]

<<Iroha, thank you so much today! It was incredibly informative!>>

<<Thank you too. I found it interesting as well.>>

I was chatting with a female engineer while being driven in a car.

I was on my way back from a non-profit research institute.

<<But seriously, you’re amazing! How many languages can you speak in total?>>

<<Hmm, I’m not even sure. You might want to check that on Wikipedia.>>

The excited woman kept talking to me.

She was all high-energy, but I was already exhausted.

<<Hey, Iroha, you’re staying here for a while, right?>>

<<Yeah, for about six months.>>

<<How many more times are you likely to come?>>

<<Hmm…>>

During my time at the research institute, I was bombarded with questions.

They did release me before it got dark, but it seemed they were far from done with their inquiries.

Honestly, the people at the institute were really straightforward.

In a way, it meant that they saw me as an equal.

<<You’ll be starting school in September, right? But looking at how you’re answering, it’s hard to believe you’re about to become a high school student.>>

<<Well, hahaha.>>

As we had this exchange, I saw a gas station up ahead.

I’ve realized that Americans are too accustomed to long hours of driving.

<<Oh, I’m running low on gas, so I’ll stop here.>>

<<Sure.>>

This time, the institute I was called to was quite far away.

It took a two-hour drive one way.

In Japan, that’s practically a trip.

Well, American roads are straight and have few traffic lights, so in terms of distance, it’s even more.

I feel a bit guilty for making them come to pick me up.

<<Hey, Iroha. In America, high school is compulsory education, but it’s not the same in Japan, right? So, would you consider coming to us after you graduate from a school over there?>>

<<It’s a generous offer, but…>>

<<Of course, I know your main job is demanding. Besides, we can’t offer the kind of payment you’re used to. But, even more than that… it’s incredibly exciting!>>

While parking the car, the woman said this.

It certainly felt like an extension of a club activity.

Everyone was doing what they wanted, and they were having so much fun.

It seemed like a very comfortable place.

Moreover, everyone working there was top-notch, including former GoGol employees, and they chose to work here over higher-paying jobs.

There must be something appealing about this workplace.

But in my case, I felt like a rabbit thrown into a lion’s den!

<<No, it’s not about the money.>>

<<Oh, right! It was a pointless discussion for you, who’s earning more than my previous job!>>

<<It’s not just that. Actually, for this, including me, can we even receive payment? It’s a non-profit organization.>>

<<Haha! Non-profit doesn’t mean it’s all volunteer work. If we can’t receive money, we can’t continue our development, right?>>

<<I see. Non-profit, but still practical>>

<<Besides the minimum wage, it’s all invested in research. So, Iroha, about joining us.>>

She persisted even after I had refused multiple times.

That kind of persistence is very American.

<<Ah, I need to do some shopping!>>

<<Oh, already!>>

I hastily got out of the car, thinking, “I can’t let them talk me into this!”.

Ah, the feeling of freedom.

Why do Americans seem so unfazed by spending so much time in cars, anyway?

Anyway, I should be able to buy some time until I finish refueling.

I entered the convenience store attached to the gas station.

In America, this type of combined store is common.

It’s probably because of the strong car culture here.

<<Hello there! Oh?>>

I greeted her casually and went inside.

In America, going into a store without saying anything is considered suspicious.

However, I couldn’t spot any store employees.

This was the first time I encountered this situation.

Or is it common in America?

Are they busy with other tasks, or are they slacking off?

<<Hmm, well, they’ll probably come back eventually.>>

Despite the security cameras, this setup seemed like an invitation for shoplifting, and it was quite careless.

While thinking this, I browsed the store.

American convenience stores are quite different from those in Japan.

They’re not open 24/7, and their product lineup is distinct.

It’s faster to look for similarities than differences.

<<Oh, there’s “Yaho~o-cha.”>>

It’s one of the few unsweetened teas available in America.

I decided to grab one from the reach-in cooler.

There wasn’t much in the bento section, or maybe Japan’s bento culture is unique.

On the other hand, they had a wide selection of hot snacks.

Plus, they had several drink machines.

Pizza, donuts… and, of course, hot dogs.

Thick sausages were rolling around inside a machine, getting heated.

My stomach growled.

<<Come to think of it, I missed lunch.>>

I still had some time until dinner, so I’d eat in the car.

I placed the sausage in a bun and added toppings. Pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and cheese sauce – they were all self-serve.

Besides hot dogs, there were other options like nachos, but everything was so cheap.

<<In America, it’s really just junk food that’s oddly priced.>>

Next to the hot dogs, there were partially frozen slushy carbonated drinks.

Maybe I should give them a try when it gets a bit warmer.

While thinking about this, I headed to the cashier.

Wait a minute, there’s no cashier?

<<Excuse me?>>

I called out, but there was no response.

Oh no, what do I do now?

I’ve already made the hot dog, and I can’t just leave without paying.

I stood there, unsure of what to do, when I heard a voice from the entrance.

<<Hello!>>

I heard a voice coming from the doorway.