New chapter of Ordinary Person is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 39

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

It seemed everyone had finally noticed the “treasure chest”. Even though she blushed and gave me a reproachful look, Sofia-san still looked beautiful. But I didn’t have the courage to be the main culprit in getting blamed. At that point, it would be reckless bravado.

I’m prepared to be seen as an eccentric, but I absolutely refuse to become a pervert. Those guys don’t think about the trouble they cause others! Eccentrics seem fun, but they stop short of bothering others and stay in the gray areas of the law. Perverts are the kind of people who ignore the trouble they cause and would even tolerate criminal acts as long as they don’t get caught! That’s how it’s written in the dictionary inside my head. Otakus are eccentrics, politicians are perverts. Yeah, it’s just my bias.

Oh, the three of them are getting all excited and lively now. I’ve calmed down too, so I guess I’ll join in.

“Did Sofia’s big butt break it?” (Kouta)

“It’s within the realm of possibility.” (Mira)

“You two are awful!” (Sofia)

…Maybe I should hold off on joining in a bit longer.

“What do you think, Kouta?” (Emilia)

Why are you dragging me into this, Emilia!?

“Ah… well, Sofia-san looks light, so… I think it’s probably fine?” (Kouta)

“That’s right! I’m not that heavy, you know!” (Sofia)

“I see… so Sofia is a light-butted woman, huh? Even so, we won’t abandon you! Right, Emilia?” (Mira)

“Of course! Though I’d appreciate it if you left some good men for me too.” (Emilia)

“Geez! You two, really… geez!” (Sofia)

Is Sofia flailing her arms around in anger? Or are they just playing around, the three of them? Well, just don’t overdo it.

In the end, the two of them apologized to Sofia and made up.

It’s all part of the script, isn’t it? Isn’t there a saying? ‘Friendship is a beautiful thing’ or something like that.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” (Mira)

“No worries. Though I did regret not taking a snapshot and posting it online. It would’ve gone viral for sure.” (Kouta)

Oops, that was a slip of the tongue.

Mira gave me that dead-eyed stare again.

“‘A beautiful woman sitting on a treasure chest’… don’t you think that’d get attention?” (Kouta)

“Ah! That would definitely work!” (Mira)

“It’s not too late! Sofia, try looking upward a bit like this.” (Emilia)

“I will not! Jeez, Kouta-san, don’t go along with them!” (Sofia)

“Sorry, sorry.” (Kouta)

Aw, too bad. I actually kind of wanted that picture.

“It’s a wooden ‘treasure chest’… the one said to have the highest encounter rate. The chances of getting equipment from it are low, and its performance is said to be average. Even so, it still fetches several tens of thousands of yen. It’s also said the contents improve with each floor, so since we’re on the second floor, the expected value goes up too.” (Mira)

“““Oooh~!””” (Everyone)

Mira was being unusually talkative, probably because she was excited. She took this chance to explain thoroughly.

“Well, Kouta probably already knows this, though.” (Mira)

“No, not really. I only vaguely remember. It helps to get a detailed explanation. By the way, do you happen to know what the best treasure is?” (Kouta)

I asked, counting on Mira’s information network.

“Of course! The top treasure is said to be a potion.” (Mira)

“Eh? You mean that potion?” (Kouta)

“What’s up, Kouta? That’s common knowledge.” (Mira)

“You’re kidding, right!? That wasn’t just a joke? It’s real!?” (Kouta)

“It’s real.” (Mira)

This rumor often floated around online, but I had always thought it was just a joke. Incidentally, potions weren’t sold at the Guild either.

Looks like I still haven’t shaken off my game mindset. That’s the downside of being too used to games.

“Hmm. ‘Treasure chests’ don’t run away. I’ll take a moment to explain potions to everyone. So-called potions, while they can’t restore lost limbs, have the power to instantly heal almost any injury. Even surgical scars disappear completely with just a few drops. If you brought one to an accident site and used just a splash on an injured person, they’d be saved. With such a miraculous item, there’s no way countries or rich people would just leave them alone.” (Mira)

Whoa. When you put it like that… Potions might be even more valuable than weapons or armor. After all, the demand is there. Weapons and armor only need to be owned by soldiers or explorers. But potions? Anyone would want one if they could get it. That’s why the price would rise, turning them into high-value items.

“These days, potions are considered strategic goods in Japan. Try asking the Guild what their buying price is, you’ll be shocked. Kouta, be very careful about selling them through unofficial routes. There are plenty of people targeting explorers trying to make a quick buck.” (Mira)

“Alright, let’s open it.” (Mira)

Oh, is it my turn now? Has the time finally come for me to prove my manhood…? This is the legendary (lol) “Man’s Unlock”…

“Can you do it, Emilia?” (Mira)

“I’ll show you! I went through all those boring drills with my old man just for this moment!” (Emilia)

Eh? Drills? What’s that?

“Oh right, Kouta, you didn’t know? Emilia’s father is a soldier. He used to be a kickboxing trainer but switched to the military. A man with quite the unusual background. Thanks to the law revisions brought about by the dungeons, that career switch became possible.” (Mira)

Becoming a soldier had age restrictions, after all. They must’ve been desperate to recruit people. So many things are changing… I’ve gotta change too.

“…Okay, no more than five millimeters… OK… shine the light… the interior structure… hmm… mm! Not on this side.” (Emilia)

Emilia inserted a wedge-like tool into the gap in the lid and visually checked the faint opening in the treasure chest.

Can she really see anything through that…?

“The keyhole… let’s see… projectile mechanism… found it! Launching! Everyone, get away from the chest… three, two, one, go!” (Emilia)

I didn’t recognize the sound, but I did remember hearing something like it before… a projectile was launched, and this time, I saw it. Probably a rod-like object.

I can’t believe Emilia learned trap disarming… She’s amazing.

“The rest is… the spray-type that activates when opened. But, no, I didn’t see anything connecting the top and bottom… so I think that’s it! Now, who’s going to open it?” (Emilia)

“Hmm. Kouta, what do you think?” (Mira)

Eh? Me? Sofia-san, who discovered it with her butt? No… there’s Emilia, looking super proud after all that effort. What am I even saying…?

“Emilia worked hard, so I think she should do it this time. Next time, someone else can take a turn.” (Kouta)

“Alright! Emilia, you’ve got Kouta’s blessing! Open it up!” (Mira)

“Do your best, Emilia!” (Sofia)

“Alright! Let’s do this!!” (Emilia)

With Sofia’s mysterious cheer backing her up, Emilia opened the treasure chest, full of enthusiasm. I also silently cheered her on in my heart.

Do your best, Emilia!

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)