New chapter of Single Old Man is out (1/1 chapter)

 

 

Thanks for the Tent

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Ossaaaan!! You heeere?” (Rosso)

A few days after Richter’s visit, while I was writing at the office, the guest door burst open, and Rosso came flying in. Startled by the sudden entrance, she slammed both hands on my desk.

“The tent was super awesome!! Easy to carry, sturdy too. I can’t use a regular cloth tent anymore~!!” (Rosso)

“W-whoa, calm down, calm down.” (Gentoku)

Rosso. Since she was wearing bikini armor, when she leaned forward, her cleavage was totally visible.

I mean… why bikini armor anyway? She’s got a sword at her hip, so I guess she’s a swordswoman.

Then, Blanche grabbed Rosso by the scruff of her neck and pulled her back.

“Gweh.” (Rosso)

“Come on, settle down. Ojii-sama, please forgive her behavior.” (Blanche)

“No no, you came to report about the popup tent, right? Well then, have a seat.” (Gentoku)

Looking over at the sofa, Ao was already sitting there.

This ninja girl, she’s really good at hiding her presence.

After seating all three of them, I pulled fruit water from the fridge, took out ice blocks from the ice maker, and poured the drink into glasses. Then, I arranged some cookies I bought in town onto a plate and served them.

“Here you go.” (Gentoku)

“Wha, ice!? Even though it’s super expensive right now, are you sure!?” (Rosso)

“Wait… you took it out from that box? Storing ice in a refrigerator? Wouldn’t it melt right away…?” (Blanche)

“Cookies tasty. Munch munch.” (Ao)

“Don’t worry, I can make as much ice as I want. This is a magical tool called an ice maker. The fridge too, it’s a new model I made. Eventually, it’ll be sold through Alexandrite Company…” (Gentoku)

Wait, was I not supposed to say that… Stuff like product info is supposed to be revealed grandly by Sandrone on the proper day and timing or whatever. W-well, it’s fine. No need to sweat the small stuff!!

“Don’t worry about it.” (Gentoku)

“Cold!! Mmm~ delicious!!” (Rosso)

“Ahh… with summer approaching, cold drinks are indeed delightful.” (Blanche)

“Refill.” (Ao)

Ao’s on fire today… Drink as much fruit water as you like.

I refilled the drinks and got right to the point.

“So, how was the tent?” (Gentoku)

“It was the best!! When we set it up outside, it started raining, but the water just slid right off!!” (Rosso)

“The material from the Duralumin Snake’s bones is also marvelous. Light and sturdy, plus flexible, which made folding it very easy.” (Blanche)

“Hmmm… Anything you didn’t like?” (Gentoku)

“The smell.” (Ao)

Ao said, with a slightly displeased expression.

“It smells a bit fishy… Just a little, though.” (Ao)

“Really? I didn’t notice at all.” (Rosso)

“…Actually, I was thinking of pointing that out too.” (Blanche)

Blanche also spoke, looking slightly apologetic.

I see, the smell huh.

“It’s made from Wild Frog skin, after all. Dried and rehydrated using Aqua Slime, so it can’t be helped. To eliminate the fishy smell… maybe I can mix herbs into the Aqua Slime as a deodorizer. Still, if I want water resistance and durability, I really want to keep using Wild Frog skin…” (Gentoku)

While jotting down a note for adjustments, I noticed Ao glancing around the office.

“Hm, what is it?” (Gentoku)

“There’s more magic tools now.” (Ao)

“Ahh, I came up with some new stuff. Hey… do you guys know what ‘camping’ is?” (Gentoku)

“““…???””” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

All three of them tilted their heads in sync.

Ah, I guess the word ‘camping’ doesn’t even exist in this world. The gear on the side table is what I made as ‘camping gear’.

Rosso stood up and started staring at them.

“So, what’s this?” (Rosso)

“Wait, let me start by explaining what camping is.” (Gentoku)

 

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Camping. An outdoor activity to enjoy nature and escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Gazing at the blue sky, smelling the scent of greenery, enjoying the babbling of a stream. Then, grilling meat outdoors and drinking alcohol.

What do you do? Read books you’re usually too busy for, go fishing at leisure… It’s a sacred act of giving your body ‘healing’.

“Sounds like our normal life.” (Rosso)

“…” (Ao/Blanche)

Oof, no sugarcoating it, huh. Well, they’re adventurers after all… Outdoor activity is just their daily routine.

“We’re kinda the opposite. We usually fight monsters and camp out in the wild, so when we’re off-duty we play hard in town. Eat good food, buy pretty clothes to feel better.” (Rosso)

“That’s fine too. On my days off, I just want that kind of ‘healing’.” (Gentoku)

Back when I was in Japan, I used to load up a bike and go on touring trips and camp.

A bike… One of the magical tools I’d love to make someday.

“So, what’s this?” (Ao)

Ao picked up a cooker.

It looks like a cylinder, but when you separate it…

“This is a cooker. When taken apart, it’s a set of a pot, frying pan, and kettle. A portable cooking set.” (Gentoku)

“““…””” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

“And this is a folding chair. Made using Duralumin Snake bones. Fold it like this… See, it slips right into this bag.” (Gentoku)

“““…””” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

“And this is a folding table. This one’s a fire pit. This is a portable magical stove. And here’s a canteen…” (Gentoku)

“““…””” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

The three of them listened intently.

Heh, I’ve got more up my sleeve. Now this… This is my proudest invention.

“This is a telescoping fishing rod with a spinning reel!! Man, that was tough. I understood the structure, but actually making it was hard… The line’s not cotton thread either. I used slime to recreate nylon line. I wanted to go sea fishing, but it’ll probably be river fishing, so I prepared trout lines and stuff too. Hooks of various sizes are in this small case here.” (Gentoku)

A collapsible rod made of Duralumin Snake bone. That stuff is amazing… It bends like a real rod. Then, I added guides, and the reel. The spinning reel I made myself… I’m really proud of it.

“Ossan… I want this.” (Rosso)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

“This gear would be super useful in our adventures!! I want it I want it I want it!!” (Rosso)

“W-wait. I made this as a hobby, I’m not planning to sell it or anything.” (Gentoku)

“Ehh~? Come on, just make it for us~” (Rosso)

“I mean, you haven’t even used it yet…” (Gentoku)

Then, Blanche clapped her hands.

“Well then, Ojii-sama. If it’s alright with you… would you like to go ‘camping’ with us?” (Blanche)

“Eh?” (Gentoku)

“You want to enjoy the great outdoors, yes? Fufu, I know a beautiful riverside area with minimal danger. And if we act as your escorts, you’ll be able to have a safe and secure ‘camping’ experience.” (Blanche)

“…” (Gentoku)

That… is extremely tempting. Camping… Ever since I learned that this world has monsters, I’d kind of given up on the idea. After all, it’s a world where the word ‘camping’ doesn’t even exist. Probably nobody thinks about enjoying the great outdoors like I do.

“As thanks… how about making one set of those tools for each of us as your reward?” (Blanche)

“Oho, that might not be a bad deal…” (Gentoku)

“I want to see how to use those tools too.” (Ao)

Ao chimed in.

Camping gear… Is it really that rare? Well, I suppose to adventurers whose lives revolve around outdoor activity, this stuff would be a godsend.

“Alright. Then, I’ll take you up on that. Oh, I can go fishing too, right?” (Gentoku)

“Of course.” (Blanche)

“There’s a river and lake where you can catch tons.” (Rosso)

“Alright. Deal’s done.” (Gentoku)

“Yay!! Okay, Blanche, Ao, let’s go back to base and prep for ‘camping’!!” (Rosso)

Rosso practically blasted through the door as she rushed out. Blanche gave a polite bow, and Ao packed up the remaining cookies and took them all.

Then, as if replacing them, Richter showed up.

“I just passed a girl running like a storm. Don’t tell me…” (Richter)

“Yeah, that was a guest. We talked about the tent, remember?” (Gentoku)

“My goodness. That red-haired girl, she’s one of the ‘Seven Rainbow Adventurers Arc-en-Ciel,’ ‘Red Rosso’ herself. I didn’t know you were acquainted with one of the kingdom’s top adventurers…” (Richter)

“Red Rosso? What’s that supposed to mean?” (Gentoku)

“…They’re the seven strongest adventurers standing at the top.” (Richter)

And so, I ended up going camping with Scarlet Camellia.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)