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

Scarlet Camellia and Camping (1)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, today is the day of the camp.

I finished my shopping, packed my big backpack with camping gear, and waited in front of the workplace. Then, a big dog, a handcart, and the three members of Scarlet Camelia showed up. The handcart was loaded with luggage.

“Hey, Ossan, good morning!! Nice weather, huh!” (Rosso)

“Yeah. Perfect weather for camping.” (Gentoku)

“Woof!” (Dog)

I just got a response from the big dog… what is this dog? Looks like an Akita, but it’s as big as a bear. Well, I’ve lived in another world for over a year now, and I’ve seen magical beasts, so I’m not that surprised by a big dog.

Then, Blanche spoke while petting the big dog.

“This one is Hikoroku, the luggage transport handler of Scarlet Camelia, an Autumn Paddy Dog.” (Blanche)

“Autumn… Paddy… Dog. Never heard of that breed…” (Gentoku)

“Woof!” (Hikoroku)

So big… more like a bear, or even a horse. That’s how big.

Their luggage was in the handcart. They also let me put my bag in.

Blanche explained to me.

“Usually, when we go out on adventures, it’s either a day trip or just a few days, so we take turns carrying a single bag. But when we’re challenging dungeons far away, we often need various supplies. At such times, we attach the handcart to this one and have him carry it for us.” (Blanche)

“Heh, I see now.” (Gentoku)

“Hikoroku, strong.” (Ao)

Ao said proudly. According to Blanche, “He’s been raised by Ao since she was a child”.

That day’s camp also doubled as a walk for Hikoroku. The destination was a lake the three often used to bathe or rest. It was said to be about half a day’s journey from the capital.

“Ossan, you ready to go? Did you buy food and stuff?” (Rosso)

“Yeah. Just for myself though… are you really okay with that?” (Gentoku)

“Yup. Everyone brings their own stuff. This is the adventurer’s basic rule!!” (Rosso)

“…Even though we’re off today.” (Ao)

“W-Well, that kind of thing is fine!!” (Rosso)

Rosso shouted in response to Ao’s comment. I approached Hikoroku and gently petted him.

“Nice to meet you.” (Gentoku)

“Woof.” (Hikoroku)

Kinda cute… Maybe I should get a dog too someday.

—

Leaving the royal capital, we walked for half a day along the well-maintained and clean highway.

I mean, maybe because they’re young, they walked for six hours straight without even flinching.

Then, six hours later… just before noon, we arrived at the lake. We’d been walking along the river the whole time, so I had a good idea, but the lake was really beautiful.

“Oooh…!!” (Gentoku)

“How is it? Pretty, right? It’s where we bathe after adventures or just camp out as-is. There are fish swimming around too.” (Rosso)

“Impressive… yeah, I like it.” (Gentoku)

“Alright, let’s get the camp set up!!” (Rosso)

Rosso pulled out a pop-up tent from her luggage and tossed it. In an instant, it became a tent. Ao and Blanche also took out chairs and tables. The chairs looked quite big and heavy. They seemed to be foldable at least.

Now then, me…

“Fuh fuh fuh, it’s time to unveil the tent I made just for today!!” (Gentoku)

What I brought out wasn’t a pop-up tent…  It was a one-touch tent!! The type that turns into a tent just by pulling a string!!

Man~… it was hard to make this. Without fiberglass, I used the bones of the usual Duralumin Snake. It was tough drilling holes into the bones and threading strings. Processing the joints was a pain too, and to get rid of the fishy smell, I mixed herbs with an Aqua Slime, covered it with Giga Frog leather, and sewed it all together.

Back in the day, I did tent repair work too. Knowledge like this really comes in handy.

“That’s a different kind of tent…” (Ao)

“This is a one-touch tent. Just pull the string and it turns into a tent.” (Gentoku)

“Heeh~” (Ao)

Ao stared at it curiously.

Fuh fuh fuh, I see you’re interested.

I put a sleeping bag inside the tent made from the fur of a magical beast called a Mega Sheep. Then, I set up the campfire base, folding chair, and table. I placed the magic lamp I made onto a lamp stand, added a cooker, a magic stove, and a water tank on the table

It’s done!!

“Alright, done.” (Gentoku)

“““Oooh~””” (Ao/Rosso/Blanche)

“…Why are you all staring at me like that?” (Gentoku)

The three girls were watching me with interest. Actually, Rosso had somehow already brought a bunch of firewood.

“Ossan, I brought firewood.” (Rosso)

“Oh, thanks.” (Gentoku)

Fresh wood creates a lot of smoke though… But I guess it’s too much trouble to carry dried firewood.

Then, my stomach growled.

“I’m hungry… time to eat.” (Gentoku)

“Yeah. What are we having for lunch?” (Rosso)

“Well, I bought sandwiches. I’ll cook at night.” (Gentoku)

“I see. I wanted to see you use that magic tool though.” (Rosso)

“Hahaha. I’ll at least boil water, okay? I want some coffee.” (Gentoku)

“…Coffee?” (Rosso)

“It’s an adult beverage.” (Gentoku)

I took out the sandwich from my bag, sat in the chair, and began preparing coffee. I filled the kettle in the cooker with water, set it on the magic stove to boil. I ground the beans with a coffee mill, set them in a mesh filter, and poured hot water. The aroma filled the air… but Rosso wrinkled her nose.

“Ugh, it stinks… adult beverages smell bad.” (Rosso)

“Well, this is made from the fruit of the Kofi plant, which is technically a medicine… But I like roasting it, grinding it, filtering it, and drinking it like this.” (Gentoku)

“Hmm. Weird.” (Rosso)

“Rosso, it’s lunch time~” (Blanche)

“Ah, coming~. Well then, Ossan, enjoy your slow camp~” (Rosso)

Rosso headed to where Ao and Blanche were preparing lunch.

Alright then… I’ll enjoy some solo camping.

—

I ate my sandwich, read a book I bought in this world, drank coffee, and smoked a cigarette.

“Fuu… haa…” (Gentoku)

This is too good. Reading, coffee, cigarettes… though the sunlight is a bit harsh.

“Guess I’ll set up a tarp.” (Gentoku)

For now, just a tarp should be enough.

I went for a second cup of coffee. Using my handmade portable ashtray, I tapped off the ash of the branded cigarette “Stardust”, sent regularly by the Alexandrite Trading Company.

As I yawned, Ao approached me.

“Ojii-san.” (Ao)

“Hm? Wait… that outfit…” (Gentoku)

Ao was in a swimsuit. A blue tank top bikini. She was pretty well-endowed too. She had a bamboo rod in her hand. With string attached, which meant…

“Fishing.” (Ao)

“Ah, yeah… let’s get started.” (Gentoku)

Fuh fuh fuh. My spinning reel… it’s time for field testing.

—

Together with swimsuit-clad Ao, I approached the lake. In the distance, I could see splashes of water. It looked like Rosso and Blanche were playing in swimsuits too.

“Need bait?” (Ao)

“Yeah, I’ll take some.” (Gentoku)

Ao opened a wooden box she was holding. It was filled with soil and worm-like bugs. She picked one up with her bare hands, skillfully hooked it, and flicked it out.

She’s good at this. Don’t tell me…

“Ao, could it be… you’re experienced at fishing?” (Gentoku)

“Whenever I come here, I always do it. Never seen a rod like yours though… I’m curious.” (Ao)

“Is that so, is that so! You like fishing!! Fuh fuh fuh, I like it too!” (Gentoku)

Today’s setup is simple, hook, line, bobber, and sinker.  No need to cast far, but just for fun.

I gave it a light toss.

“Oryah!” (Gentoku)

“Whoa… it flew. That round string thing is spinning like crazy.” (Ao)

“That’s a reel. The string is wound on this. When you turn the handle, it reels it back in.” (Gentoku)

“Ooooh… cool.” (Ao)

Ao’s eyes sparkled as she looked at my handmade rod.

Oh no… this makes me really happy.

“Ao, want one too? I can make one for you.” (Gentoku)

“Really?” (Ao)

“Yeah. You’re my first fishing buddy after all.” (Gentoku)

“Ojii-san… thank you!!” (Ao)

Ao smiled brightly.

I had this image of her being a cool, quiet ninja girl, but now she’s clinging like a cat.

Then, a few minutes after I cast my rod…

“Hm… oh, I got one!!” (Gentoku)

*Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!*

The line was being pulled hard. Maybe I loosened the drag too much.

I raised the rod and began reeling.

“Heavy… this one’s big!!” (Gentoku)

“Ojii-san, go for it… ah, I got one too.” (Ao)

Ao’s rod reacted too. But since she was fishing close, she just lifted the rod and caught it easily. I, on the other hand, was grappling with the fish.

Nice, this feeling, it’s fun!!

Eventually, the fish got close, tired out, and stopped resisting. I pulled it in.

“Alright… whoa, it’s huge!!” (Gentoku)

“Oooh~” (Ao)

What I caught was a red-colored fish like a sea bream. Maybe around 60 centimeters, surprised the line didn’t snap.

Ao’s eyes sparkled.

“Looks fun… that one’s nice.” (Ao)

What Ao caught was a mackerel-like fish around 30 centimeters. Apparently, all the fish in this lake were edible. I cut its gills to let the blood out, then put it in a bucket.

“Ao, want to try it yourself?” (Gentoku)

“Can I?” (Ao)

“Yeah. It’s fun, you know? I want you to experience it.” (Gentoku)

“Then, I will. Eheh… Ojii-san, you’re kind.” (Ao)

“Am I? Well then, bait the hook and cast. The trick to casting is…” (Gentoku)

Ao and I continued to enjoy fishing until sunset.

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)