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

 

 

 

Return from the Camping Trip

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Thanks, you guys. It was a fun camping trip.” (Gentoku)

After returning from the camping trip, I was dropped off in front of my workplace.

The three girls, and the big Akita dog, Hikoroku. I truly owe them.

Rosso spoke with a smile.

“It was fun for us too!! Your cooking was great, old man!!” (Rosso)

“Yes, truly… Ojii-sama, please let me have your coffee next time.” (Blanche)

“Ojii-san, the fishing gear… don’t forget, okay?” (Ao)

“Yeah. I’ll make some camping gear for you girls. Come pick it up in a few days.” (Gentoku)

“Woof.” (Hikoroku)

“Hikoroku, see you again.” (Gentoku)

When I patted Hikoroku, he happily flapped his ears.

So cute.

After parting with the three girls, I headed into the office.

“You seem to have become quite the popular one.” (Sandrone)

“…Why are you here.” (Gentoku)

Inside the office, a somewhat displeased Sandrone was waiting. Richter looked at me with an expression that said “I’m sorry…”

I put down my bag, sat in front of Sandrone, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it with a match.

“Puhhaa… Man, it was a great camping trip. Listen to this. We caught this huge fish, turned it into fish broth and ate it. And then, we even discovered rice… kukuku. I’ve decided, rice is going to be my staple from now on.” (Gentoku)

“…I don’t get what you’re saying.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone also pulled out a cigarette. When Richter lit it with a match, she exhaled sweet smoke.

Cigarettes… if only there were some that were good for the body the more you smoked, like these in Japan.

“So, did you make the new product?” (Sandrone)

“I made a few tools for my own hobby.” (Gentoku)

I handed Richter a document summarizing improvement ideas for the pop-up tent.

Then, with a yawn, I said…

“Hey, how’s the ice maker coming along? I submitted an idea for a refrigerator too, right?” (Gentoku)

“Almost done. We’ll manage to launch it before summer. We even got a newspaper company to run a feature before the release. And the Alexandrite Company’s ‘Lease Plan’ idea too.” (Sandrone)

“Hooh, before summer, huh? It’s going to get hot, so people will want cold drinks at the taverns.” (Gentoku)

“Agreed. But… is it really okay?” (Sandrone)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

“I mean, the lease plan and the ice maker were your ideas. If I announce them, all the credit will go to me… Even though you’re the one who developed the magic tools and registered the magic inscriptions, in public, it’ll all be under my name…” (Sandrone)

“Pass.” (Gentoku)

I waved my hand and spoke as if it was troublesome… or rather, it really was troublesome.

“I pass on that kind of thing. Honestly, I’d be happy if you took all the credit. If you get famous, I’ll just be seen as your exclusive magic tool technician. That way, I won’t get offers from other companies, right? Besides, I figured you’d block that kind of stuff anyway.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Sandrone)

“In the end, I’m doing this to earn money and live freely. There’s a lot I want to do… like growing coffee beans, growing rice, maybe even a home garden in front of my mansion, building and riding a bike, and camping more. Oh, and opening a coffee specialty shop sounds nice too… if I have rice, I could make fried rice… maybe a fried rice specialty shop would be profitable. Hmm… doing all that alone might be tough? A secretary… don’t need one, but maybe I will?” (Gentoku)

“…You really are an interesting person.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone gave a soft chuckle.

“I understand now that you’re not bound by accomplishments. So, it’s fine if we continue paying you royalties and idea fees for the magic tools as usual?” (Sandrone)

“Yeah. Well, that alone adds up to quite a sum, and it’s more than enough for me to live peacefully… live a slow life.” (Gentoku)

In another world, the standard “slow life” usually means doing it out in the countryside, in some undeveloped territory… but in my case, it’s all about living in a comfortable, modern city, surrounded by convenient things.

Urban slow life. I plan to enjoy it to the fullest.

“I understand clearly. Then… can I request one thing?” (Sandrone)

“Hmm, what is it?” (Gentoku)

“A magic tool related to beauty.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone spoke with a tone that said she found it utterly revolting.

“Make me a beauty-related magic tool. With that, I’ll show that bastard Barion what’s what.” (Sandrone)

 

—

 

Now then, Sandrone left by carriage. The one left behind was Richter.

I guess I’m supposed to ask him about the details.

“So, what happened?” (Gentoku)

“…Well, yesterday Barion-sama came to see Ojou again. He said things like getting back together, or making her his second wife… She endured that much, but…” (Richter)

The Alexandrite Trading Company will be placed under the umbrella of the Peridot Trading Company.

“With that one line, Ojou snapped… She said things like ‘I won’t serve under an overthinking third-rate like you’ and ‘You don’t understand anything about beauty.’ Even Barion-sama lost his smile at that… and so, they decided to each release a new product for summer and compete through sales.” (Richter)

“…Seriously?” (Gentoku)

“And the loser will become subordinate to the winner…” (Richter)

“…You know, I hate to say it, but… Sandrone is kind of an idiot.” (Gentoku)

“…” (Richter)

Fighting on the opponent’s field, and if you lose, you become their subordinate? …Normally no one would agree to that. Ahh… maybe Sandrone is the type who acts purely on emotion. The way she gets mad…

Richter bowed deeply.

“Gentoku-san!! Please, I beg you. The theme is ‘For Summer,’ and we need a beauty-related magic tool that will blow everyone’s minds!! If this continues, Alexandrite Company will…” (Richter)

“Ugh, hmm…” (Gentoku)

That’s too sudden. Beauty-themed magic tools for summer, huh… What do you expect from an old guy like me when it comes to beauty? But… with you bowing like that…

“…Alright. I’ll think about it for now.” (Gentoku)

“Gentoku-san…!!” (Richter)

“First, Peridot Company, right? I’ll go check out what kind of beauty products they’re selling.” (Gentoku)

“Y-you’re going now?” (Richter)

“Yeah. And sorry, but can I borrow Yeran? If it’s a beauty-focused shop, the customers will mostly be women, right? If I go alone as an old guy, I’ll look suspicious. I want to go in pretending it’s a date.” (Gentoku)

“W-with Yeran-san? A date?” (Richter)

“That’s the setting. With her, there’s no chance of a romantic relationship. She doesn’t see me as a man anyway. So, I’m counting on you.” (Gentoku)

“U-understood.” (Richter)

“Alright, time to clean myself up. Gotta put on my going-out clothes, shower, shave… Oh, Richter, tell Sandrone this for me.” (Gentoku)

“Eh?” (Richter)

“Tell her she owes me one.” (Gentoku)

Now then, time to take a shower and get changed. Enemy observation… it’s kind of feels like I’m an adventurer.

 

—

 

We arrived at the famous Peridot Trading Company, located in the heart of the royal capital.

The exterior is mostly white, with a bit of a church-like atmosphere. The entrance is wide, and almost everyone going in and out is a woman… and they’re all nobles, huh. Some have male companions, probably lovers or husbands… hmm.

“…” (Yeran)

“Hey, Yeran. You okay?” (Gentoku)

“I-I’m fine, but… Gentoku, are you the type that transforms when you dress up?” (Yeran)

“I wouldn’t know. Anyway, you’re wearing a pretty amazing dress yourself.” (Gentoku)

“…Don’t look, you idiot.” (Yeran)

Yeran was wearing a dress with her shoulders completely exposed. It was probably something Richter prepared.

Since I’m taller than her, when I lower my gaze, I get a perfect view of the cleavage between her breasts. Quite the perk. But this isn’t the time to be having pervy thoughts.

“Yeran. Today, we’re entering as customers. I want to see what kind of magic tools Peridot Company has.” (Gentoku)

“Sure, but… Peridot Company doesn’t just focus on magic tools, you know? They’re also heavy on cosmetics. I don’t really know much about that stuff.” (Yeran)

“Me neither. Well, we can ask the shop staff.” (Gentoku)

Alright, it’s time for the Great Spy Operation!! …Well, we’re just entering as customers, so even if we get found out, it’s fine.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)