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

Peridot Trading Company

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, I immediately headed inside the Peridot Trading Company with Yeran. I naturally offered my arm, and Yeran tilted her head.

“No, look around… It’s normal for men to lend their arms to women, you know.” (Gentoku)

“Haaah!? Y-You’re gonna walk arm-in-arm with me!?” (Yeran)

“I get that you don’t like it, but if I don’t do this, I’ll be called something like, ‘What’s with that guy? Can’t even offer his arm to a woman? What trash,’ or, ‘Ugh, that man is the worst~.’” (Gentoku)

“I-I don’t think they’d go that far… Ahh, fine, whatever.” (Yeran)

Yeran quietly linked her arm with mine. Just like that, matching her pace, we walked into the Peridot Trading Company. As soon as we entered, the place was as glamorous as the jewelry section of a famous department store. The scent of perfume was intense, and all the clerks were dressed in elegant dresses.

“Whoa… So, this is the Peridot Trading Company.” (Gentoku)

“At a glance, looks like they’ve got accessories, cosmetics, tea products, and magical tools.” (Yeran)

The store was about the size of a school gymnasium, maybe enough for two basketball courts. It was split evenly into four sections, cosmetics, magical tools, tea goods, and accessories. Each area seemed to have around four clerks in dresses watching over them. Naturally, all of them were women.

“This is pretty incredible… Alright, let’s check out the magical tools…” (Gentoku)

“Hold it. If we’re looking around, we start with the cosmetics. I think last year’s summer release was cosmetics.” (Yeran)

“Really?” (Gentoku)

“Yeah. We had a string of really sunny days, so they released a magical cream called sunscreen that you apply to your skin to protect against sunburn.” (Yeran)

“Huh, sunscreen, huh.” (Gentoku)

It’s a common thing in Japan, but apparently, it’s revolutionary in this world. If I’m not limited to magical tools, I’ve got all kinds of ideas.

As we browsed the cosmetics, a store clerk approached.

“Are you looking for something?” (Clerk)

“Ah, yeah… I’m looking for cosmetics that suit her skin.” (Gentoku)

“Ha!?” (Yeran)

(Idiot, play along.)

(Ugh… Gentoku, I’ll remember this.)

It’s not like we need to sneak around, but acting like spies is kind of fun.

The female clerk said “excuse me” and reached for Yeran’s face.

“You have beautiful skin, but… your hair’s a little damaged. Makeup is important, but let’s make your hair pretty too.” (Clerk)

“Ah, uh… okay.” (Yeran)

“Um, excuse me. In this world… or I mean, generally, what kind of basic cosmetics are available?” (Gentoku)

That was my question.

According to the clerk, people usually just washed their face with water, then applied a thin layer of white powder, fixed their eyebrows, and applied lipstick. It was simpler than I had thought.

There were apparently many types of white powder. Some were made from crushed seashells, others from plants. Around a hundred varieties existed, and people chose what matched their skin.

“So, in short, choosing the right powder is the key?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Applying powder that blends with the skin and makes it look fairer is the secret to beautiful skin. The ‘sunscreen cream’ released last year is a cream with white powder dissolved in magical water that blocks sunburn. It’s a bit expensive, but how about it?” (Clerk)

“Sounds good. Um, are you releasing anything new for this summer?” (Gentoku)

“Fufu. That’s a secret.” (Clerk)

So, there is something. Something beyond just sunscreen.

Listening further, it turned out the Peridot Trading Company sold over a hundred kinds of powder and lipstick.

I’m no expert, but… I thought makeup was more complicated. Like lotion and emulsion and such. Back when I worked on the air conditioning at a department store’s cosmetics section, there were things like eyeshadow and blush, and it all seemed more complex… Yeah, I don’t know much about cosmetics after all.

Anyway, time to change locations.

“Gentoku, what’s next?” (Yeran)

“Magical tools. I’m curious what kind of beauty-related magical tools they’ve got.” (Gentoku)

We headed to the magical tool section, and what we found there was… totally unexpected.

“W-What is this…?” (Gentoku)

What sat there looked like a death mask-type magical tool.

As Yeran stared at it, a clerk came by to explain.

“This is a ‘beauty mask’. When worn on the face and turned on, it vibrates gently to stimulate the skin and provide beauty effects. Would you like to try it, miss?” (Clerk)

“Huh? M-Me?” (Yeran)

“Please do.” (Gentoku)

“H-Hey Gentoku!!” (Yeran)

Yeran, your sacrifice will not be in vain.

Yeran puts on the death mask and turns it on… and the mask starts vibrating in fine motions.

“Ahya, ahyahya!! I-It tickles, ahya!!” (Yeran)

“Pfft…” (Gentoku)

Watching her wear the vibrating death mask… it’s just straight-up hilarious.

Once she took it off, Yeran glared at me while panting and stomped hard on my foot.

“OW!?” (Gentoku)

“…You laughed, didn’t you?” (Yeran)

“S-Sorry.” (Gentoku)

I apologized honestly. But it really was funny.

We saw all sorts of magical tools.

One was wrapping around the belly that vibrate to slim it down. Another was wrapping around your arms and legs to tone them through vibration. And then there was a magical tool with two bowl-like objects connected by tube-like extensions.

“What’s this?” (Gentoku)

“This is a bust-enhancement magical tool. You attach it to the chest, and the vibrations stimulate growth… Would you like to try it?” (Clerk)

“Uhh…” (Gentoku)

I glance… no, directly observe, Yeran’s chest… Yep, that’s a fine fruit right there.

“No, we’re good. She’s already got an impressive pair.” (Gentoku)

“…Once we’re outside, I’m killing you.” (Yeran)

Crap, I touched the dragon’s reverse scale… W-What do I do?

Anyway, we’ve checked out the magical tools. What’s left are the accessories and teas. That’s where the crowd is.

Then, a clerk spoke up.

“The accessories are designed by the Peridot Trading Company’s president, Barion-sama. They’re our top-selling products.” (Clerk)

“Barion-sama… wait, from the Jasper Marquis family?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. He’s the third son, so he won’t inherit the title, but… with the support of the Jasper Marquis family, he founded the Peridot Trading Company. Now, it’s the number one shop for women in the royal capital. Barion-sama also has unmatched talent as a designer, so much so that even the royal family commissions him for accessory designs.” (Clerk)

“Heh, I see…” (Gentoku)

“Fufu. And one of Barion-sama’s famous stories is about ‘True Love’. Are you familiar with it?” (Clerk)

“N-No…” (Gentoku)

“While attending the Magic Academy, Barion-sama was engaged to a famous count’s daughter. However, he fell in love with a girl from a baron family and discovered true love… He became the villain himself and broke off the engagement with the count’s daughter to be with the woman he loved. Ah, how romantic…” (Clerk)

No, he’s just a total piece of trash.

He unilaterally broke off the engagement with Sandrone, the count’s daughter, just to be with a girl he fell for at first sight. He says he made himself the villain, but in reality, Sandrone got painted as the bad guy and was even exiled from her family.

Well, I guess he used his noble power to cover it all up. It’s disgusting. I’ve had enough.

“Anyway, we’ll come again… Let’s go, Yeran.” (Gentoku)

“Y-Yeah.” (Yeran)

Now I’ve got a decent grasp of what the Peridot Trading Company sells. Beauty magical tools… Maybe I’ll make something fun out of this.

Just as we were about to leave the store–…

“““Kyaa!!””” (??)

“Ahaha, forgive me, could you make way? Your beauty stopped me in my tracks… Please allow me to walk with my eyes closed.” (??)

“““Barion-samaaa!!””” (??)

The one spouting that nonsense as he walked in was a handsome guy with slightly wavy blond hair.

So, this is Barion… He’s pretty tall and well-built.

Then, Barion looked at me and smiled warmly.

“Well, well… If it isn’t Sandrone’s personal magical tool technician. Haha, gathering enemy intel, are we?” (Barion)

“…Well, something like that.” (Gentoku)

H-He knows who I am!? Did he investigate me…? I’m acting calm, but I’m kind of freaking out here.

“Upon hearing of the competition, I thought you’d be here sniffing out hints for a new product.” (Barion)

“…” (Gentoku)

“Gentoku, you’re totally busted. And stop looking away like a sulking child.” (Yeran)

“S-Shut up. Well, whatever… It’s a good shop. But the new product I’m making is going to be even better.” (Gentoku)

“Oh? Now I’m curious.” (Barion)

“Well, wait for the competition. Hahaha!!” (Gentoku)

“What’s with that villain laugh… Hey, wait up, Gentoku!” (Yeran)

I laughed as I left the store… though I kind of feel like I ended up looking like the villain.

Anyway, Barion, huh… I definitely don’t want to lose to that guy.

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