New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (2/2 chapters)

 

 

Purification Operation

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, the carriage belonging to the Real Estate Guild brought us to what was nothing less than a splendid villa.

“Th-this is incredible…” (Gentoku)

It was enormous.

To begin with, the property was separated from the main road by tall hedges, ensuring that no one could see inside. The house itself was a two-storied rectangular building, and due to its position amidst rocky terrain, it even possessed a secluded private beach, shielded by the cliffs. Furthermore, the floor plans revealed a basement, including chambers well-suited for a wine cellar or even a workshop for crafting magical implements.

That was not all. The estate contained proper baths and showers, a wooden deck, and all the facilities befitting a luxurious retreat.

A mansion as though drawn straight from a picture… how could one not desire to live here?

“Hmm… I can sense it. A ghost-type magical beast is present here.” (Blanche)

“S-so, there really is one?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. And in considerable numbers.” (Blanche)

“Um, Blanche… I cannot help but notice, what is that you are carrying?” (Gentoku)

Upon her shoulder Blanche bore an enormous hammer.

“Fufufu. This is my personal weapon, forged of holy silver and orichalcum. Its name is Saint Sophia Judgment.” (Blanche)

A great silver hammer… Surely, she does not intend to swing that thing inside the villa?

Ao spoke up.

“Blanche is the strongest among us in terms of physical strength.” (Ao)

“I-is that so…” (Gentoku)

“She crushes stone with her bare hands and can break through thick iron plates with a flurry of punches. Thus far, there has not been a magical beast that survived being struck by her.” (Ao)

That was far too terrifying.

Blanche smiled sweetly yet cracked her fingers menacingly toward Ao and Rosso.

“You two must refrain from whispering untruths about me to Ojī-sama, if you please?” (Blanche)

“S-sorry…” (Ao/Rosso)

“Oji-sama, rest assured. I only strike when there is proper reason.” (Blanche)

“Y-yes…” (Gentoku)

“U-um… shall I perhaps proceed with the explanation?” (Christina)

Ah… right. I had nearly forgotten about Christina-san.

We gathered at the entrance of the villa to hear her account.

“Ahem. This is the villa in question. It is presently sealed. The reason… ghost-type magical beasts have infested it, and ordinary light-mages cannot contend with them. At present, the only measures are to affix wards around the estate, confining the creatures within…” (Christina)

Indeed, upon closer inspection I saw talisman-like seals affixed around the perimeter, along with a sign declaring No Entry.

“Even so, the ghost-type beasts grow stronger with time. Within a few months, I fear they may break the seals and emerge. The Adventurer Guild’s current countermeasures are–…” (Christina)

Before she could finish, Blanche swung her hammer. Arcane power gathered within it, and a colossal magic circle appeared above the villa.

“Extra Turn Undead!!” (Blanche)

From the circle descended a torrent of holy light, engulfing the villa and its grounds.

At once, countless black mists burst forth, fleeing as though from that radiance.

“GYAAAAA!!”
“Oooooooh!?”
“GYUUUUU!!”
“GUAAAAH!!”

Somehow, I could hear voices. What on earth was this?

“I-it sounds like death cries…” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. The screams of ghost-type magical beasts. Those black ones resemble the lesser kind known as Wraiths. Blanche, your thoughts?” (Ao)

“Hmm… roughly eighty percent have been annihilated. The remainder I shall strike directly. Please grant me three minutes.” (Blanche)

She hefted her hammer and strode inside the villa. I exchanged a glance with Christina-san.

“Um, in the middle of my explanation…” (Christina)

“N-no need to continue, I think.” (Gentoku)

From within the villa resounded shrieks even more piercing than before. Enormous black mists were flung forth only to evaporate instantly. Ao and Rosso merely watched in leisure. Presently Blanche emerged, clutching the eye socket of a massive translucent skull.

“This is the true source. An S-rank ghost-type magical beast, the Clear Skull.” (Blanche)

“I-is it safe to even touch that?” (Gentoku)

“Blanche can. But if you touch it, Ossan, you’ll be cursed.” (Ao)

“As if I would touch it!!” (Gentoku)

Christina-san turned pale and hid behind my back.

“P-please, do something quickly…” (Christina)

“Oh, forgive me. Then… farewell.” (Blanche)

Blanche tossed the skull high like a baseball and, with a mighty swing of her hammer, shattered it into countless fragments.

Was that… truly the end?

“Now then, I shall lay purification wards upon the villa, infused with my mana, so that no ghostly beast shall ever infest it again.” (Blanche)

“Blanche’s wards really work, you know~.” (Rosso)

“…Truly efficacious.” (Ao)

“…” (Gentoku)

And thus, almost anticlimactically, the ghostly infestation was vanquished. Soon thereafter, cleaners dispatched by Christina-san thoroughly scrubbed the villa, replaced furniture, and within half a day the keys to the estate rested in my hand.

“It feels almost like a dream, but… congratulations, Gentoku-sama. This villa is now yours.” (Christina)

“Thank you… I never imagined such a property could be acquired at so little cost.” (Gentoku)

“Here as well is a pamphlet. While unused, should you wish, the Real Estate Guild will maintain its cleaning and security for a monthly fee. Do not hesitate to contact us.” (Christina)

“Understood. I am grateful.” (Gentoku)

“Then, I shall take my leave. Please enjoy your holiday in Xanadu, Gentoku-sama.” (Christina)

With that, Christina-san departed.

Left behind were myself, and the three members of Scarlet Camellia.

I first bowed to Blanche.

“Blanche, thank you. It is thanks to you that this villa was obtained at such a bargain.” (Gentoku)

“Think nothing of it. I still owe you many debts, Oji-sama.” (Blanche)

“If ever you are troubled regarding magical tools, come to me without hesitation.” (Gentoku)

“Yes. At that time, I shall.” (Blanche)

“Muu… Blanche alone, that’s unfair.” (Rosso)

“…We are here as well.” (Ao)

“I know. I am grateful to all of Scarlet Camellia. Since this is an occasion, why not stay the night? There seem to be guest rooms prepared already. And the entertainment district is but a short walk away… dinner shall be on me.” (Gentoku)

“Yaaay!!” (Ao/Blanche/Rosso)

Now then, it is time at last to explore the villa properly.

We at once entered the villa.

“Ooh… magnificent indeed.” (Gentoku)

The entrance hall was spacious.

Beyond it stretched a broad living room, adorned with costly furniture. A system kitchen was installed, complete with an ice-maker, refrigerator, and a newly set magical stove. The water supply was freshly fitted with gleaming magic stones. On the wooden deck, beneath a stretched canopy, stood a round table and beach chairs. The azure sea spread before the eyes, and the private beach lay in full view.

“The second floor is amazing!! Hey, Ossan, we may use the guest rooms, yes!?” (Rosso)

“Of course, use them as you please.” (Gentoku)

“Ao! Blanche! There are private rooms! You must see them!” (Rosso)

Truly, children at heart.

The first floor also possessed a bath enclosed in glass, a spacious lavatory, and several empty chambers.

A fine villa indeed. Astonishing.

“These stairs… a spiral staircase. Quite stylish. Let me first see the basement…” (Gentoku)

Descending, I entered a vast underground space. To my surprise, there were windows. And peering through them, I beheld the sea itself.

This chamber is beneath the waters!

“In such a place, a workshop would be ideal. In truth, it almost feels as though this could serve as my very headquarters.” (Gentoku)

There was space for crafting, for storing materials, a small kitchen, and even a chamber for sleeping.

Marvelous indeed. Could this truly be my villa?

Next, I ascended to the second floor.

“Remarkable… astounding…” (Gentoku)

There were six private chambers of identical design, and in addition, one large room of twelve tatami mats in size. It held its own toilet, kitchen, and shower facilities, and even a balcony. Naturally, the most spacious chamber became my bedchamber.

“The magical lamps are brand new… all of this for one hundred sixty million Sedols. This is beyond a bargain.” (Gentoku)

“Oji-san, your room is so clean!” (Rosso)

“The scenery is delightful as well~.” (Blanche)

“Ossan, you made an excellent purchase.” (Ao)

“It is all thanks to you three. Truly, I am grateful.” (Gentoku)

I offered my thanks once more, and the three smiled brightly in response.

“Well then, let us go dine. Order whatever you please.” (Gentoku)

“Yay!! Then meat! And fish!!” (Rosso)

“…I shall also have meat. And fish.” (Ao)

“Ufufu. Today is Oji-sama’s villa commemoration party.” (Blanche)

Thus, I gained possession of a villa.

And with that, the long-awaited summer vacation began.

Fufufu… truly, I could scarcely contain my laughter.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)