New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

A Villa Obtained!

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Oda Gentoku had at last obtained a villa!!

A grand mansion, the like of which he could never have possessed had he remained in Japan on Earth. In Japan, such a property would cost not merely hundreds of millions, but far more. True, it had been what one might call a “stigmatized property,” yet thanks to Blanche’s purification, the ghost-type magical beasts had been banished. With wards affixed even behind the framed paintings, there was no longer any cause for concern.

Thus began the long-desired resort vacation!

…Or so I thought.

“Hm… the base material shall be the bones of an Air Condor, sealed from without. Yes, for the lighter exterior, the processed hide of an Aqua Lizard shall suffice.” (Gentoku)

At present, I was in the stifling heat of the underground chamber, laboring over magical tool development. The room contained an abundance of materials including processed components, raw items yet to be refined, and piles of magic stones.

Several days had passed since I acquired the villa, and I had spent them crafting magical implements for leisure, along with furnishings essential for daily life.

 

—

 

At first, I made a simple air conditioner, for the heat was intolerable.

From the Commercial Guild I purchased vast quantities of likely materials, paying extra to have them delivered in bulk to my storage. I also acquired many magic stones and installed an air conditioner in every room. Alongside these, I fashioned fans, and upon observing the rotation of their blades, was inspired to create ceiling fans. Then, in a burst of enthusiasm, I even crafted tools intended purely for seaside activities.

“Phew… ah, splendid magical tools in abundance… no, wait!! Why am I here, drenched in sweat, making magical tools in such a sweltering chamber!?” (Gentoku)

My shout echoed through the submarine workshop. Though the chamber had windows, they could not be opened, and the heat accumulated. True, there was a vent in the ceiling, but it offered scant relief.

Clad in nothing but a shirt and shorts, I ascended from the basement to the first floor whereupon…

“Ossan!! Let’s go play on the beach!!” (Rosso)

It was Rosso’s voice.

At the entrance I found Rosso, Ao, Blanche, and Snow-san with Yuki-chan in her arms. Rosso frowned upon seeing my exhausted expression.

“Why the tired face~?” (Rosso)

“…I forgot I was on vacation and ended up making magical tools.” (Gentoku)

“That makes no sense… hey, then let’s just play together!! On the private beach!!” (Rosso)

“…Indeed. Let us play!!” (Gentoku)

Yes, I must change my mindset. A private beach lay before us… it would be wasteful not to enjoy it!

As I turned to Snow-san and Yuki-chan, Blanche explained.

“In truth, we have decided to employ these two formally under Scarlet Camellia.” (Blanche)

“Eh? Employ…? What of the street stall?” (Gentoku)

Tilting my head, I saw Snow-san bow in apology.

“My deepest apologies. In truth…” (Snow)

As she related, the sweet potato pastries I had devised had become immensely popular, drawing great crowds. Unable to cope alone, Snow-san had received help from Rosso and the others who happened to pass by.

She had been working with little rest, her complexion poor, and was in danger of collapse. Thus, at Ao’s suggestion, the rights to the sweet potato pastries were sold to the Commercial Guild for considerable profit. Thereafter, mother and child journeyed to the Edelstein Kingdom to live and work within the guild base of Scarlet Camellia.

Blanche continued…

“Accordingly, Snow-san and Yuki-chan shall remain in the Edelstein Kingdom, assisting with the cleaning of our headquarters.” (Blanche)

“I see, so that is the case.” (Gentoku)

“I must apologize… Gentoku-san, the oven-toaster you gifted me… representatives of the Commercial Guild earnestly wished to purchase it.” (Snow)

“Oh, that is quite fine. It was but a prototype.” (Gentoku)

“Nya~.” (Yuki)

“Hahaha. It has been some time, Yuki-chan.” (Gentoku)

I stroked Yuki-chan, who twitched her cat ears contentedly.

Standing in the entranceway seemed improper, so we entered the villa.

“Ossan, I’ll borrow a room to change!! Also, it’s noon already. Shall we eat outside?” (Rosso)

“Wait. Since we have the chance, let us barbecue on the beach. I made a barbecue stove, and we have ample ingredients.” (Gentoku)

“Oh my, that sounds delightful.” (Blanche)

“…Yay.” (Ao)

“Gentoku-san, we shall be in your care.” (Snow)

“Nyaa~.” (Yuki)

And thus began, in a sense, the development of a harem of one man and five women.

 

—

 

While the women changed, I carried the barbecue stove down to the shore.

Who would have thought the stove I made half in jest, “perhaps it will be needed on vacation”, would prove useful?

There was a small shed, containing chairs, tables, and a canopy by the shore. Strangely, I realized there were no parasols in this world… perhaps I would craft some later.

“Oji-sama~ I have brought the refrigerator~.” (Blanche)

“Oh, my thanks…” (Gentoku)

Blanche stepped out onto the sand, carrying the entire food-filled refrigerator with ease.

She wore a white one-piece… or rather, a swimsuit. Astonishing. Her figure was far beyond what one would expect of a seventeen-year-old. Noticing my gaze, Blanche covered her chest shyly.

“Oh dear, how embarrassing.” (Blanche)

“S-sorry. Hahaha… too stimulating for an Ossan like me.” (Gentoku)

“Fufu, was that meant as praise?” (Blanche)

Teasing me, Blanche stepped closer. For my part, I was dressed in tank top, shorts, beach sandals, and a straw hat like some rustic summer lad.

“Ossan!!” (Rosso)

“Oji-san.” (Ao)

“Hm, oh. You two as well in swimsuits…” (Gentoku)

Rosso wore a red bikini. Ample indeed. Ao wore a blue suit akin to a competitive swimmer’s, modest in size. Rosso deliberately thrust out her chest.

“Ossan, how do I look? Sexy?” (Rosso)

“Yes, quite nice indeed. Mhm, most alluring.” (Gentoku)

“Muu… you’re treating me like a child, aren’t you? Hey, Ao?” (Rosso)

“…So embarrassing.” (Ao)

Ao sought to hide her figure… which somehow only made her seem more enticing. Of course, I would not think that way about these children, and yet…

“My apologies for the delay. Allow me to assist.” (Snow)

“Ah, yes… thank you.” (Gentoku)

Ah. A widow… somewhat dangerous.

Snow-san, aged twenty-six, a cat beastwoman, with flowing white hair and a refined figure clad in a pareo over her swimsuit. Among all present, hers was the most voluptuous. She made me think of ripe watermelons.

“Nya~u.” (Yuki)

“Ah, Yuki-chan. Hahaha, how cute you are in that swimsuit.” (Gentoku)

“Nya~.” (Yuki)

Clinging to my leg, Yuki-chan begged to be held.

Adorable indeed.

Snow-san, seeing her daughter clinging to me, smiled warmly.

“Come, Yuki! Blanche, let us swim!” (Rosso)

“Yes, it has been long indeed.” (Blanche)

“When it comes to water, I shall not lose…” (Ao)

The three dashed toward the waves. Children still, after all. I sank into a beach chair and lit a cigarette.

“Snow-san, please take Yuki-chan to swim as well. I shall remain here.” (Gentoku)

“Are… are you certain?” (Snow)

“Of course. You have not had much time to play with her, have you? Please enjoy today together.” (Gentoku)

“…Thank you. Come, Yuki, let us play.” (Snow)

“Nyaa~!!” (Yuki)

Snow-san and Yuki-chan began playing upon the sand.

“Phew…” (Gentoku)

Peaceful. Everyone seemed so happy. I exhaled smoke, listening to the waves… and remembered.

“Ah, yes. I had crafted magical tools for seaside activities… I shall fetch them.” (Gentoku)

I returned to the villa to retrieve them.

 

—

 

When I came back, Blanche sat in a beach chair, sipping fruit water. With her straw hat and languid pose, she resembled a noble lady by the seaside window.

“Oh my, Oji-sama. Hm… what is that you carry?” (Blanche)

“Fufufu. A magical tool for enjoying the sea.” (Gentoku)

“…I see.” (Blanche)

Naturally, it would not be understood at a glance. I walked to the water’s edge, patting Yuki-chan as she adorned her sandcastle with seashells, and then joined Ao and Rosso, who had been diving.

“Ossan, you’ll swim too? Wait… what’s that?” (Rosso)

“…A tube?” (Ao)

“No, no. Just watch.” (Gentoku)

What I held was a cylinder with handles. To be precise, it was a magical tool, a submersible scooter. Its form resembled binoculars, with grips and a propeller fixed to the tube. By channeling mana into the grip, the screw would rotate. With snorkel affixed, I held the scooter as one might a kickboard, floated upon the water, and switched it on.

“Wha–…!?” (Gentoku)

A mistake. I had infused too much mana, and it surged forth at a speed akin to a jet ski. Restraining my output, I stabilized it to a reasonable pace.

“Pwah!! Yes, excellent… now, let us dive!!” (Gentoku)

Taking a deep breath, I descended. The scooter’s thrust carried me swiftly into the depths. Alarmed, I leveled off at five meters and proceeded horizontally.

Amazing…

Beneath the surface, the waters were crystalline. Fish swam everywhere, from guppy-like to sea bream-like. Corals grew, seaweed swayed, and above, sunlight pierced the waters, glowing blue.

A magnificent sight. I was awed… yet.

…My breath. Strange, how long I endure?

Nearly two minutes passed, yet I did not suffocate.

Ah, of course, the tobacco. Unlike Earth’s, this herbal smoke did not blacken lungs, rather, its medicinal properties purified organs and blood. So, though I smoked daily, my health only improved.

I surfaced at last.

“Pwah!! Hah, hah… splendid. This water scooter shall be great fun.” (Gentoku)

“Ossan!!” (Rosso)

“Oji-san!!” (Ao)

“Wha–…” (Gentoku)

Rosso and Ao rushed to me, eyes shining.

“That looked soooo fun!! Let me try!! Please, let me!!” (Rosso)

“Unfair. I shall go first.” (Ao)

“Hey, I want to be first too!!” (Rosso)

“No. Me first.” (Ao)

“Eeh!? Ossan, lend it to me!!” (Rosso)

“Give it to me.” (Ao)

“H-hey, do not cling to me!!” (Gentoku)

Rosso and Ao clung to me, desperate for the scooter. Their chests pressed against me.

Ah, had I known it would come to this, I would have made two!!

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)