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

 

 

Alexandrite Trading Company’s New Business Venture

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Well then, Rosso and the others said, “Since Snow-san is preparing a meal, we shall return home”, and so they left. We also made a promise that I would be treated to Snow-san’s cooking on another occasion.

It seems Snow-san is extraordinarily skilled in cooking, to the point where she could open her own establishment if she wished. I cannot help but feel excited.

Therefore, it was just when I was about to go out and eat alone today that it happened.

“Gentoku, we have done it.” (Sandrone)
“That is rather sudden… What do you mean?” (Gentoku)

Sandrone had arrived.
Though the day was hot, she wore immaculate formal attire, clearly having just finished work. Richter was the same. Since he was wiping away his sweat, it must have been just as hot for him as well.

“The redevelopment of the sea country Zanad is to involve the Alexandrite Trading Company. This too is thanks to you.” (Sandrone)
“Well, that is good news… I was about to have a meal, though.” (Gentoku)
“I shall treat you. Fufu, to be able to become involved in such a grand enterprise immediately after arriving in Zanad!!” (Sandrone)

Her mood was unusually high.

And so, on this day, Sandrone treated me to grilled skewers. Though it was styled like a food stall, it was in fact a proper establishment, and much like the grilled skewer shops I know, the food was grilled right in front of the customers.

Richter, once again, has introduced me to such a fine establishment!!

We were shown to our seats, and at once ordered a platter assortment along with some cheap liquor.

“Today, Raslanuf-sama came to your place, did she not?” (Sandrone)

“Ah, I handed her the wooden box she had entrusted to me after its repairs were finished.” (Gentoku)

“…Did she tell you anything else?” (Sandrone)

I shook my head, bit into the grilled skewers, and drank the liquor.

Ah, exquisite.

The grilling was perfect. The seasoning was nothing but salt, yet that sharp savoriness was ideal. It paired magnificently with the liquor.

Sheer bliss.

“She said nothing else. She only said she would return home, and carried back the repaired music box.” (Gentoku)

“Music box?” (Sandrone)

“Yes, that wooden box. Well, if you are curious, you should ask Raslanuf directly.” (Gentoku)

“…I see. Very well then. More importantly, your idea has been accepted.” (Sandrone)

“Hah? My idea?” (Gentoku)

What could she mean? By idea, does she mean some magical tool?

“What are you talking about?” (Gentoku)

“You told Raslanuf-sama, did you not? ‘If rivers were constructed across the entire nation, and people could travel by boat upon them, it would be fascinating’.” (Sandrone)

“…What?” (Gentoku)

“That proposal has been accepted. It shall be called the Zanad Maritime Development Plan. Raslanuf-sama will be the supreme commander, and the Alexandrite Trading Company will serve in a supporting capacity. Fufu, it is quite the grand undertaking for our newly established branch.” (Sandrone)

“…Wait. Do you mean to tell me they truly accepted the fanciful story I idly concocted!?” (Gentoku)

“Yes.” (Sandrone)

No, no, no, no!! Hold on a moment!! All I had imagined was the gondolas of Venice, a city of waterways, since they said they were redeveloping. I merely mused that if waterways stretched across the nation and one could travel by boat, it would be amusing. Could it be that they truly intend to make this a reality?

“Oy, oy, oy, you must be joking!?” (Gentoku)

“Raslanuf-sama is convinced it can be done. It seems the plan is not to draw rivers, but to bring in the sea itself, and thus create waterways across the nation. The existing highways shall remain as they are, while maritime routes shall be established. They plan to begin with the castle town, then extend outward to the entire territory and beyond.” (Sandrone)

“…How many years, how many decades shall that take?” (Gentoku)

“It is indeed a grand project. It appears that for the Alexandrite Trading Company’s Zanad branch, sales of magical tools will be but a side business, while the main enterprise shall be this development of maritime routes.” (Sandrone)

“…You said she needed my permission, though.” (Gentoku)

“Most likely because it was your idea, so she came to seek permission for its use. Tomorrow, I believe she shall explain it all once again.” (Sandrone)

“Unbelievable…” (Gentoku)

“I imagine you will be paid a fee for the idea. Should you not look forward to it?” (Sandrone)

“…Indeed. By the way, about that reward…” (Gentoku)

At that, I let my gaze fall upon Sandrone’s chest. Sandrone glanced down at herself, then started in realization, blushed deeply, and turned her face away.

“I-I shall keep my promise. Y-you may do as you like. Should I come to your house?” (Sandrone)

“Dahaha!! No, no, merely seeing that face of yours is reward enough. Besides, I have not the slightest intention of turning our cooperative relationship into that sort of relationship.” (Gentoku)

“Mmh…” (Sandrone)

“Are you relieved now? Hahaha!! Truly, that was a splendid expression you made. Do you not agree, Richter?” (Gentoku)

“Y-yes… I shall say nothing.” (Richter)

“…You had best remember this.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone glared at me with embarrassment.

She does have her endearing moments.

 

—

 

The following day.

I was in the kitchen, cooking rice. Though I had wished to cook it in an earthenware pot, unfortunately I had none. Thus, I cooked it with a magical rice cooker. To be truthful, this magical rice cooker was exceedingly difficult to adjust for heat, and I had failed several times already. It had been more difficult than the ice maker.

“Hm hm hm~ Rice, grilled fish, a fried egg, dried seaweed… if I had those it would be perfect. Miso… if only I had some. In its absence, vegetable soup shall do.” (Gentoku)

Snow-san had told me that a market lay somewhat removed from the busy district. When I went, I found fresh fish being sold in abundance. I searched in hope, but alas, there was no seaweed to be found. However, I did find a condiment resembling fish sauce, and I purchased it in large quantity. What surprised me was that great amounts of seaweed were being discarded in large wooden boxes. When I asked, they said that it was a nuisance that clung to their nets when fishing, and so they simply discarded it as a matter of course.

I decided to take some, strung a rope before my villa, and dried it there in the sun.

“Perhaps it will yield a fine broth. If only I had miso…” (Gentoku)

In Azuma, the birthplace of sashimi and fish sauce, there may be some hint to be found.

Well, I intend to go there eventually, so there is no need to rush.

“At last, it is complete. A Japanese meal, but in another world.” (Gentoku)

Rice, vegetable soup made with fish bones, grilled red-fleshed fish, and a fried egg. All of it seemed certain to pair well with the rice. Fufufu, itadakimasu.

“Yes, indeed, the Japanese morning is a traditional meal of rice and sides, even if I am in another world…” (Gentoku)

Naturally, it was delicious.

After finishing everything, I soaked the dishes in water, and brewed some coffee. I sat upon the sofa, read the morning paper, and drank the coffee while smoking a cigarette.

“Gentoku, I am coming in.” (Sandrone)

And then Sandrone entered.

Strange, the key… ah, I had left the door unlocked when I went to fetch the paper.

Sandrone, Richter, and Raslanuf all entered. The three sat upon the sofa… and yet I had not even said a word.

“It seems you heard from Sandrone.” (Raslanuf)

“Indeed, you are to construct maritime routes, are you not?” (Gentoku)

“Correct. I have come to seek your permission to make use of your idea.” (Raslanuf)

“I grant it. However, I have one condition.” (Gentoku)

When I said so, Sandrone and Richter appeared surprised.

Well, yesterday I had not mentioned this condition.

I raised a single finger.

“I came to the sea country Zanad for a vacation. Do not bring any further work to me. If you wish to pursue it, do so freely without involving me.” (Gentoku)

“…Hmm. I would like nothing more than that, but I have one request.” (Raslanuf)

“…” (Gentoku)

“Very well. This shall be the last. Gentoku, will you not hear my request?” (Raslanuf)

“…Fine. What is it?” (Gentoku)

“Transportation.” (Raslanuf)

Raslanuf crossed her legs.

Even now, I could not help but notice. Though she wore something like a swimsuit, with a pareo draped around her, when she crossed her legs it seemed one could nearly see too much. With her arms folded beneath her chest, that generous bosom was pushed up even further.

“Oh? Fufu, do you lust after the body of such an old woman?” (Raslanuf)

“Of course not.” (Gentoku)

Where exactly is she an old woman? That is the figure of a woman in her mid-twenties at her very prime… No!!

I forcibly moved the conversation along.

“What transportation do you mean?” (Gentoku)

“Once maritime routes are opened and waterways established, vessels will be required. However, sailing ships are far too large in scale, and with current technology we can only generate artificial winds to increase their speed. What we truly need are small vessels… Gentoku, do you have any ideas?” (Raslanuf)

“A motorboat. A small boat fitted with a detachable screw propeller should suffice.” (Gentoku)

“…I do not know what this ‘screw’ may be, but I wish you to create it.” (Raslanuf)

“…Well, that much I can do.” (Gentoku)

A detachable motorboat engine ought to be possible. It strikes me as peculiar, however, that while magical tool technology is relatively advanced, magical tools pertaining to the sea are barely developed at all. Something like a screw propeller should be obvious. Well, perhaps someone would have thought of it eventually. It merely happens that it was me.

“Then, I have a request. Prepare a small boat, large enough for four passengers, and moor it at my private beach. I shall use it as the base for the creation.” (Gentoku)

“I shall make the arrangements. Richter.” (Sandrone)

“Yes, I shall see to it.” (Richter)

As expected of Richter, ever reliable. Raslanuf smiled with satisfaction and rose to her feet.

“Then, I leave it in your hands. Sandrone, we shall soon be busy.” (Raslanuf)

“Yes. Leave it to me.” (Sandrone)

“Ah, and one more thing… Gentoku.” (Raslanuf)

“What is it?” (Gentoku)

Raslanuf seemed somewhat reluctant to say it.

“The Witch Council has twelve members. Each of them possesses a memento of Atsuko… yet every one of them is an object whose use they cannot comprehend, nor do they know what to do with them. When I reported that you had restored one such object into a magical tool, they all said, ‘I too must have him restore mine’. It may be that before long, the members of the Witch Council shall come to seek you.” (Raslanuf)

“…Seriously?” (Gentoku)

And so, I came to undertake the creation of a motorboat.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)