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

 

 

Metal Orc

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The following day, a small boat for four persons arrived at my private beach.

Richter said, “I shall leave the rest in your care”, then he departed swiftly. It appeared that the Alexandrite Trading Company’s Zanad branch was exceedingly busy.

He had complained of it during a night of drinking, but it was to be expected. The Alexandrite Trading Company, which had emerged so suddenly, had become the favorite of the Witch Council, who were regarded almost as deities within the sphere of magical tools. Many magical technicians and trading companies naturally found such circumstances intolerable. Sandrone would likely not concern himself with such matters, yet there was no guarantee that another arrogant figure like Barion would not arise.

Well, that matter could be set aside.

I gazed at the boat that had arrived.

“…Indeed. No matter how one looks at it, it is nothing more than an ordinary boat.” (Gentoku)

It was the same as the sort of boat one might find at a park. There were two oars, and planks were laid down so that people might sit facing one another.

I examined the stern.

“If I were to construct a pedestal here and attach a motor-boat engine magical tool, it would suffice.” (Gentoku)

I envisioned the design within my mind. Once the concept had taken form, I began to draft diagrams at the villa while also searching for usable materials.

“Hm… I have constructed quite a number of things already, and it seems that good materials are running low.” (Gentoku)

The screw and shaft parts ought to be light yet durable. However, with the materials I had at hand, I felt uncertain. I did, however, possess a five-star magic stone given to me as a souvenir by Rosso and her companions.

By carving the word “Rotation” into the magic stone and channeling mana through it, the stone would begin to spin. Embedding this into the screw, while channeling mana into the shaft, would allow the screw to rotate underwater. Unlike machines, magic stones did not accumulate heat from prolonged use, which was most convenient. If I made the outboard motor detachable, it could also serve as a rudder.

“Now, all that remains is the material.” (Gentoku)

“Ossan, are you here?” (Rosso)

Just as I was pondering, Rosso and the others arrived.

When I went to the entrance, the familiar three had come bearing souvenirs.

“We came to play! Hm? You look kind of tired.” (Rosso)

“Ah, forgive me. I must go shopping for a while, so please make yourselves at home and enjoy.” (Gentoku)

“Shopping? Oji-sama, what do you intend to buy?” (Blanche)

“Materials for a magical tool, from the commercial guild. In truth, I was planning to attach an engine, rather, a power source, to a boat, and I wished to purchase materials for it.” (Gentoku)

“…What sort of materials?” (Ao)

“Something light yet durable. Something like duralumin snake, but closer in nature to metal.” (Gentoku)

At this, the three exchanged glances, and Blanche spoke.

“In that case, Oji-sama, would the bones of a Metal Orc not be suitable?” (Blanche)

“Metal Orc… Ah, that creature whose bones are composed of metal?” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. We plan to embark upon a subjugation tomorrow. Today, we came here to play in order to rest and restore our strength.” (Blanche)

“Metal Orc, hm…” (Gentoku)

It was worth attempting.

If memory served, Metal Orcs were classed at subjugation rank S. I did not think they were the sort of magic beast three could handle, but perhaps such doubt was foolish.

“…Ossan, why not come with us as well?” (Rosso)

“Eh?” (Gentoku)

“Ossan, you have been cooped up all this time… You have grown a little fat.” (Rosso)

“…Truly?” (Gentoku)

Now that she mentioned it, I did feel somewhat heavy in body.

Back in Japan, I had sometimes engaged in strength training, but now that I thought on it, I had not done so in quite some time.

My stomach… It has not yet protruded, but given time…

“That sounds good. Ossan, we shall protect you, so why not exercise a little?” (Rosso)

“…Perhaps I shall. Yes, may I accompany you?” (Gentoku)

“Fufu. It is but a day’s journey, so please rest assured.” (Blanche)

Thus, I decided to accompany the Scarlett Crimson upon their subjugation of a magic beast.

 

—

 

The following day.

I wore shoes for the first time in quite a while, as recently I had been in sandals without exception. As I waited in front of the villa, the three young ladies arrived, leading Hikoroku.

“…Nya.” (Yuki)

“Yu, Yuki? Why are you upon Hikoroku’s back?” (Gentoku)

“Whine.” (Hikoroku)

Hikoroku carried luggage upon his back, and Yuki as well.

As I wondered at this, Rosso explained.

“Yuki has never been outside the country. So I thought, since this is a good chance, we should take her with us on a picnic.” (Rosso)

“Fufu. Snow-san is relaxing at a high-class massage salon within town.” (Blanche)

“…Today is a holiday.” (Ao)

“I see.” (Gentoku)

“Ossan, ride upon Hikoroku’s back. Hold Yuki as well.” (Rosso)

“Ah, understood.” (Gentoku)

Hikoroku crouched down.

Astonishingly, there was a saddle and stirrups adjusted to suit him, with luggage attached to either side of the saddle, and even a comfortable seat affixed. When I sat down, placed my feet in the stirrups, and gathered Yuki into my arms, Hikoroku rose to his feet.

“Woof.” (Hikoroku)

“Is it not heavy?” (Gentoku)

“Rrr…” (Hikoroku)

He growled as if to say, “This much is nothing”. The back of his head was exceedingly fluffy, and I wished to touch it. The reins were attached to the collar.

Well, it seems sufficient merely to hold on.

How fortunate. The horseback lessons I had received with Oyaji and Jii-chan proved useful here. Had I been untrained, I could not possibly ride like this.

“Well then, let us go subjugate the Metal Orc. Departure!” (Rosso)

“Ooooh!” (Rosso/Blanche)

“Oooh.” (Gentoku)

“Nya!” (Yuki)

I had nearly forgotten… but we were now heading to slay Orcs.

 

—

 

Leaving the castle town, we passed through the main gate into the forest somewhat distant from the sea. Unlike horseback, Hikoroku’s gait caused hardly any shaking.

Ao walked in the lead, Blanche kept close to Hikoroku, and Rosso followed behind.

“This time, among the requests we received from the Adventurer Guild, it is one of the simpler ones.” (Blanche)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

“Simple? Is that truly so?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. During the summer, we accept requests here in Zanad. The Adventurer Guild prepares in advance a collection of high-difficulty requests, and we accept them all together and complete them during our stay.” (Blanche)

“Is that so. Then there are still requests remaining?” (Gentoku)

“Purr…” (Yuki)

“Yes. Roughly half remain. In all likelihood, we shall finish within a few more days. Afterward, we shall use the villa as our base and enjoy our summer vacation. Though, with Oji-sama’s magical tools being so fascinating, we have played quite a lot this year.” (Blanche)

“Hahaha… I see. Well, if you wish to play, you may come to my place whenever you like.” (Gentoku)

“Fufu, thank you. Oji-sama, you are a most wonderful gentleman.” (Blanche)

“Is that so? It is no unpleasant thing to be told so by someone young. Hahaha, then I shall treat you to a meal today.” (Gentoku)

“My, how delightful. Fufufu.” (Blanche)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

When I stroked Yuki, her throat sometimes purred, which was most endearing.

Yuki, though usually quiet, would sometimes stare fixedly at some point or another, and when with those she trusted, she would cling and seek affection. Lately, I had heard, Rosso and the others had been taking turns embracing her as they slept.

She had begun wearing her hair in twin tails and donned white one-piece dresses. At the waist of the dress there was a hole, through which her white cat’s tail swayed adorably.

As we walked, I followed beside Ao.

“Ossan… you are walking?” (Ao)

“Yes, I must attend to my diet.” (Gentoku)

“…Diet?” (Ao)

“Indeed. I must reduce my weight through exercise. I have become quite sedentary.” (Gentoku)

My abdominal muscles were still defined. Oyaji had often said, “One must have stamina to enjoy play”, and due to the nature of my work, I had occasion to use considerable strength, so I had continued some muscle training as part of recreation.

Ao lightly patted my abdomen.

“Ossan, you have a rather admirable physique. You are also capable of martial arts.” (Ao)

“Indeed. I have trained in Eight Extremities Fist under my grandfather, and have also learned karate, judo, and taekwondo because they were impressive.” (Gentoku)

“Ah, goblins!” (Ao)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

Suddenly, several goblins leapt out before us, each wielding a club. There were three of them.

Rosso and Blanche assumed defensive stances, but Ao stopped them.

“Ossan, since you are out of practice, this is perfect. Here, take these.” (Ao)

“…What is this?” (Gentoku)

“Gloves. Reinforced with steel plates. I was planning to gift them to you. Surely you would not wish to fight bare-handed.” (Ao)

“W-wait… surely not…” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Ossan, defeat them.” (Ao)

“Ehhhh!?” (Gentoku)

Ao forced the gloves onto my hands.

“That is splendid! Ossan, show us your strength!” (Rosso)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

“Fufu. I have scouted the surroundings for any concerning presence and detected none. These goblins have likely fled from the Metal Orc’s dwelling.” (Blanche)

“Ossan, do your best. This will help you relieve your lack of exercise.” (Ao)

They had no intention of striking, it seemed. However, the goblins were steadily advancing.

“Enough! Very well! If you wish to come, then come!” (Gentoku)

I assumed the posture of the Three Tips in Alignment, and the three goblins charged simultaneously.

“Kooooo! Take this!” (Gentoku)

My front kick sent one goblin flying into a nearby tree with a thud. As another charged at me, I stepped back and delivered a spinning roundhouse kick.

“Gyaah!” (Goblin)

“Ugh!” (Gentoku)

The moment my kick struck its neck, bones snapped audibly, and the goblin collapsed.

I had killed it… A chill ran down my spine.

Since arriving in this world, I had encountered magic beasts. Yet I was not an adventurer, and unlike the typical isekai protagonist or reincarnator, I could not, with innocence, smile and exclaim “I did it!” upon killing a living creature. I was not prepared to accept the act of killing a living being, the most ordinary of things.

At that moment, a goblin leapt toward me again.

I instinctively defended with my arm, and searing pain shot through it.

“Ow!?” (Gentoku)

“Grrrrr!!” (Goblin)

The goblin had bitten my arm.

It hurt. Simultaneously, it was terrifying.

“Stop, you wretched creature!” (Gentoku)

*Crack!*

Purple lightning erupted.

The electric shock, discharged from my right hand, struck the goblin and killed it instantly. The goblin dropped with a thud. I stepped back.

“Ossan…” (Ao)

“Ah, ah… It is… over.” (Gentoku)

I do not know what expression I wore, but I laughed. Then, Ao pressed herself tightly against me.

“I am sorry… Ossan. I made you fight before you were ready.” (Ao)

“…I-I am sorry.” (Gentoku)

“Do not apologize. The fault lies with me…” (Ao)

“…Oji-sama.” (Blanche)

Before I realized it, Blanche had approached and healed my arm. Looking at the goblin corpses, I understood.

I had fought. I had killed.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)