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

 

 

Metal Orc Subjugation

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After finishing the battle, we set out once again.

The discomfort in my stomach had gradually subsided, and I thought to myself as I walked.

I truly cannot comprehend how a human, even if reincarnated into another world, could casually kill magic beasts or humans; it is nothing short of abnormal. Being born in peaceful, modern Japan, I cannot imagine coming to another world with my memories intact and being able to “kill” so effortlessly. Even if the target is a goblin, anyone who can kill without hesitation is undoubtedly a person of abnormal disposition.

Surely, that is the distinction between reality and fiction… in a story, the plot cannot advance without killing, nor can it reach its climax without it. Hence, one may interpose a light conflict and then switch gears. If one dwelled on it excessively, the narrative would lose all interest. No, I admit it. I am certainly not cut out to be a protagonist.

Then, Rosso spoke.

“Ossan, you are not suited to be an adventurer.” (Rosso)

“Indeed. I am profoundly unsuited to be a protagonist. It is far better to engage in crafting within the safety of a town.” (Gentoku)

“That may well be the case. Dangerous affairs are our responsibility… right, Ossan, please do not scold Ao.” (Rosso)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

“Ao believed that Ossan is strong and dependable, and with that purplish explosive magic you have, she thought it would surely be fine. Yet… I allowed her to fight without preparation, forcing a confrontation over life and death… I am sorry.” (Rosso)

“Do not worry about it. Besides, it is hardly something to fret over, right? It is true that I am out of practice, and Ao only said what she did out of consideration for me.” (Gentoku)

Ao walked slightly ahead, seemingly a little dejected.

I was not concerned… I would offer reassurance later.

“Ossan. From now on, we shall not let you enter dangerous places. Gathering materials will be our work. We have a mutual contract, and you shall not be made to fight.” (Ao)

“Thank you. Still, I wished to show a bit of my own valor.” (Gentoku)

“Do you not notice? Ossan, you have already shown sufficient valor. All of us favor you greatly, and we are quite fond of you.” (Ao)

“Hahaha. Well, thank you. I, too, am grateful to have met adventurers such as you. Haha, I love you all.” (Gentoku)

“Ahahaha! Indeed, we love you, we love you.” (Rosso)

Laughing with Rosso, I finally felt the tension leave my shoulders.

 

—

 

“Guoooo──…nnn.” (Yuki)

With a rumbling sound, a colossal figure with silver skin, the Metal Orc, collapsed before my eyes and Yuki-chan’s. We were currently within the forest where the orcs dwelled.

Stepping boldly into the orc settlement, a total of thirty orcs, with their leaders being the Metal Orcs, were effortlessly subjugated by Rosso.

Remarkable… t-terrifyingly strong.

“Were there any captives?” (Rosso)

“…Alas, none survived. All have been devoured.” (Blanche)

“Then the group of orcs that attacked the village has been eliminated…” (Rosso)

Simply astonishing. Those without experience in battle could never move with such efficiency. I truly had encountered some extraordinary young women.

“Nyaa.” (Yuki)

“Now, now, you must not approach. It is dangerous.” (Gentoku)

Cradling Yuki-chan, I waited beside Hikoroku.

Blanche then gathered the orc corpses together, and Rosso ignited them. The orcs were swiftly engulfed in flames… leaving only the already decapitated and dead Metal Orc.

“Oji-sama, I am sorry. Hikoroku will carry the Metal Orc back, so we shall walk home.” (Ao)

“Very well.” (Gentoku)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

“Yuki will ride atop Hikoroku’s head. Is that acceptable?” (Ao)

“Nyaau.” (Yuki)

After the corpses were burned, Rosso yawned.

“Then, let us wash the sweat at a nearby spring and proceed to lunch.” (Rosso)

Thus, the Metal Orc subjugation was concluded. All that remained was to eat and return. Truly, it ended rather simply.

 

—

 

Afterwards, nothing notable occurred. We ate, rested, and walked back to town. The severed Metal Orc head was still with us, yet we gradually became accustomed to it.

Eventually, we arrived before my villa.

“Oji-sama, I am sorry for today…” (Ao)

“Are you still saying that? Stop worrying about it. Here, here.” (Gentoku)

“Auu.” (Ao)

I patted Ao’s head.

Though it might be considered improper behavior in some contexts, in this world it was perfectly acceptable.

“Oji-sama. For this commission, the subjugation was our task, and the materials are at our discretion. Normally, we sell the materials and divide them among the three of us… but this time, we shall relinquish all of them to Oji-sama.” (Ao)

“Eh? No, no, just keep what you need.” (Gentoku)

“Not at all. Consider it the payment for the underwater scooter. Right?” (Ao)

“…Then, I accept with gratitude.” (Gentoku)

“Once disassembled, we shall deliver the materials here. If all goes well, they shall arrive tomorrow.” (Ao)

“Very well, I entrust it to you.” (Gentoku)

“Unyaa.” (Yuki)

“Good, good. Until next time, Yuki-chan.” (Gentoku)

I patted Yuki-chan, and her cat ears twitched. Rosso and the others went to the Adventurer Guild, while I returned to the villa.

It was the evening. I was hungry, yet not inclined to eat out.

“Perhaps something can be made…” (Gentoku)

Opening the refrigerator, I found only a small amount of vegetables, some meat, and a few eggs.

There was a mountain of mixed grains.

Ah, that’s right.

“Very well, I shall prepare fried rice for the first time in a while.” (Gentoku)

Without a wok, I used a frying pan. I cooked the rice while chopping meat finely and cutting some vegetables. The vegetables were lettuce and onions. I forgot the names of the vegetables in this world. The meat was pork, though it was the flesh of a magic beast. The eggs were ordinary chicken eggs.

Once the rice was cooked, I heated oil, stir-fried the meat, vegetables, and eggs, then added the rice, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of fish sauce, then stir-fried on high heat. A light, fluffy fried rice was complete. I had made slightly too much, enough for four people.

“Oh, it smells wonderful.” (Sandrone)

“Ho… an unfamiliar dish.” (Raslanuf)

“Excuse us, Gentoku-san.” (Richter)

“Perfect timing. Would you care for my special fried rice?” (Gentoku)

Sandrone, Raslanuf, and Richter of course did not refuse.

 

—

 

“Ah, delicious… I never thought mixed grains could taste so good. I always considered it feed for livestock.” (Sandrone)

“Indeed. Come to think of it, 2000 years ago… Atsuko also made something similar.” (Raslanuf)

“It’s quite delicious. To think mixed grains could be this tasty.” (Richter)

“Fufufu.” (Gentoku)

Seeing the three of them eat my fried rice with such enjoyment was deeply gratifying.

Having lived alone for a long time, being able to cook, and having learned from Jii-chan’s training in Chinese cuisine, I had some skill indeed.

Then, Richter, after a moment of thought, spoke.

“…Gentoku-san, could this be turned into a business?” (Richter)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

“Mixed grains has been considered merely livestock feed. In Edelstein Kingdom, this is an unchanging fact. However, in Azuma, it is commonly used for consumption…” (Richter)

“Exactly! Well done, Richter.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone then pressed her spoon against me decisively.

Quite forward behavior, young lady.

“Currently, mixed grains farmers cultivate it solely as livestock feed. The contract fees are not high… establishing an exclusive contract and opening a specialty mixed grains restaurant could be profitable.” (Sandrone)

“I had considered that as well. Fried rice like this, seafood bowls with fish from Zanad, steak bowls with thick meat, pork bowls… the possibilities are endless.” (Gentoku)

“…This shall be the Alexandrite Trading Company’s new venture. We shall boldly enter the food industry.” (Sandrone)

Ah, Sandrone wears a rather mischievous expression.

“The fish. From Zanad to Edelstein Kingdom takes a week, so transporting sea fish was difficult. Yet now, with ice machines… no, freezers, fish may be preserved for approximately two weeks. Sea fish can now be enjoyed in Edelstein Kingdom.” (Gentoku)
“That is a possibility! Gentoku, write down every recipe you can conceive. Richter, once back in Edelstein Kingdom, purchase land and a building through the real estate guild.” (Sandrone)

“Wait, I will not work during vacation.” (Gentoku)

“…It seems exceedingly rewarding.” (Raslanuf)

“Ojou, let us first stabilize the Zanade branch. Hecate-san, who will soon become branch manager, will arrive shortly.” (Richter)

“Indeed… fufu, so many delightful prospects await.” (Sandrone)

“Hm. I could not intervene, yet it might be interesting to visit Edelstein Kingdom myself someday.” (Raslanuf)

Thus, the Alexandrite Trading Company took its first step into a new business.

The food industry. A specialty restaurant using mixed grains. Though I eat out often, I thought I might as well try cooking various dishes myself.

“Gentoku, that magical apparatus to make mixed grains fluffy…” (Sandrone)

“The rice cooker. Azuma likely has the same, as it is a staple there.” (Gentoku)

“Richter, please look for it.” (Sandrone)

“Yes, Miss.” (Richter)

While discussing the new business with lively chatter, Raslanuf inquired.

“Gentoku, by the way… how is the boat coming along?” (Raslanuf)

“The concept is ready. Today, I collected the necessary materials with Scarlet Camellia. Tomorrow, the materials should arrive, and I shall begin construction.” (Gentoku)

“Much appreciated. Fufufu, I look forward to it.” (Raslanuf)

“Tonight, I shall draft a detailed specification sheet. The prototype will be ready in two days, so please come then.” (Gentoku)

“Understood. Fufu, a skilled magical technician who works quickly is popular among women and children. Surely you shall find a marriage partner swiftly.” (Raslanuf)

“Apologies, but I have no desire to marry. I shall continue to live freely on my own. Though, children seem to like me.” (Gentoku)

That day, unusually, I did not drink alcohol, retired to bed, and slept soundly until morning.

 

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