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

 

 

Working Diligently

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, today is work once more.

In the early morning, I ate breakfast, drank coffee, and proceeded to the workplace, holding the newspaper in one hand.

My work is not limited solely to the development of magical apparatuses. I also develop new magic symbols, perform repairs on brought-in magical apparatuses, and offer an on-site repair service. In fact, today marks the beginning of that service. It is not particularly publicized. I merely placed a sign outside with words along the lines of, “We repair magical apparatuses. We will visit your home to perform repairs”.

In Japan, I had also undertaken a similar on-site repair service, and though I was uncertain whether it would gain traction in this other world, I resolved to give it a try.

Well… when one develops new products day after day, inevitably the well of ideas begins to run dry.

“Faaah… I wonder if today will be quiet.” (Gentoku)

During the morning hours, I read the newspaper while pondering ideas.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Could it be a customer?

Somewhat tense, I opened the door, and standing before me was a man with his hat pulled deeply over his head.

“…Good day. I have come to clean the restroom.” (Barion)

“Restroom cleaning? …Ah, could it be… Barion?” (Gentoku)

“…” (Barion)

“Was it not only the branch of the Peridot Trading Company that provided restroom cleaning? Why have you come to my place?” (Gentoku)

“…Sandrone-sama has instructed me to handle branches of the Alexandrite Trading Company as well.” (Barion)

Barion.

Barion Jasper, former marquis. He had once managed the Peridot Trading Company, a business dealing in cosmetics, yet due to the sale of defective goods, his credibility plummeted to the very depths. However, with the aid of the Alexandrite Trading Company, his credibility recovered to some degree. The House of Marquis Jasper owed Sandrone a debt of gratitude that could not easily be repaid.

As punishment, Barion was sentenced to ten years of service, tasked with cleaning restrooms in establishments affiliated with both the Peridot and Alexandrite Trading Companies. I had never imagined he would arrive at my location.

“…You are taking this seriously, are you not?” (Gentoku)

Barion had changed remarkably.

His formerly flowing and radiant blond hair had been shaved to a bare head, his once flamboyant clothing replaced by a thin, dirty work uniform. A backpack containing cleaning tools rested upon his back, and a brush was firmly gripped in his hand.

His cheeks were hollowed, his eye sockets sunken… is he still 28? One could easily believe he is in his late thirties.

“…I will begin cleaning.” (Barion)

“Ah, thank you.” (Gentoku)

Thereafter, Barion thoroughly cleaned the restroom.

Upon returning, he bowed slightly as he attempted to depart, but I stopped him.

“Wait. Take a brief moment to rest, if only a little.” (Gentoku)

“…No.” (Barion)

“Rest assured. I will claim that I instructed you to clean only the restroom, nothing more. We have had our differences, but I bear no ill will anymore… is that acceptable?” (Gentoku)

“…Haah.” (Barion)

Barion sighed and placed down his cleaning tools.

 

—

 

I served Barion a glass of barley tea.

I had purchased barley prior to grinding it into powder, and I decided to experiment with brewing it. The result surpassed my expectations, producing barley tea of a quality that warranted keeping it on hand. Barion drank the barley tea and exhaled a deep sigh.

“Haah… this is delicious.” (Barion)

“Would you care for a refill?” (Gentoku)

“Ah, I shall take one, thank you.” (Barion)

Upon pouring a refill, he drank it in a single gulp. Pouring a third cup, he sipped once before setting the glass down.

“It is humiliating, is it not?” (Gentoku)

“…What is?” (Barion)

“I once managed the most prominent trading company in the royal capital, and now I have been shaved bald and reduced to cleaning restrooms. Yes, I understand. All of this is the result of my own actions. I harbor no complaints, and I accept my circumstances. Yet… it is undeniably humiliating.” (Barion)

“…Barion.” (Gentoku)

“You may know already, but I was recently formally removed from the Jasper marquis family. What stands before you is merely Barion, a commoner employed as a restroom cleaner.” (Barion)

“Removed? Will you not return to the marquis household after ten years?” (Gentoku)

“That was my expectation. Yet… my father, utterly enamored with Sandrone, likely thought it improper to leave me, who had incurred Sandrone’s disfavor, within the family. He adopted a capable individual from a branch house to serve as heir to the Jasper marquis family. I was cast aside and now labor as a poorly compensated servant… though this contract concludes in a few days.” (Barion)

“…And when the contract ends, what will become of you?” (Gentoku)

“I shall be sent away and that will be the end. Well… perhaps that is fitting. To die forgotten may suit the course of my life.” (Barion)

“…Barion.” (Gentoku)

“Do not look at me in such a way. Furthermore, I refuse to accept your pity, even unto death. I shall complete this work to the very end… that shall be my final pride.” (Barion)

Barion drained the barley tea in a single gulp and rose to his feet.

“Then, I shall go. I am grateful to have spoken with you one last time.” (Barion)

“….” (Gentoku)

“Do not make such a face. Though I appear as I do, I am sincerely thankful to you. At last… I have understood that business relies not only on sales figures, but on matters of far greater importance.” (Barion)

“You…” (Gentoku)

“Farewell, then.” (Barion)

Having said this, Barion departed.

It was difficult to imagine that such a character would appear so refreshed and resolved. I observed the restroom that Barion had cleaned.

“Ah… it is remarkably clean.” (Gentoku)

Before the shining, immaculate restroom, I was filled with admiration for Barion’s meticulous work.

 

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