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

 

 

Cat, Wolf, and Fox

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Regarding Barion, there was truly nothing I could do about his circumstances, yet I could not help but feel a certain sense of pity.

Later, I asked Richter about it, and he told me that Barion had already divorced his wife and was unable to see his newly born child, who would apparently be raised by the House of Marquis Jasper. Having been cast out of his family home, he now lived alone in a modest little house near the slums, leading a humble existence. Furthermore, his restroom cleaning duties had been forcibly terminated, and he had fallen into a life dominated by alcohol.

Hearing this, I remained in my office, contemplating.

“…In many stories of this otherworldly kind, it would end with a ‘Serves you right!!’ but even seeing a fallen person like this does not bring satisfaction… rather, I feel genuine sympathy for him.” (Gentoku)

To say such a thing might earn the ire of readers, no doubt. Yet… in reality, even those who are wicked deserve a measure of compassion.

“…Ah, work, work.” (Gentoku)

I proceeded to repair a magical lamp brought in by a resident of this area. It seemed that they had come upon seeing the sign stating, “We repair broken magical apparatuses”. I polished the magic stone which had deteriorated, and in addition, cleaned the exterior to a shine.

“Woof” (??)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

“Hm?” (Gentoku)

Voices reached me from outside. Since I was now in the office, I opened the window and looked down.

“Oh, Hikoroku and Yuki-chan.” (Gentoku)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

I descended to the first floor and opened the door to the workshop. Hikoroku entered with Yuki-chan riding upon his back… and, oh?

“…Gau.” (??)

“…Kyuuun.” (??)

Two unfamiliar girls were perched upon Hikoroku’s back.

They appeared to be about the same age as Yuki-chan, roughly three years old. One had short, black, slightly curly hair, black ears, and a fluffy, curled tail, while the other had long blond hair, large ears, and a fluffy, sizable tail. Both were beastkin, and there was something undeniably adorable about them.

“Nya, friend!” (Yuki)

“Hahaha, so you have made friends, have you? How splendid.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaauun.” (Yuki)

As I stroked Yuki-chan, her cat ears and tail swayed in response. Though Hikoroku was present, the children had come here on their own.

“Yuki-chan, does Snow-san know that you have come here?” (Gentoku)

“Nya…” (Yuki)

She shook her head.

This is troubling. They might cause a commotion by becoming lost… moreover, other people’s children are involved.

“Kuun.” (Hikoroku)

“…Hikoroku. Could you inform Snow-san that Yuki-chan and her friends are here?” (Gentoku)

“Wau.” (Hikoroku)

Understanding, Hikoroku departed. I turned my gaze to the girls behind Yuki-chan and smiled as I spoke.

“Now then, everyone, please make yourselves comfortable until someone comes to pick you up. There are delicious sweets and beverages as well.” (Gentoku)

“““!!””” (Yuki/2 girls)

Oh, the three sets of ears and tails perked up sharply.

I led the three children to the second-floor office. Once I provided them with snacks and drinks, they began eating joyfully.

“By the way, what are your names?” (Gentoku)

“Gau… Kuroha.” (Kuroha)

“Kyu… Lisa.” (Lisa)

The black-haired child was a wolf-beastkin named Kuroha, and the blond child was a fox-beastkin named Lisa.

“I am Lisa’ sister.” (Kuroha)

“Papa is the same.” (Lisa)

“Papa is the same? Ah, now that you mention it, Snow-san did say before that male beastkin often take multiple wives.” (Gentoku)

Ah, I see. Even though they are of different species, they are sisters.

From what they explained, they had noticed Yuki-chan playing with Hikoroku and decided to approach her. Yuki-chan then suggested visiting me, and Hikoroku guided them… being a dog, perhaps he tracked them by scent.

“What work does Kuroha-chan and Lisa-chan’s father do?” (Gentoku)

“He is a merchant.” (Kuroha)

“Papa’s work is very difficult… Mama works hard.” (Lisa)

“Works hard?” (Gentoku)

Kuroha and Lisa looked downcast.

“Papa cannot manage the funds. The shop might collapse.” (Kuroha)

“Mama tries her best for Papa… she always apologizes, saying, ‘Papa, I am sorry.’” (Lisa)

“Fund management, is it…” (Gentoku)

“Nya, Oji-chan, we want you to help. Just like you helped me before.” (Yuki)

“Eh…” (Gentoku)

Hearing such a plea, I could not respond immediately.

Well… when one sees such small children experiencing hardship alongside their mother, one instinctively wishes to help. However… these two have a father, and it felt somewhat improper for me to intervene directly.

“Nya… Oji-chan.” (Yuki)

“Ugh.” (Gentoku)

Those eyes are unfair…

Yuki-chan’s cat ears drooped and her tail stopped moving. Kuroha and Lisa also fixed their gaze upon me.

Hmm.

“For now, I must hear the story from the merchant before making any judgments…” (Gentoku)

 

—

 

Several hours later.

There was a knock at the office door, and Snow-san entered.

“Excuse me. Gentoku-san, is Yuki here…” (Snow)

“Yes, she is here. She has friends with her.” (Gentoku)

Behind Snow-san were two beautiful women.

One had long black hair, wolf ears, and a tail, forming a slender, elegant figure. The other had long, flowing blond hair, fox ears, and a voluptuous figure.

What an overwhelming sight.

They bowed deeply.

““We apologize for causing you trouble!!”” (??)

“Ah, no, not at all. Please, come this way.” (Gentoku)

The children peacefully napped in the guest room. After having eaten snacks, Yuki-chan yawned. Seeing the others also sleepy, I led them to the guest room and laid them down upon the futons. The sight of the three children sleeping side by side was utterly soothing… Snow-san looked visibly relieved.

“Ah, and may I ask… who are these two?” (Gentoku)

“Oh, they are acquaintances we just met, Lycos-san and Lunar-san.” (Snow)

“Pleased to meet you, I am Lycos, Kuroha’s mother.” (Lycos)

“I am Lunar, Lisa’s mother.” (Lunar)

“Ah… I am Gentoku.” (Gentoku)

An overwhelming beauty. Snow-san aside, three women consisting of a widow and two married women… no, no, I must not think such thoughts.

At any rate, I served tea to all three.

“It is wonderful to see that Yuki-chan has made friends.” (Gentoku)

“Yes, thanks to Hikoroku. I am also pleased to have become acquainted with Lycos-san and Lunar-san.” (Snow)

“Ah, by the way… Lycos-san, Lunar-san, do you share the same husband?” (Gentoku)

“Yes, that is correct. Being beastkin… male beastkin typically take multiple wives.” (Lycos)

“However, my husband is somewhat timid. It is only me and Lycos who are married to him.” (Lunar)

“Fufu, but in return, he loves both me and Lunar greatly.” (Lycos)

A public display of affection, indeed. Lycos-san’s wolf tail swayed vigorously. Lunar-san also looked happy, though her expression soon clouded.

“Currently, it is a little difficult… but together as a couple, we shall persevere.” (Lunar)

“Yes. And we have employees as well.” (Lycos)

“Ah… just now, I heard from Kuroha-chan and Lisa-chan that the trading company is in trouble?” (Gentoku)

““…”” (Lycos, Lunar)

The two women exchanged glances and nodded slightly.

 

—

 

It seemed that the husbands’ trading company operated as a subcontractor of the Peridot Trading Company, primarily selling sets of the moisturizing cream. Though the cream was later recalled, the company’s credibility plummeted as it was known for selling defective products, making even salary payments to employees difficult. It was only a matter of time before the company went bankrupt.

After explaining this, the office door was knocked upon forcefully.

“Lisa!! Kuroha!! I-I apologize!! My children are here!!” (??)

““Honey!!”” (Lycos/Lunar)

“Lycos, Lunar… the children!?” (??)

“They are sleeping in another room. Quiet now… and greetings.” (Gentoku)

“Eh?” (??)

In entered a tiger.

Standing over two meters tall, his face unmistakably feline, and his physique impressively formidable.

A tiger-beastkin. Indeed, those with strong beastkin lineage resemble animals closely.

The tiger extended his hand toward me.

“P-Pleased to meet you. I am Tigger, head of the Tiger Trading Company.” (Tigger)

“Ah… I am Gentoku.” (Gentoku)

We shook hands.

His claws were remarkable, his hand covered in fur, and his presence overwhelmingly intimidating.

Noticing my pale expression, Lycos-san reassured me.

“It is alright. Though he appears frightening and physically formidable, he is actually timid.” (Lycos)

“Ah, um… I am honored.” (Gentoku)

“Ha… yes.” (Gentoku)

His fangs are impressive… they look capable of tearing raw meat.

I served tea to Tigger-san as well. The sofa was small, so Snow-san sat beside me.

“I-I am honored.” (Tigger)

“Not at all. Tigger-san… I heard that your trading company is in trouble.” (Gentoku)

“…Lycos, Lunar. Have you spoken to them?” (Tigger)

““…”” (Lycos, Lunar)

“My apologies. Upon hearing their story, it seems I am not entirely uninvolved. Furthermore… they requested my assistance.” (Gentoku)

“Eh?” (Tigger)

The moisturizing cream. That was originally my failed creation. Barion had stolen and mass-produced it without proper verification, causing immense trouble. Nevertheless… it would leave a bitter taste in my mouth to pretend I had no involvement. Moreover, it was not the children’s fault.

“If there is any way I can help, such as providing financial assistance…” (Gentoku)

“…Thank you. However, it is unnecessary.” (Tigger)

“Eh…?” (Gentoku)

“The Tiger Trading Company will be closed here.” (Tigger)

““N-No… you!!”” (Lycos/Lunar)

“It is all right. I have realized that business is not my forte. I purchased goods as instructed, sold them, and caused great inconvenience to humans… I must take responsibility for that.” (Tigger)

Originally, the Tiger Trading Company had produced and sold specialty items and brushes for beastkin. However, at Barion’s invitation, they contracted with the Peridot Trading Company, becoming a shop that merely sold moisturizing cream and Peridot products. Their pursuit of profit led to criticism from others, including fellow beastkin.

“…Lycos, Lunar. I am sorry for my inadequacy. Yet I still have this body. I shall undertake any task, no matter how dirty, and raise the children myself.” (Tigger)

““…”” (Lycos/Lunar)

…Huh? There is something slightly nagging about this.

Even Snow-san seemed at a loss for words.

Then, the door opened and the children arrived.

“Nya… Mama.” (Yuki)

“Gauuu.” (Kuroha)

“Kyuu…” (Lisa)

“Oh!! You have awoken, children.” (Gentoku)

““Papa!”” (Kuroha/Lisa)

Tigger-san picked up Kuroha-chan and Lisa-chan.

He truly loved his children and wife… I could see that clearly. Perhaps there is a small way I could assist after all.

“Um, Tigger-san… may I ask a question?” (Gentoku)

“Eh? Yes, by all means.” (Tigger)

“…Are you confident in your physical strength?” (Gentoku)

“Well, I am a tiger-beastkin.” (Tigger)

“….” (Gentoku)

I pondered for a moment… a certain idea began to form in my mind.

 

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