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

 

 

Amethyst Cleaning

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

A few days later, Richter came to make his report.

“72 in total. Only Barion-san is human, and a new trading company called ‘Amethyst Cleaning’ has been established.” (Richter)

The business was “cleaning”. The beastkin employees undertook work such as cleaning the large warehouses in this area, pulling weeds, tending to gardens, cleaning private homes, and cleaning shops after business hours. Beastkin possessed stamina, and outdoor labor was their forte.

Upon hearing the business content, everyone had been surprised that something as simple as cleaning could become work. And the utterly changed Barion had apologized to everyone. Since the beastkin who had gathered were all good-natured, they instead had felt sorry for him.

“Although the Ojou provided financial aid, it was Barion-san who decided upon the business content and devised methods of advertisement. That person has truly changed… there is nothing at all of his former atmosphere.” (Richter)

“Well, he saw hell. He must have changed.” (Gentoku)

That very morning, the newspaper had carried an article about Amethyst Cleaning.

“Cleaning services offered”, was it? It seemed that Sandrone had already contracted them, entrusting to them the cleaning of Alexandrite Company’s shop after business hours.

“Until now, after closing, the employees themselves would clean, but with that burden removed, everyone is pleased. And the people of Amethyst Cleaning are also pleased, saying that for such simple labor they receive such wages.” (Richter)

“If it is good for both sides, then that is fine.” (Gentoku)

“Yes. When I went to observe this morning, several trading companies had come seeking contracts. There were also beastkin asking to be hired as employees.” (Richter)

“I see. By the way, what of the cleaning magical apparatus?” (Gentoku)

“The ones to be sold will be adjusted a little more, but for immediate use, Yeran-san and the others have completed several units and are already putting them to use. Vacuum cleaners, was it… brooms will no longer be needed.” (Richter)

“Well, those are for indoor use. Ah, are grass cutters also needed? Lawn mowers as well…” (Gentoku)

“…If they exist, please provide the specifications.” (Richter)

“Hahaha. Very well.” (Gentoku)

For the time being, Barion would be all right.

Then, upon a knock at the office door, Rosso and the others entered.

“Is the Ossan here? We came to play!!” (Rosso)

“Excuse us.” (Blanche)

“…Pardon our intrusion.” (Ao)

“Nya.” (Yuki)

“Gauu.” (Kuroha)

“Kyuun.” (Lisa)

There certainly were many of them. Rosso, Blanche, and Ao. Then Yuki-chan, Kuroha-chan, and Lisa-chan. Since visitors had arrived, Richter promptly left, and Rosso and the others sat upon the sofa in his place.

“Ah, it is still so hot. Though autumn is almost here.” (Rosso)

“Nyaau.” (Yuki)

“Fufu, once autumn comes, delicious mushrooms will sprout. Let us all go gather them together.” (Blanche)

“Gauu.” (Kuroha)

“…Mushrooms are delicious when grilled.” (Ao)

“Kyuun.” (Lisa)

“Wait, wait. Since when did you all become so close…” (Gentoku)

Rosso sat holding Yuki-chan. Blanche sat holding Kuroha-chan. Ao sat holding Lisa-chan. They embraced them so naturally that I was late to interject.

Then, Rosso spoke.

“Because they are unbelievably cute!!” (Rosso)

“Nyaaa.” (Yuki)

“Fufu. Seeing them all playing together upon Hikuroku’s back made my heart skip.” (Blanche)

“Gauu.” (Kuroha)

“…So, we all took turns holding them and playing.” (Ao)

“Kyu.” (Lisa)

“I see. But did you ask permission?” (Gentoku)

“Of course!! Snow-san’s mama-friends said it was fine. Right?” (Rosso)

“Nyaa.” (Yuki)

Mama-friends… ah, Lycos-san and Lunar-san. Well, with the new enterprise, they are likely busy, and if Rosso and the others were with them, then it was reassuring.

“Well, very well. I shall say this just in case, but do not let the children go to dangerous places alone, all right?” (Gentoku)

“We know that. Well, Hikuroku too has made playmates, so it is all good things.” (Rosso)

That day, I spent my time providing sweets and drinks to the children, and playing with them instead of working, thinking that occasionally such a day was also good.

 

—

 

Alexandrite Company, main office.

Barion was alone, polishing the floor with a mop. The beastkin’s cleaning was fast and thorough. They possessed not only strength but also delicacy, and Barion thought that work as cleaners was no mistake. Then, came the sound of heels upon the floor.

“You, even though you are company president, are cleaning?” (Sandrone)

“…Ah, Sandrone.” (Barion)

It was Sandrone, and Richter as well. Barion, while resuming his mopping, spoke.

“This section is my responsibility. I want to do it properly with my own hands.” (Barion)

“That is not what I mean. You are already company president. Leave the cleaning to the beastkin, and you should attend to paperwork… wait, do not tell me…” (Sandrone)

“Ah, once the cleaning is finished, I shall do office work.” (Barion)

“…Will you drive yourself so far? At long last you can make a new start in life.” (Sandrone)

Barion stopped mopping. Then, he turned.

“There is no such thing as a new start in life.” (Barion)

“…!” (Sandrone)

“I committed wrongs. I was cast aside by my family, and I lost the woman I loved and her child as well. That is my life… this is not work, it is atonement. It is not a new start, it is still continuing.” (Barion)

“…………” (Sandrone)

Barion resumed mopping. It was not that he had changed. Barion remained Barion, who had lost everything. Even with a new workplace and environment, Barion had not changed. He was not filled with zeal, repenting of the past, seeking to begin anew. He continued his atonement, bearing the past in his heart.

“Well, finished. Now, I shall return to the office. There are several new contracts, and I must compile them and report… since I am receiving financial aid, I must perform properly.” (Barion)

“…Do you not wish to meet her? The wife you loved so much that you annulled our engagement… and the child in her womb.” (Sandrone)

“…I cannot face them. My father too has already cast me off… I do not wish to meet them. No, if they would forget me, I would be glad.” (Barion)

“…!” (Sandrone)

“Well then, until tomorrow.” (Barion)

Barion smiled sadly and departed from the company.

Sandrone let out a deep sigh.

“In the end, he looks as though he will die with a satisfied smile upon his desk in the office…” (Sandrone)

“To him, there is no concept of starting over. This work too is one part of his atonement…” (Richter)

“…Richter, assign him a secretary. Even if somewhat forcefully, have him rest and eat properly.” (Sandrone)

“As you command.” (Richter)

Thus, “Amethyst Cleaning” came to be known in the royal capital as a company specializing in cleaning.

 

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