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

 

 

Preparations for the Snow Country

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, it was time to make preparations to journey to the snow country.

In merely three days, departure would commence. The season had deepened into autumn, and one no longer felt the heat. One’s attire was already long-sleeved, and within another month, the entire nation would be enveloped in snow, albeit only for a single month. I had completed all repair cases for the magical apparatuses brought into the shop, and I placed a sign in front of the store reading, “Closed for the winter. Reopening planned for mid-January”.

What remained, then, was the matter of travel preparations.

“‘Oji-chan~!’” (Yuki/Kuroha/Lisa)

Before beginning the preparations for the journey, the children had come to play while I was cleaning the workplace. Yuki-chan, Kuroha-chan, and Lisa-chan rode atop Hikoroku. Upon dismounting from Hikoroku, they leapt towards me.

They’re utterly adorable.

I gently stroked each of the three children’s heads in turn.

“Hahaha, what is it? Do you have some errand?” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa. We came to play. It’s Hikoroku’s walk.” (Yuki)

“Gauu, Oji-chan, let’s play!” (Kuroha)

“Kyuu, let’s play.” (Lisa)

“Hmm… I am about to continue cleaning, however. Very well, wait just a moment.” (Gentoku)

I retrieved from the underground material storage a supple fish skin known as Bubble Fish. I shaped it into a sphere, inflated it with air, and securely closed the aperture.  Thus, a perfectly round ball was complete. Before the three of them, I bounced it as one would with a basketball.

“Now then, you may play with this. Here you are.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa!!” (Yuki)

Yuki-chan pounced upon the bouncing ball. The area in front of the company was spacious, and there was little foot traffic, so it would be safe.

I spoke to Hikoroku, who remained outside.

“Hikoroku, make sure to watch over everyone so that no danger comes to them.” (Gentoku)

“Woof… Woof!!” (Hikoroku)

Then, Hikoroku leapt at the rolling ball. Kuroha-chan and Lisa-chan also clung to Hikoroku and tumbled around.

Ah, they have already covered in dust.

The children played with joy, oblivious to the mess. Perhaps I would take the opportunity to continue cleaning.

 

—

 

Approximately an hour passed as I cleaned the office, the first floor, and the underground area.

Well, it was merely sweeping, mopping, and disposing of trash. It was not the grand year-end cleaning… though, if I may say so myself, I am rather fastidious, and I maintain cleanliness properly when arriving at and leaving work.

Having finished the cleaning, I looked outside.

“Oh my… they are asleep.” (Gentoku)

Yuki-chan clutched the ball, and the three of them slept while snuggled beside Hikoroku.

To sleep so soundly in front of the company… very well.

I divided all the sweets that were stocked in the company into individual portions and placed them in small bags. Then, I went to the first floor and gently stroked the head of the sleeping Yuki-chan.

“…Nyaa.” (Yuki)

“Now then, it is about time to return home. Kuroha-chan, Lisa-chan as well.” (Gentoku)

“Gau… kwaaah.” (Kuroha)

“Kyuu… nn.” (Lisa)

As I stroked their heads, the three children awoke, looking sleepy. Hikoroku yawned widely and awakened as well.

“Now then, I shall give sweets to everyone. Eat them only after you return home.” (Gentoku)

“Nya!!” (Yuki)

“Garru!!” (Kuroha)

“Kyuu!!” (Lisa)

“Hikoroku too. Make sure to escort everyone safely.” (Gentoku)

“Woof!!” (Hikoroku)

The three mounted Hikoroku’s back, and Hikoroku began walking.

“‘Oji-chan, thank you!!’” (Yuki/Kuroha/Lisa)

“Very well. Return home safely, alright?” (Gentoku)

After seeing them off, I realized something.

“Oh, the ball… well, never mind. It will become Yuki-chan and the others’ toy, I suppose.” (Gentoku)

Now then, today marked the end of work for the year. Departure for the snow country would be in three days, and tomorrow I would need to buy various items.

 

—

 

I arranged a handcart, purchased jackets, clothing, and boots for the snow country, and placed them in the bag. Cash was fully prepared in the wallet, and with the royalty payment made, funds were ample. I entrusted the management of the workplace to the Real Estate Guild, as well as the supervision of the residence.

The day before departure, I greeted Sandrone and Richter… though Sandrone glared at me with an extraordinarily displeased expression. Then, on the day of departure, the handcart previously used in Zanad arrived in front of the workplace. Rosso and the others, accompanied by Hikoroku, also arrived.

“Yahho, Ossan!!” (Rosso)

“Oji-sa­ma, I trust you will be looking after us this time as well.” (Ao)

“…We shall make it an enjoyable hot spring journey.” (Gentoku)

“Ah, very well.” (Rosso)

Once Hikoroku was connected to the handcart, Ao produced a map and showed it to Hikoroku.

“…Hikoroku. We shall proceed to this location, the mining town Dodofado. Next, the hot spring town Leredore… understood?” (Blanche)

“Woof.” (Hikoroku)

“…Are you certain that will suffice?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Hikoroku is intelligent.” (Ao)

Hikoroku stared intently at the map, wagging its tail energetically. Rosso and Blanche were loading the luggage, so I placed my own bag inside as well.

“Ossan, is that all?” (Rosso)

“For the moment, just a change of clothes, wallet, and the full set of work tools. You two carry quite a lot.” (Gentoku)

“Ufufu, Oji-sa­ma… girls have various ‘preparations’, you know?” (Blanche)

“I-I apologize. I shall not inquire further, yes.” (Gentoku)

With the route memorized and the luggage loaded, we boarded the carriage.

“…Hikoroku. First, to the mining town Dodofado. Departure.” (Gentoku)

‘Wauu’

As Hikoroku began walking, the carriage moved as well.

Well, it was not the type of journey in which one exclaims cheerfully, “Shuppa-tsu!!”. We gathered in the first floor of the carriage.

“Then, as before, the second-floor sleeping quarters shall be yours. I shall take this sofa.” (Gentoku)

“I knew you would say that. Very well, we shall guard the journey.” (Blanche)

“Very well. By the way… Snow-san and the others did not come after all?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. The scent of hot springs and the shoulders of beastkin are uncomfortable for them. Snow-san and Yuki-chan were entrusted with the management of the base. Moreover, it seems they have made friends, so there is no concern.” (Ao)

Indeed, if there were mama friends or child friends, they would not feel lonely.

Perhaps I should buy them some hot spring buns if they were sold.

“The plan, then, is to pass through the mining town Dodofado and head for the hot spring town Leredore, correct?” (Gentoku)

“…Originally, it would take over ten days, but with Hikoroku, only a week.” (Ao)

“We also decided to buy a villa. We are not wealthy like Ossan, so it will not be as grand as yours, however.” (Blanche)

Come to think of it, the three of Scarlet Camelia sent their earnings back to their hometown or donated them. Despite being young, they are truly commendable… ugh, it makes an old man tearful.

I could lend them money, but it did not feel like the proper way, so I kept silent.

“For the time being, one with a hot spring is an absolute must.” (Ao)

“Indeed. I am looking forward to the snowy scenery as well.” (Blanche)

“…And the delicious cuisine shall be delightful.” (Gentoku)

Now then, the hot spring town… I am already filled with excitement.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)