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

 

 

Verde the “Green”

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Then, what exactly are you doing here?” (Rosso)

When Rosso spoke while drinking her ale, Verde puffed out her chest and declared.

“Where there are adventures, there shall I be present! It is self-evident, is it not? I came here to seek adventure! O~hohohoho!!” (Verde)

Good grief, how loud she is. If Blanche could be likened to a pure and graceful young lady, then this one is more like an arrogant, high-handed Ojou-sama, the sort who bullies the heroine, drives her out, and then later receives her comeuppance when the heroine makes her triumphant return.

Verde shook her ringlet curls, her ample bosom that rivaled Rosso’s quivering as she spoke.

“Well, that is a jest. The truth is that a ‘Rock Dragon’ appeared within the mine, and I came to subjugate it. Having completed the subjugation and on my way to take a meal, I happened to see you.” (Verde)

“I see.” (Rosso)

“W-Was it after you defeated it?” (Gentoku)

When I asked, Verde shook her ringlets and replied.

“Indeed! Fufun, it was an instantaneous annihilation.” (Verde)

“I-I see…” (Gentoku)

From the perspective of narrative development, this would normally be the point where the subjugation was still pending, some complication would arise, and Rosso and the others of Scarlet Camellia would cooperate in the subjugation. Then, there would be a battle with a magic beast, and in the process they would deepen their bonds, thereby expanding the heroine’s role. That would be the typical light novel storyline. Yet here we find that she has already returned from the subjugation.

Well, I suppose I can be relieved that I shall not be dragged into some unnecessary battle. In a light novel-style development, I would surely end up being entangled as well.

“Since I came all this way, I thought I might cleanse myself of sweat in the hot spring town of Leredore. Fufun, Rosso, who would have imagined that our destinations would coincide?” (Verde)

“I do not care. Go if you wish. We are occupied with guarding Ossan, so begone.” (Rosso)

“D-Do not dismiss me as though I were some dog to be chased away! Hey, listen… Since it is a rare opportunity, why do we not go together?” (Verde)

“I refuse.” (Rosso)

“A reply without hesitation!?” (Verde)

Ah, could this girl be lonely?

“You there, with that face as though you are thinking ‘Ah, she must be lonely’… what say you? Would you not grant me permission to accompany you?” (Verde)

“M-My thoughts were read!! Well… I suppose if it is only traveling together, it would be acceptable. After all, you are a friend of Rosso and the others.” (Gentoku)

“F-Friend…!! Ehehe, a friend.” (Verde)

“You are not a friend. Verde, you are forever noisy about wanting us to join your ‘Deep Green Ensemble.’ I have told you time and again that the three of us are Scarlet Camellia.” (Rosso)

“Ugh… B-But, you see, I simply wanted to form a team with girls of the same age.” (Verde)

“Then, you should be the one to join. Ah, but that is impossible, is it not? You quarreled with Blanche, and Ao has also marked you as an enemy.” (Rosso)

“Uuu… I only thought to scout you away, that is all.” (Verde)

Verde looked dejected.

I almost thought her a little pitiable and even somewhat endearing.

I drank my ale and glanced at the two retainers standing like statues in restraint.

“Do the two of you not drink?” (Gentoku)

“Please do not mind us. We are retainers whose duty is to protect the Ojou-sama.” (Schwan)

“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.” (Gentoku)

One of them appeared to be of middle age, and the other seemed a man in his early twenties. Ojous-ama.

She really does seem to be a noble.

“In any case, we plan to go sightseeing tomorrow. Would you all like to accompany us?” (Gentoku)

“Ah, Ossan, you fool!!” (Rosso)

“Truly!? Fufun… O~hohohoho!! In that case, I grant you permission to accompany me as my retainers. You there, what is your name?” (Verde)

“I am Gentoku, but…” (Gentoku)

“Gentoku!! Tomorrow you shall come to my lodging and escort me. Is that understood!!” (Verde)

“Y-Yes.” (Gentoku)

“Then, fare you well!! O~hohohoho!!” (Verde)

Verde departed.

As I watched her retreating back, Rosso exhaled a sigh.

“You have gone and made something troublesome… That girl, because of such a personality, had her fiancé stolen away and was even cast out of her family.” (Rosso)

“What? What is that story?” (Gentoku)

“It is fairly well known. She was a noble’s daughter and had a fiancé. But then some lesser noble’s daughter declared ‘true love’ and stole Verde’s fiancé. In public, he announced ‘I have awakened to true love, I annul this engagement!!’. Thus, her betrothal was broken. Moreover, she was branded a disgrace and expelled from her family, and so she became an adventurer. Still, as you see, she clearly had talent, for she rose all the way to the ‘Seven Rainbow Adventurers Arc-en-Ciel.’” (Rosso)

“…” (Gentoku)

So, she truly is a genuine “villainess who receives comeuppance”. Dangerous… I might actually rather like such a type.

“In any case, let us go sightseeing together tomorrow.” (Gentoku)

“Well, I suppose that is fine…” (Rosso)

Having finished our meal, we returned to the inn, where I reported to Ao and Blanche that we had encountered Verde. Both of them made unpleasant expressions, but in the end, they agreed to accompany us on tomorrow’s sightseeing.

 

—

 

The following day.

When we went to Verde’s inn, we found that she was already waiting before it.

“You are late!!” (Verde)

“No, it is still before the appointed time…” (Gentoku)

“Hmph. It is common sense to arrive 30 minutes before the promised time! Next time, take care.” (Verde)

“There will not be a next time. You are such a bother.” (Rosso)

“…Verde. You truly are here.” (Blanche)

“…How tiresome.” (Ao)

Rosso, Blanche, and Ao yawned as though exasperated. Verde then cleared her throat with a prim cough.

“Ahem. I met Rosso yesterday, but Blanche, Ao, it has been a while.” (Verde)

“Fufu, indeed it has.” (Blanche)

“I did not wish to see you.” (Ao)

Blanche wore a Noh-mask-like smile, while Ao truly looked annoyed. Verde, her long hair fluttering, turned to me and spoke.

“Now then, Gentoku, since today we are sightseeing, I have prepared a plan.” (Verde)

“Eh, is that so?” (Gentoku)

“Indeed!! Nfufu, first we shall tour the mines, then we shall shop at the mineral shop, and for lunch we shall partake of rock-grilled steak~.” (Verde)

“Oh. That is indeed a tempting plan.” (Gentoku)

“Is it not? You are rather a man who can converse well.” (Verde)

Verde smiled brightly.

What, she is quite cute after all.

Then, I felt a gaze. From the shadow of the inn, her two attendants were lurking.

“By the way, where are your retainers?” (Gentoku)

“Schwan and Miles? Those two are somewhere about. As retainers, they do not intrude.” (Verde)

“I see… Very well. Let us depart then.” (Gentoku)

“Yes!! Fufun, Rosso, Blanche, Ao, I look forward to today!!” (Verde)

“…” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

The three merely gave her sidelong glares.

 

—

 

Now, as for Verde’s plan… To be honest, it was extraordinarily enjoyable.

On the mine tour we rode in a trolley that circled the interior of the mine. We observed dwarves and beastkin digging, and every one of them was muscular and impressive. Then, shopping at the mineral shop was splendid. The raw gemstones possessed a beauty distinct from that of a magic stone. Furthermore, the processed jewels radiated the skill of the artisans. And then at lunch, we ate steaks cooked upon rocks excavated from the mines. It was utterly delicious.

I had not expected to ask for second helpings, and yet I had two more servings. By the end of our amusements, I was in high spirits.

“My, that was enjoyable indeed! Was it not, Rosso?” (Gentoku)

“Well, yes. For Verde, that was well done.” (Rosso)

“Fufufun!! Is it not so!!” (Verde)

“Indeed, it was enjoyable.” (Blanche)

“The steak was delicious.” (Ao)

Although Rosso and the others had been indifferent at first, from the time we rode the mine trolley they began conversing normally with Verde and even laughing.

So, despite being a troublesome Ojou-sama with a villainess aura, she could indeed enjoy herself with others.

Then, Verde spoke.

“Th-That is… Today, well…” (Verde)

“Verde, I had fun today. Normally you are noisy and bothersome, but this was fine.” (Rosso)

“Indeed. Without your incessant meddling, it is actually quite pleasant.” (Blanche)

“Verde without being bothersome. That may be acceptable.” (Ao)

Good grief, how much are they all exasperated with her…

Verde’s face turned red as she trembled.

“I-I am not bothersome!! I am not bothersome at all!!” (Verde)

“Eh~?” (Rosso/Blanche/Ao)

“Muuuu!! Gentoku!! Tell me, am I bothersome!?” (Verde)

“Well, we only met yesterday, so I cannot say you are bothersome or not… But I can say that today was extremely enjoyable.” (Gentoku)

“F-Fufun!! Naturally!!” (Verde)

“Hahaha. As expected of a friend of Rosso and the others, it was most entertaining.” (Gentoku)

“F-Friend…” (Verde)

“She is not a friend, though.” (Rosso)

“Indeed, merely a colleague.” (Blanche)

“A rival in business.” (Ao)

When Rosso and the others said so, Verde looked slightly downcast. She truly cannot be honest with herself.

Well, it was enjoyable, so perhaps I should lend her a hand.

“By the way, Verde, you are headed to the hot spring town, are you not? We are bound there as well. Shall we go together?” (Gentoku)

“!!” (Verde)

“Eh? Ossan, we do not need to go together.” (Rosso)

“I shall go!! I shall accompany you. Do we depart tomorrow?” (Verde)

“Yes, that is the plan.” (Gentoku)

“Schwan, Miles!! Prepare for travel!! Then, until tomorrow!!” (Verde)

Verde dashed back to her inn.

Rosso spoke, sounding somewhat displeased.

“Ossan, you are being rather kind to Verde… Why is that?” (Rosso)

“How should I say it… I know the type of girl she is.” (Gentoku)

She is the archetypal villainess who is cast out and scorned. Honestly, I belong to the camp that wishes for even the villainess to find happiness. I do dislike villainesses who go to extremes, but for someone like Verde, I would like to extend her some salvation.

“Rosso, you and the others treat Verde quite harshly. Did something happen?” (Gentoku)

“Not really. We are in the same trade, so there have been disputes over commissions, or cases where she took credit or we did. It is not hatred, but we are not exactly friends either.” (Rosso)

“I see. Well, at least for the winter, try to get along with her. I, for one, do not dislike such a girl.” (Gentoku)

“Well, if you say so, Ossan, then I suppose it is fine.” (Rosso)

Thus, we enjoyed our sightseeing of the mining town and made ready to set out for the hot spring town.

 

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