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

 

 

Snowy Scenery

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After several days of travel, pulled along by Hikoroku, the air gradually grew colder. Furthermore, the scenery visible through the window was striking. Though the highway itself was beautifully cleared of snow, the mountains and forests were completely white. When I opened the window, the cold air rushed in. As it entered my lungs, the icy chill made my breath come out white.

While acting unbecomingly for my age, I leaned my body out the window and spoke.

“Haha, snow!! Amazing… it’s so completely white!!” (Gentoku)

“Ossan, it’s cold.” (Rosso)

“Ah, my apologies.” (Gentoku)

I closed the window.

Rosso, Ao, and Blanche did not appear particularly interested.

“You three, it’s snow, you know. Shouldn’t you be happier about it?” (Gentoku)

“It’s just cold. I’m not that interested.” (Rosso)

“I feel the same.” (Blanche)

“…I don’t really like the cold.” (Ao)

It seemed the trio of girls did not share my enthusiasm.

Incidentally, Verde remained in her own carriage, following behind us. Although she had begun to take the first steps toward reconciliation, she still lacked the courage to apologize to the three of them.

Perhaps my face betrayed my thoughts, for Rosso spoke.

“Ossan, something happened between you and Verde, didn’t it?” (Rosso)

“Eh… ah, well…” (Gentoku)

“Well, I won’t pry. As for me, no, as for us, it’s fine as long as you settle things properly.” (Rosso)

“…In other words, I just need to apologize properly, is that it?” (Gentoku)

“Who knows. We don’t plan to just let things slide, so if she wants to be involved again, we’ll deal with her reluctantly at best.” (Rosso)

Ao and Blanche said nothing.

At the very least, it did not feel like all hope was lost.

 

—

 

After traveling several more days along the highway, I was surprised to find that even as the snowy scenery deepened, the road remained perfectly clear. Judging from the clean traces of snow removal, there must have been an excellent snow-clearing unit at work.

And at last, we saw it.

“Oji-san, I can see it.” (Ao)

“Hmm? Oh, finally!!” (Gentoku)

Ao pointed out the window, so I opened it and looked outside. There it was, a large town coming into view. Astonishingly, there was the scent of sulfur in the air. Even though we were still far from the town, I could see steam rising from various places.

Incredible, the hot spring town of Leredore!!

“Ossan, it stinks.” (Rosso)

Eh, me? Do I smell? Body odor from aging?

Or so I thought, but it turned out to be the scent of sulfur. Though slightly shocked, I quickly realized my mistake.

Closing the window, I leaned back against the sofa.

“Ah, the hot spring town Leredore. Fufufu, first, we secure an inn, and tomorrow we’ll visit the Real Estate Guild. With Gloria’s letter of introduction, I hope we can find a fine property.” (Gentoku)

“Oji-sama, you seem quite pleased.” (Blanche)

“Well, yes. Blanche, you intend to purchase a villa as well, don’t you?” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. I am expecting a good property.” (Blanche)

And thus, our carriage proceeded toward the Hot Spring Town Leredore.

At the main gate, when Rosso presented her adventurer card, the guards were astonished. Apparently, the name of The Crimson Camellia, Scarlet Camellia, was well-known here as well.

The streets within were truly remarkable.

“Amazing. It really feels like a hot spring town.” (Gentoku)

“It’s all hills, and it stinks.” (Rosso)

Rosso seemed displeased. However, I was completely satisfied.

All the streets were paved with stone, and every building was constructed of dark brown timber. Likely, the sulfur had given the wood that coloration, and the buildings possessed an admirable rustic charm. Steam rose here and there, and numerous inns lined the streets. With so many steep slopes, our wagon tilted slightly, yet Hikuroku pulled steadily without a hint of strain.

“The paths are narrow, there are many alleys, and it’s all uphill. The roofs look easy to climb too. From an assassin’s perspective, this place would be a treasure trove of hiding spots.” (Ao)

“Don’t say such ominous things.” (Gentoku)

A murder case in a hot spring town sounded like something out of an old suspense drama. In total impression, I would call this an otherworldly-style hot spring town. There were many souvenir shops as well, and it looked like exploring would be enjoyable.

Just then, Hikoroku came to a stop.

“Oh, we’ve arrived.” (Rosso)

“It seems to be the town center.” (Blanche)

“Let’s park the carriage and secure an inn.” (Gentoku)

As we disembarked from the carriage, my breath caught.

“Wow, what is this, so much steam.” (Gentoku)

“It reeks.” (Blanche)

“…Ugh.” (Ao)

“This is a hot spring source, isn’t it?” (Gentoku)

In the very center of the town stood a massive rocky area. Fenced off, from the rocks gushed forth hot spring water, just like a hot water field. It was magnificent beyond words. The hot spring town Leredore, truly a sight worthy of its name. I had made up my mind then and there. Even if my savings were depleted, I would buy a villa here.

As I stood in awe, Verde and the others disembarked from their carriage as well.

“Ugh, the smell is unbearable.” (Verde)

“You’ll get addicted eventually. Ah, this is wonderful.” (Gentoku)

“What on earth are you so excited about?” (Verde)

“Hey, the inn’s over here. Ossan, ah, Verde too.” (Rosso)

“Yeah, I’m coming.” (Gentoku)

“Yes.” (Verde)

Rosso and the others headed toward a large wooden inn in the town center.

Although Verde responded, she had scarcely spoken with Rosso and the others since that day. It seemed she was still waiting for the right moment to apologize.

After the others entered the inn, I spoke to Verde.

“Have you made up your mind?” (Gentoku)

“I still can’t find the right timing.” (Verde)

“There’s no need to rush. Besides, I’m sure Rosso and the others will accept you.” (Gentoku)

“Yes.” (Verde)

I patted Verde lightly on the shoulder, and she smiled faintly.

“Come now, it’s the hot spring town Leredore. To the hot springs.” (Gentoku)

“You seem quite pleased.” (Verde)

Together with Verde, Miles-san, and Schwan, I entered the inn.

 

—

 

We managed to secure three rooms at the inn.

Each was a double room, which posed a slight complication.

“So that’s me, Ao, Blanche, then Verde. Ossan and the two attendants, huh.” (Rosso)

Then, Miles-san and Schwan spoke up.

“Ojou-sama, Schwan and I shall take rooms at a nearby inexpensive inn. We shall return to escort you tomorrow.” (Miles)

“Ah, very well.” (Verde)

“Then, I’ll take a single room, leaving the four of you.” (Gentoku)

When I looked at Rosso and the others, Rosso said…

“I’ll share with Verde. Ao and Blanche can take the other room.” (Rosso)

“Ah, um, I…” (Verde)

“Settled. Ossan, here’s your key. What do you want to do about dinner?” (Rosso)

“Ah, since we’re here, let’s take a stroll and find a place to eat.” (Gentoku)

I felt a bit sorry for Verde, but I could not spend all my time worrying over her.

I headed to my room.

“Oh.” (Gentoku)

It was astonishing. Tatami mats, there were tatami mats. Although slightly different from the ones I knew, perhaps in the stitching, the scent of rush grass was unmistakable.

Shoes were, of course, forbidden. I removed them and stepped onto the tatami. There was a low table, cushions, a tea set beside a tea-serving magical apparatus, and sweets. They were hot spring manju. My excitement soared. Inside the closet lay neatly folded futons. It was truly a ryokan, an authentic Japanese-style inn.

“The culture of the Eastern Regions always felt somewhat Japanese, but this exceeds expectations. Although we’re in the North. More importantly, yes, the hot spring.” (Gentoku)

Yes, this luxurious inn had its own hot spring. Or rather, every inn here did. This one had a grand public bath on the first floor, open for use at any time. Though I searched, there were no yukata provided, what a pity.

So, I put on the ‘pseudo-jinbei’ I had requested from a tailor beforehand and descended to the bath. I had hoped for it, but alas, there was no sign curtain. I opened the door marked “Men’s Bath” and entered. The dressing room was spacious. I disrobed and proceeded into the bath.

“Ooooooh!!” (Gentoku)

A rock bath.

A massive rock bath dominated the center, surrounded by washing stations on all sides. There were quite a few bathers, beastkin, winged folk with feathers on their backs, reptilian demi-humans. It was awe-inspiring. The sulfur scent was strong. It seemed likely to be good for the skin.

After washing my body, I entered the bath.

“Oooh, uuuh.” (Gentoku)

The water was thick and viscous, almost as if it could form threads, yet somehow it did not feel unpleasant. As I soaked, warmth spread from within my body.

“This is perfection.” (Gentoku)

The hot spring town Leredore. I would not compromise. I would buy a villa here, no matter what.

 

—

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