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

 

 

New Villa

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Blanche had also decided upon a villa. It was a small villa with a hot spring, located slightly away from the bustling district. Its size was just right for the three of them to use as their base in this town, and though small, the hot spring was large enough for three people to enter together. Since Blanche was tidy and loved cleanliness, there would be no worry of her making it dirty.

Blanche’s villa would be ready for occupancy two days later, as staff from the Real Estate Guild would perform inspections of its magical tools and cleaning. Therefore, we all went to my villa, which was available for immediate move-in.

On the way, we passed through the sloping streets of the bustling district, exited through its entrance, and entered a small forest. Within the forest stood a wooden wall, and the entrance to the villa came into view.

Hank-san, our guide, pointed toward the entrance and spoke.

“This is the entrance to Gentoku-sama’s villa. It is a seven-minute walk from the bustling district, and you arrive here by taking the narrow path that extends from the side road near the entrance of the district.” (Hank)

“Ohhh.” (Gentoku)

Although it was called a small forest, the road was well-maintained, with stepping stones laid along the gravel path. One could think of it as a large garden. Upon passing through the entrance, there was a large pond, and a stone bridge stretched across it. It was splendid, one could call it a Kyoto-style garden. There were benches, and light streamed in, making it bright.

Then, I noticed something. There was a small white round shape sitting atop one of the benches.

“Hm? What is that? A cat?” (Gentoku)

“Ah, my apologies. I forgot to mention. Actually, there is one cat that lives here.” (Hank)

It was a pure white cat.

When it noticed us, it lifted its head, opened and closed its eyes repeatedly, and then yawned. Even while sitting in a loaf position, it was perfectly round. Its face was round as well, and it was adorable.

“This cat was originally kept by the ryokan that used to stand here. It is called a ‘Hundred-Year Old Cat’.” (Hank)

“A… ‘Hundred-Year Old Cat’?” (Gentoku)

Another term I did not understand appeared.

Blanche exclaimed “My,” while Ao said “Heeh”. Rosso and Verde tilted their heads in curiosity.

Hank-san explained.

“As the name suggests, it is a cat that lives for a hundred years. This one has already lived in this inn for about 40 years. It seems to procure its own food, so we have left it be.” (Hank)

“40 years?” (Gentoku)

Impossible. Even the longest-lived cats hardly exceed 20 years. It looked like an ordinary cat. A complete cat.

Wait.

“Does it perhaps transform into a human, or begin to speak, or perhaps it is a magic beast that can grow gigantic?” (Gentoku)

“Eh? N-no, nothing of the sort.” (Hank)

“Oji-san, Hundred-Year Cats really are only cats with long lifespans. They only give birth once in their lifetime, so their reproduction rate is very low. And since they look completely identical to normal cats, it is impossible to tell them apart. They say that if a cat lives beyond 20 years and remains healthy, it might be a Hundred-Year Cat, and if it reaches 30 years, it certainly is one.” (Ao)

That was the first time Ao had ever spoken at such length since we met.

40 years old, older than me.

“Gentoku-sama, do you dislike cats?” (Hank)

“No, no, I like cats. They are cute.” (Gentoku)

Yuki-chan, for example, was like a big cat. It was adorable when it showed affection.

As I approached, the cat opened its eyes. It showed no sign of running away or being wary.

I reached out and petted it.

“I am Gentoku. I bought this villa. Nice to meet you.” (Gentoku)

“…Gorororo.” (Cat)

Oh, its throat rumbled faintly.

The cat then closed its eyes again and, while sitting in the loaf position, fell asleep.

Huh?

“Wait, could it be that–…” (Gentoku)

“Gentoku-sama, I shall now guide you through the interior.” (Hank)

“Ah, yes.” (Gentoku)

I stepped away from the cat and entered the interior of the villa.

 

—

 

The villa was even more spacious than I had imagined.

The first floor had been remodeled. The area that used to contain the inn’s counter had been removed, creating a small room directly accessible from the entrance. Chairs and tables were arranged there, and a large window provided a fine view of the garden.

Sunlight poured in warmly. Since shoes did not need to be removed, this small room directly connected to the entrance might be perfect for holding meals or gatherings. A door led directly into the kitchen as well. The kitchen contained the latest magical stove, a refrigerator, and an ice maker. Running water was available, and the refrigerator was of a large size. As expected of a former ryokan, the facilities were excellent.

After removing our shoes at the entrance, we entered further. The first floor contained a large hall with tatami flooring and a fireplace. The fireplace itself was fine, but it did not match the tatami flooring at all. I would soon craft an air conditioner and install it, perhaps even place a kotatsu. There were separate restrooms for men and women, and a long corridor. When I opened the window along the corridor, the garden was visible. The garden was quite spacious, with a pond and artfully arranged trees. There were even stone lanterns, and an outdoor table and chairs had been placed there, making it an ideal space for relaxation.

“In terms of location, the grounds lie below the bustling district, but due to the elevation and the surrounding structures, there is no concern of being overlooked.” (Hank)

“That is reassuring.” (Gentoku)

Hank-san’s explanation was reasonable.

Indeed, the area was surrounded by trees and walls, and the side facing the district was blocked by buildings. There was a covered corridor that led outside, and at the end of it stood another building just as the faint smell of sulfur reached my nose.

“This is… could it be–…” (Gentoku)

“Yes. This is the hot spring of the villa. It is located separately from the main building, so one must pass outdoors to reach it.” (Hank)

“This is the best! A detached bathhouse beyond a corridor, how exciting is that! Right?” (Gentoku)

“…” (All)

“Hey, why are you all looking at me like that? Ah, Miles-san, what do you think?” (Gentoku)

“Ahem. It is to my liking. A separate space detached from the main building, not bad at all.” (Miles)

“Miles-san! You are my true kindred spirit!” (Gentoku)

I shook hands with Miles-san.

How splendid middle-aged gentlemen could be.

Then, we finally moved to the detached bathhouse.

The changing rooms were divided by gender. The indoor baths were wooden and spacious, with three washing stations each, and even a private sauna. A sauna. I was surprised that even in this world they called it that. It seemed the heat was produced by magical tools that heated rocks, upon which water was poured to create steam. I was relieved that it was not the kind of setup that involved burning firewood.

And then, the open-air bath.

“Ooooooohhh!” (Gentoku)

“This is the open-air bath. It is mixed-gender, but–…” (Hank)

“Oh, that is no issue since I am the only one here! Amazing, so spacious!” (Gentoku)

“Wow, the inn yesterday was nice, but I think I like this one better.” (Rosso)

“Indeed, it is splendid.” (Blanche)

“Rock-built.” (Verde)

“Mmm, I might be a little envious.” (Ao)

Even Rosso and the others were impressed.

It was a magnificent open-air bath built of stone. There were doors connecting from the men’s and women’s indoor baths, allowing access to it. If this were a manga, one might expect a coincidental encounter scene, but as I was alone, there was no such concern.

“My hot spring, my own hot spring.” (Gentoku)

“Oji-sama, are you quite alright?” (Blanche)

“Oji-san, he is crying.” (Ao)

“Didn’t something similar happen before?” (Rosso)

The Scarlet Camellia seemed concerned, but I was merely overwhelmed with emotion.

After the bath inspection, we moved to the second floor. The second floor consisted of guest rooms and bedrooms. There were three Japanese-style rooms, two Western-style rooms, and one large room. I had expected futons, but each room had its own bed.

Well, I prefer beds anyway, so that is perfectly fine.

After the tour concluded, we returned to the entrance.

“Here is the key to the villa.” (Hank)

“I am deeply grateful!” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Should any issue arise, please contact the Real Estate Guild at any time.” (Hank)

“Of course! Thanks to you, Hank-san, I believe this will be a splendid vacation. I must thank Gloria as well!” (Gentoku)

“Hahaha. Please give my regards to my sister. Then, if you will excuse me.” (Hank)

Hank-san bowed deeply and departed.

I turned around and addressed everyone.

“All right, everyone, stay over tonight! I will treat you all to drinks!” (Gentoku)

“Yay! I had a feeling you would say that!” (Rosso)

“Fufu, my gratitude. This makes me eager to have my own villa as well.” (Blanche)

“Leredore is famous for its hotpots.” (Verde)

“An overnight stay, very well. Schwan, Miles, prepare for the night.” (Verde)

“Yes, Ojou-sama.” (Schwan/Miles)

“Nyaa.” (Cat)

The Hundred-Year Cat, still seated on the bench, meowed.

Ao approached and petted it and then, seemed to notice something.

“Huh, this one…” (Ao)

“Ah, you noticed too.” (Gentoku)

I approached as well and petted the cat.

When I gently touched its round belly, I confirmed my suspicion.

“She is pregnant. It would be best not to move her too much.” (Gentoku)

“Yes, but it is cold here. A warmer place would be better.” (Ao)

“Indeed. Hey, you can come inside. Ao, could you bring out a futon? There should be a blanket as well.” (Gentoku)

“Understood.” (Ao)

For the time being, it seemed we would be taking care of the cat.

 

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