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

 

 

Slopeside Tavern

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After guiding the cat to a room where a futon had been laid out and placing a bowl of water beside it, I left the villa. Since it appeared to be pregnant, it would be best not to disturb it too much.

We departed from the villa and arrived at the entrance of the bustling district.

“Ohhh… this is wonderful, a lively district that perfectly suits my tastes.” (Gentoku)

At the entrance of the district stood a gate resembling a torii, and a gently sloping road stretched straight ahead. The wide stone-paved street was lined on both sides with a variety of shops such as restaurants, souvenir shops, weapon and armor shops, greengrocers, and bakeries.

From its layout, it seemed that climbing this slope would lead to the center of the town. In the central area stood a large inn along with the Adventurer Guild and the Commerce Guild. The villa I had purchased was connected to one of the streets leading to this bustling district, located just below it and formerly an inn itself.

We walked through the restaurant district, glancing curiously at everything around us.

“It is cold.” (Ao)

I had worn long sleeves, but snow had accumulated here and there. Although the streets had been thoroughly cleared, snow still clung to rooftops and corners. Leaving a little snow gave it a proper winter feeling. Apparently, in this region, more than half the year was winter, and we were now in the height of the season.

For the time being, I planned to stay until the end of winter. I might as well find a good tavern or eatery while I had the chance.

“Oji-san, the town of Leredore is famous for its hotpots. They have mountain vegetable hotpot made with greens gathered from the snowy mountains, hotpot with snow mountain magic beast meat, and even hotpot with river fish from the snowy mountains.” (Ao)

“You know quite a lot. Did you look it up?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Is it useful?” (Ao)

“Ah, thank you. As expected of you, Ao.” (Gentoku)

Ao smiled brightly, so much so that I could not help but think she looked adorable, almost like a cat.

And so, we decided to go to the hotpot restaurant that Ao recommended. It was a large establishment located halfway up the slope, and we were shown to a spacious private room.

Schwan and Miles-san initially tried to decline, but I insisted that they join us. Even though I had grown used to it, being surrounded only by young girls was still a bit much for an old man like me.

The table was round, with the latest model of a large magical stove embedded in its center. It was built into the tabletop, with heating coils set into the middle where pots could be placed directly for warming. Up to four pots could be set at once, which was impressive.

When I looked at the menu, it was exactly as Ao had described.

“Yes, yes!! I want this one, the Snow Mountain Bear Meat Hotpot!!” (Rosso)

“Ah, I think I would like that as well.” (Verde)

Rosso and Verde chose the meat hotpot, which, in a way, was exactly what I expected.

“I would like the Snow Bubble Sea Bass and Ice Crab Hotpot.” (Ao)

“My, I was thinking that would be my choice as well.” (Blanche)

So, Ao and Blanche went for the fish dishes. I was curious about those too.

“Then, I shall have the Snow Mountain Vegetable Hotpot.” (Miles)

“I will have the same.” (Schwan)

Miles-san and Schwan chose the mountain vegetable hotpot, healthy and delicious-sounding.

Now, as for me…

“Hmmm… oh? What is this Snowbound Full-Belly Hotpot? The name intrigues me, I shall have this one.” (Gentoku)

I chose the Snowbound Full-Belly Hotpot. The name alone suggested it would be a hearty meal.

When I looked at the drink menu, I was surprised to see that they even had Zasshu, a type of sake. I ordered it without hesitation. I thought Schwan and Miles-san might drink as well, but they declined.

“My apologies. We are on duty as bodyguards for Ojou-sama.” (Schwan)

“Sorry, I cannot drink while working.” (Miles)

“That is a shame.” (Gentoku)

I was a little disappointed, but then Verde spoke.

“Schwan, Miles, your work for today is over. You may drink with Gentoku. We are staying at Gentoku’s villa tonight anyway, and it is just nearby.” (Verde)

“In that case, with pleasure.” (Schwan)

“Heh, thank you very much, Ojou-sama.” (Miles)

“All right!! Miles-san, do you know about zasshu?” (Gentoku)

“If I recall correctly, it is liquor distilled from zatsumai, produced in the East.” (Miles)

“That’s right!! It’s delicious. Schwan, you should drink too!!” (Gentoku)

“Sure thing. I can hold my liquor, you know?” (Schwan)

“Oji-san, you seem excited.” (Ao)

“Wait, I am drinking too!!” (Rosso)

“Fufun. Then, I shall join in as well. Despite appearances, I am quite strong!” (Verde)

“I shall focus on the food instead.” (Blanche)

Soon after, the food and drinks arrived, and we toasted together.

The hotpots were bubbling on the table, steam rising deliciously. Rosso’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the meat hotpot.

“Ohhh, it looks delicious!!” (Rosso)

“Meat, meat!! Rosso, let us eat!!” (Verde)

“Of course!! Here, give me your plate.” (Rosso)

“Eh, ah… yes.” (Verde)

Rosso generously filled Verde’s plate with meat. For some reason, she was suddenly being kind.

“The fish is fluffy and delicious.” (Ao)

“Yes, and river crab tastes wonderful too, much like sea crab.” (Blanche)

Ao and Blanche were focusing on eating their fish hotpot, devouring it with enthusiasm.

“This is excellent. The mountain vegetables lend a fine broth.” (Miles)

“Yes, it pairs perfectly with Zasshu. Here, Miles-san.” (Schwan)

Schwan and Miles-san were enjoying their mountain vegetable hotpot with sake. It was remarkable, the earthy flavors of the mountains in the hotpot paired exquisitely with the drink.

Now, as for my Full-Belly Hotpot…

“This is chanko nabe! The salty flavor is rich and amazing!! It goes so well with sake!!” (Gentoku)

The Snowbound Full-Belly Hotpot was indeed chanko nabe. It was filled with meat, fish, mountain vegetables, and leafy greens, all stewed in a chicken-based broth seasoned with salt. It was delicious. A bit salty, but that only made the sake more enjoyable.

“So good!! Hey Schwan, have some of this! Miles-san, how’s the drink? Ahahaha!!” (Gentoku)

“Oji-san, you are drunk.” (Ao)

“But he looks so happy.” (Blanche)

I poured for Miles-san, while Schwan poured for me in return. Then, Rosso, already tipsy, came over and wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

“Oji-san!! Two villas already, after Zanad!! And both are amazing properties!! I’m jealous!! Hey hey, marry me!! I wanna live in your villa!!” (Rosso)

“You fool. I’m not interested in kids. And I’m not getting married.” (Gentoku)

“Ehh, why not? I love you, Oji-san!!” (Rosso)

Rosso leaned in as if to kiss me, but I grabbed her head and pushed her away.

Then, Verde, drunk and red-faced, stumbled to my other side.

“Rossooo… I’m sorry!! I’m sooo sorry!! Waaaaah!!” (Verde)

She was crying.

What on earth is happening now?

Rosso, her face flushed, pushed past me and stood before Verde.

“What’s with you? Apologizing now?” (Rosso)

“Yes, I said so many cruel things to you. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I truly wanted to be friends, but I couldn’t be honest, and I said such awful things. I hurt Ao and Blanche too. Uuu, waaaah.” (Verde)

“I forgive you!! You idiot!! You never apologize properly, you know? In our line of work, closure is important! I forgive you already! Right, Ao, Blanche!!” (Rosso)

“Well, yes. I did want an apology, but not quite like this.” (Ao)

“Eh… goodness, Verde, are you drunk?” (Blanche)

Verde’s carefully thought-out plans for apologizing had completely vanished. She was a tearful drunk after all. I had been tipsy, but the moment felt sobering.

“I’m sorry. I want to be friends with Rosso, Ao, and Blanche. I want to adventure, eat together, and play together.” (Verde)

“Let’s do it!! I’ll be your friend!! More sake!!” (Rosso)

“Rossooo!! More sakeee!!” (Verde)

Drinking while reconciling made for a strange sight. I just hoped that by tomorrow they would not forget what happened. I looked toward Ao and Blanche.

“Well, she apologized like this, and I suppose I forgive her.” (Blanche)

“I’m fine with it too. She made her amends.” (Ao)

“I see. What about you, Miles-san, Schwan?” (Gentoku)

“We shall follow Ojou-sama’s decision.” (Miles)

“Same for me.” (Schwan)

And so, the long-standing rift between Rosso, Verde, Ao, and Blanche was finally mended. I had planned various ways for them to reconcile, but I never imagined it would happen over drinks in a hotpot restaurant. It was true that alcohol made people honest, but I never expected this.

“Verde, a reconciliation kiss.” (Rosso)

“Kiss.” (Verde)

They kissed. At this point, I gave up thinking and decided to just drink more.

 

—

 

Afterward, Blanche carried the passed-out Rosso on her back, and Schwan carried Verde. As Miles-san, Ao, and I walked ahead, Miles-san spoke.

“Gentoku-sama, thank you for today. I never imagined they would reconcile in such a manner.” (Miles)

“I am just as surprised. Hey, Ao, you do not think they will forget everything by tomorrow, do you?” (Gentoku)

“It’s fine. Rosso never forgets, even when drunk. And Blanche and I remember too.” (Ao)

“You forgave her then?” (Gentoku)

Ao nodded.

“For adventurers, closure is important. Verde insulted Blanche and me, and Rosso got angry, which turned into a huge fight. If Verde had apologized properly, I would have forgiven her then, but she didn’t and kept following us, so we ignored her. But I knew she wasn’t being honest.” (Ao)

“Wait, so…” (Gentoku)

“Oji-san, you knew Verde and Rosso were discussing things together, right? Blanche and I did too. We realized how serious they were, so we agreed that if she apologized sincerely, we would forgive her.” (Ao)

“I see.” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Oji-san, tomorrow we’ll visit Blanche’s villa. Verde will come too.” (Ao)

“Good idea. I will go to the Commerce Guild, so invite me to your villa another day.” (Gentoku)

“Okay.” (Ao)

While we were talking, we arrived at my villa.

I was about to lead everyone to the guest room when–…

“Nya.” (Cat)

“Nyaa.” (Kitten)

“You have got to be kidding me.” (Gentoku)

Beside the Hundred-Year Cat was a kitten. While we had been out drinking, it had given birth.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)