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

 

 

Meanwhile, Sandrone…

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Sandrone was working on paperwork in the president’s office of the Alexandrite Trading Company’s main headquarters. Beside her stood Richter, who checked Sandrone’s documents and placed additional papers on the side table. He also brewed tea for her.

“…Phew.” (Sandrone)

“Ojou, perhaps you should take a short break?” (Richter)

“Indeed… My shoulders are so stiff. I would love to visit a hot spring.” (Sandrone)

“Ojou, there is a party this evening.” (Richter)

“Do not tell me something that will make me even more tired.” (Sandrone)

That evening marked the 2027^th birthday of Farzan Libra, the chairwoman of the Libra Trading Company, a major and well-known merchant group in the royal capital.

Sandrone had been invited to this party for the first time.

“Libra, I do not know what that means exactly, but Lord Raslanuf said it was related to the stars, was it not? Richter, do we have any books or research materials concerning the starry sky? It might be a good topic when I greet Lord Farzan.” (Sandrone)

“They are already prepared.” (Richter)

Richter placed a pile of books about stars upon the table with a thud. Sandrone turned the pages while sighing softly.

“Sigh… I do wish for the company to grow, but it is quite exhausting.” (Sandrone)

“Indeed. The Alexandrite Trading Company has expanded its stores and increased its profits. At the Zanad branch, maritime development has begun, and sales of magical boats and underwater scooters are thriving. Recently there was a proposal for a large magical boat design, as well as a new water sport proposed by the Zanad royal family using underwater scooters.” (Richter)

“There are times I wish I had another version of myself.” (Sandrone)

Everything was going well.

All of it had begun after she met Gentoku. From the first matchstick to numerous magical tools and new stores in Zanad, everything had been a great success.

Sandrone took a Zippo lighter from her pocket and flicked the flint wheel. No flame appeared. The oil had run out.

“Gentoku. I wish he would join our company.” (Sandrone)

“Ojou…” (Richter)

“I know. I will not say anything unreasonable. Gentoku’s creativity comes from his freedom and from that freedom, magical tools are born. I, no, our company merely benefits from it.” (Sandrone)

Once again, she flicked the wheel but the lighter remained unlit.

“Well then, once I finish the current workload, I can afford to leave the capital for a while.” (Sandrone)

“Are you truly going, Ojou?” (Richter)

“Yes. Moreover, I have several plans for new businesses. I want to try at least one of them.” (Sandrone)

In her hand was a proposal titled “Floor Heating Project”.

 

—

 

That night.

Sandrone changed into her dress, applied her makeup, and headed toward a small forest located a short distance from the city center of the royal capital.

A forest… yes, there was indeed one in the capital. It was about the size of a small village, with well-maintained roads stretching straight through it. A carriage rolled along those paths.

“What a magnificent forest…” (Sandrone)

“So, this is the forest belonging to Lord Farzan Libra, the chairwoman of the Libra Trading Company?” (Richter)

“Elves are a people of the forest after all… But the scale is unbelievable. We have already been traveling through it for quite a while, have we not?” (Sandrone)

For a private estate, it was undoubtedly among the largest. It was even broader than the royal castle’s grounds. After about 15 minutes, they finally arrived at their destination.

In the center of the forest stood not a grand castle but a large brick-built mansion, simple yet spacious.

The carriage stopped, and Sandrone, escorted by Richter, stepped down. Around them stood numerous carriages, each bearing noble crests, all belonging to aristocrats.

When the mansion’s door opened, an Elf servant bowed deeply.

“Welcome, Lady Sandrone.” (Elf Servant)

The Elven butler bowed again.

Sandrone and Richter were guided to the mansion’s grand hall. There nobles and chairpersons of major trading companies gathered, enjoying food and drink.

“Well now.” (Sandrone)

The interior was simple. There were no lavish decorations, and even the chandelier, tables, and linens were modest. Yet every dish displayed was of the finest quality and the fragrance of the wine was rich and enticing.

As Sandrone looked around for Farzan to greet her, a voice called out.

“Well, well, Sandrone-dono.” (Marcellino)

“Your Excellency Marcellino Jasper Marquis.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone curtsied politely.

Marcellino Jasper was the father of Barion and the current duke. Though he had once passed his title to his son, he had been reinstated after a scandal. Since the incident involving Barion, Marcellino owed Sandrone a great debt. Yet he had not changed.

“My, you are as beautiful as ever.” (Marcellino)

“Thank you, Your Excellency.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone wore a light green dress, an elven, forest-inspired design chosen to make a favorable impression on Farzan.

Marcellino laughed heartily.

“Ha ha ha, well now, Sandrone-sono, about that matter…” (Marcellino)

“Your Excellency, I believe I have declined that proposal several times already.” (Sandrone)

“Indeed, but still.” (Marcellino)

“Regarding marriage with your new heir, I am afraid I have no intention of accepting.” (Sandrone)

“However…” (Marcellino)

“Or have you forgotten, Your Excellency? I believe you betrayed my trust.” (Sandrone)

“What?” (Marcellino)

“The matter of Barion. You promised that after his 10 years of penance work, he would return to the ducal family. Yet you expelled him without my consent, appointed a new heir, and broke that promise without apology, only to persistently press for another marriage with me. Frankly, I am disgusted.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone spoke coldly.

Marcellino fell silent, his eyes twitching faintly.

“The Peridot Trading Company has been restored, and the Alexandrite Trading Company will soon withdraw from involvement. Your Excellency, you may do as you please. Ah, and about the financial aid I provided, please ensure proper repayment.” (Sandrone)

“…” (Marcellino)

“Then, if you will excuse me.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone smiled politely and left.

Behind her came the faint sound of a tongue clicking, followed by a muttered, “Wicked woman”.

Richter stepped beside her and murmured quietly.

“As expected, the investigation was accurate.” (Richter)

“Yes. It seems he intended to have me marry the duke’s new heir to merge the Alexandrite and Peridot companies under joint management. How ungrateful he forgot the favor of financial support and let greed cloud his judgment.” (Sandrone)

“Shall we proceed with collecting the reconstruction funds, Ojou?” (Richter)

“Yes. Ensure they are recovered thoroughly.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone had decided to sever ties with the Peridot Trading Company. Although its trust was not completely restored, the company’s reputation and sales had begun to recover through selling Alexandrite products and receiving financial aid.

Sandrone judged that they could sustain operations independently now.

“And he did not even ask about Barion’s condition. Richter, what of Barion’s former wife?” (Sandrone)

“She has remarried the new heir and is raising two children as their own.” (Richter)

“I see.” (Sandrone)

“I would be happy if you could forget about me.” (Barion)

Ironically, Barion’s words had come true.

Barion was now living a busy life as the chairman of Amethyst Cleaning. The number of beastkin employees had increased and the company handled not only cleaning but also farming and moving services.

Recently, even other companies had begun imitating Amethyst Cleaning’s model.

“For now, let us set such thoughts aside. Richter.” (Sandrone)

“Yes, Ojou.” (Richter)

The two approached an elf devouring food with enthusiasm.

“Hm? Oh! You must be Sandrone!” (Farzan)

The Elf girl wore a soft-colored dress, had silver twin tails, and long pointed ears. She appeared to be in her late teens, not exactly mature but charmingly youthful. In one hand she held a large platter piled with meat and fish, and in the other, a wine glass.

Sandrone and Richter bowed respectfully.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Chairman Farzan Libra. I am Sandrone, president of the Alexandrite Trading Company.” (Sandrone)

The woman, Farzan Libra, gulped down her drink and set the platter upon a nearby table.

“Be at ease. Hehehe, I have long wished to speak with you. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Farzan Libra of the Witch Council, the Witch of Libra. I look forward to our acquaintance, Sandrone.” (Farzan)

Farzan grinned broadly and downed her wine in a single gulp.

 

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