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

 

 

Request for Magic Beast Subjugation

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Now then, I was heading alone toward Blanche’s villa. It was fortunate that I had asked for the location in advance. It lay on the opposite side of town from my own villa, and I had to go around the main sightseeing spots to reach it.

Along the way, there were various shops. A manju shop, a woodcraft shop, a doll shop, and a clothing shop. Out of curiosity, I peeked into the clothing shop and, to my surprise, found yukata and hanten being sold.

When I asked the elderly shopkeeper, she said…

“These are clothes called ‘Yukata’, imported from the eastern land of Azuma. In the East, many people wear them as sleepwear or casual wear. This Hanten is made from Blizzard Bear fur, so it will keep you warm even in this cold Reledore.” (Shopkeeper)

“I will buy it.” (Gentoku)

I purchased it on the spot.

Yukata, hanten… There must really be Japanese transmigrants in this world. From what I heard, merchants from the East brought various goods, which became established here.

I bought several hanten and yukata, placed them into a bag, and left the shop.

“When one thinks of hot springs, it has to be yukata. And with a hanten, it’s perfect. Though, of course, wearing geta or setta on snowy roads would be impossible.” (Gentoku)

Perhaps I would use these as my everyday clothes at the villa.

Heh, that was a great purchase.

 

—

 

Grinning to myself, I arrived at Blanche’s villa.

It was a two-story wooden house surrounded by small trees, located a bit away from the bustling streets. There was a wide garden with a pond, though it was smaller than my own villa. However, the building itself was splendid. With its long triangular roof, it felt like a small inn run by an elderly couple.

I knocked on the gate, but there was no answer.

I opened the gate, stepped inside, and knocked directly on the house door. Technically, it was a kind of trespassing.

“…Maybe I should make an intercom.” (Gentoku)

“Yes.” (??)

Just as I muttered that, the door opened.

It was Schwan, wearing his usual suit and sunglasses.

“Oh, Gentoku-san.” (Schwan)

“Hey. Are Rosso and others here?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Everyone is in the hot spring right now.” (Schwan)

“I see. If you’re here, then Verde must be as well?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. Ojou-sama is with them. Since coming to Leredore, we’ve been using this place as our base.” (Schwan)

Schwan smiled wryly.

He let me inside and guided me to the living room.

It had wooden flooring instead of tatami, furnished with a table, chairs, a kitchen, and a fireplace. Miles-san was cooking in the kitchen, and when he saw me, he bowed politely.

“My, my, Gentoku-san. Welcome.” (Miles)

“Thank you. Sorry to interrupt while you’re busy.” (Gentoku)

“Not at all. I’ll prepare some tea right away.” (Miles)

He gave the impression of an extremely capable elderly butler. I liked it.

I sat down, sipped the tea he served, and looked around the room.

“This is quite a nice villa.” (Gentoku)

“I heard it cost 200 million Sedols. There were cheaper and larger properties, but this one has a spacious bath and even a small open-air hot spring.” (Schwan)

“I see.” (Gentoku)

As I chatted with Schwan about the villa and the hot spring, the hallway suddenly became noisy, and everyone entered the living room.

“Oh? It’s Ossan!” (Rosso)

“Well, welcome.” (Blanche)

“Oji-san, it feels like it’s been a while.” (Ao)

“What do you mean ‘a while’? It’s only been a few days.” (Gentoku)

Rosso, Blanche, Ao, and Verde… all of them had just come from the bath, their hair still damp. It was the first time I had seen Rosso with her twin tails undone. Her hair reached her waist. Seeing her with a different hairstyle was unexpectedly refreshing.

They each sat down, and Miles-san served fruit water to everyone.

“Ossan, what’s up? Did you come to hang out?” (Rosso)

“No, actually, I came to ask you all for a favor.” (Gentoku)

“How unusual. It is usually we who ask favors of you.” (Blanche)

“…I’ll listen to your request.” (Ao)

“Wait a moment. We should hear what it is first.” (Verde)

I glanced at Verde, who blended in so naturally that it was as if she had always been one of them.

Sensing my gaze, Verde turned away.

“W-what is it?” (Verde)

“Ah, sorry. You just seem to fit in really well.” (Gentoku)

“…Now that you mention it, I haven’t told you yet.” (Verde)

“Hm?” (Gentoku)

Verde cleared her throat softly, then looked toward Rosso and the others.

The three nodded, puffed out their chests, struck a pose, and declared…

“I’ve decided to join the Crimson Camellia of Blood! From now on, please take care of me! O-ho-ho-ho-ho!” (Verde)

Immediately, Schwan and Miles-san created sparkling light effects with magic.

Surprised, I turned to Rosso.

“Seriously? If Verde’s joining, does that make six members now?” (Gentoku)

“No, no. The Adventurer Guild only allows up to five members in a party, so Verde’s Verdant Dancers Ensemble is disbanding.” (Rosso)

Miles-san added an explanation.

“Schwan and I were originally retainers. We have received combat and magic training, but all our skills exist to protect Ojou-sama. We became adventurers only until she found strong companions she could trust to fight by her side.” (Miles)

“So, both Miles-san and I will return to being retainers. We’re retiring from adventuring.” (Schwan)

“I see. By the way, you four are from the Seven Rainbow Adventurers, Arc-en-Ciel, right? Four of the seven strongest in one team…” (Gentoku)

“Is there a problem with that?” (Rosso)

“I don’t believe so.” (Blanche)

“…No issue.” (Ao)

“No problem. That’s fine.” (Verde)

That was unexpectedly casual. Normally, the strongest seven would each lead their own groups or have rivalries, but perhaps not here.

Still, seeing these four getting along so well put me at ease.

“We’ve finished all the paperwork at the guild here, and once we return to the capital, the four of us will officially start working together. Ossan, if there’s any material you need, just let us know!” (Rosso)

“Ah, I see. Then, since there are four of you now, maybe you should get a bigger tent.” (Gentoku)

“That is true. Another set of camping tools made by Oji-sama would also be helpful.” (Blanche)

“…Verde, I’m happy for you.” (Ao)

“Y-yeah. Hehe, I’m really happy.” (Verde)

Verde smiled more happily than I had ever seen her before. It was a lovely smile.

“So, Ossan, what did you need?” (Rosso)

“Ah, right.” (Gentoku)

I had completely forgotten the reason I came because of Verde’s joining. But it was still a bit hard to say.

“Well… I know you’re all enjoying your vacation, but I have a favor to ask.” (Gentoku)

“What is it? Something troublesome?” (Rosso)

“Well, yes. The truth is…” (Gentoku)

I explained about the Great Hot Spring Water Vein and the King Rock Titan that had appeared nearby.

“So, I was hoping you could take down that King Rock Titan, an SS-ranked magic beast. I know it’s your time off, but…” (Gentoku)

At that moment, the four of them stood up at once.

Startled by their sudden movement, I heard Rosso speak.

“Sounds good, right?” (Rosso)

“Yes, indeed.” (Blanche)

“…Yes.” (Ao)

“Fufufu. An SS-ranked subjugation. A fitting first battle for me as a member of Scarlet Camellia.” (Verde)

“I-is that really alright?” (Gentoku)

They all nodded.

“Well, sure, the hot springs in Leredore are great, but isn’t it better to soak after a tough fight, then toast with an ice-cold ale?” (Rosso)

“To be honest, I’ve grown a little out of shape. My skin feels smooth, but I may have gained some weight from all the eating.” (Blanche)

“…My body feels dull. I want to move.” (Ao)

“In that case, Gentoku, I must thank you. You’ve prepared the perfect opponent for us.” (Verde)

Their eyes gleamed fiercely.

Rosso called out, “All right! It’s time for the Scarlet Camellia! Everyone, prepare for battle!” (Rosso)

“Yes!” (Blanche/Ao/Verde)

I had wondered if they would refuse, but that concern proved unnecessary.

And thus, the King Rock Titan lurking within the Grand Hot Spring Water Vein became the prey… or rather, the target of the newly formed Scarlet Camellia.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)