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

 

 

A Hot Spring is a Place One Must Visit Once in Life

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

It was now January.

A new year had begun, yet, unexpectedly, nothing had changed in the Snowden Kingdom.

In the Edelstein Kingdom, they seemed to be holding a “New Year Festival.” To think they were having such an interesting event, and I only just learned of it a short while ago. I honestly wanted to see it, and I was quite interested.

And now, I had invited Rosso and the others to the villa so that we could talk about our future plans.

“It’s about time for us to return to the royal capital. What do you all think?” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. Now that the new year has begun, we should resume our activities as adventurers in the royal capital.” (Rosso)

“Yes, that is true. I am certain we already have some personal commission requests waiting.” (Verde)

“The hot spring felt wonderful, but we have work to do as well.” (Snow)

“Heheh. We must make sure the name of ‘Green’ Verde resounds throughout the royal capital.” (Verde)

And so, it was decided that we would return to the Edelstein Kingdom three days later.

 

—

 

During these three days, I asked Hank-san from the Real Estate Guild to take care of managing the villa. I also cleaned the rooms and the hot spring. Then, I bought souvenirs for Yuki-chan, Snow-san, and Yeran.

Just as I finished cleaning, I had a visitor.

“Excuse me, Sandrone-san told me to come here.” (??)

“Yes, yes. Ah, good, you made it.” (Gentoku)

The one who arrived was a cat beastkin.

She had been dispatched from Amethyst Cleaning, and I had asked Sandrone to send her.

The reason was simple. After inviting her inside the villa, I led her to Daifuku, who was lying down in the room.

“Daifuku, may I have a word?” (Gentoku)

“…Nyaa.” (Daifuku)

“He says, ‘What is it?’” (Cat Beastkin)

Yes, she is an interpreter. Tomorrow, I would be departing for the Edelstein Kingdom.

Since I have been the one to say that I would take care of Daifuku and Shiratama, I need to ask them whether they wish to remain here or come along with me. That is why I had asked the cat beastkin to interpret.

“You may have already heard, but I am returning to the Edelstein Kingdom tomorrow. What will you do? Will you stay here, or come with me? Shiratama has been born now, so traveling should not be an issue. Personally, I would like you to come along, but the choice is yours.” (Gentoku)

“…Nyaau.” (Daifuku)

“He says, ‘You decided to keep me, and I accepted that. Therefore, I shall follow you. Also, I do not dislike being called Daifuku or Shiratama. Oh, and he says you should make sure to provide delicious meals and a comfortable environment in the new land as well.’” (Cat Beastkin)

I did not think that one “nyaau” could carry such a long and detailed meaning.

Still, if he was coming with me, I was delighted. Their healing presence would surely bring comfort even in the Edelstein Kingdom.

I thanked the cat beastkin and handed her a tip.

“Well then. All preparations are done, so I suppose I shall enjoy the hot spring one last time.” (Gentoku)

I changed into a yukata and made my way toward the hot spring located in the annex.

 

—

 

“Ahhh…” (Gentoku)

No matter how many times I entered, the hot spring was wonderful. However, today would be the last. We would departing early tomorrow morning, so I would not be able to soak for a while.

“Perhaps next winter, then.” (Gentoku)

In summer, I would enjoy a vacation at a resort. In winter, I would relax in a hot spring town.

Ah, what a pleasant otherworldly life I am living.

“When I return… I will do it.” (Gentoku)

I had already decided what I would do once I returned.

After coming to this world, I had gained experience as a magical technician. I had built many connections and accumulated enough money.

And now, I was capable of doing it.

“I will make it… a motorcycle!” (Gentoku)

I had decided to recreate a motorcycle using a magical tool. It might take time, but I would do it.

Long ago, when Jii-chan’s old biker friends brought their motorcycles to him, it became quite a spectacle. They said, “We, who once ruled the roads 50 years ago, shall bloom once more before our lives end”, and re-formed the strongest biker gang in Kanto, the “Onisatsu Renegade Squad.” Wearing their old uniforms and pompadours, those elderly men rode through the town again.

Incidentally, Jii-chan had been their 12^th leader and was highly respected.

“Back then, I disassembled and maintained more than 200 new and old motorcycles. I spent so much time working on them that I dreamed of them. Thanks to that, if I use all my knowledge, I might be able to create my own original motorcycle in this world. Heh… I will do it.” (Gentoku)

In this world, carriages were the main means of transportation, followed by riding horses. There were no traffic laws or licensing systems.

This is going to be exciting.

“…Do you have some interesting story to tell?” (Sandrone)

“Huh?” (Gentoku)

I heard a voice.

The door to the women’s bath opened, and Sandrone, wrapped in a bath towel, entered the open-air bath.

“Eh, you–…” (Gentoku)

“I rang the bell. Daifuku said it was fine for me to come in.” (Sandrone)

“…I see. Did you need something?” (Gentoku)

I tried to remain calm.

Sandrone kept her bath towel on and sat down in the water a little distance away from me.

When I glanced her way, her long hair was tied up, and her fair neck was faintly flushed.

The water here was cloudy, though not so much that one could not see. Her body’s outline was faintly visible. No, I was being foolish.

Stay calm, stay calm… there.

“So, did you need something?” (Gentoku)

“I simply thought I should tell you.” (Sandrone)

“Tell me what? And where is Richter?” (Gentoku)

“He has the day off. We will return to the royal capital in three days, so this is our free time.” (Sandrone)

“I see. And?” (Gentoku)

“Yesterday’s matter.” (Sandrone)

With a soft splash, Sandrone poured water over her shoulder.

“The Klein Magical Trading Company.” (Sandrone)

“Ah, yes. The world’s largest company specializing in magical tools, correct?” (Gentoku)

To be honest, that was not something I expected to ever be involved with.

“The president of the Klein Magical Trading Company, Michaela, is my childhood friend.” (Sandrone)

“What?” (Gentoku)

“I refuse to lose to her.” (Sandrone)

“Did something happen between you two?” (Gentoku)

“It is nothing significant. She is simply clever, more than anyone else, and cunning.” (Sandrone)

“I see…” (Gentoku)

I did not quite understand, but it seemed they had some sort of rivalry.

I sincerely hoped it would not turn into a battle like with Baryon.

“I am sorry. Hearing Michaela’s name after so long brought back memories. By the way… you have met her, have you not?” (Sandrone)

“Yes. She was sightseeing with Abel and two bodyguards. She said they stopped by after finishing a big job.” (Gentoku)

“I see.” (Sandrone)

She looked somewhat downcast.

It felt like something I should not pry into. Still, I decided to say this much.

“I am sorry, but the only thing I can do is create magical tools. If you are expecting anything else from me, I am afraid–…” (Gentoku)

“You fool. I would not expect something like that. Also, if you plan to make something, prepare a proper design document.” (Sandrone)

“Ah, sorry, but what I am thinking of right now is not something for practical use. It is something I want to make purely for my own enjoyment.” (Gentoku)

“Huh?” (Sandrone)

“Heheh. It is what one would call a man’s dream.” (Gentoku)

“How strange.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone chuckled softly.

I did not really understand, but it seemed she felt a little better.

“Well, I suppose I will get out now. Say, shall we go have a drink afterward?” (Gentoku)

“That sounds good. I am in the mood for a little drink.” (Sandrone)

Then, Sandrone suddenly stood up with a splash.

“…Oh.” (Gentoku)

“Ah.” (Sandrone)

She had stood up on instinct and forgotten to cover herself, exposing her body before me.

 

—

 

The next day.

I had packed my luggage and stood before the wagon provided by the Commerce Guild. Then, Hikuroku, Rosso, Verde, and also Schwan and Miles arrived.

“Morning, Ossan.” (Rosso)

“Good morning, Oji-sama.” (Verde)

“…Good morning, Oji-san.” (Snow)

“Gentoku. It is a fine morning.” (Schwan)

“Yeah. You four seem as lively as ever.” (Gentoku)

I docked Hikuroku to the wagon and loaded the luggage.

When I opened the door, Daifuku and Shiratama, who had been at my feet, jumped inside and quickly made themselves comfortable on the sofa. Schwan and Miles boarded the first carriage that had arrived, while Verde joined Rosso and the others in theirs.

I entered the carriage and spoke to Rosso and the group.

“Well then, let’s head back.” (Gentoku)

“Yes. It is sad to part with the hot springs, though.” (Rosso)

“Hehe, we still have the villa. Let us come again in winter.” (Verde)

“I bought many souvenirs.” (Snow)

“Hehe. We made many good memories. And that is probably thanks to you, Gentoku.” (Verde)

“Haha. Alright, let us return to the Edelstein Kingdom.” (Gentoku)

When Ao said, “Hikuroku, depart”, Hikuroku howled and began to move.

The hot spring town of Leredore. Though I stayed for only a little over a month, it had given me many fond memories.

“Well then, once I return, I shall begin making my motorcycle.” (Gentoku)

Hot spring town of Leredore, I will come again someday.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)