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

 

 

 

Gentoku’s Romance

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After finishing the test run, I returned to the workplace and found everyone gathered there.

Rosso, Blanche, Sandrone, Richter, Valen, Ung, and Lind were all present. In addition, Yuki-chan, Kuroha-chan, and Lisa-chan, who had not been there earlier, were there as well, along with their three mothers and their father, Tigger-san.

I got off the motorbike and removed my helmet.

“Phew, that was incredible.” (Gentoku)

“Oji-san, that was amazing.” (Ao)

“To think you could truly create such a magical apparatus.” (Blanche)

Ao and Verde dismounted from Hikuroku and gazed at the motorbike. I patted Hikuroku, who approached me with a wagging tail. It seemed he had grown more attached to me than before, perhaps recognizing me after losing to my speed.

Then, Sandrone and Richter came forward.

“This is remarkable.” (Sandrone)

“I know, right?” (Gentoku)

“Specification sheet.” (Richter)

“My apologies, but I cannot show that yet. For a while, I wish to enjoy it on my own.” (Gentoku)

“Well, I suppose that is fine. The factory is busy producing bicycles, and Yeran has work piled up, so we cannot entrust anyone with the improvement of a new magical apparatus at the moment.” (Sandrone)

“That is how it is. For now, be content with the sight of bicycles running through the world.” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. In any case, thank you for showing me something so fascinating. I still have high expectations for you.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone gave a playful wink and left. Richter bowed politely and followed.

Next came Rosso and the others.

“That was so fast! Ossan, I want to ride it too.” (Rosso)

“No way. For now, this is my personal vehicle.” (Gentoku)

“Ugh, fine. But hey, hey, you could ride this and go on adventures with us, right?” (Rosso)

“I could. Why not go camping together sometime?” (Gentoku)

“Yes, yes, let’s do that, everyone.” (Rosso)

“Let’s. Oji-san, camping.” (Ao)

“Yes, that sounds delightful. I am looking forward to it already.” (Blanche)

“I agree. Actually, I have never gone camping before. Wait, what exactly is camping?” (Verde)

After that, Rosso and the others said they had seen enough interesting things for the day and left.

Now, those who remained were–…

“Ah, everyone is here together.” (Gentoku)

“G-Gentoku-san, it has been a while.” (Tigger)

Tigger-san, the tiger beastkin, was an impressive sight, over two meters tall with a powerful build. His sharp claws, fangs that looked like they could tear through raw meat, and piercing tiger eyes would frighten anyone unfamiliar with him.

In truth, though, he was a gentle and somewhat timid man. I wondered what brought him here today.

“I came to express my gratitude for the playground equipment you made for the children.” (Tigger)

“Huh? Oh, please don’t worry about that. It was nothing, really. Besides, I needed those materials to build this motorbike, so if anything, I should be thanking you.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa.” (Yuki)

“Gaauu.” (Kuroha)

“Kyuun.” (Lisa)

The children clung to my legs, and I patted their heads one by one.

Oh, Shiratama is resting atop Yuki-chan’s head. It seems they have bonded nicely.

Tigger-san handed me a box of sweets.

“This is a small token of appreciation.” (Tigger)

“Oh, thank you very much. You really did not have to trouble yourself.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa, sweets.” (Yuki)

“Yuki, no, dear.” (Snow)

Snow-san picked Yuki-chan up in her arms. Lycos-san and Luna-san did the same with their own children.

It seemed like a good opportunity, so I decided to invite them.

“Tigger-san, have you finished work for the day?” (Gentoku)

“Yes, I was just about to head home.” (Tigger)

“In that case, how about we go for a meal together? I was thinking of celebrating the completion of the motorbike. Your wives, the children, Snow-san, and Yuki-chan are all welcome too.” (Gentoku)

“That sounds wonderful. Then, as a modest celebration, allow me to treat you. There is a fine yakiniku restaurant I would recommend. What do you say?” (Tigger)

“Perfect. Do you drink, Tigger-san?” (Gentoku)

“Yes, of course.” (Tigger)

And so, we decided to celebrate the motorbike’s completion together.

 

—

 

We arrived at the yakiniku restaurant.

After being guided to a private room, we were greeted by a large table covered with plates of meat. The sizzling sound of meat cooking filled the air.

Tigger-san and I clinked our mugs together for a toast, however–…

“Ahaha, congratulations, Gentoku. I heard your great romance is complete.” (Yeran)

“Well, yeah. And you, we sure run into each other often.” (Gentoku)

Yeran was there. We had met in front of the restaurant, and Tigger-san had invited him to join us.

And there was another guest as well.

“Here you go, Richter-san.” (Snow)

“Ah, thank you very much.” (Richter)

Snow-san placed a piece of grilled meat on Richter’s plate, and Richter blushed as he smiled in response.

It had turned into quite a large gathering, with my usual drinking companions included.

“Nyaau, meat.” (Yuki)

“Yuki, eat slowly.” (Snow)

“Garuru, delicious.” (Kuroha)

“Kuroha, chew properly.” (Lycos)

“Kyun, vegetables.” (Lisa)

“Lisa, eat your vegetables too.” (Luna)

The mothers stayed busy tending to their children. Meanwhile, Tigger-san, Yeran, and I drank, while Richter seemed content sitting beside Snow-san, so I left him be.

Sipping my ale, I asked Tigger-san a question.

“How is work going lately, Tigger-san?” (Gentoku)

“Very well. The number of employees has increased tenfold, and we are busy every day. However, thanks to Barion-san’s management policy, we have shifts, one day off every seven, and a paid leave system, so I can still spend time with my family.” (Tigger)

“Wow, Barion, huh. Hard to believe that shiny, beauty-obsessed guy turned things around like that.” (Yeran)

Yeran spoke between sips of ale, and Tigger-san chuckled softly.

“Haha, Amethyst Cleaning has expanded its operations. It is now the largest beastkin-focused enterprise in the country. There was a time when being a beastkin meant you could not find work, but Barion-san has become a savior for those with nowhere else to go.” (Tigger)

Apparently, Barion had even started building orphanages and apartments for beastkin. Employee housing, too. It was an idea that, admittedly, I had once suggested. The company continued to expand, and Amethyst Cleaning was now more than just a cleaning service.

Oh, that reminds me.

“Speaking of which, how are the beastkin working in the Snowden Kingdom?” (Gentoku)

“They have completed seventy percent of the highway construction, and the public bath project has finished its foundation work. They are now beginning to construct the building. I visited the site myself recently. Hot springs are wonderful.” (Tigger)

Tigger-san smiled brightly.

He said that once the public bath was complete, he planned to take his family on a trip there. What a good father.

Then, as if recalling something, he added,

“By the way, we recently received a request for labor assistance from the Klein Magical Trading Company.” (Tigger)

“The Klein Magical Trading Company?” (Gentoku)

“What, the top trading company in the country? That’s incredible.” (Yeran)

Yeran looked astonished. She probably did not know about Michaela and Sandrone’s history.

Tigger-san tore into a barely cooked piece of meat with his teeth. It was a little intimidating.

“Yes. They said they needed workers to help construct a large-scale magical apparatus factory.” (Tigger)

“A large-scale magical apparatus factory?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. It will be for processing magic stones.” (Tigger)

“I see.” (Gentoku)

Now that I thought about it, the announcement of the seventh attribute, Lightning, was supposed to happen soon. Perhaps it was related.

A magical apparatus factory, for magic stone processing, and a new attribute. It all gave me a bad feeling, though it was none of my business.

“Nyaa, Oji-chan, meat.” (Yuki)

“Oh, haha, are you giving that to me? Thank you, Yuki-chan.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa.” (Yuki)

“Hey, Yuki, do not bother Gentoku-san.” (Snow)

“No, no, it’s fine. Right, Richter?” (Gentoku)

“Why are you asking me.” (Richter)

Perhaps Richter had his eyes on Snow-san. Or maybe I was just imagining it.

Yuki-chan climbed off her chair, crawled onto my lap, and sat there. I gently patted her head. In the corner, Shiratama had fallen asleep, satisfied after eating her fill of meat.

“Garuru, me too.” (Kuroha)

“Kyuuru, Papa.” (Lisa)

“Oh, come here. Sit on Papa’s lap.” (Tigger)

Tigger-san lifted Kuroha-chan and Lisa-chan onto his knees and stroked their heads.

Their mothers should take the chance to eat plenty while they could.

“Haa, hey Tigger-san, do you know any beastkin good with their hands? I want a personal assistant.” (Yeran)

“Good with their hands… let’s see. There is a young raccoon beastkin who once assisted a magical technician.” (Tigger)

“Oh, nice. I’ll talk to my elder sister about that. How about you, Gentoku? You’re always working alone at your company.” (Yeran)

“I manage fine on my own. Besides, I have Daifuku with me.” (Gentoku)

And so, the cheerful drinking party continued into the night.

With the motorbike complete, perhaps it was time to take Rosso and the others camping soon.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)