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

 

 

Bike Camper, Gentoku

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

A few days had passed since the completion of my bike.

I was now sitting by the side of a beautiful lake. Sitting on a folding chair, I placed an ashtray and a drink on the side table, holding a fishing rod while smoking a cigarette. The float had not reacted yet. Exhaling the smoke, I set the rod down on the holder and leaned back in the chair.

“Ahhh… slow life, this is the best.” (Gentoku)

Yes, I had come camping on my bike. Nearby, Rosso and the others were holding a badminton tournament by the lake. I was enjoying my day off, leisurely fishing, reading a book I had bought in town, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

“…Hm? Oh.” (Gentoku)

The float sank, so I grabbed the rod and started reeling it in.

It is pulling strongly, but do not think you can win against me!

“Alright! This one is… a Red Dai, huh.” (Gentoku)

A fairly large red sea bream-like fish was caught. I cut its gills to drain the blood and placed it into the cooler box. Since it was nearly noon, I returned to my tent to prepare and cook the freshly caught fish.

“Now then, what should I do with this?” (Gentoku)

I scaled the Red Dai, removed the head and guts, and filleted it into three pieces. I prepared the vegetables I had bought in the castle town, then took out otherworldly tomatoes, otherworldly garlic, and seafood from Zanad made possible by the development of freezers that allowed direct shipment from the source. I grilled the fish, added the vegetables, poured in alcohol, seasonings, and the olive oil I had made myself, and simmered it briefly.

When I opened the lid, what appeared was–…

“It is done! Red Dai Aqua Pazza!” (Gentoku)

“Whoa!!” (Rosso/Ao/Blanche/Verde)

“When did you all get here?” (Gentoku)

“It looks delicious! Ossan, let us eat too!” (Rosso)

“Wait, wait.” (Gentoku)

Behind me were Rosso and the others, peering into my frying pan. There was clearly not enough to share among four people.

“Who won the badminton tournament?” (Gentoku)

“…I did.” (Ao)

“Then, Ao gets it. Bring a small plate.” (Gentoku)

“Yes.” (Ao)

Ao already had a small plate prepared.

I placed a piece of Red Dai, some vegetables, shellfish, and soup on it, and Ao began eating right there.

“It is delicious! I have never had a dish cooked like this before.” (Ao)

“Right? Heh, this is one of my proud creations.” (Gentoku)

“Unfair! Ossan, me too!” (Rosso)

“I would like some as well.” (Blanche)

“Me too!!” (Verde)

“No way. It is the victor’s privilege.” (Gentoku)

“Heh. My victory.” (Ao)

Ao finished her meal and looked content.

Rosso and the others were frustrated. I had begun to understand recently. If someone asked me for something, I tended to give it. However, if I offered it only as a prize for winning, Rosso and the others would accept it more easily. I decided to continue giving things this way.

“Damn it! Ao, after lunch, one more match!” (Rosso)

“Heh, I shall defeat you again.” (Ao)

“I shall not lose either!” (Blanche)

“Nor I! You will see!” (Verde)

Rosso and the others noisily returned to their tent to prepare their own meals.

I ate my own Aqua Pazza, took out some bread I had bought in town, and murmured softly.

“…How peaceful this is.” (Gentoku)

Recently, there had been no major events or incidents. Work was going well. Since finishing the bike, I had resumed house calls and brought-in repairs. It was not overly busy, but there was a steady amount of work. Royalties had been coming in, and I had plenty of money. I did not need to work too hard.

“Yawn… I think I will take a nap after eating.” (Gentoku)

This was the ideal otherworldly life. Nothing happened, only peaceful time flowing quietly. I did not want a life where beautiful girls constantly fell into danger and I had to save them, forming a harem. Nor did I need any “serve you right” moments. Nothing in particular, plenty of money, and tranquil time.

That is exactly the kind of otherworldly life I sought. Hmph, do not call it boring!

 

—

 

The next day, the five of us on a bike and bicycles departed from the lake.

We gathered in front of my workplace, where I expressed my gratitude.

“Thanks again for the escort this time. Thanks to you, it was an enjoyable camping trip.” (Gentoku)

“We had fun too! That badminton thing was super exciting!” (Rosso)

“…I was the strongest, though.” (Ao)

“Oh, I shall not lose next time.” (Blanche)

“Camping. It is an interesting experience, different from field bivouacs. If there is a next time, I shall join again!” (Verde)

The four of them cheerfully pedaled away on their bicycles.

I returned my bike to the garage and locked it.

“Now then, I should feed Daifuku and head home… hm?” (Gentoku)

Someone was approaching. Wearing a crisp suit, leaning on a cane, with a rugged bearded face. He removed his hat, revealing slicked-back hair. He looked like a gentleman from the old capital.

The gentleman smiled at me.

“Hey there, Gentoku.” (Barion)

“…Huh? Wait, who are you?” (Gentoku)

“Oh, come now, it is me.” (Barion)

“…Ah!! You are… Barion!?” (Gentoku)

To my surprise, the gentleman was Barion. He looked completely different from before.

In the beginning, he had been a flashy handsome man. During the middle period, a drunken wreck near death. And now, in this final stage, a well-dressed, refined gentleman. He had always had a good build, and after recovering from near death, his height and physique returned. His softly slicked-back hair, with a few strands hanging forward, made a fine accent.

His suit was clearly of high quality, not gaudy and glittering like before, but simple and made of excellent material. Matching hat, black leather gloves and shoes, a cane. He truly looked like a gentleman.

“Wh-what happened to you… you look seriously cool now.” (Gentoku)

“Haha… well, as the head of a trading company, appearance is important, or so my secretary kept saying.” (Barion)

“O-oh. Honestly, you really look good, man.” (Gentoku)

“Ah, thank you. Sorry for coming suddenly without an appointment, but I wanted to talk to you properly. About the current Amethyst Cleaning Company, could you spare me some time?” (Barion)

“Sure. I was just heading home anyway. Besides, I have been wanting to invite you for a drink.” (Gentoku)

“D-drink? It is still early afternoon though…” (Barion)

“Do not be so stiff. Come on, let us go.” (Gentoku)

“A-alright.” (Barion)

Barion had mellowed out quite a bit.

I walked beside him, heading to my favorite private tavern.

 

—

 

We went not to a stylish bar, but to a casual private tavern where I often drank with Yeran. It did not suit the gentlemanly Barion, but that was exactly why I brought him there.

Or rather–…

“Wow… he really changed, huh? Doesn’t he look kind of like Richter?” (Yeran)

“No. Judging by the price of his clothing, Barion’s outfit is far superior.” (Richter)

Of course, Yeran and Richter were there.

When I arrived at the tavern, the two happened to show up as well. So, we all entered a private room together. We ordered drinks and snacks, toasted, and downed the first glass.

“Ahh, daytime drinking is the best!” (Gentoku)

“Agreed!!” (Yeran)

Yeran and I raised our glasses again, ordering refills.

Richter and Barion drank only half. Come on, the first glass is supposed to be emptied!

“Whew… it has been a long time since I drank with others.” (Barion)

“I heard you were buried in work. Do you ever get a break?” (Gentoku)

“I do, but unlike before, I do not really know what to do during my free time.” (Barion)

“You used to deal with beauty products and all that. You do not do that anymore?” (Yeran)

“I have withdrawn from that field. I am now fully occupied with joint projects with the beastkin. Honestly, I would rather devote my time off to work.” (Barion)

“That is forbidden by the young lady. The condition for financial aid was your health. You must eat properly, sleep, and rest. That was part of the agreement. The repayment term is fifty years, so please maintain a regular lifestyle for that duration.” (Richter)

“Haha… I can never win against Sandrone.” (Barion)

So, that was their agreement. It seemed Sandrone truly cared for him in her own way.

Then, Yeran began slapping Barion’s shoulder.

“Hey, I heard your business has expanded a lot and you are making a fortune. The beastkin come for interviews every day, right?” (Yeran)

“Well, I do conduct interviews daily. In this world, there are many regions where beastkin have difficulty living. I wanted to provide them a place to belong, so I also support housing and orphanages. Hardly any money remains in my hands.” (Barion)

From what I heard, Barion’s personal assets were almost nonexistent. He lived in a detached house of Amethyst Cleaning, using his earnings to employ beastkin, support orphanages, and build apartments for them.

“I must atone for my sins.” (Barion)

“But, Barion, I heard the beastkin really adore you. Does that not make you happy?” (Yeran)

“It does. Truly, their words are the greatest reward of all.” (Barion)

Whoa, he sounds like a saint. His expression has a serene composure. He truly seems like a different person. Hard to believe he had once been a “serves you right” character.

“Once again, Gentoku, I am deeply grateful to you. Truly, thank you.” (Barion)

“It is fine. Well then, in exchange, come drink with us sometimes. Yeran, Richter, and I often come here, so join us.” (Gentoku)

“Oh, that sounds great. Barion feels much easier to get along with now.” (Yeran)

“I may hold a somewhat delicate position, but as a friend, there should be no issue.” (Richter)

“…Heh.” (Barion)

Barion smiled and raised his mug.

I, Richter, and Yeran also raised ours, clinking them together with his.

“Well then, let us drink today! By the way, Barion, do you have a curfew?” (Gentoku)

“N-not that strictly, but my secretary might say something.” (Barion)

“Hahaha! Do not worry about it. Ah, another round please!” (Yeran)

“I suppose I should report this to the young lady, just in case.” (Richter)

And thus, Barion joined our drinking group.