29-Years-Old Bachelor Was… Brought to a Different World to Live Freely

Vol. 1 Chapter 18

~The old man was a peerless veteran~

Translated by Raizu
Edited by Mirp

We went to the market in the new town and walked around the large market looking for Bison-san.
Although I’ve been asking around merchants who sell various products, I couldn’t seem to get any convincing information.

[…Hmm.]

[We can’t find him.]

[Ha? Yeah. ]

The reason why I was groaning is because I can’t find Bison-san.
I’ve been trying to get in touch with God many times since hearing that indescribable voice in the morning, but no matter how many times I press the call God button, it wouldn’t connect.
At that time, the other side one-sidedly cut off the communication, so I couldn’t get what I wanted to ask.

It is possible that the sooner the information about the great flood is conveyed, the more lives will be saved, so I think that it is necessary to inform people as soon as possible, but I would like to be careful.
I might be considered crazy if I make a fuss about it since I’m not a priest. Worse still, I might get arrested for disturbing public safety.
According to Marl, the announcement will be sent to the priests of each temple, so I think that the information will be transmitted even if I don’t say anything about the occurrence of the great flood.
That’s what I think. But I couldn’t get rid of my anxiety about that voice that is difficult to describe.

『So rude. I’ve properly informed the people in cities all over the world. That’s why I was so busy.』

A dejected voice suddenly echoed in my head.
How many people did you tell? Did you tell the right person?

『Umu, I’ve properly told adults over 15 years old living in towns and villages.』

Of course, you’re in a position to disseminate information properly, right? How many people did you tell in each village?

『Anyone who is an adult should be fine, right? The threat of a Great Flood must be deeply felt. By the way, I told only one person per town. I’m tired.』

[Oi!?]

[Hmm? What’s wrong, Taichi-san?]

Marl looked at me with a puzzled look when I accidentally raised my voice.

[I’m sorry! I’m talking to myself!]

Are you stupid! Nobody would believe them if they are not someone in the right position!
In other words, am I the only one who knows the information in this Royal Capital!?

『Umu, is there a problem? 』

[Big problem, you idiot!]

[Ta-Taichi-san? Are you okay?]

Marl was startled by my sudden loud voice, and she had a worried look on her face.
No matter how you look at it, it seems strange, damn it.

[S-Sorry. Just a little, yes, I’m tired.]

『People who heard my voice generally get that kind of expression from other people, like you do now, hahahaha.』

You know what you’re doing!?

Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is not the time to look for Bison-san!
What should I do? Should I just inform the guild? No. Even if I’ve gained infamy as someone feared, it will only worsen my reputation by adding crazy to it. And I don’t think anyone would believe me.
Then, should I just rush to the temple?

『I heard the voice of God! In two months, a Great Flood will occur!』

It sounded like something a madman would spout out. Thank you for the example.
I don’t know if there is such a thing as a confession room in any temple in this world.
Well, from what I’ve heard so far, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?

『Tehee.』

I’ll definitely meet you in person someday and beat you up. Absolutely.

[Taichi-san, are you sure you’re okay? We don’t have to take a carriage. We can just walk. So it might be better to wait a day and leave tomorrow…]

[Sorry, let me think about it for a minute. I’ll be waiting here, so could you come look for me around here?]

[Sure! Don’t overdo it, okay?]

[Yeah, and thank you.]

I saw Marl off as she disappeared into the crowd, then fell into thoughts.
What should I do? Should I take Marl into the Royal castle? Even though I’ve been certified as a hero, I’m still likely to get turned away. But, I feel like this is the surest way to go.
No, wait? Is it possible to make an appointment with Zondark through Jack-san? That’s right, this move is good. Zondark may look at me strangely, but it’s more certain than going directly to the Royal castle.
I don’t think a letter will do, so maybe we should meet in person.
But, what about the Big Hornet? Should we split up?
Marl’s sword mastery skills have also improved, and although her level was still lower than mine, she’s level 7 now, which is about the same as an ordinary adventurer. She won’t lag behind against something like the Big Hornet.
But I don’t know how many there are. It is dangerous to let her go alone.

And should I really meet Zondark alone?
Zondark is acting like an ally for now, but I don’t know how much I can trust him.
Judging from his past history and attitude, I don’t think he’s going to turn on me immediately, but I’m still worried about letting Marl go alone.
No. It’s too scary to let Marl act alone.

[Taichi-san! I’ve found Bison-san!]

[Oh, let’s go.]

I followed after Marl, who said that she found Bison-san.

[Oyaa, are you Taichi-san? You certainly seem to be quite a strong person.]

Marl led me to a man who was probably older than Jack-san and had a laid-back atmosphere selling vegetables from a cart.
There were still a lot of vegetables left in the cart, is this possible?

[Yeah, I’m Taichi Mitsuba. This is Marl. Are you Bison-san from Viet Village, who is requesting the Big Hornet subjugation?]

[Yep, I’m that Bison.]

[I heard that you were planning to leave the Royal Capital at noon, but isn’t it likely that the schedule will be delayed?]

I’m begging you, please.

[Well, it’s true that I haven’t sold out all of my stuff. And here I am planning to buy some stuff after selling out all my stuff before returning back to the village.]

Saying that, Bison-san looked at the vegetables on his stall with a troubled look.
Yo, yosh yosh! Thank God!

『Don’t mention it.』

It’s not you, get lost.

[Then, we’ll come again later. Would that be fine?]

[Sure, sure. But it’s dangerous when it gets dark, so I can only wait two more hours, okay?]

[Okay, got it. I’ll be back as soon as possible, so please wait for me. Let’s go back to the mansion, Marl!]

[Huh! Oh, yes! Please wait a moment, Taichi-san!]

I hurried back to the mansion.
It would be nice if I could make an appointment with Zondark without any problems.

=====

[Welcome home, master. How is it going? I received the message from the messenger.]

When I arrived at the mansion, Jack-san greeted me calmly.
Okay, let’s break through the first barrier.

[Jack-san, can you make an appointment with Zondark? I have something to tell him, it’s urgent.]

[To His Excellency Marquis Zondark? I cannot be so sure whether I can arrange a meeting. But if it’s a letter instead, I shall definitely deliver it.]

Since Jack-san seemed to be up for it, I guess a letter would be fine?
No, I would be better to tell Zondark face to face if possible.

[I’m sorry, but I’m going to ask you to try and arrange a meeting immediately. Also, I’ll write a letter in case we can’t meet, so please prepare a pen and paper.]

[Of course. Please wait a moment.]

After saying that, Jack-san went back inside.
Marl, looking exhausted, finally caught up to me.
When she entered the entrance, she put her hands on her knees and heaving her shoulders, panting in pain.

[Tai, chi, san…ee, haa, you’re, too fast.]

[Sorry, it’s urgent.]

I stroked Marl’s back and waited for her breathing to calm down.
Meanwhile, Maybel arrived with a jug of water and a cup on a tray.
It must be Jack-san’s consideration. A man who can do it, really that person. Respect.

[Thank you, Maybel.]

Maybel smiled at my words. Don’t be so calm yet.
I received a water jug ​​and a cup from Maybel, poured water into it and handed it to Marl.
Marl, taking the cup, gulped down the water and let out a sigh.

[Haa… What happened all of a sudden, Taichi-san.]

I received the cup back from Marl, and drank some water as well.
Finally I managed to catch my breath.
Now, what to do? Should I tell Maybel to return inside for the time being?

[Thank you, Maybel. Now, get back to work.]

[Yes! Excuse me!]

Maybel ran back inside carrying the tray with a cup and jug of water with her.
Jack-san returned with a paper, an envelope, a quill, and ink.
Will it be fine to ask Jack-san to write the letter for me? I don’t think Jack-san will divulge on what he heard, but… no, he’ll find out eventually.

[Listen carefully. In two months there will be a Great Flood.]

『Wait, what!?』

Are you still here? Get lost.

『I’m watching because I thought it’s going to be funny.』

Die. Seriously, die. Well, even if you’re a God, you’re definitely an Evil God.
No matter what you say, I’ve decided, you’re an Evil God.

『Look at this runt.』

[Taichi-san, I mean, how did you know that?]

[God’s oracle. Look, I’m a Hero.]

An indescribable silence filled the entrance hall.
Yeah, that’s right. That’s the reaction I expected. I knew it.
Jack-san looked at me without changing his complexion. That’s a nice poker face.

[There should be one person in each town who is over fifteen years old and has heard the same message as I have. If you could look into it at the same time…there would be too many to track.]

[That’s right. It’s difficult to prove. If you carelessly spread that story, you could be charged with causing a disturbance.]

Yes, the troublesome thing about this revelation is that it’s difficult to prove.
Even if you find multiple people who have received the same message in other cities and use that as evidence, there are too many subjects to investigate.
Moreover, the person who actually heard the revelation may not tell the truth, as they may be charged with causing a disturbance.
It’s possible that people who haven’t heard the revelation will lie, so even if they gather witnesses, they won’t be credible.

[In any case, telling His Excellency alone would probably do no good. But, using His Excellency’s connection, we can also contact the temple.]

[Well, if it’s a temple in the Royal Capital, there should be a lot of priests who can receive oracles from the Gods! If it’s Taichi-san who said it, Marquis Zondark shouldn’t be able to ignore it!]

Jack-san nodded in agreement to Marl.

[Master and Marl-sama were in the middle of completing a request, yes? I will definitely inform His Excellency Zondark, so please leave this to me.]

[Are you sure?]

[Yes, leave it to me.]

Will it be okay to leave it to him?
Jack-san is a butler arranged by Zondark, so I guess Zondark will at least listen to him.
Which makes it easier for Zondark to trust Jack-san instead of me. I guess it’s just suitable.

[I’m counting on you.]

[Understood.]

It’s a simple thing, but it feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
I felt so tired. I’m glad I checked.
I wanted to punch myself at that moment when I thought that the temple would announce it without me having to do anything.
It’s a little late, but as long as it gets through to Zondark, it should be much more efficient than making a fuss around by myself.
It would be better to ask for progress confirmations one by one. Also, Zondark would call me if he thinks it’s necessary, so it’s better to be mentally prepared.

[So, that is why when we went to the market, Taichi-san was acting weird. I understand now.]

Marl nodded.
It kinda hurt, since I actually already knew the first thing in the morning.
I don’t know anymore. Let’s be more careful next time.

[Anyway, let’s do what we can do now. Hunt monsters, earn money, and get good equipment to become stronger.]

[Yes! Let’s do our best!]

=====

When we went to the market in the new town again, Bison-san had just finished preparing to leave.
It’s eerily good timing. Almost artificial.

『It seems that I have made things difficult for you, so here is a little service from me. No matter what you think about me, I’m still a good God with perfect aftercare.』

Okay, you’re a good God. So don’t lose it. I’ll call you when I need you.
Actually, if you’re a good God, then you should focus on others as well.

『Hmm, that’s fine. I hope you did your best.』

And then communication with God was cut off.
It’s kind of strange, but I’m sure of that. What kind of mechanism is this? I wonder if the same thing can be done between me and Marl.

[Oh, oh. We come at the right time huh? Are you ready? Let’s go then, shall we?]

[Sure, no problem.]

Marl also nodded. We got into the empty space of the carrier and left the market.

The wagon rattled and swayed along the highway.
It seems that the cargo is loaded with salt and household goods.
It seems that they sell the agricultural products produced in Viet Village and buy the necessities that they cannot supply themselves with.
In a way, this carriage is the lifeline of the village.

[Bison-san, isn’t it dangerous to travel on the highway?]

[It’s okay, because the knights and soldiers have defeated the monsters around here. Occasionally, there are those who get lost, but when that happens, this guy drives them away.]

Saying that, Bison-san took out a crossbow that was larger and seemed to be more powerful than the one that Marl was using. However, it seems to be a fairly old item, and the paint is peeling off here and there.
Seeing that crossbow, Marl’s eyes lit up.

[So, Bison-san also uses a crossbow! Me too!]

While saying that, she proudly took out her light crossbow.
Bison-san saw that and let out a hoof.

[Miss, you use a crossbow, too. I can’t even use a bow on a carriage like this, so a crossbow is better than a bow for me.]

Bison-san began to demonstrate his knowledge on how to handle crossbows.
Marl listened to the remarks with sparkling eyes. It’s often said that seniority is better than tortoiseshell, and Bison-san’s story about fighting in the carriage was really helpful.
In the past, they traveled around the world in a fairly large caravan.
He retired after being injured in the previous great flooding, and now seems to be plowing a small field in Viet Village and going back and forth between the village and the Royal Capital during the harvest season.

[I may not be able to survive the next Great Flood, but before I die, I plan to smash out as many monsters as possible with this guy.]

His crossbow skills seemed solid even in his old age, and his shooting skill was level 3.
Bison-san himself is also level 26, so it must be true that he used to participate in the caravan.

[If a great flood occurs, don’t overdo it, please escape to the Royal Capital.]

[Hahahaha! I’m too old, so I’m going to protect the village until the very end.]

For some reason, Bison-san seemed dazzling as he laughed.

=====

[Here you go! Marl, I’m going right in! Be careful!]

[Yes! Taah!]

As soon as we arrived at Viet Village, we jumped out of the wagon and drew our weapons.
This was because multiple big hornets had entered the village and were flying around freely.
The villagers seem to have abandoned their jobs and taken refuge in their homes, and no one was in sight.

[You fucking bees! Get out of our village!]

Bison-san stood atop of the wagon and shot down the Big Hornets one after another with a crossbow like a fixed turret.
Marl and I were intercepting the Big Hornet that Bison-san failed to shoot down around the wagon.
Bison-san’s shooting level 3 was showing its effect.
It’s not 100% accurate, but it’s still hitting the targets reliably.

[You’re better than me!]

[It’s the difference in experience. Let’s do our best.]

[Yes!]

While doing so, Bison-san stopped shooting.

[Damn, I’m out of arrow!]

[Bison-san, take this!]

[Oh, I appreciate it, young lady!]

Marl handed over the bolts for her light crossbow to Bison-san.
A few minutes after Bison-san resumed shooting, the Big Hornets withdrew.
There were many big hornet corpses scattered around, including the ones I crushed, the ones Marl cut down, and the ones Bison-san shot through.
About half of them were shot down by Bison-san. The old soldier is formidable alright.

[It’s refreshing! Reminds me of the old days!]

While I glanced at Bison-san who was laughing happily, I collected the corpses of the big hornets one after another.
A Big Hornet is about the same size as a seagull, or a little larger.
It rushes forward with an extremely unpleasant buzzing noise, so it’s quite impressive when there are a lot of them.
There were a total of 37 corpses here. I’m worried about the rest that stay in the nest.
I loaded some of them into the wagon as battle results.

[Oooyy! We’re back! We got rid of the bees!]

When Bison-san shouted in the village square, the doors of the houses opened and several children rushed out.
Then, came the adults and the small children who seemed to have been caught by the adults so as not to jump out.
The first to appear were probably the older children of the village.

[Wow! Wow! Did grandpa do this!?]

[Who is that sister?]

[Oh, you’re an adventurer! As expected of Bison-san, I didn’t expect that he’ll be able to bring one immediately.]

It’s already a big fuss.
Marl and I were surrounded by children and bombarded with questions, while Bison-san was proud of being praised by the adults in the village.

It was discussed that it would be better to spend the night in the village today and exterminate the nest tomorrow morning.
Big hornets seem to be diurnal and quiet at night, but if you approach the nest with a light, they will rush towards the light, which is actually dangerous.
In addition, it seems that there are also nocturnal monsters wandering in the forest where the big hornet’s nest is supposed to be.
I thought that would be dangerous, but nocturnal monsters around here don’t attack or damage the fields unless they go outside at night, so it seems there’s no problem.
Is this also a kind of coexistence?

=====

TL Note: This is likely the conversation between Jack and Zondark.

[…..Are you serious?]

[At least that person looked serious.]

[…..Alright, I’ll try working things out with the temple]

[Understood.]