Konbini Ossan Volume 1 Chapter 9 – The Mysterious Middle-Aged Man Who Arrived Late

When I came to, I found myself standing in the middle of a lavish hall I had never seen before.

“Where… is this?”

“Who are you!?”

Before I could get a grasp of the situation, I was surrounded by armored men.

Each of them carried a sword, and if they felt like it, they could probably cut me down right then and there.

I was once surrounded by yakuza holding knives, too. This is turning out to be good practice in hindsight. I appreciate the experience.

“Um, I believe I’ve been brought here through what you call a Hero Summoning.”

“What!? That’s impossible — we already summoned the exact number we were supposed to! Don’t lie!”

One of the armored figures, wearing the most ornate armor of the group, shouted in anger.

Well, to be fair, from their point of view I’m just some rando who appeared uninvited. It’s only natural they’d be suspicious.

“Actually…”

I calmly explained the situation — how I had ended up here by accident.

I spoke slowly and clearly, sharing information only someone present at the summoning would know. Eventually, they believed me.

Remembering the names of some of the summoned heroes really helped.

“I see. So, Otsugi-dono, you were caught up in the summoning unintentionally.”

Saying that, the person in the ornate armor removed their helmet.

To my surprise, it was a beautiful woman.

“I am Marceline, the captain of the knights. My current duty is to escort the summoned heroes and provide them with a proper briefing about this world.”

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Marceline. I’m Yuichi Otsugi, a humble part-time shift leader at a convenience store.”

“Konbi... what? Part-time? I’m not sure I understand, but it must be a position from your world?”

“Yes, something like that.”

“I see. So even social roles differ between worlds. One of the summoned heroes taught me that knights like me are called ‘Kukkoro’¹ in your world. It was enlightening and quite amusing.”

“I… see.”

I’m not entirely sure what 'Kukkoro' means, but it seems Marceline has a favorable impression of the summoned heroes. That’s a relief.

“Heh… Otsugi-dono, you seem like a kind man.”

“Eh?”

“The moment I mentioned the heroes in a positive light, your expression softened.”

So I was that transparent, huh? It's a bit embarrassing to be seen through like that.

I prefer working quietly in the background, using whatever little strength I have to help others. That’s kind of my motto.

“Now then, Otsugi-dono. I’d like to give you a proper explanation about the state of this world, but we hadn’t prepared anyone to handle your orientation.

…

If it’s alright with you, may I take on that role myself?”

Marceline asked apologetically.

“I have no issue with that. In fact, I’m grateful that you’re willing to explain anything at all. Please, raise your head, Lady Marceline.”

“Thank you. You truly are a considerate gentleman, Otsugi-dono.”

I don’t often receive compliments from women, so her words made me a little bashful.

As I scratched my cheek awkwardly, Marceline continued.

“Let us move to a different location. There’s no need to talk in a grand hall like this. I’ll guide you to somewhere more comfortable where we can sit and speak.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

“Not at all. It’s part of my duty.”

And so, I was escorted by Marceline out of the mysterious hall.

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E/N:

1 - The phrase in Japanese, Kuh, Korose!, is stereotypical line of female knights in dire(😏) situations where they sacrifice(😏) and the short form is Kukkoro!.

Also, in raws, the female knight captain's name is マルキュライン(Marcrine) but it sounds like a gland's name(e.g. Apocrine glands).

😂 So I tweaked it to Marceline, hope it's alright with y'all!

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