Konbini Ossan Volume 2 Chapter 4 – The Escort

After continuously using enchantment magic for a while, I had expended a fair amount of mana.

The sun had already set, and darkness had fallen. About a quarter of the magic stones had been successfully turned into lightstones.

It was strange that Arisa hadn’t come back yet, even at this late hour. Even if she had taken her time eating, she was still running far too late.

The town isn’t particularly dangerous, but it isn’t completely safe either.

Arisa-san isn’t exactly the most polite or cautious person, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she’d gotten into some kind of trouble.

For now, I should go out and look for her.

Assuming she was still at one of the nearby restaurants, I left the house to search for her.

———

I had barely walked a short distance from the house when I found her.

Or rather, I noticed her right away because she was in the middle of an argument on the main street.

“Heh, give it up already, girl. A chick like you’s never gonna make it as an adventurer.”

“I told you, I’ve already sorted that out!”

“Then you’re admitting you became that potion geezer’s side piece?”

“That’s not it either! I said I’m gonna work properly!”

“Tch. That’s why we’re offering you a better gig. Be smart and take it. Don’t go getting full of yourself!”

She was surrounded by a group of men, who were throwing all sorts of insults her way.

It looked like the same guys I’d run off from the Adventurers’ Guild earlier. What rotten luck — to run into them again on her way back from dinner.

Still, no matter how unlucky she was, that didn’t mean I had to abandon her to her fate. I stepped in without hesitation.

“What’s going on here, Arisa-san?”

“Oh, old man! Get rid of these creeps, will you?!”

The moment she saw me, Arisa looked both troubled and relieved, relying on me for help. It feels good to be depended on, especially by a cute niece.

I couldn’t help but act a little cocky as I walked up and stepped in front of Arisa, positioning myself between her and the men.

“You again, Potion Geezer! Don’t push your luck!”

One of the men snapped. Hm? Did I do something to deserve that anger? I couldn’t recall.

“You said she wasn’t your girl, but now you’re butting in again? Getting real cocky, old man!”

“We were the ones who claimed her first, so stay the hell outta this!”

“You want us to beat you to a pulp, huh?!”

It seemed they had assumed Arisa-san was my girlfriend or something.

After overhearing our conversation, they realized she wasn’t.

So now they figured they had a shot with her. How incredibly shortsighted. I sighed in exasperation.

“Let me clarify. Arisa-san is my niece. Due to certain circumstances, I’ve become her guardian starting today. So naturally, I won’t be handing her over to the likes of you.”

“The hell?! What’s so bad about us, huh?!”

(E/N: Everything? Duh!)

“The fact that you casually suggest a woman sell herself. I won’t allow my dear niece to be sullied by scum like you.”

“Shut the hell up! You ain’t even her parent — what’s it got to do with you?!”

I just said she’s my niece. But I suppose it’s not their fault they’re too stupid to understand. Poor souls.

Still, pitying them doesn’t mean I’ll let them off. They’ll likely come after Arisa again. Best to squash the pests early.

“If I’m unrelated, then do whatever you want. I’m just some guy sticking his nose in. So go ahead, use force or whatever else you’ve got.”

“Hah?!”

“You’ve got a big mouth for a Potion Geezer! Don’t get cocky!”

“Not cocky — just disappointed. You talk big, but your brains don’t match your build. I’m clearly looking down on you. Didn’t catch that?”

(E/N: Unc's such a troll lmao 🤣)

“You bastard!”

“Don’t act tough just ‘cause you pull weeds, asshole!”

The men grew more agitated. One of them finally snapped and swung his fist at me.

“Old man!”

I heard Arisa’s worried voice behind me. But it’s fine. Don’t worry, Arisa.

These guys can’t lay a single scratch on me.

A dull thud echoed. The man’s fist struck me square in the face.

“...Huh?”

The man let out a confused grunt.

Of course he did. He hit me with full force, yet I was still standing. Normally, that punch would’ve sent someone flying.

Too bad for him — that doesn’t work on me anymore.

“Was there a fly on my face? If so, thank you for brushing it off.”

“Wh-What the hell are you?!”

“I’m just an old man who pulls weeds. But still a better man than weaklings who can’t even do that.”

“Shut up! I’ll beat your ass!”

He tried a front kick next, but it only made my body shift slightly. No real damage at all.

“Nice control. Did you train as a street performer or something?”

“You bastard — I’ll kill you!”

He lost it, punching and kicking me over and over again.

None of his blows had any real effect. Eventually, he began to pant heavily, his strikes slowing.

His face started to show fear and confusion, realizing something was very wrong. The others stared in stunned silence.

Finally, exhausted, the man dropped his fists, gasping for air.

“Hah... hah...”

“Thanks for the effort. Let me show you how it’s done.”

With that, I drove my fist into his solar plexus.

THUD!

My punch sank deep into his torso with a heavy, echoing impact.

“Guhuh—!”

He collapsed to the ground in agony, unable to breathe properly. Seeing this, the other men began to panic.

“Now then. Anyone else thinking of laying a hand on my Arisa?”

(E/N: So cringey! 😅)

I looked each of them in the eyes as I spoke. They all quickly shook their heads.

“Then I suggest you head home before the good inns fill up.”

Though I didn’t say it outright, they understood I was telling them to get lost. Even these idiots could manage that much.

They grabbed their fallen friend and fled the scene. I watched them leave, nodding in satisfaction.

I must say, it does feel good to show off once in a while. Against scum like that, it’s best to respond with strength.

——————

E/N:

White knight Ossan! But seriously, Arisa has no survival instincts, 😂. Let's see what happens next!

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