Konbini Ossan Volume 2 Chapter 29 — The Life View of an Unremarkable Middle-Aged Man

“Arisa-san. Humans, as they grow older, tend to act in contradictory and wasteful ways.”

I put into words what I believe about the nature of people.

“Even while thinking they’re better than others... even while believing there's a place where they truly belong...

…

They still end up continuing to work part-time at a convenience store run by a lousy owner.”

“Is... is that so?”

“Yes, that’s exactly how it is.”

I speak like an elder trying to advise Arisa. It might come across as annoying, but once I start talking, I can’t seem to stop.

“As people age, they accumulate experience. Experience is a treasure — but also a poison.

…

A blessing, and at the same time, a curse. The experiences we stack up remain etched in our hearts as memories, and they never truly disappear.”

Arisa listens intently to my preachy words. That alone makes me grateful — and makes me ramble on even more.

“Good experiences become blessings — assets in life. But bad experiences become poison — curses.

…

Even though I know it's wrong, I can’t help but look down on people who I think are foolish.

…

And that’s something that won’t ever go away. All I can do is put effort into not showing it in my attitude.”

I reflect on myself as I speak.

Just as I said, even now, at this age, I can’t shake the habit of looking down on people I consider dumb.

Even though it’s been nearly ten years since I started reflecting on it, I still get dark and cruel thoughts when I see someone I perceive as stupid.

(E/N: Like the middle-aged Gaius guy, C-Ranker 😂)

“In the same way, no matter how much your reason or logic tells you otherwise, what’s carved into your heart will sometimes lead you to act in contradiction.

…

As people age, they turn into contradictory, inefficient, and pitiful beings. Just like me.”

It’s a fact — I’m a mess.

I complain about my work environment but don’t try to change it.

I look down on people I think are foolish, even though I know I shouldn't.

I want to help people, to support them — but I’m not devoted enough to throw everything away for them.

Because I’ve turned my experiences into poison and curses, I’ve ended up stuck in a swamp I can’t climb out of.

“Are you okay with that, old man? Are you just going to give up?”

Arisa’s question was abstract, but I nodded without hesitation.

“I’ve come to terms with it. At this point, I can’t change who I am. I’ve long since accepted it.

…

I’m going to continue living as an unpleasant guy who looks down on others for no good reason.

…

I intend to live my life fully as someone disliked by others. I’ll accept myself as a pathetic old man and live by affirming who I am.”

Because that’s the only way I can get through life without falling into complete despair.

“But it’s exactly because I’m like this that I want to help others. I don’t want people to end up like me.

…

I want the younger generation to live better lives. That’s why I secretly have this hero complex — because I’m pathetic, I don’t want anyone else to feel this miserable.

…

That’s why I want to be of help to someone. I want to help change someone’s life for the better.”

After saying all that, I smile at Arisa.

“Of course, that includes you too, Arisa-san. I hope you don’t make the same mistakes I did. I hope you’ll find happiness.”

The world is better off without miserable people like me.

After I finish speaking, silence falls for a while.

Then, after what seems like deep contemplation, Arisa finally raises her head.

“...Got it. I’ll try, in my own way.”

Those were hopeful, forward-looking words.

I had been worried she might get upset at my preachy monologue, but… as expected, Arisa is a kind-hearted, good kid.

Honestly, she’s far too good a niece for someone like me.

But — ah, this won’t do. I’ve gotten pessimistic, probably because of that dark story I just told.

Let’s shift gears and return to my usual self. Let’s be more optimistic — affirm myself. Be natural, be true to who I am.

I take a moment to meditate lightly and reset my mindset.

Then I open my eyes — and I’m back to being my usual self.

“Now then, let’s wrap up the talk here. Arisa-san, you’d better head to dinner soon, or it’ll be dangerous walking at night.”

“Got it. I’ll go get something to eat, then.”

With those words, Arisa leaves the shop, gripping a silver coin.

And perhaps it’s not my imagination—the tone of her voice as she left sounded a bit more gentle than usual.

——————

E/N:

All that yap brings us to the end of Volume 2! Though I say that…

Ossan's words brought a tear to my eyes 🥲. Maybe there's nothing we can do to change ourselves anymore, but talking it out with someone you can trust and crying on their shoulders might bring a change in our heart… Who knows?

Volume 3 starting tomorrow! Stay tuned for Ossan's chronicles just started!

——————

Previous       Table of Contents       Next