Konbini Ossan Volume 3 Chapter 14 — Freedom of Choice
“Strongest? That’s impossible, isn’t it?”
Arisa voiced her honest opinion. A perfectly reasonable point. So instead of joking around, I restated it more clearly.
“Well, ‘strongest’ was an exaggeration. What I really mean is preparing so that, when the time comes, we can choose any option available.
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Being ready to flee or hide. Preparing so we can cross borders during wartime, even with a group.
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Making sure we hold the keys to this country’s war effort behind the scenes. And even making contact with the Demon Lord’s side.
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We’d lay the groundwork with both factions so we can act wherever is most convenient. That’s about as concrete a plan as I can give right now.”
I listed off the things that came to mind, the kinds of preparations possible at this stage. Arisa, of course, pushed back.
“Can you really get into such a convenient position? I mean, how the hell would you even do that?”
“The method is simple. I just need to get stronger. Which brings us back to where we started.”
The three factors that threaten safety. To deal with all of them, I need strength. Not only physical strength, but also social and economic power.
Win in a fight. Win in information. Win through funds and assets.
In the end, it comes down to gaining the strength to win in every arena imaginable. Nothing more, nothing less.
“And the path to getting stronger can be anything. There’s no single right answer — in fact, nobody could possibly know.
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That’s why I’m using all the knowledge and abilities I have now to build power. That’s the reason I opened this shop, to move toward controlling capital and manpower.”
When I finished speaking, Matsuriya Yuuki nodded in satisfaction.
“I see. I understand now, Otsugi-san. More than that, I personally agree with that way of thinking. As expected of the person I’ve placed my trust in.”
It seemed my explanation had convinced him, even resonated with him. A good reaction. Meanwhile, Arisa looked uneasy.
“But there’s no guarantee that’ll actually work. What if you fail?”
“True. Failure would be troublesome.”
I could understand Arisa’s worry. Without a firm, step-by-step plan, it’s only natural to feel uneasy.
“Still, that would be fine too. Even if I fail, it wouldn’t be a serious problem.”
I spoke in a way meant to strip away her fear of failure.
“This isn’t Japan. There are plenty of downsides, but there are good parts too. Fortunately, we were given special powers by the goddess when we came here.
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Even if we fall to the bottom, climbing back up is far easier than it would be in Japan.”
That point is precisely what we should be using to our advantage in this world.
Even if we end up at rock bottom, rebuilding as adventurers isn’t difficult.
As long as we don’t cling to the conveniences of modern Japan, we can live in relative comfort here, even among the well-off.
“So there’s no need to fear failure. Since we have the opportunity, we should try as much as possible.
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Of course, compared to the stable route of simply climbing the ranks, there are more uncertainties.”
That was about all I had to say regarding the risks of failure. Arisa-san seemed, for the moment, to accept it.
“I get it now.”
She murmured, and I added one more thing.
“If you can’t agree with my way of thinking, Arisa, then that can’t be helped. I won’t force you to take risks.
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As much as it would pain me, if you choose a different path, then that’s your right.”
When I said that, Arisa looked at me in surprise.
“So, how about it? Please choose whichever you like.”
For the first time, I placed the choice in Arisa’s hands. It felt a little late, but since we’d come this far in discussion, it was necessary to reaffirm her will clearly.
For a moment she kept her head down in thought. But when she raised it again and looked at me, her expression was far brighter.
She smiled as she gave her answer.
“I don’t really get all the complicated stuff. But when I was in trouble, you were the one who helped me.
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Even now, you’re always looking out for me, making sure I’m not troubled or forced into something I hate. So I’m not worried.
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I’m sure it’ll work out. That’s why I’m sticking with you. For me, that’s enough. That’s all I need.”
With those words, Arisa chose to stay with me. Something warm welled up quietly in my chest.
“Thank you, Arisa-san.”
But I didn’t add anything more.
I simply voiced my gratitude, straight from the heart.
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E/N:
Uncertainties of the future certainly are scary but Arisa has trusted her Uncle, we too shall trust our Ossan, even though he's a certified freak…
Anyway, prepare yourselves for the next chapter, hehehe~ Stay tuned!
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