Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 04 — Preparing for the Journey
Since I’d be away from the capital for quite a while, I had to notify everyone concerned—especially those managing parts of my business.
We also needed to discuss how things would run while I was gone.
The factory was already operating smoothly without my direct involvement, so that wasn’t an issue.
The magic tool shop, however, would lose Arisa for a time, meaning her workload had to be redistributed.
That task was handled easily enough — Arisa used her «Calculator» skill to reorganize everything in minutes.
By the time I finished greeting the staff, she’d already finished giving all the necessary instructions.
After that, I stopped by the orphanage to inform them as well. I told Joan and Rosa to keep things running as usual while I was away, and to prioritize the children’s safety if anything came up.
In emergencies, they could act under Isabella’s judgment.
Finally, I went to see Marceline.
This trip would also serve as an inspection of the high-frequency blades, so I needed to discuss that with her and get official permission.
Technically, I could observe combat without it — but if possible, I wanted to see things from within the army itself.
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“So, I’d like to request permission to conduct an on-site inspection.”
“You’re as sudden as ever, Otsugi-dono.”
Marceline gave a wry smile.
“Still, I understand. In fact, I was hoping you’d take a look for yourself.”
“That’s good to hear. How’s the deployment of the high-frequency blades going?”
“Quite well. We can’t afford to equip every front line due to cost and logistics, but by forming a single breakthrough unit, we’ve finally shifted from constant defense to being able to launch counterattacks.
…
Several stalemates have already turned in our favor.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
High-frequency blades, by nature, are too fragile to be standard issue, so they’re mostly used by assault teams focused on offense.
Marceline had mentioned that plan before, and it seemed to be working just as intended.
“And it’s not just the blades,” she continued. “Your cut-resistant robes and protective magic stones have also raised survival rates in defense.
…
Thanks to them, our troops can hold out longer, and reinforcements — like heroes or elite fighters — now have enough time to arrive.”
The robes and magic stones were gradually being adopted as standard gear for frontline soldiers.
Production hadn’t caught up yet, but in time, every soldier’s life would be safeguarded by those tools.
“We truly owe you, Otsugi-dono,” Marceline said sincerely. “That’s why I ask this of you — please keep creating equipment that can aid the army. Every new tool you make could save hundreds, even thousands of lives.”
“Understood. In that case, I’ll give it my all.”
It seemed Marceline herself had wanted me to conduct this inspection, so it worked out perfectly for both of us. Developing new military gear was already part of my plan.
After a brief discussion, we decided which frontline unit I’d visit, and our meeting came to an end.
“Well then, I’ll be counting on you.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll make the arrangements.”
We shook hands, and I left the room—heading out of the royal castle and back toward the magic tool shop.
———
On the way, I ran into Arisa coming to meet me.
“So, how’d it go, old man?”
“I got the approval. We can officially inspect the army now.”
“Heh, nice!”
Grinning, Arisa latched onto my arm. The way she linked arms felt a little too natural — almost like lovers. I instinctively tried to pull away, but she tightened her grip.
“What, old man? A niece can’t be close to her uncle?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then it’s fine, right?”
She had a point. Pushing her away too harshly would just hurt her.
“…Alright. If you insist.”
“Knew you’d see it my way! Come on, let’s go home.”
And so, Arisa and I walked back together — arm in arm, just like a couple on a quiet evening stroll.
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E/N:
This feels way too wrong but… I've become way too invested to care anymore 😭! Stay tuned! (3/3 chapters)
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