Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 5 — Stagecoach
After finishing our farewells, we spent the next few days preparing for the journey.
Now that everything was finally packed, Arisa and I headed to the carriage depot to board a stagecoach.
The staff from the magic tool shop gathered to see us off.
“Otsugi-san, please come back safely.”
“I will. I’ll be careful.”
“Arisa, you too. Don’t worry about the shop. Enjoy your trip together.”
“Yeah, thanks, Maria.”
After greeting us both, Maria shook our hands lightly before returning to the shop.
Even though the staff had grown capable recently, Arisa’s absence would still be a burden. I’d have to make sure to thank everyone properly when we returned.
Next came Shuri.
“Otsugin!”
“Yes?”
“Next time, you have to bring me and Maria along too!”
“Alright… I promise.”
“You better!”
It seemed she wasn’t thrilled that I was traveling only with Arisa. Still, she didn’t seem upset in a serious way, so a bit of follow-up after we got back should smooth things over.
After all, most people already saw Shuri and Maria as something like my wives. I owed it to them to handle things carefully.
Just as I finished making that promise, two smaller impacts hit me at once.
“Uncle, come back soon, okay?”
“Tell us all about your trip when you get back!”
“Of course. I’ll bring you both souvenirs, so look forward to them.”
Tiana and Tio looked up at me with lonely faces.
I decided right then to get them something special and made that promise aloud. When I patted their heads goodbye, they smiled and ran off.
“Well then, we’re off.”
With our goodbyes done, Arisa and I made our way to the depot.
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There were plenty of carriages parked there — private ones, merchant wagons, and public stagecoaches. The stagecoach drivers were easy to spot, shouting to attract passengers.
“Hey there, you two couple! Looking for a ride?”
A young man, clearly one of the touts, called out as we approached.
“If you’re taking a stagecoach, ride with us! Cheap rates, but smooth travel!”
“I see. What do you think, Arisa?”
When I turned to her, her face went red and she looked away.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just… he called us a couple, that’s all.”
So that’s what it was — she was embarrassed.
“Let’s not worry about little details.”
“They’re not little details!”
She shot back immediately. It seemed she’d regained her usual energy.
“Ah, forget it. I was getting carried away for nothing. Acting normal’s best after all.”
“That’s the right approach.”
We exchanged a small smile, then turned back to the tout.
“We don’t mind paying extra. We’d prefer something fast and comfortable. Could you recommend a suitable coach?”
“Oh, in that case, we’ve got a finer carriage just over there.”
“I appreciate the recommendation.”
With that, we had our coach lined up and started walking in the direction he pointed.
“Hey, old man.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Why didn’t you get embarrassed when he called us a couple?”
It seemed she was still hung up on that.
“It’s just the two of us traveling, and this won’t be the last time people misunderstand. Explaining it every time would be endless.”
“Ugh… yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Besides, there was another reason. The more indifferent I acted toward Arisa, the more likely she’d eventually give up on me.
So even if people mistook us for a couple, I planned to stay composed and let it pass.
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E/N:
Ossan's composure is as strong as Tetsuo Takahashi-sensei from Demi-chan wa Kataritai, iykyk! Stay tuned!
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Check out my other translation -
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