Kays Translations

Chapter 196: Grandpa, Who Are You?

I decided to confess to both grandpa and Keita that I possess the Appraisal skill. Thinking it would be better to inform them first before trying to pry into their personal affairs.

With grandpa’s mysterious nature, I admit I’m feeling a bit nervous. Well, regardless, I don’t want to be disliked for prying into their lives without permission.

“So, yeah. I’d appreciate it if you keep the fact that I can appraise things a secret.”

“Uncle, you can even appraise? That’s not just limited to village skills and Goddess blessings… You’re basically invincible, huh?”

“I’m aware it’s kind of cheating, but invincible sounds suspicious. I don’t have much combat experience, and my skill level is quite questionable.”

“Well, that may be true, but still, I’m really envious.”

In the end, Keita wanted the appraisal. Since grandpa nodded in agreement, I decided to check both their statuses right away.

Keita’s status was quite ordinary, level 3 with no occupation or skills. He was delighted when I told him the result. What’s more intriguing is grandpa’s status. His level is 1, and like Keita, he doesn’t have any occupation or skills, but…

There were strange blanks in the status and some parts were garbled. I could hardly make out anything other than basic information.

(He can’t be seen through even with a high-level appraisal… Grandpa is definitely not an ordinary person.)

I honestly told him that, but grandpa’s reaction was indifferent. He just said “I see” without changing his expression. I refrained from mentioning it further since he seemed unresponsive. Whether he didn’t feel like answering or simply didn’t know, the truth remains unclear, but I decided not to press further as it might stir up trouble.

After that, I inquired about the handling of monsters in Japan and the societal responses. It seems that monster hunting is trending in some areas, and the difference in power due to leveling up is becoming apparent. Even at my nephew’s school, there are instances of school hierarchies being reversed.

“Well, now that we know quite a bit about Japan’s current situation, let’s get to the main topic.”

“Is that about the villagers you mentioned earlier?”

“Yeah, today I came to recruit people from this village. Becoming a villager ensures safety within the barrier.”

“The allure of receiving occupations and skills is also appealing.”

“Indeed. And above all, Keita, you want to experience going to another world, right?”

“Of course! …But, um…”

While Keita seemed happy, his trailing off at the end made me curious about grandpa’s reaction. I wonder if he’s being considerate towards grandpa.

When grandpa noticed Keita’s gaze, he replied solemnly.

“Keisuke, I’m grateful for the invitation, but we can’t go to another world. Of course, we can’t become villagers either.”

“Huh? But… isn’t it safer to stay together in case monsters go berserk in the future?”

“We’ll be fine. Even if that happens, we can handle it. Besides, this village won’t end up in such a situation, so you don’t need to worry.”

I thought he would accept the invitation, but… it turns out they can’t go to another world, not won’t. There seems to be some reason why they can’t go.

“Grandpa, I won’t force you, but… is there some reason why you can’t go?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss the details yet. However… yes. Come back in a week, and I’ll explain some things.”

From the way he said it, it seems there might be something related to another world or their past. He added, “You should understand, now that you know about the other world.” By the way, it seems my nephew Keita already knows the situation. He was muttering to himself while glancing back and forth between me and grandpa.

“Okay, grandpa. But… at least let me set up a barrier in part of this village. I want to be able to come back soon with a teleportation circle.”

“Oh, that’s fine. You can set up as many as you want in a suitable location.”

If they won’t become villagers, there’s no helping it. For now, I decided to set up a barrier in the nearby forest and install a teleportation circle. No one should come across it, and it shouldn’t be found easily.

After that, grandpa talked about some childhood memories to Sakura. It was a pleasant time spent in a relaxed atmosphere. When I mentioned that I would be heading to the home center next, he returned the car I had left for inspection. I thanked him for taking care of it, said goodbye to the villagers, and left the place…

◇◇◇

Leaving grandpa’s village behind—

While enjoying the drive after a long time, I drove back along the same route. “It’s been how many years since I had a woman in the passenger seat?” I thought, and my grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.

After passing my house, I continued driving for about 30 minutes until I reached the downtown area. It was peaceful here too, with no signs of monsters ravaging the area. Upon arriving at the home center, I headed straight to the camping section.

I purchased the largest tarp, tent, and blue sheet available. With these, I think I can somehow conceal the magic circle and storage. However, there’s no helping it if the magic circle lights up…

“I got what I was looking for.”

“Yes. I’d like to browse around the store and gather the necessary items.”

“Sounds good. Let’s look around while checking the flow of goods.”

“But it’s been a while since I’ve been surrounded by Japanese people.”

“Yeah, until about a year ago, this was a common sight.”

“When we first teleported—well, I never thought we’d be able to return to Japan.”

“Life in another world isn’t bad, though.”

“I feel the same way.”

After thoroughly exploring the store, surprisingly, the assortment of goods wasn’t bad. Due to the existence of the fantasy barrier, imports from overseas should have stopped… Yet, there didn’t seem to be any shortage of food or daily necessities. Although I did see people buying in bulk, it wasn’t to the extent of depleting the stock.

While wandering around the store, Sakura mentioned that soy products and oils seemed to be in short supply. I’m not familiar with the food self-sufficiency rate, but naturally, there are varieties that relied on imports.

What surprised me the most was that meat from giant boars and rabbits was being sold as if it were normal. Moreover, it seemed to be quite a popular item, with a fairly high price tag.

Japan is supposed to be very strict about ingredient inspections and safety checks… Well, we eat it without any problems, and regardless of how it’s handled here, it doesn’t bother me. From this situation, it’s clear that Japan is very peaceful.

By the way, there was a special section set up for monster countermeasures. Samples of iron pipes of manageable length, portable alarm bells, and shield-like items made of plywood and thin metal sheets were displayed.

“It’s amazing. They’re all sold out…”

“Yeah, considering the high price, they’re selling well. Maybe monster hunting is more popular than we think.”

“I’m sure weapons from Nanashi Village will sell like hotcakes.”

“Wouldn’t that violate the Firearms and Swords Control Law? I don’t know, though.”

“With the advent of the adventurer system, those kinds of regulations are apparently being relaxed.”

“Having adventurers with swords in modern society… Well, it’s possible if there are monsters around.”

“Like something out of a modern fantasy?”

In the end, after purchasing additional items such as bottled water, long-lasting food, and vegetable seeds, my wallet was empty.

I tried withdrawing money at the cash corner and was able to withdraw it normally. I don’t know what the civil law rules are, but it seems that I’m not yet treated as a deceased person. A lot of other transferred people have come back…well, I guess that’s the case.

(Well, I guess I’ll have to go to the bank and turn it into cash. A card would be a problem…so I used it here, so why not now?)

After lowering it to the upper limit for now, I leave the home center.

“Sakura, it’s a little early, but let’s have dinner in the downtown area.”

“Yes. Oh, while I’m at it, can I buy some women’s clothing?”

“Of course. Buy as much as you like.”

As I drove toward the downtown area, I was feeling a little excited and said, “It’s like going on a date.”

At times like this, I don’t even know that it’s a sign that something is about to happen…

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter