Kays Translations

Chapter 91: Rejuvenation?

The acceptance of the Drago family had finally concluded, and we had a pleasant conversation over lunch. The main topic was about the greatness of the goddess and various combat-related matters, but it was a lighthearted and enjoyable moment as we were just chatting away.

However, I made a careless mistake by mentioning the dungeon.

The moment I did, they all pounced on the topic with great enthusiasm. Every family member leaned forward, bombarding me with questions.

"Master! During the inspection, you didn't say a word about this."

"He's right. You can't just easily spill everything when dealing with the council."

"Gununu... If only you had at least told us about its existence... We could have come here much sooner. I've been careless..."

"That's right! How could you not properly investigate such an important matter?"

"Village Chief, can I enter the dungeon too? Please, I want to go now, if possible!"

"Ah! No, I want to go too! It's unfair if Dort sneaks in!"

(I can't take this anymore! Being with them is so tiring.)

"Everyone, please calm down. The dungeon isn't going anywhere, and the Village Chief will think about it properly. If you rush too much, he might assign you to other tasks."

“"......"”

Tsubaki's words miraculously silenced the previously lively atmosphere. All four of them straightened their postures and became quiet.

"Hmm… Enhancing our combat power is also the village's policy. We have high expectations for the Dragon-kin as an important part of the village's strength, so there's no need to worry."

"I apologize for my excitement. Owning the dungeon entirely is like a dream come true for us. We will definitely live up to the Village Chief's expectations and become the strongest warriors."

“Sure, Ask the dungeon team for more details once they return. However, remember that reckless actions are not allowed. It's an absolute condition to follow Touya and Sakura's guidelines.”

"Yes, I understand."

With Tsubaki's help, we managed to bring the conversation to a peaceful resolution.

“Well, it's a bit late to bring this up, but since you're not a chairman anymore, is this way of speaking okay? If it's too disrespectful, I can correct it.”

“Of course. I'm just an ordinary villager now, and the age difference between us isn't that big either, so I thought we could talk with ease.”

"But, Drago, didn't you say you were 80 years old the other day? That's twice my age."

"The age similarity refers to physical age. If I were a human, I'd be in my early 30s."

"I see... Well, it may be rude of me for saying this, but your way of speaking gives off an old man vibe, so you naturally seem older to me."

"I see. That's probably it. It became a habit to use this speech pattern during my time in the council to give off a more dignified air. I got used to it over time."

(I see, in that case, it's probably fine not to recognize him as an old man. He looks like he's in his mid-30s anyway, so I'll go with that.)

"In my husband's younger days, he used to refer to himself as 'ore-sama' (arrogant way of saying 'I'). It was quite forceful, and I ended up being pushed around too."

"Oh, that sounds nice. If you want, I can go back to that."

"It's too late for that now. Let's just continue like this."

If it's not about combat, the conversation flows naturally. We could keep talking like this endlessly... Alright, now is the time to ask about this.

"By the way, Maria and the other Fishmen are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, right?"

"Umu… when we left the city, the entire tribe was ready to go. Maria said they just need to do some last-minute shopping, so there should be no problem with the schedule."

"Alright, as long as we confirm that. We can discuss the details about the Beastman and Human territories another day."

"I'll tell you everything I know. By the way, if you don't have any plans for this afternoon, how about a mock battle with me?"

"...Even if I refuse, you'll just keep asking every time, won't you? Fine, just this once. But only this time. I'm not cut out for combat."

"Got it! In that case, I'll give it my all, full power! Since it's a one-time opportunity!"

"Sure, do as you please."

In the end, it always ends up like this. It's better to declare that it's only one time and get it over with quickly.

◇◇◇

After a substantial lunch break, we moved to a suitable open space to begin our mock battle.

First, I sparred with his wife, Dolly. Despite the 15-level difference between us, the result was that there was only a slight difference in favor of me and the result was a narrow victory. 

This is because I am in perfect condition and I had copied her Dragon fighting skill. It's clear how much skilled techniques can affect a battle.

Next was a mock battle with Drago, and I seriously, seriously tried my best... The result was a crushing defeat. I was no match for him as he emitted overwhelming dominance from his entire body. The moment we faced each other, I couldn't help but feel fear, and my body froze.

Despite gathering my resolve and confronting him, all of my attacks were effortlessly evaded. In the end, most of my attacks were ineffective, and I lost.

However, the family who watched the battle seemed to perceive it as a quite tense fight. Drago was also impressed, so it wasn't such a bad result after all.

"So, this is Keisuke-dono's full power."

"Yeah, I was serious."

"I want to commend myself for deciding to live in this village. It's amazing, a paradise."

"But I won't have any more mock battles. If you want to spar, do it with someone else."

"I'll keep my promise. Also, it was an absolutely fantastic bout."

"As long as you're satisfied."

(In the end, I sparred with the whole family. Well, it seems like I gained their trust, so it's not so bad. Oh, the way they talk rubbed off on me too...)

After that, I left it to Tsubaki to guide them, and I returned home and entered nap time. Somehow, I fell asleep without thinking.

◇◇◇

Looking outside, it doesn't seem like the sun has set yet, but there's a commotion going on.

It's probably the work of Drago and his family. I can't stand getting involved any further, so I'll leave them alone for a while.

I spaced out for about an hour when Tsubaki came to call me, saying, "Dinner will be ready soon." Even though we can communicate telepathically, I'm really grateful for her thoughtfulness.

By that time, the earlier commotion had subsided, so the two of us leisurely walked to the dining hall.

"Tsubaki, thanks for coming to get me. That ruckus earlier, it was definitely Drago and his family, right?"

"Yes. As soon as Touya-kun and the others returned, they started sparring. Maybe that's their way of communicating."

"I guess so. Well, as long as they don't involve me, they can do as they please. With Akiho and Kyoko around, even if they get injured, it's okay."

"But Keisuke-san, you were really gallant during the mock battle in the morning."

"If it's against opponents of a certain level, I should be able to protect myself. Regardless of the process, it's really helpful."

Arriving at the dining hall, everyone in the village seemed to be enjoying their meal. However, I noticed three places where something different was going on.

One of them was around Touya. It seems like they've become friendly with each other. Dort and Dress were sitting on both sides of Touya, chatting cheerfully.

Dress seemed quite proactive with physical contact, and it looked like Natsuki and Akiho, who were sitting in front of Touya, were occasionally emitting a dangerous aura.

(She's undoubtedly taken with Touya’s strength. It's decided that Dress will receive a sermon... Well, with Natsuki there, she's like a weapon, no, it should be fine.)

There's no need for an old man like me to get involved in their romance. As long as it doesn't affect the village, there's no need to pay particular attention to it.

The second was around Drago. Rado and the Rabbit Tribe's warriors and Wolf Tribe members were lining up in front of him. It looked like a scene from an idol's handshake event.

"Tsubaki, do you know what they're doing?"

"As you can see, it's a handshake event. Apparently, Drago-san is renowned as the most famous warrior among the Beastmen, and he's become a role model for men aspiring to be warriors."

"Since he's no longer the chairman, it's easier for everyone to approach him, I guess."

"There are people lining up again. I think it's Rado-san's third time already."

"It's better than them shrinking back. Let's leave them be."

It's not for nothing that he served as chairman for many years. Looking at it like this, Drago is a charismatic and popular person. If it boosts the morale of the warrior corps, it wouldn't be wise to intervene.

Lastly, it's about the women in our group. Sakura, Haruka, and Kyoko were surrounding Dolly, looking engrossed in their conversation. Tsubaki had been with them earlier, and she told me, "I heard some really interesting things."

"Oh, Keisuke-san is here! Come here quickly!"

"We have some great news! Tsubaki-chan is back too!"

Sakura and Haruka noticed us and beckoned us over.

"You all seem happy, did something good happen?"

"We obtained incredible information from Dolly-san! My guess was right after all!"

"A guess? Stop being so dramatic and tell me already."

"In truth, it turns out that staying in this village makes you look younger! To be precise, it brings you closer to your ideal physical age."

"Seriously? Do you have any evidence for that?"

"Lately, Keisuke-san also looks younger little by little, you know? Our skin is firmer, and our hair is glossier. It wasn't just our imagination, and now we finally understand!"

The information from Dolly, who was the source, seemed very intriguing, and it was a topic I definitely wanted to hear more about.

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