Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 138
“Not many customers here, huh?”
“Shhh… Melt-chan, you shouldn’t say things like that.”
“Maybe it’s just too early? Taverns usually get busier later, right?”
“Hmm…”
We arrived at the tavern—Shizuma and Melt-chan’s memorable tavern—and sure enough, aside from a lone customer at the counter and a single group at a table, the place was almost empty. Even considering the early hour, it seemed strangely quiet.
Perhaps the turf wars in the warrens were casting ripples all the way out here…?
“Excuse me, excuse me! Five smoked fish… the bull trout kind! Everyone will eat them, right? They’re super delicious.”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Yeah, I’ll have some too.”
“Same here. Master, could I also get something warm to drink?”
When Melt-chan placed the order, the waiter looked almost overly relieved, as if grateful.
“In that case, I recommend our hot wine. It’s famous for being good. A little sweet—will that be all right?”
“Oh, then I’d like some too.”
“Sweet? In that case, I’ll try it as well.”
“I don’t mind. Kash, you’ll drink too, won’t you?”
“Of course. Old man, you as well?”
“Mm, I’ll partake.”
The orders kept piling up. But—
“Ah, I should say this upfront… we didn’t get much fish in stock today. There’s enough for refills if you want, but not a lot. We also have a vegetable platter, or a salami-and-cheese plate. Sorry about that.”
“No need to apologize. Bring us the smoked fish, and those other two as well. And everyone, tonight’s on me—eat as much as you like.”
“W–what? Really?”
“Generous of you, old man! Thanks!”
“Respected elder, are you sure?”
“It’s fine. Let’s call it a celebration of our meeting today. And please, no need for stiff titles like ‘respected elder,’ Grant-kun. My name’s Rue—just call me ‘Grandpa Rue’ if you like.”
“Uh… that feels a bit too familiar… Then, Rue-dono it is.”
“Mmm, well, that’ll do. Ho ho, and look—the wine’s here already.”
A large ceramic decanter and four cups were brought at once. From the container rose the fragrance of wine, cinnamon, ginger, and honey.
Indeed—it smelled delicious, and guaranteed warmth.
“Then, shall we begin with a toast?”
“Yeah! I’ll pour for everyone, old man.”
“What’s a toast?”
“It’s like… a little greeting before drinking. You do it when something good happens, or to celebrate.”
“Ohh! Then today, we’re celebrating meeting Grandpa!”
“Mm, exactly so.”
The cups clinked together with a clear clink.
At the call of the toast, each of us brought the wine to our lips.
A happy time began to flow.
Even without appetizers yet, it was already a fine, blissful moment.
“A good night indeed…”
“Could I get an eggnog made with dwarf ale?”
“Sure thing! Drink lots, please—business has been rough lately.”
“That’s true… even though it’s been a while, nobody else is coming.”
“Strange, since both the food and drink are good. Did something happen?”
“Well…”
After some time, as we ordered more fish, drinks, and snacks, Melt finally asked the server why the tavern was so empty.
But the man hesitated. He seemed reluctant to explain.
“…Lately, food distribution in the warrens has stalled. Lots of places are only open for short hours. And besides—”
Just then, the bell at the entrance rang for the first time since we’d arrived.
The server quickly smiled and turned to greet the newcomers—only for his smile to collapse into a dark frown.
…Oh?
“W–welcome…”
“Oi, we’ve graced you with our presence. Bring us fish and nuts. Don’t need your booze—we’ve got our own.”
The group that entered didn’t look like mercenaries or adventurers, but they had the solid build and manner of men used to rough work. A shady bunch, with the air of hired muscle—or just plain thugs.
“Uh… we don’t allow bringing your own alcohol—”
“The hell you say!? Last time we drank your swill, one of our guys got sick, remember!? Don’t tell me you forgot! That’s why your place is so empty now. Just look—hardly a customer in sight.”
“Th–that must have been a mistake…!”
“Shut up! Just bring the fish and nuts!”
So this was the reason business had dropped…
“I’m sorry, we’re out of fish for the day. We can prepare salami and cheese instead.”
“Tch… then what’s the point of coming here? Oi, hand over what those folks at that table are eating.”
“I can’t do that—”
“The hell did you say!? Treat us like nothing, and ‘divine punishment’ might strike again, you hear!?”
“—!”
…So they had pulled something before, then. Extortionists, or just petty thugs harassing the place. Either way, far from pleasant.
“Everyone, once we finish what’s here, let’s take our leave.”
“…Yes.”
“Y–yeah.”
“R–right.”
The plate of fish had just been brought over. Yet, everyone seemed hesitant to touch it.
…Everyone, that is, except for one.
“Now I’ll put in lots of cheese—mmph! Even without onions it’s delicious! It feels so luxurious! This wine is so sweet and tasty too! I’m all warm and floaty now!”
Unbothered by the situation, Melt-chan bit into the freshly served smoked fish, stuffing it with plenty of cheese.
She looked utterly happy and content—yet in this tense atmosphere, her actions could only be taken as provocation.
“M-Melt-chan!”
“What? What is it?”
“Tch! Not good, they’re coming over here.”
As expected, two men from the rowdy group made their way to their table.
“Pretty fancy spread you brats got here. Hey, old man—you’re their guardian, right? We’ll let it slide this time, so hand over the whole table.”
“Eh? Eh? What’s going on!? Who are these people? Were they saying something? I didn’t hear a thing… the fish was just too good…”
“…Heh? Quite the prize, aren’t ya. Alright, you, beast-girl—come over here. You’ll eat with us. The other kids can scram, and you too, old man. Just leave her behind.”
“Eh? Eat together? No, that won’t do! We’re all eating together, so maybe next time?”
Perhaps from the wine, Melt-chan’s words were even more out of step than usual.
…Hmm. I suppose it’s about time I step in.
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
The old man stood, addressing the two men calmly.
“Hah? You think we’ll go easy on you just ’cause you’re old? We’ll kill you.”
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
“Are you senile, old man!? Get lost already. You lot, bring the girl over. Let’s show this geezer his place.”
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
The other four rose as well, moving closer, grins spreading across their faces as though expecting a show.
“Big bastard for an old man. We good to waste him?”
“Yeah. Hey kids, wanna join in? If you’re not leaving, we’ll give you a lesson too.”
“Tch! Hey, cut it out already! Why should we be the ones to leave!?”
Unable to hold back any longer, Kash shouted back—only for a fist to fly at him.
It was stopped just before striking his face.
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
“Wha—!? Let go of me—”
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
The fist was crushed. That hand would never open again.
The tendons that controlled the fingers had been completely destroyed.
“Gyaaah!”
“Melt-chan, could you move the table off to the side for now?”
“Mm, alright! …I’ll just keep eating first though…”
“Oh dear… hot wine does sneak up on you.”
With her cheeks flushed, Melt-chan and the others shifted the table aside.
“You think you can take us on, old man!? Outside, now!”
“Don’t think you’ll run—we’ve got you surrounded. Get over here.”
Hmm. Perhaps they don’t want the food getting ruined. Even though we just cleared space inside, now we’re going outside?
Well… ideally I’d test things under better conditions.
But the wine’s made me a bit tipsy. Perhaps this world’s wine is fortified?
Delicious, but dangerous… this tavern’s hot wine was simply too good.
Still, being in high spirits from drink might actually be a blessing.
My patience is a little sturdier than usual.
The moment they stepped outside, six men surrounded him.
Unfortunately, I’d left my weapon leaning against my chair.
…No matter.
“Damn it… my hand won’t work! To hell with this, let’s just kill him! I’m pissed now!”
“You heard him, old man. Sorry, but your time’s up—today’s the day you die.”
No healing spell would fix that hand.
The tendons were crushed, jammed into the bones themselves.
Even if it healed, the muscles and tendons would never align again.
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
There was no flashy movement, no fierce techniques, no sudden speed.
He only walked, sidestepped, and reached out a hand.
The streets were nearly empty now—but even so, the sight of six thugs circling one old man drew eyes.
And it was a strange sight indeed.
From the outside, the old man looked to be merely strolling.
Yes, his evasions showed immense skill, but that was all.
And yet—one by one, the men collapsed, sitting helplessly on the ground.
As if they had forgotten how to use their legs.
As if they were infants who had never learned to stand.
“What the hell did you do!?”
Three already sat immobilized, yet another rushed in.
A knife gleamed in his off-hand, hidden as he swung with the other.
The blade lashed out from a blind angle—yet for Ruee, blind spots seemed not to exist. He dodged with ease.
No, not dodged—the strike had stopped short.
In passing, he had struck with just his thumb.
A blow far too sharp to call mere “acupressure,” hammered into the joint of the shoulder and collarbone, and again into the upper arm.
“Gah!”
“My apologies.”
The man dropped the knife, his arm going limp, dangling uselessly.
As though it would never move again.
“My apologies. You’ll have to give it up.”
Rue stepped closer, and delivered a swift finishing strike to the man swinging at him.
A sharp, sickening crack rang out—loud enough for those nearby to hear—something between a dry snap and a wet crunch.
In that instant, the man’s neck bent far beyond its normal range, his balance lost. He staggered a few steps down the street, his limp right arm swaying uselessly.
Then—he collapsed in silence, and did not move again.
“Eek! What the hell is this old man!? What did he just do!? Some kind of magic!?”
“Forget it! Leave the fallen ones and get out of here!”
Rue didn’t pursue. He simply bound the downed men, using their own clothing as makeshift restraints.
“…I can see their movements so clearly. At this rate, my strikes… are fatal without even needing techniques.”
Rue muttered quietly, as if confirming something to himself.
And then—perhaps someone had reported it—patrolling knights rushed onto the scene.
Having driven off the thugs and handed the rest over to the knights, I returned to the tavern to resume my evening drink.
But it seemed Grant and Kash had been about to rush to my aid, weapons in hand, ready to charge out.
“It’s already over. Come now, let’s get back to it.”
“What… We were about to bring you your weapon, Rue-san!”
“I was careless. But this worked out for the best. With a weapon, it’s harder to hold back. Hm… the wine’s gone cold. The fish—ohhh… Melt-chan, did you eat my share too?”
“Mm, looks like it. She’s totally out from the wine now… How about we call it a night here?”
Indeed, though the tavern itself wasn’t damaged, the commotion might’ve been too much for them to keep serving tonight.
And there was also the chance of retaliation…
“…Alright, I’ll escort the three of you home. Wouldn’t do to risk trouble. As for Melt-chan…”
She had completely collapsed against the table, breathing softly in sleep.
I slung her onto my back. She was warm as a furnace—her body flushed from the drink.
“Sorry, old man… for not being able to help.”
“No shame in that, Kash. Those weren’t opponents you could handle yet. Your intent alone was enough.”
“Agreed… they didn’t look like mere amateurs. Probably mercenaries gone rogue…”
“Most likely so. Now then… Tavern-keeper, apologies for the disturbance. I’ll pay extra for the trouble.”
I flicked a gold coin across the counter.
“M-my good sir…”
“Think of it as compensation.”
“Uh… the young lady on your back kept ordering refills of wine, so… that actually won’t cover it.”
“What!?”
Ping! Another gold coin flicked perfectly into the innkeeper’s hand. Surely that would be enough!
“Another gold coin!? I can’t possibly accept this much!”
“Take it. Call it insurance. Close up shop early tonight and keep away from here for a bit. Consider it compensation.”
“…I see. Very well, I understand.”
Now then… let’s hope I don’t look like a prowling wolf with her on my back.
“Alright, you three, let’s go. First stop, the residential district?”
“Y-yeah. I’ll leave it to you, old man.”
“Please do.”
“I’ll part ways at the inn along the way, thanks.”
But still… what was the point of those men causing such blatant trouble?
Do they not fear the country stepping in?
Or perhaps… the country can’t step in for some reason?
“Well… in any case, after tonight, it won’t matter.”
Forgive me—
Abandon the hope of living to see tomorrow.