Chapter 12: Reversible
Translator: Soafp
On a certain autumn morning when I was seven years old, after the usual breakfast.
I was practicing body enhancement at the edge of the training grounds.
It had been about two and a half years since I started this daily routine. I had become proficient in running, jumping, making rapid changes in direction, and a range of other movements.
I may not be putting a large amount of magical power into it, but I was reaching a level where it could be used effectively in real combat. I was starting to seriously think about learning martial arts.
As I finished my training and took a break, I noticed a familiar face.
“That guy… isn’t that Tab?”
I muttered to myself and approached the person who looked like Tab. As I got closer, I realized that he was indeed Tab, unloading vegetables from a cart and transporting them to the training ground’s kitchen.
“Tab.”
Partly due to nostalgia, I called out to him unintentionally, and Tab looked surprised, staring at me.
“Ah, Aldo-sama… It’s been a long time.”
Tab took off the luggage in his hand and started to get down on his knees with tears in his eyes. ……
“Idiot, stop that. What are you doing? Tab, please stop.”
I struggled to get Tab to stand up, with tears in my eyes, not Tab, but me.
“Tab, what are you doing? Is this some kind of harassment? After all, I already intervened with Father about the medicine incident.”
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Haa… Well, never mind. It’s been a while, Tab.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Aldo-sama. I’m truly grateful for your help. Thanks to you, my daughter, Marl, has recovered.”
“Really? I’m glad to hear that.”
“Yes, it’s all thanks to you, Aldo-sama. Marl, come over here. This is Aldo-sama, the one who saved your life.”
With these words, Tab called over the girl who had been helping him with the luggage.
“Good morning. I’m Aldo, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Marl. I’m truly thankful for your help.”
As I looked at Marl, I genuinely felt relieved. As I was basking in that relief, I started to wonder why Tab was here.
“By the way, Tab, what are you doing here?”
“Well, I used to run a small shop. After that incident, I began supplying ingredients to the Order of Knights. Normally, I would make the deliveries at the gate, but today, it seemed there was a shortage of people, so I brought them all the way to the kitchen.”
“I see.”
“I’ve wanted to express my gratitude to you for a while now, Aldo-sama, but I didn’t have a way to meet you.”
“Well, I can understand that.”
“Today is truly a good day for me. I don’t know how I can repay you, but if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Tab.”
“No, thank you very much.”
As I continued to talk to Tab, an idea struck me.
“Can I really ask you for a favor?”
“If it’s Aldo-sama’s request, I will do my best to fulfill it.”
“In fact, there’s something I’d like you to make.”
“To make something? It depends on the item, but most things are doable.”
“Actually, it’s something like this.”
“I see… this is quite interesting.”
What I had actually asked Tab to make was a Reversi board. If there were other reincarnated individuals out there, Reversi should already exist, and even if others were to come later, they could be informed of my presence.
I don’t have any attachment to Japan, but having someone from the same hometown to enjoy a drink with might be fun. Of course, it’s also a way to secure a business opportunity and pass the time.
In the world of reincarnation, Reversi and karaage (Japanese fried chicken) with mayonnaise are a must-try.
I haven’t attempted making karaage or mayonnaise yet, but jumping into those might be a bit too shady, so I’ve left them untouched.
“Well, can you do it, Tab?”
“Yes, the production itself shouldn’t be a problem. There’s just one thing…”
“What’s the matter?”
“In fact, to sell goods in Lord’s estate, I need permission. I only have the permission from the Order of Knights.”
“I see. It’s not something I can do unilaterally, it seems.”
“Yes, I apologize.”
“I’ll talk to my father tonight. Tab, can you come here tomorrow as well?”
“I’m sorry. Normally, I would only come up to the gate. My permission only allows me to…”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll come to the gate myself, so just wait there.”
“Understood.”
Reversi. I might not make a huge profit from it, but it could become the first board game in this world. I headed back to the mansion with a sly grin on my face.
Lunch on that day…
“Father, I have a favor to ask.”
“Ah, it’s a request from Al, huh? It sounds a bit ominous. Go ahead, ask gently.”
“Do you remember Tab from the incident on my birthday?”
Upon hearing Tab’s name, Father’s expression suddenly turned stern.
“Oh, I remember… him.”
“I have something I’d like Tab to make, so could you grant permission for him to sell it in our estate?”
“Something you want him to make? What is it?”
“It’s a game called ‘Reversi.'”
“A game? Is he influencing you in some way?”
“I asked Tab myself. In fact, I’ve written something simple on paper and brought it with me. Could we play it after lunch?”
“Is it something that simple? Alright, shall we do it now if you’d like?”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Al’s game, huh? That’s intriguing.”
I played Reversi with Father using the simple and unrefined version I had written on paper.
“Al, this is quite something.”
“Isn’t it? I’d like him to make this for us. I plan to have it made from wood and distribute it to our people at an affordable price.”
“I see, could you make a few prototypes for me? I’d like to send them to Father in the capital to see the response.” (Joshua)
“Understood. I’ll make several prototypes, including a few fancier ones.”
“Sounds good. Roland, I think you’ve heard the conversation. Grant Tab permission to sell within the estate and provide him with passage.”
“As you wish, Yoshua-sama.”
“Well then, Al, I’ll leave the rest to you. Is that alright?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Behind me and Father, Mother is playing with Clara, teaching her to crawl.
Crawling Clara… so adorable.
The morning after…
I crossed the training ground, heading to the gate, and found Tab waiting.
“Good morning, Aldo-sama.”
“Good morning, Tab, Marle.”
I shared with Tab the conversation I had with Father during yesterday’s lunch.
“I see. Permissions for selling and passage.”
“Your father. Thank god.”
The documents for permission seemed to have quite a formal appearance, and both of them appeared genuinely happy and grateful.
I proceeded to discuss the details of the Reversi game I’d ordered with Tab.
I wanted two versions: first, an affordable version with a game board about 30 cm by 30 cm and pieces that are around 2 cm thick.
I planned to distribute this one affordably to the common folk. If there were tournaments, it might generate some excitement, and I even considered organizing a Blue Ring Cup with cash prizes.
The second version would be the same size but approximately 10 cm thick with legs attached for a more elaborate look.
I intended to make ten of these and gift them to elderly folks in the capital, adding some carving and decoration to enhance their appearance.
While I wanted the deluxe version done quickly, the budget version could be produced at Tab’s leisure. There was a chance others might imitate the game, but I couldn’t oversee every detail. I asked Tab about the pricing and delivery.
“… So, I’d like you to make these two versions of Reversi.”
“Understood.”
“What would be the cost and timeframe for these?”
“Well, it depends on the specifics worked out with the artisans, but roughly… around this much.”
“I see, as for the money, there’s not much I can do personally. The specifics will be discussed with Roland, the butler.”
“Understood. I’ve been greatly indebted to you, Aldo-sama, both this time and the last.”
“No, thank you. You’ve done me a great favor by making Reversi. Tab.”
“Thank you.”
Satisfied with having tested my usual cheat code, I returned to the estate.
“Roland, for now, I’ve ordered the ten units that will be gifted to the elderly. You’ll need to work out the details with Tab directly for the rest.”
“Understood, Young Aldo-sama. I’ll finalize the details in the coming days.”
“I’m counting on you, Roland.”
I was content with having been able to test the cheat code and hadn’t really considered the revenue that would come from this endeavor.
If I had left the selling entirely to Tab, I would likely have been targeted. However, with the Blue Ring Barony backing us, no one openly opposed us.
The fact that Grandfather presented the physical Reversi game to the royal family along with a 5% revenue share seemed to be quite significant.
This allowed Tab’s shop to evolve into the Tab Company, which, over time, opened a branch in the capital. That part of the story would come later, though.
Thus, the tale of my Reversi and my usual cheat code came to an end.
I contemplated what to try next, thinking of some trivial matters while the night deepened.