落とし穴１２掘：夏の日に
### Pitfall 12: On a Summer Day
**Side: Tori**
"……It’s hot."
"So hot, isn't it? I don't know why we go out of our way to match the dungeon's temperature to the outside climate..."
"……They said that if we get too used to air conditioning and the comfortable environment of the dungeon, it’ll cause problems for our lives outside."
"I know that, but…… it’s tough for us on patrol duty. Look at me, Tori, my ears are drooping……"
"……You’ll be fine."
"Liar."
We were walking through the residential district on dungeon security duty, but as Riel said, it really is hot. This continent has four seasons. It seems the place Yuki-san used to live in had them too, so he’s been adjusting without any confusion. Well, there are regions near the northern and southern tips of the continent where the climate remains constant, but...
Anyway, getting back to the point, this dungeon matches the outside climate—the temperature—due to Yuki-san's wishes. The reason, as Kaya mentioned, is that since the dungeon facilities are equipped with air conditioning, the climate control is perfect. Because of that, the children and others were becoming reluctant to go outside.
In fact, even the adults would stay holed up indoors if they didn't have errands, so a general "no air conditioning" decree was issued for everything except at night. As Yuki-san pointed out, since everyone was spending their time in comfortable indoor temperatures, they were becoming aware of their declining stamina, so there hasn't been any backlash against this ban.
Of course, air conditioning is still available in cafes, restaurants, and other places necessary for comfort. Naturally, it’s also in hospitals and the blacksmith district, where it gets dangerously hot. However, in the blacksmith district, Narjia-san and the master dwarf apparently declared, "This is lukewarm! We won't allow anyone to swing their hammers lazily with air conditioning!!" and it sounds like they barely use it at all... Poor them.
"Hey, Tori. Let's just hole up in a room and do some paperwork... The air conditioning in the workspace is okay, right?"
"No. If we do that, we won't be setting a good example for our subordinates."
"……Riel. Do you want to try reclaiming farmland with me? You'll get used to the heat."
"No way."
It’s rare for the three of us to be on patrol together today. However, Riel seems a bit exhausted from the heat. I’m feeling it too, but this is just how this season is, so it doesn't bother me much. Kaya, who is out and about daily for agricultural work, doesn't seem to mind it either.
"Say, why don't we buy some ice cream and take a break?"
"Yeah!!"
"……Cash."
"You're such a buzzkill!"
With that, we headed to the residential district's largest store, Super Ratz. With the recent population increase, a second and third Super Ratz have been opened. Well, it’s hard to sell products to over 10,000 people at a single store. Even if some are families, more than half live alone. That means 5,000 people might come to shop every single day. With three stores, that finally brings it down to about 1,800 people per shop.
Ratz was on the verge of collapsing from the sheer busyness at the beginning, but with the cooperation of Yuki-san and the staff who were there from the start, we managed to get through it safely. Now, those staff members serve as managers and assistant managers for each store, and Ratz has moved completely into the background, handling inventory management and product ordering. It might look easy, but it’s a lot of desk work, so that’s tough in its own way.
"Oh, it's rare to see the three of you together."
Ratz was doing some work at the entrance when we entered the store.
"Yo."
"……It’s hot, so we came to buy ice cream."
"That’s the gist of it."
"Ah, I see. Patrol duty must be tough."
Ratz left the work to the other staff and came over to us.
"Is it okay to leave your work?"
"Well, it’s nothing major. Let’s have a little meeting as representatives. While eating some ice cream, of course."
Leading the way, Ratz took us to the ice cream section.
"Man, it’s so cool inside the supermarket. Ah, so refreshing."
"……Yeah, cool."
"It really is."
"It is, isn't it? It might be cool for the customers, but for us working here, it’s extreme."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the staff at the register don't move much, so unless a customer is buying a massive amount, it’s actually cold, so they wear long sleeves."
"Oh, you're right."
"But the people stocking shelves or moving in and out of the warehouse are running around and going outside, so they end up drenched in sweat."
"……It’s tough for the store, too."
"Exactly."
While saying that, we rummaged through the ice cream in the freezer.
"Hey, what do you recommend?"
"What are you talking about? You always buy the Black Mont Blan- every time, don't you?"
"No, I just thought I'd try something else for a change."
As Riel was asking Ratz for recommendations, Kaya reached out and handed her something.
"……Yukimi Daifu-."
"That’s delicious too. How about you, Tori?"
"Hmm, I had that the other day, so..."
Riel often visits the supermarket to stock her room's fridge with various snacks and ice cream.
"I see. In that case, how about an Azuki-Ba-?"
"What’s that?"
"We just got it in yesterday. You know how there's red bean paste inside mochi, right?"
"Yeah, it’s sweet, right?"
"It’s that red bean paste frozen into a bar. It’s not just red beans, of course; it’s based on vanilla ice cream, but look, it’s like this."
"Whoa, that’s a pretty color. I’ll go with this one."
"Coming right up."
We quickly chose our ice cream, paid, and headed to the manager's office.
"Whoa, it’s sweet!! But it’s the sweetness of red beans... I need some tea!"
"Yes, yes, here you go."
"Thanks, Ratz."
Ratz busily took care of Riel.
"……The Yukimi Daifu- is delicious as always."
Kaya was eating her Yukimi Daifu- elegantly.
"But Tori, you chose a vanilla bar."
"I like this one."
I put the white, sweet bar in my mouth and licked it.
"Yeah, it’s good."
"A classic, reliable choice."
Ratz said that as she opened the lid of a cup of ice cream and started eating.
"Wait, Ratz, that ice cream wasn't out in the store, was it?"
"Oh, you noticed? This is something Narjia requested."
"Ah, another new Haagen-Da- flavor?"
"That’s right. Matcha."
"You really love it, don't you, Narjia-san?"
Narjia-san loves ice cream... no, she loves it so much that she keeps a freezer dedicated solely to ice cream in her room, stocked with three of every flavor of Haagen-Da- currently sold in the store...
"But still, Haagen-Da- is expensive, right? Can you really sell that much of it?"
Riel asked Ratz while eating her Azuki-Ba-.
"Even if it’s expensive, it’s only about twice the price. It’s like 4 copper coins instead of 2. For the residents here who have stable incomes, it doesn't hurt their wallets much even if they eat it every day. It actually sells quite well."
"Huh, I see."
"With this many varieties and a richer taste than regular ice cream, there are loyal customers. People who say they only eat Haagen-Da-."
"So there are people like Narjia-san."
"Yes, and many people buy it as a little luxury. Besides, ice cream doesn't really have an expiration date."
I think I get it. Haagen-Da- is certainly delicious. But I’m the type who only eats sweets occasionally, so it’s not really for me.
"Come to think of it, we’ve never asked everyone what their favorite ice cream is."
"Oh, you're right. Let's ask everyone today!"
"……Interesting. I’m sure Yukimi Daifu- will be the most popular."
"Ho ho. That sounds fun."
We finished eating and chatted for a while.
"Well then, before we talk to everyone about that, let’s finish our work properly."
"Eh? We aren't done for the day?"
"……Slacking off is not allowed."
"Yes, yes, do your best. See you at home."
I dragged Riel out of the back door of the store.
"Nooooo!! It’s too hooooot!!"
Now then, time to work.
Listen, don't go writing down what your favorite ice cream is in the comments!!
I mean it!! lol