落とし穴１５掘：御盆 前篇
### Pitfall 15: Obon (Part 1)
**Obon**
**Side: Yuki**
"Come to think of it, it’s Obon, isn't it? Seasonally speaking."
That’s right. The calendar in this world has twelve months, just like Earth. And right now, it’s the middle of the eighth month. Well, they don't call it "August" here; it’s apparently called "Arqueu," which means "hot days."
Why not just use numbers? We’ve already divided the year into twelve parts. When I brought this up with my wives, Seraria, Eris, Ratz, Rurua, Shera, and the administrative staff all accepted it without a fuss. "Come to think of it, you're right. It would be easier to write that way, so why didn't we do that before?"
We’re currently spreading the use of numerical month names throughout the dungeon, and it’s being adopted surprisingly easily. I guess everyone just found the old system a hassle.
As I was thinking about this, a pair of arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me into a tight hug.
"What is it? What’s 'Obon'?"
Seraria has been very physically affectionate lately. I don’t mind, but we’re eating watermelon, and I’m worried she’s going to stain her clothes. We were all lounging on the veranda of the inn, enjoying the fruit. Watermelon didn't exist on this continent, so everyone was initially wary of the red insides, but once they tasted it, they started devouring it with gusto.
...Maybe I should try feeding them tempura next?
"Hmm, explaining it in detail is a pain... It’s basically a day to pay respects to the dead."
"Like visiting a grave?"
"Yeah."
"That’s a strange custom. You should be able to visit whenever you like, shouldn't you?"
"Where I came from, it’s said that this is the time when the dead return. So, the custom is to go to the grave to welcome them, bring them home, spend time with family drinking and talking, and then take them back to the grave to send them off at the end. Well, these days, it’s mostly just an excuse to visit the grave and get the family together, but it carries that kind of meaning."
"I see. Is it different from ghosts or zombies?"
Whoa, hold on. In a sense, they might be the same, but the dead in Japan don't physically return.
"Back home, there aren't any monsters. So, there aren't any ghosts... well, actually, ghost stories are a staple of this season, too."
"Ghosts?"
Ah, I guess the concept of "ghosts" isn't the same here. Or maybe it’s just my own perception—to me, a "ghost" is a monster, while a "yurei" is something else entirely. The translation magic probably didn't know how to handle the distinction.
"Ah, they’re not much different from ghosts, but... they’re invincible?"
"Invincible?"
Well, yeah. You can't touch them, they move freely, and they can teleport. At least, that’s what I’ve seen in broadcast footage.
"You can defeat ghosts, right?"
"Yes, with a clean strike of a sword."
Right. Ghosts in this world are susceptible to physical attacks. Or, to be precise, you can touch them if you coat your weapon in magic. That’s why magic warriors like Seraria or Valkyries can easily hunt them down. Conversely, warriors who can't use magic find it difficult to coat their weapons, which is why they’re such a nuisance. Think of it like *Wizardry*—if you don't have a magical weapon, your attacks won't connect.
"Brother, in that case, let’s go visit those children’s graves!"
"Yes. Let’s clean their graves properly."
Firia and Aslin, who had been sitting on my lap, spoke up after hearing our conversation.
"By 'those children,' do you mean the weasel and the tanuki?"
"Pfft!! *Cough, cough!!*"
"Are you alright, Deryu? Here, have some water."
"S-sorry. Thanks, Labyris."
When Seraria mentioned them, the person who actually killed those two started choking on her watermelon. Well, it’s a sore subject for her, no doubt.
"Yeah, let’s go and tidy things up to welcome them."
"Yes."
"Okay."
I set my watermelon rind on a plate and looked around.
"So, we’ve decided to visit the graves. What about the rest of you?"
"Hmm, my work is at a stopping point, so I’m free."
"I’m fine with it, too."
"I’m in."
"Riel, you still have paperwork left, don't you?"
"Eh, it’s only a little bit, so it’s fine. I’ll do it properly later."
And so, we all headed to the cemetery.
"So this is where their mother and father are resting."
"Yeah."
"That’s right."
Shera, Aslin, and Firia stood there, looking at the graves with a number of animals following at their heels. Shera wasn't around when Deryu first arrived, so she doesn't know the full story, but she’s close with Aslin and Firia, so she seems to have grasped the situation.
We’d already finished the cleaning; now it was just time to pay our respects. Rurua and Elju headed toward the graves of the children who had passed away, while Riel and Tori went to the graves of the monsters who died in the recent battle. Everyone moved to their own chosen spots.
This dungeon’s communal cemetery doesn't discriminate between monsters and animals. If they are family, even if they are precious people, animals, or monsters, they are laid to rest in the same place. In fact, this place became a communal cemetery starting with Aslin and Firia’s animals. The people living in the dungeon are all aware of this.
"Deryu, are you alright?"
"...Yeah."
She was the one who probably wanted to come here the least. Deryu, the one who killed those animals.
"I wonder... is it really okay for me to pay my respects?"
"Kyu."
"Kyu-kyu."
As Deryu stood there, wavering, the children of the animals now resting in the cemetery gathered at her feet.
"What do you want?"
"Kyu."
"Kyu."
They were biting at Deryu’s shoes, trying to pull her toward the graves.
"Big Sister Deryu, they’re saying they want to visit the graves with you."
"That’s right!"
"Is it really okay?"
"Kyu-kyu!!"
Pushed forward by the children, Deryu quietly prayed for the souls of the departed at the graveside.
"I wish Deryu-sama could learn to forgive herself a little more."
"That’s not going to happen. If it were just enemy soldiers, that would be one thing, but she took the lives of such cute creatures. Well, I suppose it’s not just that. She’s likely remembering everything that happened up until now."
Shera and Seraria whispered to each other, watching Deryu, who couldn't seem to bring herself to leave the graveside.
"Dear, please take care of Deryu."
"Yes. I’m worried about Deryu-sama in this state. Please, look after her."
"Wait, why me?"
"Oh, how boorish."
"Exactly. You’re the only one who can go to her, Yuki-san. Please, shower her with plenty of love."
With that, the two of them hurried away from the cemetery. The others, seeing Deryu’s state, glanced at me and then started heading home as well. Seriously, my wives are way too understanding.
"Big Brother."
"Brother."
"Yuki."
Even the little ones were looking at me as if to say, "Just go already."
Geez, how am I supposed to talk to Deryu in this atmosphere? I can't exactly walk up and say, "Hi, I'm Anpanman."
"Deryu."
I managed to call out to her. I personally thought it would be best to leave her alone until she was ready, but... everyone else seemed to think I should go.
"Sniff... what is it?"
Deryu answered without turning around. Ah, she’s crying. Well, no choice. If I don't force the issue, she won't face me.
"Whoa!?"
I grabbed her shoulders, spun her around, and pulled her into a firm embrace.
"It’s impossible to tell you not to worry about it. But I don't want to see you making a face like that, Deryu."
Yeah, I can't exactly spout cool lines smoothly. It makes my skin crawl.
"...Can't you be a little cooler about it?"
"Sorry."
"...*Sigh*."
Deryu just buried her face in my chest and started breathing in and out. We’d been cleaning graves, so I’m sure I’m sweaty—it is summer, after all.
"Mmm. Yuki’s scent makes me feel better."
"Alright, let’s head home."
I picked Deryu up in a princess carry. Come to think of it, I hadn't done that for her before.
"Hey, Yuki!?"
"Alright, let’s race to see who gets home first!"
"Yeah!!"
"I’m jealous, but... I guess it can't be helped."
And so, we hurried home.
*"Kyu-kyu!"*
The sound of those cries echoed through the cemetery.
How is everyone spending their Obon?