落とし穴３１掘：年末＆正月スペシャル 年越し前
Pitfall 31: Year-End & New Year Special - Before the New Year
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year to you all.
And here in the Winning Dungeon, we are just moments away from the turn of the year.
Please, enjoy the festivities.
Year-End & New Year Special: Before the New Year
Side: Yuki
*Clang, clang, clang...*
I wonder why... the church bells are ringing in the middle of the night.
Unlike the bells of a temple, the tone is quite vibrant.
"Well then, everyone, we are now just three hours away from the New Year."
"For the time leading up to it, Eris and I..."
"Ratz, will be bringing you our New Year’s radio broadcast."
Yeah, the wives are broadcasting a radio show for the residents of Weed, who are experiencing their first-ever New Year’s celebration.
Considering they managed to pull this off in just ten days, I think it’s a fantastic result, though I suppose we should call it a "Weed-style" New Year...
"Now, while it is customary to welcome the turn of the year quietly and solemnly..."
"Here in Weed, we have decided to welcome the new year with a grand celebration!!"
"Yes, normally, it is customary to offer gifts to deities like Lilishe and spend the time in quiet reflection, but that is usually because of limited stockpiles—that is to say, a lack of food and money—which forces such a somber celebration."
"But this is Weed!! The town we, the residents, have built together is not cold or lacking in food or funds for the year-end! Everyone living here knows that well!!"
"As Ratz says, Weed is currently achieving results in trade, agriculture, industry, and many other fields. In hopes of continuing these successes and as a way to wrap up the year, we are holding a grand event across all of Weed to ring in the New Year."
"We have received full authorization from the Holy Kingdom of Litea and other nations, so there are no issues at all. Let’s all celebrate grandly!!"
"Yes, there are already plans to use the success of this event as a model for other countries to liven up their own year-end periods, stimulate their economies, and have fun. Everyone, don't hold back—let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest!!"
The banter between Eris and Ratz continued in that vein.
Perhaps because both of them are pregnant and can't move around much, they were putting a lot of energy into this radio broadcast.
Seraria and Deryu, on the other hand, had been getting restless because they couldn't move their bodies as much as they wanted.
"Hey, Big Brother, what’s that?"
Aslin, who was out at the festival with me, tugged on my sleeve and pointed toward a food stall.
There, I saw white clouds attached to sticks.
Well, it was that.
"That’s cotton candy."
"Cotton candy?"
Yep, cotton candy. A staple menu item at any festival.
"How should I put it... No, it’s best if you just try it."
"Eh, is it food?"
"Oh! I want to try it, Brother!"
"I want to try it too."
"M-me too..."
The little ones followed along, eager to try.
"What about you two, Rurua and Kirue?"
"Let’s see... I’ll have half of one."
"Yes. Lady Shera and the others might be fine, but since we are carrying children, we shouldn't be too indulgent with our diet..."
"Alright, then you two can share one."
Rurua and Kirue were tagging along as well.
Seraria and Deryu were participating in the year-end event, the "Fighting Spirit Knight Grand Prix," as judges and emcees.
It was essentially just a tournament with the tagline: "Who is the strongest knight in Weed?!"
Well, as entertainment, it was very easy to understand, so the turnout was quite good.
The betting was official—meaning we, the management, were running it—so the earnings from that side were also doing well.
"Step right up! Delicious cotton candy here!"
"Yo, old man."
"If it isn't Boss Yuki. As you can see, business is booming. Honestly, who would have thought sugar could turn into something like a cloud? And it’s delicious, too."
"Glad to hear it. Give us five cotton candies."
"Coming right up."
I handed out the freshly made sweets.
"Wow, it melts in my mouth."
"It’s sweet."
"Oh, how delicious."
"It’s so fluffy."
The little ones were eating the cotton candy happily.
"Alright, you two, here you go."
I tore off a piece of one and handed it to them.
"Wow... it really is like a cloud."
"Yes. It’s fluffy and sweet. Your world truly has all sorts of food, Husband."
As we strolled through the stalls, cheers erupted from the radio.
"Yes, yes, we are now connected to the venue of the Fighting Spirit Knight Grand Prix. Lady Seraria, can you hear us?"
"Yes, I can hear you. Is everyone in Weed enjoying the night? I truly hope this won't be the last, but rather the first of many to come. Now, let’s put aside the formal greetings and get to the breaking news of the Fighting Spirit Knight Grand Prix."
"Ahem. Let me report. The quarterfinals have just finished, and the final four have been decided. And by some twist of fate, the final four represent Weed, Roschur, Gartz, and Litea. In a sense, we are on the verge of finding out which country is truly the strongest!"
"That’s right. All four are magnificent warriors. Though, this is a Weed festival, so national politics don't matter. I want them to show their full strength."
"Indeed. That is true. Now, for the detailed profiles of each athlete..."
Yeah, it sounds like things are reaching the climax over there, too.
"It’s quite lively, isn't it?"
"Yes. I never imagined we would welcome the New Year in such a bustling atmosphere."
Both of them were smiling as they watched Aslin and Shera.
"Ah, was it too noisy?"
They were both pregnant. Maybe I should have been more considerate?
"No. I am very happy. Truly."
"Yes. People are welcoming the new year with smiles, overcoming what should have been a difficult year-end. And it’s not just in appearance—it’s substantial."
"I wonder if the child in my belly can feel this excitement?"
Rurua gently stroked her stomach.
"Indeed. I want to show this sight to our child with you, Husband, and bring them to the festival together."
Kirue also stroked her belly, burning the scene into her memory.
"Yeah. Someday, we’ll all participate in this festival as a family."
"Yes."
The two of them answered quietly, yet powerfully and happily.
"Well, now that we've had our cotton candy, where to next?"
As I said that, the radio moved on to the next segment.
"Now, there are only two hours left in the year. We will soon connect to the Litea Church, where Lady Lilishe is worshipped, to see the prayers and..."
"We will also head to the site to explain what will happen at the church. And that is where we will ring in the New Year! Everyone, listen closely to the radio so you don't make any mistakes at the church. Have a happy New Year!!"
Oh, the church, huh?
Maybe I'll buy some food from the stalls and head over to meet up with them.
The main story has been lagging a bit, but it’s not because I’m out of ideas; I’m just mixing in some seasonal content.
The main story is important, but it’s also necessary to expand our imagination regarding how the foundation of life in Weed is structured.
In this way, Weed continues to grow day by day.