落とし穴３１掘：年末＆正月スペシャル 結構忙しい年越し
**Pitfall 31: Year-End & New Year Special - A Rather Busy New Year's Eve**
**Side: Yuki**
"What in the world is this..."
We headed toward the church, but the solemn, dignified atmosphere I expected was nowhere to be found.
"Welcome!! We’ve got freshly pounded mochi! Red bean, soybean flour, cream—we’ve got it all!"
"Cotton candy! Get your delicious, sweet cotton candy here!"
"How about some candied apples? A brand new texture you’ll love!"
"Yakisoba, takoyaki, grilled squid—step right up!"
Stalls were lined up in front of the church... well, I suppose if I think of it as the front of a shrine, it’s perfectly normal.
"We should have just bought food here; it would have been fresh."
"Well, it’s fine, isn't it?"
"Yes, as you can see, there are lines everywhere. I think buying it beforehand was the right call."
"I suppose you're right."
Every single stall had a long queue. It reminded me of the venue for a massive fireworks festival back home. There’s no way you’re getting shaved ice, takoyaki, or yakitori in a crowd like this.
"But at this rate, it looks like we’ll have to wait in line just to pay our respects."
The path leading into the church—the main approach, if this were a shrine—was packed with people. Is this the annual New Year’s race venue? Is the first person to reach the doors supposed to be the "Lucky Man" or something?
I’m sorry, but I’m not the type of person to be at a shrine at the exact moment the year turns, surrounded by a suffocating mass of people. The last time I went was when a friend dragged me along back in my student days. I swore then and there I’d never do it again. Besides, the "first visit of the year" is valid for the first three days, so I was perfectly fine with going later. Honestly, since I started working, I haven't really gone at all. I’d rather spend the turn of the year clearing out my backlog of games and recorded shows.
"It seems so. And since Aslin and the others are with us, I’d like to avoid standing in line for too long."
"I agree. As you said, Master, the first visit is valid for the first three days, so there’s no need to force ourselves to wait today."
"Kirue is right. We don't want to put any unnecessary strain on the children we’re carrying, so let’s just look around a bit and head back."
"That sounds like a plan."
We have two pregnant women and four little ones with us. There’s no reason to push ourselves. Or rather, I don't *want* to push ourselves.
"Let’s just give a quick shout to Eris and Ratz, who should be around here, and then head back."
"Right. We need to get back soon to start preparing the toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles). Alright, Aslin and the rest of you, go find Eris and Ratz."
" " "Okay!" " "
The little ones scattered into the crowd to begin their search.
"Um, we have the call function, so is it really necessary to do this?"
"No, Rurua, this is more of a formality—it’s also to keep Aslin and the others occupied so they don't get restless."
"Yes, this is the first New Year’s festival for Shera-sama and Aslin-sama and the others. It’s a good excuse for them to run around and see the sights."
"Ah, I see."
"We can take a leisurely look around ourselves. I’ll pass on running around like the kids, though."
Children are full of energy. They had already vanished into the throng of people.
"Seeing Shera-sama running around like a girl her age makes me very happy. Royal family members usually aren't allowed to act so freely. I am filled with gratitude toward you, Master, for welcoming us into Weed."
Kirue narrowed her eyes, watching the direction Shera had run off in. Having been Shera’s personal maid, she must have a lot of thoughts on the matter. Inside my dungeon, Weed, it’s mostly safe thanks to the designated protection, after all.
"When I first met you, I thought you were just a strange Dungeon Master who wanted to build a country..."
"Well, I *am* a strange Dungeon Master. But, I don't dislike that direction."
"Yes, that’s what I thought, too. Well, a lot has happened since then, and I ended up becoming the wife of that Dungeon Master. I never imagined I’d be told directly by a god to save the world."
"That would be a shock, wouldn't it?"
Rurua smiled at me as she spoke.
"Yes. But I have never once regretted being united with you, Master."
"I’ll do my best to make sure you keep feeling that way."
"Yes, please do."
Rurua is putting a strange amount of pressure on me. Honestly, if I hadn't gotten married, I probably would have stayed a NEET, holed up and playing games all day.
" " "We found them—!!" " "
As we were chatting, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd.
"Oh, looks like they found them."
"Yes, shall we go?"
"It sounds like it came from over there."
We walked in the direction Kirue was pointing.
"Oh, so you came to us instead."
Before we could find Ratz, she called out to us. Looking over, Eris was there too, and it seemed like they were in the middle of managing the staff. Aslin and the others were chatting with Eris.
"Hey, we bought a bunch of stuff. I’m sure there are bento boxes and such being sold here, but this is nice too, right?"
"Yes, it’s precisely because we’re buying and eating in a place like this that it’s special."
"What about you, Eris?"
"Oh, yes. Of course, I’d love some."
When I called out to her, she stopped talking to Aslin and the others and came over.
"What were you guys talking about?"
"Oh, they were asking if the radio show is on break."
"We’re in the middle of preparations, after all. I assume others are filling in?"
"Yes. The year-end events aren't just at the church, after all. The radio should be broadcasting the 'Fighting Spirit Night Grand Prix' right now."
"Ah, that one."
Everyone is busy in their own way, I suppose.
"Looks like our family’s New Year’s celebration will have to wait until after the turn of the year."
"Ah, come to think of it, I was so focused on getting the residents excited that I forgot about our own plans."
Ratz laughed wryly as she remembered.
"Well, that’s how it goes when you’re busy. We can just shift the days and relax later. But we’re eating the soba, so make sure you’re back by then."
"Yes, yes, I know."
"Yes, I’ve already made the necessary adjustments."
Ratz and Eris replied firmly.
"Alright, everyone is working hard. Let’s go make some delicious soba."
" " "Okay!" " "
The little ones answered energetically. Well, it seems my New Year’s event is just beginning. Some people are busy, and some are relaxing. I’m in the former group.
Also, the "New Year’s Pitfall" has gone on long enough, so the next one will be the last. I might intersperse some of the main story in between. I ask for your patience.