落とし穴３３掘：ウィードの日々 (Part1)
### Pitfall 33: Days in Weed
Side: Yuki
Today is a day off.
Since we are currently in the middle of an invasion in the New Continent, it’s hard to get consecutive days off, so unfortunately, I only have one day.
Normally, I’d hole up at home, play games, and sleep, but that’s not how things work here in Weed.
Since I’m primarily with the military, I only ever see reports on the state of the city; I rarely get to see it with my own eyes.
That’s why I take days like this to head out into town and check on things.
Besides, there’s a certain hobby of mine I want to attend to.
"Alright, I’m heading out to the city."
"Oh, is it *that* day today?"
When I said that, Ratz spoke up as if she’d just remembered.
"Ah, you’re right, Ratz. It is that day. Hey, Tori, Kaya, let’s go later."
"Yeah. We’re definitely going."
"Naturally."
Riel and the others on the working shift reacted to those words.
"Right, I’ll make sure to save some for everyone, so do your best at work."
" " "Yes!" " "
And with that, the working group headed out.
"Now then, what shall we do?"
"Well, my belly has grown quite large, so if I were to follow you, Master, it would only cause you unnecessary worry."
"Rurua is right. Seraria, you should stay put."
Seraria looked like she wanted to tag along, but considering the child in her womb, she reluctantly gave up on the idea.
"Come now, Yuki wouldn't say you aren't allowed to come to *that*."
"Yes, so let’s all go together when the time comes."
Deryu and Eris comforted Seraria with those words.
"…I see. I wonder if I might be allowed to attend?"
"Don't push yourself. If Kirue gives the green light, then it’s okay."
"Understood. Please leave Seraria-sama to me."
It might seem odd to leave her in the care of Kirue, who is also pregnant, but she is a super-maid attached to Shera, so she’s quite adept at this sort of thing.
"Come to think of it, what about Aslin and the others? They have the day off like me, right?"
"Ah, the four of them went to the school dormitory for the first time in a while. They’ve been going to the New Continent with you, Yuki-san, so it seems they’ve had less time to play with their schoolmates."
"I see. And what about you, Milly? What are you doing today?"
"I have some work at the guild and the government office in a little while. I need to deliver some documents and collect others that are waiting for approval. But I’ll definitely make it to your *thing*, Yuki-san."
"I see. I’m leaving the affairs of Weed and the support of everyone who’s pregnant to you, Milly. I’ll make sure to prepare the best stuff for you."
"Really!? Yay!!"
Naturally, the "best stuff" refers to alcohol.
Although Milly receives a salary that is incomparable to the average person, she’s been refraining from drinking out of consideration for the others who are pregnant.
I have to make sure to let her have some on occasions like this.
"Alright, Ria, Jessica, let’s go."
"Yes."
"…No, I understand that I am your guard, but I feel like something is fundamentally different here…"
"Just give it up."
I decided to take the usual two and head out to see the state of the city.
"Oh my, Yuki-chan, Ria-chan, out for a stroll?"
"That’s right, Grandma."
"Yes. It’s good to see you looking so well."
"…"
Once we stepped out into the city, the residential district was quiet since it was a weekday afternoon, with only the occasional elderly person heading toward the park.
Seeing so many elderly people moving to Weed like this—it makes me both happy and sad to think about the reasons why they chose this place as their final home.
"Oh my, Jessica-chan, why the troubled look on your face?"
"Ah, no. If you don't mind, may I ask you something?"
"I don't mind at all. I can't really work anymore, so I just spend the whole day in the park and then go to sleep."
With that, Grandma sat down on a bench. We sat down next to her and waited for Jessica to speak.
"Why did you choose to live in Weed? I heard you were living in another city before this…"
"You mean, 'Why come here when you aren't even a refugee?' is that it?"
"Yes. You had a city where you were born and raised, so may I ask why you went out of your way to come to Weed?"
"Well now. It’s because it doesn't cost money to live here, that’s why."
"…"
Jessica froze at Grandma’s joke.
"Hahaha! It wasn't exactly a joke, but I suppose that wasn't the answer you were looking for, was it, Jessica-chan?"
"…If possible, I would appreciate a serious answer."
"Alright, alright. Let’s see… In the city I used to live in, if you couldn't work, you had no choice but to die. Of course, it’s different for the rich or those with savings, but for ordinary people, many die before they reach my age. And even if you live to be old, you can't earn your own keep, so you just become a burden to your family."
"That is…"
"It’s just how things are. My family was lucky enough to live long lives. I had a grandmother too. She was quite old, but she worked every single day. But one day, she hurt her back and couldn't move. My family and I were grateful for everything she’d done for us, so we supported her and took care of her for a while, but it’s tough to earn enough for an extra mouth to feed. Caring for the elderly takes up manpower, too… I think she realized that. One day, she suddenly disappeared. She left on her own despite her condition. She left a note behind—honestly, so few people can read that it took us a while to even understand what it said."
"…Did you find her?"
"Yeah. She had been eaten by beasts at the water hole on the edge of town."
"…"
"The note said: 'I will take care of myself, so please forget about me and live your own lives.'"
Jessica fell silent after hearing that. Well, it’s a story that happens all too often.
"So, Grandma, you found Weed just when you were thinking it was about time to die?"
I decided to ask the question Jessica was aiming for.
"You’re rude, Yuki-chan. I wasn't looking for a place to die. I came here because I was told there was still a place where I could live. You were the one who said that even if my body couldn't move, my wisdom was welcome, right?"
"Right. Years of experience are important, after all."
"Honestly, at first, I thought you were just trying to sweet-talk me. I never imagined you actually wanted the knowledge of an old woman."
"It’s fine, isn't it? You get to eat every day and live a relaxed life now."
"That’s true. I’m very grateful. Honestly, I wish other places would be like this, too."
"That’s impossible to do overnight."
When I said that, Grandma’s eyes went wide with surprise, but she soon started to laugh.
"Overnight, indeed. You really are something, Yuki-chan. Most people wouldn't even think of expanding a place like this. I’ve lived a long time, too. I know how difficult it is to reach out to other places. I don't know much about politics, but… you intend to reach out to other places eventually, don't you?"
"Yeah. That’s more fun, isn't it? Meeting all sorts of people, laughing together, arguing, acting like fools, and then joining forces to build something great again."
"…That’s right. That’s how this Weed and the city I used to live in were built, weren't they? Oh, I’ve strayed from the topic. Jessica-chan, did that answer your question?"
Jessica, who had been addressed, quickly snapped out of her contemplative state.
"Ah, yes. This place was a place where you could truly live."
"That’s right. But I suppose I’m reaching my limit soon."
"What do you mean by that?"
"…Just a feeling. I can feel that I don't have much time left."
"…That is…"
"Being able to pass away from old age is the greatest luxury of all. Don't make such a face, Jessica-chan. You’re helping Yuki-chan with this city, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Then, be proud of me. Be proud that I am someone who can pass away from old age. And be confident that you are helping to build a city where people can live out their full lives."
Jessica didn't reply, but she nodded deeply.