落とし穴４１堀：夏の始まり (Part3)
"I thought Ratz's subordinates would be more developed by now, though?"
I say that honestly. After all, Ratz is the top executive managing five supermarkets now. That means she has enough store managers and personnel to fill those five locations; I don't see why there would be a problem with her stepping down as the representative. Our police chief, for instance, can't be chosen without an incredible amount of vetting and the trust of all the other representatives, so there aren't any subordinates yet who could clear that hurdle. Well, it would be a disaster if the position were abused, after all.
"They are developed, yes, but they know the sheer volume of my workload. They’re hesitant to step up. Under the old ways, it didn't matter if you were competent or incompetent when it came to succession, but Weed is different. You can't put someone at the top unless they’re capable, and the more capable they are, the more they realize just how difficult the job is. It would be fine if they had ambition, but my work involves negotiations with high-ranking officials from other countries, you see."
" " "Ah..." " "
Right. Ratz’s job isn't just running the stores; she also handles exports from Super Ratz, which means she has to go through Eris’s accounting department and conduct negotiations with other nations. If you’re someone who knows that, you’d want Ratz to keep doing it as long as possible.
Just as we were having that idle chat, the door to the reception room opened.
"Oh, not just Ratz, everyone’s here? Perfect timing."
"Yuki-san!?"
"Ah, ahaha. I-I wasn't slacking off, you know?"
"...Proper break."
"I know, I know. It's just so hot out."
"Oh, would you like some, Brother? Or rather, did something happen with Schans?"
Ignoring the three of us who were slightly surprised, Ratz brings out some ice cream and demands a taste. Yuki-san doesn't show any particular distaste and eats the ice cream Ratz offers him.
"Yeah. Summer means ice cream. And no, it has nothing to do with Schans."
"Nom. Mmm, it really is the best. So, if it’s not about Schans, what did you need?"
Oh, Ratz just naturally took the spoon she used to feed him and put it in her own mouth!! I’m so jealous!! No, we kiss and stuff normally, but still, I’m jealous!!
"Honestly, Yuki!! Please stop just running off like that!!"
While I was thinking that, Jessica rushes into the room, seemingly having chased after Yuki-san.
"Sorry, sorry. But we're inside Weed, so it's fine, right?"
"It is full of problems!! Though, I suppose Yuki won't listen even if I say that, so please, at least take me or Ria with you."
Jessica has it rough. Well, I can understand why Yuki-san feels stifled, but it would be a real crisis if something were to happen to him.
"Got it. Now, about Ratz's question: I want to hold a festival, so I need your help. I’ve already cleared it with Seraria and Eris; the budget, schedule, and advertising are set. Now I need to coordinate with the security and sales teams."
"I see. In that case, that would be me and Tori’s group. And a festival, you say?"
Ratz looks at Yuki-san’s happy, scheming smile with an incredibly gentle expression. It’s just not fair, is it? You can’t say no when he looks at you like that.
Then, Yuki-san says the name of the festival...
"A fireworks display."
The proposal was, on the whole, quite dangerous.
Why was it dangerous? First, he said the fireworks display would be held in the outer district of Weed. Since it’s technically within the dungeon’s territory, people like us under designated protection are safe, but others run the risk of being attacked by bandits or wild monsters. The outer district is surrounded by an outer wall, but its defensive capabilities are significantly lower than the dungeon itself.
Furthermore, I heard that the fireworks themselves are like cannons that use a massive amount of gunpowder. As a skill from my Japanese knowledge, I have some understanding of what fireworks are, but having never seen the real thing, I can’t judge them. I don't know why they’re called a "summer tradition," but I know they’re dangerous just by hearing the ingredients.
Yet, knowing all that, Yuki-san is determined to carry out the fireworks display.
...Hmm. I’m a little worried, but with Yuki-san and the rest of us here, I suppose we can handle it if the worst happens.
And so, preparations for the fireworks display began. Little did we know that it would become synonymous with Weed.
***
Side: Kaya
...Before I knew it, I had become a pyrotechnician.
I mean, I understand the reasoning—I’m the best at using fire magic—but... I’m starting to worry if it’s really okay to be doing this while putting the academy’s research on the back burner. Should we really be ignoring the possibility that a "King of Monsters" might appear, like in those movies I saw?
"Kaya, what's wrong?"
As I was lost in thought, Cleena peered into my face. She was brought here by Ria, who deemed her worthy of being Yuki’s bride, and after getting permission—myself included—she successfully joined the family. Well, given the timing, we’ve had to ask Cleena to hold off on her wedding ceremony.
That’s right, why are we doing a fireworks display even while putting Cleena’s ceremony on hold?
"...Cleena, are you not dissatisfied with being suddenly put to work on the fireworks display?"
Since Cleena is also skilled in fire magic, she’s been cast as a pyrotechnician. I felt the treatment was a bit harsh, so I decided to probe a little. If Cleena hated it, she should tell Yuki properly and prioritize the ceremony. After all, she’s only been in Weed for a few days.
"Mm, no dissatisfaction. Rather, I’m happy that he trusts me with such a major role."
"Really?"
"...Among everyone here, my performance is the lowest. When I first learned how strong everyone else was, I almost thought there was no point in me being here."
"...That’s not true. Cleena’s magic and knowledge are useful. Besides, you said you would support Yuki. That’s what matters most."
That’s right; Cleena was made aware that her abilities were lacking. Or rather, Seraria put her through a "bride trial" and beat her soundly. But Cleena said it anyway: she would support Yuki by his side. Even while half-crying, even after being beaten to a pulp, she still pointed her staff at him. That was the main reason all the other brides accepted her.
Yuki’s brides aren't chosen by talent. What matters is the resolve to support Yuki without betraying him until the very end. Cleena proved that.
And so, after all that, Cleena happily joined the family, but given the current situation, she’s staying by Yuki’s side as an intelligence officer. Everyone hopes to eventually make her a bodyguard, but there’s no time for training right now. That’s how useful Cleena’s knowledge has been.
"Mm, Yuki told me that, too... I was happy. He didn't want me for my talent or my knowledge, but for me myself. I was truly happy."
...I don’t know if he’s unconscious of it or doing it on purpose, but Yuki says these killer lines so easily.
"That’s why I will absolutely complete these fireworks. And I will make Yuki and the people of Weed happy."
"...I understand your enthusiasm. But don’t push yourself. Your magic power is running low. Take a break."