落とし穴４１堀：夏の始まり (Part4)
"Hmm, understood."
The two of us sat down on the grass. Naturally, practicing fireworks inside the dungeon was out of the question. Well, it wasn't impossible, but it would require a vertical shaft at least five kilometers deep, and dealing with the smoke ventilation sounded like a massive headache.
We were currently a short distance away from the dungeon's outer city. Since the ground was under the dungeon's dominion, the designated protection was active, so we weren't in any real danger. But that was beside the point.
There were only two of us here. Yuki, who had planned the fireworks festival, was nowhere to be found. He was off somewhere else with Narjia and the dwarves, claiming he was busy creating fireworks using science.
"...Yuki is doing something separate from us. A little dissatisfied."
"Yuki said he was going to create fireworks in the night sky using science. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve seen the wonders of science up until now. However, it has always been used to improve our daily lives or to gain an advantage in battle. The idea that there is a science meant solely to captivate people is amazing. And he even taught us how to use magic to enchant people. He taught us that magic isn't just for attacking—that everything depends on how you use it."
...Cleena was right. Up until now, magic had only ever been used for offense, support, or minor daily conveniences. The fact that Yuki was using it purely for spectacle—for art—was so like him. It was truly Yuki's world.
"I’m sure the scientific fireworks Yuki talks about will be more impressive than what we’re aiming for."
With that, Cleena launched the magic fireworks she had been practicing, which Yuki had demonstrated for her.
*Whoosh—BOOM!!*
The sound echoed, and a beautiful, vibrant red flower bloomed in the night sky. In truth, controlling fireworks with magic is difficult. You have to maintain the magic all the way up to the sky, detonate it at the perfect moment, and ensure the flames scatter evenly. Honestly, it’s more taxing than most high-level spells. The fact that Cleena practiced this with such frequency proved her magical talent was off the charts.
"There isn't much time left until the main event. I’m looking forward to Yuki’s scientific fireworks, but I don't intend to lose. I’ll make them gasp in surprise."
"...Indeed. It would be boring to just be surprised by Yuki. I’ll make him regret using us as the opening act."
Cleena and I both have an aptitude for fire magic. Yuki had said that if we performed magic fireworks as an opening act, we could be the pioneers of using magic for entertainment. But we were going to go beyond that; we were going to make them say that fireworks *should* be done with magic.
Time passes quickly, and before I knew it, the main event had arrived.
"Amazing. Is this what a summer festival is?"
"I think so."
Cleena and I were heading to the launch site, but the dungeon's outer city was in a state of absolute chaos. Because Eris and Ratz had advertised it on such a massive scale, spectators weren't just coming from within the dungeon—they were pouring in from all the countries connected by the gates.
We had expanded the outer city significantly for this festival to ensure there was enough space to watch the fireworks. I remembered Seraria and Yuki agonizing over the layout of the buildings. As I thought about that, I passed by some security monsters and knights.
"Sorry, you need to head over there."
"Understood, gob."
Lately, the knight squad under Seraria’s direct command had grown used to working with monsters, and seeing them act together like this was a common sight. Still, I couldn't help but feel they were using their security personnel in a strange way...
"Yes, yes! The end of the line for the yakisoba is right here! Please stay in order!"
"This is the end of the line for the takoyaki, gob! You there, no cutting in line, gob!"
Why were they holding signs and managing the customers...? Tori and Riel were busy with the security for the visiting kings from various countries, and it felt like this had turned into a massive, monumental event.
Regardless, we had to get to the launch site quickly. If we were late, it would be a disaster.
"Oh, you're here."
When we reached the site, we saw Yuki and the dwarves aiming a large number of tubes toward the sky.
"Hmm, Yuki, we're here."
"...Is your side ready?"
"Yeah, mostly. Now we’re just waiting for the time. I’ll get a signal from Seraria and Eris. If there are no issues on their end, the fireworks festival begins."
I see, so we just had to wait. As I stood there idly, Yuki brought over a strange orb, holding it as if it were precious. The dwarves and fairies were doing the same.
"Yuki, what’s that?"
Before I could ask, Cleena, full of curiosity, asked what the orb was.
"These are the fireworks. You light them, launch them into the sky, and they bloom into beautiful flowers."
"...Does that mean this is gunpowder? But I can tell this must have been a lot of work. How did you manage to bring so many? I don't think there was enough time. Are you a pyrotechnician, Yuki?"
"No, not exactly. We didn't have enough time, so I ordered these from Earth using DP. They aren't original, but prepare to be amazed by the fireworks of Japan on Earth."
"Hmm, I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of magic fireworks you two launch as well."
"...Prepare to be amazed."
"Hmm, as Kaya said. We’ll surprise you."
"Well, I’m looking forward to it. Oh, that’s Seraria? Yeah, yeah, no problems on that side. Now just Eris. Ah, I see."
Alright, time to get focused. ...I’m starting to get nervous.
***
**Side: A Mother's Day**
"Hey, Mommy, Daddy! There are so many people here!!"
"Indeed."
"Yes, it's incredible, isn't it?"
We were walking through the summer festival. We moved to Weed shortly after it was founded, as my husband said it was a great business opportunity. It’s a very comfortable city, and we’ve been able to live in peace every day. We owe all of this to Lady Seraria, who governs Weed, and the other representatives.
But even though that alone is a luxury, Weed seems to hold festivals for everything. New Year's, and... well, the "Public Bath Peeping Festival," for instance. I asked my husband why they held so many festivals, but I didn't really understand his explanation. Apparently, festivals are the best way to stimulate the economy and bring vitality to the city. But he also said that if people didn't gather, it would be meaningless, and there was no guarantee of success.
"Hey, Mommy, what are fireworks?"
"I don't know, dear. I've never seen them either."
The main event of this summer festival was supposed to be the fireworks, but since I didn't even know what fireworks were, I couldn't imagine it. Since they were doing it in the outer city, I assumed it was something that couldn't be done inside the dungeon. Oh, my husband is the manager of a Super Ratz store, so he might know something. He’s in a position where he can speak directly with Representative Ratz.
"Honey, did you hear anything from Lady Ratz about what the fireworks are?"
"Hmm? No, I haven't heard the details. But she did say they were going to 'doodle on the night sky.'"
"Wow!! How do you doodle on the pitch-black sky!?"
"Lady Ratz told me to look forward to it, and there's no doubt something is going to happen in the sky, so let's secure a good spot. Unlike the others, we brought our own food and drinks, so we're set."
My husband showed me the bags he was carrying.
"I'm so glad we brought our own. I'm curious about the food at the stalls, but if we wait in line, we won't have time to find a place to watch."
I looked at the long, winding lines of food stalls.
"Lady Ratz was right. If we had come earlier, we might have had time to buy something, but with the fireworks starting soon, it’s so crowded we’d never make it. If they hold this again next year, we'll come early and buy some then."
"Yeah!! Mommy, Daddy, I don't mind skipping the stall food, let's just grab a spot before they're all gone!!"
My daughter seemed so interested in the fireworks that she didn't even complain about not getting stall food. She's been much more well-behaved ever since we met Lady Tori and Lady Riel.
Thinking about that, we secured a spot and waited a little while until an announcement played.
*"Everyone, thank you for waiting. As announced, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 8:00. They will start in about ten minutes. Before that, we have some safety precautions regarding the fireworks, so please listen for a moment."*
"Ah, it's Lady Eris!! That's Lady Eris's voice!!"