落とし穴５２堀：クリスマス (Part2)
In times of emergency, in the middle of a battlefield, one cannot simply rummage through the pockets of a fallen soldier to retrieve reliable identification. That is how the dog tag was born.
……To put it simply, it’s something that only comes in handy when you’re dead.
"So, why dog tags?"
"Ahaha! They’re popular with adventurers and traveling merchants, you see."
"Ah. I see what you mean."
"Yes. In a sense, they are closer to death than the soldiers are."
In this world, monsters, dungeons, and bandits exist, so the mortality rate is significantly higher than on Earth.
Often, not even a body remains—having been thoroughly devoured.
In that sense, while an individual identification tag is made of iron, it is small; it isn't edible, and it has no value, so there is a high probability it will remain behind.
……It’s a grim thought, but it is better to be able to confirm one's death than to simply go missing without a trace.
This way, it doesn't get in the way if worn with a necklace, and if two chains are too much of a hassle, one can simply combine them into one.
Well, adventurers don't usually wear accessories, so it’s likely only merchants would do such a thing...
That’s when it hit me. This could solve so many problems!!
"This is it!! Narjia-san, can you engrave various patterns or punch holes into this dog tag size?"
"Yes, I don't see why not. What are you planning to do?"
"Could you engrave the main weapons of my wives onto them?"
"I see!! That’s a wonderful idea. I know all of your wives' weapons, so I can certainly do that!!"
"Oh, you seem busy, will you be alright?"
"No problem at all. I wouldn't dream of passing such an interesting project to anyone else! Besides, no one knows the designs of their weapons better than I do!! I’ll go make them right now!! Oh, I’ll contact you as soon as they’re finished!!"
With that, Narjia-san took off through the air, flying back toward the smithy.
In the midst of that……
"Ah, Representative. About that spear from the previous request……"
"Shut up!! Ask someone else!! I’m busy right now!! Tell the others that if they get in my way, I’ll blow them to smithereens!!"
"U-understood!!"
She’s a completely different person.
……So she’s the type who transforms while working.
But since her subordinates responded immediately, I suppose that’s her default.
Regardless, at that rate, the Christmas presents should be ready in time……
"And so, that’s how it happened."
After handing out the presents to my family and watching my wives squeal with joy as they looked at the contents, I explained the backstory of how I came up with the idea.
This year’s Christmas event was geared toward couples and families, so while the shops were busy, the government offices weren't particularly frantic on the day itself.
Well, there were preparations for the tree and light events during the day, but nothing that lasted until late at night.
Because of that, the state-run Christmas event in Weed had ended, and now it was just the churches holding mass.
Thanks to that, we were able to relax, gather with the family at night, and enjoy a delicious dinner and our presents.
"I see. But you really thought it through, engraving pictures onto the dog tag plates."
Seraria looked happy as she gazed at the sword and katana engraved on her tag.
Everyone else was also looking happily at the plates depicting their own weapons.
"Well, this type of accessory existed back home. I didn't think I’d be able to recreate it here. It just goes to show how incredible Narjia-san’s skill is."
"When you put it that way, it really is amazing. She managed to create something this good based only on your verbal request, Yuki."
"You’re right. Not just weapons, but her craftsmanship is truly top-tier."
I felt like I could finally understand why Firia was so blown away when she became her apprentice.
"It really is. But the best Christmas present is that one over there."
"You’re right."
We watched our children with natural affection.
The children were all wearing the same outfit.
Matching animal pajamas.
They were "animal pajamas," and since there had been a trouble one day where Sakura pulled on Shans's rabbit ears, we chose rabbit pajamas for everyone as a countermeasure……
"Uu-uu."
"Auu-."
"Aa-."
The children seemed fascinated by the rabbit ears swaying on each other’s heads and were reaching out to touch them.
This way, Shans wouldn't be the only one getting her ears pulled, and it wouldn't hurt.
Above all, they were adorable.
"Angels. There are so many angels."
Seraria was already completely smitten.
I really think the best part of Christmas is delivering dreams to the children.
Seeing the smiles of the children who will carry the future.
That alone is enough to warm the heart.
On the other hand, things like couples flirting just seem like they’d build up resentment.
You wouldn't be jealous of children, would you?
Thus, Christmas ended without a hitch, but afterward, I realized something.
"What should I give them next year?"
This event comes every year.
My wives will be with me for the rest of my life; I’m going to run out of ideas……
Hey, comrades.
Did you enjoy your Eve alone with a cake and wine bought at a convenience store?
But the real deal is today.
Make sure you have your items ready and enjoy yourself today, too.
I’ll be here in front of my PC, writing!!
Well, sarcasm aside, the truth is that presents are a real headache, aren't they?
Also, children in animal pajamas are cute.
Yeah.
Even if I write all this, being alone doesn't change, does it!!
Well then, let’s enjoy Christmas!!