落とし穴５３堀：あけましておめでとうございます (Part1)
**Pit 53: Happy New Year**
Happy New Year.
**Side: Yuki**
*Tick, tock…*
The sound echoes through the room.
The date is December 31st. The time is currently 11:58 PM.
In other words, we are just moments away from the turn of the year.
Since there is no television in Weed, the countdown is being broadcast over the radio. This year, however, I’ve left the hosting duties to the younger generation rather than Eris or Ratz, and we are welcoming the New Year peacefully at home.
It’s a strange feeling, though.
Just two years ago, I would have been fast asleep long before midnight, only waking up in the morning to offer a small celebration. Now, the custom has shifted to staying up all night to revel. It’s a culture I introduced, but I never expected it to take root so easily.
Well, I suppose it has become a form of entertainment. It’s as good a reason as any to make some noise. It really makes you realize how resilient people can be.
*"It is now 11:59 PM. Everyone, please join us for the countdown."*
Hearing the voice of Eris’s junior on the radio, the countdown begins.
*"59."*
"58."
"57."
"56."
"55."
The four little ones are all calling out the numbers in unison. The other wives are staring intently at the clock.
...I’m glad I made sure to synchronize the wall clock down to the second. It would be terrible if we were off by a margin.
Incidentally, my children with my wives are technically at their bedtime, but they are being held by their mothers, waiting to welcome the New Year together.
...This past year has been quite a journey.
No, it’s been far more than that. I find myself staring off into the distance.
*"30."*
"29."
"28."
"27."
"26."
Before I knew it, we were under thirty seconds.
Is the year really ending already?
...I had all sorts of New Year’s experiences when I was younger. I couldn't sit still back then. Spending the transition of the year relaxing at home like this isn't bad at all.
*"10."*
"9."
"8."
"7."
"6."
Once we hit the final ten seconds, the voices of all my wives overlap.
"5."
"4."
"3."
"2."
"1."
*"0."*
The hands of the clock all converge at the top.
*"It is now midnight. To everyone in Weed, Happy New Year!!"*
"Happy New Year!!"
And just like that, another year has been etched into the history of Weed.
However, for me, Kirue, and Sasari, the real work starts now. After exchanging New Year’s greetings with my wives, we head to the kitchen where the ingredients are prepared.
The kitchen is filled with various items—the ingredients for *osechi* and some *dashimaki tamago* that have been cooling—but the main attraction is the pot currently over the fire.
"Alright, Kirue, chop the green onions. Sasari, get the bowls ready."
"Understood."
The two respond immediately and set to work. The onions are, of course, for the garnish—an essential component for the dish we are about to make. Freshly cut is always best. The bowls are equally vital; you could call them large noodle bowls.
I begin boiling the noodles I had prepared.
If you’re from Japan, you’ll know exactly what this is: *toshikoshi soba* (year-crossing noodles).
Normally, you’re supposed to eat them right before the year turns, but since we are such a large family and had promised to do the radio countdown, we decided not to eat while the broadcast was running. We had everything prepped, so it only takes a moment to assemble. I made the broth from scratch, so it’s delicious.
Technically, the origin of *toshikoshi soba* is to "cut off" the misfortunes of the past year, so eating them after the year has turned is sometimes considered inappropriate. However, there is also a belief that eating them after the New Year begins—perhaps mixed with gold leaf—brings in good fortune, so either way works.
Or perhaps it’s just the modern mindset to think that eating them across the transition is a "two birds with one stone" situation—cutting off misfortune while inviting good luck?
While I was lost in thought, the noodles finished boiling.
"Oops."
Noodles are a difficult dish for a large family. They get soggy, after all. I make the first batches firmer and the later ones closer to normal texture. Especially since it’s New Year’s, everyone wants to say "itadakimasu" together. As I plate them, Kirue and Sasari busy themselves carrying them out.
Let’s get this finished so we can eat.
Once everyone’s portion is ready, I return to the banquet hall with Kirue and Sasari. All my wives are seated, waiting for our arrival.
*"We are broadcasting live from in front of Ritea Church. It is bustling with many worshippers who have come to hear the New Year’s bell, which is said to ward off misfortune."*
A New Year’s bell at a church? Isn't that a bit off?
I think so, but it’s a different world from Earth’s religions, so it’s probably pointless to overthink it. Besides, the gods actually exist here; if there were a problem, they’d likely say something.
"Alright, let’s eat before it gets cold. But before that, let’s exchange greetings once more. Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
"I’m sure there will be plenty of things happening this year, but let’s all work hard as a family. Now, for our first family task of the year: *Itadakimasu*."
"Itadakimasu."
Mmm. It turned out well.
Everyone is eating the soba just like I am. There don't seem to be any complaints, so that’s a relief. I’d hate for the first meal of the year to be a disappointment. I remember back in Japan, I once went to a street stall for a New Year’s meal and ended up with something truly awful. That was a shock—I had to rush to find something else to wash the taste away.
While I was reminiscing, we finished our soba, and everyone else followed suit, offering their thanks for the meal.
"Alright. I’m going to go clean up, so get ready for the first shrine visit of the year while I’m gone."
"Okay!"
I head off with Kirue and Sasari to clean up, while the other wives prepare for the shrine visit. It’s the biggest event of the year, so the representatives of each district have to look their best. Women’s preparations take time, after all. For me, Kirue, and Sasari, our military and maid uniforms are our formal wear, so it’s easy.
As for the children, we’ll leave them in the care of the Ten Demon Beasts under Aslin’s command. They are absolutely devoted to Aslin and love the children as if they were their own, so there’s no concern there.
Cleaning up doesn't mean washing, drying, and shelving everything perfectly—that would take too long for a family this size. We give them a quick rinse and let them air dry.
"Alright, that’s done. Wait, is that..."
When we finish and return, we find the wives dressed in vibrant *furisode*.
Yes, kimonos.
Technically, *furisode* are for unmarried women, but there’s no harm in dressing up like this. It’s not like I’m asking them to be anything else. Tourists from other lands often wear them, too. It’s that kind of vibe.
"How is it? Does it suit me?"
Seraria asks, holding her sleeves and spinning around.
Is it just that beautiful people look good in anything? Or am I just biased toward my wives?
But something else caught my attention.
"Yeah, it looks great. But isn't getting dressed in those a huge hassle?"
Seraria’s face lit up at the first part of my sentence, then turned slightly disappointed at the second.
"You really need to learn how to read the room. Well, yes, it is a hassle. Practicing was quite difficult."
"I notice a few of the others are still missing..."
"That’s right. We’re helping each other get dressed one by one. Please wait a little longer for us to be ready."
"Ah. Got it."