落とし穴５４堀：お正月のお約束 (Part2)
"Hmm. If we're talking about rice alone, we can manage with DP supplies for now. Perhaps we should dedicate next year's harvest entirely to amazake and establish a full-scale production system. What do you think, Yuki?"
"I suppose so. Fortunately, bread is still the staple food in Weed, and it’s not like rice is scarce, though it is imported via DP. Turning it into amazake sounds like a fresh, worthwhile experiment, doesn't it?"
"Then we have to decide on the flavor! We need to pick a target profile! Let's drink some amazake when we get home!"
"Milly, you sound like you're driven purely by your own cravings, but since it’s going to be a specialty of Weed, I suppose that’s necessary."
It looks like the drinking party is going to resume the moment we get home. We were drinking quite a bit yesterday for the New Year’s celebration, too...
"Hey, Big Brother. Come to think of it, you mentioned there are games to play during the New Year, right?"
"You did say that. I would like you to teach us."
"That’s right. I’m curious to know what kind of games there are."
"Yes. Perhaps we could teach them to everyone at school."
"Oh, right, that. *Hanetsuki* (Japanese battledore) might be good. It’s said to have the meaning of warding off evil. And kite flying might actually be easier to do here in Weed than in Japan."
"Is that so?"
"In Japan, there are so many power lines and such that you can't just go around flying things in the sky. Other than that, there’s *Karuta* or *Fukuwarai*."
"What is *Fukuwarai*?"
"Let's see... you take a blank face and, while blindfolded, try to place parts like eyes, a nose, and a mouth onto it."
"Wouldn't that just result in a strange-looking face?"
"Indeed. Is this perhaps a training exercise to hone one's senses?"
"No, no, the whole point is to make a funny face. The fun comes from trying your best while blindfolded and ending up with something ridiculous."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"What could be the meaning behind it?"
"In Japan, there’s a saying: 'Fortune comes to those who smile.' It means that if you’re laughing, good things will happen, so it’s a way of intentionally inviting that luck. Besides, if everyone is laughing, you feel happy and have a good time, right?"
"Yeah. It’s fun when everyone is laughing."
"It is fun."
"That’s true. Seeing smiles makes me happy, too."
"I see. So that is what it means."
"Exactly. That’s why it’s considered an auspicious game that anyone can use to get a laugh. Tell you what, once we’re a little tipsy on amazake, let’s all play *Fukuwarai*. We’ll record the results. It’ll be a blast."
"That sounds fun, Yuki."
"Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Though, I intend to place the parts perfectly."
"Oh, Eris. I have a feeling that’s going to backfire on you."
Things are really heating up. It feels like every day of the New Year is a festival.
Come to think of it, we should probably change the face used for *Fukuwarai* to suit this world. ...Though, changing it to Lilishe’s face would likely cause a massive problem with Ritea. I need someone who won't cause any trouble, yet is known to everyone...
"Ah, there he is."
With that thought, I used *Call* to summon him.
"Uh, Boss? Is it really necessary to take a portrait photo at this late hour?"
"Of course it is. You’re the head of the Monster Army; you need to be in proper attire and looking sharp."
"But why specifically in Japanese clothing?"
"Well, we’re mimicking a Japanese New Year, so we have to match the theme."
"Oh, is that what this is about? Just hurry up and finish, will you? Alfin is being a real pain about it."
"Hold on, it won't take that long."
And so, next year, a "Full-Body Steve" *Fukuwarai* set will be sold to the public in Weed. It won't just be the face—it will include limbs and a torso, making it a new kind of *Fukuwarai* where you can place limbs on top of the head or put the torso in some absurd direction. It’s destined to become the hit gag of the New Year.
Truly, fortune comes to those who smile. Naturally, this will improve Steve’s image, increase his media exposure, and help his finances, so it’s a win-win.
"It is absolutely not a win-win!! And besides, stop using me as the punchline right from the start of the year!!"
So, how are you all spending the first three days of the New Year?
I’ve been having a fun New Year playing *Gundam Online* with my net-game friends since New Year's Day. I also went to draw an *omikuji* (fortune slip) and got a "Great Blessing."
What stuck with me was the line: "Increasing your workload will bring good fortune. Your achievements will be recognized, and you will leap forward."
If you want me to write more, well, I only work at my own pace, and I’m also writing that story about the group of four, so let’s just say that counts as "increasing my workload," okay? Even if it is just a hobby.
Well, that concludes the New Year short stories.
Starting on the 5th, I will bring you Taiki vs. Taizo.
Look forward to it.