落とし穴５８堀：雪とは？ (Part2)
"Well, that one is fine as it is. It's the face of the event, and it's exempt from evaluation anyway."
"Ah, come to think of it, why did you have me participate in an event like this?"
That’s right, I have to ask that. There is no way I should have time to spare for something like this right now.
"Asking me that means you can't find the answer yourself, huh?"
"……Yes. To be honest, I feel we have other things that should take priority."
What is the meaning behind this event? When I asked that, Yuki-dono seemed a bit troubled. ……Was there really no meaning to it after all?
"Hmm. Where should I start the explanation?"
"Eh?"
"First, regional revitalization. By holding events like this, you bring back vitality. In spring or autumn, there are harvest festivals and the like, but in winter, there’s a lack of visible, easy-to-understand income, so the energy just drains away. You understand that, right?"
"Yes."
"In other words, no income and no vitality means economic activity has ground to a halt. That’s not good for a country. To break through this, a country should hold events that stir up vitality, even if it means sacrificing some resources. By holding an event that can only be done in winter using snow, you give the citizens a goal for the season. This leads to increased demand—tools for gathering snow, better cold-weather gear, tools and food for staying warm outdoors, and so on..."
I see. Come to think of it, everyone has been buying various things in preparation for this event, and they are shopping at the stalls set up in the corners of the venue.
"Of course, the price range isn't meant to squeeze them dry. By having the country regulate this, other general merchants are forced to sell higher-quality goods to stay competitive. Even so, not participating in an event that draws this many people would be the same as admitting they lack confidence as merchants. So, it naturally settles into a reasonable price range."
"Indeed."
"And then, when an event like this spreads to other countries, you get people like today—representatives and spectators coming from all over. In other words, foreign currency flows in. That is the goal a country should aim for. That’s how you finally recoup what you sacrificed."
"……"
Huh? Something about this is starting to sound incredibly complicated...
"Furthermore, you can hope for networking for negotiations and the discovery of new talent. If the reputation from other countries is good, it can become the face of the nation, and you can expect revenue from the same event the following year. Providing entertainment in a way that differs from others is, in a sense, very important for a country..."
"…………"
"Uhyahyahya...!! S-stop!! Yuki-kun, stop!!"
"What's wrong?"
"I understand your thinking well. I think it's a truly wonderful and amazing idea. But it's too difficult for Hifi. Look, she's frozen solid."
"Hah!? N-no. I am certainly not frozen. I understand Yuki-dono's words perfectly!! You mean I should learn from this and raise our own national power in the same way, right!!"
I am not an idiot; I can learn properly!! I stare at Yuki-dono, lighting that determination in my eyes.
"No. That's impossible."
"Yes?"
"Buhyahyahya...!! Y-you don't get it!! You don't get it at all!! It's impossible to realize in Hifi's country. At least for now. Because this event can only be held because a Dungeon Master opened gates to simplify travel routes and ensure safety!!"
"Ah..."
"Well, Comet is right. But it doesn't have to be the same; it's a good thing to learn and explore your own path."
"……Yes."
Damn it, Comet, you just wait later!!
"More than that, for me, that stuff is secondary."
"Uhyahya... what do you mean by that?"
"What could you mean?"
"People have a hard time if they don't have some mental breathing room. That's why it's important to relax when things are tough. Look, everyone is smiling. Well, some of them have bloodshot eyes, but by inserting these moments that are different from work, you start to see all sorts of things."
"Is that so?"
"That's right. Even you, Comet, thought about making a snowman, didn't you?"
"Ah, indeed. I had never thought of making something out of snow before. I only ever saw it as a winter nuisance."
"But like this, it becomes something that makes everyone happy."
"……I see. It's a difference in perspective, then."
"……Ah. What we must protect is not the name of the country, but the smiles of the people living there."
Seeing the happiness spreading out before me, my mouth opened naturally. Because there, I saw only people who were not freezing in the cold, not starving, but enjoying the winter, laughing and having fun... I almost feel as if the form of the country I aimed for is right here.
"With that said, you should understand the purpose of this event now. For today, at least, forget your positions and work, and just play to your heart's content. The snow sculptures will be judged by the representatives of each country, and there's prize money for the top spots. There are special awards too, and surprises are welcome. So, give it your best."
"Alright!! If there's a reward, as a mage, I'll do my best too!! Come on, Hifi. Let's make a snowman!!"
"Ah, don't just pull me along!?"
And so, as Comet and I were making a large snowman, children gathered from nowhere and made many small snowmen around us. In the end, it wasn't a collaboration between just me and Comet, but a collection of snowmen made with many children...
『For this snow sculpture event, the special award goes to the snowmen created by Comet, Hifi, and the children!!』
I cheered and rejoiced with the children and everyone else. And I never imagined that this would eventually become the trophies, prize medals, and even merchandise for Weed's snow sculpture events.
...I see, so that's how far ahead I'm supposed to think.