落とし穴６１堀：お花見と誕生日会 (Part2)
"It’s only natural you wouldn't know. Originally, this is a celebration for warriors. In recent years, it’s mostly been used for workplace events, elections, and victory celebrations. Since you’re still young, Yuki-kun, it’s understandable you’ve never been in charge of organizing one of these. That said, there aren't really any difficult rules to speak of, and your general approach was correct. Seraria-dono, please take this."
What Taizo-dono handed me was a wooden mallet that felt surprisingly heavy.
"But, I don't think a barrel will break with just this, will it?"
Even if it felt heavy, it was still just a wooden mallet. If a barrel could be broken by a tool of this caliber, there would be serious concerns about its structural integrity.
"Ah, yes. You just need to bring it down on the lid. That’s how these things are designed."
"So that’s why it looked brand new."
"Indeed. Now, normally, the person being celebrated—in this case, Sakura-dono—would be the one to swing the mallet, but that’s obviously impossible. So, I must ask you, Seraria-dono, to do it on her behalf."
"I understand."
"Mama!!"
Rurua and Deryu also stood before their respective barrels, mallets in hand.
"Now that preparations are complete, if you’ll allow me, I, Taizo Honme, a newcomer, shall serve as the master of ceremonies."
At his words, for some reason, everyone was handed an empty glass and gathered to listen to Taizo-dono.
"On this fine day, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, we celebrate a new life that has counted its first year. I ask you all to join in the *kagami-biraki* (barrel-opening ceremony) to wish for our continued prosperity."
"Alright, Seraria, everyone. Give the barrels a good whack."
"Yes."
"Understood."
"Mmm."
The three of us raised our mallets in unison...
*CRACK!! SPLASH!!*
"Eek!?"
"Oh my."
"Wapu!?"
The lid broke much more easily than I had anticipated. My mallet slammed into the sake inside, sending a spray of liquid flying that showered both me and Deryu. Rurua, who hadn't put as much force into her swing, managed to stay dry.
...It’s not like I’m a "strength-idiot" or anything. I just thought I had to put my back into it! It’s not that I’m a one-trick pony when it comes to power.
"Mama?"
"Water?"
"Soaked~"
Fortunately, the children weren't splashed. They looked at us with concern, or stared in surprise at the sake spreading across the floor.
"You put too much strength into it. Here, stay still."
"Au."
Before I could say anything, my husband began wiping me down with a towel.
"Yuki. I’m soaked too, you know."
"Yes, yes. Just wait a second."
"U-um, Husband... I, I am also..."
"Rurua, you aren't wet. Don't go trying to get splashed with sake on purpose, alright?"
"...Yes."
While we were being gently wiped down by my husband, everyone else gathered around with their empty glasses.
"Now, everyone. Let this sake mark the beginning of our cherry blossom viewing and birthday party."
Taizo said this, took an empty glass from Milly, and ladled sake from the barrel. At that moment, the rich aroma of the sake wafted through the air.
"Wow!! Taizo-san, this is Japanese sake, isn't it!? And a really good one at that."
"Indeed. You have a keen eye. Yuki-kun filled three whole barrels with this for us. Foreign spirits are fine, but since we’re viewing cherry blossoms, one must start with *seishu* (refined sake)."
As they chatted, the others filled their glasses and drank happily. The children were busy eating the prepared cake, their faces becoming a sticky mess. Kirue and Sasari looked troubled, wondering when the right time would be to wipe their faces clean.
"Here, Seraria. Some sake."
"Thank you."
"Drink~"
Sakura reacted to the glass being handed over and reached out for it.
"It’s a little too early for Sakura."
"Uuu."
When I said that and pulled the glass away, she let out a sound as if she were about to cry. Just then, a breeze blew, and the area was covered in falling cherry blossoms.
*Whoosh...*
Everyone was captivated by the sight.
"It’s spring, isn't it."
"It truly is."
"Ah, spring."
The three men clinked their glasses together and took a drink. For some reason, my husband didn't drink; he walked back over to me.
"What’s wrong?"
"Papa?"
As the mother and daughter tilted our heads in unison, my husband plucked a cherry blossom petal floating in his glass and held it out to me.
"It’s been sterilized by the alcohol, so it should be fine. It’s quite elegant, don't you think? Here."
I took the petal from his fingers into my mouth without hesitation. The faint scent of cherry blossoms and the taste of sake spread across my tongue.
"Not bad."
"Right? Here, Sakura, you try too."
"Nom? ...Ptooey!!"
It didn't seem to suit Sakura’s palate, as she spat it out immediately. I suppose it’s still too early for her to enjoy sake.