落とし穴６２堀：大型連休の過ごし方 (Part1)
Pit 62: How to Spend a Long Holiday
Side: Yuki
In many countries on Earth, a series of consecutive public holidays or days off is called a "long holiday."
No, I’m not talking about the socially unacceptable kind where you just keep skipping work; I’m talking about genuine, sanctioned time off.
Among these, there are periods where holidays overlap, resulting in at least three or four days off, and for some, even a week.
In Japan, these are called "Large Holidays," and the one spanning from late April to early May is known as "Golden Week," often abbreviated as "GW."
During this GW, if the holidays—Greenery Day on April 29th, Constitution Memorial Day on May 3rd, the National Holiday on May 4th, and Children’s Day on May 5th—happen to align with weekends, the 2005 amendment to the substitute holiday law usually allows people in Japan to enjoy a break of nearly a week.
Of course, not everyone gets to rest.
If the shops that provide entertainment were to close, it would defeat the whole purpose.
Municipalities, prefectures, and the capital all host major events during this period to attract crowds and bring in money from outsiders.
For those people, it’s a time to earn, and the idea of taking a break is out of the question.
However, that doesn't mean they never get time off.
If they work at a proper establishment, they can usually get a long break at a different time, even if it isn't during the actual GW.
After explaining all this and forcing a reproduction of GW in Weed, the results were in.
"Man, you were right, Yuki. Sales are through the roof; we're making a killing!"
"Indeed. The shops are thriving, and everyone else seems to be using the long holiday to stretch their wings in the mountains, the snowfields, or at the sea. The reputation is excellent."
"Ah, so this is the place you made for fun, Yuki? The sea was certainly enjoyable."
"At first, I wondered why we needed a 'long holiday,' but the economic effect is incredible. I’m still surprised by the economic concepts from the world you came from."
"Well, the government offices, police, Adventurer Guild, and merchants are all swamped, though."
It’s generally well-received, but Milly is slumped over, looking exhausted.
"Well, well, we’re taking it easy ourselves, so isn't that fine?"
"True. The handovers are finally done, and we’re basically in retirement now."
"That’s fine for all of you who aren't me. You actually found successors."
That’s right. My wives have already finished their terms as representatives and stepped back from the front lines.
Seraria, Labyris, Rurua, and Shera still have different responsibilities, so they’re still somewhat busy, but nothing like Milly.
"Come to think of it, you did mention that. Why couldn't you find a successor, Milly? I’m like a lone-wolf detective, so there’s nothing for me to hand over."
"Ah, didn't I tell you, Deryu? It’s simple. Because the Adventurer Guild is involved, I can't just swap people out willy-nilly. They need someone who has deep ties to Weed, understands the Adventurer Guild, and can act as a mediator."
"Hmm, I see. Then what about Rock, the Guild Master? I think he’d be fine."
"That man is the head of the Weed Adventurer Guild, not someone who handles all the general liaison work for Weed. Besides, my position seems to be extremely convenient, so they don't want to move me. If they replace me, it’ll take longer to get in touch with people like Seraria."
"Ah, I see. Indeed, if we put someone else in charge, it would take time for messages to reach me. Even if we tried to train a successor, it would be impossible in two or three years. Plus, Weed was only just established."
It’s a fair point.
However, I feel bad for forcing the burden solely on Milly, which is why I made sure to push for this GW.
"Milly, don't push yourself too hard. It’s fine to take a break like this, just like everyone else."
I said that while serving her some tea.
"Yes. I won't push myself too hard, of course. You come first, Yuki-san. *Slurp*... Ah, green tea is so soothing."
The way she says green tea hits the spot makes it sound like she’s incredibly tired.
I’ll have to reward her properly later.
That’s part of the reason for this GW, after all.
Well, for now, we’re just waiting at home.
"But Yuki-san, it’s a long holiday, yet we’re just staying home. Is that really okay?"
Oh, Milly’s already pushing back.
I’ve finished serving tea to everyone, so I’ll sit on the cushion before I answer.
"Heave-ho. You’re right, Milly, we are staying home. The reason is, first, everyone was so busy that we didn't have time to discuss what to do."
" " "Ah..." " "
Between the New Continent business and coordinating with the successors to establish the GW in Weed, it was quite a struggle.
In the midst of all that, we couldn't find the time to sit down and ask, "So, what should we do for our break?"
Now, things finally feel like they’ve settled down.
Though, we have been eating breakfast and dinner together every day, and I’ve been cuddling with my wives at night.
The biggest problem is that we didn't really feel like we were on a "long holiday."
Well, that’s one reason, but for me, the next one is the real issue.
"Second. This is the biggest problem for me."
"Eh? For you, Yuki-san?"
"...Interesting. What could possibly be a problem for Yuki?"
"I’m curious too. There’s rarely anything that Yuki-sama considers a problem."
Milly tilts her head, Cleena leans in, and Samantha looks on with great interest.
The other wives are also watching me with tense expressions.
"GW, or any long holiday, has way too many people. That’s the biggest problem."
" " " ?" " "
Everyone has a look on their face that says they don't know what I’m talking about.
But as a Japanese person, I understand.
The mass migration of people, the swarms of crowds at tourist spots...
It takes a lot of guts to dive into that.
Honestly, I don't understand what’s so fun about lining up for restaurants you could easily eat at on a weekday, or waiting thirty minutes to an hour for an amusement park ride.
Well, they probably won't get it, so I’ll project a monitor showing the places where people are likely gathering.
What’s displayed is a sea of people—a massive success, just as expected.
"Oh, it’s quite lively."
"Indeed."
"So, Husband. Is this the problem?"
It seems they still don't quite get it.