落とし穴７７堀：秋の夜長の…… (Part1)
**Pitfall 77: The Long Autumn Night...**
The long autumn night...
There is a proverb that says, "Autumn days fall like a well bucket," meaning that just as a bucket drops quickly into a well, the sun sets in the blink of an eye.
It is a common occurrence to think, "What a beautiful sunset," only to find oneself in total darkness a moment later.
Perhaps because it is such a stark contrast to the long days of summer, the change feels all the more pronounced.
And so, in the world of Weed—a nation located on one of the continents of this other world—the seasons have turned, autumn has arrived, and the sun has dipped well below the horizon.
In places where civilization has yet to fully develop, the lack of light sources often makes work impossible after sunset, leading people to eat dinner and go straight to sleep.
However, that is not necessarily the universal rule.
In truth, while it is indeed difficult to work at night—leaving little to do but eat and sleep if one stays home—there are proper ways to enjoy the night.
That would be the tavern. These are establishments that serve alcohol—or as they called it in the old days, spirits—and they primarily open from dusk, when the workday ends, through the night.
Alcohol has long been one of the few forms of entertainment, and it was widely consumed even by the general public.
Well, that is with the prerequisite that one has a bit of disposable income, of course.
And so, the taverns in Weed are bustling today as well with people finishing their work. Since Weed has moved beyond barter and firmly established a currency-based economy, anyone can pay with money, making that post-work drink quite popular.
Even in a different world, some things never change; for the working class, these places are essential spots to catch one's breath.
**Side: Taizo**
I think about such things as I watch the residents of Weed drinking and making merry before my eyes.
When I was in the Hifie Holy Kingdom, it was work, work, and more work; I was never in a position to enjoy such things.
No, even back in my homeland of Japan, I was so buried in study and research that I never had the time for it either.
I’ve lived a rather lopsided life.
I’ve seen scenes like this many times, but I have almost no experience participating in them myself.
As I think this and offer a bitter smile, someone calls out to me from behind.
"Excuse me, sir. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh, no. It seems you’re quite busy."
"Ahaha, it’s always like this at this hour."
The server, who had been darting back and forth delivering orders, approaches me with a bright smile.
It’s the kind of service one expects, but seeing the sheer volume of work she’s handling, I’m impressed she can still manage a smile.
It’s moments like these that remind me no job is easy.
"Um, are you here by yourself, sir?"
"Oh, no. I believe I have a reservation."
"Under what name?"
"Let me see... I believe it was Velg."
"Ah, the Vice Representative of the Blacksmith District. Right this way."
She must have recognized the name immediately, as she leads me away at once.
Yes, Velg is the dwarf who serves as the Vice Representative of the Blacksmith District under Narjia, just as I’d heard.
The Adventurer District and the Blacksmith District are the only ones where the representatives haven't changed. The Blacksmith District is full of artisan types, and it seems no one is eager to step up as the representative.
Furthermore, because it is a meritocracy based on technical skill, they have established their own unique exam for candidates; there is a rule that one cannot be recognized as a representative without passing it.
This is likely due to the artisan spirit inherent in the long-lived Fairy and Dwarf races.
Of course, it’s not that one *can't* be recognized without becoming a representative—there are plenty of humans and beastmen with great skill—they probably just don't want to deal with the paperwork.
"This is your room."
"Thank you. Oh, it looks like no one else has arrived yet."
"Yes. What would you like to do about drinks?"
"I'll wait until the others arrive, please."
"Yes, certainly. I shall take my leave then."
It appears I am the first to arrive.
I take off my shoes and step into the tatami room.
It’s not the kind of drinking party where one needs to worry about the "seat of honor," so I take a seat toward the back to make it easier for the others to sit down.
Suddenly, my own actions strike me as strange.
Why am I sitting in a tatami room in another world as if it were the most natural thing in the world...?
They say life is full of surprises, but I doubt there’s an experience as bizarre as this.
I thought I had arrived in a region with Western-style civilization, only to meet a fellow countryman who had perfectly recreated Japanese customs, and to top it off, one of them is a distant blood relative.
I can’t help but wonder who would ever believe such a tall tale.
As I’m thinking this, the shoji screen slides open.
"Here we are."
"Hello there. Oh, Taizo-dono, you were the first one here?"
"Zargis-dono, you are the second."
"Is that so? Then I shall take a seat toward the back as well."
With that, Zargis-dono sits across from me.
He is of the Demon race, born from magical anomalies. He possesses a great talent for magic and, having had his research skills recognized, was scouted by Yuki-kun from the Demon Lord's domain.
Apparently, he had faced quite a bit of friction in his research position under the Demon Lord, so he was happy to come here.
It seems that in any world, it is difficult for researchers to find true understanding.
"How have you been lately?"
"Oh, well... 'progress is a daily thing' might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s all about steady accumulation, isn't it?"
"Indeed. If you do not constantly incorporate new knowledge and ideas, you will never lead to new discoveries."
"Well, the moments of inspiration happen in an instant, though."
"True, true."
As Zargis and I are deep in conversation, the rest of the group begins to arrive one after another.
"What’s this? I thought we’d be the first."
"Old man Velg, what are you talking about? When I went to pick you up, you said you’d be ready in a minute, and we ended up waiting thirty minutes."
"That’s right. You only started chasing after us once Yuki-san and I said we were leaving you behind."
"Hmm. Was that so? Well, it doesn't matter. Now that everyone is here, hey! Let’s order!"
"Coming right up!"
The server replies immediately and heads over to us.
"Now then, for the drinks... shall we start with draft beer?"
No one has any reason to object, so everyone nods.
"Right, five drafts, some karaage, and chicken thigh skewers..."
Velg-dono rattles off the order in one breath.
Anything missing or anything anyone wants personally can be ordered later.
For now, we’ll just order a bit of everything.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Here are your five drafts, the karaage, and..."
Without much delay, she brings the beer and the appetizers at the same time.
This way, we can avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
I remember hearing that for some people, drinking on an empty stomach makes the alcohol hit them much faster.
Well, that’s fine. I firmly grip the mug placed in front of me.
"Alright, Yuki, you’re the boss. Give us a toast."
"Yes, yes."
It seems Yuki-kun is the one to lead the toast.
Well, he is the master of this dungeon, so that’s only natural.
"Alright, no long-winded speeches. Let’s drink like men tonight! Cheers!"
" " "Cheers!" " "
With that, we clink our glasses together, a pleasant sound ringing out, and after confirming everyone is ready, we down the beer in one go.
" " "Ahhh!" " "
Personally, I don't drink much and I don't necessarily find it delicious, but I think it’s fine to drink along when the occasion calls for it.
This atmosphere is quite nice, too.
Everyone begins to reach for the snacks on the table.
"Man, I live for this first glass!"
"You never change, do you, Velg-san?"
"Of course not! Taiki, for us dwarves, alcohol is the water of life! You get that, right?!"
"I've heard it a dozen times already. Anyway, want some karaage?"