落とし穴８２堀：いい子にはプレゼントの日 (Part2)
"Such a good girl, Shuten. Maybe you'll get a present tomorrow."
"A present? Why?"
"Tomorrow is called Christmas. Santa Claus brings presents to children who have been good."
"There's a day like that? Can my little sisters get them too?"
"Don't worry. Sakura, Sumire, Shael, Schans, Yuyu, and Eria have all been good girls, so they'll get them too."
"I see! I'm so excited. Oh, I'll stay awake and wait for Santa to come. Then I can give the presents to my sisters right away!"
We were secretly startled by those words. If she did that, we wouldn't be able to prepare for the Christmas party in secret.
*...What are you planning to do, Yuki?*
"That won't do."
"Eh?"
"Good children don't stay up late. And they don't wake up their sleeping sisters."
"Auu... Okay, I'll sleep."
I see, so this is a common story. It’s true that if you’re told there’s a day to receive presents, you’d be too excited to sleep. So this is how children on Earth are coaxed into sleeping like good little ones.
*...Hmm, adults are so cunning.*
But it’s for the sake of the children, so it can’t be helped. Yuki said it’s a day to give them dreams. A day for the world to let children spend their time happily and healthily. It’s also a passionate day for lovers and married couples, but Yuki prioritizes the children. Well, we wives have already settled among ourselves that we’ll demand compensation later, so it’s fine.
When it came time to actually sleep, Shuten couldn't drift off. Today was the day for looking after the children, so Aslin, Kirue, and I were sleeping in the children's room, but perhaps Yuki’s words were still stuck in her head, as she kept tossing and turning in her futon. Since she was right next to me, I could tell.
"Shuten, can't you sleep?"
"Yeah. Labyris-kaka-sama. I'm worried."
"Worried?"
"I wonder if Santa has enough for all my sisters? If there isn't enough, I have to prepare some..."
This child really is... She wouldn't be able to sleep if I left her alone. Thinking that, I slipped into Shuten's futon.
"Kaka-sama?"
I hugged her tight.
"It's alright. You don't need to worry about that, Shuten. Santa has everything prepared properly."
"...You're right. Tot-sama and the others wouldn't lie."
"So, goodnight."
"Yeah. Goodnight, Kaka-sama... Ugh, I can't breathe because of your chest."
"Oh, my apologies."
...Sometimes, having a large chest is a hindrance. I can't hold a child for long periods.
And then, the next morning.
"Labyris-kaka-sama!! Kaka-sama!!"
"...Hm? What is it, Shuten? Is it morning already?"
I realized it was morning, having been woken by Shuten's voice. Though, it was still dark outside.
"It's still a bit early to wake up, what's wrong?"
"Kaka-sama, there were so many presents!!"
"Oh, is that so?"
I mean, she had already taken action. I wonder what time she woke up?
"This way!! This way!!"
"Yes, yes."
The other children were still asleep, and only Kirue and Aslin noticed Shuten's excitement. I was led by Shuten straight to the banquet hall where the presents had been placed.
"Kaka-sama, you know, I felt a presence in the house, so I woke up a little while ago to investigate, and there were presents!!"
"I see."
It must have been one of the members who had finished the preparations and let their guard down. Yuki had said that Shuten’s specs were very high, and that moving without being detected was good practice for her.
"They had enough for my sisters, and one for me too!! Look!! Look!!"
"I see. That's wonderful."
She brought me a box with a ribbon attached to the wrapping paper, just like the others. Tucked into the ribbon was a message card that read: *To the good girl, Shuten.*
"...Can I open it?"
"Yes."
When I gave her permission, she tore off the ribbon, ripped the wrapping paper, and opened the box. Inside was...
"Wow! It's a kitty pajama set!!"
Yes, this time the presents were matching pajamas. Shuten had looked a little envious seeing the other children wearing their matching rabbit pajamas. She’ll be even happier when she finds out they match her sisters'.
...And Seraria, who loves children, got a nosebleed seeing the children in their kitty pajamas. As expected of her.
Merry Christmas!!
Well, I've never received a present myself, though (blank stare).
Now, regarding the game video I mentioned last time, the details are up in the activity report. It’s like "experiencing life in another world through a game," so it might be fun?
Well then, have a merry Christmas.