落とし穴８４堀：いつもの年越し (Part2)
Well, it’s a bit delicate if these girls are already discussing future plans, but it just goes to show how much they worry about me.
"Ah, delicious. Come to think of it, Cleena and Samantha are eating with chopsticks quite naturally now."
"Now that you mention it, both of them have gotten much better at using chopsticks."
"Mm. I cannot keep eating with a fork forever. I must become a true Edokko."
"Why an Edokko? And wait, was soba even from Edo? Never mind that, chopsticks are convenient once you get used to them."
I feel like there are some strange biases at play here, but I can understand why Ria and Jessica would be surprised watching Cleena and Samantha. This is only their second New Year’s Eve in Weed. In other words, it’s been a little over a year. One might think a year is enough to master chopsticks, but I’ve often heard that learning them from scratch is actually quite difficult.
"Kirue-senpai. This is my second time, but Master’s soba broth is truly delicious, isn't it? Do you happen to know the recipe?"
"As if I would tell you. This was made by Master solely for us. It is not something to be shared with others."
"Darn, I figured as much. Guess I’ll have to research it myself."
Sasari, who had wandered over to see how things were going, was dismissed without a second thought. Thanks to Kirue’s sharp remark, I couldn't exactly say, "Oh, it's fine to teach her," but I suppose Sasari researching her own broth might lead to an increase in delicious food, so that’s fine.
By the way, we’ve left the children in the care of Aslin’s Kuro-chan and the others just for the duration of the meal.
"It’s a strange food. Delicious, though..."
"There is nothing Brother prepares that isn't delicious, you know?"
"Brother’s cooking is good. It’s different from the food at the dormitory."
It must be Dressa’s first time eating soba. The grey noodles probably look strange to her. Cleena and Samantha were hesitant at first, too; that’s how foreign food culture usually feels. Also, while I’m happy to hear Vilria’s words, everyone has different tastes. Hiiro is comparing it to the wrong thing—the ingredients and efficiency are completely different from the mass-produced school dormitory meals.
As everyone enjoyed their meal and finished their bowls...
"Oh, it’s almost midnight."
At Seraria’s words, everyone’s gaze turned to the clock. The time was 11:58 PM. Another year is finally coming to an end.
"Ten."
"Nine."
"Eight."
"Seven."
Aslin and the others began the countdown just like last year, and we listened in silence. Dressa and the others joined in, adding to the liveliness, and as this year...
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
"Zero!"
It was over. Everyone looked at each other...
"Happy New Year!"
We had welcomed a new year.
"I look forward to your continued support this year as well."
Well, the greetings are done, so I suppose it’s time to clean up the dishes and go to sleep. There was talk about even more people being here this year, so there’s no reason to intentionally dive into the crowds in the middle of the night.
Just as I was thinking that, Seraria suddenly clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
"Now, we are moving on to the 'Lucky Bag Acquisition Operation.' Since there are more people this year than usual, we should assume we won't be able to secure them unless we line up early. We have bags to pick up for Lady Lilishe as well, so everyone except for those looking after the children—we’re heading out!"
"Understood!"
"Wait, what?"
The moment I said that, looks of "What is this guy talking about?" were thrust upon me.
"Oh, I suppose you didn't know, Yuki. This year, with more shops from other countries joining in, the variety of lucky bags has increased significantly. So, we’ve all agreed to cooperate—even if we can't get one for everyone, we’re aiming to secure at least one from each shop."
"Brother. A famous jewelry store from Gartz is releasing a lucky bag, so we absolutely cannot miss that one. If we don't line up now, we won't make it in time. I’m counting on you for that."
"Um, Seraria? Ratz? Everyone? Am I helping too?"
"Obviously."
And just like that, I was dragged outside. Damn it. It was a peaceful New Year’s Eve, but the first three days of the New Year are going to be even busier.
Isn't staying up all night supposed to be prohibited?! Next year, I’m definitely going to draft a bill to ban all-nighters!
That was my New Year’s resolution.
Well, thank you all for a wonderful year. I hope to continue our relationship in the coming year as well.
Have a happy New Year.
The next update is scheduled for January 1st at midnight. However, please keep in mind that access might be concentrated, so there is a possibility you won't be able to connect.
Anyway, don't go pulling all-nighters for lucky bags!