落とし穴１０７堀：あけましておめでとうございます (Part2)

She must be frustrated, as the recording is in the studio at the government building.

"Queen Seraria is going to speak!"

"I'm looking forward to it."

"That's right... *chuckle*..."

"Labyris. That laugh doesn't bode well, does it?"

"As always, you're so dark, Labyris."

"And you, Dressa, should probably stop eating and listen quietly."

"...*Grumble*..."

The little ones seem to be enjoying the radio together, but Hiiro is nodding off, clearly at her limit.

"Seraria must be frustrated. Hey, Milly."

"It can't be helped. Last year, we could have listened to the radio together like this and gone for New Year's visits."

"Shh, both of you, quiet. Seraria's greeting is about to start."

Eris says this, and everyone immediately falls silent.

The time is 23:58.

"To all the citizens living in Weed, and to the travelers and adventurers visiting from other countries. I am Seraria, Queen of Weed. I've received requests to conclude this year with words from myself, so I will speak here. Thank you all for everything this year. It's been a year with many ups and downs, I'm sure. But, thanks to the help of not only the citizens of Weed but also many others, I am deeply grateful to be able to welcome the New Year safely. ...Well, while I'm saying such formal things, time is almost up. Let's do the countdown."

And so, the year comes to an end.

"10, 9, 8, 7..."

"4, 3, 2, 1..."

"0!"

*Gong, gong, gong...*

The beautiful bells of the church ring out.

As always, the deep, resonant sound of the New Year's Eve bells sounds like a bright melody here, which is probably proof that I'm Japanese.

But that's beside the point.

Farewell, last year; hello, New Year.

"Happy New Year. Now, New Year! Let's make Weed exciting and have fun for another year. First, the New Year's festival! Have fun, and be careful not to get injured. Oh, this year's lucky bags will be available from the 2nd, so no need to rush on the first day. Also, we will be using the Royal Guard to prevent people from lining up from the day before, so please be aware of that. Well, I want to enjoy the New Year with my family."

As Seraria says this, the sound of her standing up is heard, and she immediately switches to hosting the radio show.

"Queen Seraria is very thoughtful of her family. She told us to spend time with our families and friends after work to rest. Now, my job is to liven up this New Year. Oh, I almost forgot. From me as well... Happy New Year!! I'm heading to the church now to report!! While I'm moving, I'll be doing a live report from the shopping district..."

The radio continues in this manner.

And then, we, along with everyone else...

"Happy New Year!"

As we greet each other...

*Thump, thump, thump...!!*

"Happy New Year!! I'm back!!"

Seraria exclaims, throwing herself at me.

I catch her and pat her head.

"Welcome back. You were fast, though."

"...It hasn't even been a minute since the radio ended..."

"Well, I have a teleportation ring..."

"You really did just burst out like you said on the radio. What should I tell the radio director later..."

"That doesn't matter!! My beloved wife is back, so here, soba! It's soba!"

"Yes, yes."

It seems my New Year always begins with making meals for my wives.

I put on my apron and start preparing the soba.

Then, suddenly, I look at my reflection in the kitchen window...

"Happy New Year."

I say.

Yes. And so, Happy New Year.

I look forward to your continued support this year.

Now, I wonder what kind of turbulent days await Yuki and the others this year.

Still, their laid-back nature is part of their charm.

Now, in Weed and Japan, the New Year's visits and the battle for lucky bags are about to begin!

Let's dive into the crowds!

Ah, as usual, I'll be staying warm at home.