落とし穴１１０堀：冬の祭り (Part2)
"Yeah, no injuries here."
"It’s cold, isn't it? That’s snow for you."
"You have to stay warm, or you'll catch a cold."
"You can play after we eat breakfast. You’ll play with your little sisters, okay?"
"Yes!"
The two of them seemed to have calmed down from their excitement. We all headed back to the house, left the two in the care of Kirue, and went to prepare our usual breakfast.
On the way, Firia brought up the subject of the snow sculpture contest.
"Oh, Brother. Come to think of it, the quality of the snow is perfect. I’d like to request a special weather announcement."
"Oh, you're right. With snow like that, it’s definitely doable. So, it’s finally time for this year’s event, huh?"
"That’s right."
"Understood. I’ll tell everyone during breakfast. It’s going to get busy, then."
"I have a proposal regarding that. This year, I want to divide the exhibits into different participation categories."
"I see. It’s probably about time for that."
"Hmm? What do you mean, Firia?"
Brother seemed to understand, but I was a little lost.
"Well, you see, up until last year, adults, children, craftsmen, and regular people were all judged together. Naturally, that meant the ones winning the prizes were mostly skilled adults and veteran craftsmen."
"Oh, I get it! So, you’re going to divide it into categories like an adult division, a children’s division, or something like the Adventurer Guild, so everyone gets a fair evaluation."
"Exactly."
"That makes sense. Plus, people who were hesitant to participate because of all the experts might be more willing to join in the general or children’s divisions."
"More people might end up playing in the snow. Of course, we could also set up a corner for Sakura and the others to play in."
"Like a snowball fight or a snow-play area. You’re right; if we do it in the same spot, the sculptures might get broken, which would cause trouble. We definitely need a separate space for that."
Even while talking about such things, we continued preparing breakfast as usual.
It’s just a normal part of life for us now.
"Oh? Is it snowing enough to hold the snow sculpture contest?"
"Oh, morning, Labyris. Shera."
"Morning."
"Yes, good morning."
"Yes, good morning to you both. Yuki, regarding the impact of the snow, carriage traffic outside the Weed dungeon is paralyzed. It’s fine for just today, but if it continues for several days, we’ll have to organize snow-shoveling public works... Many of the towns and villages around Weed rely on us for their supplies."
"Well, if it comes to that, we’ll just leave it to Steve and the monster army. It’ll boost the reputation of Weed’s monsters, too. Nothing raises your standing like being active during a natural disaster."
"Though it means Steve and the others will have to work out in the freezing cold."
"Either way, they’ll be dragged out for the snow sculpture contest setup anyway..."
Steve and his crew are always doing such great work. I have to make sure to praise them properly.
While I was thinking about that, Labyris and Shera joined us, and we finished preparing breakfast smoothly, gathering in the banquet hall as we always do.
"Your ears might fall off, so the children really need earmuffs..."
"Yes, yes, calm down, Tori."
"Let’s eat breakfast first."
Tori is the same as ever; she seems to have a complicated history with snow and can’t let go of her earmuffs.
I wonder if she had such a rough job?
Brother said that nature is harsh, so I’m sure it was quite difficult. It must be tough to work or have gym class out in the cold.
"Tori is her usual self, but I understood what Firia said. The budget is secured, so leave it to me."
"Thank you, Eris."
"Fufu. The grouping for the snow sculpture contest is a great idea. Leave the publicity and the announcement to me."
"Thank you, Ratz."
"Well, with that said, we’ll be holding the snow sculpture contest again this year, so I know everyone is going to be busy, but I’m counting on you."
"Yes!"
And so, the curtain rose on the Weed snow sculpture contest.
"Alright, Firia, let’s build a castle that won’t lose to last year’s!"
"Yeah!"
"Indeed."
"Let’s make the face of the contest."
We’ll do our best at the most important job of the contest, too.
A pitfall for now.
After all, it’s a massive cold wave.
I had to include that bit.
Is everyone doing okay?
There wasn't much damage in Kyushu, but I heard the snow was quite something elsewhere.
Oh, by the way, Volume 8 goes on sale tomorrow, January 30th, 2018.
Buy it if you feel like it.
Also, Monster Hunter World is fun.