第７１４堀：表と裏 (Part2)
Yesterday, I thought I had reached the height of luxury by indulging in the open-air baths, only to find a feast waiting for me in my room. After eating my fill, I found myself engrossed in a book titled *The Weed Sightseeing Guide*, excitedly planning where to go next. By the time I finally closed my eyes, it was well past midnight.
Truly, those electric lights are terrifying things—they illuminate the world at night as if it were broad daylight. With those, one need never fear the darkness of the night again.
Furthermore, Touya had mentioned even more "demonic tools" that entice one to stay awake: things called "television" and "games." How frightening. It implies the people of Japan spend their days without ever sleeping. Perhaps the strength of the Japanese lies in that very endurance.
As I fought against my drowsiness while pondering such things, Yuki-dono arrived at the inn. It was five minutes to nine—perfectly on time.
"Good morning. Did you rest well last night?"
"Ah—yes. I was able to rest."
Between the open-air bath, the delicious dinner, and the comfortable bed, there was no doubt I had more than enough opportunity to rest. However, as my chancellor had pointed out, the fact that I stayed up late making a fuss was my own fault... To admit that honestly would be nothing but an embarrassment.
"Is something the matter?"
I suppose, as a leader of a nation, he couldn't help but react to my hesitant tone. To stubbornly hide it now would only lead to further shame.
"Very well. I shall be honest. I was a bit too excited and stayed up late."
"Ah."
The moment I said it, Yuki-dono showed immediate understanding.
"Is this a common occurrence?"
"Yes. It seems everything in Weed is quite a novelty to visitors."
"It is indeed. There was even a small icehouse in the room. I was quite shocked."
That’s right—there was a small icehouse called a "refrigerator," among many other things. They truly have everything here.
"Well, those are standard equipment in Japan. Along with things like air conditioning."
"Even that magic tool that cools the room? No, I have heard my husband mention them before. Every time summer came around, he would lament the lack of air conditioning and refrigerators... but I never imagined they were quite like that."
I truly felt this from the bottom of my heart: "I am amazed the Japanese people didn't fall into total decadence."
If such an environment were the standard, would people ever take a single step outside?
"Everything requires money, you see. That is why people go out to work."
"So, even with a civilization this advanced, that part remains unchanged?"
"Unfortunately so."
What a cold, hard world.
"Setting that aside, how would you like to proceed with the sightseeing? Or shall we move to the conference?"
"No, I ask that we proceed with the sightseeing as planned. If we held a conference now, I am certain I would fall asleep."
"Understood. Then let us stick to the schedule."
And so, we set out to tour the sights of Weed.
"First, as we begin our tour of Weed, please take this pamphlet."
He handed me a thin book titled *An Introduction to Weed*. It had a different feel from the sightseeing guide that had been in my room yesterday.
"To start, regarding the dungeon that makes up this country, the levels where people live are generally referred to as the Residential Districts..."
As Yuki-dono began his explanation, a thought struck me. This was bad. Sightseeing might be more grueling than I anticipated.
"This area here is the state-run facility known as a 'Super Sento'."
"Ooh! This is the place from the guide! I heard there are baths of all shapes and sizes!"
Once we actually started walking around the site, my drowsiness vanished. Though I must admit, the initial explanation about how each level of the dungeon was assigned a specific role was a bit taxing.
Currently, we were in the Commercial and Adventurer Districts. These areas mainly housed facilities catering to tourists and adventurers. While these places were enjoyable, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—which is currently under construction—also had many novel features. The large park in the Residential District was another surprise. Truly, everything I laid eyes upon was brand new.
"Well, that concludes the general introduction. If there are other places you wish to see, I can arrange time for that at a later date. For today, why don't we end here and let you enjoy some shopping in the Commercial District?"
"Is that alright?!"
"Yes. There is a reason I saved the Commercial District for last. It’s a lesson learned from experience. If I give people free time in the Commercial District first, they either don't return at the appointed time, or they're too distracted to pay attention to the rest of the tour."
"I can certainly see why."
Even I was feeling distracted. Just now, I had passed a food stall I recognized from yesterday's guide and was worried they might sell out before I could get back.
"With that, if you have any trouble, you can ask the patrolling police officers, the nearest information desk, or any of the shopkeepers. I believe you'll be fine."
"Understood. We shall rely on them if anything occurs."
"Then we are dismissed for today. Let us meet in front of the inn tomorrow morning at nine."
"Very well. Everyone, let's go!"
And so, with the *Weed Sightseeing Guide* in hand, we headed out into the city.
***
"Phew. Managed to get through that somehow. I need to deliver those letters to the two of them today..."
Now then, I wonder which side is the "front" and which is the "back"?
Is it "Yuki"? Or is it "Miyabi"?
Perhaps it is the "Hero" and the "Heroine."
Or maybe it is the "Everyday" and the "Extraordinary"?
How did these two sides appear to you?