落とし穴１２９堀：働く人のクリスマス予定 (Part2)
"Are you feeling unwell?"
"Oh, no, no. The Micos-chan group is doing just fine."
"You don't seem like it. You look strangely listless."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes. Given your demeanor earlier, did something happen? We are all from the same continent, after all. It is necessary for us to unite when dealing with diplomacy. If it isn't a secret, I am happy to offer my counsel."
"She's right. As Stasia-denka says, if it’s nothing problematic, just tell us. We aren't exactly on such formal terms that we need to be shy, are we? Come on, let’s head to that café over there."
Well, it wasn't really anything to hide, and we had planned on stopping by a café anyway. As we sipped warm drinks, I explained that we were forced to work despite it being Christmas...
"Ah, it really hits hard when everyone else is having fun and you’re the only ones working. That happens to me a lot, too."
"I have experienced that as well. There are many times when I have to stand guard while everyone else is enjoying themselves."
I had expected them to call us unprofessional, but to my surprise, they sympathized.
"Enora, you have those moments too? I honestly thought that since you’re the Bishop’s deputy, you wouldn't be involved in—or even interested in—such worldly things, unlike us."
"What do you take me for? Even I used to run around and get into mischief with Kagura and Princess Carrie when I was little. But I didn't expect Stasia-denka to agree, either."
"I am human, too, after all. I have also wanted to try playing with everyone. Well, there was the matter with Age, which made it difficult to enjoy myself, but that has been resolved now."
"Come to think of it, how are things with Age-sama?"
"Thanks to the cooperation of Queen Seraria, Princess Lowel, and others, our relationship is excellent now. However, we are both busy people, so it doesn't look like we’ll be able to take time off for Christmas."
"Working is tough, isn't it? Ah, I want a vacation."
As we all nodded in agreement with Enora’s words and went to take a sip of our tea...
"In that case, leave it to me!!"
" *Pfft!* "
Startled by the sudden, booming voice right next to our table, we all spat out our tea.
"*Cough!* *Hack!*... What was that for? You scared us!"
I turned toward the source of the voice...
"Hairen-sama!?"
Enora, who had been sprayed with tea, didn't even bother to wipe her face; she just stood up and froze. Yes, standing there was none other than Hairen-sama, the legendary goddess of our continent...
"...Why are you wearing a nurse’s uniform? I’d like Micos-chan to understand this clearly."
Just as Micos said, she was standing there in a nurse’s outfit for some reason.
"Hm? Oh, it’s simple. There are children who come to the church, and there are many others I personally want to give presents to. The church’s salary just isn't enough. So, I’m working."
Ah, I see. I suppose for Hairen-sama, this is a calling second only to the church. After all, it is said that she originally fought alongside our ancestors as a healer. But for some reason, Hairen-sama looked dissatisfied as she spoke.
"Lilishe-sama asked me to work as a nurse at the hospital. I told them I’d rather be a doctor, but Lulua, Elju, and Lilishe-sama absolutely forbade it. They said I’m only allowed to treat people with healing magic. I wanted to try using medicine, too."
Ah, that’s understandable. Medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin. Hairen-sama would probably succeed in the end, but the struggle we would have to endure to get there is all too easy to imagine. Nice work, Lilishe-sama and the others.
"Um, Hairen-sama? What did you mean by 'leave it to me'?"
"Huh!? If you hadn't mentioned it, Solo, I would have forgotten. Leave the Christmas matter to me. I’ll negotiate with all the relevant parties and make sure you all get the day off. I don't have much standing in Weed, but I have plenty of pull back home!"
Hairen-sama puffed out her chest proudly. Indeed, if Hairen-sama were to put in a word, I’m sure something could be arranged.
"I wanted to participate in Christmas, too. You know how Lilishe-sama insists on prayer at the Litea Church. It’s not like I can just go to the school’s Christmas party all by myself."
"I see. That would be a huge help. May we leave it to you, Hairen-sama?"
"Leave it to me, Stasia. I’ll get the Christmas preparations ready. Oh, I have to get back from my shopping trip or I’ll get scolded. See you later. I’ll send a call once everything is ready."
With that, the nurse goddess dashed out and vanished in an instant.
"When it comes down to it, Hairen-sama really is a goddess, isn't she?"
We all nodded in agreement at Enora’s words as she wiped her face. Now, I’m really looking forward to Christmas!!