落とし穴１３２堀：年末だからこそ国は忙しい (Part2)
"Indeed. The paperwork is finally finished."
"Winter is a difficult time for every nation, it seems."
"Yes. Calculating winter reserves and allocating them to each town and village... While much of it is left to the discretion of the local lords, such support is indispensable for maintaining their loyalty."
"It is the same everywhere. Or rather, the larger the nation, the more one cannot afford to neglect such support."
"It is a troublesome business. But if you neglect it, you’ll find the ground cut out from under you. Still, thanks to this intercontinental exchange, securing supplies has become much easier. It is a true relief."
As we spoke of such things, we passed through Betan and arrived at Weed. A familiar-looking immigration official approached us...
"Welcome to Weed."
With those words, he greeted us, but...
"Hm? Aren't you General John?"
Just as King Noble said, standing before us was General John, who served as a general in the Monster Army.
"Oh, yes, that’s right. Why are you here? And, if I may ask, what is that attire?"
"That clothing is a *wafuku*, isn't it? The type worn for celebratory occasions."
Moreover, as Hifi-san noted, for some reason, John-kun was greeting us in traditional Japanese dress.
"Ah, well, I’ll explain as I guide you. This way."
For some reason, John-kun lacked his usual vigor. He looked like Steve-kun when he’s dealing with Alfin-dono. No, perhaps anyone dealing with Alfin-dono ends up ruminating on their own misfortune.
Wait, that snack... hold on. As we moved, I noticed something strange about the scenery.
"John-kun, are only the Orcs wearing *wafuku*?"
Indeed, for some reason, only the Orcs were clad in traditional Japanese garments, while the Goblins, Minotaurs, and other monsters were wearing their standard military uniforms.
"Yeah. That’s right. Apparently, Seraria-anesan decided it had something to do with the Chinese zodiac..."
"?"
Hifi-san and King Noble tilted their heads in confusion at his words, but it made perfect sense to me.
"I see. The zodiac. Next year is the Year of the Boar."
"So it seems. Though, I’m an Orc, not a boar, you know," John-kun said, letting out a heavy sigh.
Well, I suppose it’s an unwelcome situation for him personally. Even so, I understand Seraria-heika’s sentiment. She likely wants to popularize the zodiac, and in this world where monsters exist, it’s a very easy concept to implement—especially since they can communicate, unlike the animals of our world.
"Excuse me, but what is the 'zodiac'?"
"I’ve never heard of it."
Ah, it’s only natural that Hifi-san and King Noble wouldn't know. I gave them a brief explanation.
"I see. It is true that the gods are often quite fond of animals."
"Yes. The idea that it’s based on the order in which they arrived to visit a god who was bedridden with illness is quite interesting. So, you enshrine them as the zodiac to gain their favor?"
"Exactly. And next year’s zodiac is the 'Boar.' It’s slightly different from John-kun, who is an Orc, but they look similar enough, after all."
"It’s a real nuisance for me, though. I feel like an animal in a sideshow."
"Come now, doesn't that just mean you’ve been recognized as a messenger of the gods, John-kun?"
"...It’s a bit complicated to be called a messenger of the gods at this point in my life."
"Ugh."
At John-kun’s ruthless remark, Hifi-san and King Noble clutched their chests.
"Ah, sorry. I was referring to Luna-anesan."
"Well, she is quite free-spirited, after all..."
I couldn't exactly defend Luna-dono. Besides, considering the origin of the zodiac, the anecdote involves Luna-dono falling ill and the others rushing to visit her...
"And she said this would increase new sources of revenue for each country, too."
"What do you mean?"
"If the zodiac spreads, it creates new demand. It means new business opportunities for craftsmen and products related to those themes."
"I see. I wondered why she brought it up now, but it’s a new revenue stream."
"No matter how much easier things get with intercontinental exchange, the economy won't improve unless the citizens actually spend money."
"So it’s a countermeasure for that."
"Hmm. I need to hear more about this 'zodiac' business."
And so, shrugging my shoulders at the realization that a relaxing New Year’s was unlikely, I stood beside Hifi-san. The higher up you are, the busier the end and beginning of the year become. Between contacting acquaintances, sending greeting letters to those you have ties with, and attending parties, there is no rest.
In this way, Hifi, Taizo-san, and the others would soon be swept up in the busyness.
Well, after all that, I’d just have to enjoy a rowdy time with Yuki and the others.