落とし穴１３３堀：頑張る人にも年越しを (Part2)
Even though we are classmates who get along well, our positions are strictly that of superior and subordinate. I should have been more considerate, just like Yuki.
"It’s fine, it’s fine. In a situation like this, even a seasoned official would reach their breaking point. You girls are working yourselves too hard. You need to learn to take a breather. It’s not as if Princess Carrie wants to be mean to you or force you to overwork, you know? You understand that, don't you?"
"……Yes."
It’s true; I know the Princess doesn’t want to bully us. If she actually found us to be a nuisance, we wouldn't still be in this position to begin with. But I can't help but feel guilty about failing to meet her expectations, or feeling bad that everyone around us is struggling so much.
"Well, that is precisely why I have come here. Princess Carrie asked me to ensure you take it easy around the end of the year and the start of the new one."
"““Eh?””"
The three of us were equally stunned by Enor’s words.
"Why the surprise? You know Princess Carrie isn't a demon, don't you? Besides, this is a reward from Sota and myself. Come now, follow me. I’ve already secured an appointment with Yuki-dono, whom you all like so much. Or would you rather prioritize your work over your plans with him?"
"““We’re going!!””"
No one would turn down an offer like that. We followed him, overjoyed.
"Good. Now, let’s hurry. It’s already getting dark outside."
At his words, I looked out the window and realized he was right; the sun had set. I felt like I had spent more than half of the year-end working, but I decided to be genuinely happy that we were finished at this hour. If Enor hadn't come, the three of us would have spent New Year's Eve alone in the office.
Thinking this, we were led by Enor to the commercial district first.
"Um, Enor-sama. I thought we were going to Yuki’s place?"
"Indeed. Well, we are visiting at the end of the year, after all. We need to bring a small gift. There are also some things Sota asked for. It’s just a slight detour."
Ah, right. Since we’re going to Yuki’s, we need a souvenir.
"Hey, Kagura. Shouldn't we buy something too?"
Mikos seemed to share my concern, but...
"Oh, it’s fine, it’s fine. We’ll handle it this time. It was Sota’s wish to enjoy a proper New Year’s celebration for the first time in a while."
"Enjoy the New Year? I see, so Sota-sama is..."
"Indeed. He is a fellow Japanese person, just like Yuki-dono. That is why Yuki-dono accepted the request so readily. I suppose there is a certain bond between those from the same homeland. And Sota, having Japanese blood himself, desperately wants Kagura and her friends to experience a Japanese New Year. To us, you girls are like our own grandchildren. Please, just indulge an old man and woman’s whim. It might be boring for you, though."
"No, that’s not true at all."
"Exactly. It’ll be fun. Plus, we’ve been freed from our work."
"Yes! Let’s go buy some souvenirs!"
With that, we bought our gifts and headed to Yuki’s house.
"Oh, you’re finally here. Thanks for working right up until the last minute of the year. Come on in, come on in."
"The food is ready," my Yuki said, greeting us alongside Ria.
"Sorry about all the extra work you got because we invited you for Christmas. Well, I guess that just shows how desperate the other side is."
"O-oh, it’s nothing like that."
"You don't have to hide it; we heard all about it from Sota and the others."
"Come to think of it, Sota-sama is here too, isn't he?"
"Indeed. He’s likely already started. Now then, Yuki-dono, here are the things you requested and a little something extra."
"Thanks, Enor-san. Alright, I’m going to start preparing the New Year’s Soba. Kagura, Mikos, Solo—make yourselves at home. Oh, and don't eat too much. Your kimonos will get tight."
"““?””"
I’m happy that Yuki is cooking for me, but what was that about the kimono? A kimono is the clothing Japanese people wear, right? Is it different from the shrine maiden outfit I have?
While I was pondering that, I went to the banquet hall and found...
"Oh, you're done with work?"
"Wait, why is Enora here?"
"Well, obviously because Enor-sama invited me?"
For some reason, Enora was relaxing at Yuki’s house before we even arrived, acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I have a feeling Enora is suspicious...
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to eat some mandarin oranges? Oranges in a kotatsu are the best, aren't they?"
"That's right! Kagura-tachi, let's eat!"
"Hey, Riel. You have to clean up the orange peels, you know."
"……Yes. Kagura-tachi's food."
...No, maybe she's just a glutton. She gets along well with Tori-san and the others since they are all spirit shrine maidens.
Well, never mind that. Time for Yuki’s food!
***
December 31, 2018
To everyone working hard today, thank you so much for your efforts. Thanks to all of you, those of us on year-end leave are able to spend our time peacefully. The story of Kagura and the others is about those who are still working, after all. I’m sure many of you will be working straight through the New Year—thank you truly for your hard work.
And thank you all for sticking with *Victory Dungeon* throughout this year. This year, *Victory Dungeon* saw some big events, including a manga adaptation and a game adaptation. That is all thanks to everyone who enjoys reading it.
And now, for the coming year of 2019: We will, of course, be updating at 0:00 on January 1st, so please look forward to it!
Have a happy New Year!!