落とし穴１３５堀：男たちの正月 (Part2)
As Taiki-kun mentioned, gates have already been installed in some of the smaller nations within the Rogali Continent, so many dignitaries from those small nations have come to visit for the New Year.
The reason, as Taizo-san says, is to make connections and gain even a slight advantage in future negotiations.
Well, many of them are just here to enjoy themselves, too.
Thanks to the tourists increasing every year during the New Year holidays, Non, the commercial representative, as well as Poni, the police chief who needs to increase security, and Tiffany, who manages the accounting and finances for those costs, are all holding their heads in their hands.
"The fortunate thing is that many people have finally learned the rules of Weed, so there are fewer troubles. There are still those who act like they can do whatever they want because they're 'nobility,' but those idiots are decreasing."
"There are always those, aren't there? They're the most troublesome bunch. The type who thinks they can do anything just because they're nobles."
"Indeed. They forget the original duties of a noble."
"In a way, they serve as a cautionary tale, but for those of us actually dealing with the aftermath, it's a real pain."
As Souta-san says, for those of us on the front lines, it is incredibly troublesome.
Detaining them, contacting the relevant parties, getting a report, inquiring with the major powers, and then handing them over.
Then, the major power that receives them has to inquire with the small nation, conduct a fact-finding investigation—just summarizing the process is exhausting.
By the way, that idiot noble who bragged about his status during the Intercontinental Exchange Ceremony and tried to steal Labyris and the others' entry tickets was handed over to Lilishe's Alstaire and reportedly fell into ruin afterward.
Well, that’s a fitting end. They were lucky to keep their heads.
Or, perhaps, they might have been quietly eliminated.
"Well, let's leave the work talk at that. It is New Year's, after all."
"My apologies. I just couldn't help it."
"Well, we’re all busy people, so we tend to end up talking about these things, don't we?"
"Still, it’s only just past seven, so there’s nothing to do. We won’t be drinking until everyone gathers."
That’s right. Seraria and the others have gone off to the battle for the lucky bags since the crack of dawn, so those of us who saw them off have nothing to do but lounge around the house.
Well, there is cooking to be done, but that starts after we hear the reports of our wives' spoils of war, and if I were to sleep now, I have no confidence I’d be able to wake up.
There are the children to consider, too. Though the ten demon beasts under Aslin’s command are babysitting, so it’s unlikely anything will happen, I still don’t intend to go to sleep leaving the children entirely to them.
So, we are just chatting away leisurely like this.
Well, we’ll probably end up playing games eventually, but for now, we’re just having a chat.
"Back to the topic, Seraria and the others really work hard, don't they? Though, if I say that, I suppose I should include Airi and Soel, too."
"The fact that there’s no word from Hifi-san is actually what worries me."
"Haha, in that case, why don't you try contacting her?"
"And have her pester me like they do here? No thanks."
"……Hmm. That is a fair point."
As expected, even Taizo-san doesn't want to help with the lucky bag waiting, so he hesitates to reach out.
There aren't many husbands who would tag along in this cold weather just because they love their wives.
It’s a miracle I’ve been doing it for several years.
However, since I’m running out of things to talk about……
"Well, worrying won't change anything, so until we hear from them... here goes."
Saying that, I take out a game.
"Oh, are we playing? I won't lose at kart racing."
"Hmm. Worrying won't change anything, indeed. Very well. I shall face you with everything I have."
"Games, huh? They’ve evolved quite a bit before I knew it."
And so, we were able to spend a leisurely New Year’s until our wives finished their battles and returned.
Yes, only for this brief moment.
"Hmph. You’re living the high life while we’re working hard, aren't you? I hope I can expect some good food, right?"
"……Husband. I want to eat lots of delicious Osechi."
"I get it, I get it, so don't glare at me like that."
"Taiki-sama. It’s a bit much to leave us behind and immerse yourself in games..."
"Eh? No, you guys just went to buy lucky bags, right?"
"Taizo-san, to think you’d ignore me when I returned..."
"I apologize. I was just getting a bit too heated in the game; I didn't mean to ignore you."
"Hey, old man. You’ve got some nerve, having a good time while we were working hard."
"Shut up. Don't drag me into your own desires."
And so, we faced a mini-crisis—a New Year's spent only among men that turned out to be quite the ordeal.
It’s a struggle either way, isn't it?
It’s a New Year’s tradition to get a snide remark from your wife if you’re caught resting.
Well, it is partly because we leave the New Year’s preparations entirely to the wives.
That’s how it is, isn't it?
Regardless, to all the fathers out there who are tagging along with their wives and children to buy lucky bags: thank you for your hard work!!
And don't worry, there’s still plenty more New Year’s content to come.