落とし穴１３９堀：咲き乱れる (Part2)
Upon learning the truth, Solo’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Well, now, Eoid and the others are diplomats, after all. They have a legitimate pretext, so they can walk through the front door with their heads held high."
"Ah, I suppose you're right."
"And that means we can meet Yuki openly, too. Now then, about this cherry blossom viewing—I wonder when it’s supposed to be?"
I scanned the invitation handed to me by Lord Souta. Mikos and Solo leaned in from either side to get a look.
"It’s this weekend."
"That’s sooner than I expected. Wait, will we even be finished with our work by then?"
"No, well... this is practically an official duty, so the Princess should... she ought to forgive us."
"No, no, I’m sure she won’t be angry, but that doesn't mean the work just disappears. If we leave it, we’ll end up gasping for air while drowning in a mountain of paperwork again, just like last time."
"Like we did over Christmas, right..."
"…Yes, that was quite the ordeal."
We had been granted proper time off for Christmas and the New Year, but that didn't mean the workload had decreased. The documents that had piled up during our absence...
"Right! Let’s make sure we finish everything beforehand so we can enjoy this cherry blossom viewing without a single worry in the world!"
" "Yeah!" "
And so, we threw ourselves into our work with desperate intensity, clearing our desks entirely, and greeted the day of the viewing in high spirits. However...
"The location is... hmm?"
"What’s wrong?"
"No, it’s just... well, look."
"Let’s see... wait, this is just a regular park in Weed. I walked through here on my way home yesterday, and there wasn't a single flower to be seen, was there?"
"Yes. There certainly wasn't anything like that..."
Indeed. The designated venue was one of Weed’s public parks, and as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but lush greenery. Not a single cherry blossom appeared to be in bloom.
"Well, let’s head over there for now. If it’s the wrong place, we can just ask for clarification."
"That’s true, too."
"Yes. Let’s go. We have the cakes from the shop, after all."
As Solo suggested, we had brought extra treats for the occasion, secured by reservation from one of Weed’s most popular patisseries. Since it was the season for viewing, they had lined up adorable, themed cakes, so we decided to buy them on a whim.
Now, all that remained was to eat them at the viewing site, but...
"…It really is just a normal park."
"It certainly looks that way."
It looked exactly like the Weed park we visited every day.
"Oh, wait! There’s a sign over there that says 'Cherry Blossom Viewing Venue This Way'."
"Oh, you’re right."
I turned my gaze toward where Solo pointed and saw a guidepost standing there.
"It seems to be deep inside the park. It’s a part of the grounds we don't usually visit."
Just as Mikos said, the map on the sign indicated a spot we would never normally frequent.
"Well, since so many dignitaries are gathering, it makes sense to choose a place that’s easy to guard."
"Ah, that’s true. Besides, it says here that it’s open to the general public at a later date."
"So there won't be any regular crowds. That explains why it’s so quiet. I was wondering about that, since I’m used to Weed’s festivals being absolutely packed with people."
It was true; Weed’s festivals were always incredibly lively. Tourists flocked from every nation, and the citizens of Weed loved to celebrate. I had found the silence strange, but now it made sense—they had separated the events.
"Regardless, at least we won't have to deal with the crushing crowds, so let’s head over quickly."
"Okay."
"Yes."
With that, we made our way toward the depths of the park... and then, a storm of pale pink exploded before our eyes.
" " "..." " "
We were rendered speechless by the sheer scale of the sight.
It wasn't just one tree. Before us stretched an endless, uncountable number of cherry trees, extending far into the distance. And everywhere, petals danced upon the breeze.
*“Oh my, I see. Kagura, is it? You make such a lovely sound. And your friends, too—the sound of love.”*
Just as that gentle voice drifted through the air, a soft gust swept past, sending a fresh flurry of petals swirling upward.
*“Welcome. Do enjoy your stay. Though, I suppose you’re here more for the dumplings than the flowers, aren't you?”*
I felt as though the cherry trees themselves were welcoming us. And so, I stepped forward into that garden of spring.
Everyone, it’s spring!
It’s time for cherry blossom viewing. Time for delicious food.
And time for the announcement of the new era name.
I wonder, will Kagura’s spring bear fruit?
And who could that mysterious voice belong to?
Does everyone remember?
I’m not sure if this pitfall will continue.