落とし穴１４０堀：聖女と女神と神楽 (Part1)
Pitfall 140: The Saint, the Goddess, and the Kagura
Side: Rurua
"Truly, seeing these cherry blossoms makes it feel like spring has finally arrived."
"Yes. It really does."
Seraria and I stood side by side, gazing up at the cherry blossoms in full, magnificent bloom above us.
Today was the Weed-sponsored spring cherry blossom viewing party, which also served as a diplomatic exchange event. We were here in the park, participating in the festivities.
That said, many of the attendees seemed overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the scenery. The representatives from the newly participating nations, in particular, were staring at this picture-perfect landscape with mouths agape, completely stunned.
Because of that, the only people coming over to greet us were, without exception, the folks from the Rogali Continent.
"Lady Rurua. It is beautiful again this year, isn't it?"
"Lady Alstaire. Indeed. It has bloomed beautifully once more. And it is such a wonderful thing to be able to enjoy these flowers with everyone like this."
"Yes. We must strive to ensure this continues for as long as possible. Lady Lilishe desires it so, as well."
Following Lady Alstaire’s gaze, I looked toward...
"Whoa! This is amazing, Lady Lilishe! Cherry blossoms are so pretty!"
"Yes, they are. Looking at them like this, it feels as though my very soul is being cleansed."
"It truly is... To think that this is the same scenery Taizo-san watched every spring back in his homeland—it fills me with such a lovely feeling."
"...She’s off in her own little world of romance again."
The goddesses were gathered together in a drinking circle, much like that.
For those of us who serve the gods, it was a truly grateful sight to behold, and I was just happy to see them enjoying themselves.
Well, thanks to my husband, the goddesses have become much more... accessible, for lack of a better word.
"Alright, everyone, keep those drinks flowing! I’ve brought more booze from Ebisu-sama!!"
" " "Ooooooh!!!" " "
As Lady Luna held the alcohol high in both hands, the dignitaries from the Rogali Continent who knew her true identity let out a collective roar.
The reason was simple: the liquor Lady Luna held was sacred sake offered to the gods.
Moreover, due to the divine power of Lady Luna, a high-ranking goddess, and Ebisu-sama, a Japanese deity, it had become a panacea with effects even more potent than an elixir.
When something like that is being handed out for free, how could they not cheer?
"Ah, just like last time, you can take home these small bottles. You can sell them, or use them to live a long life—just try not to self-destruct, okay? Anyway, enough preaching! Let’s just drink and have a good time! Cheers!!"
" " "Cheers!!" " "
Lady Alstaire was participating in the toast as well, which left me with nothing to do but offer a wry smile.
*Truly, Amaterasu-Omikami-sama is as lively as ever. It must be tough for you, Rurua-han?*
"Oh, Konohanasakuyahime-sama. No, Lady Luna is always like that. As long as everyone is having fun, I suppose it’s fine."
Before I knew it, Konohanasakuyahime-sama, who dwells within these cherry blossoms, had manifested.
She is the goddess who blessed the names of my and Seraria’s children, and she is someone who only appears during the spring.
*Well, that’s just the kind of person she is. And since we get to have Ebisu’s sake, I won’t complain.*
Saying that, she downed the drink she had somehow acquired in one gulp.
*Ahhh. Nothing beats Japanese sake. This is the one thing I’ll always prefer from my homeland.*
The way she gestured after taking a sip was, even to my eyes as a woman, incredibly alluring.
I could easily see how any man would be captivated by her.
However, her appearance reminded me of the *oiran* I had studied as part of Japanese culture. At first, I had honestly found it strange—why would a deity take on such a form? But now, I felt I understood the reason.
In the past, I would have frowned upon it, thinking it indecent, but...
*That just means you’ve started to notice the different ways people exist, Rurua-han.*
"Is that so?"
*Indeed. There is no such thing as 'clean' or 'dirty' when it comes to living. There are those who would say this oiran form is unbecoming of a god, but it is also a form that represents the struggle to live, no matter what. To me, it looks incredibly radiant.*
"..."
*Well, having gained this form gives me a certain perspective. Just as you, Rurua-han, went from being a Saint to becoming Yuki-han’s wife and began treating people from all walks of life.*
Is that why the gods don't often involve themselves with mortals, but when they do, they reach out to people from such varied backgrounds?
*Hmm. It’s the same as my own children. Sometimes I feel like helping if they pray earnestly every day, and some gods give out power just for the sake of a prank. Above all, the gods of Japan are the 'eight million' spirits, after all.*
"Wait, have you been reading my mind this whole time?"
*Indeed. It makes conversation much faster. Now then, I think I’ll head over there.*
With that, Konohanasakuyahime-sama stood up and vanished into the bustling crowd.
"Hm? Rurua, what’s wrong? Wait, this presence... Konohanasakuyahime-sama?"
"Ah, yes. You noticed her?"
"Yes. I was speaking with her just a moment ago."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. She was concerned not just for Sakura and Sumire, but for all the other children, too. Or rather, she was simply happy to see them growing up. Perhaps she went to go visit them?"
"That might be it. It’s a bit late to say this, but Konohanasakuyahime-sama has grown quite large recently, hasn't she?"
"She was the size of a fairy when we first saw her. She mentioned that as the number of cherry trees increased, it became easier for her to manifest."
"I see."
As I was chatting with Seraria about this...
"Ah, Queen Seraria, Lady Rurua."
"It’s true! Seraria-sama, Rurua-sama!"
"Greetings. Thank you very much for the invitation."
Kagura-san and the others had arrived.
Come to think of it, they had mentioned that Souta-san invited them.
Well, as diplomats, it was only natural they be invited, but Souta-san likely wanted them to experience a cherry blossom viewing from their homeland.
"Welcome, all three of you. Enjoy yourselves today. Especially you, Kagura."
"Me?"
"Yes, Kagura-san. Souta-san likely wants you to see this more than anyone. It might not be the exact homeland you know, but there is no doubt that the blood of a Japanese person flows within you."
"..."
When I said that, Kagura-san fell silent.
Oh dear, was that a bit too heavy for her?
Sensing this, Seraria stepped in.
"Well, there’s no need to overthink it. This scenery is what your ancestors enjoyed every year, even if only for a single week in spring. You should just enjoy it to the fullest."
"Ah, yes."
She still didn't seem to fully grasp it, but these kinds of feelings are difficult to convey.
For now, letting her enjoy the moment was the best course of action.
"For now, do you know where your seats are?"
"Um, I’m a little lost..."
"That’s why we came over here. But it’s strange... where are Yuki-sensei and everyone else?"
"Ah, my husband and the others are making their rounds. Are you disappointed?"
"Yes—I mean, no! I was just worried because the Prince Consort wasn't here."
She’s as honest as ever, isn't she?
At this rate, getting my husband to turn his eyes toward her is going to be quite the challenge.