落とし穴１６７堀：過ぎたるは猶及ばざるが如し (Part2)
Watching Yuki and Taiki grow more resentful every year at such public displays of affection is, in its own way, quite entertaining. Even though they are both married men, the sight of happy couples still seems to trigger that familiar bitterness in them. I suppose it’s a sentiment born from the fact that they didn't have such experiences in their younger days. If I were to be honest, I suppose I’m the same, though perhaps because I’m so unaccustomed to these kinds of events, it doesn't really resonate with me.
But, putting my own affairs aside, there was the matter of Comet.
"Are you interested?"
"Hmm. I suppose. Chocolate is a wonderful treat, and it’s nice that it’s cheap. I think I’ll go buy some."
With that, Comet stepped into the shop, which was already in the process of closing up. Looking closely, I realized there were signs for a clearance sale—likely because tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, and any stock left over would just sit there gathering dust once the season passed. That kind of efficiency is truly characteristic of Weed. In the If Continent, chocolate is still a luxury item; it’s certainly not something a child could buy with their pocket money.
As I pondered this, I followed her into the shop.
"Lady Comet, and Taizo-san as well."
"Hm? Oh, if it isn't Alfin."
Standing there, dressed in a shopkeeper’s uniform, was none other than Alfin, the Holy Sword User who had once been raised by Hifi and Comet. Seeing her in that attire, the answer was obvious.
"Are you working here, Alfin?"
"Ah, yes. I consulted with Steve, and he spoke to Yuki-san on my behalf, which allowed me to open this shop."
"I see. So, this is your establishment, then?"
"Yes. I’ve always loved making sweets, and since coming to Weed, I’ve been able to learn how to make quite a variety of things."
"I understand."
"Ah, so that’s how it is."
It truly is the perfect environment for confectionery. In fact, outside of Weed, the world likely lacks the proper infrastructure for such delicate baking. As I nodded in agreement, Comet remembered her original purpose and asked, "Oh, that’s right, Alfin. Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I wanted some chocolate. How much?"
"Eh? Lady Comet wants chocolate too?"
"Don't be like that. Even I eat chocolate from time to time. So, do you have any?"
"Ah, yes! Please, wait just a moment!"
Alfin scurried into the back of the shop.
"I mean, the clearance items here would have been fine..."
"Well, well. She likely wants to gift you some delicious chocolate, Lady Comet. To Alfin, weren't you something of a mother figure?"
"If anything, Hifi is more like the mother. I was, at best, the older sister who occasionally brought her toys," Comet said with a wry smile.
She may believe that herself, but Hifi and Alfin would undoubtedly say they are who they are today because of Comet. It was because Comet was a Dungeon Master that they were saved. Well, there were many complications afterward, but since the present exists as a result, I suppose we can leave it at that.
As I was lost in thought, Alfin returned from the back carrying a basket overflowing with chocolate.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. These are the *giri-choco* (obligation chocolates)."
"Obligation chocolates?"
"Ah, it seems Lady Comet isn't familiar with them. They’re chocolates you give to people you’re indebted to."
"I see. And what about those luxurious boxes in your other hand?"
Aside from the basket, she held two elegant boxes that commanded attention.
"These are chocolates from me. Though, one shouldn't receive 'true love' chocolates from me, as they are meant to be given by a woman to someone special. Please give that one to someone important to you. The other is a chocolate we all worked on together, so please enjoy it with everyone."
"I see. Thank you. I’ll distribute them to everyone tomorrow."
"Yes, I’m sure they’ll be delighted."
And so, Comet secured her chocolate, shared dinner with Alfin, and headed home. The following day...
"...I never want to see chocolate again."
"I really don't want to see it anymore... *urp*."
"But, we couldn't possibly refuse chocolate from Lady Comet..."
It wasn't just Steve; Kishua, Sia, and the others were all collapsed, suffering from chocolate overindulgence.
"Sigh. Alfin never learns, does she, year after year..."
"Did she do something?"
"No, it’s an annual tradition. She forces everyone to taste-test during this season. I thought opening a sweets shop would stop her, but apparently not. And to top it off, she uses Comet to indirectly push the chocolate on us—it’s terrifying."
"..."
I see. So, moderation is key in all things. Too much of a good thing is as bad as none at all. *Namu.*
"And, Yuki-kun, that chocolate you have there... it looks like the one Comet was holding."
"Ah, I received it. She said it was 'true love' chocolate. Well, I couldn't exactly hand it over to the others in their current state, could I? It’s just a bonus, really."
"I see. A bonus, is it?"
Whether it’s truly just a bonus or not, I suppose we’ll find out eventually.
Conclusion: Alfin never changes.
Did everyone get their chocolate?
Or did you make it yourself?
Was it an obligation, or was it true love?
Either way, the fires of jealousy are sure to rage!
Oh, and do be careful not to eat too much chocolate.