落とし穴番外：今年も夏の花を (Part2)
"Well, I’ve heard of the firework makers in Japan that inspired the 'Tamaya' and 'Kagiya' shouts, but as for the names of the individuals... I couldn't tell you. I’m sure if I looked it up, I’d find them, though."
"I truly hope it becomes like that here as well."
"Yes, indeed. Thanks to that, we at the Lancer Magic Academy have been receiving requests to analyze fireworks."
With those words, Popuri, the Principal of the Lancer Magic Academy whom I had invited as a guest, and Lara, the Vice Principal, appeared out of thin air.
"Oh, you made it. Did you have some breathing room this year?"
These two were usually too busy with the academy to join our personal vacations. Hmm, I suppose Comet has been filling in for them? No, Comet feels more like a permanent member of our group anyway. Regardless, this was their first time joining us in a long while.
Just as I was thinking that, they both wore strangely troubled expressions, as if the word "breathing room" had struck a nerve.
"No, it’s not that we had any breathing room. It’s just that the various nations of the If Continent have finally decided to take action regarding the fireworks you’re preparing, Yuki-dono."
"Yes. They realized that individual efforts won't suffice forever, so they’ve requested that the Academy analyze them and teach them the techniques."
"...If that’s the case, they could have just asked us directly."
"That wouldn't do, Yuki-sama. We are, first and foremost, your wives. The nation we serve is Weed. While we were born in those other lands, communication is quite difficult. After all, our job isn't just to make fireworks."
"Samantha is right. The nations realized they couldn't keep relying on Samantha and the others for fireworks forever. Well, scientific fireworks are one thing, but magic fireworks were difficult to procure on the If Continent in the past. However, lately, more tourists who visit Weed return home having learned how to use magic. That issue is slowly being resolved."
Ah, that’s right. Now that large-scale intercontinental exchange has begun, quite a few tourists from the If Continent have learned to use magic. The If Continent suffers from a notable depletion of magical energy, and the consumption required is much higher than on the Rogari Continent, which proved the hypothesis that magic won't activate unless one possesses a significant amount of mana.
So, people from the If Continent are now training at the Lancer Magic Academy—where the depletion phenomenon is less severe—to master the knack for using magic, which in turn increases their mana capacity. They must be planning to implement that training on a larger scale in their own countries.
Still...
"I understand the situation, but for now, you’re here to enjoy yourselves, right?"
"Of course. We’ve carved out time from our busy schedules to come all the way to this beach. We intend to swim and enjoy the authentic fireworks."
"Yes. I look forward to it."
Well, despite all the talk, they’ve essentially secured a legitimate excuse to come here and relax. With that settled, we prepared the fireworks with everyone, and before we knew it, the sun began to dip below the horizon.
The best view of the fireworks on this deserted island is from the side where the cottages are located. Since we can easily get there via Gate, we moved over without using the cruiser and finished our preparations.
"Now, is the viewing area ready? How is it? Is everyone gathered on the beach?"
It’s not impossible to see them from the mansion, but there are trees in the way, so the beach is the best place to truly enjoy the show. I had mentioned this before we left, but I wanted to make sure everyone was in place.
"Yes. Everyone, including the children, is here."
"Papa! Are the fireworks going up?"
"Yeah, they’re going up. Just wait a little longer. It’ll be dark soon."
Only a few moments left until the canvas of the night sky is ready. That sounds a bit romantic, doesn't it?
"Brother. Let’s go."
"The preparations are complete."
"Mm. Everyone is waiting."
"Yes, we shall paint the night sky with grand fireworks."
My firework-maker wives were fully prepared.
"Alright, let’s launch these grand fireworks!"
" " "Yeah!" " "
And so, this year as well, our fireworks bloomed into magnificent, giant flowers across the night sky.
While various nations are beginning to move through the medium of fireworks, let’s start by enjoying the fireworks of Weed. You might not get to see many fireworks this year, but it’s important to take the time to enjoy them yourselves.
With that, this is your snowman wishing you a happy midsummer.
And regarding the comments saying you don't need side stories—well, this is just my style, so please forgive me. It’s just the "snowman way" of doing things. I hope you’ll continue to stick with me.