落とし穴番外：大人から見たクリスマス
Side: Yuki
*Jingle, jingle...*
The sound of bells serves as the background music for the city of Weed, which is even more bustling than usual today. Everyone wears the look of someone who has been counting down the moments to this very day.
"My, everyone looks so happy."
"Well, it’s a once-a-year event, after all."
I respond casually to Taiki’s comment. After all, today is...
"That’s true. But wait—why on earth are you holding a Christmas celebration here!?"
Yes, as Menou pointed out, today is Christmas Eve. Weed is completely painted in the colors of the holiday.
"Why? Well, because it’s a standard event now."
"Indeed. It wouldn't spread if someone didn't take the initiative to introduce it."
I answer her question—asked with an inexplicable level of excitement—with flat indifference. It has become a staple tradition in Weed, one of the festive highlights before the turn of the year. In fact, if I were to carelessly cancel it now, a riot would surely break out. We even go so far as to make it snow on Christmas Eve. It serves as a marker for the start of true winter.
"I know that! But—hey, don't just brush it off like that! This is another world! Why does Christmas even exist here?"
She’s shouting, but...
"Because I’m the one who spread it."
"Exactly. It wouldn't have taken root if someone hadn't."
I simply state the facts. Christmas is, at its core, based on Earth’s religions. Naturally, in a world like Aulorito, there is no way Christmas would exist unless someone brought it here.
"I know that! So, what? While I was struggling and straining myself back there, you were all living it up with Christmas here!?"
"It wasn't exactly 'living it up.' I did it because it was necessary for me to live a peaceful life."
"It really is a wonderful atmosphere, isn't it? The children's faces are just glowing with excitement, knowing they'll get presents tomorrow."
Taiki is right. The streets are filled with the smiles of children who can hardly wait for their gifts, and others tugging at their parents' sleeves, begging for this or that.
"...I feel like an idiot for being the only one making a scene."
"You're not an idiot. You couldn't have done this if you didn't have the breathing room. I figured you wouldn't have had the chance to experience something like this, Menou."
"That’s why I thought you might want to take it easy today. You’ve been working yourself to the bone lately, haven't you, Menou?"
"Haa... I suppose you're right. But Christmas... I don't have a single memory of celebrating it as an adult."
"Well, when you’re working, the 24th is just another day of the month."
"That goes for the male students, too. In fact, anyone who treats it as a 'special day' is an enemy."
I decide to ignore Taiki’s comment, as stepping into that territory is a surefire way to unearth a mountain of resentment. Generally speaking, adults don't have the luxury of taking a day off just because it's Christmas. That is precisely why I turned Christmas into an event here in Weed.
In fact, Christmas is an official holiday in Weed. It’s a time for families and companions to celebrate together. Thanks to that, Ratz is overjoyed because not only food, but luxury items and presents sell like hotcakes. Recently, people have been coming from other countries to enjoy the festivities, which has been a boon for the hotel industry. It’s a massive event that keeps the national treasury—which is often tight—well-funded, which is why Eris is always all smiles.
"I have my own thoughts about Christmas back home, but since it’s a holiday in Weed, you should take it easy, Menou. You can just report back that you were 'deepening your knowledge by enjoying the local culture,' right?"
"I can't just give a half-baked report to Queen Emerald. Still, I know the content, so summarizing it will be easy enough. Very well, I’ll take it easy today. Though, I am alone, after all."
"Aren't the other members coming from your side?"
"Oh, they’re all taking the day off and relaxing, sure. But it would just be a nuisance if I showed up. A boss crashing their subordinates' holiday? That’s practically harassment."
I can't deny that. That’s the hardship of being in a position of authority. Especially for Menou, who doesn't exactly have many friends in the same standing.
"So, you're spending Christmas alone today?"
"That’s right. I might as well buy a cake and drink and eat to my heart's content. I didn't even have the energy for that back home. Usually, it was just buying a cake and a beer at a convenience store and heading home."
"That’s a painful Christmas."
"Shut up, Taiki. Sometimes people want to enjoy Christmas alone, okay? And don't look down on the single life! Or are you trying to provoke me just because you’re married? If you want a fight, I’ll give you one!"
"I didn't mean it like that! I’m sorry!"
Man, Taiki really knows how to step on a single woman's landmine without hesitation. Even though he’s got two wives himself...
"And anyway, setting me aside, both of you are married, right? Is it really okay for you to be slacking off here?"
"The busy part starts tonight and goes through tomorrow morning."
"Yes. I’ll be helping out, too. Actually, Menou, you’re planning to join us, aren't you?"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what he said. Since you don't have any acquaintances to spend it with, you’d be alone. So, why not spend Christmas with people you know?"
"Ah, is that how it is? But crashing a family's celebration as an outsider is a bit..."
"We aren't exactly strangers, so don't worry about it. Taizo-san and the others will be there, too."
"Ugh, even that old man? Wait, he’s from a wartime era, right? Can he even fit in?"
"Surprisingly, he fits in quite well."
Indeed. As Taiki says, Taizo-san is fully enjoying Christmas. Perhaps it’s the nature of a scientist to adopt things that are good? In any case, as long as he’s enjoying himself, that’s all that matters.
"So, it doesn't really matter if one or two extra guests show up. It’s no trouble at all."
"I see. Well, in that case, I’ll take you up on the invitation. I’ve wanted to have a long talk with Yuki’s wives. We’re equals in standing, after all, and I had promised to have a drink with Milly."
Menou and Milly get along surprisingly well. Mostly because they’re both heavy drinkers. Not that there was any reason for her to be reserved in the first place, given our history.
"Wait a minute. If that’s the case, what was the point of dragging me into this crowded mess of a Christmas city? Are we shopping for something?"
"Ah, well. The party food is already prepared, so we just need alcohol, snacks, and appetizers."
"Fine! Let’s go buy them right now! Oh, and you’re covering the expenses, right?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about that."
And so, we dive into the battlefield of Christmas Day. Everyone is fighting the war of shopping to secure their own slice of happiness. For the sake of their families. And, as expected, after being tossed around in the crowd...
"...I feel absolutely exhausted."
"That’s what happens when you dive into a crowd like that."
"How long did we wait at the register? Ten minutes? Maybe more?"
"Don't say it. I know there’s no greater waste of time."
"That’s part of the thrill, isn't it? The fact that we’re heading home with shopping bags in our hands like this just proves we’re idiots."
We carry our hard-won supplies in our hands, too tired to even bother with our item boxes, and head home together.
"Shopping... this reminds me of the old days. We used to head home like this all the time."
"Yes, I understand. Back where we came from, this kind of shopping was just a normal part of life."
"This is what it means to live, I suppose. Well, we have people waiting for us. Let’s keep going."
"Yeah!"
And so, an adult’s Christmas passes by. When I was a child, I just waited for the day to arrive, but there’s something deeply moving about being on the side that prepares it.
"Oh, and we’re going to the orphanage to hand out presents tonight. I’m counting on you, Menou."
"Huh!? Just how many children are at that orphanage!?"
"Let’s see... about two hundred?"
"Wait, what!?"
Of course, in times like these, you rely on sheer manpower. That’s why we need the extra hands. They’re getting a free meal, after all. They’d better help out.
"I’ll give you a present, so don't make that face. Merry Christmas."
"Haa, fine. Merry Christmas. Though, I’m going to enjoy today!"
"Yes, let’s enjoy it to the fullest!"
It’s a lot of work, but there’s something to be gained from it. Though, thinking about having to work tomorrow is a bit painful.
Time to give it my all!