落とし穴番外：夏のひと時 (Part2)
"Certainly, in a small settlement like this, one cannot expect protection from bandits or brigands by a local lord. Self-defense is a necessity. However, I wouldn't call this the sort of thing intended for that purpose."
"Eh?"
"Consider where it was hidden. It wasn't in a place you could reach in a hurry; it was likely stashed away as an asset. Swords, after all, fetch a decent price. Well, as I said before, they can serve as weapons in a pinch."
"I see. I’ve heard stories like that before."
Stories of people cleaning out old storehouses and finding swords in the strangest places. I’ve even heard they were hidden away to avoid things like sword hunts.
"But, enough with the trivia. Now, what to do with—"
"Yes, yes! We’ll take those!"
"Exactly. Narjia sent word to secure the whole lot!"
With that, Agil and Comet immediately tossed the swords into their item boxes.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Wouldn't Taizo-san like to take a look at them, too?"
"I suppose. In the modern era, the method for forging ancient tamahagane has been lost. I’d like to have a few pieces to study the differences."
"Then please, take them as they are. It’s a relief to know they’re in the hands of someone I know. Besides, they don't seem to be cursed or anything of the sort."
Before I knew it, Agil and Comet, having stashed the swords away, were already hurrying off toward another location. They’ve been scouring the settlement for anything rare and collecting it ever since we arrived. From my perspective, it’s a help to have the trash cleared out.
"Hey, you two! We’re staying here tonight, so make sure you come back."
"Yes, sir!!"
With that 'good child' response, the two of them darted off, their minds clearly elsewhere.
"Tonight? Is it really that soon?"
"Yesterday, Hairen told everyone how incredible the fireflies were. Why don't you invite Hifie-san as well, Taizo-san?"
"Thank you. In that case, I’d better put some real effort into the cleaning."
"Feel free to prioritize whichever house you’d like to use. If there are any renovations you want to perform, go right ahead. Oh, and we’re planning to build an onsen in the center of the settlement. That plaza seems like the perfect spot."
"They probably held festivals there in the old days."
"Let's build the facility and bring back those traditions. We can even get a divided spirit of the God of Child-rearing."
"Ah, that’s a fine idea. It would be wonderful to have that deity witness the local area bustling with life once more."
"Then, let’s do our best to make it happen."
"Right."
Thanks to our hard work, we finished the cleaning and renovations just past noon. By nightfall, we had successfully relocated here...
"Oh, how beautiful."
"Is this the light of fireflies? It’s truly fantastical."
"Indeed. It is, in a way, quite mysterious."
Seraria, Rurua, and Deryu, dressed in yukata and holding round fans, shared their impressions of the scene.
"Ho-ho. So this is the 'light of love.' Even for insects, they are not to be underestimated."
"Yes, they live and bear offspring. Every creature does the same, of course... but I have never seen such a charming method of courtship."
Even the two from the Zuraburu Empire had somehow changed into yukata to enjoy the summer and watch the fireflies. They’re definitely just here to play, aren't they?
As I was pondering such trivial things, I felt a tug on my hand and looked down.
"Toto-sama. Fireflies. Akiten used to watch them often, too. The arrival of summer. A little late, though."
"Ah. It seems Luna brought them here without any regard for the season."
"Make sure you protect them properly."
"Of course. Our resident creature-lovers are working hard on that."
"Aslin-kaka-sama?"
"That’s right."
Aslin, our Weed settlement’s leading expert in biology, has taken charge of protecting the fireflies. She’s running around with Firia and the others, armed with bug nets and cages.
"Let’s find the fireflies that are paired up. Since there are males and females."
"Understood!"
"...I have to go out of my way to raise bugs? Ugh, I’d really like to decline if I could."
"Ahaha, it’s just a matter of preference."
"I mean, doesn't having bug nets and cages in such a fantastical scene kind of ruin the mood?"
"Dressa. It’s an order from your brother. Let’s do our jobs properly."
"Fireflies. I want to see them next year, too."
If we do this, I wonder if we’ll be able to see them again next year? Still, I suppose I’ll have to properly adjust the water quality and the soil... Hmm, is it harder than it looks?
And so, the summer story comes to an end.
Next time, we may finally be entering the period of Cleena and the others' childbirth!
Oh dear, I wrote this ahead of time and completely forgot, so the order got a bit mixed up. My apologies.
By the way, did you all get to see any fireflies this year?