落とし穴外伝：わくわくが止まらない (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: The Excitement Never Ends
The Excitement Never Ends
Side: Hifi
Lately, I find my eyes drawn to the calendar against my better judgment.
It is a common enough habit; as part of my duties, I manage my daily schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly. Yet, the date I find myself staring at repeatedly has nothing to do with work.
It is not Taizo’s birthday, nor is it our wedding anniversary. It is not even the date of some critical summit that might sway the future of the nation.
And yet, my gaze is pulled to that specific day, unable to look away.
"Is something the matter, Hifi?"
"Oh! Ah, Taizo. It’s nothing. I was just glancing at the calendar."
"The calendar? Was there some important meeting I missed?"
Taizo looks toward the calendar hanging on the wall, but all that occupies it are a few scattered notes regarding the recently implemented student exchange program. There are no major discussions of that magnitude on the horizon.
"Hmm. It seems you are managing your schedule well enough not to overbook yourself. That is a relief."
"That is rich coming from you, Taizo. You’ve been practically living at the Lancer Academy of Magic lately."
Let us steer the conversation elsewhere. After all, it is a fact that Taizo has been entirely consumed by his work at the Lancer Academy of Magic.
Taizo offers a look of adorable, apologetic sheepishness.
"I apologize. I simply cannot stop worrying about Hivia. It is vital research to ensure she can spend her days in peace. But you are right—I must be careful not to push myself too hard."
Indeed, for the living to collapse while trying to save a ghost would be the height of irony.
"If you overdo it, I will have to contact Yuki and the others."
"Haha, understood. I have no desire to trouble him, so I shall pace myself. Now, I believe it is time."
With that, Taizo heads toward the kitchen.
Though we are both busy working professionals, we do not employ maids like Yuki does. We prefer to cook together, or take turns, or sometimes collaborate on a meal. My subordinates often suggest that as leaders of the nation, we should leave such trivialities to domestic help, but this way of living—this partnership—is where I find my true happiness.
Just as I am lost in these thoughts, the door swings open with a violent bang.
"I’m hoooome!!"
"Honestly, Comet. I have told you time and time again to enter more quietly."
*Sigh.* My high-maintenance "child" has returned.
I wish she would learn to stand on her own two feet, but this lazy girl insists on coming over once or twice a week to eat our food.
"Lighten up! Besides, I’m the one who made Taizo come home at this hour today, aren't I?"
"Is that so?"
Unable to trust Comet’s claim, I immediately turn to Taizo for confirmation.
"Hey, wait a minute—!?"
"Indeed, it is true. Comet-dono was concerned for you, Hifi. She scolded me, saying I should cherish you more."
"O-oh, I see..."
Perhaps it is the surprise of Comet’s unexpected consideration, but my eyes drift once more to that specific date on the calendar.
"Hm? Why are you staring at the calendar so intently?"
"Oh, er, just checking my work schedule."
"Huh? That calendar isn't exactly packed, is it? And you’re staring at it like that? Impossible. You’re usually so good at separating your professional and private life. So, what are you really looking at?"
"I, I really was just checking my schedule."
*Tch.* Perhaps because we have known each other so long, I cannot hide my lies from her.
Still, since I was looking at a day with nothing written on it, there is no way she could possibly arrive at the truth.
"Hmm. Well, whatever. I’m gonna play some Poke-mon until dinner’s ready."
Comet, seemingly losing interest in prying further, immediately begins playing her game—as if Poke-mon were far more important than anything else.
Just as I breathe a sigh of relief and turn my attention back to the magazine in my lap...
*“The latest information on the newest Pocket Monster title!”*
The sound of the game’s audio triggers a reflex, and I look up at Comet’s face.
She is staring back at me with a wicked, knowing grin.
"Heh. Ho."
"W-what is it?"
"Oh, I figured out why you were staring at the calendar."
"Oh? Comet-dono. Would you care to share that answer with us?"
For some reason, Taizo joins the conversation.
"I had noticed you checking it quite frequently, even I could tell."
"Well, well. When your husband is right in front of you, yet you’re more concerned with the calendar, that’s a pretty severe case of obsession."
"Nngghh..."
My mind races, trying to find a way to deflect, but it is too late. Comet spills the reason for my calendar-gazing to Taizo without a second thought.
"Don't be embarrassed. Look, Taizo. The new Poke-mon game is coming out soon."
"Oh! Now that you mention it, Yuki and Taiki were talking about that. So, Hifi, you were keeping track of the release date?"
"Auuu..."
At this point, denying it would only be more embarrassing, so I decide to admit it quietly.
"Y-you may laugh at me for being like a child. But ever since Comet showed it to me, I’ve found it more enjoyable than I expected..."
Oh, I am no longer a child; it is shameful for a grown adult—let alone the head of a nation—to be so captivated by a game. I brace myself for their reaction.
"That is wonderful."
"Eh?"