落とし穴外伝：一人の楽しさ
*Clink... clink...*
The sound of a clock, a sudden break in his concentration, drew his gaze upward.
"Is it already 4 PM?"
He realized with a start that it was already late afternoon. Especially in winter, the sun set so quickly. In another hour, darkness would fully descend.
"...It's a bit early, but I suppose I'll call it a day," he murmured, saving the report data he'd been working on on his computer and shutting it down.
It was a commonplace convenience now, but computers were truly remarkable. Unlike the old days, there was no need to meticulously put away or search through towering stacks of documents. Of course, there were times he missed the feel of books and papers, but the sheer portability was an undeniable advantage.
With such thoughts, he finished tidying his laboratory table, checked that everything was locked, and left.
"Normally, I'd do a round of the other labs too. But there's no need today."
He muttered this as he glanced at the labs that would normally be occupied by others. Today, their lights were already out, and there was no sign of anyone. These were labs that were supposed to be active day and night, never dark. The owners of these labs were Ms. Narjia, Comet, and Agil. All three were researchers who were even more eccentric than he was, requiring his 'management.' Once immersed in their research, they would work until they collapsed, forgetting to eat or sleep. But today, a profound silence enveloped them.
That's because…
"Today is December 25th. Christmas, isn't it?"
Yes, it was Christmas. A special event held as the year drew to a close. He recalled Yuki mentioning it was someone's birthday celebration. Apparently, it was originally a day for such festivities, but according to Yuki and Taiki, Christmas was a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate. Here in Weed, however, it was simply recognized as a day for drinking and revelry with loved ones. It seemed to double as a year-end party, and the only people still working late would be those in the commercial district, busy with the year-end sales rush.
"Well, I'm alone, though," he said to himself, leaving the laboratory.
He had once served as one of the Four Heavenly Kings in the former Last Kingdom. While demons were now accepted by people, at the time he came to Weed, they were still viewed as enemies of humanity. It was Yuki who recognized his talent and scouted him, and he had accepted the offer. While his position as one of the Demon Lord's Four Heavenly Kings was not uncomfortable, it was a role that supported the king's limbs, meaning he couldn't dedicate himself solely to research. In that regard, life in Weed was pure bliss. Furthermore, being able to absorb knowledge from Earth freely felt like stepping onto a new stage. He couldn't recall the last time he'd felt his knowledge so demonstrably expanding. It was also wonderful to be able to share the joy of learning and discovering new principles with others.
"Though, I'm not exactly good at socializing," he admitted.
Aside from debates for research and the acquisition of knowledge, he enjoyed moderate social interaction, but he was more suited to thinking things through alone. He had experienced marriage during his time as a Heavenly King, but it was exhausting to constantly consider his partner's feelings. While there were happy moments, it just wasn't for him. After all, he loved his research far more. Ah, he couldn't really mock those three anymore. Therefore, he had no particular resistance to spending Christmas alone.
Seeing couples and families enjoying themselves in the commercial district brought a smile to his face, but he felt no envy or resentment. Those who felt jealousy likely didn't understand that such happiness was built upon mutual compromise. From his perspective, it even inspired a sense of respect.
Lost in these thoughts, he arrived at his usual bar. It was a hidden gem in the commercial district, known only to those in the know.
"Welcome."
"Yes. Good evening, Master."
He greeted the Master and took his usual seat.
"It's quiet tonight."
"It's still early, and it's Christmas, after all."
"Ah, I see."
Indeed, on Christmas day, he was probably the only solitary soul foolish enough to visit a bar at this hour.
"For now, could I have something to eat? And a drink to go with it."
"Certainly. If I may say so, Mr. Zargis, do you perhaps mistake this place for a restaurant?"
"No, no, I'm well aware it's a bar. It's just that your cooking is so delicious, I can't help but order a variety of dishes."
"Ah, if you say so, I can't serve you anything subpar. Please wait a moment."
The Master turned his back and began to prepare the food. This bar was a lifesaver, offering not only drinks but also delicious appetizers. It was open early and served meals, which he greatly appreciated.
As he idly surveyed the interior, he noticed a small, charming Christmas tree placed at the end of the counter.
"You're celebrating Christmas too, Master?"
"Of course. Today is a day of celebration. A day to praise oneself, one's family, and one's friends for their hard work this year. So, how could I not?"
"That's true. But with the year-end and New Year's right around the corner, it doesn't seem like there'll be much rest, will there?"
"That's when the money is made. With so many events, customers tend to spend more."
As he spoke, the Master turned around, presenting the finished meal.
"Steak tonight? How luxurious."
"It's Christmas, after all. And this as well."
What followed was a strawberry shortcake.
"If you dislike it, I can take it away?"
"No, I like it. Though, I can't eat as much as a woman."
"I'm the same. Please, enjoy."
"Thank you. I will."
After leisurely and quietly enjoying his meal and drink here, he planned to return home and immerse himself in a scientific journal. With such a typical weekday schedule in mind, he savored the Master's cooking.
"Merry Christmas. Being alone isn't so bad."
Merry Christmas.
There are joys to be found in solitude. The happiness of living each day much like any other weekday was also a form of contentment.