2021年末スペシャル 最終日の午前中
"Haaah..."
I relaxed with a hot cup of tea in my hand. Everyone else gathered here seemed to be in a similar state.
"Haaah. Before I knew it, it's already the last day of the year," Seraria sighed.
"Indeed. A lot happened this year too," Taiki replied.
"That's right," Sota added.
Yes, gathered around this table were Taiki, Taizo-san, Sota-san, and...
"When you're working, the end of the year is just another day. By the way, isn't the ratio of women here a bit too low?" Menou, a reincarnator from the Kingdom of Sea Siphon, chimed in.
"Well, this is a gathering of 'Japanese members,' after all. It's mostly men, so you don't have to force yourself to come in the future," I said.
Strictly speaking, Menou was a reincarnator, not a transferer, so whether she was truly Japanese was debatable. However, since I had invited her, she had come.
"I'm not forcing myself. I'm just curious. You say 'Japanese,' but it's all men and only me as a woman. Doesn't that seem a bit odd?" she asked.
"Ah, that. Well, it's probably because women tend to be 'called to heaven' more easily," I replied.
"...I see. So that's the reason." Menou seemed to realize it then, pressing her temple with a look of "Ah, my bad."
Seeing her reaction, Taiki chuckled wryly.
"W-well, I don't think it's necessarily because they're women who are weak. We haven't meticulously searched everywhere, so there might still be people who have become famous elsewhere without our knowledge, or people who are simply living quietly somewhere in this world," Taiki offered.
"That's true. But this world is harsh not only for women but for men as well. It's not common for someone to be drafted as a hero for battle, or to be able to deal with bandits or monsters immediately," Taizo-san added.
"As Taizo-san says. It's unfortunate, but regardless of gender, unless they are in a very special situation, there are monsters that don't speak the same language and bandits. I don't think there are many Japanese people who could survive in such circumstances," Sota agreed.
While there were Lumel's heroes besides Taiki who fit the "hero" category, meaning there was a slim chance others might be out there, Taizo-san and Sota's point held true. For ordinary Japanese people, whether male or female, to be thrown into this world and survive was a grim prospect.
"I'm sorry. I seem to have taken the conversation in an awkward direction. I apologize for speaking my thoughts without thinking deeply," Menou said.
"No, don't worry about it. We didn't really have any particular topic in mind anyway. We were just gathering for tea before the year-end," I reassured her.
"That's right. Oh, speaking of which, did you do any year-end cleaning?" Seraria asked.
"I did clean my private room and laboratory, at least," I replied.
"Yes. I also finished cleaning my house. Ah, even though I'm a zombie now, I still do these things as usual. For me, 'year-end cleaning' in Japan was a long time ago, but I still end up doing it," Sota said.
"I understand what Sota-san means. I also clean my own room myself. It's strange how that hasn't changed even after reincarnating. It's like... the habit is ingrained more in the heart than in the body, isn't it?" Menou mused.
Indeed, Menou's point about not being able to rest until it's done suggested that her heart felt a sense of unease. While the concept of cleaning existed in this world, the custom or idea of cleansing oneself of the year's impurities at year's end did not. Therefore, these actions were likely driven by some element of their Japanese identity, compelling their bodies to move. It was often said that "the body remembers," but for a reincarnator like Menou, whose body was different, that explanation didn't quite fit. Perhaps it was the soul, the heart, that was truly remembering. There was a theory that the body was merely a vessel for the soul or heart. The body was the hardware, and the soul or heart was the software. Of course, that raised the question of where the soul or heart resided.
But enough of that...
"Speaking of which, it's fine for me, but aren't you all supposed to be with your families at home?" I asked.
Although we had gathered for the year-end, all four of them had their own families. Why were they here at my inn during this busy time, drinking tea leisurely? For my part, today was a generally relaxed day until evening. We would gather properly for the New Year's countdown, but the women and children were out shopping and having fun to their hearts' content. We were quite a large family now, and everyone had their own freedom.
"Ah, I'll be heading back in the evening. In fact, I was sort of kicked out of the house because they said there was cooking preparation to do," Taiki said.
"Oh, right. I heard that Airi-san and Soel wanted to learn Japanese cooking, so I taught them a few dishes. They're probably trying them out now," Taizo-san added.
"That's probably it. I was asked too. Yuki-kun, weren't you?" Seraria asked.
"Yes. I even gave them detailed recipes and ingredients, so that's likely what's happening," I replied.
I was surprised that Taiki didn't know about it. It was probably Airi and Soel working hard for Taiki's sake.
As we were talking, Menou narrowed her eyes.
"Taiki-kun. Forget everything you heard here. And properly act surprised and happy about it," she instructed.
"Ah, yes."
"You men. Be considerate," Menou added.
" " "Sorry." " "
Indeed, Taiki seemed unaware, and it was meant to be a surprise. It was a mistake to have let it slip.
"Haaah. So, about today's plans? I'll be spending New Year's at Weed. I plan to relax. Apparently, there's a shrine there, and I'd like to visit it after a long time," Seraria said.
Ah, that was in the countryside village with the fireflies. Suzuhikohime had apparently done some renovations, and a magnificent shrine had been built. Kagura and Sota were properly enshrined there, so there were no issues. Next year, they would perform proper prayers. Though, as for Amaterasu Omikami, I couldn't exactly revere her. If she were a great deity like in a game, it might have been different.
"What? What's wrong?" Seraria asked, noticing my expression.
"No, when you mention gods, I think of... that one," I replied.
"Ah. It must be tough having a god as an acquaintance," Taizo-san commented.
"It really is. It shatters the dream," I sighed.
I didn't have illusions about gods, but to be so reliant on humans was disappointing.
"Ah, speaking of which, Senal also said she'd help out at the shrine and church," Taizo-san added.
"Huh? Senal? The goddess who rampaged through the Zuraburu region?" Menou asked.
"Rampaged is one way to put it, 'sowed seeds' might be another. Well, either way, it's not wrong," I conceded.
"Then why is she acting so nonchalant about being at a shrine?" Menou questioned.
"Well, she said it was because Amaterasu Omikami asked her to, and for her own rehabilitation," I explained.
"...A goddess rehabilitating? That shatters the image," Menou muttered.
"Well, we just have to accept it as it is. Anyway, Menou, you're going to relax," I said.
"Yes. ...I accidentally heard some strange things, but I'll forget all about them and just sip tea at home," Menou replied, her eyes distant. I understood, I understood that feeling all too well.
"I think Menou-kun's decision is fine. There are many things in the world, but it's okay to take it easy during the New Year's holidays," Taizo-san agreed with a nod. I completely understood the sentiment about taking it easy during the New Year.
"That's right. Oh, speaking of which, do you want to eat mochi? I brought some!" Sota asked.
"Ah, that sounds good. Yuki-san, can I grill it?" Taiki asked.
"That's a good idea. We need to be careful not to eat too much before dinner. Should I bring out the shichirin, or grill it on the stove?" I asked.
"The shichirin would be ideal here... but since the children will be coming and going, wouldn't the microwave be better?" Seraria suggested.
"Yes, I agree with the microwave. I just want to eat mochi. Ah, I'll have mine with sugar and soy sauce," Seraria said.
"Me too, with sugar and soy sauce," Menou added.
"I think I'll have mine plain-grilled," Taizo-san said.
"Taiki-kun, you have refined taste. Then I'll have mine with red bean paste," Seraria declared.
"Shall I bring out some kinako too then?" I asked.
It goes without saying that we ended up eating quite a lot of mochi before nightfall. It was surprisingly delicious, and once you start, it's hard to stop. And even though mochi looks small, one piece is equivalent to a bowl of rice, so it's surprisingly filling. I'd have to do some light exercise later to work up an appetite again.
Thank you for accompanying me this year. How was your year? I, Snow Daruma, resumed my game streaming in July after a long hiatus and have completed quite a few streams. If you're interested, please search for "youtube Snow Daruma game streaming." Also, our New Year's update will be on January 1st at 0:00. Thank you for your continued support. Lately, I've been enjoying putting red bean paste on my mochi.