第１３４４堀：彼女にとっての遊び (Part2)
"Winning by sheer dominance isn't exactly satisfying, is it? It’s precisely because you acknowledge your opponent that you feel the urge to beat them on their own terms. Besides, encountering things you don't know yet is a chance to discover a new side of yourself. That’s the fun of it."
"A new... side of myself?"
"Have you ever imagined yourself playing table tennis before now?"
"No, I have never once considered such a thing."
She had lived her life solely for her work, after all. It stood to reason that she had never approached play with any degree of seriousness. Her upbringing had likely forged that path for her. After all, one had to work to survive. That was an immutable fact, and in her world, a life without rest was simply the norm.
But here in Weed, things were different. To say we prioritized efficiency by ensuring everyone took proper breaks might sound a bit cold, but it was an undeniable truth that moderate rest was essential for both body and soul. Still, it was only natural that some people wouldn't know what "moderate rest" even looked like. If you’ve never played or taken a break in your life, how could you?
The way she was constantly on edge around us, I realized, was likely tied to that very reality. We were the ones providing the work, and Prol was the one receiving it. At any moment, a single shift in our mood could leave her without a livelihood. That was why she was so overly cautious, and with the added weight of the debt she felt for me curing her illness, it had created a compounding effect of anxiety.
"Well, you can start exploring your interests from here on out. I’ll help you. When it comes to having fun, I’m the best there is."
"Oh... you seem like the person least associated with such things, if I may say so."
"You’ve been looking at my 'serious' side too much. That’s probably why you’re so tense around us. I know how to play, too, you know."
"Is that... so?"
Prol didn't seem convinced. She glanced toward Seraria and the others, who chimed in.
"Yes. Yuki-sama is surprisingly multifaceted. He reads books, plays games, handles cards, exercises..."
"I always look forward to seeing what he does during his breaks!"
"He’s quite fond of sweets, too."
They rattled off the various things I enjoyed.
"It’s not just me; my wives have their own hobbies, too. Riel loves table tennis, and Eris and Ratz play it as well."
"Is that so?"
"Milly prefers her alcohol, I suppose. And Deryu is all about the exercise."
"Ah, I am aware of those."
Oh, so those two were common knowledge. I wondered if that was a good thing or a bad one, but then a thought struck me.
"Come to think of it, I’ve never asked what you like, Prol. Even if you’ve never 'played,' surely you have things you enjoy?"
"Things I like...?"
"Tell you what, let’s continue this conversation while we soak in the tub and relax."
"Ah, yes. Of course."
We washed off the soap and slipped into the bath, the conversation drifting toward the things we loved. As we talked, it turned out that Prol did have things she liked—or rather, things that piqued her interest. As it happened, she had a fondness for fashion.
"There is a large clothing store that recently opened in Weed Mall. They have such lovely and stylish garments there."
I see. So, she did have her own form of play and solace. She just hadn't recognized it as "play" until now. I hoped this would be the catalyst that finally helped her shed that lingering tension. As I pondered this, we fully immersed ourselves in the family bath, eventually turning our thoughts to what we should have for dinner.
Thinking about "how to have fun" is surprisingly difficult, isn't it? Some find joy in moving until they’re physically exhausted, while others find that grueling. Some find bliss in lounging at home, while others find sitting still to be an unbearable torture.
Personally, I’m the latter.