落とし穴外伝：夏祭りの正装 (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: Summer Festival Formal Wear
Summer Festival Formal Wear
Side: Kagura
I am nervous right now.
The reason is that I am currently clad in the traditional attire of Sota-sama’s homeland, Japan.
"You don't need to be so nervous. It’s not like it’s a formal kimono, after all."
"Is that so? To my eyes, it looks like a perfectly beautiful garment."
As Sota-san says this while finishing the dressing, Enor-sama, who has been watching, lets out her impression.
I share the same opinion as Enor-sama.
After all, this garment, called a *yukata*, features patterns of such incredible intricacy.
The fact that this is considered something anyone can wear is, in itself, a testament to the prosperity of Japan.
"Indeed. Well, in the old days, it was widely used as sleepwear. People even used to say it was rude to walk outside in one."
"In *this*?"
"No, no. That was the Japan of my era. For Yuki-kun and Taiki-kun, who share the same Japan, this is considered fashionable attire for a summer festival. Of course, there are more casual yukata, but we have to dress up for this occasion."
"Um, wouldn't that make it quite expensive, then?"
"Ahaha, it’s expected that you’ll get it dirty while eating and walking around the stalls, so it’s not that pricey compared to everyday clothes. Besides, Enora-san and Mikos-san are also changing into theirs, you know."
As I look in that direction, I see Rurua and Deryu helping them get dressed. They seem tense about wearing such unfamiliar clothing, their faces stiff with anxiety.
"My, it seems they are quite nervous over there as well, aren't they?"
"Well, they aren't used to it. We’ll just have to get them accustomed to it over the course of the day."
Hmm, is that how it works?
Regardless, since Sota-san says so, we are going through with the change.
I can see that Rurua and the others have already changed into their yukata, and they look absolutely stunning.
This must be what Yuki meant by a "Japanese beauty."
I’ve started to worry about whether it suits me.
As I am lost in these thoughts...
"Alright, finished. Yes, it really stands out with black hair."
"Is that how it is?"
"Indeed. It’s not that foreigners don't look good in them, but since it is a Japanese culture, black hair like Kagura’s evokes something special in us."
"I see. A longing for one's homeland, perhaps?"
It seems Sota-sama and Sui-sama are satisfied with my appearance.
Ah, wait, is that wrong?
Is it just because my hair is black?
Ugh, I’m starting to feel insecure.
Is my face not good enough?
As I harbor these anxieties...
"Oh, Yuki-kun is here. Over here!"
Sota-sama calls out.
The person he is addressing is Yuki.
The very person I didn't want to see just yet has arrived.
To have my husband see me before I’ve even confirmed if I look good...
If he laughs at me, I might just die of embarrassment.
I want to run away, but I can't exactly push the two of them aside and bolt. As I hang my head, waiting for Yuki’s reaction...
"Kagura, are you feeling unwell? Or did the dressing take so long that you’re falling asleep?"
"No, it’s just a yukata, so it shouldn't have taken that long. She shouldn't be asleep."
"She was awake a moment ago, so that’s not it. She’s simply embarrassed to show her yukata figure to Yuki. It’s not a style she’s accustomed to."
"“Ah.”"
Sui-sama!? Why did you pinpoint my feelings so accurately—oh, right, you could read minds from the start.
...*Sigh*, I have no choice but to steel myself and look up.
As I raise my head, I find Yuki’s face right there.
"It’s fine. It suits you."
"R-really?"
Yuki is kind, so he’s the type who would say empty compliments without a second thought.
"Thinking it’s embarrassing is exactly why you feel embarrassed. If you act with confidence, you’ll be fine."
"Muu. So you mean I should carry myself with confidence."
"Exactly. It’s the same for Rurua and Deryu, isn't it? And Enora and Mikos are looking at them with such curiosity."
When he says that, I shift my gaze to see the two of them spinning around, admiring their yukata.
They don't look embarrassed; they look genuinely fascinated.
Even in the etiquette of the nobility, the first lesson is to carry oneself with confidence. Perhaps that is just how it is.
"I understand. How is this?"
I say this and spin around in front of Yuki.
The sensation of my hair and the fabric fluttering around me envelops my body.
"Oh, it suits you. As expected of someone who carries the blood of Japan."
"Muu, I wanted you to say it’s because it’s *me*."
"Well, that’s a given. Besides, look over there."
"Hm?"
Prompted by Yuki, I cast my gaze to the side...
"Ah, it really feels like Japan."
"It does..."
For some reason, Sota-sama and Sui-sama are looking at me with incredibly nostalgic expressions.
"Being able to evoke the homeland is a testament to how wonderful it is. Of course, that doesn't mean I’m neglecting you, Kagura. It just goes to show that you are a Japanese beauty—that you are beautiful."
"I see."
The way he explains it so thoroughly makes me feel convinced.
It is true that reminding people of their homeland is important.
And the fact that I am the only one who can do that makes me feel special.
As I am thinking this...
"Hey, Yuki-sensei. Don't just praise Kagura; praise Mikos-chan and the others too."
"That’s right. It’s unfair to only praise Kagura."
"My bad, my bad. You two look great, too."
"That sounded so robotic~"
"It really did~"
"Alright then, shall I have you show me an example?"
"““Eh?””"
We tilt our heads, not understanding what Yuki is saying.
"Why don't we all praise each other? And over there, we have Yupia and Schans, too. The children are here as well. And Rurua and the others. Shall I have you all provide some genuine, heartfelt compliments—not the robotic kind?"
"““...””"
Ah, this is bad.
I can think of the first one or two, but I certainly can't come up with compliments for everyone, including the thirty-plus children.
Just as I am thinking this...