落とし穴外伝：夏祭りの正装 (Part2)
"Heh heh, you’ve underestimated me, Yuki-sensei. You forget that Micos-chan is the one behind our fashion magazine!"
Ah, she’s right.
Micos has been spreading the joy of dressing well to the common folk of Weed. She’s even selling mass-produced clothing at Weemall, fostering a culture of diverse and expressive styles. The driving force behind that movement is, of course, the fashion magazine she publishes.
"Alright then, let’s get some feedback right away. The next feature is on yukata for the summer festival. You can whip up a sample issue quickly, right?"
"Ehh!?"
Oof. I see how it is. Even Micos, as capable as she is, can’t help but wince when the workload suddenly piles up.
"Anyway, jokes aside—forgive me. I truly think you both look cute and beautiful."
"Oh, yeah. It’s fine. I know you’re not just reciting lines."
"Indeed. My way of teasing was a bit off. That direction is dangerous."
Yes, truly dangerous. I find myself naturally craving a Yuki who belongs only to me, but for him, it means having to conjure up words for every single one of us. If he were a habitual flirt or a playboy, the compliments might roll off his tongue with ease, but Yuki is, at his core, a devoted husband. He doesn't believe in playing favorites; he treats us all with the same genuine affection.
"But come to think of it, Yuki, you’re dressed quite uniquely yourself. The colors are subdued compared to ours, but is that a yukata?"
I hadn't noticed until now. Yuki is wearing a traditional Japanese garment, much like us.
"Yeah. The modern summer festival is all about bringing out a different, cuter, or more beautiful side of the women. It wouldn't feel right for a man to be overly flashy."
"That is certainly true. Originally, these garments were just everyday wear in Japan, weren't they, Mizu?"
"Indeed. To be honest, I am far more accustomed to this attire. The Western-style clothing of late feels much more novel to me."
"And yet, Mizu, you’ve been here for quite some time now, haven't you?"
"Enor. I was worshipped in Japan for a very long time. My history there is still far longer than my time here."
Huh. So Mizu-sama has been a deity in Japan since ages past. My father and the others always told me that asking about such things was strictly forbidden. It’s not like we want to hear her talk about wanting to go back, after all.
As I was lost in thought, Seraria approached, having finished changing into her yukata.
"Now, it seems Kagura and the others are ready as well. Won't you tell us how you spent your summer vacations, or how you usually enjoy summer festivals?"
Ah, that’s right. This small, intimate summer festival in our settlement was meant to be an opportunity for us to hear about and experience how Yuki spent his summers. Changing into yukata was just the first step in that process.
"Alright then, let’s start by enjoying the festival. That’s the real thrill of wearing a yukata, isn't it? Go buy whatever catches your eye, and then we’ll gather at the central mansion to eat. Oh, and feel free to eat directly at the stalls if you prefer. I’ve got drinks and such prepared at the mansion, so that’s just an option if you want to take your time."
"Understood!"
With that, we set off to join the settlement’s summer festival.
"Oh, one more thing—everyone must buy a mask of their choosing at one of the stalls and wear it on the way back."
"?"
A mask? What could that be for? Still, knowing Yuki, there must be some meaning behind it. With that thought, we began to walk.
The formal wear of the summer festival: the yukata. Though, in the old days, it was actually considered quite casual—little more than loungewear or pajamas. Well, times change, as they say.
By the way, men’s yukata and samue are wonderfully comfortable. I’ve thought since I was a child that the meticulous way women have to dress in a yukata seems like quite a chore.