落とし穴外伝：夏祭りの意味 (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: The Meaning of the Summer Festival
Side: Yupia
The last time I visited this settlement, I saw nothing but fireflies; there was no such bustle as this.
No, if we are speaking strictly of a "festival," the participants are limited to Yuki-dono’s inner circle, and the numbers are modest at best.
The festival held in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance in Weed was something that even surprised me.
Even so, this is—how should I put it—a festival from Japan, the homeland of Yuki-dono, Taizo-dono, Taiki-dono, and Sota-dono...
"Hmm."
I watch the festivities unfolding before me, lost in thought.
Then, Shou, who is standing by my side wearing a yukata just like mine, speaks up.
"Is something the matter?"
"Indeed. Watching this Japanese festival, I feel a certain sense of incongruity."
"Incongruity? Well, it is a festival of a different culture, and there are unfamiliar tools being used to create these freshly made, delicious foods."
As Shou explains, he gently offers me a takoyaki.
I take one with a toothpick and bring it to my mouth.
"Haf, haf, haf... Indeed, it is delicious. To think that flour, a few seasonings, sauce, and octopus could create such a flavor. But that is not the sensation I am referring to."
"I see. Then how exactly do you feel?"
"Hmm. It is difficult to put into words, but should I say there is a lingering sense of melancholy?"
"Melancholy?"
"Yes. Or perhaps, a mixture of various emotions? Regardless, this is not merely a festival for revelry. Above all, there is that shrine—or was it a temple?—over there."
I gesture toward the small, quiet shrine tucked away behind the row of stalls.
It is not a grand stone structure like the Seraphina Church I am familiar with; it is a small building—hardly even a shack.
Yet, I do not get the impression that it is being neglected.
The wood used for the shrine is adorned with intricate carvings; even to my eyes, it is a fine piece of work.
I can tell it was not placed there haphazardly.
As I am pondering this, suddenly...
"As expected of a king. Your impression isn't wrong at all."
I turn at the sound of a thick, unfamiliar voice to find a monster with eyes and a tongue protruding from a spear-like pole.
Under normal circumstances, I would be startled, but having been introduced previously, I avoid such a blunder.
"If I recall, you are Karaji, the paper umbrella yokai, the Karakasa-obake?"
"Oh, you remember the name of a lowly creature like me? I'm flattered."
He says this while using his tongue to gesture as if stroking his head.
Hmm. Is it a problem that I can tell he is blushing?
I never intended to hone my communication skills to this extent...
"And so, why do you say my impression is correct?"
"Right. This summer festival is generally held during Obon in Japan."
"Obon? What is that?"
"Do you understand the concept of honoring the spirits of one's ancestors?"
"Hmm. You mean to revere the predecessors who have passed on?"
"Yeah, something like that. Obon is the time when those people return from the afterlife and then depart once more."
"Ho. In other words, this summer festival is also a festival for the dead?"
"That's the gist of it. The light of the lanterns likely serves as the 'welcoming fire' as well."
"Welcoming fire? A landmark, then?"
"Yeah. Though these days, there are probably more reliable ways to guide them."
At his words, I gaze at the lanterns—not lamps, but lanterns—decorating the summer festival.
Then, a particular stall catches my eye.
"Hm? What is that?"
It does not appear to be a food stall, yet I cannot imagine it provides any form of entertainment.
"Perhaps that is the mask stall Yuki-sama mentioned? Look, the children are wearing masks and frolicking about."
As he says this, I watch as children led by Eris-dono buy masks of their choosing and run about in high spirits.
"I heard that actors originally used them for performances. By wearing a mask like that, one can become that character."
"I see. So they can become famous figures or characters from stories. That must be quite fun for the children."
"I understand Karaji's explanation, but then what is the meaning behind the animal masks?"
I look from a distance and see foxes, rabbits, and the like.
"Is it not simply because the children enjoy them?"
"Well, that's true, too."
"Ah... so that is it. I was overthinking the meaning. What Karaji spoke of was merely the origin. I suppose it has become a mere shell of its former self in this day and age."
"Yeah, sorry for misleading you. My bad. But maybe that's why you didn't get the feeling that it was just a lively celebration."
"I see."
Hearing Karaji's answer, I am satisfied.
A lingering melancholy—so that is why I felt that way.
While it is meant to revere the dead, perhaps it is also a time to mourn them.
I think this because, in my line of sight, Yuki-dono’s children are playing happily while wearing their masks.
This summer festival will likely remain in their memories.
It is an extraordinary moment, distinct from the mundane.
For the children, it is a fond memory, and for the adults who were once children, it is a landscape of the past.
Yuki-dono did say it was a scene he had witnessed before, after all.
*Thump.*
I feel a sudden impact on my back and sway slightly.
"Ah, I'm sorry."
"Hey, you have to watch where you're going. I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?"
It seems someone coming from behind has bumped into me.
When I turn around, I see what appears to be a parent and child, both wearing cute plastic fox masks, standing there.
Unlike the children, they have the masks pulled down to completely hide their faces, so I cannot see their expressions, but... hm?
There is something... a sense of incongruity.
"A-are you hurt?"
"Are you alright?"
"Ah, yes. It is no problem. I accept your apology. Do be more careful next time."
I say this to the child who must have bumped into me.
"Yeah. I'm really sorry. See ya."
"I am truly sorry for the trouble."
With that, the pair moves away from me.
As I watch them go...
"Your Majesty? Is something wrong?"
"No, it is nothing."
Turning back, I see Shou and Karaji standing in front of the mask stall, browsing, seemingly unaware that I was bumped into.
Under normal circumstances, I would call it negligence on the part of Shou, who acts as my guard, but since everyone here is Yuki-dono’s kin, there is no need for such vigilance.
"Your Majesty, will you not choose a mask?"
"Ah, I suppose I shall."
I pull myself together and head toward the mask stall.
The stall offers a variety of items, from cheap trinkets to what one might call high-quality, sturdy masks.
To be specific, there are those made of plastic and those carved from wood.
The price difference is tenfold.
"Tell me, shopkeeper. What is the reason for selling items with such a disparity in price?"
I ask the goblin acting as the clerk.
"Hmm. I don't know the primary reason, but Yuki-sama's intent is that there should be things meant to be broken quickly and things meant to be kept. The plastic masks, you see..."