落とし穴外伝：幸せの過多にもご注意を (Part1)
Dungeon Side Story: Beware of Excessive Happiness
Beware of Excessive Happiness
Side: Seraria
My breath turns to mist, and the air bites at my skin with a piercing chill.
Realizing this, I know it is winter.
It is the season that brings death.
Most animals enter hibernation, plants wither, and for all living things, it is a season of hardship.
People are no different.
Food becomes scarce, the cold freezes the marrow, and in the end, it claims lives.
To endure it, one must either stockpile before the winter arrives or brave the frozen world in search of meager sustenance.
The wealthy manage somehow, but the impoverished have no choice but to tremble and endure.
That was the way of winter.
When I stepped outside the church, there were people gathered, hoping to escape the cold if only for a moment—and among them, there were those who would never open their eyes again.
It was painful to see a mother clutching her child, both of them having ceased to move...
I, too, could not abandon those children.
And so, I knew that I would either meet the same fate or I would have to fight.
Yet...
*Hubbub, chatter...*
Even under the cold sky, the shopping district is bustling, alive with people who seem to be enjoying themselves immensely.
The name of this town is Weed.
It is the nation governed by the victor to whom I challenged and lost.
"...Honestly, it’s unbelievable."
I have lost count of how many times I have muttered those words.
The culture and technology of Weed are beyond the reach of any other nation.
That is only natural, as they possess national management philosophies brought from another world.
Moreover, they possess the power to put those philosophies into practice and bring them to fruition.
Now, centered around Weed, an Intercontinental Exchange Alliance has been formed, where not only all manner of goods but also people flow freely.
In other words, there is no shortage of supplies, and no one is treated callously.
It means fewer people go hungry, fewer are sold into slavery, and fewer die.
Well, they haven't vanished entirely, but the rate is far more efficient and rapid than when I was struggling so desperately.
I can only laugh, or be left speechless.
Military might is, of course, necessary, but I had never even considered the establishment of an economic sphere utilizing a dungeon over these past few centuries.
Nor had I considered the construction of a defensive perimeter.
I hadn't even realized that such things were ways to prevent betrayal.
I understand now that it was due to my own short-sighted thinking—the belief that enemies must simply be destroyed.
I remember saying to Yuki once, face to face:
"That softness will be your undoing."
But he replied with ease:
"You’re the one who’s soft. Taking the easy solution solves nothing."
The phrasing was different, but that was the essence of it.
He meant that helping an enemy is not an act of softness, but a far more difficult, thorny path than simply striking them down.
I thought I understood that.
But when I am shown results like these, there are times when I wish I had done more back then.
"Sigh, dwelling on the past is useless. It’s the present that matters."
Feeling a bit melancholy, I look up, gaining vitality from the sight of the smiling people around me.
"Oh? Are you feeling alright?"
Someone called out to me.
Or rather...
"Lady Coral."
"Oh, it’s Seraria, isn't it? You were standing still, so I was worried. If you’re still feeling under the weather, shall I take you to the hospital run by the Mistress?"
"Ah, no. I am quite fine. I was just lost in thought. Besides, I work at that very hospital myself."
For a doctor to be carried in as a patient would be nothing but a disgrace.
If it were a sudden illness, that would be one thing, but to be unwell is proof of a failure in self-management.
It would be a disqualification as a doctor.
"Hmm. I see. Well, if you are fine, that is good. But why are you here? Shopping?"
"Yes. I wanted to buy Christmas presents for... well, for them."
That’s right. I came to the commercial district of Weed to buy presents for the children.
Christmas, or the "Festival of Birth," is a celebration where one gives gifts to children to commemorate their safe survival through the year.
Since such a tradition exists, I decided to follow suit and go shopping.
It is a perfect excuse to give them gifts.
The children seem to feel guilty about the care I’ve been providing on my own, so this is a welcome opportunity.
It allows me to give to them openly.
"Ah, I see. Those children who were forced to become gods."
"You are well-informed?"
She is a member of the Dragonkin living on the Logari Continent.
A Black Dragon—her combat prowess alone rivals that of the gods, yet even that seems of little consequence to Yuki. As a result of their discussions, she lives here in Weed.
Because she is such a powerful entity, Yuki had held discussions with her, but I never thought she would take an interest in us.
That is the nature of dragons.
I rarely see them on the Zlable Continent where I used to live anymore, but remembering the devastation they caused in the past makes my face tighten.
"Indeed. I am aware. As one who possesses power, I have received instructions from the Generals, the Shop Manager Alfin, and our Lords. I have also been granted permission to respond in the event of an emergency. I have been told to keep a watchful eye, as those children are highly likely to get caught up in trouble."
"Is that so? Thank you very much."
I see. As a single combat unit, she is impeccable.
Well, her personality seems earnest, though she has a slightly eccentric side, which makes me worry a little.
But it is only natural to thank her for her cooperation.
"I told you not to worry, but I suppose you can't help it."
I had expected her to say something like "I don't really understand," but she smiles, a reaction I hadn't anticipated.
"Coming here, I’ve come to understand it well. The pure goodwill of children is a joy to behold. And so is the feeling of parents and adults who wish to protect those smiles."
Surprised by her unexpected words, I stand there blankly, and perhaps sensing my confusion, Lady Coral begins to speak, looking slightly embarrassed.