落とし穴外伝：秋の夜長のお月様はいつか目指す場所 (Part1)
The Moon on a Long Autumn Night is a Place to Aim For Someday
In Japan, there are events and customs that utilize the moon, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jūgo-ya, and Jūsan-ya.
Similar customs have existed in neighboring China since the Jomon period, and it is now known that there are moon-viewing events all over the world.
There may be various theories about which customs are ancient, historical, or traditional, but in short, people have always regarded the moon floating in the sky as something special.
This has not changed even now.
The golden circle floating in the night sky still exists today, and it is an object of worship, sometimes considered auspicious, and sometimes spoken of as a symbol of misfortune.
And in the other world, it is no different; it is said to be a day when magic power increases, or monsters become more active, and it generally does not have a good reputation.
If you think about it carefully, the answer might become clear.
Well, for some people in Weed, it has become a place to reach...
Side: Yuki
"...So, Lord Yuki, you're saying that on a full moon night, it's bright, easy to work, and quiet, allowing for concentration. And this makes it easier for monsters to see, allowing even non-nocturnal monsters to move more easily, thus becoming more active, is that correct?"
"Yes. What do you think?"
"It seems quite logical. I'm surprised I never thought of it that way before."
"Ahaha, it's nothing particularly surprising. I merely inferred it from the information I gathered, which is quite natural..."
While enjoying the moon-viewing, as is common in rural villages that often hold events these days, I was talking with one of the caretakers.
This person helped me out this summer, making it a good place for the children to play...
"Chaea-san."
Her name is unusual in this area. She appears to be around twenty years old, with brown hair that she wears loose, yet it flows straight and beautifully. Her appearance is such that no one would object to calling her a beauty.
She is a woman who would look wonderful in a kimono, but in reality...
"Earth, you say. The more I hear about it, the more I understand why Shou is so interested. Ah, it's regrettable that we met after my death. Please excuse me."
With that, she excused herself and brought a plate of moon-viewing dumplings to her mouth.
Yes, she is the master of Shou, who is said to be the right-hand man of the great Emperor Yuppia, also known as the Great Emperor Zuraburu, and she is deceased.
The reason she is in this rural village, which is a private resort area in Weed, is...
"Ah, you were here! And Chaea-san is here too. Suzuhikohime, she's over here!"
A young voice called from behind, and when I turned around, there was also Hope, a friend of Emperor Yuppia, who is also deceased...
"Thank you, Hope-san. Yuki-sama, you're as good at concealing your presence as ever. I knew you were here, but I didn't know exactly where. Ah, here's some tea. Please, Chaea-sama, have some too."
Suzuhikohime said as she handed me the tea.
She must have prepared it knowing I was coming.
"Ah, my apologies. I should have told you where I was. Thank you."
And the girl Suzuhikohime called Hope is also from the same hometown as Chaea.
When we were investigating various aspects of culture in the Zuraburu region, they obtained some items, possibly as mementos, and as a result, they became ghosts in this rural village managed by Suzuhikohime.
Specifically, it was like a lingering scent left on their mementos. It was weaker than a 분령 (bunrei - a spiritual division), but given the location and Suzuhikohime's management, they appeared in the countryside after parting with Yuppia and Shou, and came to consult with me about what to do. So, I've entrusted them with the management of the village.
"Suzuhikohime, thank you. However, Hope-san is older than I am, so you don't need to use honorifics like 'san'. Please call me by my name."
"Um, I understand what you're saying, but I lived for a shorter time, so I don't really feel that way."
They get along well and spend their time together normally.
Well, there are some minor discrepancies, but I'm sure they'll sort themselves out over time.
As I was thinking about that, Suzuhikohime sat down nearby.
"What is it? Normally, on a festive occasion like this, a good moon-viewing day, I wouldn't expect you to come here away from your family?"
"Ah, well, I was worried, and I came to ask you about the matter of Havya."
"I understand about Havya, but why were you worried?"
"You know, the influence of the moon. This is another world, isn't it? I was worried something might happen on a full moon night."
"Ah, I see. It's true that there's a possibility, but so far, nothing has happened. How about you two, have you noticed any changes in your condition?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Mmm. I don't feel anything special either. And these mochi are delicious!"
Hope popped another small moon-viewing dumpling into her mouth, her face beaming.
From the looks of it, there was no effect.
"Well, I spoke with them, and it seems there are no problems."
"That's a relief. However, is it alright for them to continue like this?"
"Oh? Are we going to be fired? Well, I suppose it's debatable whether we're actually working."
"Ahaha, we're ghosts, after all. But I'd be grateful if you'd let us stay here."
Perhaps they misunderstood Suzuhikohime's words, as both of them looked somewhat uncertain, but I had no such intention, and Suzuhikohime didn't mean it that way either, so I immediately denied it.
"My apologies. I wasn't clear enough. What I meant was, shouldn't your disciples meet with their friends?"
"Well, things have calmed down, haven't they? I don't think there's any problem with that..."
"Ah..."