落とし穴外伝：親戚が多いと (Part2)
"I have to get gifts for Sakura, Sumire, Eria, Yuyu, Schans, Shael, Yuri, Riyuru, Kikka, Makoto, Ainon, Prol, and Manoama too! I’m their aunt, for heaven's sake—I can't be seen acting like a cheapskate!"
Her voice rose to a shout by the end, drawing the eyes of everyone in the reception area. The collective expression on their faces could only be described as a weary, "Oh, boy."
"Ahem. Look, Milly, don't you think we should head up to the office?"
"…You're right. Sherry, follow me."
Realizing that we were the ones responsible for Sherry’s poverty—or rather, her lack of funds—I hurriedly ushered her back to the office. Once inside, I sank into the reception sofa and buried my face in my hands.
"Sherry, have you been paying for all of this out of pocket until now?"
"Of course. I’m Yumi and the others' aunt, aren't I?"
"I mean, I get wanting to pay for it yourself, but why didn't you talk to us? You don't have to force yourself to buy such expensive things."
I said it, even as I realized how unreasonable I sounded.
It’s true—just because there are a lot of people to celebrate doesn't mean she has to buy things that exceed her own budget.
"No way! I mean, if I can find something good and cheap, that's fine, but good things are expensive, you know? Oh, but I manage to keep the costs down for you and the others' birthday presents. And as for talking about it, I’m already here at the Adventurer Guild, so it’s not like it’s a matter for consultation."
"I see... thank you."
In short, the reason Sherry is broke is because of the presents she buys for us—especially for our daughters. Fourteen gifts, all of which must meet Sherry’s own standards. It’s no wonder her wallet is constantly being drained, but as the person causing this, I feel incredibly guilty. And when she says it’s not a matter for consultation because she’s already here, she’s right.
On top of that, she brings gifts to every recurring event just to spoil the girls, so her savings are only ever going to dwindle. I hadn't felt anything was amiss until now. We’re such idiots. To think the reason my sister is broke is because of us.
Moreover, I understand her feelings all too well. It’s only natural to want to give gifts using money you’ve earned yourself. I can’t trample on that sentiment or her resolve. But if this continues, Sherry’s wallet will inevitably hit zero. After all, Yuki-san and his wives will likely have more children, and I don't intend for Yumi to be my only one.
"…Sherry, I understand. Let me look for a job that suits you and come back next week, okay? High-paying gigs disappear fast, and I need time to secure one and prepare."
"Oh, right. Got it. I'll come back next week."
With that, Sherry accepted it easily and stepped out. Kina walked in to replace her.
"Looks like she didn't need the tea."
"Yeah."
"So, what are you going to do? There’s no such thing as a high-paying job just lying around. Or are you going to send her into a dungeon?"
"…That’s one option. Do you think she could make a fortune in two days off?"
"Impossible. Unless she’s the one who built the dungeon, clearing one in Weed in two days is impossible."
"True… and I can't just give her a ton of money for an easy job…"
"Sherry wouldn't like a handout job like that, anyway. It’s clear she wants to earn her keep, not cheat the system."
"…Ugh, what do I do? Sherry is going to collapse from overwork."
"It’s seriously dangerous. But she’d never accept not giving presents to Yumi and the others."
"Come to think of it, how do you handle that, Kina?"
"Me? Oh, I get a budget from Yuki-san and the others. Same as Milly’s parents. Well, you’re probably not at that stage yet. You’ve only been working for a year, after all."
"…I’m going to go home and talk to everyone about it."
"That’s probably for the best."
And so, I spent the rest of my workday pondering how to bring this up with everyone at home. I imagine many people struggle with this, don't they? Presents and returning favors—it’s all so complicated.