落とし穴外伝：夏の夜空の思い出 (Part1)
Dungeon Pit Side Story: Memories of a Summer Night Sky
Side: Yuki
" " "We’re off!" " "
With those words, Sakura and the other children set off, accompanied by Seraria and the rest of the mothers.
Unlike their usual outings, the air was thick with excitement.
I understood why, of course.
"My, the children look so happy, don't they?"
"Indeed. It’s a festival, after all; it’s only natural they’d be excited."
"It’s quite different from our usual shopping trips, isn't it?"
That’s right—today is the summer festival.
It’s an annual event—or rather, twice a year now, since the Glass Port Town was established and we synchronize our schedules with theirs.
There isn't a child alive who wouldn't look forward to that.
Agil, Kagura, and Micos, sensing this, respond with smiles as they watch them go.
"Though, I must say, it is quite surprising to see the princesses and daughters of Weed’s high-ranking officials heading out with almost no guards."
Stasia’s expression is conflicted, perhaps out of concern.
Well, it’s true; under normal circumstances, it would be unthinkable for the daughters of dignitaries to go to a festival with only their mothers.
That said, it’s not as if they are truly unguarded.
Every one of the children is being followed by subordinates of Surakichi-san.
They are disguised as mini-slimes, ready to protect them or send word the moment anything happens, so I’m not worried.
Still, worry is simply in one’s nature.
Having lost her sister, Arge, to death, it’s no wonder Stasia is prone to over-protectiveness.
If anything, it’s only natural.
"Well then, the children have headed toward the food stalls near the fireworks display. What will you all do?"
I ask the members standing at the entrance now that the send-off is over.
The ones remaining at this inn-cum-residence are either mothers of children still too young to attend, or members like Agil who have no children yet and were simply seeing the others off.
Since they don't have to look after children who want to explore the festival, they are free to wait here in case of an emergency, or simply enjoy their own hobbies.
Festivals are meant to be enjoyed at one's own pace, after all.
"Hmm, let’s see. The children will surely buy enough food for us too, and if I eat now, I won't have room for the souvenirs. I think I’ll just relax with a book. The fireworks display will be broadcast here anyway."
So, Agil intends to stay at the inn and take it easy?
Honestly, I think that’s the sensible choice.
Those crowds can be quite exhausting.
Unless you’ve secured a private spot, which we haven't, the real joy of a festival is diving headfirst into the chaos.
"Come to think of it, aren't Kagura and Micos planning to watch with Princess Carrie?"
"No such plans. Stasia said she was going to reserve a spot to watch with Arge and the Princess."
"Well, those three are like sisters, after all."
"I see. That makes sense."
So Stasia is enjoying the night with Carrie and Arge.
Reserving a spot to watch in comfort is a fine idea.
Though, reservations for the night of the fireworks display are exorbitantly expensive.
Everyone wants to watch in peace and have a good meal in a prime location.
One could watch from the outdoor seating of a common tavern, but that hardly seems like the place for princesses to relax.
"Wait, what about you, Yuki? Usually, you’d be accompanying the children with Seraria and the others. We could go with you, too."
"Exactly. Yuki-sensei, why are you staying back this time? Did something happen?"
"It’s not so much that something happened, but rather, it was the children’s wish."
"Their wish? Did Sakura and the others say something?"
"Yeah. They wanted to explore the festival freely. They said they can't move around as they please when their fathers are tagging along."
" "Ah." "
They understand immediately.
Well, from a parent’s perspective, letting children roam through a crowd on their own is usually out of the question.
Even with guards in tow.
"So, as a compromise, they agreed that it would be fine as long as their mothers were with them."
"That allows everyone to move about freely, then."
"I suppose the children are finally reaching that age, aren't they?"
"Exactly. Sakura and the others are at that stage now. Besides, it’s not as if we’re separated all day; we’ll have a feast later when they come back with all their souvenirs."
" "Ah..." "
Judging by their voices, they can already picture it.
"I’m sure there will be a mountain of the same things."
"True. Takoyaki and yakisoba are a given, but I wonder what else they’ll bring?"
"Maybe yakitori? And perhaps some steak-themed dishes?"
"Steak is a classic. They skewer them so grandly, it’s quite satisfying to eat. Maybe some bite-sized cakes, too?"
Yes, as they suggest, unique festival foods have been emerging in Weed lately.
Steak skewers exist in Japan, too, but the scale here is different.
They serve actual restaurant-sized steaks, skewered and handed over as is.
I often think, *Why not just cut it into smaller pieces?*
Looking at the yakitori, one might wonder why they go to such lengths, but the sheer audacity and volume make them incredibly popular.
I suppose that’s just the nature of adventurers and the like.
Well, I suppose every region has its own festival quirks.
Thinking about it, that’s exactly right...
"Alright. I think I’ll head out to the festival myself. What about you two? Will you stay back and relax like Agil?"
"Hmm. I think I might join you and look around."
"Yes! Talking to Yuki-sensei has made me want to see the festival, too!"
"Then let’s go together. I felt bad about calling on Prof and the others, so I’ll leave the guarding to you two."
"Leave it to me. I’ll make sure to keep you safe."
"Yep, yep! Leave the guarding to Micos-chan!"
And so, I head out to the festival with Kagura and Micos.
The town is overflowing with people, proving the "festival effect" is in full swing.
"By the way, the fireworks are at the park, right?"
"Yeah. The center of the park is a lake—a pond, really. It’s the only place where we can safely launch them."
Fireworks can be made with gunpowder or magic, but either way, they send sparks into the sky.
Fire prevention measures are essential.
The pond and the park were designed with the fireworks display in mind from the start.
And along the park paths surrounding that pond, there are even more food stalls than in the commercial district.