落とし穴外伝：夏の夜空の思い出 (Part2)
"Well, they have a permanent storefront there, so if we carelessly allowed them to set up a stall, it would count as obstruction of business."
"Wow, there are so many things here!"
"Well, it’s a festival stall, after all. It’s their time to rake it in. The prices are probably set a bit higher, aren't they?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right. They’ve marked things up by about ten or twenty percent."
"Rip-off..."
"I don't know about that. When you consider the cost of securing this spot, setting up the stall, and the equipment, it’s questionable whether they’ll even break even."
It’s true that festival stalls sell items at a premium. But whether that’s enough to cover their costs is a different story. Wouldn't it take two or three festivals just to recoup the initial investment? Still, those who can turn a profit will surely make a killing all at once.
"Ah, when you put it that way, it’s hard to make a profit from just one festival, isn't it?"
"But they hold these every year, so they’re probably planning for the long term, right?"
"Exactly. I’m sure many of them are thinking about the future."
Just as I finished speaking, a shadow darted past my feet.
"Sorry!"
"My bad!"
With those words, a group of children sprinted away.
"There’s a great lottery stall over that way!"
"You never win those. Go to the ring toss instead. You can actually choose your prize there, you know?"
Their voices drifted toward us. I couldn't help but offer a wry smile.
"Such rude children."
Kagura seemed to find them genuinely impolite, but...
"Now, now, Kagura. Mikos-chan was just like that when she was a child. Oh, wait—you were a noble lady, so you probably never had that kind of experience?"
Mikos smiled, clearly recalling her own childhood days. It’s true; as the second daughter of a Duke, Kagura likely never experienced a festival like this.
"...I’ve seen them from a distance."
"That doesn't count as experiencing it. Does that mean coming to the festival with Yuki-sensei and the others here in Weed was your first real time?"
"That’s right."
I see. Then this is the perfect timing.
"In that case, why don't we try to recreate some memories?"
"Recreate memories?"
Kagura tilted her head, looking puzzled.
"Exactly. To put it simply: we have a limit of three purchases. A single lottery draw counts as one purchase."
"Ah, I see. That sounds wonderful."
"Huh? Only three times? That’ll be over in an instant!"
Mikos seemed to grasp my intent and beamed, but Kagura still looked confused by the reasoning.
"Children can't just buy whatever catches their eye. Given their budget, they’re lucky if they can afford three or four things."
"That’s true~. I remember trying my best while consulting my little pile of pocket money~."
"Is that how it works?" Kagura asked, still sounding bewildered.
"That’s right. Look."
I gestured toward a group nearby...
"Let's do this one!"
"Wait, I'll run out of money."
"You're right. Why don't we check out the other stalls first?"
They were huddled together, carefully deliberating over what to buy.
"That’s how they gradually learn the value of money."
"Exactly~. And then, they work hard at their chores so they can buy even more next year~."
"Hmm. I see. So it’s a lesson in economics..."
Kagura started talking about something complicated, but in reality, it wasn't that deep. Mikos and I exchanged a wry smile before...
"Come on, Kagura. Instead of making such a difficult face, let’s see if you can find a stall that catches your heart."
"Yeah, that’s the real thrill of the festival."
As we chatted, *boom*—a flower of fire bloomed in the night sky.
With pocket money in hand, worrying about the remaining balance, we wandered through the stalls. It was never enough, was it? Yet, we still walked around, looking at everything. I remember how much fun it was.