落とし穴外伝：２０２５年 年末スペシャル２ (Part1)
Side: Rurua
"Everyone, thank you for this year. You've truly been a great help. As the Queen of Weed, I want to express my gratitude once more."
Saying this, Seraria, the Queen of Weed, ascended the platform in the banquet hall.
Though many things happened this year, we have safely reached the year-end without anyone missing, or suffering major injuries or illnesses.
That is a blessing.
As I wished for next year to be a good one, I thought...
"So, I discussed this with my husband the other day. Every year, or rather, recently, we've been struggling more and more with what to get each other for birthdays and such, haven't we?"
Hmm? The topic seems to be shifting.
However, it's true that with each passing year and every gift, we find ourselves increasingly at a loss for what to give.
We know each other so well, after all.
If this were an annual event, or if we possessed territories, bringing local specialties would be appreciated, and it wouldn't be an issue for our reputation. But we've been in Weed all this time.
Since local specialties are practically everyone's possessions, we have to search for gifts individually, which is indeed a source of worry.
It seemed the others felt the same, as Kagura and Enola also nodded.
Everyone had discussed what to do about gift selection many times before.
"Therefore, starting next year, I'd like to try a new gifting method. For this trial, I want you to find gifts for the New Year according to the conditions and themes I'm about to state."
"Gifts?"
No, for what purpose?
And there's hardly any time after the New Year.
I thought finding suitable gifts amidst crowds would be quite a struggle, but...
"Rurua, it's alright. The conditions I just mentioned will solve problems like worries and time constraints."
It seemed my concerns were evident on my face, as she immediately reassured me.
"So, specifically, what we'll do is this: This time, you'll choose gifts under the guise of a gift exchange. Let's see, this time, something that comes to mind when you think of the New Year. We'll make that the gift. And we'll set a price limit too."
"I see, indeed. If we set a theme and a budget like that, it'll be easier for us to decide. And even if we go for something humorous, it'll still get a laugh, won't it?"
"Exactly as Deryu says. I'm not saying it's not heartfelt, but sometimes, something that just seems fun also becomes an option."
I see.
By setting restrictions—no, conditions—it means that even for us, who have many options and must uphold our reputation, we won't have to overthink it.
"Well, in this way, I think it's good to specify what you want to some extent, and then just wait with anticipation. Not too much anticipation, though. This way, both the recipient and the giver can enjoy it. And well, this is a practical test to prove that."
"Yeah, Mikos-chan agrees~. This sounds fun. So, when you say 'New Year,' are food items allowed?"
Oh, that's certainly important.
Whether food is good or bad.
That would significantly change the range of choices.
"That will vary each time. However, this time, food is allowed. You should try buying various things within the budget. Or rather, for food items, I'll provide a separate budget."
"Separate?"
Shera asked, tilting her head curiously.
Indeed, what would be the reason for a separate budget?
"Regarding food, the goal this time is for everyone to enjoy it, and with objects, you can view them one by one, but..."
"Ah, I see. So, because everyone can't enjoy it otherwise, we need to buy enough for everyone."
"Exactly. For food items, please buy enough for everyone separately, as a 'food category.' Oh, and buying food isn't mandatory, by the way. The theme is simply 'New Year.'"
"Alright! In that case, alcohol!"
"You never change~"
"Milly never struggles with gifts, does she?"
A little distance away, Milly seemed to be planning to give alcohol as a gift, as usual, with Ratz and Eris interjecting.
Still, alcohol is a classic gift.
Well, with a set budget, you probably can't buy anything too expensive, so it would likely be something moderately priced.
No, in this case, even if not cheap liquor, a set of popular ales that the general public drinks often seems plausible.
No, that's not it.
The gifting method has changed now.
"This time, there's no condition about who to give a gift to, and it's about how well this trial goes, so please try various things."
Having finished speaking, Seraria descended from the platform.
And one after another, the conversation grew lively with this topic.
"Alright, I'll go look for something interesting."
"Riel, I'll go with you. You're really likely to buy something weird."
"That's right. I'll go too. Riel really does buy strange things. And while we're at it, a New Year's patrol."
Riel and her usual companions seemed to be going shopping.
It also sounded like they'd be doing some work.
"Hmph~. Tori and Kaya don't trust me, do they? And are we combining it with work?"
"Well, during the New Year's holidays, some people get rowdy and let loose. So, while choosing gifts, you can just do that. Our mere presence patrolling helps maintain public order."
"Exactly. We're famous and police officers, after all."
I see, so these usual three will also be responsible for maintaining public order during the New Year.
That certainly makes sense.
All three are well-known as police officers.
Just their presence circulating would make people think twice about doing anything wrong.
"Haa, but I, Rurua, and others have work at the church and hospital, you know~"
"Ah, that's right."
Enola's remark made me realize that.
During the New Year's holidays, we not only give sermons to those gathered for mass at the church but also provide warm food, amazake, and oshiruko.