落とし穴外伝：２０２６年 年始スペシャル３ (Part2)
Shopping for something like this, where choices are made, inevitably means everyone sees things differently. If I tried to accommodate everyone's preferences, I'd never have enough time. And so, I ventured into this market alone.
While open-air markets typically involve spreading a single cloth to display goods, this one appeared different, with individual stalls erected. Though I call them stalls, they were merely partitioned by simple panels, offering little more than a roof. Still, they could handle sudden rain, making them quite convenient.
I walked through the market, consulting the pamphlet I'd received at the entrance. It seemed that stalls offering cooked food were separated from those selling groceries. Indeed, it would be problematic if food smells clung to clothes or accessories.
"If I recall correctly, I was told it's fine to buy food separately from gifts, so perhaps I'll browse those later."
For now, I should prioritize finding other items and leave food for later. Now, what might catch my eye?
As I stepped into the area selling goods, I found that despite hearing they were quite selective, there were surprisingly many everyday items on offer. I saw baskets for carrying luggage, ropes, and similar necessities. They likely brought these commonly used goods as well. After all, such items are surprisingly essential.
"Hey there, old man. How about this? You're here to shop, aren't you? You'll need a basket to carry your purchases."
The voice belonged to a young man. A lively youth who appeared to have just barely reached adulthood. It would have been easy to decline, but considering it a chance encounter, I took the basket he offered.
"This is carefully crafted. Did you make it?"
"Ah, yes, I'm a craftsman, you see. It won't break easily, and it has a strap so you can carry it. For this..."
The price was a little higher than average, but I could tell it was a quality item. This young man's craftsmanship was undoubtedly excellent.
"It's excellent. I'm about to do some shopping, so I'll take it."
"Much obliged!"
As I paid, I listened to him speak.
"Where do you hail from?"
"Hmm? Me? I'm from Baide... ah, would you know it if I said the Haiden region?"
"Ah, I'm from that region myself. Perhaps that's why I felt drawn to your work."
"Oh, a fellow countryman! I'm glad you like it. I received permission from Lady Catherine, our lord, to be here."
"I see."
It seems Lady Catherine is managing her territory quite effectively. And then, I suddenly recalled the true purpose of my visit.
"That's right. There's one more thing I'd like to ask. I'm thinking of giving my friends a gift that's traditional for the New Year. Do you have anything like that?"
"Something for the New Year, you say... But if it's unique to Haiden, wouldn't you, old man, already be familiar with it?"
"Hmm, I've already given those kinds of things before. Anything from your village, or even something you've heard from other customers, would be fine."
"Ah, I see what you mean. In that case, though it's my own handiwork, how about this? In my home village, we carve wooden dolls every year and offer them."
"Oh, indeed?"
The wooden dolls he showed me were certainly not what one would call elaborate, yet each possessed a distinct face. Which meant...
"Are these meant to represent family?"
"Precisely. They're meant to absorb misfortune."
I see, a substitute. It's akin to doll worship, much like Hina dolls. There should have been similar doll worship where Suzuhiko-hime resides, so this is quite interesting.
"So, merely purchasing them isn't enough?"
"No, no, they don't need to be that elaborately similar. It's not as if they literally become a substitute."
"Indeed."
As we spoke, I decided to purchase one of these, even though I suspected there might be other options.
Sometimes, what you're searching for appears in unexpected places, and other times it surfaces when you've almost forgotten about it. I feel like New Year's lucky bags often hold such surprises. Did you buy anything?