LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 245.1
Chapter 245.1. Year-End
At year-end, just as the sky began to turn orange with the approach of dusk, an astonishing number of people gathered under the cold sky outside the Amatsugahara Corporation headquarters. The reason for this was the mochi-pounding event that Sakimori had organized for the end of the year.
Mochi-pounding contests were being held all over the Special Zone, and each area was buzzing with excitement. Hearing that there would be mochi pounding for the first time in a while, people eagerly gathered with joy.
“Heave-ho!”
“Here we go!”
Matching the cheers of those around him, Ogi-kun swung the pestle down into the mortar with a forceful thud. It seemed he was making mochi. He was drenched in sweat as he worked the pestle, while an elderly woman quickly flipped the mochi in the mortar. Freshly made mochi was promptly torn into round pieces and placed on plates at a nearby table. People eagerly accepted the plates and happily stuffed their mouths, savoring the delicious treat.
“Oh wow, how long has it been since I’ve had mochi?!”
“For real, I was starting to forget it even existed.”
A middle-aged couple, reminiscing, joyfully dipped their mochi in soy sauce and stuffed their mouths. Watching them as he casually ate his own mochi, Sakimori nodded. Of course, it’s been a while for me too. I haven’t seen glutinous rice in over 10 years.
Many adults remembered eating mochi before the wall between the inner and outer cities was built. It was a traditional New Year’s treat. Most Japanese people had probably eaten mochi.
Now that people from the former wasteland districts could enjoy mochi again, their faces were filled with happiness. It’s the saying, “Once basic needs are met, people can indulge in luxuries.” Life has become a little more prosperous. We’re in the era of rapid growth in the wasteland districts.
“Doesn’t it feel all squishy? Such a weird texture.”
“They told us to make sure to eat it in small pieces, or it’ll get stuck in your throat.”
“I…I’m…choking…”
“Ahh! Mei-chan’s choking on the mochi!”
“Give her a beginner potion! That’ll cure it!”
One of the children had already choked on a piece of mochi. She was a small girl, apparently quite clumsy, but she’d be fine. For some reason, mochi blockages were considered a minor injury, and they could be cured with a beginner potion. No need to use a vacuum cleaner—magic is truly amazing. I don’t want to thank the dungeon, but I have to acknowledge its power.
The reason we know that beginner potions can fix mochi choking is thanks to a brave volunteer from the plant species who participated in human trials. I’ll keep the name of that courageous person anonymous. “Freshly made mochi is the best, bro!” they’d say, gobbling up the mochi I made. Not that I hold a grudge.
We’ve discovered that even mochi stuck in the throat can slip down easily once there’s the slightest gap in the esophagus. I predict this is because beginner potions follow the same principle of healing minor injuries. In any case, beginner potions are easy to prepare, so it’s all good.
“Amazing discovery! Eating mochi while drinking a beginner potion creates a new texture sensation!”
“I’m deducting the cost of the potion from your allowance, Mei-chan.”
Watching Hana scold the girl, who had foolishly started drinking potions while eating mochi, made me smile. There’s always one person who comes up with crazy ways to eat.
[That’s true. Personally, I think the story about dropping mayonnaise into soy sauce and eating bonito with it is just a myth. It was probably the bonito itself that was tasty, not the mayonnaise.]
[Does bonito taste good with mayonnaise?]
[Hmm, I think that only works if you’re tired of eating too much bonito. It might appeal to foreigners, but the guy lost when it came to Japanese people. Personally, I think garlic soy sauce is the best for bonito.]
[Was this person fighting someone?]
As Shizuku, a spirit, twirled around in the air, she continued, “He was fighting against his gourmet father.” Well, anyway, it seems there are plenty of people who come up with interesting ways to eat.
Shizuku seemed to be in a good mood, enjoying the lively atmosphere. I also felt a sense of happiness, watching the scene before me. It’s impressive how much progress we’ve made in just under two years. This wasn’t just my doing—everyone helped.
[You’re quite humble, Sakimori-san. Are you trying to rid yourself of worldly desires for the New Year? I can ring the bell at lightning speed. Let me show you Shizuku the Master’s 16-hit combo.]
[The bell might break before my desires are gone.]
As Shizuku swung her arm with a “Hi-yah,” I sensed new thoughts arriving. At the same time, a limousine abruptly pulled up beside me with a loud crash. That crash was the limousine hitting the wall. Everyone’s attention turned to the poor driving, and a cat-girl tumbled out of the driver’s seat.
“Ouch! This limousine has way too much horsepower for off-road capability-nyanko! It’s impossible to drive-nya!”
“That’s because it has the power of a tank. Maybe we overdid it a bit. Was this a mistake?”
While the cat-girl complained, opening the door of the limousine, Serika gracefully stepped out with refined elegance. She was wearing a kimono, clearly intending to go to a shrine visit.
There aren’t any temples in this wasteland. Was shrine visiting for New Year’s? In this area, even the offering box would be stolen, so I haven’t gone to a shrine in over 10 years.
“Hehe, how do I look in this kimono? Does it suit me?”
Holding the hem of her kimono, Serika twirled around in front of me. The combination of her albino appearance and the kimono surprisingly suited her, making her look beautiful.
With her silvery hair shimmering like snow, she smiled at me with her youthful face. The kimono she wore was a deep indigo, adorned with an intricate crane design that looked expensive, like something you’d expect to see in a museum.
“Even with a bust like that, you can still pull off a kimono. You look beautiful, Serika. How much did that kimono cost?”
I was curious not just about her cleavage but also about the price of the kimono. How much?
“Fufu, it’s so like you to compliment me and then ask about the price, Sakimori. It only cost one—so it’s a cheap one.”
Blushing slightly and looking pleased, Serika smiled shyly. But I wanted to know how many zeros were in that “one.” How much was it?
I glanced at Karin, but she shook her head as if to say, “Don’t ask.” So it wasn’t 1 million yen? Could it be… 100 million? I’ll just leave it alone.
“Master, behold the splendor of Yukihana-chan’s kimono, a masterpiece of grace and genius.”
“Oh, is that an ordinary kimono? It suits you, Yukihana.”
Yukihana, also dressed in a kimono, walked over with a quiet elegance, very different from her usual self. It wasn’t her usual modified kimono, but a traditional one. Beside her, the usual little girl also in a kimono grinned at me. She reached up, trying to climb on me, but since she was wearing a kimono, Yukihana gently stopped her.
“I’m wearing a kimono!”