Side: Tori

Another day, another patrol around Weed.

Well, to be honest, it's also a nice break from all the paperwork. But even if we're at the top now, we're still members of the police force.

No matter how high our positions become, we can't neglect patrol duty. After all, the peace and order of Weed rest entirely on our shoulders.

"Phew~ it's already summer in Weed, huh?"

"Yeah, time flies. This is already our third summer here."

That's right. Even though it's controlled by magic, Weed's weather and temperature are synchronized with the climate outside.

So when it's summer, it gets hot; when it's winter, it gets cold; and naturally, when spring arrives, the cherry blossoms bloom in full force.

And right now, it's our third summer since coming to Weed.

During the first summer, we were so busy creating Weed that we didn't have the luxury to care about the season. But for the second one, after founding the nation, I remember going to buy ice cream with Riel on a hot day, right?

"Yep. Already our third time. Even though it's only been a little over a year since Weed was created, so much has happened, hasn't it?"

"...So much really has happened. It was tough, but it's been so much fun. I feel like I'm truly living."

"Me too. Ratz and the others had their baby, and I'm super, super happy. But I think there are still lots of happy things to come! After all, we'll be having babies too!!"

"Huh? Wait, didn't you say you didn't want to give birth because it looked too painful, Riel?"

That's right. I recall that when Seraria and Rurua gave birth, seeing the two of them in so much pain made her say something like, "I'll pass on having babies for a while~"

"I did say that, but... babies are just so cute, you know? And they'd be my own flesh and blood. Plus, Yuki-san looks so happy about it... so I thought I'd give it my best shot and try giving birth!"

"You're right, Yuki-san really does look so happy, doesn't he? And he takes such good care of everyone for a while after delivery to make sure there are no complications."

Because Yuki-san worries so much, he went to visit everyone hospitalized post-childbirth every single day to cast recovery magic on them, didn't he? He also kept checking on the babies to ensure there were no issues... Actually, even in our daily lives, Yuki-san makes time to see us every single day. Normally, as concubines, we'd be lucky to see him a few times a month.

Thinking about it that way makes it so clear just how much Yuki-san treasures us. He doesn't just want us for our bodies; he loves us from the bottom of his heart.

"Mm-hmm. Yuki-san is so gentle... But sometimes, I kind of think it might've been better if I were Yuki-san's slave instead."

"Eh? Why?"

"...'C-Cause then I wouldn't have to work."

The warm, cozy feeling I had while remembering my sweet, affectionate days with Yuki-san completely withered away.

...Good grief, Riel. You should be grateful just to be freed from slavery!

"...Slaves still have to work, you know."

"I-I know that! But in Yuki-san's case, if you were his slave, wouldn't 'work' just mean taking care of his personal needs? In other words, don't you think it'd be a job where you get to go all out with Yuki-san 24/7?!"

"T-That's..."

Yuki-san keeping me by his side just to satisfy his sexual desires?

T-That sounds way too amazing. Does that mean we could do it endlessly, like wild dogs...?

"Alright, alright. You two, please stop with the wildly lustful fantasies right in front of someone's shop."

""Fueh!?""

Before we realized it, Ratz was standing in front of us with a smile.

"Goodness, when the store manager told me you two were here and I came out to check, I didn't expect you to be imagining an enviable workplace like being Yuki-san's sex slave. I mean, if a workplace like that actually existed, everyone would apply for the job. Including me, of course—I still want to do it plenty with Onii-san. Well, setting that aside for now. Coming to the front of my shop means you came to grab some ice cream and take a break, right?"

"Ah, yep! Ratz, give us some ice cream!!"

"Hey, Riel!"

I immediately scolded Riel for begging Ratz for ice cream right away.

Geez, she's supposed to be the Deputy Chief of Police... I wish she had just a little more seriousness.

"Now, now. Riel is loved precisely because she's like this. Look..."

Ratz stopped me as I tried to say more, pointing in a certain direction.

There stood a mother and her child.

"Ah, it's Riel-neechan!!"

"Hey, it's Deputy Chief Riel, right?"

"Ehh, I don't really get it. Yaho~, Riel-neechan~!!"

"Oh? Yaho~!"

Answering the child's call, Riel immediately ran over to them.

"Looks like your injury from the other day is all better?"

"Yep! Because Riel-neechan healed it for me!!"

"Riel-sama, thank you so much for the other day."

"No, no, don't mention it! It's part of a police officer's job, after all."

"A job?"

"Yep. Helping people in trouble is what the police do. Ah, but I do it because I want to, okay? It's not just because it's a job."

"Amaaaazing! Mommy, when I grow up, I wanna be a police officer too!!"

"My goodness, this child..."

"Ahaha~ Yeah, if you feel that way, you should take the police exam when you grow up!"

"Ehh? An exam? Do I have to study like in school?"

"Yep~. If you study a lot and learn all kinds of things, you'll be able to help that many more people in trouble, right?"

"Okay, I get it! I'll do my best at studying!! Mommy, when we get home, I'm gonna study!!"

Riel was having such a heartwarming conversation.

"Riel is completely the field-work type, you see. She walks around outside like that and helps people with all sorts of things. Though I do think buying ice cream and juice for the kids is spoiling them a bit too much."

"She does that too?"

"Well, thanks to that, her wallet empties out right away, to the point where the kids actually end up worrying about her. But lately, on these hot days, walking around without anything to drink is a bit too much, so I've been handing out drinks at my own expense."

"Goodness, Riel... I'm sorry, Ratz."

"No, no. Thanks to Riel patrolling like that every day, no major problems ever occur, and her reputation among the residents is fantastic. As one of the people living in Weed and supporting Onii-san, Riel is doing her part exceptionally well."

While we were talking, Riel seemed to have finished her conversation and parted ways with the mother and child to come back over.

"Sorry, sorry! ...Oh, it's Kaya!"

"Eh?"

"Oya? Kaya too?"

Just as Riel returned, Kaya showed up as well.

Kaya technically belongs to the police department, but at the same time, she acts as the representative for the agricultural sector. From morning until around early afternoon, she's out in the agricultural district doing farm work.

And right now, it's summer.

Naturally, it's hot, so she was wearing a straw hat, a towel, a shirt, and work trousers—but her shirt was completely soaked through with sweat. It was so see-through that the wet white shirt clung to her, making her breasts completely visible.

"It's totally see-through! Wait, are you not wearing a bra!?"

"Hmm? Oh, true. Bras feel too tight, so I didn't put one on."

"You can't do that, Kaya! You shouldn't show your breasts to anyone other than Yuki-san!"

"Indeed. You have no intention of letting anyone other than Onii-san touch them, right?"

"None."

"In that case, please endure it and put one on."

"But when I was dressed like this, Yuki got energetic and attacked me, so it's hard to give up."

"""Hold on a second. Tell us that story in detail."""

Yuki-san attacked her!?

Mm, looking closely, Kaya sweating just the right amount with a see-through shirt is undeniably alluring.

* * *

For the time being, the three of us brought Kaya into Super Ratz' reception room to hear her story.

Sure, there's a chance someone else might see her breasts, but being able to seduce Yuki-san is a huge deal.

Even if he attacks, she can counter it, and it increases the time they get to go wild together... This might actually be useful, hehehe...

Well, obviously we don't plan on doing it in crowded places, and Kaya works alongside female farmhands during her agricultural duties anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?

"Phew, that feels so refreshing."

After finishing her story, the sweat-drenched Kaya borrowed the shower room to wash off.

She had a full change of clothes ready, so there were no issues.

Well, this reception room acts like a lounge for us representatives, so various supplies are prepared here.

"Now then, since Kaya is back, shall we have some ice cream?"

"I've been waiting for this!"

Ratz took out ice cream stored in the refrigerator. Seeing that we even had our own dedicated spoons made me realize just how frequently we use this room.

"...Mm, it's cold and delicious."

"Mmm, yeah! There's nothing better in the summer!"

"Yep. I truly think so."

"We're busy people ourselves, after all. If we didn't have perks like this, we couldn't keep going."

Ratz said as much, popping a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth with a melting expression.

"Ah, speaking of being busy—Ratz, is it okay for you to leave your baby, Shance, unattended and come over here?"

"Hmm? Ah, I just came over to clear out a few documents, so it won't take long. Killue and Rurua are looking after her right now, so it's fine. More importantly, are you guys okay? Aren't you attending the Academy over there?"

"The Academy is closed today. That's why I cleaned up my accumulated paperwork and came here."

"...It seems the agriculture folks can manage without me. Looks like I'll be able to pass on the representative position next year."

"That's enviable. I wish I had someone to hand my representative post over to so I could take it easy~"

"I thought you had raised your subordinates better than anyone, Ratz?"

I stated my honest opinion.

After all, Ratz is now the top executive running five Super Ratz branches. That means she has store managers and staff for five entire stores, so there shouldn't be any issue with her stepping down as representative.

On the other hand, becoming our Police Chief requires a massive handover process and the trust of all the representatives, so we don't have any subordinates who could clear that bar yet. Well, if the authority were abused, it would be a disaster, so it can't be helped.

"They've grown, sure, but because they know my workload, they tend to shrink back. Under traditional methods, it wouldn't matter whether a successor was capable or incompetent, but Weed is different. You can't be at the top unless you're capable, and the more capable someone is, the more they understand how brutal the top position actually is. It'd be fine if they had ambition for advancement, but my job includes negotiating with high-ranking officials from other nations, after all~"

"""Aah..."""

I see. Ratz' job isn't just managing the shops; since Super Ratz exports goods, she also has to negotiate with other countries through Eris and the accounting department.

Anyone who knows that would naturally want Ratz to keep handling it as long as possible.

Just as we were having that casual chat, the door to the reception room opened.

"Oh, so everyone's here, not just Ratz? Perfect timing."

"Yuki-san!?"

"A-Ahaha~ W-We weren't slacking off, okay?"

"...A proper break."

"I know, I know. It's really hot out today, after all."

"Oya? Would you like some too, Onii-san? Wait, did something happen to Shance?"

Ignoring the three of us who reacted with slight surprise, Ratz pulled out some ice cream and demanded an "ahh."

Yuki-san didn't show any aversion to it and ate the ice cream offered by Ratz.

"Yeah. Summer really calls for ice cream. And no, it's nothing about Shance."

"Nom. Mmm, as expected, ice cream hits the spot. So, if it's not about Shance, what brings you here?"

Ah, Ratz naturally brought the spoon she just fed him with right back to her own mouth!!

I'm so jealous!!

I mean, we kiss normally all the time, but I'm still jealous!!

"Geez, Yuki!! Please stop running off out of nowhere!!"

While I was thinking about that, Jessica rushed into the room frantically, as if she had been chasing after Yuki-san.

"Sorry, sorry. But we're inside Weed, so there's no problem, right?"

"There are tons of problems!! Though I know you won't listen even if I say so, Yuki, so at least take me or Ria with you!"

Jessica has it tough too.

Well, I can understand why Yuki-san feels cooped up, but if anything ever happened to him, it would be a massive disaster.

"Got it. Anyway, to answer Ratz' question—I want to hold a festival, so lend me a hand. I've already talked to Seraria and Eris, and the budget, schedule, and advertising are all set. Now I just need to coordinate with security and sales."

"I see. So that means me, Tori, and the others. And what kind of festival is it?"

Seeing Yuki-san's happy, scheme-hatching smile, Ratz' expression turned extremely gentle.

Honestly, it's so unfair. When he makes a face like that, you just can't say no.

Then, Yuki-san announced the name of the festival...

"A Fireworks Display."

Overall, that plan carried a lot of danger with it.

What made it dangerous, first of all, was that this fireworks display would be held in Weed's outer town.

Since it technically falls under the dungeon area, people like us who have designated protection are safe, but other visitors face the danger of being attacked by bandits or wild monsters. The outer town is enclosed by outer walls, but its defense capabilities are vastly inferior to the dungeon itself.

Furthermore, I heard that the fireworks themselves use massive amounts of gunpowder and are launched like cannons. Through my "Earth Knowledge" skill, I have some degree of knowledge about fireworks, but without seeing the real thing, I can't make a solid judgment.

I don't really understand why it's called a staple of summer, but just hearing the ingredients makes it clear that it's a dangerous thing. Even knowing that, Yuki-san intends to go through with the fireworks display.

...Hmm. I'm a bit worried, but with Yuki-san and all of us around, we should be able to manage somehow in the worst-case scenario, right?

And so, the preparations for the fireworks display began.

Without a single soul suspecting that it would eventually become Weed's absolute signature event.

** *

Side: Kaya

...Before I knew it, I had become a pyrotechnician.

No, I understand the reason is that I’m the best at fire magic among us, but...

Even I get uneasy about whether it’s okay to set aside the Academy investigation for this... Is it okay to leave alone the possibility that the Kaiju King from that movie might appear?

"Kaya, what's wrong?"

As I was lost in thought like that, Cleana leaned in to look at my face.

She was brought here by Ria, who decided she was suitable to be Yuki's wife. Permission was obtained from everyone, including myself, and she successfully entered the family as Yuki's bride.

Well, because of the timing, we’re making her put up with not having a bridal appearance yet.

That's right—setting aside even Cleana's wedding, why a fireworks display of all things?

"...Cleana, are you not dissatisfied with being suddenly put to work for the fireworks display?"

Since Cleana is also skilled in fire magic, she was assigned the role of pyrotechnician too.

Honestly, it felt a bit like harsh treatment, so I probed her feelings a little. If Cleana disliked it, I should tell Yuki properly and hold the wedding ceremony first. After all, she was brought to Weed just a few days ago.

"Nn, I have no dissatisfaction. Rather, I feel happy that he trusts me enough to entrust me with such an important role."

"Is that so?"

"...Out of everyone, my performance is the lowest. When I learned about everyone's true strength, I even wondered if there was any meaning in me being here."

"...That's not true. Cleana's magic and knowledge are useful. Besides, you said you would support Yuki. That's what matters most."

That's right—Cleana was made aware that her abilities were inferior.

Or rather, Seraria called it a "bride test" and beat her black and blue. Even so, Cleana said it: she would still support Yuki by his side.

Even while crying and battered to pieces, she held up her staff toward us. That was the single biggest reason that persuaded all the wives to accept her.

Whether someone has talent or not doesn't dictate whether they can be Yuki's wife. What matters is having the resolve to support Yuki without betraying him until the very end. Cleana proved that.

And so, after all that happened, Cleana happily joined the family. But due to the situation, she remains by Yuki's side as an information gatherer. Ultimately, everyone hopes to train her to the point where she can act as a bodyguard, but right now there's no time for training.

That's just how useful Cleana's knowledge has proven to be.

"Nn, Yuki told me the same thing... I was so happy. He said he didn't want me for my talent or knowledge, but for me. I was truly happy."

...As usual, whether unconsciously or intentionally, Yuki tosses out these killer lines so easily.

"That's why I will definitely complete the fireworks. And I will bring joy to Yuki and the people of Weed."

"...I understand your enthusiasm. But overexerting yourself is no good. Your magic power is running low. Let's rest."

"Nn, understood."

The two of us sat down on the grass.

Naturally, practicing fireworks inside the dungeon is impossible.

Well, it's not strictly impossible, but you'd need a location with a vertical shaft at least 5 kilometers deep, and considering smoke ventilation, it sounds extremely troublesome.

This location is a short distance away from the dungeon's outer town. The ground beneath our feet falls under dungeon control, so designated protection applies, meaning we ourselves aren't in much danger.

Well, whatever.

There are only the two of us here.

Yuki, who planned the fireworks display, isn't in this location.

He claimed he was going to make fireworks using science and went elsewhere with Narjia and the dwarves to work on various things.

"...Yuki is acting separately from us. I'm a bit dissatisfied."

"Yuki said he would create fireworks in the night sky using science. I am looking forward to it. I have seen the amazing nature of science until now. However, those were things to make life better, or things to advance battle more advantageously. I think it is amazing that there is science meant to captivate people. And he also taught us the means to captivate people through magic. He taught us that magic isn't just for attacking people, that everything depends on how you use it."

...Just as Cleana said, magic really had only been used for attack, combat support, or minor daily conveniences.

Using it purely to captivate people, as an art form—that's so like Yuki, or rather, it's a concept from Yuki's world.

"Surely, the scientific fireworks Yuki speaks of will be even more amazing than what we are aiming for."

Saying that, Cleana launched a magical firework that Yuki had demonstrated to her before.

Hyuuuu~~~~~BANG!!

That sound echoed, and a beautiful, bright red flower bloomed in the night sky.

In truth, fireworks require precise magic control. You have to maintain the magic until it reaches high altitude, detonate it at just the right position, and scatter the flames evenly.

...Honestly, it's harder than some high-tier spells.

And considering Cleana practices by launching these at quite a high frequency, her magical talent must be exceptional.

"There is not much time left until the actual event. I look forward to Yuki's scientific fireworks, but I have no intention of losing. I will show him an astonishing display."

"...Indeed, it's boring if Yuki is always the one surprising us. Let's make him regret making us the opening act."

Both Cleana and I have an affinity for fire magic.

Yuki said it would be great if we launched magical fireworks as the opening act to pave the way for people to enjoy magic, but we intend to go beyond that and make him admit that fireworks should be done with magic.

* * *

Time flew by quickly, and before we knew it, the day of the event had arrived.

"Amazing... Is this a summer festival?"

"I think so."

Cleana and I were moving toward the launch site, but the dungeon's outer town was in an incredible state.

Because Eris and Ratz ran a massive promotional campaign, not only residents from within the dungeon, but spectators from various countries connected via the gates came flooding in.

For the sake of this festival, the dungeon's outer town was expanded all at once, securing areas specifically for viewing the fireworks. Seraria and Yuki had struggled quite a bit over the layout of the buildings.

Lost in these thoughts, we passed by patrol monsters and knights.

"Sorry, you go over there."

"Got it, Gob!"

Lately, even the knight order under Seraria's direct command has gotten used to coordinating with monsters, and it's a common sight to see them acting together like this.

Though I can't help feeling like they might be using security forces in slightly the wrong way...

"Alright, the end of the line for Yakisoba is right here!! Please wait your turn!!"

"This is the end of the Takoyaki line, Gob!! Hey, no cutting in line, Gob!!"

Why are they holding "End of Line" signs and managing crowds...?

Tori and Riel are busy guarding the kings of various nations who came to watch, so it feels like this has turned into an absurdly big deal.

Anyway, let's hurry to the launch site. It would be awful if we were late.

"Oh, here they come."

When we reached the launch site, Yuki and the dwarves came into view, aiming numerous large tubes up toward the sky.

"Nn, Yuki, we're here."

"...How are the preparations on your end?"

"Ah, mostly done. All that's left is waiting for the time. We'll get a signal from Seraria and Eris. If there are no issues with that message, the fireworks display will start right then."

I see, so all that's left is waiting for the time.

As we waited idly with nothing to do, Yuki brought over a strange ball, holding it with great care. The dwarves and fairies were doing the same.

"Yuki, what's that?"

Before I could ask, Cleana inquired with great interest about what the ball was.

"This is a firework. You light this and launch it into the air, and a beautiful flower blooms."

"...Which means, this is gunpowder? But I understand this must be an extremely difficult process. How were you able to bring so many? There shouldn't have been enough time. Yuki, are you a pyrotechnician?"

"No, I'm not. Since we didn't have time this around, I ordered Earth's fireworks using DP. They aren't original, but feel free to be amazed by fireworks from Earth."

"Nn, looking forward to it."

"I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of magical fireworks you two launch, too."

"...Look and be amazed."

"Nn, just as Kaya says. We will amaze you."

"Well, I'm looking forward to that... Ah, Seraria? Sure, no issues on your side... Got it... Only Eris left... Ah, understood."

Alright, time to gear up.

...I'm starting to feel a bit nervous.

* * *

Side: A Certain Mother on a Certain Day

"Hey, Daddy, Mommy! Look at all the people!!"

"That's right."

"My, It really is incredible, isn't it?"

We were walking through what was called a summer festival.

Not long after Weed was founded, my husband said it was a business opportunity, so we moved here. It's a very livable city, and we're able to spend every day in peace of mind.

This is all thanks to Seraria-sama, who governs Weed, and the other representatives.

Even though that alone is a luxury, Weed holds festivals for almost any reason. Whether it's New Year's... or a peeping-at-the-baths contest.

I asked my husband why they hold so many festivals, but I didn't really understand his explanation. If I recall correctly, holding festivals is the best way to stimulate the economy and bring vitality to the town.

However, he said it's meaningless if people don't gather, and there's no guarantee of success.

"Hey, Mommy! What's a firework?"

"Well, Mommy hasn't seen one either, so I don't really know."

And the main event of this summer festival is supposed to be fireworks, but since we don't even know what fireworks are, we have no idea what to expect.

Presumably, since it's being held in the dungeon's outer town, it's something that can't be done inside the dungeon itself.

Ah, my husband works as a store manager at Super Ratz, so he might know something. He's in an incredible position where he can exchange opinions directly with Representative Ratz.

"Dear, didn't you hear anything from Ratz-sama about what fireworks are?"

"Hmm? No, I didn't hear the details either. But she did say they'd be drawing graffiti in the night sky."

"Amaaaazing!! How do you draw graffiti on a pitch-black sky!?"

"Ratz-sama told us to look forward to it, and there's no doubt something amazing is going to happen in the sky, so let's secure a good spot. Unlike other people, we brought our own food and drinks, after all."

My husband said so, gesturing to the baggage in his hands.

"I'm really glad we brought them. I'm curious about the food stalls, but if we stand in line, it looks like we won't have time to claim a spot to watch."

Saying that, I looked at the long, sprawling lines in front of the stalls.

"Ratz-sama was right. If we had come earlier, we might have had time to buy food, but with the fireworks about to start soon, it's so crowded we'd never manage it. If there's a next year, let me come early to buy some."

"Yeah!! Daddy, Mommy, I'll endure not getting stall food, so we have to hurry and grab a spot before they're gone!!"

Our daughter seemed so curious about the fireworks that she didn't throw a tantrum about not getting stall food. Ever since she met Tori-sama and Riel-sama the other day, she's been quite sensible.

Thinking about that, we secured a spot and waited for a short while until an announcement began to broadcast.

『Thank you for waiting, everyone. As announced, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 8 o'clock. There are about 10 minutes remaining before we start. Before that, we have a few safety precautions regarding the fireworks, so please lend us your attention for a moment.』

"Ah, it's Eris-sama!! It's Eris-sama's voice!!"

"Shh, listen quietly. Children who don't listen to instructions won't get to see the fireworks."

"Aww~ Okay."

『Regarding precautions for the fireworks: large, loud noises will occur frequently, but please do not panic, as these are simply the sounds of the fireworks. We have thoroughly ensured safety, so please rest assured.』

"Ah, next is Ratz-sama!!"

"Hey."

"Solly~"

After that came instructions regarding festival etiquette, as well as advice to visit the nearest police box in case of any trouble.

『Now then, the time is almost upon us. From here, Her Majesty Queen Seraria of Weed will take over.』

『Ahem. Citizens of Weed, visitors from various nations, and representatives of each country—thank you all for participating in this summer festival. I believe the upcoming fireworks will convince you that coming here in this heat was not a mistake, and that you will leave fully satisfied. Please feel free to enjoy the show until the very end. Ah, but don't overexert yourselves. If you feel unwell, please head to the medical tent. Alright, it's time. Everyone, look toward the western sky.』

At Seraria-sama's words, everyone who came to the festival turned to look up at the western night sky after sunset as one.

『Now, I, Ratz, will take over the remaining commentary. To begin with, our first fireworks will be presented by magicians. This segment is brought to you by Super Ratz and the Weed Blacksmiths Guild.』

"Haha, as expected of Lady Ratz. Introducing Super Ratz at a time like this... If the fireworks are amazing, it'll be incredible publicity—"

HYUUUUUU~~~~~~~~BANG.

My husband's words were cut off by a flower blooming in the night sky.

No—everyone around us lost their voices completely.

...A flower had truly bloomed in the night sky.
And it didn't happen just once.

HYUUUUUU~~~~~~~~BANG.

HYUUUUUU~~~~~~~~BANG.

A deep, heavy vibration echoed through the air, signaling that a firework had bloomed in the night sky.

A flower that bloomed and scattered in an instant.

They bloomed and vanished, one after another.

No one could take their eyes off that fantastical scene.

『Yes, that concludes the magicians' fireworks segment.』

At Ratz-sama' words announcing the end, everyone snapped back to reality, and thunderous cheers and applause echoed from all around.

My husband, my daughter, and I were all clapping along with the cheering crowd.

"Amazing!! Amazing!! Daddy, Mommy, fireworks are incredible!!"

"Ah... To think it would be something this grand..."

"...So magic can be used in a way like this too."

However, that was not the end.

『Fufu, judging by the cheers and applause, I can tell you enjoyed it. However, we are not done yet. That was merely the end of the magicians' fireworks, presented by Kaya and Cleana. Next comes the main event. Our beloved husband, Yuki, was the one who proposed this festival. The ones coming up are even more incredible. Without using magic, these fireworks are launched using gunpowder. Ah, funding for this segment is brought to you by the royal families of Weed, Roshure, Rithea, and Gartz.』

...Funding from the royal families!?

Just how did Ratz-sama' husband, Yuki-sama, manage that!?

That person—normally, with all due respect, he seems so absent-minded... I honestly can't see him as a military staff officer. He carries my daughter and even opens ramen shops... Well, they’re delicious though.

HYUUUUUUUUU~~~~~~~~

Then came the sound of a firework launching, and everyone looked up into the sky in silence.

However, no flower opened. By the previous timing, the flower should have bloomed already.

...Could it be a failure?

Just as I was thinking that...

BANG!!

An explosive roar echoed, incomparable to anything before...

And in the night sky bloomed a firework so massive that the previous ones would look tiny in comparison.

The people watching couldn't even react to its sheer scale and magnificence. Neither could I—but it didn't end there.

HYUUUUUUUUU~~~~~~~~

HYUUUUUUUUU~~~~~~~~

HYUUUUUUUUU~~~~~~~~

HYUUUUUUUUU~~~~~~~~

The sound of fireworks launching echoed in rapid succession.

Earlier, it was one by one, but this time it was continuous!?

My guess was right.

The sky lit up as bright as day, and countless fireworks bloomed across the night sky in a non-stop barrage.

BANG!! BANG!! BANG!! BANG!!

...Words were no longer needed.

We simply stared at the beautiful flowers blooming in the night sky.

To think that something this beautiful existed in this world...

* * *

『This concludes the summer festival's fireworks display. The food stalls will remain open until 10 o'clock, so please enjoy yourselves. Now, an announcement regarding a lost child. Height...』

Before I realized it, I was walking back home with my husband and daughter.

I held cotton candy in my hand, while my husband carried yakisoba and takoyaki.

Our daughter was wearing a mask, happily eating a candied apple.

"That was amazing..."

"...Yes, it really was incredible."

I will never forget that sight of the fireworks.

It made me feel truly glad that we came to live in this country called Weed.

"Daddy, Mommy, let's come again next year!!"

Our daughter spoke up with a look of pure joy.

"That's right. Let's come again next year."

"Yeah! If they don't have enough funds to do it, I wouldn't mind giving up my pocket money!"

"Ah, I'll give my pocket money too!!"

"Fufu, I suppose so."

And so, every year, a summer festival signaling the beginning of summer would come to be held.