#969 To the Sacred Night Sky

The Christmas party, mistaken for my birthday celebration, is in full swing.

First, come the barrage of presents for me.

Since birthdays mean gifts, lots of people brought me presents.

“Lord Saint, I present a portion of our demon territory! Use it however you like!”

“For Lord Saint, I’ve prepared an official title from the Mermaid Kingdom! It’s purely honorary, so no need to worry about obligations!”

“From our New Human Republic, please accept one of our 200 limited-edition mugs made for our founding anniversary!!!”

“From this Geyser Dragon Ardheg, a 1/60 scale model of myself made from my own scales…!”

“I, as the God of the Underworld, shall grant thee the right to descend into the realm of the dead and return to the surface up to seven times.”

“Thou art most unfair, Hades! Then I, in turn, shall bestow upon the saint the right to traverse freely between the earth and the sea!”

Why is everyone giving me such outrageous gifts?

Usually, I would gently decline, but since everyone brought these gifts out of pure goodwill, I couldn’t turn them down.

As an exception, the gods’ gifts were rejected because they violated the divine law of “no further gifts.”

I was moved to tears, which was out of character for me.

When was the last time so many people celebrated my birthday?

Technically, it’s not my birthday, but still.

Since becoming an adult, I’ve never experienced such overwhelming kindness…!

So warm…!

I had forgotten people could be so warm…!

The highlight is the drawing my son Junior and Norito made for me together.

They drew it with crayons.

“Daddy, this is for youuu.”

“Awaa!”

Every father’s dream treasure is finally in my hands...!!!

This is my happiest moment.

It took all my strength not to ruin the drawing with my tears!

I’ll laminate it to keep it safe from any dirt or damage.

Let’s display this next to the household shrine.

Aside from that, the Christmas party itself is a great success.

Everyone was captivated by the towering Christmas tree and gave warm looks at the cherry, plum, and palm trees, which awkwardly joined the festive scene.

The food was also a hit. The sweet, melty Christmas cake was especially popular with the ladies, and the juicy roast turkey (?) was a favorite among the men.

“Uhyooooooooooh! The cake Master made is so sweet it melts in my mouthhhhhhhhh! And we haven’t had a cake this huge since the wedding! Birthdays are so speciaaaalllllllll!!!”

Even Veil is ecstatic about the cake.

“Ohhh! Behold the tender perfection of this stewed pumpkin! Though the broth hath thoroughly permeated it, the unique sweetness of the pumpkin yet remaineth! Hades and Poseidon! Know ye that this dish was made at my behest by the saint! Partake without reservation and savor it!!!”

“Nay, Father...! We much prefer cake or perhaps grilled fowl...!”

“Hades! This is not the time to dally with Father! The food is disappearing at an alarming rate! If this continueth, naught shall remain for us to consume!”

It seems even the god Cronus is pleased with the pumpkin stew.

By the way, the pumpkin stew is also popular with Sensei and is being consumed faster than I expected.

“This gentle sweetness is perfect for an old-timer like me. It really whets the appetite.”

And so, the Christmas party ended in a great success.

I’m very satisfied as the organizer and for putting in so much effort.

However.

My Christmas isn’t over yet.

If this party is for Christmas Eve, the real Christmas is just beginning.

As night falls, the main event of giving presents to the good children is yet to come.

For the kids, this is the true essence of Christmas.

So, it’s up to Santa to visit the kids.

Bringing gifts for all the good little boys and girls.

Will Santa appear tonight?

No need for boring talk about how “Santa isn’t real.”

What matters is, “Who is Santa?”

Yes.

I…

I am Santa Claus!!!

“Huh? What are you talking about, Master?”

Veil interrupts with a serious face.

Don’t respond so seriously!

“Listen up, Veil. Christmas isn’t over yet. In fact, the real fun is just beginning. Christmas isn’t complete without a special someone who only shows up on Christmas Eve!”

That’s right, it’s Santa!

And this year, I’m going to be Santa!

Tonight, every dad must become Santa Claus!

“I am...! We are Santa Claus!”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Her reaction is pretty underwhelming.

But Veil, take a moment to really think about what I just said.

You’ll realize something important!

“Huh... Me? I’m Santa? We’re Santa? Wait, ‘we’?”

Yep, you’ve caught on.

“Are you saying that I’m included in this Santa business, too?! I have to be Santa?! You called me back here just for this after disbanding the party?!”

Exactly, Veil. Well done.

But, while your guess is correct, it’s not entirely complete.

“Listen, Veil, Santa has a partner. An essential sidekick.”

“A sidekick...who could that be...?!”

That sidekick is none other than a reindeer.

“Isn’t that just a species name?!”

“Reindeer are responsible for pulling Santa’s sleigh. They not only carry Santa but also the sleigh full of presents, flying around to deliver gifts to children all over the world.”

Of course, real reindeer can’t fly, so it’s impossible for them to pull a sleigh all over the world.

Just for the record, reindeer do exist here.

“And the one chosen for this task, Veil, is you! I want you to pull the sleigh as my reindeer!”

“No way, absolutely not!”

You, you are the reindeer!!!

“Hey, Master. Don’t you remember? I’m a proud dragon. I could incinerate entire human races when I’m angry. I’m a mighty and terrifying beast!”

“I’ve even got a reindeer costume ready. Wanna try it on?”

“Listen to me!”

By the way, I’m already in my Santa costume.

A bright red suit like I’ve been drenched in blood, with a big white beard.

Now, anyone who sees me knows I’m the ultimate Santa!

I’m going out to deliver presents to the kids!

“But Master, delivering presents means going to Junior and Norito, right? Isn’t that just your own house?”

Veil, desperate to avoid this hassle, is trying to weasel out of it.

“Why do we need a sleigh for just two presents? Hands are good enough...”

“Sure, for just two presents, a sleigh isn’t necessary. But it’s not just two.”

“What?”

There are presents for every child in this world!

Tonight, we’re delivering gifts to kids all over the globe!!!

“Why?! Why give presents to other people’s kids too?! Have you lost your mind, Master?!”

No, listen, Veil.

I realized something after becoming a father.

Once you have your own kids, you start seeing all children as adorable, even if they’re not yours.

As I prepared for Christmas, I wanted to spread the joy of Christmas to every child in the world!

That’s why I need your help, Veil!

Please be my reindeer!!!

“Master…!”

Uh-oh, she’s giving me a hard look...!

Is she thinking, “What’s this guy talking about?!”

“Master…! What a wonderful idea…!!!”

“Huh?”

To my surprise, Veil is moved to tears.

“Not just thinking of yourself, but wanting to share happiness with everyone is truly noble! I’m proud of you, Master!”

“Oh... Then does that mean...?!”

“With pleasure, I’ll pull the sleigh! A dragon-powered world tour it is!!!”

And so, pulled by a transformed dragon Veil, we soared into the holy night sky.

Just wait for me, kids of the world.

Santa is coming to bring your dreams!!!