#968 A Gift to the Saint

Continuing with the Christmas preparations.

We’ve got our hands on a nice, sturdy conifer for the Christmas tree, but we can’t just leave it bare. We need to think about decorations too.

If we go about this haphazardly, we’ll end up with paper strips hanging off the tree.

When you think of Christmas tree decorations, the first things that come to mind are cotton snow, something gold and shiny, and, of course, a star on top!

We’ve got plenty of cotton growing on the farm, so we’re set there. If I ask Batemy, who manages the clothing materials, I’m sure I can get some.

We could make the tree look like it’s in a snowstorm, with branches bending under the weight.

But that’s probably overkill.

Now, about something gold and shiny... ornaments, right?

What should we make them out of? Gold? Actual gold? The element with the symbol Au?

No, that won’t do. Gold is heavy, and pure gold ornaments would be too much.

The branches would bend, and I don’t want the kids to get hurt decorating.

What? That’s not the real issue?

Anyway, the dwarves are pretty good with decorations, so maybe I’ll just leave it to them.

We can trade mana metal for their craftsmanship.

What if they actually make it out of pure gold?

So, we’ve got some ideas...

...What else is there?

Uh-oh I’m running out of ideas fast, being a proud Christmas loner from my previous world!

At this point, let’s just ditch tradition and go with whatever comes to mind!

How about flowers?!

In my fuzzy memory of Christmas trees, there’s always a bit of red here and there.

Decorating with bright red flowers could be nice.

Red flowers... camellias?

No, camellias are considered unlucky... says my samurai brain.

How about red hibiscus?!

It’ll give a tropical vibe in winter, but who cares? Let’s do hibiscus! I bet this conifer never dreamed of blooming with tropical flowers.

And that thing! That stuff!!!

What do you call it? It’s gold or silver, made of plastic, flappy like a mop, and it’s long and stringy... what’s it called again?!

Did you get what I mean? I don’t think I explained it well at all!

Anyway, let’s put that aside for now. What else? Miniatures, maybe?

Little Santa, reindeer, and other Christmas figures to hang on the tree!

That might work!

What miniatures should we make then?

Santa and reindeer are classics... maybe gift boxes or stockings?

Those candy canes with the U-shaped bend are also staples!

We could also come up with some unique motifs.

How about something closer to the original theme, like hanging a miniature of the guy on the cross?

...Better not. That’s a bit too grim and irreverent.

What else... oh!

Lights!

Wrapping the tree in twinkling lights to make it stand out!!!

Even if it’s the last idea, lights are the ultimate showstopper for tree decorations!

In fact, an illuminated tree lights up the whole town, creating a romantic atmosphere for couples to gather...!

...On second thought, let’s skip the lights.

But seriously, why are couples so attracted to anything shiny?

What are they, moths?

I’ve always wondered how the tree feels about being wrapped in those twinkling lights.

Research shows that plants respond to light and use it to tell day from night.

Plants need their nighttime rest too, but if we keep them blinking all night, wouldn’t they be unable to sleep, even at the witching hour?

Just a random thought.

Anyway, I can’t think of a way to get lights to blink in this world, so let’s put that idea on hold.

"Got it, so we just need to make this tree glow, huh?"

Sensei?!

Before I knew it, Sensei the Lifeless King himself had popped into my workshop, overhearing my mutterings.

"If it's not too much trouble, I can use my death light aura. Even a tree can shine with a certain grandeur."

Death light aura...?!

The ultimate weapon of a Lifeless King, a spiritual energy said to destroy and obliterate everything it touches?!

Please don't use that just to make a tree glow!

If you wrap that massive energy around a conifer, it might evolve into some unidentifiable horror.

Struggling through various preparations, I finally managed to get things into some sort of shape.

At last, the day of the event arrived...

***

Finally, it's Christmas Day!!!

Well, it's not exactly December 24th or 25th, and this world doesn't even have a calendar.

But if I say it's Christmas, then today is Christmas!

If I decide it, then today, this very day, is Christmas!!!

"All right, let's get this party started."

The venue is all set, with tables arranged around the towering Christmas tree.

They are laden with a feast fit for Christmas.

"Whoaaaaaaaaa! It’s a cake! I get to feast on such a huge cake! This is what a celebration is all about!!!"

Veil is ecstatic over the prepared Christmas cake.

It was worth all the hard work.

Next to the towering Christmas tree, the sakura, plum, and palm trees are causing a bit of a commotion.

"Lord Saint! We decorated it too! Even though the leaves are falling, it's still so sparkly and grand!!!"

"My coconuts are the best ornaments! I’m the perfect choice for the Christmas tree, don’t you think?!"

Such persistence.

Oh, all right. Each tree has its own season—the sakura and plum trees can dream of blooming in the coming spring.

As for the palm tree... summer?

Wow... everyone really came together.

Not just the farm residents but even the Demon King, Arowana, and Ritheseus, who live outside the farm, showed up as guests.

The scale of this thing turned out bigger than I expected.

...Wait a second.

Who invited all these people to the Christmas party?

I don't remember sending out invitations.

Calling such busy leaders from across the land just for a party seems a bit... much.

Christmas isn’t even a thing in this world, and while it might spread in the future, I wanted to keep this first one more like a home party.

"Okay, let me kick things off with a greeting!"

Platy jumps out enthusiastically.

My wife is about to deliver a passionate opening speech.

"Thank you all for coming to my husband's birthday party today!"

...

Huh?

"My husband finally told us his birthday after all this time. Isn’t he modest? But now that we know, let’s celebrate it to the fullest!!!"

That misunderstanding is still going on?!

Christmas = Holy Birth = Saint = My birthday?!

Is that why the Demon King and Arowana came?

"Of course, we couldn't miss the celebration of our revered Lord Saint."

"The most important person in the world and our dear friend."

Even though everyone is so busy...!

"Happy birthday, Dear!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAAAAAY!!!”

"Looking forward to more great times together!"

"LOOKING FORWARD TO ITTTTT!!!"

Everyone... united to celebrate me...!

How can I tell them it’s a misunderstanding when they’re celebrating with all their hearts...!!!