#964 The Forgotten Sabbath

And so, the saintess, left dazed and confused, was taken home by Sensei.

Though it’s unclear what kind of life she’ll lead from now on, I hope she enjoys this new chance, considering her young and tragic fate.

Now, let’s turn the spotlight back to our lives.

It’s winter, and boy, is it cold.

Though we’ve beefed up our farm’s heating over the years, this bone-chilling cold still gets to us.

That’s winter for you.

This winter cold and the recent chaos with the saintess have triggered a memory for me.

That’s right, even in the world I used to live in, there was something deeply connected to cold and holiness.

A holy day.

A holy night.

December 25th, smack dab in the middle of winter.

Yes, Christmas.

Among the many holidays in a year, Christmas stands out as a day of bustling joy, singing, and celebration.

I’ve brought many traditions from my old world to this fantasy land.

Yet, for some reason, I’ve never touched Christmas.

Even though it should have been the first thing on my list.

Why did it slip my mind until now?

Because...!

I didn’t want to remember it...!!!

Seriously, what the heck!

All those couples getting cozy and lovey-dovey!

Do they even know what Christmas is supposed to be about?! Christmas critics always bring up its origins.

Of course, I know...!

Bringing up the “original meaning” argument is already a sign of defeat.

But knowing that doesn’t stop me from ranting...!!!

Yes, Christmas is the birthday of a saint!

The day a savior, who took on all humanity’s sins, was born in a stable!

It goes even further back to ancient European celebrations of the winter solstice, but who cares about that!

The point is, there’s no real connection between the true meaning of Christmas and couples getting all lovey-dovey!!!

Yet, with flimsy excuses, they get all cozy!

How dare they sully a day with “holy” in its name with their lustful desires!

Just because the New Year’s bell will “reset” everything in six days doesn’t mean it’s a free pass!

Oh, sinful Japanese, oh, deeply flawed Japanese!!!

There’s no day in the year I feel more ashamed of being Japanese than this one!

...

Well, that’s how I used to feel, constantly.

It’s jealousy.

Yeah, I know.

Being perpetually single back then, my heart would burn with the flames of jealousy every time I saw a couple on the holy night.

Even in this new world, I naturally sealed away those memories and kept them at a distance.

All you really need in winter is a “Happy New Year!!!”

But...

Christmas isn’t just important for lovers.

There are others who eagerly await December 25th (or 24th?) just as much, if not more.

And those are kids.

Of course, because Christmas is the day Santa Claus brings presents to good children!!!

For kids, it’s an incredibly precious day.s

Kids only get guaranteed presents twice a year.

Their birthday and Christmas.

Out of the 365 days, just two.

That makes Christmas a special and important day for them!

Compared to that, couples can get cozy almost every day, so who cares!!!

That’s my jealousy talking.

Now that I’m a father of two, I have to face Christmas properly, even though it never mattered to me as a single guy.

All fathers are Santa Claus!!!

Junior and Norito have grown quite a bit, but it’s never too late to start.

Time to bring Christmas to this fantasy worldddddddd!!!

***

So.

What’s the first step in making Christmas happen in this world...?

A presentation!

I know from experience that whenever I start something, everyone notices, and it turns into a big deal!

So, I’ll get ahead of it by proposing the idea right from the planning stage and explaining exactly what we’re going to do!!!

Why am I being so thorough this time?!

Of course, to make sure everyone understands what Christmas is all about!!!

Christmas is...!

The day to celebrate the birth of an ancient saint!

It’s absolutely not a day for lovesick couples to indulge their desires!

Absolutely not!

I want everyone to know this!

Especially you, who know nothing about Christmas in this other world!

Christmas is...!!!

A day to remember a saint who prayed for world’s salvation, to share pure and heartfelt feelings with everyone!

It’s definitely not a day for clueless, lustful fools to spread their evil passions!!!

Pardon the harsh language; it’s born of jealousy!!!

...So, everyone, do you understand?

Got it?!

“Got it… or rather…!”

In front of me are Platy, Veil, and the other main farm residents, all gathered.

Even though it’s the idle winter season, they assembled quite quickly.

“So, what’s the deal? You hate couples, Master?”

“That’s not it! Well, maybe a little, but the important part is something else!!!”

“It’s weird that you would hate other couples when you already have Platy as your mate, Master.”

Guh!

Veil’s hundred-ton punch of logic!

True, but a great predecessor once said this!

—’Even though I’m happily in a relationship, I still hate other sappy couples!!!’

Just as people have the right to love, everyone has the right to hate sappy couples!!!

“So this year, I want to hold a truly pure Christmas! Not one smeared with the lust of couples! I earnestly seek your cooperation!”

“Well, everyone’s usually free in winter, so we welcome events...!”

“And Orkubo’s Castle wrapped up early this year...!”

“As long as I have beans, I’m fine!”

“All I need is natto...!”

The residents seem generally positive.

This means my vision of Christmas is sure to come true, but...

“...Hmph, I think I get it.”

Who spoke so confidently? Platy?

If it’s my dear wife Platy, who understands me best, she’ll surely grasp my intentions even more deeply!

“Dear, you’ve been so secretive… You should have told me about such an important day sooner.”

“Eh? That important?”

“Of course! Extremely important!!!”

Is it really something to get so worked up over?

Platy’s intense reaction is unexpected…

Could it be?!

Has she discovered the dark side of Christmas, the wild celebrations of couples?! Platy is sharp and perceptive enough to figure out even what I haven’t said.

“It’s that, right? Christmas is the birthday of a holy person, correct?”

Uh, yeah…

That’s right.

“That means it’s your birthday, Dear!!!”

Wait a minute.

No, Christmas is for a holy person, not me…

...

Oh.

I’m considered a holy person here!

I’ve been in this other world for many years.

That time has been almost equal to the years I’ve been called a saint.

At first, I was embarrassed and denied being called a “saint,” but you get used to it.

Now, I’ve become so accustomed to being called a saint that I even introduce myself as one!

Saint and holy person.

Is there really a difference?

Being used to being called a saint, I’ve been mixed up with that holy person in this world!

How presumptuous!

“If it’s the birthday of my beloved husband, then we absolutely must celebrate! Let’s do this, team! Let’s make the best Chrishmimas for the Master who takes care of us every day!!!”

“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

Oh no! Christmas has been misunderstood and twisted in this other world!

Even the name is slightly wrong!