Track 2

Currently updating the route taken back home… Now redirected to a shortcut that passes through the shrine.

As a thank you for the festival collaboration with Ev3ns the other day, they told us we could use this space however we want.

I’ve already got the lighter and the bucket, so prep should be pretty much good…

Here goes! The First Edition of the ~Sparkler Stamina Cup~!!!

…?

What sort of competition is this, Master? What does ‘sparkler stamina’ mean?

Ahaha, this is just something for fun. When I was a kid, I used to compete with other kids to see who could make their sparklers last the longest.

Sparklers are really delicate. If you let your guard down even a little, the sparks will fall right away. You have to stay suuuper still so it won’t go out quickly.

I see. I have now understood the rules of this competition. Refraining from movement is necessary so that the fireworks remain ablaze.

Kinari-kun, this one’s yours. Hold the handle carefully now.

Thank you.

Lighter switch—on.

Then, let’s begin!

……

…The spark’s starting to fizzle out now, see? It’ll be a crucial position from here on out, so even if your arms start to wobble, take care not to move——

Huh?!

Master’s sparkler confirmed to have gone out. Total time alight: 6.28 seconds.

Ugh… It’s been a while since I’ve done this so I’m kind of rusty… You’re doing pretty good over there, Kinari-kun!

I have temporarily disabled my micro-gyro automatic adjustment system. Doing such will prevent the fireball from dropping due to camera destabilization.

(He’s got a function like that…?! That’s impressive!)

…It is… very beautiful.

With sparks flying about in different directions, it appears similar to that of a kaleidoscope.

However, I do not see the purpose for its fragility given that it is a toy intended for visual enjoyment.

That’s exactly the best part about it! The sparks grow and shrink about, and even in its short life, there’s drama in it, don’t you think?

It makes me kind of want to cheer it on, you know? It’s giving its very all to shine brightly, and that kind of bravery it’s displaying is kind of precious and lovely... Something like that.

……

(Something that does its best to shine in such a short amount of time…)

(Then to me, this is akin to a human’s lifespan. “Precious and lovely”, as it is called…)

How about it, Kinari-kun? Did you like the sparklers?

Yes, very much so. They’re fleeting and beautiful, and they make you want to treasure them.

That’s great! Let’s do this again sometime if you’d like! Maybe we can add regular fireworks to the mix too.

Yes.

An important order has been saved to my memory. I am looking forward to next time, Master.