Chapter 37 two

Looking at it this way, there is a settlement surrounded by mountains.Buildings are scattered here and there, maybe it's not yet the season for planting, and the fields are full of unmelted residual snow and dots of green.Earlier I heard from Satoshi that lotus flowers would be planted in the fields after the rice was harvested, and Chitanda also said with a vague smile that there was indeed a place where such plants were planted.As for whether it is the lotus that is sprouting new buds in the fields now, I don't know.If so, the flowering period should not be far away. I pedaled my bicycle along the creek.There are rows of trees along the river bank, and after losing their leaves last autumn, they still haven't sprouted new shoots.Although I am not very interested in the wind, flowers, snow and moon, I still know such a common tree species-cherry blossoms are planted by the river.The plum blossoms in the urban area are already in full bloom, and it will be the turn of the cherry blossoms soon.

Speaking of which, plants are not industrial products, so there are occasional unconventional phenomena.On the way upstream, a single cherry tree in full bloom came into view.Although not yet fully bloomed, the other trees were still in their winter state of solemnity, and this one was more than half in bloom.I guess it has something to do with the sun.It's no wonder that pedestrians can't take their eyes off the cherry tree that blooms alone. I stopped my bicycle. Although I was shocked by this cherry tree that bloomed alone in Linghan, the purpose was not to enjoy the cherry blossoms.I took out a notepad from my pocket, on which I wrote the route to Mizunashi Shrine that Chitanda said.

'From the usual ramp up the river, you will see a single cherry tree in full bloom.Cross the long bridge in front of the cherry tree, then just follow the road. ' Just walk past this cherry blossom tree and cross the first bridge.After confirming the route, I continued on my way. The door curtain with the family crest printed on it, the boys and girls chasing and playing, the white society flag visible in the distance, and most importantly, myself who was riding a bicycle across the street at nine o'clock in the morning even though I didn't have to go to school.In the field of vision, the atmosphere of the festival can be felt everywhere.

Soon, after turning a corner, I saw a small bridge.That's Long Bridge.This bridge is quite old, and it really fits the name 'long time'.The bridge deck is very narrow, and cars seem to be unable to pass it. but. I stopped pedaling. "……what?" There is a very common sign beside the bridge.It's common, but it's annoying.The sign reads like this - 'No access'. The bridge is under construction.I carefully read the content on the sign, it seems that the small bridge needs to be renovated because of its aging.But it is true that the wooden bridge, which is almost rotten to black, is not stable at first glance.Moreover, the asphalt is not even paved on the bridge surface, which is estimated to be quite old.

Although there is a "No Access" sign on the side of the bridge, the bridge itself is not currently blocked.That said, I can still live if I think about it.But there was a light truck parked on the opposite side of the creek, and two men wearing yellow helmets and yellow-gray one-piece overalls were seen moving iron scaffolding and other equipment from the truck.They are the construction workers of the civil engineering company...it's not worth it to cross the bridge without authorization and be scolded.Fortunately, the bridge is only a few meters long.I asked the construction workers on the other side of the river, "Sorry to bother you!"

The construction workers turned their heads.Their complexion is slightly dark, even in this cold, it still reminds people of midsummer.I don't know if they got tanned at work, or they got tanned because they like skiing in winter.Fortunately, it doesn't look like a difficult person. "Oh, what's the matter?" "Is it okay to pass here?" "Okay, okay. Hurry up and hurry up now." The construction workers waved me over.So I was kind enough to push my bicycle across the long bridge.The deck buckled and creaked under my feet, and it looked like it was due for renovation.

As soon as I crossed the bridge, the construction workers put their hands on their hips and said with a smile: "As soon as the next truck arrives, we will start construction. We will not be able to pass by then." "Ah, thank you." In other words, the return journey can only take another bridge downstream.Anyway, I won't get lost anyway. After crossing the long bridge, I suddenly felt a little weird.Chitanda, who lives in Jinde, should of course know that the Nagashi Bridge will be under construction.Knowing this, she still let me walk on this bridge, which is strange.It was impossible for Chitanda to find fault on purpose.

Well, it's all over, so there's nothing to complain about.Next, just follow the road, so I rode my bicycle to the upper reaches of the river. Speaking of which, I saw Chitanda's kimono costume during Chinese New Year.That day was a New Year's visit, and today is a festival.Although I don't particularly believe in these things, fate is really amazing. As I can see from a distance, the Mizuna Shrine is built surrounded by mountains.Different from the scale of Arakusu Shrine that I visited during the New Year, Mizuna Shrine not only has a small torii gate, but also narrow stone steps. The shrine hall is not so much old as it is old.Although it shouldn't be compared with Arakusu Shrine, a tourist attraction, it is still trying its best here.In front of the shrine is a schedule of activities, and there is also a signboard with the words "Parade of living dolls starts at 11:30" in large characters.

I had never set foot in the "Social Affairs Office" before this year, but I didn't expect to enter it twice this year alone.After all, it was the second time, so I became more courageous without realizing it.Of course, the shrine office of Arakusu Shrine has nothing to do with the shrine office of Mizuna Shrine, but I always feel that since I have eaten beef restaurants in Osaka, I can also enter Nagoya.Is this the so-called "Zhang San's revenge on Li Si", or is it different?In short, even among the elderly people in livery, I can really feel at ease and no longer shrink back.

Although it is not as big as the hall of the Arakusu Shrine, this room can be as big as twenty pieces at the moment.I found a middle-aged man who seemed to be in charge and asked, "What should I do?" The parade starts at 11:30 and the assembly time is 9:30.Although I arrived on time, there was nothing to do.The rosacea-nosed man looked at me suspiciously, and asked rudely, "...are you?" "My name is Oreki, and I was called to hold an umbrella." "I haven't heard your name before." "Well, I'm not from here." "Well……" He stared straight at me.Didn't Chitanda say hello?Even I was a little unhappy to be treated like this when I rushed here in the cold weather.

"Didn't you hear from Chitanda? The umbrella bearer was injured, so let me do it." As soon as the words fell, the man's attitude changed all of a sudden.Is it because I have identified myself? "Ahhh! You are here for Yuze. I have heard about it. Why are you here so early? Boys change clothes very quickly, so it doesn't matter if you come later." ...If I knew earlier that it would be okay to be late, I would definitely do my best to take it slowly.The man led me to the kerosene stove in front of the kerosene stove: "Ah, the preparatory work is done in this room, so you can stay here to warm up before it's your turn." "Oh……" This is a wish.Now that I got permission, I put on a white trench coat and sat down in front of the kerosene stove and turned into a statue.It's one of the things I'm best at.But the so-called "Boys can change their clothes later", does it mean that Chitanda has been dressing up since 9:30? Everyone except me has their own things to do, and they all seem to be in a hurry.Basically, there will be four or five people waiting in the room, and sometimes a man in livery rushes in, and after talking loudly for two or three sentences, the staff will come and go.For example like this - "Hey, who's in charge of the wine?" "Leave the wine to Mr. Nakatake. I said, what happened to lunch?" "The women have been asked to prepare, and I will confirm it now." or-- "Mr. Huai! The call is from the newspaper office!" "A newspaper? Not NHK?" "He said it was a newspaper." etc.From this series of conversations, I knew that the man with the rosacea just now was called Huajing. In the noisy Japanese-style room, I concentrated on drawing heat energy into my body.Occasionally someone will give me a surprised look, wondering "who is this person and what is he doing without a helper", but as long as I don't meet their eyes, there is nothing to be afraid of. ...In general, I don't see a reason for being energy-efficient.But I have quite valid reasons for sitting still in front of the kerosene stove right now: First, I don't know the situation in this village.I don't know anything about the steps from human relations to festivals.Volunteering even though no one asked me to help would cause trouble for others. Second, it is very warm in front of the stove. Probably because I have no sense of presence when I squat down, most people just ignore me.What if I was ignored until the parade started—I was worrying when that man named Hanai stood in front of me just now.He said quickly, "You are holding an umbrella for the Chitanda family's daughter, right?" "That's what I heard." "That's it, let me tell you first. The Yuan family is currently in mourning, so the parade route has been changed." "Ah, my condolences." After listening to me, Huai didn't look serious, just nodded slightly: "Don't worry, the walk was very peaceful. But, have you heard about the parade route?" "No." "Then you just follow the person in front, and you will save a few minutes by taking a shortcut." Hanai seemed to have finished speaking here, and immediately walked away.Anyway, as long as I follow Chitanda, it doesn't matter to me whether I change the route or not.If I hadn't asked, I could have passed without knowing Yuanjia's misfortune.That old man seems to have passed away in his prime, please allow me to pay him or her a silent tribute. The noisy preparations never end. "The total number of shoes doesn't match! What happened to the women's sandals?" "Short of one pair or two pairs?" "Missing a pair." "Then go tell Chitanda-san and ask her to bring a pair." I have to wear straw sandals too, right?Need to wear two toe socks?I'm wearing ordinary socks that can completely block the cold air around my feet, is it okay? ...Not good, affected by the flustered atmosphere, even I can't hold my breath anymore.No problem, I've confirmed with Chitanda that I shouldn't need to prepare anything. But now it seems that their cooperation with each other is not perfect.Uneasy. As time passed, the expressions of the people who rushed into the room became more and more tense.As soon as a slender old man with white hair stepped into the room, he shouted in a loud voice from nowhere: "Nakatake! Tell me, what happened to the wine!" Among the crowd in the corner of the room, a man stood up slowly.He was stocky, dull-looking but powerful. "I've ordered it. It will be delivered by noon." "What time is it estimated at noon?" "A little bit." "asshole!" A loud roar made me, who was in the opposite corner of the room, tremble with fright. "The parade will come back at 12:30, so there's no time to deliver it at one o'clock! Didn't I say that there must be room for everything? Let me advance the time!" Although the person in charge of the wine was still reluctant, he answered "I'll go right away" and went out.The white-haired old man glanced around the room sharply again, and I accidentally caught sight of him.He murmured "Oh", and strode towards me with a straight face.The old man was in good spirits, bowed slightly and said to me, "Are you the one Chitanda found?" Why did he show such courage?Although I really want to say "No, you have the wrong person", but after all, I can't: "Yes." That's all I can answer.And my casual posture of half squatting and half sitting before became sitting upright unconsciously. Then the old man bowed his head and apologized: "I am very sorry for making you come here from far away. We are really short of manpower this time, and I am sorry to cause trouble to outsiders. Please take care of everything today." I took off my windbreaker reflexively, and stood up: "I'm sorry here, as an outsider, I got involved. I try not to hinder you. After all, I have no experience. Please point it out." The old man raised his head and narrowed his eyes: "It looks safe and reliable." ...This is the first time in my life that I have received such an evaluation. Just take a good rest before going on stage—— After finishing speaking, the old man bowed and left the room.I always feel that in this way, I can stay leisurely as if I have won the gold medal for avoiding death. But things won't always go your way.I only heard the men who came in and out chatted like this: "Is there nothing wrong with Jiujiu Bridge?" The one who said this was Rosacea Hanai.It was a tall, thin man among the muscular men in livery who answered, "I've already asked Mr. Murai." "The matter has passed to Murai." There was a hint of bitterness mixed in at the end of Hanai's words.The tall man also noticed this: "Is it difficult?" "It's nothing, so be it. So, have they stopped the construction?" "He said to leave it to him. He said that even if the construction period would be delayed, at least construction would be suspended on the day of the Puppet Festival." As an outsider, I can certainly assume that they will take care of everything.Why didn't I do this?I don't know too well myself.Anyway, with my back to the heater, I said abruptly, "As for the long bridge, the construction has already started." Unexpectedly, this sentence has attracted a huge response.Not only Huajing and the man talking to him, but also the white-haired old man, the man who was scolded by the old man for preparing drinks, and everyone else in the room looked at me together. Even I can see that things seem to be getting worse.Hanai's eyes widened suddenly—— "what?!" he said in amazement.Then he yelled at the tall man again: "Ah Zhong! Didn't you confirm it?!" The man named Ah Zhong became incoherent: "I urged Mr. Murai several times. But he said it was on him, so I can't contact the construction team directly." "I ask you." Hanai turned to me and asked, "Is this news true?" How do you tell me to answer. "When I came, there was a 'No Entry' sign. I asked the construction workers on site, and they let me come." "Is it just a warning sign?" "Yeah... but they said that construction will start when another truck arrives, and then it will be impassable." The noisy room instantly became calm, which made people feel creepy.Probably from the kitchen side, a high-pitched voice came over. The white-haired old man said: "Ayuan, I'm sorry, you drive a light truck to check. Tanimoto went to find Murai... Forget it, go and call the Zhongchuan construction team." It seems that the tall man is called Tanimoto Shige or something. As for whether it is "Jogyu" or "Jojiro", I don't know.After hearing the arrangement, Huai nodded and said, "Well, please." For some reason, he glared at me.If the long bridge can pass safely, will I be lynched? ...But my worry was a false alarm. About ten minutes later, the man surnamed Yuan, who was so fat that he almost tore his livery, ran back out of breath.I only heard him report loudly: "It's true! Construction has already started." I want to understand why this is important.In other words, the parade route will pass through the long bridge. Huajing yelled mercilessly, "Ah Zhong! Look at what you've done!" Tanimoto still refused to accept.Although afraid of Hanai's power, he still clearly defended: "No, the matter is too strange. The Zhongchuan construction team did receive a contact from Mr. Murai, asking them to stop working on the day of the festival." "That……" "However, they said that they received another contact the day before yesterday asking them to continue construction." Ah Yuan helped Tanimoto, who was sweating profusely, to rescue him: "A Zhong is right. I saw the people from the Zhongchuan construction team just now, and they really said so." How could this be--someone muttered. The atmosphere in the room became extremely serious, which made me feel like I was sitting on pins and needles.Should I frown too?Helpless, I didn't bother my brain at all, so I couldn't express a troubled expression at all.Let's just watch the situation quietly. This time, the decision with practical significance was still made by the white-haired old man: "Don't worry about the construction team, there must be something wrong. The most important thing now is what to do with the route." A cold round clock hung on the crossbar of the door frame, and the time was less than half past ten. The original route was fairly simple. Follow the road in front of the shrine and go down the river.After crossing the long bridge, change direction and go upstream.There is a bridge called Maoqiao at the entrance of the shrine. After crossing the Maoqiao, you will return to the shrine.It's that simple. But now the long bridge can not go. Because of this emergency, the men who had been working scattered all over the house also returned to the house.In an instant, the spacious lounge turned into a cramped conference room.Because it was not good to be in a daze in front of the fireplace anymore, I took off my windbreaker and sat silently in the corner of the room.In fact, what they were going to talk about had nothing to do with me as an outsider, so I really wanted to leave, but I accidentally missed the opportunity to leave. Someone spoke first: "Can't we stop the construction for a while? The queue can go through in five minutes." If it can be done, it will be easy.Huai shook his head and said, "It's true that the parade won't take long, but the reporters will also come. And if there is any accident on the closed bridge, the construction team will be responsible. Since they have already started construction, let's not It’s embarrassing for them. The purpose of communicating with others before is to avoid this situation today..." Saying that, Hanai glanced to the side.The one in front of the line of sight was naturally Tanimoto. "There's no other way, why don't we walk to the long bridge and then return?" Hanai rubbed her chin and said.As soon as the voice fell, complaints followed one after another—— "Who would do that!" "Go back the way you came?" "It may not matter to the west, but what about the east? Don't live puppets go!" I have a rough grasp of the status quo.The festival should be held jointly by the east and west banks of the small river.If the parade goes to only one side, the people on the other side will get angry. Hearing objections, Huajing proposed the next plan: "Then go to Najiu Bridge first, then return, then cross Maoqiao to tour the east, go to Najiu Bridge and return again." Go and go, go back and go?Although it is also a way... This time there was only one person who stood up against it.That person was not in the room just now—— "It would take twice as long and double the distance." "That can't be helped." "How can we just say that there is no way? All the scheduled itineraries will be out of order. The TV station will also come. That kind of sloppy approach is absolutely not acceptable." Another person interjected, "Besides, being a puppet is a hard job. It's too hard to walk twice the distance." Quite a reasonable opinion.I don't know how much the umbrella actually weighs, but I don't want to walk twice the distance. Huajing fell into an embarrassing situation where he was not a human being inside and outside. Not only did his nose turn red, but his entire face turned red: "Anyway, things are already like this anyway. Is there any other plan?" "You can also go to the bridge for a long distance." said a young man. "If you cross Yuanlu Bridge and return to Maoqiao, it won't take twice as long." It can be heard from the words that there should be another bridge downstream of the Changjiu Bridge under construction.I came along the river, is there a bridge?Well, there should be, but I didn't pay much attention so I don't have the impression. But as soon as this proposal came out, Hanai fell into a subtle silence.Not only Hanai, but the atmosphere in the whole room became awkward. There is not much time left before the parade begins, who will open the situation? ! Leaving aside the situation, the silence was immediately broken—the sliding door was opened unexpectedly, and a fat middle-aged woman asked in surprise, "Well... sorry to bother you. There is a man named Oreki sir?" "Ah, it's me." I put my legs up and stood up. "I am Oreki." The woman looked at me with an increasingly incredulous expression.I always feel that the perception of me in her head must be rude. "Is there a problem?" "That's right... Chitanda's daughter called you, as if she wanted you to come over." Chitanda? Probably waiting for the intruder to leave, everyone shut their mouths tightly, and the atmosphere in the room became more and more heavy.I left the room in a hurry.I don't know what's going on, but I'm really grateful to Chitanda for being able to call me out of this room.