It was the 24th day of the Month of Heavens. Today was Christmas... Back in Japan, the Eve always seemed more festive, but in this world, the 25th was the main event. Today was simply a day when cities across the globe were vibrantly decorated in anticipation of tomorrow.
Yugfressia, the Forest City, was no exception.
In this land ruled by Lilliwood-san, trees of all shapes and sizes grew, centered around the massive World Tree. For Christmas, every one of those countless trees was beautifully adorned.
To the inhabitants of Yugfressia, the World Tree and Lilliwood-san were objects of deep faith. Thus, the entire city held a massive festival on this day under the pretense of offering gratitude to the Sacred Tree.
I watched the bustling streets while hanging a decoration on a nearby branch. A gentle voice reached my ears.
"I am so sorry, Kaito-san... making you help with this..."
"Not at all. This is an easy favor. But Lilliwood-san, as a tree spirit, what do you think about people decorating the trees like this?"
"It is a rare occasion for the trees to be made so beautiful. I think it is a lovely sentiment."
"I see."
I suppose it was like a form of fashion—dressing up specifically for Christmas. I considered a pun about 'branching out' into new styles, but I stopped myself. Just thinking of it made me feel pathetic.
I was currently helping with the preparations for the holiday festivities. I had originally visited Lilliwood-san on some business, but since she looked so busy, I'd offered to lend a hand with these small tasks.
"I must admit, I am a little envious," she said. "The World Tree is... too large to be decorated."
"Yeah, that would definitely be a challenge."
The World Tree was simply too gargantuan to adorn. Some of its branches were as wide as a four-lane highway.
Lilliwood-san was dressed in her usual ethnic-inspired attire—a poncho-like outfit that felt very much like her. I personally liked this style.
"Lilliwood-san, you're more than beautiful enough just as you are."
"Please... do not say such flattering things. You are making me quite embarrassed."
"Ahaha. But honestly, I'm having fun just being with you."
"Oh, you really are a strange person... A man like you would surely be in high demand today and tomorrow. And yet, you chose to spend your Christmas with me..."
She blushed slightly and turned her head. As she did, her hair—which looked like fresh green leaves, or rather, was actually made of layers of leaves—swayed gently.
Maybe it was because she was a spirit, but I always felt incredibly relaxed in her presence. It wasn't quite the same as forest bathing; it was more about her naturally gentle personality. Being with her was just... calming.
"What's wrong with that? I'm here because I want to be."
"I will not be able to entertain you much, you know?"
"I don't mind. You're the star of the festival here, so I know how it is. Just having you come see me whenever you find a spare moment is enough for me."
"You truly are... a difficult person."
Despite her words, her voice was filled with tenderness. The jade-colored eyes she turned toward me were overflowing with warmth.
Once the decorations were finished and the sun dipped below the horizon, bright lights illuminated the darkness to signal the start of the party.
I planned to stay the night at Lilliwood-san’s residence, so I sat by the window sipping black tea while watching the city glow. I could have joined the festival, but I didn't want the already-busy Lilliwood-san to have to worry about me. I decided to spend the evening relaxing and waiting for her return.
As the central figure of the festival, she was always swamped this time of year. I remembered her telling me several times, "I doubt I'll be back tonight, so please don't wait up."
It was currently 9:00 PM. If she did manage to return, it would likely be in another three hours or so. I thought to myself that waiting for someone like this wasn't so bad for a change. To pass the time, I pulled a book out of my Magic Box and began to read.
Eventually, just as the clock neared midnight, the festival seemed to have reached a lull. Lilliwood-san returned. She looked at me sitting in the chair with my book and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Haa... I thought this might happen, but why are you still awake? Honestly..."
"Welcome back, Lilliwood-san. You must be tired."
"Yes... I have returned. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long."
"No, it's fine. I was just waiting because I had something for you."
"Something... for me?"
She tilted her head curiously. I reached into my Magic Box, pulled out a corsage shaped like a flower, and held it out to her.
"Lilliwood-san, Merry Christmas."
"Eh?"
"I wasn't sure what to get, but I thought flowers would suit you best, so I went with this."
"Oh... um... thank you. Thank you very much."
She took the gift, her expression one of utter surprise as she stared at the corsage.
"Did you... stay up all this time just to give me this?"
"I did."
"I truly... am no match for you."
A smile that was part resignation and part pure happiness spread across her face. Her form, which usually appeared integrated into the tree trunk, shifted fully into a human shape. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a hug.
Lilliwood-san’s very large breasts acted like a cushion for my head. I was enveloped in a soft, blissful sensation and the gentle fragrance of wood.
"This is quite a predicament. I didn't expect you to come see me today... I'm so sorry. I haven't prepared anything for you."
"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to give you something."
"Yes... However, um... this isn't exactly a fair trade, but..."
"Eh?"
Her voice wavered, and she held me tighter. After a long silence in each other's arms, she spoke in a small, shy voice.
"I managed to make some time for us tomorrow... And so, um..."
"Yes?"
"For your present... would 'I' be acceptable?"
"Wait, you mean—"
"Please... do not make me say any more."
"Uh... right. Yes!"
Even I wasn't enough of an idiot to miss the meaning behind those words. Enticed by her sweet, melting voice, I gently returned her embrace.
"Though, there is one problem with this gift," she murmured.
"A problem?"
"Yes. Since this makes me happy too... it's not much of a repayment, is it?"
"Hehe... No, that's not true at all. For me, there's no present in the world that could make me happier."
"Is that so? Then, at least for today... please let me take the lead."
"Alright."
A Christmas spent with the one I loved was truly a warm experience. Knowing I would be with Lilliwood-san all night, a smile naturally formed on my lips, and a deep sense of happiness filled my chest.