[Novel: Venus Syndrome] (515) New Year's Day Mass-Producing Furisode

New Year's Day morning.
The headquarters of the dress brand Felice in Akasaka had its lights on before the sky outside had even begun to pale.

The three mannequins—Riko, Nao, and Yumi—had all 'clocked in' together.
It was less like starting work and more like confirming that the year had changed.

'Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you again this year.'
Riko bowed her head, her eyes still a little sleepy.

'Yes, yes, Happy New Year!'

Fujiwara, the kimono dresser, was already revved up.

'Alright, let's get to work!'

'...Do we really have to wake up this early?'

When Riko complained softly, Fujiwara replied immediately.

'If we don't get it done in the morning, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine will be crowded.'

That was the kind of company this was—that explanation was enough to convince them.

Fujiwara proceeded to dress the three mannequins as if it were an assembly line.
Removing the prosthetic arms, adjusting the undergarments, draping the furisode, setting the collar, and tying the obi.
There was no hesitation at all.

'Oh...'

Yumi raised her voice as she looked at her own reflection.

'Furisode looks are being mass-produced.'

'Well, of course.'

Fujiwara said casually while tightening an obi.

'We are in the bridal industry, after all.'

When the three of them stood in a row, the red, green, and ecru furisode were perfectly aligned.
They were flashy, yet not noisy.
Their bodies, accustomed to being dressed, took the shape naturally.

Once finished, the photographer was called over.

'Alright, let's take one here. Look this way!'

The sound of the shutter echoed through the still-quiet atelier.

The three of them then headed outside in their furisode.
Their destination was Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, not far from the company.

Before they left, someone asked as if they had just remembered.

'Fujiwara-sensei, are you going to the hot springs again after the New Year?'

'Let's see.'

Fujiwara answered without stopping her work.

'Maybe I'll go to Osawa Onsen in Hanamaki for a cure.'

'Osawa Onsen!'

Nao said, her voice bright.

'That's where Kenji Miyazawa went, right?'

'Oh, you're quite knowledgeable.'

Fujiwara smiled just a little.

And so, the morning of New Year's Day began to move.
With the line between work and personal life remaining blurred,
Felice's new year began quietly.

#AINovel #Novel #VenusChild #VenusSyndrome #NearFutureNovel
#RikoTakekuma #NaoHiyawadani #YumiYakuno