第２５４堀：子供の頃、毎日が冒険だった。 (Part4)
"No, I couldn't find any books that would budge either."
"Ugh, you don't think the entire hallway is part of the mechanism, do you?"
"It’s possible. Or maybe pulling the first one makes the next one movable..."
"That’s an even worse thought..."
While we were talking, Ria finished her search, but she didn't find any movable books either. Are we really expected to check every single book in this hallway?
Just as I was pondering that, Airi-san found a couple of books that could be pulled. Two of them, in fact.
"...'What is a Magician?' it says."
"...And this one says, 'Enriching Your Nightly Activities.'"
Taiki-kun and I read the titles aloud one by one. Is this some kind of joke? These aren't even remotely comparable choices. In a magic academy, pursuing the study of magic is a given, but nightly activities have absolutely nothing to do with it.
"...No, could this be a trick?"
"...I see. So it’s saying one should possess broad knowledge, not just magic?"
Taiki-kun and I started overthinking it. With puzzles like this, the answer depends entirely on the person who created it. ...Which one is it? Should I go with the serious choice, or the ridiculous one?
"To be or not to be, that is the question."
"...Even if you use a serious line, the choices are still just 'serious' or 'ridiculous.' But since it means being troubled, I guess that quote fits. Humans are so trivial."
"Well, that’s part of the thrill of living, isn't it? Anyway, there's no point in us agonizing over it. Ria, what do you think?"
In the end, we have to pull one of them. Since we don't know the person who made this puzzle, there's no way to judge the intent. We’ll just have to wing it. Taiki-kun and I have spent too much time worrying; it’s better to leave it to Ria and Airi-san.
"Hmm. I’d like to read 'Enriching Your Nightly Activities.' It sounds like it would make my nights with Yuki-san even more enjoyable."
"I agree with the nightly activities one, too. I want to please Taiki-sama."
So, they’re both in agreement. Then there’s no need to worry. After taking sufficient precautions against traps, I reached out and pulled the book titled *Enriching Your Nightly Activities*.
*Gogogogo...*
With a low rumble, the wall of books shifted. So that was the correct answer. ...The person who made this puzzle is definitely the type who enjoys watching people's reactions.
Once the wall of books stopped moving, a small, single-person door stood there, isolated. I quickly checked for traps, but there didn't seem to be any hidden mechanisms, so I opened the door. And beyond it...
"Eoid? No? Nice to meet you, I’m Cleena."
She said only that before immediately returning her gaze to her book. Cleena had red hair that reached her shoulders, styled with a small, elegant hair clip—perhaps for fashion. Her build was slender and flat. But she was such a beautiful girl that her physique didn't even matter.
...I think this every time, but why is the ratio of beautiful girls in this other world so high?
But still, to just give a greeting and immediately go back to reading? Is that...
"Yuki-san. That reaction... she’s the 'quiet, book-loving beauty' archetype."
"You're right. And I’ve heard the name Cleena from Eoid before."
"Yeah, she’s one of the people Eoid is close with at this academy. Meeting her in a place like this... it’s definitely trouble. A total flag."
"...Damn it, is that wannabe protagonist trying to get in our way even here?"
As Taiki-kun and I whispered to each other...
"Um, what should we do?" Ria and Airi-san asked.
Ah, right. For now, let’s try to get the attention of that reading girl.
***
Students, it’s summer vacation. Let’s go on an adventure.
(Please post your own autobiography on *Narou* later!)
For those of you in the workforce, didn't this remind you of when you were little and wandered around places you didn't know? School is, in a sense, a place full of unknown spaces—perhaps there are even rooms you never entered until the day you graduated.
Right now, Yuki and Taiki are having an adventure in your stead.
Tell me, where would you like us to explore?
On a separate note, I missed a step on the stairs and sprained my ankle. It hurts like hell. Everyone, please be careful.
Until next time.