第５９２堀：物騒な噂話 (Part1)
**Chapter 592: Disturbing Rumors**
**Side: Mikos Jarna**
**The Seven Mysteries of the Academy**
There are six rumors that have been passed down through the ages at this Haiden Magic Academy, despite their origins being completely unknown. I, Mikos Jarna, discovered this through my own independent information gathering.
I have always been a member of the Information Department, collecting rumors to help liven up the academy, but I never imagined it would lead me to the founder of this institution, Sota Kamishiro. This disclosure of information is a verified fact, with approval granted not only by the academy and the Kamishiro family but also by the Royal Family.
Now, regarding the main topic—the six mysteries of the academy—let me explain why these specific six were chosen. Anyone who has attended this academy knows that due to its ancient history, there are mountains of rumors and mysterious tales. Even in my own research, I’ve encountered no fewer than a hundred.
How did I narrow it down to six? With the cooperation of the Headmaster and the Kamishiro family, we gathered only those rumors that had existed since the academy’s founding and for which there was absolutely no concrete information. If I claimed to have selected them on my own, the readers wouldn’t believe me. But these six were vetted against the records of the academy and the Kamishiro family, so the accuracy is quite high. In other words, these six rumors are, without a doubt, genuine mysteries.
I am about to embark on an investigation to reveal the truth behind these rumors.
I wrote that down and set my pen aside.
"Yes. The writing is going well today."
Usually, I struggle with this. I often agonize over my drafts, sometimes ending up with overly exaggerated articles. Well, I don’t tell outright lies, so it’s not a problem. It’s truly a relief not having to make excuses for writing about big-shot nobles or fearing for my personal safety like I usually do.
"Besides, if I don't collect information and sell it for money, I can't pay my tuition."
It’s a sad reality. Even though I’m a noble, I’m just a small-fry Baron. Some might think it’s better than a knight—a noble in name only—because we get a pension, but in truth, holding a title comes with social obligations that drain your funds. The expenses are so high that being a knight might actually be easier. Even if you have a territory, it doesn't mean you're rich. Any spare coin goes straight into developing the land, leaving almost nothing left over. That’s just how it is for minor provincial nobles.
That’s why I collect information on various nobles at the academy and use it to make money. Joining the Information Department was, in a sense, inevitable.
"Well, this time I have the Headmaster’s seal of approval, the backing of the Kagura Kamishiro family, and the Royal Family’s endorsement. Plus, I’ve even gotten close to that 'Weed' group. I’d have to do this even if it were unpaid."
Yes, the people involved this time are big shots. And they are the ones from Weed who saved our lives during the defense of Baide. I intend to show them the proper respect. Honestly, we had no options left during that battle. If Yuki-sama and the others summoned by Kagura hadn't been there, I think we would have been left as corpses in the fields.
At first, it was confusing when they suddenly declared that Weed had taken control, but they wiped out the Findall army outside in the blink of an eye, and I was just relieved to be saved. Well, I hadn't expected us to be detained, but life while under guard wasn't actually that bad. Thinking back, I understand it was to prevent unnecessary chaos. It was actually funny watching some of the idiots try to pick a fight with Labyris-chan or the Spirit Priestess Shera-chan, only to be blown away along with the Findall soldiers—I couldn't tell if they were friends or enemies.
Because of Weed, the upper-class students who survived the defense of Baide were able to secure employment to fill the vacancies left by the government purges following the remarkable success at the Kagura royal palace. It was a blessing in disguise, a real stroke of luck. The few upper-class students who held grudges against Weed for bringing about such "happiness" were beaten into submission by the rest of us. Of course they were. If they kept it up, they might have ruined everyone’s job prospects.
Because of that, Weed’s reputation within the academy is generally favorable, and we upper-class students are taking the lead in keeping things orderly so as not to be rude during their visit. It affects our own futures, after all. I was a bit worried about the middle and lower-class students, but after that idiot Giman was soundly thrashed, and the others saw the demonstration on the first day and Giman’s clownish display, they realized the difference in power and quieted down. I’m relieved that the biggest concern—angering Labyris-chan and the others—has been resolved.
However, there is a mystery. Investigating the academy’s secrets is like fulfilling a last will and testament of the Three Houses, so that’s fine, but I don’t know why the people from Weed and Findall have gone out of their way to come to the academy. It’s likely for political reasons, but... maybe I should ask Kagura?
"But if I stick my neck out too far and get it cut off, that's the end of me..."
Anything involving Weed is a big deal right now. I’m lucky enough to be involved in solving the mysteries because I’m Kagura’s friend, but is digging any deeper just asking for trouble?
"What’s this about getting your neck cut off?"
"Eek!?"
I was startled by a voice from behind. I hurriedly turned around to see Kagura standing there.
"No, wait, why are you in my room?"
"I knocked several times, but there was no answer, so I came in."
"Oh, I see. I didn't notice, Kagura-chan."
"I figured. You’re always so oblivious to your surroundings when you’re writing."
As the second daughter of the Duke of Kamishiro, she had a world of difference in wealth and talent compared to a minor noble like me. But perhaps because of the black hair characteristic of the Kamishiro family, she didn't seem to have many friends. When I approached her for an interview, she was strangely happy, and we’ve been close ever since. As schoolmates, of course. She never held her noble status over me and acted as a bridge for me to meet important people, so she’s a good friend in many ways.
"Since you came to see me while I was writing, do you have business with me?"
"Yes. Well, I was just worried about you."
"Worried? You? I’m fine, I wouldn't collapse over something like this."
She’s so kind. She’s an irreplaceable friend to me.
"No, I’m not worried about you, Mikos. The problem is the 'mystery' we talked about today."
"Oh, I see."
It seems Kagura doesn't have the luxury of worrying about others with all the trouble going on. Well, it can't be helped. She’s surrounded by people whose titles make hers look small; if it were me, I’d be too nervous to say a word.
"Well, never mind about you being a heartless Kagura who doesn't worry about me. I just wanted to ask, why didn't we start investigating the mystery right away?"
Today, we just summarized the stories from the Headmaster and Kanna-sama to determine which ones were the oldest mysteries. It wasn't a time-consuming task. It only took about an hour. I thought we would move straight to solving the mystery on the spot, but Yuki-sensei said he had preparations to make, and the investigation was pushed to tomorrow.
"...Mikos. Are you serious?"
"Yes? What do you mean?"
When I tilted my head in confusion, Kagura sighed and began to explain slowly.
"Haa. Listen, Mikos. You understand from our earlier talk that these mysteries involve my ancestors—the Three Houses that founded Haiden, right?"
"Of course. And I even got permission to use that information for my article. This piece is guaranteed to be popular." *'The Heritage of the Three Houses Sleeps in Haiden Magic Academy!!'*—anyone would be curious about that.
"And do you really think the things left behind by those ancestors will be found so easily?"
"Well, it won't be easy, so that's why we're all going to look for them together, right?"
"...Do you really think there aren't any traps?"
Ah, I see. So that’s why Yuki-sensei didn't start the search immediately.
"Yuki was asking about the rumors of students going missing to investigate that very point."
"...You mean there might be traps lethal enough to kill people?"