第５９２堀：物騒な噂話 (Part2)
"That's right. You know that out of the six rumors, there have been several disappearances linked to all of them, except for the statue in the training grounds that moves at night, right?"
"But those were just rumors, and they were never verified, right? Right?"
I couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. To think that such dangerous traps existed in the academy—and not just one, but five of them.
"The headmistress and my sister are currently digging through the academy's records to verify the truth behind the rumors."
"The academy's records? Do you have any idea how many students have passed through here over the years...?"
"Of course, they aren't searching through every single name. Students who had issues are recorded separately. Deaths and disappearances are filed in their own specific sections."
"I see. But why didn't you say anything earlier?"
"Political reasons. There are many cases where they label things as 'disappearances' because they can't make it public—like when a student gets pregnant from illicit relations, which my sister mentioned. They can't just leave an investigation like that to us students or the people of Weed, can they?"
That was a fair point. Besides, if I stuck my nose into something like that, I might literally lose my head.
"Anyway, Yuki told me to come and stop you from starting your own investigation, Mikos."
"Master Yuki did?"
"Yes. He said someone like you would want to act first and get results, so I had to make sure to stop you."
"Ugh."
It stung because he was right. Once I finished writing the article, I had been planning to at least visit the sites of the rumors, even if just to soak up the atmosphere.
"Judging by that look, you were all set to go, weren't you?"
"Well, obviously. If I worked hard and got recognized, it might have helped with my future employment, or maybe I’d get a cash bonus, right? Any student would have jumped the gun, not just me."
"So, after hearing all that, do you still want to go?"
"No way. I'll stay put."
I had no intention of going now that I knew my life was at stake.
"But wait, most of these rumor spots are places students use every day, right? Wouldn't people notice if something like that was happening? I mean, wouldn't it be a massive catastrophe?"
Assuming people were actually dying, that is.
"I don't know the details, but Yuki said those kinds of rumors only involve the people who notice them. You know how magic has a directional element to it, right?"
"Ah, you mean it's targeted."
"If it were just indiscriminately making people disappear, it would have been solved ages ago. My sister and the headmistress think it might be something like the trials of the Three Houses. Maybe it's a magical trap that only triggers for people who have the potential to clear the trial?"
"...I understand the situation now. But either way, it's still dangerous. It means that if you go looking for it, you're more likely to get caught up in it."
"Exactly. I was told not to move alone under any circumstances. If you do, it becomes a nightmare just trying to find you."
If we didn't even know where they disappeared, there would be no way to save them.
Honestly, I was relieved. I had been feeling a bit scared today because my writing was going so smoothly. If Kagura had arrived even a little later, I probably would have bolted from my room to go investigate the mysteries myself.
"So, is work done for the day? Hey, Kagura, are you free? Do you want to chat with Mikos for a bit? I've been so busy lately, we haven't really talked, have we?"
"Hmm. I might get called away if something comes up, but if that's fine with you, then sure."
"That's no problem at all. Also, I have a question. You know, about Master Yuki."
"Ugh. So it *is* an interrogation after all."
"No, it's not! It's just... as Mikos, I get the feeling that you're acting a bit suspicious, Kagura?"
"W-what do you mean 'suspicious'!? There's nothing suspicious about me at all!!"
...Oh boy.
What do I do? I asked that as a joke to tease her, but it hit the mark. And on top of that, the person in question is Master Yuki—the consort of the King of Weed? Isn't that a losing battle? Well, she is a Duke's daughter, so maybe she has a chance? But the power balance is overwhelmingly against the Haiden family, so she can't exactly force her way in, can she?
Right now, it would be better for Mikos's sake to steer the conversation toward something safer than digging up such dangerous topics.
"R-right, of course. Nothing suspicious at all. Anyway, what I really wanted to ask about was Yuki's Weed. You've been there, haven't you?"
"You're just looking for material for your article, aren't you?"
"Ahahaha... think of it as helping Mikos out."
"Fine. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one having a good time. I thought I'd let you have a taste, Mikos."
With that, Kagura pulled a strange box out of the bag she was carrying... wait, hold on!
"Stop!! Kagura. What was that just now!? A box that clearly wouldn't fit in that bag just came out of it, didn't it!?"
"Oh, yeah. It's an item bag."
"What's that?"
"Uh, it's a magical tool that can hold a lot of items. Anyway, never mind that. This is the cake I wanted you to try, Mikos."
"What is this!?"
After eating the cake, I made a decision. To ensure I could get this cake semi-permanently, I would support Kagura. Yes, it was definitely not for my own greed. My friend's happiness comes first, and the cake is just a token of appreciation.
Good luck, Kagura! Do it for Mikos!
Yuki made sure to keep a close eye on things, making sure to add more hands to the task so Mikos wouldn't act on her own. Because of this, there were no disappearances the next day. Yuki, too, made sure to prepare thoroughly.
Everyone, when you go on a test of courage, make sure to bring plenty of friends so you can contact the outside world if something happens. That's a promise to your big brother.
And make sure to record it and show it to me. I love watching horror, even if I hate experiencing it. I bet there are a lot of people like that, right?
Also, the main topic:
Today, September 28, 2017, the Monster Bunko comic adaptation site has opened!!
Monster Comics
http://webaction.jp/Mcomics/
*Hisshou Dungeon* is scheduled to be released around October.
Look forward to it.