落とし穴１０１堀：楽しみな未来と不安な足元 (Part1)
### Pitfall 101: A Promising Future and Uneasy Footing
**Side: Deryu**
"U-um, once again, I look forward to working with you all."
With that, Solo Findow offered her greeting, and the group broke into applause.
"We look forward to working with you too, Solo."
"Y-yes!! I will do my very best!!"
At Kagura’s words, Solo replied with a stiff, robotic posture. As expected, she wasn't used to speaking with others, so her demeanor was quite awkward. She was someone who preferred solitude and, under normal circumstances, would never be in a place like this. However, due to a strange turn of events, we ended up traveling together, which is why we were holding this social gathering.
...Though, the root cause of this situation lies with us.
Well, one could argue it’s Solo’s fault for being unable to make friends, but we were the ones who forced our way into her life.
...I can understand her, though. I’m a loner myself. Our reasons might differ, but we both spent our lives avoiding others. If we’re talking about the duration of being a "loner," I’ve been at it far longer than she has. I spent centuries just drifting about, after all.
As I pondered this while watching the gathering, Amanda approached me.
"Hey, Master Deryu. By the way, where are Yuki and the others? This is supposed to be a social gathering, right?"
"Hm? Ah, Yuki and the rest will be a bit late. The rumors about the evening, they were actually tied to Sota, weren't they? They’re currently checking to see if he left any other traps behind."
"Oh, I see. So that’s why tonight turned into a social gathering?"
"Precisely. We want to make sure that if we go to investigate the 'night rumors' next, we don't find another punchline that ends with 'it was just Sota’s contraption.'"
Indeed, the rumor about a mysterious classroom appearing in the evening turned out to be nothing more than a device Sota used to maintain the library’s secret room. The method he used to search for other Japanese people had simply twisted and turned over time until it became that specific rumor.
It was a rumor from five hundred years ago; such things happen. It’s actually a miracle that three out of the six rumors managed to retain their original form at all. Most of these things are nine-out-of-ten times just nonsense. It’s only natural that the rumors about Solo’s bathroom and Sota’s evening classroom turned out to be duds. It’s rare to even find the truth behind these rumors at all.
"Well, the fact that we were able to find the truth behind this one proves that Mikos’s information-gathering skills are top-notch."
"Exactly!! I, Mikos-chan, have been working very hard!!"
"Indeed. Information is vital. And the information you collect is highly accurate. You do good work."
I had initially thought this Mikos character was suspicious, but her ability to gather and verify information is quite high. She isn't quite at the level of Weed’s intelligence division, but that’s only because of the difference in their original technical foundations. If they were under the same conditions, she would likely perform just as well.
When I honestly acknowledged her skill and praised her, Mikos made a request.
"Um, if you think that highly of me, is there any way I could visit Weed?"
"Weed, you say?"
"It seems like it’s too much for Kagura alone, and I’d really like to see Weed for myself..."
Well, I understand the sentiment. It’s only natural. For someone like Mikos who deals in information, the mysterious Weed is a place she would want to visit at all costs. Given her contributions and the need to deepen our future exchanges, we should welcome those who are eager to see Weed. I doubt Yuki would object.
However, that will have to wait until this commotion is settled.
"Very well. Mikos, I shall invite you once this mess is cleared up."
"Really!?"
"Well, I’ll need to get permission from Yuki, Seraria, and the upper management of Weed, so I can’t promise it with absolute certainty. But the chances are high."
"Yay!!"
Seeing Mikos so happy, Amanda chimed in with a request of her own.
"Master Deryu, in that case, what about Solo?"
"Eh? B-but, I haven't... done anything..."
"It’s fine. If Solo goes outside for once, she might gain some confidence. She should come too. Right, Eoid? Don't you think so?"
"I-is that so?"
Solo looked at Eoid, nervously gauging his reaction. He was the only man at this social gathering, after all.
"Well, it’ll be a good experience. I think it’s a fine idea."
"Honestly, you idiot Eoid, you’re the one who stood up for her, so don't be so wishy-washy about it."
"No, even if I say 'please come,' it should be up to Solo’s own will..."
"I-it’s okay. If I can go, I would love to. If Amanda-san and the others are there, I feel like I can be at ease."
I suppose she feels comfortable because they are close in age. Not that I’m not young myself, but my position makes it difficult for others to feel relaxed around me.
Setting Mikos aside, I didn't think forcing Solo would lead to anything good, but if I leave it to Amanda and Eoid, I can rest easy. I hope this becomes the catalyst for her to break out of her shell. Being alone isn't inherently bad, but it limits what one can do, and she’s about to step out into a troublesome society. I truly hope that crossing paths with us will be a positive encounter for her.
"Alright! Then Solo and I will enjoy Weed to the fullest!! On Kagura’s tab!"
"Why me?"
"Because we don't have much money to spare."
"Don't act so proud about that!"
"...Um, I’ll manage that part myself."
"Forget about Mikos. Solo, I’ll treat you, so don't worry about it."
"Why her!?"
"I decided that based on your attitude just now."
"Ahaha..."
The exchanges between Kagura and Mikos, who are current students, have become somewhat more relaxed, and it seems they aren't incapable of socializing after all. They don't seem as broken as Ria was, which is a relief.
"If Mikos and Solo are coming, we’ll have to make sure to give them a proper welcome in Weed."
"Mm. Just like Ria said. I’ll help too."
"I’ll help too, Autumn Sky."
"Indeed, that sounds like a plan."
Ria and the others seem motivated, so it’s likely settled that Mikos and Solo will be coming. Though, I imagine they’ll both be quite overwhelmed at first.
While we were talking, Yuki and the others returned, presumably finished with their meeting.
"Did we make it in time? May I join you?"
"Yes, Husband. Please, right this way."
Guided by Kirue, Yuki and his group took their seats.
"Yuki-sensei, you all worked hard. How was it? Did it seem like there was anything else?"
Mikos asked about the results of the meeting. It might be rude to talk shop during a social gathering, but we were all curious, so everyone waited for Yuki’s reaction.
"No, according to Sota-san, that was the only one of its kind."
"Then, as for the dormitory building..."
"That will require confirmation. Well, difficult matters like that can wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow. For now, let’s just enjoy ourselves. Solo, are you having fun?"
"Y-yes!! Thanks to everyone!!"
Yuki looked at me, unable to judge her response due to how stiff and nervous she sounded.
"She’s telling the truth. She’s getting along better with everyone than when they first met. Besides, we were just talking about having Mikos and Solo come for a tour of Weed."