第６０９堀：お掃除 (Part2)
Taking this as an opportunity, there’s been talk of trying to use the basement of the dormitory building for living quarters again.
It’s not like it’s functioning properly as a storage area anyway. The goal is to increase foot traffic and dispel those strange rumors.
"Well, putting aside the 'true purpose' of all this, we’re basically just a cleaning crew right now, aren't we?"
"I doubt there’s much demand for that in this world, though."
"“Cleaning crew?”"
Look at that. Kagura and Mikos are both tilting their heads in confusion.
"A business that specializes in cleaning."
"Specializes in cleaning? Not maids?"
Kagura offers a response typical of her aristocratic upbringing.
"Maids probably aren't cut out for this kind of manual labor."
"Eh? Wouldn't you just gather some men for this sort of thing?"
"Only nobles or wealthy merchants can afford to gather men for labor. Ordinary people usually coordinate schedules with neighbors or acquaintances and ask them for help. Right, Solo?"
I turn to Solo, a commoner here in Heiden.
"Ah, yes. Or rather, since everyone is usually busy, we just do it ourselves over a few days with our own family, if we do it at all."
"There you have it. That’s the reality of society. Even if people want to clean properly, they often lack the time or the manpower. A cleaning business is a service that handles that for a fee."
"Ah, I see. If a group like that existed, it would be better to just hire them, right?"
"Exactly. You wouldn't need to go through the trouble of gathering people or preparing gifts of gratitude. A cleaning business operates on the reward of money."
"Huh. But is there actually any demand for it?"
Mikos says this with an impressed tone, but the fact that she’s worried about whether there’s real demand shows she has a decent grasp of economics.
Since she mentioned being a "poor baroness," she must be good at counting coins.
"As you can see, we’re hauling out luggage right now, aren't we?"
"“Ah.”"
"We’re doing it this time because there’s a reason we have to, but it’s a waste of time to use students and faculty for tasks like this, don't you think? That’s probably why it hasn't been done until now."
"So, there’s demand everywhere, then?"
"That’s the idea. A cleaning group that can haul heavy loads because they have the manpower. If we also buy up unwanted items, customers would be happy, and we could acquire old tools as inventory."
"Isn't that amazing!? Can I try doing that!?"
Mikos is poor, so she jumped right on that idea.
But the world isn't that simple.
"Calm down. It requires significant initial investment. You have to gather staff. You need a shop, cleaning supplies, advertising—it’s a lot."
"Well, isn't that obvious?"
"This would be a first for Heiden. Most people would just tilt their heads in confusion, just like Mikos, Kagura, and Solo did earlier."
"Well, yes, but isn't it important to get the idea to take root?"
"That’s why I’m saying don't get ahead of yourself. I mentioned yesterday that we’re going to Weed. It wouldn't be too late to look at the Cleaning Division there first. Plus, there’s the matter of where to set up shop."
"I see... You’re certainly right. Even if there is demand, in a poor rural village or town, most people would rather do it themselves than hire a cleaning service... And yet, trying to start a cleaning business in the Royal Capital would involve permits, shops, warehouses, and money—it sounds like a lot of groundwork."
"Well, for now, cleaning is the priority. If we contribute to our cause, we’ll likely be granted various conveniences in return."
"I seeeee!! Alright, Solo!! Let’s do our best!!"
"Eh!? Why am I involved too?"
"What are you saying!! Solo, you’re our first employee!!"
"Ehh!?"
"If I say I’m a noble, people might get stiff or suspicious, so Solo, you’ll be the face of the business!!"
"Ehhhhh!?"
...I don't know what will become of Mikos's ambition, but it looks like Solo's loneliness might finally be resolved.
As we were busily cleaning away in such a lively fashion...
"“Kyaaaaahhh!!”"
Suddenly, a scream erupts from a room in the basement.
We immediately rush toward the scene.
"…Please tell me this isn't a murder case."
Taiki-kun mutters this as he joins us in the hallway.
"You read too many manga."
I want to believe that, anyway.
Cases are nothing but a headache.
When we arrive at the scene, Amanda and Solo are clinging to Eoid in front of the room, and Taizou-san is inside.
"What happened? Is anyone hurt?"
"No, Amanda and Solo just got startled and screamed; there are no injuries. The cause is this."
Saying that, Taizou-san directs his gaze toward a single point.
Since it was in a spot hidden from the hallway, I stepped inside to look, and there was a dark, black stain on the worn-out bed.
"This darkness is..."
"Blood."
"It’s blood, alright. So, is this the scene of the rumored ghost?"
"Well, given the circumstances, that seems likely. We’ll need to check the other rooms too, as we can't rule out the possibility of others."
"For now, let’s preserve this room as is and finish checking the others."
"That would be best."
It seems the friendly, harmonious cleaning time has ended, and it’s time to seriously investigate the rumors.
Now, my dear detectives.
A black bloodstain left on a worn-out bed.
How do you deduce the truth?
Wait for the next installment for the answer.