落とし穴番外：宝物捜索 (Part1)
**Pitfall Side Story: Treasure Hunt**
**Treasure Hunt**
**Side: Aju**
Although I had been dragged to the beach by my sister while she held me by the scruff of my neck, I was secretly excited about the prospect of a treasure hunt. I certainly didn't hate it.
However...
"It’s not here! Not even a little bit!"
That’s right. For some reason, it just couldn't be found. No matter how much we dug, no matter where we dug, and no matter how long we spent digging, the treasure chest remained elusive. It had to be on this beach—I was certain of it—yet my magic couldn't pick up anything that resembled a hidden cache.
...Well, knowing Brother, he had likely gone out of his way to nullify any such search or sonar abilities. How truly troublesome. Still, if I were to complain to him and ask him to stop playing such tricks, it would be the same as declaring that I was incapable of finding it on my own.
Dressa and the others had already solved the mystery on their own, even if they were too tired to join us now. That was precisely why we couldn't afford to take the easy way out. We had to find the treasure chest with our own strength, no matter what.
With that in mind, I decided it was time for a strategy meeting.
"Alright. Since Labyris, Shera, and Dressa are currently resting at the mansion, I shall act as the moderator."
*Yay, clap, clap...*
Aslin and the others accepted my self-appointed role as commander without a single look of annoyance. In a formal setting, Aslin or Firia would be the ones giving me orders, but this wasn't a workplace. We were all working together as friends, and I was simply taking the lead for the sake of the game. There was no problem with that.
"We’ve been digging randomly across the beach, but we’ve found nothing. Therefore, we need to think properly and decide on a specific location to search."
"I hear you, but... how exactly do you plan on deciding that location? Since we don't know where to dig, it feels like a human-wave tactic is our best bet, doesn't it?"
"Sister. That is exactly why we’ve been digging without thinking, and as a result, we’ve come up empty-handed. That is why we need to use our heads."
"Hmm. Fair point."
My sister has a strong tendency to stick to a method once she starts, no matter what. I suppose as a general, she worries that changing orders too frequently causes confusion, but here, we are a small group with no communication issues. Consistency of method is less important than careful deliberation. Even Brother, who knows the answer, is watching us quietly without interfering.
"But Stasia-nee is right. How are we supposed to decide where to dig?"
"I have no idea."
"Brother, tell us?"
"No. Use your heads. So, Vilia, have you figured it out?"
Brother directed his question at Vilia. Vilia is a bright girl. Even if she didn't have the answer, she might have a hint.
"Um, Brother. May I ask a question?"
"Sure. Go ahead."
"Does this map represent this beach?"
"That’s right. There’s no mistake, it’s this beach."
Brother stated it with absolute certainty. Since the creator himself said so, it must be true. Unless he was lying, but there was no reason for him to lie at this stage. Yet, neither the treasure nor the 'greenery' mentioned as a landmark could be found. What could it mean?
While I was lost in thought, Vilia continued her questioning.
"I see... Then, Brother, what is the range of this 'beach'?"
"Good point. A beach isn't just the area where the sand meets the sea. You’d recognize the boundary as part of the beach, right?"
" " "Ah!" " "
We finally understood. Of course. A beach doesn't have to be limited to the area right next to the water. If you call this whole area the beach, then that’s that. The definition of land boundaries depends on the person.
In other words...
"If it’s a place with greenery that the water doesn't reach..."
Drawn by my sister’s voice and gaze, we looked away from the shoreline toward the path leading back to the forest. Just before the edge of the woods, there was indeed a small patch of land where weeds were growing.
"That looks suspicious. There’s even a sign posted there."
As my sister noted, the sign read: *'Please keep the beach clean. Take your trash home with you.'*
In other words, the land manager considered that grassy area to be part of the beach. And Brother had praised Vilia for her keen observation.
"That must be it. It’s a place the water doesn't reach, meaning it’s a certain distance from the shoreline. In that sense, it fits the hint perfectly. Let’s search there!"
" " "Oh!" " "
With that, we immediately moved to investigate the spot. I grabbed my shovel and hurried over to the patch of weeds...