第１０９４堀：大森林の調査技術員は？ (Part2)
"No, wait—if we’re talking strictly about the 'act of speaking,' is that even a fact?"
As I pondered such a ridiculous notion...
"When you put it that way, I suppose you're right. Well then, I’d love to dive into the recent data... but things have changed quite a bit, haven't they? Why don't you show me around the academy with Kagura and the others first? I’ll need to get a firm grasp on the current situation for my preparations anyway, so we can kill two birds with one stone. Besides, I’m genuinely curious to see what kind of work Popuri and Lara have put into this place."
Comet accepted the situation with surprising ease, immediately pivoting to a request for a status check. It was a reasonable demand, all things considered. When investigating the Great Forest, understanding the surrounding environment is paramount. And I’m sure her interest in the academy that Popuri and Lara have built is genuine as well.
As for the current Principal and Vice Principal who received this request...
"That sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Let us show you around the grounds. Perhaps we might even receive some valuable insight from a master such as yourself."
"Yes, I believe having Comet-sama look over the academy would be most beneficial."
And so, we left the Principal’s office and began our tour of the campus.
That said, having spent time here as a student only recently, there wasn't much that felt novel to me. In fact, since I still use this place as a base of operations, I find myself walking these halls quite frequently.
"By the way, Yuki-dono. How are Samantha and Cleena doing?"
"Oh, they’re both progressing quite well."
"Is that so? I’m glad to hear it. Well, I know full well how kind you are to those close to you, and you certainly have plenty of experience in that department."
"...Hmm. I’d like to deny that, but it’s hard to argue with the truth."
"Haha, I think you’re just too tethered to the customs of your homeland, Yuki-dono. Though, I suppose that’s exactly why it’s called a 'homeland,' isn't it?"
"Maybe so."
Still, if I were back in Japan, having a house full of wives—some of whom were my own students—would have already landed me in hot water with the authorities.
"It just occurred to me, but do you and Kagura get along well with Samantha and Cleena?"
"Hm? Oh, Samantha-jo and Cleena are very studious. They often come to me to ask about magic and technology."
I suppose that makes sense. Comet’s mastery of magic is arguably the greatest on the If Continent, and her technical prowess is no different. She is, for all intents and purposes, the living—or rather, the undead—legend who could be called the creator of the very 'Holy Sword User' whose name is etched into the history of this land. To Samantha and Cleena, she is an invaluable resource. That, combined with Comet’s own easygoing nature, has fostered a solid relationship between them.
Though I can't say it to her face, I’m also secretly using this as a way to monitor her to ensure she isn't producing any dangerous weaponry. After all, Comet and Narjia-san are two peas in a pod; if left to their own devices, they’d be churning out catastrophic armaments in no time. That said, she’s been kept busy lately with the Blue Hole investigation, the Great Mountain Range survey in the Zuraburu Great Empire, and even some new game projects, so she’s been relatively well-behaved.
As for the relationship between Kagura’s group and Samantha and Cleena...
"Indeed. Since Samantha and I were both daughters of dukes, we’ve grown quite close. And as for Cleena, we really hit it off when it comes to magical theory."
"Right? Cleena really has that 'magic academy student' vibe, doesn't she? Oh, and Micos-chan, don't you often talk with Samantha about fashion? Though, Cleena is surprisingly interested in grooming and dining, not just magic."
"She certainly is. I’ve even received advice from her regarding fashion back in Weed, thanks to my connection with Yuki."
"For all her quirks, Cleena actually has a very high level of 'feminine charm.' Samantha truly carries herself like a duchess, but she interacts with everyone so naturally that you’d never feel a barrier of status. There is much I should learn from them."
*Phew.* I’m relieved there’s no friction between them. It seems they’re getting along well as fellow students. Even though the positions of Enola and Stasia are a bit different, we have plenty of high-ranking officials and princesses here, led by Seraria. It’s good to see that they don't let their original status dictate their attitudes toward one another.
"Wait, wait. Aren't we supposed to be touring the academy? Why are we just talking about Samantha and Cleena?"
"Oh, my apologies. I suppose I was just curious. Shall we continue, then?"
And so, we continued our tour of the academy I hadn't visited in a while. There really is no one else better suited for this investigation. Her name is Comet—and since she was a Dungeon Master on this continent, I expect her to put that expertise to good use.