第１１０２堀：学生の終わりと始まり (Part2)
"Eh? No, I’ve barely attended any classes..."
"The teachers handle the curriculum well enough. But there are things you can only learn from the likes of Nairua or Ardes, aren't there?"
As I said this, I turned my gaze toward Kagura and the others, who all nodded in unison.
"Indeed. I think there’s a lot we can learn from Nairua."
"That’s right. Plus, only students really know how to enjoy the Academy, right?"
"I, for one, would love to see Nairua’s magical prowess."
"I agree. The other students seem a bit intimidated by her, so having Nairua-dono around would be a great help."
Besides, Ardes is of the opposite sex; there are things that might be difficult to ask him. Sometimes, it’s just better to have women handle these things among themselves.
"Wait, what about me?"
"Wazfi, as I mentioned earlier, I’d like your cooperation in surveying the Great Forest."
"Oh, right! Leave it to me! When it comes to monsters, I’m the best there is!"
"Good. I’m counting on you."
For me, this is the best possible outcome. Whether Nairua’s skills and knowledge hold up will be for Kagura and the others to investigate later, but having someone immediately available who can assist with the Great Forest survey is a godsend.
"Yuki-dono. I appreciate how highly you regard Wazfi, but I find it hard to believe that the strata she’s surveyed are of much use."
"What was that!? Even if you are the Principal, there’s a line between what you can and can’t say!"
"I’ll have to lodge a complaint as well. I won't just stand by while a friend is being belittled."
Oh? Nairua is joining the fray, too? They’re surprisingly close. I suppose giving someone in her position information implies they aren't just mere classmates. It seems a bond has blossomed between them precisely because of their circumstances.
"Now, now, both of you, calm down. Principal Popuri didn't mean any malice. Right?"
"That is correct. My apologies for the phrasing that disparaged Wazfi."
"I’m not actually angry, so it’s fine... but the way you put it makes it sound like Yuki-sama has surveyed much deeper into the Great Forest than I have."
"It sounded that way to me, too. I know Yuki is incredibly capable, but to think he’s gone deep enough into the Great Forest to encounter monsters that even Principal Popuri struggles with..."
Nairua didn't finish her sentence, but the disbelief was written all over her face. Well, her hair is so messy she looks like Sadako, so it’s hard to read her expressions, but the flow of the conversation made her intent clear enough.
Regardless, Nairua’s fate is sealed.
"Well, I’ll explain that later. For now, Kagura, do something about that hairstyle of hers."
"Ah, right. Yes, you’re definitely right about that."
"Exactly. We need to pay attention to her grooming. She is a girl, after all."
"That’s just common sense. It reflects on our reputation too, so let’s start there."
"Indeed. Nairua-dono may be talented, but one is expected to dress the part."
Before I could even finish, Kagura and the others grabbed Nairua by both arms and began marching her toward the door of the Principal’s office.
"Um... isn't this treatment a bit rough?"
"Look, if you don't want to be treated roughly, at least try to dress like a proper young lady. Fortunately, my wives are quite particular about such things."
After all, they can spend hours looking at fashion magazines—I still don't understand what's so fun about it. I can barely manage to flip through them occasionally. That’s exactly why I know they’ll make Nairua look much better.
"Ah, I’m on their side, too. Nairua, you should take this chance to get cleaned up."
"Ugh, even you, Wazfi!?"
"I mean, you really can't keep that hairstyle."
"Nnggh..."
Even she seemed to realize it herself. Silenced by the final blow from her trusted friend Wazfi, she was led away from the office like a lamb to the slaughter.
"So, while Nairua is getting cleaned up, can you tell me what you need my help with?"
"Right. First, I’d like you to show me the data you’ve collected, Wazfi."
"Data?"
"The survey results you’ve compiled so far. I want to see if there are any discrepancies with what we’ve found."
"Huh. That’s a good idea. You want to see if my research is wrong, right?"
"Something like that. Though, it doesn't mean our data is necessarily the correct one. After all, Wazfi, your data covers the entire duration of your time at the Academy, right?"
"Oh, I see. You want the long-term data, too?"
"Exactly. In these matters, statistics are everything."
"Sta-tis-tics?"
Well, I suppose statistics isn't really a concept in Wazfi’s repertoire. Come to think of it, wasn't Florence Nightingale the first to collect data based on statistics back on Earth? It’s surprisingly recent history.
Anyway, I hope there’s something interesting in those records.
Once students graduate, they enter society. Students, you must face reality!
A snowman once wanted to be a shut-in NEET. Just now, I told a friend, "If I quit my job, I’ll become a novelist and be a NEET." He replied, "That’s not being a NEET, that’s being a professional writer." And I couldn't help but agree.