第１１０５堀：竜騎士の仕事 (Part2)
I possess at least that much cognitive ability. In fact, the very fact that you’re playing the "woof-woof" card despite being perfectly capable of holding a conversation is proof enough that you’re just trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
"Oh? Not answering the question? Shall I take that as a request to have Aslin-sama put you through a rigorous, thorough round of remedial training once again?"
"I apologize. It was a lapse in my judgment."
"Auu... I-I’m sorry. I lost my composure as well."
"I failed to provide the necessary support, too."
Wai-chan crumbled instantly under Kirika’s words, and the other two stepped in to shield her, blaming their own lack of competence.
"Yes, quite right. All three of you are still severely lacking in training. If you’re aware of that, then approaching your future training with that realization in mind should yield better results."
"Yes!"
Whether Kirika’s goal was merely to issue a warning, she didn't dwell on their earlier blunder and instead shifted the conversation.
"Now, let’s set aside the formalities. I take it you two have returned from your duties?"
"Yes. We just got back after finishing the missions requested by the various nations."
"And then we ran into Yuki-san and the others. Is it just the two of you today?"
"No, Kagura and the others are here as exchange students this time. Oh, and Agil and Comet are here, too."
"Is that so? Kagura and the others are here?"
"I haven't seen them in a while."
"Well, you should ask the Principal where they are while you’re reporting in and go pay them a visit. I’m sure they’d be happy to see you."
"Yes!"
After all, we were together with Kagura and the others back at the Haiden Magic Academy. They’re surprisingly close. They even helped us out back in Weed.
"And, I’ve already mentioned this to the Principal, but once you’re done with your greetings, I need you to assist with our investigation."
"An investigation?"
"Yeah. We’ve finally reached the point where we can properly map out the distribution of monsters in the Great Forest. Or rather, we’ve finally managed to carve out the time for it."
"I see. You did say you’d get around to surveying the Great Forest eventually."
"If that’s the case, then of course we’ll help."
"Yes, leave it to us."
The two of them agreed to my request without hesitation. Man, it really pays off to raise them right.
"Alright then, we’ll be over at the laboratory assigned to Weed, so..."
Just as I was about to tell them to come find us once they were finished with their reports and errands, Kirika cut in.
"Before that, there is something I would like to ask the two of you."
"Eh? You, Kirika-san? What could it be?"
"Yes. I don't mind, but..."
"As you might expect, I don't know everything. My question is this: regarding the fact that the Academy’s First Rank, Nilua-sama, and the Second Rank, Wazfi-sama, will be cooperating with this mission..."
"Huh? Those two? The perennial shut-in and the one who’s never even at the Academy?"
"What’s this? You know them, Amanda? What about you, Eoid?"
"Er, I’m not really interested in rankings and such..."
Well, that’s Eoid for you. Since his performance is off the charts, he doesn't see any meaning in rankings. On top of that, he never even meets the people in question, so he wouldn't have any reason to know them. The only exception was that one time he happened to run into Cleena while she was holed up in the library reading books.
"I see. I’m glad you’re aware of them. They are scheduled to cooperate with us moving forward, but do either of you have any reservations? If you do, I will make the necessary arrangements."
Ah, I see what Kirika is getting at. It’s true that having acquaintances as colleagues can be tricky in more ways than one. Especially when they’re the top two, despite being... well, like that. Even if you’re on good terms, you can’t exactly treat work like a casual hangout with friends, and if you don't get along, the lack of cooperation and constant bickering would be a nightmare.
"...Well, to be honest, I haven't really spoken to any of the single-digit ranks other than Cleena. They have their own private rooms and are exempt from classes. But... those two absolutely crushed me during a rank-up battle back in the day."
"Those two were strong, weren't they?"
"Heh. I suppose that’s to be expected of the First and Second Ranks."
Eoid aside, the fact that Amanda—who could be considered Samantha’s rival—was soundly defeated by them shows just how formidable they are. Ah, right, their levels were high, so it’s only natural they’d be strong. For the record, if they fought now, Amanda would win by a landslide.
"So, I wouldn't say I absolutely hate them, but I don't have the best impression of them. After all, they made it painfully clear just how much I was lacking in ability."
"Haha, Amanda, you’re such a child. You should just be able to laugh that off."
Eoid is right, of course—it would be nice if she could just do that, but the world rarely works that way.
"Well, there’s a reason those two are participating this time, so you should ask the Principal for the details on that as well."
"A reason?"
"Did something happen?"
Oh, something happened, alright. A terribly troublesome reason.
With that, I told the two of them to go report to the Principal and hear the details. Now, while we have a moment, Kirika and I can finish up our other errands.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Amanda and Eoid. It’s a relief to see they haven't changed. And I wonder, how will they contribute to the investigation ahead?
Ardes aside, you remember these two, don't you?