第１１２１堀：噂を集める (Part2)
"If it serves the Academy, you are more than welcome. Naturally, I would prefer to review the copy before it goes to print—I’d hate for anything... peculiar to be written—but I am willing to grant you that oversight."
"Understood. That goes without saying. You can leave it to Editor-in-Chief Mikos. Now, if we may, could I hear a little from the four of you?"
Having secured Popuri’s consent, Mikos wasted no time.
"Eh? No, as I said before, I spend most of my time holed up in the Great Sea of Trees. I don't really hear much in the way of rumors."
"I-I’ve been buried in the research lab, so..."
"And I’ve been busy with nothing but work."
"I hear you."
"Tsk, tsk. It doesn't have to be recent news, and it doesn't have to be limited to the Academy grounds. Haven't you heard anything from the past? And Wazuphi, didn't you visit town during your suspension? Surely you heard something interesting while you were out? It doesn't have to be a ghost story; even small tidbits can provide a lead. Besides, since we’re launching an Academy magazine, I want you all to introduce me to various places. For starters, I plan to feature Amanda’s inn as a main attraction. Who knows? It might become the most popular lodging for intercontinental travelers."
"Wait, really!?"
"Yes. In fact, when I recommended certain inns and eateries in Weed, they became incredibly prosperous."
She’s right. In this world, the concept of gossip—or even simple advertising—hasn't truly taken root. The information Mikos publishes doesn't just become a sensation in Weed; it becomes essential reading for tourists. Every month, the moment the magazine hits the stands, the featured locations are flooded with crowds.
Of course, while that’s usually a happy problem, some shops prefer to operate quietly. I’ve made sure to warn Mikos to be mindful of that.
"Well, if a place doesn't want the noise, I won't feature it. Besides, if I introduce a shop without warning, they often run out of stock immediately, leaving nothing for the locals who actually need it."
"Is it really that extreme?"
"It is. So, in Amanda’s case, I’m sure her inn will be booked solid every day, and the cafeteria will have a line out the door. Assuming the food is actually good, of course."
"That goes without saying! But if that many people are coming, I suppose I should talk to them first."
"That would be for the best. Now, if you can give me leads like that, I’ll handle the investigation. Tell me anything you know—anything at all. That goes for you too, Headmistress and Vice Principal."
Oh, she’s good. She’s grown quite accustomed to this; her time conducting interviews in Weed has clearly sharpened her skills.
And so, the rumors Mikos managed to extract were laid bare.
"Right, let’s summarize..."
Mikos began chalking the list onto the classroom blackboard.
**Academy Rumors**
* Strange noises echoing from unknown research labs in the dead of night.
* Someone training in the courtyard at night without any lights.
* A secret room hidden somewhere in the archives.
* The existence of an unused, secret chamber.
* A book containing the ultimate secrets of magic hidden somewhere in the Academy.
* A legendary weapon lying beyond the maze-like barrier cast by the Headmistress.
**Town Rumors**
* An inn that serves delicious karaage.
* Aristocratic exchange students from other nations causing trouble.
* Frequent clashes between the Monster Guild and the Mercenary Guild.
* Concerns regarding monster damage from the Great Sea of Trees.
* The Harvest Festival is approaching.
**Regional Rumors**
* A legendary dragon dwells in the depths of the Great Sea of Trees.
* Immense treasure sleeps in the heart of the Great Sea of Trees.
* Someone was spotted deep within the Great Sea of Trees.
* A creature that brings happiness, never before seen, resides in the Great Sea of Trees.
* Bandits appearing near the mountain pass.
Wow, that’s more than I expected. Though, most of these are fairly standard fare. Still, a few of them pique my interest.
"Ultimate magic secrets and a legendary weapon, huh? Popuri, do you have any leads on those?"
"Goodness, if I knew where they were, I’d have found them myself. I’m constantly researching and developing new magic, after all. There might be a book with such a title, perhaps. But as for a legendary weapon? I haven't the faintest idea. What about you, Lara?"
"I am also unaware. However, perhaps they are referring to the times the Holy Sword users visited?"
Ah, that sounds plausible. The Holy Sword users have been visiting Popuri on and off for years; that might be the origin of the rumor.
"Still, there wasn't anything that sounded like a ghost story."
"I’ll be investigating that, Mikos-chan style."
"I’m counting on you."
I hope Kirika’s unease is just her imagination, but I want to be certain. Besides, we have the investigation of the Great Sea of Trees ahead of us. Man, we’re going to be busy.
Did anything on this list catch your eye? If you have any strange rumors of your own, do let me know. They might just turn into our next big lead.